Air-cooled cooling structure and antenna device

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an air-cooled cooling structure for cooling a heat-generating body by air is provided with a support member for supporting the heat-generating body on an inner surface of the support member, and a baffle unit. The baffle unit generates a spiral airflow around an extending direction of the support member. The air-cooled cooling structure may be further provided with a fan for compulsorily generating the airflow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air-cooled cooling structure and an antenna device.

Background Art

[0002] Antenna devices that detect radio waves radiated from moving objects such as drones have come to play an important role in monitoring important facilities such as airports. For this type of application, antenna devices having a coverage area of approximately 360 degrees in the azimuth direction are often applied. To cover 360° in azimuth, in addition to the method of rotating a single antenna, there is a method of arranging a plurality of planar antennas in a generally circular shape. For example, in the case of a phased array antenna having a detection area of about 90° in the azimuth direction (azimuth direction), if this is arranged in four directions, it is possible to monitor 360° of the omnidirectional range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] To install antenna equipment outdoors, it is necessary to cover it with a radome or other cover to protect it from water and dust. Cooling of the device also needs to be considered. Furthermore, it is required to be compact while handling multiple frequency bands. In addition to weight reduction, there is a demand for simplified structure and improved cooling efficiency to enhance reliability. Improved cooling efficiency can lead to reduced power consumption and a longer lifespan. This is a critical issue for applications requiring stable 24 / 7 operation. Therefore, the objective is to provide an air-cooled cooling structure and antenna device with improved cooling efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, the air-cooled cooling structure comprises a base plate, a radome, a first heat transfer member, an internal fan, a fixing member, and a second heat transfer member. The radome is attached to the base plate. The first heat transfer member is attached to the base plate within the space formed by the radome and the base plate. The internal fan generates airflow to the first heat transfer member within the space. The fixing member serves as both a support member for supporting a plurality of antenna substrates and signal processing units within the space, and a ventilation guide for guiding airflow along the signal processing units. The second heat transfer member is attached to the base plate by thermally bonding with the first heat transfer member on the back surface of the mounting surface of the first heat transfer member.

[0006] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the air-cooled cooling structure is an air-cooled cooling structure that cools a heat-generating element with air, and comprises a support member that supports the heat-generating element on its inner surface and an air guide section. The air guide section generates a helical airflow on the inside of the support member with the extension direction of the support member as its axis. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view showing an example of an antenna device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an external view showing an example of the fixing bracket 60. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view AA of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the mounting state of the antenna substrates 32 and 33. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of an antenna device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the antenna device 100. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a heat sink 41. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the antenna device 100. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an antenna device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the antenna device 100 in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows another example of the heat sink 41. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an external view showing an example of the fixing bracket 60. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view and a top view of the air guide plate 65. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the antenna device 100 in Figure 20. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an external view showing an example of an antenna device to which an air-cooled cooling structure according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows another example of an antenna device to which the air-cooled cooling structure according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows another example of an antenna device to which the air-cooled cooling structure according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an antenna device to which the air-cooling structure according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing another example of the antenna device 100.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] In the embodiment, a cooling structure for a radar device or an antenna device having a coverage area generally in the azimuth of 360° is disclosed. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of an antenna device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the antenna device 100 is attached to a support column 1 fixed to the ground or a building. The support column 1 is fixed to a base plate 50. A radome 40 and an outer cooling unit 10 are fixed to this base plate 50. An electronic device including an antenna substrate, a signal processing unit, etc. is installed in the internal space formed by the radome 40 and the base plate 50. The radome 40 serves as a cover for protecting the electronic device from raindrops and dust. In the first embodiment, an air-cooling structure for air-cooling the electronic device inside the radome 40 will be described.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the antenna device 100 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, an inner cooling unit 30 is fixed to the base plate 50. That is, the inner cooling unit 30 is set back-to-back with the outer cooling unit 10 with the base plate 50 sandwiched therebetween.

[0010] The internal cooling unit 30 includes heat sinks 15 and 17 as first heat transfer members attached to the base plate 50. The heat sinks 15 and 17 are attached back-to-back to the heat sinks 16 and 18, which are second heat transfer members, with the base plate 50 in between. Heat sink 16 is thermally coupled to heat sink 15. Heat sink 18 is thermally coupled to heat sink 17. As a result, heat from inside the radome 40 is conducted to the outside through the heat sinks 15, 16, 17, and 18. Here, high heat dissipation performance can be expected by using pin-fin type heat sinks 15, 16, 17, and 18. Of course, one of the heat sinks 15, 16, 17, and 18 may be of the pin-fin type, and the others may be of the normal fin type.

[0011] On the opposite side of the base plate 50 of the internal cooling unit 30, a COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) parts mounting area 19 is provided, stacked vertically upward. In addition to mounting so-called COTS parts such as power supplies and hubs, the COTS parts mounting area 19 is equipped with a Y-shaped duct section 21.

[0012] A fixing bracket 60 is further attached vertically above the COTS product loading area 19. The antenna substrates 32 and 33 are attached to the fixing bracket 60 from the outside via fixing bosses 66. The signal processing board 31 is attached to the back side of the antenna substrate 32. In other words, the fixing bracket 60, as a fixing member, plays the role of a support member that supports the antenna substrates 32 and 33 and the signal processing board 31 in the internal space of the radome 40. In addition, the fixing bracket 60 is equipped with a coupling portion 61 having ventilation holes 62, and also serves as a ventilation guide that directs the airflow inside the radome 40 along the signal processing board 31.

[0013] The airflow within the radome 40 is generated by internal fans 11 and 13. Internal fan 13 is connected to duct section 21, and the suction force generated by its operation creates the airflow shown by the arrows in the figure. This airflow circulates within the radome 40, primarily absorbing heat from the signal processing board 31 and blowing it onto the heat sink 17. The heat sink 17 transfers the heat from the airflow to the heat sink 18, where this heat is dissipated to the outside by the airflow generated by the external fan 14. Meanwhile, heat generated in the COTS (Commercially Available Parts) mounting area 19 is removed to the heat sink 16 via the airflow blown onto the heat sink 15 by the suction force of internal fan 11. This heat is dissipated to the outside by the airflow generated by the external fan 12. In this way, the internal space of the radome 40 is air-cooled.

[0014] Figure 3 is an external view showing an example of a fixing bracket 60. The fixing bracket 60 is a polyhedron including three support surfaces 63 and three connecting surfaces 64. Both the support surfaces 63 and the connecting surfaces 64 are isosceles trapezoids and both form inclined surfaces to support the antenna substrate at an elevation angle of, for example, 60°.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the support surface 63 has a larger area than the connecting surface 64. The support surface 63 and the connecting surface 64 are connected alternately along the edges of the polyhedron. That is, the connecting surface 64 is interposed between the support surfaces 63. The support surface 63 and the connecting surface 64 are then connected at the top of the polyhedron by a joint 61 having ventilation holes 62.

[0016] An antenna substrate 32 is attached to the support surface 63, and an antenna substrate 33 is attached to the connection surface 64. In the first embodiment, the bandwidth of the antenna substrate 32 is defined as bandwidth A, and the bandwidth of the antenna substrate 33 is defined as bandwidth B, which is higher in frequency.

[0017] Antenna board 33 handles higher frequency radio waves than antenna board 32, and therefore antenna board 32 is larger in size. Thus, antenna board 32 is supported by a larger support surface 63. Furthermore, a signal processing board 31 is attached to the back of antenna board 32, and the signal processing board 31 performs signal processing for both antenna board 32 and antenna board 33. In other words, the signal processing board 31, as a signal processing unit, is electrically connected to both antenna boards 32 and 33 via signal lines.

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view AA of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 2. Note that in Figure 4, only the duct section 21 is shown, and the fixing brackets 60, etc., are omitted. In Figure 4, the duct section 21 is equipped with three air intake ports 22, and airflow from the internal fan 13 is drawn in through these air intake ports 22. In addition, two exhaust ports 23 are opened in the partition plate at the top of the COTS product mounting area 19, and these serve to supply airflow from the internal fan 13 along the antenna substrates 32, 33.

[0019] Figure 5 shows an example of the mounting state of the antenna boards 32 and 33. Note that only the antenna boards 32 and 33 are shown in Figure 5, and the fixing brackets 60 etc. are omitted. The three antenna boards 32 and the three antenna boards 33 are attached to the fixing brackets 60 in an alternating manner. If the antenna boards 32 and 33 have a detection area of ​​about 120° in the azimuth (direction) direction, the arrangement shown in Figure 5 allows for monitoring of all 360° directions. In other words, it becomes possible to capture radio waves arriving from any direction with a single device.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of an antenna device according to the embodiment. Inside the radome 40 is a support member 2 made by laminating six rectangular flat plates, and heat-generating elements 4, such as signal processing boards, are attached to the back side of each surface of the support member 2. The antenna elements 5 are exposed on the surface (support surface 6) of the support member 2 and are arranged facing outwards. In the configuration of Figure 6, the airflow flows from bottom to top along the support surface 6 and is drawn inwards from the top of the support member 2. At that time, it takes heat from the heat-generating elements 4 and is finally discharged to the outside.

[0021] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the antenna device 100. Figure 7 shows a structure for cooling the heat-generating element 4 by indirect air cooling, and for simplicity of explanation, it shows the case where the support member 2 is rectangular parallelepiped. A heat sink 41 is attached to the back surface of the heat-generating element supported by the support member 2.

[0022] The rotation of the internal fan 13 generates a vertically circulating airflow within the radome 40. This airflow strikes the heat sink 41, absorbing heat from the heat-generating element 4, and then reaches the lower heat sink 17. Heat sink 17 is mounted back-to-back with the heat sink 18 on the outside of the radome and is thermally coupled to it. Therefore, the heat from heat sink 17 is transferred to heat sink 18, and finally, the heat is dissipated to the outside of the radome 40 by the cooling air generated by the external fan 8. With this configuration, it is possible to dissipate the heat generated inside the radome 40 to the outside of the radome 40 while maintaining airtightness.

[0023] Figure 8 shows an example of a heat sink 41. Figure 8(a) shows a pin-fin type heat sink 41a. Figure 8(b) shows a slit-type heat sink 41b. It is best to select the heat sink with the optimal shape by comprehensively considering the material, airflow direction, etc.

[0024] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the antenna device 100. Figure 9 shows a cooling structure using direct air cooling, in which air taken in from the outside is introduced into the radome 40 and then exhausted again. When the external fan 8 rotates, outside air is drawn in through an intake opening on the bottom of the radome 40, generating an airflow from bottom to top. This airflow flows upward along the outside of the support member 2, taking heat from the heat-generating element 4, and reaches the external fan 8, while a portion of it is drawn into the inside of the support member 2 and hits the heat sink 41. Then, it reaches the external fan 8, taking heat from the heat-generating element 4 via the heat sink 41, and is exhausted to the outside. With this configuration, the heat inside the radome 40 can be dissipated to the outside.

[0025] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment. The antenna device 100 includes signal processing boards 31 connected to antenna boards 32 and 33, respectively, and each signal processing board 31 is powered by a power supply unit 24. The power supply unit 24 also supplies driving power to internal fans 11 and 13 and external fans 12 and 14.

[0026] Each signal processing board 31 receives and processes radio waves captured by the antenna boards 32 and 33, respectively, and generates received data. Each signal processing board 31 is connected to the hub device 26, and the received data is transmitted to the data processing unit 25 via the internal LAN (Local Area Network) and processed. In Figure 10, for example, the power supply unit 24, the hub device 26, and the data processing unit 25 are COTS (Commercial Off-the-shelf) products.

[0027] As described above, in the first embodiment, the antenna substrates 32 and 33 for the two frequency bands (band A / band B) are arranged circumferentially within the radome at a 60° tilt using a polyhedral fixing bracket 60. This allows detection to be performed over the entire 360° surrounding area. The signal processing board 31 is placed inside the larger antenna substrate 32 for band A. Furthermore, COTS components such as the data processing unit 25, hub device 26, and power supply unit 24, which are connected to each antenna board 32 and 33, are placed in the lower area of ​​the boards (COTS component mounting area 19).

[0028] To cool the heat generated by each component and to achieve dustproof and waterproof performance for the device, a combination of fans and heat sinks is placed both inside and outside the antenna device 100. The internal fan circulates cooling air to the heat-generating parts and facilitates heat conduction between the heat sinks, while the external fan releases the heat to the outside of the device.

[0029] Furthermore, to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink, the heat sink is designed with a pin fin type, and a fan is used to blow air onto the heat sink, creating a structure that allows air to flow in all directions. To efficiently direct cooling air to the heat-generating parts of circuit boards and COTS (Out-of-Product) items, separate fan and heat sink combinations are used for circuit boards and COTS items, and individual ducts are installed for each.

[0030] The fixing bracket 60 is shaped like a hexagonal pyramid with a flat top, and ventilation holes 62 are formed in the flat joint portion 61 to create a duct structure that allows cooling air to blow onto the circuit boards.

[0031] The signal processing board 31, equipped with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and integrated circuits (ICs), generates a significant amount of heat. Therefore, the signal processing board 31 is placed inside the fixing bracket 60, and a duct section 21 branching in three directions is provided on the bottom surface of the fixing bracket 60, so that cooling air flows along the surface of the signal processing board 31. Furthermore, the COTS (Commercially Available Parts) are mounted on the shelves (partition plates) 27 of the COTS mounting area 19, and the ducts ensure that cooling air efficiently reaches each component.

[0032] Based on these considerations, the first embodiment makes it possible to provide an air-cooled cooling structure and antenna device that are compact without sacrificing cooling performance.

[0033] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, a spiral airflow is generated.

[0034] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the antenna device 100 of Figure 1. In Figure 11, the inner cooling unit 30 is fixed to the base plate 50. In other words, the inner cooling unit 30 is fixed back-to-back with the outer cooling unit 10, with the base plate 50 in between.

[0035] The internal cooling unit 30 includes a heat sink 15 as a first heat transfer member attached to the base plate 50. The heat sink 15 is attached back-to-back to a heat sink 16 as a second heat transfer member, with the base plate 50 in between. The heat sink 16 is thermally coupled to the heat sink 15. When the external fan 12 rotates and outside air is blown onto the heat sink 16, the heat inside the radome 40 is dissipated to the outside through the heat sink 16. This makes it possible to cool the unit without drawing in air containing moisture or dust.

[0036] A duct section 21 is formed in the space 20 located vertically above the inner cooling unit 30. The duct section 21 includes an air intake 22 that forms a vortex in the airflow inside the radome 40 so as to follow the heat-generating signal processing board 31. The signal processing board 31 is a component that generates a large amount of heat, and includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and an integrated circuit (IC).

[0037] The fixing bracket 60, acting as a fixing member, is a support member that supports the signal processing board 31 within the internal space of the radome 40. The heat sink 31a attached to the signal processing board 31 is exposed to the inside of the fixing bracket 60. The spiral airflow inside the fixing bracket 60 strikes the heat sink 31a, transferring heat from the signal processing board 31 to the airflow. The duct section 21 accelerates the spiral flow depending on the direction of the air intake 22, and also restricts the flow path of the airflow that has absorbed heat from the signal processing board 31, guiding this airflow to the heat sink 15.

[0038] The airflow within the radome 40 is generated by the internal fan 11. The internal fan 11 is connected to the duct section 21, and the relationship between the suction force generated by the operation of the internal fan 11 and the opening position of the air intake port 22 generates the airflow shown by the arrows in the figure. The dotted arrows indicate the airflow flowing in the space between the outside of the fixing bracket 60 and the inside of the radome 40, while the solid arrows represent the airflow swirling inside the fixing bracket 60. This airflow circulates inside the radome 40, mainly absorbing heat from the signal processing board 31 and blowing it onto the heat sink 15. The heat sink 15 transfers the heat from the airflow to the heat sink 16, and this heat is dissipated to the outside by the wind generated by the external fan 12.

[0039] In Figure 11, the signal processing board 31 is positioned circumferentially within the radome at a 60° tilt using a polyhedral fixing bracket 60. This allows for detection of the entire 360° surrounding area. Fans and heat sinks are placed both inside and outside the antenna device 100 to achieve indirect air cooling.

[0040] In Figure 11, the exhaust port 23 forms a spiral airflow outside the fixing bracket 60, and the intake port 22 also forms a spiral airflow inside the fixing bracket 60. However, this is not the only option; generating a spiral airflow only on the outside is also acceptable. In this case, even simply forming a tubular structure with a vertical axis on the intermediate plate 70 is sufficient to generate a spiral airflow inside due to inertial force.

[0041] Furthermore, even by providing only one of the intake port 22 or exhaust port 23, it is possible to form a spiral airflow and improve cooling efficiency. By angling the position and direction of the intake port 22 and the direction of the exhaust port 23 with respect to the vertical axis, a lateral flow can be added to the rising airflow caused by warm air, thereby generating a spiral airflow.

[0042] Figure 12 shows another example of the heat sink 41. As shown in Figure 12(a), the spiral airflow may be directed onto a pin-fin type heat sink 41a, or as shown in Figure 12(b), the spiral airflow may be directed onto a slit-type heat sink 41b.

[0043] Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the antenna device 100 shown in Figure 11. The duct section 21 is equipped with three air intake ports 22. The airflow from the internal fan 11 is drawn into each air intake port 22 in a spiral motion. Since the air intake ports 22 open on the side of the duct section 21, rotational force is generated when air is drawn in, creating a vortex-like airflow. This airflow strikes the inner wall of the fixing bracket 60 due to centrifugal force, efficiently absorbing heat from the signal processing board 31.

[0044] Furthermore, two exhaust ports 23 are opened in the partition plate (intermediate plate 70) at the top of the space 20, and these supply airflow from the internal fan 11 along the outside of the fixing bracket 60. Depending on their position and orientation, the exhaust ports 23 also function as outlets that straighten the airflow in a vortex shape.

[0045] Figure 14 is an external view showing an example of the fixing bracket 60. The fixing bracket 60 is a polyhedron including three support surfaces 63 and three connecting surfaces 64. Both the support surfaces 63 and the connecting surfaces 64 are isosceles trapezoids and both form inclined surfaces to support the antenna substrate at an elevation angle of, for example, 60°. The fixing bracket 60 also includes a coupling portion 61 with an air guide plate 65, which also serves as a ventilation guide to direct the airflow inside the radome 40 along the signal processing board 31.

[0046] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view and a top view of the air guide plate 65. The air guide plate 65 is a small disc attached at an oblique angle to, for example, a circular hole drilled in a plane, as shown in Figure 15(a). As shown in the top view of Figure 15(b), tilting the air guide plate 65 creates an air passage. The tilt angle may be fixed or it may be able to swing freely around a support axis.

[0047] As shown in Figure 16, the shape of the fixing bracket 60 may be a hexagonal pyramidal shape with a flat top, and an air guide plate 65 as an air vent may be formed in the flat joint portion 61 to create a duct structure in which cooling air is blown onto the substrates. The signal processing board 31 is placed inside the fixing bracket 60, and a duct portion 21 branching in three directions is provided on the bottom surface of the fixing bracket 60 so that the cooling air flows along the surface of the signal processing board 31. In addition, a partition plate 85 or slots may be provided in the airflow path from the exhaust port 23 to the air guide plate 65. An air guide plate 65 similar to that of the joint portion 61 is formed in the partition plate 85, which promotes a helical flow of airflow.

[0048] Figure 17 is an external view showing an example of an antenna device to which an air-cooled cooling structure according to the second embodiment is applied. The antenna device in Figure 17 comprises a plurality of signal processing boards, each having a plurality of antenna elements 5. The signal processing boards contain electronic circuits that process radio waves captured by the antenna elements 5 and converted into electrical signals, and generate heat. In the following description, the signal processing boards are denoted by reference numeral 4 and collectively referred to as the heating elements 4.

[0049] The heating element 4 is attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical support member 2. In Figure 17, the support member 2 has a cylindrical structure with six support surfaces 6 that are connected and fixed to each other along their long sides. Of course, the number of surfaces is not limited to six. The shape of each support surface 6 is quadrilateral and is formed to match the size of the heating element 4. In Figure 17, the axis of the cylindrical structure of the support member 2 is assumed to be along the vertical longitudinal direction (the direction of extension of the cylinder). The top of the cylindrical structure is open to allow heated air to escape easily. On the other hand, a guide section 3 is formed at the bottom of the cylindrical structure to generate a spiral airflow inside the cylinder.

[0050] The air guide section 3 includes, for example, notched fin sections arranged in a ring shape. When the heating element 4 generates heat, the heated air flows vertically upward, causing outside air to flow through the air guide section 3 into the inside of the support member 2. At this time, the air collides with the fin sections, restricting the airflow path and generating a helical airflow with the extension direction of the support member 2 as its axis. This helical airflow strikes the heating element 4 from the side, removing heat. In this way, by directing a helical airflow, rather than a simple updraft, at the heating element 4, the cooling efficiency of the air cooling can be increased.

[0051] In Figure 17, a heating element 4 is attached to the inside of a cylindrical support member 2, the top of the support member 2 is open, and a fin-shaped air guide portion 3 is formed at the bottom of the support member 2. This creates a spiral airflow inside the support member 2, increasing the efficiency of air hitting the heating element 4 and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0052] Figure 18 shows another example of an antenna device to which the air-cooled cooling structure according to the embodiment is applied. Figure 18(a) shows a side view, and Figure 18(b) shows a top view. The support member 2 shown in Figure 18 has four support surfaces 6 that are connected and fixed to each other along their long sides. A heating element 4 is attached to each support surface 6 from the inside, and the antenna element 5 is exposed to the outside of the cylinder.

[0053] For heat-generating components 4, especially those with high heat output or low permissible temperatures, a pin-fin type heat sink 7 is attached. As shown in Figure 18(b), the spiral airflow generated inside the support member 2 strikes the heat sink 7, removing heat from the heat-generating components 4 and the heat-generating components installed thereon.

[0054] Furthermore, in the configuration shown in Figure 18, an external fan 8 is attached to the top and an air intake 80 is formed at the bottom. As shown in Figure 18(b), the air intake 80 is formed in a position where a spiral airflow is naturally generated when outside air is taken in. It is more preferable that the rotation direction of the external fan 8 is the same as the spiral airflow. By forming the air intake 80 in an appropriate position and by the rotation of the external fan 8, the air taken in from the air intake 80 forms a spiral vortex inside the support member 2. This provides a higher cooling effect compared to natural air cooling, and combined with the action of the heat sink 7, the cooling effect can be further enhanced.

[0055] Figure 19 shows another example of an antenna device to which the air-cooled cooling structure according to the embodiment is applied. The configuration in Figure 19 is an antenna device further comprising a cover member that covers the configuration in Figure 18. The cover member is configured to cover the entire support member 2 on the outside, with its axis aligned with the support member 2. In particular, the cover that covers the antenna device is made of a radio wave transparent material and is called a radome. In the following description, the cover member will be denoted by reference numeral 40 and referred to as the radome 40. Covering with the radome 40 is advantageous when the weather resistance of the antenna element 5 is insufficient. If the weather resistance of the antenna element 5 is sufficient, it is not necessarily required to cover it with the radome 40.

[0056] The radome 40 has an external fan 8 at its top and an air intake 81 on its side. The air intake 81 is an intake for outside air, similar to the air intake 80 of the support member 2. A filter cover or the like may be placed over the air intake 81 to prevent dust from entering from the outside. The air taken in through the air intake 81 swirls in a spiral in the space formed between the support member 2 and the radome 40, becoming an outside airflow that flows along the outer surface of the support member 2. This outside airflow is exhausted to the outside of the radome 40 from the external fan 8 through a ventilation section 82 formed at the top of the space.

[0057] On the other hand, similar to Figure 18, an airflow (internal airflow) is also formed inside the support member 2. This internal airflow is exhausted from the external fan 8 to the outside of the radome 40 through the ventilation section 9 formed at the top of the support member 2.

[0058] The spiral flow of the inner airflow and the spiral flow of the outer airflow can be achieved, for example, by shaping the intake port 81, the ventilation section 9, or the ventilation section 82 into fins or notches that restrict the airflow. Furthermore, a swirling flow can also be formed by utilizing the rotation of the propeller of the external fan 8.

[0059] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an antenna device to which the air-cooled cooling structure according to the embodiment is applied. As shown in Figure 20, the structure shown in Figure 19 may be inverted and an external fan 8 attached to the bottom. In the configuration of Figure 20 as well, the air taken in from the intake port 81 becomes a spiral outer airflow and an inner airflow and is exhausted from the external fan 8. The outer airflow removes heat from the antenna element 5 and other components exposed on the outer surface of the support member 2, and the inner airflow removes heat from the heat-generating element 4 attached to the inner surface of the support member 2. Heat can be efficiently dissipated by making the airflow spiral. A structure for cooling the electronic devices inside the radome 40 with air without exchanging air inside and outside the radome 40 will be described in more detail.

[0060] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing another example of the antenna device 100. In the embodiments disclosed, support members with four or six faces are shown. However, the device is not limited to these, and more faces can be provided to monitor 360° in the azimuth direction. This configuration can be easily realized, for example, as shown in Figure 21, by attaching a cylindrical fixing bracket consisting of multiple support faces to a base plate 50 and attaching antenna substrates to each face.

[0061] As shown in Figure 21, the heat-generating elements, such as the signal processing board 31, can be arranged in a polygonal shape. Furthermore, as the number of boards is increased and the cylindrical structure of the support member 2 becomes closer to a circle, the airflow resistance decreases, making it easier to generate a swirling airflow.

[0062] As described above, the second embodiment makes it possible to provide an air-cooled cooling structure and antenna device with a simple structure that enhances cooling efficiency.

[0063] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In the first embodiment, a structure was disclosed in which detection in the azimuth direction of 360° is performed on three surfaces, that is, an arrangement using a hexahedral antenna substrate fixing bracket for two frequency bands. However, the invention is not limited to this, and when detection in the azimuth direction of 360° is performed on N1 surfaces, or when there are 3 to N2 frequency bands, this can be realized by arranging antenna substrates corresponding to each frequency band and an N1×N2 sided antenna substrate fixing bracket. In this way, the needs of detection devices when using multiple frequency bands can be addressed. Furthermore, by increasing the number of horizontal N1 surfaces, the accuracy of detection can be improved.

[0064] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. base plate and A radome attached to the base plate, A first heat transfer member is attached to the base plate within the space formed by the radome and the base plate, An internal fan generates an airflow to the first heat transfer member within the aforementioned space, A support member that supports multiple antenna boards and signal processing units electrically connected to these antenna boards within the space, and a fixing member that also serves as a ventilation guide that directs the airflow along the signal processing unit, An air-cooled cooling structure comprising a second heat transfer member that is thermally bonded to the first heat transfer member on the back surface of the mounting surface of the first heat transfer member and attached to the base plate.

2. The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 1, further comprising an external fan that air-cools the second heat transfer member and dissipates the heat from the airflow.

3. The aforementioned fixing member is Each of the antenna substrates has multiple inclined surfaces that support it at a certain elevation angle, The device comprises a connecting member that supports the plurality of inclined surfaces and has ventilation holes, The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation guide directs the airflow to the signal processing unit through the ventilation holes.

4. The aforementioned multiple inclined surfaces are, Multiple isosceles trapezoidal support surfaces supporting the antenna substrate for the first frequency band, The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of connecting surfaces interposed between the plurality of support surfaces and supporting an antenna substrate for a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

5. The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 4, wherein the signal processing unit is mounted on the back side of the mounting surface of the first frequency band antenna substrate on the support surface and is electrically connected to the first frequency band antenna substrate and the second frequency band antenna substrate.

6. The system comprises first to third antenna substrates for the first frequency band and fourth to sixth antenna substrates for the second frequency band. The aforementioned multiple inclined surfaces are, The first support surface that supports the first antenna substrate, The second support surface that supports the second antenna substrate, The third support surface that supports the third antenna substrate, A first connecting surface interposed between the first support surface and the second support surface, supporting the fourth antenna substrate, A second connecting surface interposed between the second support surface and the third support surface, supporting the fifth antenna substrate, The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a third connecting surface interposed between the third support surface and the first support surface, and supporting the sixth antenna substrate.

7. In an antenna device for detecting flying objects that emit radio waves, base plate and A radome attached to the base plate, A first heat transfer member is attached to the base plate within the space formed by the radome and the base plate, An internal fan generates an airflow to the first heat transfer member within the aforementioned space, A support member that supports multiple antenna boards and signal processing units electrically connected to these antenna boards within the space, and a fixing member that also serves as a ventilation guide that directs the airflow along the signal processing unit, An antenna device comprising a second heat transfer member that is thermally bonded to the first heat transfer member on the back surface of the mounting surface of the first heat transfer member and attached to the base plate.

8. An air-cooled cooling structure for cooling a signal processing board electrically connected to an antenna board with air, A support member that supports the signal processing board on its inner surface, An air-cooled cooling structure comprising: an air guide section that generates a helical airflow inside the support member with the extension direction of the support member as its axis;

9. The aforementioned air guide section is The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 8, further comprising an air intake opening to the outside of the support member.

10. The aforementioned air guide section is The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 9, further comprising an exhaust port for exhausting air taken in from the intake port to the outside of the support member from the inside of the support member.

11. The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port opens toward the circumferential direction of the support member.

12. base plate and A radome attached to the base plate, A first heat transfer member is attached to the base plate within the space formed by the radome and the base plate, An internal fan that generates an airflow circulating to the first heat transfer member within the space, and a support member that supports a plurality of antenna substrates and a signal processing unit within the space, The system comprises a duct section that restricts the flow path of the airflow that has absorbed heat from the signal processing unit and guides the airflow to the first heat transfer member, The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 8, wherein the duct portion is provided with an air intake that forms the airflow in a vortex shape along the signal processing unit.

13. The support member is a fixing member that also serves as a ventilation guide that directs the airflow along the signal processing unit. Furthermore, the air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 12 comprises a second heat transfer member that is thermally bonded to the first heat transfer member on the back surface of the mounting surface of the first heat transfer member and attached to the base plate.

14. The system further comprises an intermediate plate that forms a parallel surface to the base plate and mounts and supports the support member within the space, The aforementioned intermediate plate is The space is equipped with an exhaust port for circulating the airflow that has been heated by the first heat transfer member, The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 13, wherein the exhaust port is provided with an outlet that straightens the airflow in a vortex shape.

15. The aforementioned support member is Each of the antenna substrates has multiple inclined surfaces that support it at a certain elevation angle, The air-cooled cooling structure according to claim 14, further comprising a coupling member having a guide plate that supports the plurality of inclined surfaces and straightens the airflow in a vortex-like manner.

16. It is equipped with an air-cooling structure that cools the signal processing board electrically connected to the antenna board with air, The aforementioned air-cooled cooling structure is A support member that supports the signal processing board on its inner surface, An antenna device comprising: an air guide section that generates a helical airflow inside the support member with the extension direction of the support member as its axis;

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