Radar antenna device, and radar element in said radar antenna device

Abstract

The present invention provides a radar antenna device and a radar element in the radar antenna device. [Solution] The radar antenna device 100A, which is attached to the side of the vehicle 310, comprises a base 120A having a surface 126bA, a first antenna circuit board 110a'' disposed on the surface, and a second antenna circuit board 110b'' disposed on the surface. A first angle 114a is formed between the first antenna circuit board and the side of the vehicle, and a second angle 114b is formed between the second antenna circuit board and the side of the vehicle. Both the first and second angles are 15° or more and 25° or less.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a radar antenna device and a radar element in the radar antenna device.

[0002] [Background] In order to improve driving safety, modern vehicles are equipped with systems such as blind spot detection, lane change assistance, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, automatic braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure detection. These systems typically include vehicle radars that can accurately and reliably detect and locate surrounding objects under any environmental conditions.

[0003] Side detection radars (side detection radars) for commercial vehicles (e.g., buses, trucks, large freight vehicles, etc.) require a very wide detection range, so it is desirable to cover a detection area of at least 180° with respect to the side of the vehicle. Due to the physical characteristics and limitations of conventional series patch antennas, the radiated energy in a wide-angle range is weak in current series patch antennas. As a result, side detection radars need to use two sets of systems arranged on the left and right with respect to the normal direction of the vehicle side.

[0004] CN115621728A, titled "Broadband Capacitance-Coupled Comb Antenna and Automotive Millimeter-Wave Radar System," discloses a broadband capacitance-coupled comb antenna having a single-layer dielectric substrate. A metal floor is printed on one side of the single-layer dielectric substrate, and a radiating unit is printed on the opposite side of the single-layer dielectric substrate. The radiating unit has a microstrip feed line and a plurality of radiating patches arranged on both sides of the microstrip feed line. The radiating patches are arranged on the metal floor. The ends of the microstrip feed line are sequentially connected to a 50-ohm (Ω) microstrip wire and a feed port. The feed port is connected to the metal floor. The distance between the plurality of radiating patches and the microstrip feed line is equal, and the distance between adjacent radiating patches on the same side is also equal. The width of the radiating patches is directly proportional to the current amplitude. To obtain a low sidelobe level, the excitation amplitude is controlled by adjusting the width and length of the radiating patches. In the control process, the distance between adjacent radiating patches and the distance between a radiating patch and a microstrip feed line are kept constant (invariant). According to the above invention, the bandwidth can cover 76-81 GHz, so the antenna is suitable for the entire frequency band of a 77 GHz automotive radar.

[0005] To meet the demand for streamlined vehicle exteriors, side-detection radars are becoming even thinner.

[0006] [overview] This invention relates to an antenna structure applicable to vehicle radar, particularly side-detection radar for commercial vehicles (e.g., buses, trucks, lorries, etc.). According to this invention, it is possible to make the side-detection radar thinner.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a radar antenna device is provided. The radar antenna device is configured for mounting on the side of a vehicle. The radar antenna device comprises a base having a surface, a first antenna circuit board disposed on the surface, and a second antenna circuit board disposed on the surface. A first angle is formed between the first antenna circuit board and the side of the vehicle. A second angle is formed between the second antenna circuit board and the side of the vehicle. Both the first and second angles are 15° or more and 25° or less.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a radar element is provided. The radar element comprises a feed line, a plurality of radiating elements connected to the feed line and arranged on both sides of the feed line, and a plurality of parasitic elements arranged on both sides of the feed line and alternately arranged with the plurality of radiating elements. Each of the plurality of radiating elements has a first length. The plurality of parasitic elements have a second length, which is different from the first length. The minimum distance between the plurality of parasitic elements and the feed line is 0.2 mm or less.

[0009] [Brief description of the drawing] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary antenna circuit board according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0010] Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of the signal region of an antenna circuit board having a radar element according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0011] Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view along the X-axis of a radar antenna device according to one embodiment disclosed herein, and a schematic diagram of the antenna circuit board, respectively.

[0012] Figure 2C shows an external view along the X-axis of a radar antenna device according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0013] Figure 2D shows a bottom view along the Z-axis of a radar antenna device according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0014] Figure 2E shows a perspective view of a radar antenna device according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0015] Figures 2F and 2G show a perspective view along the X-axis of another embodiment of the radar antenna device and a schematic diagram of an antenna circuit board according to one embodiment disclosed herein, respectively.

[0016] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a radar element according to one embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna.

[0018] Figure 5 shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna.

[0019] Figure 6 shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna.

[0020] Figure 7 shows a comparison of the radiation field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna.

[0021] Figure 8 shows a comparison of the radiation field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna.

[0022] Figure 9 shows a comparison of the radiation field patterns in the XZ plane of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The following detailed descriptions include many specific details for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of each disclosed embodiment. However, it is clear that one or more embodiments can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically for the sake of simplifying the drawings.

[0024] [Detailed explanation] The technical terms used herein are based on their general definitions in the art herein. Where this specification describes or explains one or more terms, the definitions of those terms are based on their descriptions or explanations herein. Each disclosed embodiment has one or more technical features. In possible embodiments, a person skilled in the art may selectively implement some or all of the technical features of any embodiment herein, or selectively combine some or all of the technical features of multiple embodiments herein.

[0025] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary antenna circuit board 110 according to one embodiment disclosed herein. As shown in Figure 1A, the antenna circuit board 110 (antenna printed circuit board) includes a radar transmitting element 111 and a radar receiving element 112. The radar transmitting element 111 and the radar receiving element 112 are arranged on a first surface 116 of the antenna circuit board 110. The radar transmitting element 111 on the antenna circuit board 110 is capable of emitting a radar signal. The radar receiving element 112 is capable of receiving radar signals reflected from an object and detecting the presence of the object. In the example shown in Figure 1A, one radar transmitting element 111 and one radar receiving element 112 are arranged on the antenna circuit board 110, but the disclosure is not limited to this example. In some embodiments, the antenna circuit board 110 may include a plurality of radar transmitting elements and a plurality of radar receiving elements. For example, the antenna circuit board 110 may include two radar transmitting elements and four radar receiving elements. Alternatively, the antenna circuit board 110 may be designed according to other requirements. The antenna circuit board 110 may further include a processing unit 113. Depending on practical needs, the processing unit 113 may be located on the first surface 116 of the antenna circuit board 110 or on another surface. The processing unit 113 may be electrically connected to the radar receiving elements 112 and the radar transmitting elements 111 in order to process the radar signals transmitted by the radar transmitting elements 111 and the radar signals received by the radar receiving elements 112. Depending on the radiation pattern of the radar antenna, the transmitted signal intensity varies in various directions within a hemispherical region relative to the first surface 116 of the antenna circuit board 110. This will be explained in detail later with reference to Figure 1B. Hereafter, the radar transmitting elements 111 and the radar receiving elements 112 may be collectively referred to as radar elements.

[0026] FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of a signal region of an exemplary antenna circuit board 110 having a radar transmitting element 111 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the radar antenna radiation pattern of the radar transmitting element 111 is designed to have directivity. This means that the signal transmission intensity (gain) of the radar transmitting element 111 becomes stronger at a specific angle. In this example, the signal transmission intensity of the radar transmitting element 111 radiates in the direction of the normal line 115c perpendicular to the first surface 116 of the antenna circuit board 110 from the center of the radar transmitting element. The normal line 115c passes through the center of the radar transmitting element 111. The gain in the direction of the normal line 115c is the largest. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 1B, the x direction and the y direction are interchangeable. According to Table 1 below, the region where the angle between the signal and the normal line 115c of the first surface 116 of the antenna circuit board 110 falls within the range of -70° to 0° and the range of 0° to 70°, that is, the overall field of view (FOV) of 140°, is defined as the first signal region 113a. In the first signal region 113a, the signal transmission intensity is relatively strong (the average gain is in the range of 4.62 dB to 10.79 dB). The region where the angle between the signal and the normal line 115c of the first surface 116 of the antenna circuit board 110 falls within the range of 70° to 90° and the range of -70° to -90° is defined as the second signal region 113b. In the second signal region 113b, the signal transmission intensity is relatively weak (the average gain is in the range of -4.75 dB to -6.31 dB).

[0027]

Table 1

[0028] Figures 2A to 2E show a radar antenna device 100A according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. Figures 2A and 2B respectively show a perspective view along the X-axis of the radar antenna device 100A and a schematic diagram of the antenna circuit board 110''. Figure 2C shows an external view along the X-axis of the radar antenna device 100A. Figure 2D shows a bottom view along the Z-axis of the radar antenna device 100A. Figure 2E shows a perspective view of the radar antenna device 100A.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, the antenna circuit board 110a'' and the antenna circuit board 110b'' are respectively covered by the first housing 130a and the second housing 130b. The first housing 130a and the second housing 130b are transparent. The first housing 130a and the second housing 130b each include a plurality of connection portions 130c. The connection portion 130c is connected to the base 120A (see Figure 2C) and fixed to the side surface 290 of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 2D, the base 120A includes two sets of brackets 150. Each of the two sets of brackets 150 is disposed at the side edge of the first housing 130a and the side edge of the second housing 130b. Each set of brackets 150 includes an upper mounting bracket 150a and a lower mounting bracket 150b. The upper mounting bracket 150a is detachably connected to the connection portion 130c. The lower mounting bracket 150b is detachably connected to the side surface 290 of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 2E, the upper mounting bracket 150a and the lower mounting bracket 150b are L-shaped.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2A, the antenna circuit boards 110a'' and 110b'' are separated by the first housing 130a and the second housing 130b. The shortest first distance 115d between the antenna circuit boards 110a'' and 110b'' is 10mm to 30mm, for example, 18.4mm. As a result, the second distance 115e between the vertex 117a of the detection blind spot 117 and the second surface 126bA of the base 120A is 50mm to 70mm, for example, 61.7mm. The vertical distance 115f between the highest points of the antenna circuit boards 110a and 110b and the second surface 126bA of the base 120A is 30mm to 40mm, for example, 33.8mm. The first housing 130a and the second housing 130b each have a vertex 130t. The maximum vertical distance from the apex 130t to the second surface 126bA of the base 120A is 30.1mm to 50mm, and (depending on the assembly height of the radar antenna device 100A) for example, 40mm to 50mm. In other words, in this design, the second distance 115e can be shortened to 61.7mm (to reduce the detection blind spot), the vertical distance 115f can be shortened to 33.8mm, and the vertical distance 115g can be shortened to 40mm (to reduce the assembly height of the radar antenna device 100A). In this example, the radar antenna device 100A further includes connectors 140a and 140b (see Figure 2D). Connectors 140a and 140b are connected to antenna circuit boards 110a'' and 110b'', respectively. Connectors 140a and 140b may be used to electrically connect to an external device (e.g., a control unit or processing unit) to transmit a signal (e.g., a detection signal from radar antenna device 100A).

[0031] As shown in Figure 2C, the upper mounting bracket 150a includes two inclined surfaces 150a1 and 150a2. Inclined surfaces 150a1 and 150a2 are parallel to the bottom surface 130a1 of the first housing 130a and the bottom surface 130b1 of the second housing 130b, respectively. In one embodiment, the angles between inclined surfaces 150a1 and 150a2 and the second surface 126bA of the base 120A determine the first angle 114a and the second angle 114b formed between the antenna circuit boards 110a'' and 110b'' and the second surface 126bA of the base 120A. Both the first angle 114a and the second angle 114b are between 15° and 25°. In other words, both the first and second angles formed between the antenna circuit boards 110a'' and 110b'' and the side surface of the vehicle are 15° or more and 25° or less. In another embodiment, the surface of the vehicle to which the radar antenna device 100A is mounted may not be flat. Also, the surface may not be perfectly perpendicular to the ground. Therefore, the upper mounting bracket 150a and the lower mounting bracket 150b are angle-adjustable by connecting elements (not shown), such as screws. This allows the second surface 126bA of the base 120A to be as perpendicular to the ground as possible and parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle (e.g., forward or backward) when the radar antenna device 100A is mounted on the vehicle surface.

[0032] Furthermore, the triangular region formed by connecting the intersection of the upper boundary 115a of the two first signal regions 113a (this intersection is vertex 117a), the center of radar transmitting element 111a, and the center of radar transmitting element 111b constitutes a detection blind spot 117. The detection blind spot 117 is not located within the first signal region 113a. The detection blind spot 117 completely overlaps with the second signal region 113b, which has a weaker signal intensity. The detection blind spot 117 even includes areas where no signal reaches at all.

[0033] The inclination angles 113θ1 and 113θ2 between the lower boundary 115b of the two first signal regions 113a and the side of the vehicle 290 are between 15° and 25°, for example, 20°.

[0034] Figures 2F and 2G show a perspective view of the radar antenna device 100'' along the X-axis and a schematic diagram of the antenna circuit board 110' according to one embodiment disclosed herein, respectively. The difference between the radar antenna device 100'' and the radar antenna device 100A lies in the size of the antenna circuit board 110'' (as shown in Figure 2G, the antenna circuit board 110'' may represent both antenna circuit boards 110a'' and 110b''). The size of the antenna circuit board 110'' differs from that of the antenna circuit board 110 of the radar antenna device 100. The antenna circuit board 110'' is a rectangle having a long side S and a short side S'. The length of the short side S' is shorter than the length of the long side S. In one embodiment, the length L of the long side S of the antenna circuit board 110'' is 44 mm to 66 mm (for example, 66 mm, but not limited to this example). The width W of the short side S' is 30mm to 50mm (for example, 39.2mm, but not limited to this example). The antenna circuit boards 110a'' and 110b'' are positioned such that the long side S is parallel to the second surface 126b'' of the base 120'', and the short side S' forms a first angle 114a and a second angle 114b with respect to the second surface 126b'' of the base 120'' (these angles are, for example, 20°, but not limited to this example). As a result, the second distance 115e between the vertex 117a of the detection blind spot 117 and the second surface 126b'' of the base 120'' is reduced to 30mm to 50mm (for example, 26.9mm, but not limited to this example). The vertical distance 115f between the highest points of the antenna circuit boards 110a'' and 110b'' and the second surface 126b'' of the base 120'' is reduced to less than 30 mm (e.g., 12 mm, but not limited to this example). As a result, the shortest vertical distance 115g between the housing 200 (which includes the shell surface 200a, shell surface 200b, and the upper surface 200t located between shell surface 200a and shell surface 200b) and the vehicle side 310 is reduced to 27.7 mm to 47.6 mm (e.g., 18.7 mm, but not limited to this example), depending on the assembly height of the radar antenna device 100''.In this example, the radar antenna device 100'' further comprises a waterproof output mechanism 140. The waterproof output mechanism 140 may be used to electrically connect to an external device (e.g., a control unit or processing unit) to transmit a signal (e.g., a detection signal from the radar antenna device).

[0035] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a radar element 310 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the radar element 310 according to this embodiment is implemented, for example, as a serial antenna unit, but is not limited to this example. The radar element 310 may be used to implement a radar transmitter element 111 and a radar receiver element 112. The radar element 310 includes a feed line 311, a plurality of radiating elements 312, and a plurality of parasitic elements 313. The radar element 310 is formed on an antenna circuit board 110 (e.g., a first antenna circuit board 110a'' or a second antenna circuit board 110b''). In one possible embodiment, the antenna circuit board 110 is made of a composite material including Teflon suitable for millimeter-wave high-frequency use. However, the material of the antenna circuit board 110 is not limited to this example. Any material suitable for use in an antenna circuit board is applicable in the present invention.

[0036] The power supply line 311 receives the current transmitted from the millimeter-wave IC via a high-frequency coplanar waveguide and microstrip wires, and distributes the current to multiple radiating elements 312. This allows the multiple radiating elements 312 to emit electromagnetic waves in a synchronized manner.

[0037] Multiple radiating elements 312 are connected to a feed line 311 and are arranged on both sides of the feed line 311. Each of the multiple radiating elements 312 has a first length L1. The multiple radiating elements 312 are spaced apart along the Y-axis on both the positive and negative sides of the X-axis of the feed line 311. That is, some of the multiple radiating elements 312 are located on the positive side of the X-axis, and the rest are located on the negative side of the X-axis. For example, 2 to 10 radiating elements 312 may be arranged on both the positive and negative sides of the X-axis of the feed line 311, and the number of radiating elements 312 on each side may be equal. However, this example is not limited to this. The radiating elements 312 may be rectangular (i.e., patch-shaped), but this example is not limited to this. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the width of the radiating element 312 gradually decreases from the center 311M of the feed line 311 toward both ends 311A ​​and 311B of the feed line 311. In other words, in another possible embodiment, the width of the radiating element 312 decreases sequentially from the center toward both ends of the feed line 311.

[0038] Multiple parasitic elements 313 are arranged on both sides of the feed line 311 and are arranged alternately with multiple radiating elements 312. Each of the multiple parasitic elements 313 has a second length L2. The second length L2 is different from the first length L1 of the radiating elements 312. Furthermore, the second length L2 is less than 2.2 mm and longer than the first length L1. In one embodiment, the parasitic elements 313 are arranged at intervals on both sides of the feed line 311, with one parasitic element 313 positioned between two adjacent radiating elements 312. In one possible embodiment, the second length L2 of the parasitic element 313 is 2.2 mm or less. The width of the parasitic element 313 is not particularly limited. The distance between each parasitic element 313 and the feed line 311 is 0.2 mm or less. In one embodiment, the minimum distance between each parasitic element 313 and the feed line 311 is 0.2 mm or less. This means that the parasitic element 313 is not connected to the power supply line 311, is electrically insulated from the power supply line, or is in an open-circuit state with respect to the power supply line.

[0039] Furthermore, regarding the arrangement of the parasitic elements 313 and radiating elements 312, for example, a radiating element 312 located on one side (upper or lower) of the feed line 311 is aligned with a parasitic element 313 located on the opposite side of the feed line 311. However, the invention is not limited to this example. "Alignment" as used herein is not limited to precise alignment. In one possible embodiment, the center of a radiating element 312 located on one side of the feed line 311 is aligned with the center of a parasitic element 313 located on the opposite side of the feed line 311. That is, each of the multiple radiating elements 312 located on one side of the feed line 311 is aligned with one of the multiple parasitic elements 313 located on the opposite side.

[0040] From the above, it can be understood that in this embodiment, a combination of multiple comb-shaped radiating elements and feed lines is used to change the polarization direction of the radiation. This makes it possible to place parasitic elements between multiple radiating units while maintaining a single-layer feed structure.

[0041] Next, with reference to the drawings, a comparison will be made between the radiation field (electromagnetic field) pattern of an antenna (radar element) in one embodiment of the present invention and the radiation field pattern of a conventional antenna.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a comparison of the radiation field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna in one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. The X axis represents the azimuth angle in angular units, and the Y axis represents the gain in dBi units. The maximum gain appears at an azimuth angle of 0°. The waveform passing through the 0° direction is the main lobe. The two adjacent waveforms on either side are the side lobes. One side lobe is located in the negative angular direction, and the other side lobe is located in the positive angular direction. As shown in Figure 4, although the gain in the normal direction facing forward (i.e., 0°) is 5 dB lower, the gain at larger angles (70°) is 5.5 dB higher. Therefore, it can be seen that the antenna of this embodiment significantly improves object detection performance at larger angles. Furthermore, the total length of the antenna of this embodiment is approximately the same as that of a conventional antenna.

[0043] From Figure 4, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the minimum angle between the antenna substrate surface and the vehicle body is 15°. This angle of 15° corresponds to a maximum radiation beam angle of 75°. The maximum angle between the antenna substrate surface and the vehicle body is 25°. This angle of 25° corresponds to a radiation beam angle of 65°. As shown in Figure 4, in the antenna of this embodiment, the average gain is approximately 6 dB higher than that of a conventional antenna in the angular range of 65° to 75°. According to the radar range formula, assuming all other conditions remain constant, the detection distance of the antenna of this embodiment is 1.4 times that of a conventional antenna. Therefore, it is clear that the antenna of this embodiment significantly improves object detection performance at large angles.

[0044] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows an example in which nine radiating elements and nine parasitic elements are included on each side (upper and lower) of the feed line within the radar element, demonstrating that this embodiment satisfies the energy sensing requirements. In addition, the parasitic elements are standard rectangles to ensure consistency in polarization direction between the radar receiving elements and the radar elements. This is because if the parasitic elements were non-standard rectangles, they might interfere with the spacing between the radar receiving elements, or the polarization directions between the radar receiving elements and the radar elements might not match. Also, in Figure 4, although the gain in the normal direction (0°) facing forward is reduced by 5 dB, it still maintains a level of 11 dBi. Moreover, the gain at the larger angle of 70° increases by 5.5 dB to reach 9.28 dBi. The energy difference between these two directions (0° and 70°) is only about 2 dB. This indicates that the radar element in this embodiment is extremely advantageous for detection at large angles. Furthermore, the total length of the radar element antenna in this embodiment is approximately the same as the total length of a conventional antenna.

[0045] Figure 5 shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane of an antenna in one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. Although the energy of the antenna in this embodiment is attenuated in the 0° direction, the gain in the larger angular direction is significantly improved, as can be seen from the gain in the 0° direction. This indicates that the antenna in this embodiment is adjustable through design, allowing for increased energy in the larger angular direction while maintaining energy attenuation in the 0° direction within acceptable limits.

[0046] Figure 6 shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane of an antenna in one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. As can be seen from Figure 6, different gains can be obtained by adjusting the distance G between the parasitic element 313 and the feed line 311. According to Figure 6, when the distance G is set to 0.2 mm, the energy at large angles can be effectively increased within a certain range. However, beyond 0.2 mm, the improvement effect becomes negligible. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance G between the parasitic element 313 and the feed line 311 is set to 0.2 mm or less. Within this distance range, the energy at 0° is maintained within an acceptable range.

[0047] Figure 7 shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna in one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. As can be seen from Figure 7, in this embodiment, the longer the length L2 of the parasitic element 313, the better the energy enhancement effect at large angles. However, when the length L2 of the parasitic element 313 exceeds 2.2 mm, two nulls (null points) appear in the energy pattern at large angles. This indicates the occurrence of higher-order mode resonance. The occurrence of higher-order mode resonance should be avoided. Therefore, in this embodiment, the length L2 of the parasitic element 313 is set to 2.2 mm or less. Within this length range, the energy at 0° is maintained within an acceptable range.

[0048] Figure 8 shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane of an antenna in one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. As can be seen from Figure 8, in the antenna of this embodiment, when the width W of the parasitic element is set to 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, both the energy at 0° and the energy at larger angles change (almost linearly). Therefore, in this embodiment, there are no specific restrictions on the width W of the parasitic element.

[0049] Figure 9 shows a comparison of the radiation field patterns of the antenna in the XZ plane in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9 shows an example in which two parasitic elements are included on one side of the feed line and three on the opposite side. However, this example should not be construed as limiting the invention. Furthermore, Figure 9 compares various shapes of parasitic elements to illustrate the gain variation of the radar element according to this embodiment. The shapes of the parasitic elements in the example in Figure 9 include standard rectangles, polygons, ellipses, slanted rectangles (with their orientation different from the polarization direction of the antenna), or combinations thereof. However, the shapes of the parasitic elements are not limited to these examples. As shown in Figure 9, all radar elements with different shapes of parasitic elements achieve a gain improvement of at least 3 dB at an angle of 70°. In practice, the shape of the parasitic elements is not particularly limited in other possible embodiments of this application. Also, the number of parasitic elements and the number of radiating elements are not limited to the two or nine sets shown herein. That is, the number of antenna array units is not limited to the 2×2 or 2×9 examples above. Any other quantity is also within the technical scope of the invention.

[0051] In one embodiment of this application, the material for the machine housing may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of polybutylene terephthalate (also known as PBT plastic) and glass fibers. The weight ratio of glass fibers ranges from 25% to 35%. Other suitable materials are also applicable, and this application is not limited to these examples.

[0052] In another embodiment of this application, the material for the antenna circuit board of a radar antenna device is a composite material containing Teflon suitable for millimeter-wave high-frequency applications. Examples of such composite materials with excellent radiation properties include, but are not limited to, the RO3003 series. Other suitable materials are also applicable, and therefore this application is not limited to these examples.

[0053] As described above, in the embodiment of this application, the angle between the radar element's antenna circuit board and the side of the vehicle is 15° or more and 25° or less, so it can be understood that the goal of miniaturizing the radar antenna device can be achieved. As a result, the required design standards can be met.

[0054] Furthermore, in the embodiment of this application, since the angle between the radar element's antenna circuit board and the side of the vehicle is 15° or more and 25° or less, the antenna gain is improved in the angular range of 65° to 75°, and the detection distance of the antenna can be increased. Therefore, the antenna of this embodiment provides a significant improvement in performance for object detection at large angles.

[0055] While this application may describe many specific details, these descriptions should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claimed invention, but rather as descriptions of specific configurations in particular embodiments. In this specification, specific configurations described in the context of a single embodiment may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various configurations described in the context of a single embodiment may be implemented individually in multiple embodiments, or as any appropriate partial combination (subcombination).

[0056] Furthermore, even if multiple configurations are initially described as functioning in a particular combination, or even if a configuration is described as part of such a combination, one or more configurations may be removed from that combination in some cases. Therefore, the described combination may refer to a subcombination, or a variation of a subcombination.

[0057] Similarly, while a drawing may show multiple operations in a specific order, this should not be interpreted as meaning that the operations must be performed in a specific order or sequence as illustrated, nor should it be interpreted as meaning that all illustrated operations must be performed to achieve the desired result.

[0058] While the above embodiments of this application disclose specific examples and embodiments, modifications, alterations, and improvements may be made to the examples and embodiments described, as well as to other embodiments, based on the disclosed content.

[0059] In short, the present invention is disclosed through embodiments, but these are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art in the relevant fields may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0060] [Figure 1A] A schematic diagram of an exemplary antenna circuit board according to one embodiment disclosed herein is shown. [Figure 1B] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the signal region of an antenna circuit board having a radar element according to one embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 2A] This specification shows a perspective view along the X-axis of a radar antenna device according to one embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 2B] A schematic diagram of the antenna circuit board is shown. [Figure 2C] This shows an external view along the X-axis of a radar antenna device according to one embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 2D] This shows a bottom view along the Z-axis of a radar antenna device according to one embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 2E] A perspective view of a radar antenna device according to one embodiment disclosed herein is shown. [Figure 2F] A perspective view along the X-axis of another embodiment of the radar antenna device is shown. [Figure 2G] A schematic diagram of an antenna circuit board according to one embodiment disclosed herein is shown. [Figure 3] An embodiment of a radar element according to one embodiment of this application is shown. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. [Figure 5]This diagram shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a comparison of the radiated field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a comparison of the radiation field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a comparison of the radiation field patterns in the XZ plane between an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention and a conventional antenna. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a comparison of the radiation field patterns in the XZ plane of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radar antenna device configured to be mounted on the side of a vehicle, A base having a surface, The first antenna circuit board is arranged on the surface, It comprises a second antenna circuit board arranged on the aforementioned surface, A first angle is formed between the first antenna circuit board and the side surface of the vehicle, A second angle is formed between the second antenna circuit board and the side surface of the vehicle. Both the first angle and the second angle are 15° or more and 25° or less. Radar antenna device.

2. The radar antenna device further comprises radar elements formed on the first antenna circuit board or the second antenna circuit board. The aforementioned radar device is Power lines and, A plurality of radiating elements connected to the aforementioned power supply line and arranged on both sides of the aforementioned power supply line, It comprises a plurality of parasitic elements arranged on both sides of the aforementioned power supply line and arranged alternately with a plurality of the aforementioned radiating elements, Each of the plurality of radiating elements has a first length, Each of the multiple parasitic elements has a second length, The second length is different from the first length. The minimum distance between each of the multiple parasitic elements and the power supply line is 0.2 mm or less. The radar antenna device according to claim 1.

3. The second length is 2.2 mm or less and longer than the first length. The radar antenna device according to claim 2.

4. Each of the multiple radiating elements located on one side of the power supply line is aligned with respect to one of the multiple parasitic elements located on the opposite side of the power supply line. The radar antenna device according to claim 2.

5. Each of the multiple parasitic elements is electrically insulated from the power supply line. The radar antenna device according to claim 2.

6. It is a radar element, Power lines and, A plurality of radiating elements connected to the aforementioned power supply line and arranged on both sides of the aforementioned power supply line, It comprises a plurality of parasitic elements arranged on both sides of the aforementioned power supply line and arranged alternately with a plurality of the aforementioned radiating elements, Each of the plurality of radiating elements has a first length, Each of the multiple parasitic elements has a second length, The second length is different from the first length. The minimum distance between each of the multiple parasitic elements and the power supply line is 0.2 mm or less. Radar element.

7. The second length is 2.2 mm or less and longer than the first length. The radar element according to claim 6.

8. Each of the multiple radiating elements has a width, The width of the radiating element gradually decreases from the center of the power supply line towards both ends of the power supply line. The radar element according to claim 6.

9. Each of the multiple radiating elements located on one side of the power supply line is aligned with respect to one of the multiple parasitic elements located on the opposite side of the power supply line. The radar element according to claim 6.

10. The multiple parasitic elements have shapes selected from standard rectangles, polygons, ellipses, slanted rectangles, or combinations thereof. The radar element according to claim 6.

11. Each of the multiple parasitic elements is electrically insulated from the power supply line. The radar element according to claim 6.

Images