Waveguide antenna, radar assembly and production method

Abstract

The invention relates to a waveguide antenna for a radar assembly, comprising a plurality of antenna blocks. Each of the plurality of antenna blocks has a plurality of radiating elements for emitting radar waves on a first surface of the respective antenna block. Each of the plurality of radiating elements is connected to at least one receiving opening via a waveguide network in order to conduct a radar wave fed in through the at least one receiving opening through the waveguide network to the respective radiating element. Each of the plurality of antenna blocks is connected via a connection interface to a further antenna block of the plurality of antenna blocks on at least one outer side of the respective antenna block. The invention also relates to a radar assembly and to a corresponding method for producing a waveguide antenna.

Description

[0001] R.413962

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Waveguide antenna, radar assembly and manufacturing process

[0006] The present invention relates to a waveguide antenna, a radar assembly and a corresponding method for manufacturing a waveguide antenna.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] For radar sensors, patch antennas have been the most suitable beaming elements for RF power due to the low bandwidth required. The next generation of automotive radar sensors has spatial resolution requirements that translate into operating bandwidths of 4 GHz to 5 GHz. Given the limitations associated with planar patch antennas, waveguide antennas are paving the way for meeting the high RF power requirements of next-generation radars. Furthermore, waveguide antennas offer lower losses and better overall efficiency.

[0009] Waveguides are typically used to transmit waves from one point to another through a guided medium without unwanted leakage. The guiding medium is generally air or free space for a conventional waveguide. Waveguides prevent the wave from propagating and force it to travel in a specific direction, thereby reducing loss.

[0010] In next-generation imaging radars, the number of channels and the number of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MM I Cs) increase, resulting in a larger sensor size and a larger physical antenna to achieve the desired range, speed, and resolution performance. R.413962

[0011] - 2 - to achieve the requirements necessary for the safe operation of driverless vehicles. Due to the demanding performance indicators, the sensor's "Key Performance Indicators" (KPIs), the large antenna size with tight positional tolerances, the technology, and the process constraints, there is a risk of a high reject rate due to defects and failures. This motivates the search for an improved and cost-effective approach to the development and manufacturing of an antenna for a radar system.

[0012] EP4305710 A1 describes a waveguide antenna with a plurality of waveguide openings and an interface structure for connecting the waveguide antenna to a printed circuit board. Interface waveguide openings on the interface structure are designed and arranged such that at least two adjacent section waveguide openings have different aperture orientations.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] The invention provides a waveguide antenna for a radar assembly according to claim 1, a radar assembly according to claim 9, and a method for manufacturing a waveguide antenna according to claim 11.

[0015] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0016] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a waveguide antenna for a radar system. According to the first aspect, the invention therefore relates to a waveguide antenna with a plurality of antenna blocks, each of the plurality of antenna blocks having a plurality of radiating elements for emitting radar waves on a first surface of the respective antenna block, each of the plurality of radiating elements being connected via a waveguide network to at least one receiving aperture on a second surface opposite the first surface in order to guide a radar wave injected through the at least one receiving aperture through the waveguide network to the respective radiating element, each of the plurality of antenna blocks having at least one outer surface of the respective antenna block. R.413962

[0017] - 3 - blocks are connected to another antenna block of the majority of antenna blocks via a connection interface.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a radar assembly with a waveguide antenna according to the first aspect, at least one beaming element which is arranged and configured to feed a radar wave into the at least one receiving aperture of the waveguide antenna, and a radar chip which is arranged on a circuit board and is configured to control the at least one beaming element, wherein the waveguide antenna is arranged parallel above or below the circuit board.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a waveguide antenna. The method comprises forming a plurality of antenna blocks, each of which has a plurality of radiating elements for emitting radar waves on a first surface of the respective antenna block, each of which is connected via a waveguide network to at least one receiving aperture on a second surface opposite the first surface in order to guide a radar wave injected through the receiving aperture through the waveguide network to the respective radiating element, and connecting the plurality of antenna blocks via connection interfaces on an outside of the respective antenna block.

[0020] A fundamental idea of ​​the present invention is to divide large antenna arrays into small parts, the antenna blocks, which can be manufactured and tested independently. Testing an antenna block is significantly simpler and requires less effort compared to testing the entire waveguide antenna. After testing, qualified parts, i.e., antenna blocks that have passed the quality tests, can be assembled and installed in the radar sensor.

[0021] To assemble the antenna blocks, they are connected to each other on their outer sides via connection interfaces that are formed on the outer sides either before or during the joining process, for example by welding. Thus, each of the plural R.413962

[0022] - 4 - Antenna blocks have a connection interface on at least one outer surface of each antenna block, through which the antenna block is connected to another antenna block. In this way, all antenna blocks can be interconnected via the connection interfaces. Furthermore, nested parts can be manufactured for large antenna blocks, for example, using injection molding. The outer surfaces are generally the boundary surfaces that are orthogonal to the first and second surfaces on which the radiating elements or the receiving aperture for receiving the radar waves into the waveguide network are located.

[0023] Preferably, more than one receiving port is provided for feeding the radar waves into the waveguide network of the antenna block. It can be provided that at least one receiving port is provided in the waveguide network for each radiating element, or at least for a specific group of closely spaced radiating elements. The at least one receiving port can be located on a second surface of the antenna block opposite the first surface, or on the underside of the antenna block. Alternatively, the receiving port can also be located on an outer surface of the antenna block or the waveguide antenna.

[0024] Advantages of the invention

[0025] Manufacturing such a large-dimension waveguide antenna, composed of multiple antenna blocks, can initially meet the otherwise tight positional tolerances. Furthermore, it allows for increased production time per unit, particularly through the application of established manufacturing processes such as injection molding or etching. A higher production yield can also be achieved, as otherwise occurring inhomogeneities or poor flatness are avoided. In particular, the testing period, which otherwise carries the risk of the antenna being scrapped after testing due to insufficient quality, can be shortened. Thus, 50 or more channels per antenna group are once again feasible thanks to the modular design. Moreover, poor RF performance, where some channels do not behave as expected, can be reduced. R.413962

[0026] - 5 -

[0027] According to one embodiment of the waveguide antenna, the majority of antenna blocks comprise a first group of identical antenna blocks. In this way, the waveguide antenna can be more easily mass-produced from identical antenna blocks using a single manufacturing process.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the waveguide antenna, the majority of antenna blocks have a second group of identical antenna blocks that differ from the antenna blocks of the first group. This increases the flexibility of the possible shapes of the waveguide antenna.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the waveguide antenna, the first group of antenna blocks and the second group of antenna blocks are at least partially rotationally symmetrical to each other. This also simplifies the manufacture of the waveguide antenna.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the waveguide antenna, a first antenna block is connected to a second antenna block via a first connection interface. Furthermore, the second antenna block is connected to a third antenna block via a second connection interface. The first and second connection interfaces run parallel to each other. This embodiment of a waveguide antenna represents a particularly simple antenna design to manufacture, since the individual antenna blocks can be assembled or joined along a direction parallel to the connection interface.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the waveguide antenna, the antenna blocks are formed by multilayer gap waveguide antenna elements. The antenna blocks can also be designed as injection-molded waveguide antenna elements. This leads to a broader application of the present invention.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the waveguide antenna, the connection interfaces of the majority of antenna blocks contain mechanical plug connections. In some embodiments, the mechanical plug connections are designed to be detachable. In this way, a mechanically stable R.413962

[0033] A connection can be established. Furthermore, defective antenna blocks can be easily replaced without affecting other antenna blocks or the connection interface.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the waveguide antenna, the majority of antenna blocks are connected at a respective interface by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, soldering, gluing, clamping, riveting, screwing, mechanical insertion, brazing, locking, snapping, or a combination thereof. These are connection techniques that can be used for the interfaces. Thus, the interfaces can be flexibly designed and manufactured to suit the respective applications and materials.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the radar assembly, the radar chip is arranged in a projection onto the first surface of the waveguide antenna at a connection interface between two antenna blocks. In this way, two or more antenna blocks can share a single radar chip such that the radar chip controls beam elements for two or more antenna blocks.

[0036] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawing.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings

[0038] They show:

[0039] Figures 1a-b schematic top views of a waveguide antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figures 2a-c schematic perspective views of an antenna block of a waveguide antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention; R.413962

[0041] - 7 -

[0042] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0045] Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0046] Figures 7a-b schematic top view of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figures 11 and above show schematic cross-sectional views of a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a radar assembly with a waveguide antenna according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0052] Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a radar assembly with a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the invention; and R.413962

[0053] - 8 -

[0054] Figure 14 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a waveguide antenna according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0055] In all figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements and devices are designated with the same reference numerals. The numbering of process steps serves for clarity and generally does not imply a specific chronological order. In particular, several process steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0056] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0057] Figures 1a and 1b show schematic top views of a waveguide antenna 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1a shows a top view of the waveguide antenna 1, while Figure 1b shows a bottom view of the waveguide antenna 1. Elements and components visible from the respective top or bottom view are shown in solid lines, while elements and components not visible from the respective top or bottom view are shown in dashed lines.

[0058] The waveguide antenna 1 for a radar assembly 10, shown in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, has a plurality of antenna blocks 2. Each of the plurality of antenna blocks has a plurality of radiating elements 3 for emitting radar waves R on a first surface 2a of the respective antenna block 3. Each of the plurality of radiating elements 3 is connected via a waveguide network 4 to at least one receiving aperture 5 in order to guide a radar wave R, injected through the at least one receiving aperture 5, through the waveguide network 4 to the respective radiating element 3. In this embodiment, the receiving aperture 5 is located on a second surface 20b opposite the first surface 20a.

[0059] Each of the plurality of antenna blocks 2 is connected at least on one outer surface 20c of the respective antenna block 2 to another antenna block 2 of the plurality of antenna blocks 2 via a connection interface 6 on an outer surface 20c of the antenna block. R.413962

[0060] - 9 -

[0061] Figures 2a-c show schematic perspective views of an antenna block 2 of a waveguide antenna 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] An embodiment of an antenna block 2 of a waveguide antenna 1 is shown in Figures 2a to 2c. The antenna block 2 shown has a two-layer structure and comprises a first layer 11 and a second layer 12. Figure 2a shows a simple perspective view of the antenna block 2, including the two stacked first and second layers 11 and 12. A plurality of radiating elements 3 are arranged on the first surface 20a, which forms the top of the antenna block 2. These radiating elements 3 are essentially openings or slots on the first surface 20a, which form connections to the waveguide network 4. In this embodiment of the waveguide antenna 1, two sets of three radiating elements 3 arranged parallel to each other are always grouped in an antenna unit 30.

[0063] Fig. 2b shows the antenna block 2 with the exception of a quarter of the upper layer 11, so that part of the waveguide network 4 is visible below the first surface 20a. Here, feed lines 41 can be seen, which connect the emitting elements 3 to the receiving aperture 5 (not shown in Fig. 2) via a transition 42, through which radar sources are fed into the waveguide network 4 from an excitation source, such as a beaming element 7 described below.

[0064] Fig. 2c shows a perspective view of the antenna block 2, in which the upper layer 11 and the lower layer 12 have been separated for clarity. It can be seen that each antenna unit 30 is connected via corresponding feed lines 41 to a transition 42 leading to a respective receiving opening 5 (not shown in Fig. 2c).

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the feed line 41 and transitions 42 of the waveguide network 4 are partially formed in the upper layer 11 as well as in the lower layer 12. In further embodiments, the upper layer 11 contains only the radiating elements 3, while the lower layer 12 contains the entire R.413962

[0066] - 10 -

[0067] Waveguide network 4, with the exception of corresponding feed lines 41 below the emitting element 3.

[0068] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0069] In this embodiment, the waveguide antenna comprises a plurality of antenna blocks 2 of a first group 21 of identical antenna blocks 2. The plurality of antenna blocks 2 are connected to one another at a respective connection interface 6 by laser welding. In further embodiments, the antenna blocks 2 are connected to one another at a respective connection interface 6 by ultrasonic welding, soldering, gluing, clamping, riveting, screwing, mechanical insertion, brazing, locking, snapping, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The antenna blocks 2 are arranged in a 2x2 configuration and connected to each other such that the waveguide antenna 1 is square-shaped in the top view shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the majority of the antenna blocks 2 are configured as a first group 21 of identical antenna blocks 2. Thus, in this embodiment, the waveguide antenna consists of identical antenna blocks 2. The two antenna blocks 21 shown at the top of Fig. 3 are arranged rotated by 180° about an axis orthogonal to the first surface 20a compared to the two antenna blocks 21 shown at the bottom.

[0071] A radar chip 8 is shown as a dashed line in this top view of Fig. 3, indicating that the radar chip 8 is located below the waveguide antenna shown here in a radar assembly 10 described below. In this top view in Fig. 3, which is a projection onto the first surface 20a of the waveguide antenna 1, which coincides with the first surface 20a of the antenna blocks 2, the radar chip 8 is located on a connection interface 6 of two antenna blocks 2. The radar chip 8 controls beam elements 7 (not shown in Fig. 3), which feed radar waves R into the waveguide network 4 via the receiving openings 5, so that the radar waves R are emitted via the emitting elements 3 on the first surface 20a. R.413962

[0072] - 11 -

[0073] Furthermore, the first spacers 81, which are attached around the radar chip 8 and ensure a distance between the waveguide antenna 1 and the radar chip 8, can be seen. In addition, corresponding spacers 15 can be seen on the outer sides 1 c of the waveguide antenna 1, which are arranged to distance a first layer 11 and a second layer 12 of the antenna blocks 2 and / or a circuit board 9 described below from the waveguide antenna 1.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0075] In this embodiment, a first antenna block 2a is connected to a second antenna block 2b via a first connection interface 6a. Furthermore, the second antenna block 2b is connected to a third antenna block 2c via a second connection interface 6b. The first connection interface 6a and the second connection interface 6b run parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the first and second connection interfaces 6a, 6b run along the vertical line shown, which corresponds to a transverse direction of the rectangular waveguide antenna 1.

[0076] In this embodiment as well, a radar chip 8 is arranged in a projection onto the first surface 20a of the waveguide antenna 8 on a connection interface 6 of two antenna blocks 2.

[0077] In this embodiment, the majority of antenna blocks 2 also have a first group 21 of identical antenna blocks 2. However, only the two outer first and third antenna blocks 2a and 2c shown in Fig. 4 are identical in construction, while antenna block 2b differs structurally. Furthermore, the first antenna block 2a is arranged in reverse to the third antenna block 2c, i.e., rotated 180° about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first surface 20c.

[0078] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. R.413962

[0079] - 12 -

[0080] In this embodiment 5 of the waveguide antenna 1, a first antenna block 2a is connected to a second antenna block 2b via a first connection interface 6a. The second antenna block 2b is connected to a third antenna block 2c via a second connection interface 6b. Furthermore, the first connection interface 6a and the second connection interface 6b run parallel to each other in the horizontal direction shown here, which forms a longitudinal direction of the rectangular waveguide antenna 1 that is longer than the transverse direction.

[0081] In this embodiment as well, the majority of antenna blocks 2 also have a first group 21 of identical antenna blocks 2. However, here too, only the two outer first and third antenna blocks 2a and 2c shown in Fig. 5 are identical in construction. Furthermore, the first antenna block 2a is arranged in reverse to the third antenna block 2c, that is, rotated by 180° about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first surface 20c.

[0082] Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0083] In this embodiment, the majority of antenna blocks 2, in addition to a first group 21 of identical antenna blocks 2, have a second group 22 of identical antenna blocks 2. The antenna blocks 2 of the second group 22 differ structurally from the antenna blocks 2 of the first group 21.

[0084] In this embodiment of the waveguide antenna 1, the antenna blocks are arranged such that the first group 21 of antenna blocks 2 and the second group 22 of antenna blocks 2 are connected to each other at least partially rotationally symmetrically via the connection interfaces 6. That is, antenna blocks 2 of the respective first and second groups 21 are arranged in diagonally opposite corners of the rectangular waveguide antenna 1, as shown in Fig. 6. R.413962

[0085] - 13 -

[0086] Figures 7a-b show a schematic top view of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0087] In this embodiment of the waveguide antenna 1, the connection interfaces 6 of the majority of antenna blocks 2 include detachable mechanical connectors 61, 62. This design is particularly advantageous for "strong" or "thick" waveguide antennas 1 with a large layer thickness. Antenna blocks 2 of such waveguide antennas 1 are manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

[0088] For example, projections 61a, 61b of a first and second antenna block 2a, 2b can be seen, which engage in recesses 62a, 62b of the respective second and first antenna blocks 2b, 2a, in order to interlock with each other. The same applies to the remaining antenna blocks 2c, 2d, which are interconnected. Antenna block 2d is also connected to the first antenna block 2a, and antenna block 2c to antenna block 2b. Fig. 7a shows the antenna blocks 2a-2d explosively spaced apart from each other. Fig. 7b shows the interconnected antenna blocks 2a-2d, which together form the waveguide antenna 1.

[0089] In embodiments where the mechanical connectors 61, 62 are detachable, they can be designed with locating fits. This allows them to be released by applying force without damaging the connection interfaces 6 or other components of the antenna block 2. This also allows the antenna blocks 2 to be reused for a different waveguide antenna 1, if necessary. In further embodiments, the antenna blocks 2 are connected to each other at the connection interfaces 6 by gluing, welding, insertion, soldering, clamping, etc.

[0090] Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] In this embodiment, the antenna blocks 2 are formed by multilayer gap waveguide antenna elements 25. In further embodiments R.413962

[0092] - 14 - the antenna blocks are designed as injection-molded waveguide antenna elements.

[0093] In this embodiment, the majority of antenna blocks 2 are connected at a respective connection interface 6 by laser welding. That is, weld points 63 are formed along the connection interface 6, which firmly connect the adjacent antenna blocks 2 to one another. In further embodiments, the antenna blocks are connected to one another by ultrasonic welding, soldering, gluing, clamping, riveting, screwing, mechanical insertion, brazing, locking, snapping, or a combination thereof.

[0094] Also visible are spacers 15 that penetrate the antenna blocks 2, which are formed as gap waveguide antenna elements, on the outer surface 1c of the waveguide antenna 1. Such spacers 15 are preferred for large antenna blocks 2 in order to maintain mechanical stability and thus also stable radiation characteristics.

[0095] Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] In this embodiment, the connection interfaces 6 include mechanical plug connections 61, 62, which have a projection 61 and a recess 62 for engagement of the projection 61 of the respective antenna block 2 to be connected.

[0097] Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] In this embodiment of the waveguide antenna 1, the connection interfaces 6 of the majority of antenna blocks 2 also include mechanical plug connections 61, 62. Furthermore, the majority of antenna blocks 2 are connected to one another at each connection interface 6 by laser welding. Thus, weld points 61 at the connection interfaces 6 are shown schematically. In further embodiments, the antenna blocks 2 are additionally connected by ultrasonic welding in addition to the mechanical plug connection. R.413962

[0099] - 15 - welding, soldering, gluing, clamping, riveting, screwing, mechanical insertion, brazing, locking, snapping or a combination thereof are joined together. This creates hybrid connection interfaces 6.

[0100] Figures 11 and above show schematic cross-sectional views of a waveguide antenna 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0101] The connection interfaces 6 of the antenna blocks 2 of this embodiment of a waveguide antenna 1 also include mechanical plug connections 61, 62. These include cylindrical protrusions 61 and corresponding hole-shaped recesses 62. These connections can be designed to be detachable with a suitable fit, or permanent, in particular by using additional joining techniques such as gluing.

[0102] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a radar assembly 10 with a waveguide antenna 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0103] Figure 12 shows a radar assembly 10 with a waveguide antenna 1 according to the preceding embodiments of the waveguide antennas 1 or antenna blocks 2 of Figures 1 to 10.

[0104] Such a radar assembly 10 has at least one beam element 7, which is arranged and configured to feed a radar wave R into the at least one receiving aperture 5 of the waveguide antenna 1. Furthermore, the radar assembly 10 has a radar chip 8, which is arranged on a circuit board 9 and is configured to control the at least one beam element 7. The radar assembly 10 is constructed in layers, such that the waveguide antenna 1 is arranged parallel above or below the circuit board 9. In the embodiment of the radar assembly 10 shown in Fig. 12, the waveguide antenna 1 is arranged parallel above the circuit board 9.

[0105] Spacers 15 are arranged between the waveguide antenna 1 and the circuit board 9. These have openings 72 to separate them from the beaming element 7. R.413962

[0106] - 16 - emitted radar waves R into the receiving aperture 5 and thus into the waveguide network 4 of the waveguide antenna 1.

[0107] In this way, the radar waves R propagating within a waveguide antenna 1 are caused to radiate from the waveguide network 4. This is effectively achieved by slots or openings acting as radiating elements 3. Radar sensors typically employ multiple waveguide antennas 1 to achieve an antenna grouping factor for a desired field of view. Such an arrangement would also require a feed network to guide the wave from a beaming element 7 (the radiation source) to the antenna or radiating element 3, which is usually located in the underlying layer to create a smaller antenna opening, avoid overlapping feed lines, and allow for greater freedom in antenna design.

[0108] Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a radar assembly with a waveguide antenna according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0109] In the embodiment of the radar assembly 10 shown in Fig. 13, the waveguide antenna 1 is arranged parallel below the circuit board 9.

[0110] A spacer plate 90 is arranged between the waveguide antenna 1 and the circuit board 1. Both the circuit board 7 and the spacer plate 90 have superimposed passages 82, 92 to feed radar waves R emitted by the beaming element 7 through the passages 82, 92 into the receiving opening 5 and thus into the waveguide network 4 of the waveguide antenna 1.

[0111] Figure 14 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a waveguide antenna according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0112] In a first step of the process for manufacturing a waveguide antenna 1, a plurality of antenna blocks 2 M1 are formed. Each of the plurality of antenna blocks 2 has a plurality of radiating elements 3 for emitting radar waves R on a first surface 20a of the respective antenna block 2. Each of the plurality of radiating elements 3 is connected via a waveguide antenna.

[0113] - 17 - a waveguide network 4 with at least one receiving aperture 5 on a second surface 20b opposite the first surface 20a, in order to guide a radar wave R injected through the at least one receiving aperture 5 through the waveguide network 4 to the respective emitting element 3. In a further step, the majority of antenna blocks are connected to each other M2 via connection interfaces 6 on an outer surface 20c of the respective antenna block 2.

[0114] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to the preferred embodiment, it is not limited to this embodiment but can be modified in many different ways.

Claims

R.413962 - 18 - Claims 1. Waveguide antenna (1) for a radar assembly (10), comprising: a plurality of antenna blocks (2), each of the plurality of antenna blocks comprising a plurality of radiating elements (3) for emitting radar waves (R) on a first surface (2a) of the respective antenna block (3), each of the plurality of radiating elements (3) being connected via a waveguide network (4) to at least one receiving aperture (5) in order to guide a radar wave (R) fed through the at least one receiving aperture (5) through the waveguide network (4) to the respective radiating element (3), each of the plurality of antenna blocks (2) being connected at at least one outer surface (2c) of the respective antenna block (2) to another antenna block (2) of the plurality of antenna blocks (2) via a connection interface (6) on an outer surface (20c) of the antenna block.

2. Waveguide antenna according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of antenna blocks (2) comprises a first group (21) of identical antenna blocks (2).

3. Waveguide antenna according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of antenna blocks (2) comprises a second group (22) of identical antenna blocks (2) which differ from the antenna blocks (2) of the first group (21). R.413962 - 19 - 4. Waveguide antenna according to claim 3, wherein the first group (21) of antenna blocks (2) and the second group (22) of antenna blocks (2) are at least partially rotationally symmetrically connected to each other.

5. Waveguide antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first antenna block (2a) is connected to a second antenna block (2b) via a first connection interface (6a), wherein the second antenna block (2b) is connected to a third antenna block (2c) via a second connection interface (6b), wherein the first connection interface (6a) and the second connection interface (6b) are parallel to each other.

6. Waveguide antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna blocks (2) are formed by multilayer gap waveguide antenna elements (25).

7. Waveguide antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection interfaces (6) of the plurality of antenna blocks (2) comprise, in particular, detachable mechanical connectors (61, 62).

8. Waveguide antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of antenna blocks (2) are connected to each other at a respective connection interface (6) by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, soldering, gluing, clamping, riveting, screwing, mechanical insertion, brazing, locking, snapping or a combination thereof.

9. Radar assembly (10) comprising a waveguide antenna (1) according to the preceding claims, at least one beaming element (7) which is arranged and configured to feed a radar wave (R) into the at least one receiving aperture (5) of the waveguide antenna (1), and a radar chip (8) which is arranged on a circuit board (9) and configured to control the at least one beaming element (7), R.413962 - 20 - wherein the waveguide antenna (1) is arranged parallel above or below the circuit board (9).

10. Radar assembly according to claim 9, wherein the radar chip is arranged in a projection onto the first surface of the waveguide antenna on a connecting interface of two antenna blocks.

11. Method for manufacturing a waveguide antenna (1), comprising, Forming (M1) a plurality of antenna blocks (2), wherein each of the plurality of antenna blocks (2) has a plurality of emitting elements (3) for emitting radar waves (R) on a first surface (20a) of the respective antenna block (2), wherein each of the plurality of emitting elements (3) is connected via a waveguide network (4) to at least one receiving aperture (5) on a second surface (20b) opposite the first surface (20a) in order to guide a radar wave (R) injected through the waveguide network (4) to the respective emitting element (3), and Connecting (M2) the majority of antenna blocks via connection interfaces (6) on an outside (20c) of the respective antenna block (2).

Images