KR102581461B1 - Radar module and automotive radar apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A radar module according to an embodiment includes a transmission antenna element that transmits a transmission signal; a receiving antenna element that receives a received signal based on reflection of the transmitted signal; and a communication element that includes a plurality of transmission channels connected to the transmission antenna element and a plurality of reception channels connected to the reception antenna element, and processes the transmission signal and the reception signal. , each connected to the plurality of transmission channels and comprising a plurality of transmitting antenna arrays composed of a single channel, and the receiving antenna element includes a receiving antenna array composed of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of receiving channels. .

Description

Radar module and vehicle radar device including the same {RADAR MODULE AND AUTOMOTIVE RADAR APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a vehicle radar device, and particularly to a vehicle radar device including short-range and long-range radar modules.

Radar devices are being applied to various technical fields, and have recently been mounted on vehicles to improve vehicle mobility. These radar devices use electromagnetic waves to detect information about the vehicle's surrounding environment. Additionally, as the information is used to move the vehicle, the efficiency of vehicle mobility can be improved. For this purpose, the radar device is equipped with an antenna to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.

Meanwhile, vehicle radars can be classified into long-range radar (LRR) and short-range radar (SRR). Long-range radar devices mainly use the 77 GHz frequency band, and short-range radar devices mainly use the 77 GHz band. For radar devices, the 24GHz band is mainly used.

In order to secure the FOV (field of view) and detection distance for a vehicle radar, which includes both long-range and short-range radar devices, to simultaneously detect objects deployed at long and short distances, optimal spacing between antenna channels is arranged and It is necessary to secure antenna gain.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a radar module including a transmitting antenna element and a receiving antenna element commonly connected to one communication element and a vehicle radar device including the same are provided.

In addition, in an embodiment according to the present invention, a radar module capable of detecting objects within long-distance, mid-distance, and short-distance ranges using one transmission antenna element through a combination of transmission antennas each connected to different transmission channels of a communication element and a vehicle radar device including the same.

In addition, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the power and phase supplied to the transmission antennas respectively connected to different transmission channels of the communication element are selectively changed to detect objects within the long-distance, middle-distance, and short-distance ranges using one transmission antenna element. A radar module capable of detecting and a vehicle radar device including the same are provided.

The technical challenges to be achieved in the proposed embodiment are not limited to the technical challenges mentioned above, and other technical challenges not mentioned are clear to those skilled in the art from the description below. It will be understandable.

A radar module according to an embodiment includes a transmission antenna element that transmits a transmission signal; a receiving antenna element that receives a received signal based on reflection of the transmitted signal; and a communication element that includes a plurality of transmission channels connected to the transmission antenna element and a plurality of reception channels connected to the reception antenna element, and processes the transmission signal and the reception signal. , each connected to the plurality of transmission channels and comprising a plurality of transmitting antenna arrays composed of a single channel, and the receiving antenna element includes a receiving antenna array composed of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of receiving channels. .

In addition, the plurality of transmission antenna arrays include a first transmission antenna array connected to a first transmission channel, a second transmission antenna array connected to a second transmission channel, and a third transmission antenna array connected to a third transmission channel. Includes.

Additionally, each of the first to third transmission antenna arrays is configured as a single array that does not include a unit array.

Additionally, the first and third transmission antenna arrays are short-distance transmission antenna arrays, and the second transmission antenna array is a mid-range transmission antenna array.

Additionally, the second transmission antenna array is disposed between the first and third transmission antenna arrays, and the distance between the first transmission antenna array and the second transmission antenna array is equal to the distance between the second transmission antenna array and the third transmission antenna array. 3 is equal to the spacing between the transmit antenna arrays.

Additionally, the communication element converts the arrangement of the first to third transmission antenna arrays into a virtual array antenna array, and forms a virtual reception channel using the gap between the first to third transmission antenna arrays.

Additionally, the gap between the first and third transmission antenna arrays is greater than or equal to the total size of the plurality of channels of the reception antenna array.

Additionally, the communication element, in a first mode of operation, supplies signals only to the second transmit antenna array connected to the second transmission channel, and in a second mode of operation, supplies signals to the first antenna array connected to the first and third transmission channels. and supplies signals to three transmit antenna arrays, and in a third operation mode, supplies signals to all of the first to third transmit antenna arrays connected to the first to third transmit channels.

Additionally, the first to third operation modes are determined based on at least one of vehicle speed information and location information.

In addition, the transmitting antenna element, in the first operation mode, generates a radiation pattern for detecting an object in a medium-distance range, and in the second operation mode, generates a radiation pattern for detecting an object in a short-distance range, In the third mode of operation, a radiation pattern is generated for detecting objects within a long range.

Additionally, the communication element changes the phase and power supplied to each of the first to third transmission antenna arrays, thereby changing the radiation pattern transmitted through the first to third transmission antenna arrays.

Meanwhile, a vehicle radar device according to an embodiment includes a case; and a printed circuit board accommodated in the case and mounting a radar module, wherein the radar module includes a transmission antenna element for transmitting a transmission signal, a reception antenna element for receiving a reception signal based on reflection of the transmission signal, and , a communication element that includes a plurality of transmission channels connected to the transmission antenna element and a plurality of reception channels connected to the reception antenna element, and processes the transmission signal and the reception signal; , each connected to the plurality of transmission channels and comprising a plurality of transmitting antenna arrays composed of a single channel, and the receiving antenna element includes a receiving antenna array composed of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of receiving channels. .

In addition, the plurality of transmission antenna arrays include a first transmission antenna array connected to a first transmission channel, a second transmission antenna array connected to a second transmission channel, and a third transmission antenna array connected to a third transmission channel. It includes, and each of the first to third transmission antenna arrays is configured as a single array that does not include a unit array.

Additionally, the first and third transmission antenna arrays are short-distance transmission antenna arrays, and the second transmission antenna array is a mid-range transmission antenna array.

In addition, the second transmission antenna array is disposed between the first and third transmission antenna arrays on the printed circuit board, and the distance between the first transmission antenna array and the second transmission antenna array is the second transmission antenna array. It is the same as the distance between the transmit antenna array and the third transmit antenna array.

Additionally, the communication element converts the arrangement of the first to third transmission antenna arrays into a virtual array antenna array, and forms a virtual reception channel using the gap between the first to third transmission antenna arrays.

Additionally, the gap between the first and third transmission antenna arrays is greater than or equal to the total size of the plurality of channels of the reception antenna array.

Additionally, the communication element, in a first mode of operation, supplies signals only to the second transmit antenna array connected to the second transmission channel, and in a second mode of operation, supplies signals to the first antenna array connected to the first and third transmission channels. and supplies signals to three transmit antenna arrays, and in a third mode of operation, supplies signals to all of the first to third transmit antenna arrays connected to the first to third transmit channels, wherein the first to third modes of operation include: It is determined based on at least one of vehicle speed information and location information.

Meanwhile, a vehicle radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle radar device mounted in at least one of the front, rear, and sides and rear of the vehicle, comprising: a case; and a printed circuit board accommodated in the case and including a radar module, wherein the radar module is connected to a plurality of transmission channels of a communication element, and first to third transmission antenna arrays consisting of a single channel and a single array. Includes a first operation mode for supplying signals only to transmission channels connected to the second transmission antenna array, a second operation mode for supplying signals only to transmission channels connected to the first and third transmission antenna arrays, and The detection range is controlled based on a third operating mode that supplies signals to all transmission channels connected to the 1 to 3 transmission antenna arrays.

Additionally, the second transmission antenna array is a medium-distance transmission antenna array, and the first and third transmission antenna arrays are short-distance transmission antenna arrays.

According to an embodiment according to the present invention, the volume of the radar device can be minimized by integrating the previously separate transmission communication element and the reception communication element into one communication element, and thus the product price can be reduced. .

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the risk of traffic accidents can be reduced by improving blind spots and improving target detection by implementing an optimized radar antenna beam pattern according to road driving conditions.

In addition, according to an embodiment according to the present invention, the size of the radar module can be reduced by implementing the radar module, which was previously separated into a long-range antenna, a short-range antenna, and a mid-range antenna, into a single integrated type. It has the effect of increasing freedom of vehicle design and reducing costs.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a radar module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a printed circuit board on which the radome and the radar module of a vehicle radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged.
Figure 4 is a diagram specifically showing a plurality of antenna arrays according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a plan view showing a first transmission antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a plan view showing a receiving antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing the connection configuration of the radar module in the first operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a radiation pattern in the first operation mode shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the gain in the first operation mode of FIG. 7.
Figure 10 is a diagram showing the connection configuration of the radar module in the second operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a radiation pattern in the second operation mode shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the gain in the second operation mode of FIG. 10.
Figure 13 is a diagram showing the connection configuration of the radar module in the third operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a radiation pattern in the third operation mode according to FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the gain in the third operation mode according to FIG. 13.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the radome and printed circuit board of a vehicle radar device in the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is a plan view of the radome of a vehicle radar device in the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a plan view of a radome of a vehicle radar device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a radome and a printed circuit board of a vehicle radar device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 20 is a plan view of a vehicle radar device mounted on the side and rear of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 21 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining the control method of a vehicle radar device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 22 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining the control method of a vehicle radar device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are not limited. , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

The vehicle described in this specification may include a car and a motorcycle. Below, description of vehicles will focus on automobiles.

The vehicle described in this specification may be a concept that includes all internal combustion engine vehicles having an engine as a power source, a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor as a power source, and an electric vehicle having an electric motor as a power source.

In the following description, the left side of the vehicle refers to the left side of the vehicle's traveling direction, and the right side of the vehicle refers to the right side of the vehicle's traveling direction.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the automotive radar device 100 includes a case 110, a connector 120, an auxiliary printed circuit board (PCB) 130, a bracket 140, and a printed circuit board 150. , includes a shield 160, a radome 170, and a waterproof ring (180).

Case 110 can accommodate a connector 120, an auxiliary printed circuit board 130, a bracket 140, a printed circuit board 150, and a shielding unit 160.

The connector 120 can transmit and receive signals between the vehicle radar device 100 and an external device. For example, the connector 120 may be a controller area network (CAN) connector, but is not limited thereto.

The auxiliary printed circuit board 130 may be equipped with circuits for power and signal processing, but is not limited thereto.

The bracket 140 can block noise generated during the signal processing process of the auxiliary printed circuit board 130.

The printed circuit board 150 may be equipped with a plurality of antenna arrays and an integrated circuit (IC) chip connected to the plurality of antenna arrays. The plurality of antenna arrays may include a plurality of wide-angle antennas arranged in a row, but are not limited thereto. The IC chip may be a millimeter wave RFIC (radio frequency IC), but is not limited thereto.

The IC chip is commonly connected to a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, and is an integrated communication element that processes both transmitting and receiving signals.

Additionally, the plurality of antenna arrays may include transmitting antenna elements and receiving antenna elements. Here, the transmission antenna element may include a plurality of transmission antenna arrays composed of a single channel, each connected to a different transmission channel of the communication element. That is, the transmission antenna array includes a first antenna array connected to the first transmission channel of the communication element, a second antenna array connected to the second transmission channel of the communication element, and a third antenna array connected to the third transmission channel of the communication element. 3 May include an antenna array. Additionally, the receiving antenna element may include a plurality of receiving antenna arrays each connected to different receiving channels of the communication element.

Depending on the embodiment, the auxiliary printed circuit board 130 may be equipped with the plurality of antenna arrays and an IC chip connected to the plurality of antenna arrays. The auxiliary printed circuit board 130 and the printed circuit board 150 may be arranged to be spaced apart with the bracket 140 therebetween.

The shielding unit 160 may shield RF signals generated from the IC chip of the printed circuit board 150. To this end, the shielding portion 160 may be formed in an area of the printed circuit board 150 corresponding to the IC chip.

The radome 170 can accommodate the printed circuit board 150 to protect the printed circuit board 150, and the radome 170 can be fastened to the case 110. The radome 170 may be made of a material that has low attenuation of radio waves and may be an electrical insulator.

The waterproof ring 180 is disposed between the radome 170 and the case 110 to prevent the vehicle radar device 100 from being submerged. For example, the waterproof ring 180 may be formed of an elastic material.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a radar module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a radome of a vehicle radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a printed circuit board on which the radar module is disposed. am.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the printed circuit board 150 may include a plurality of antenna arrays and communication elements 430.

The plurality of antenna arrays may include a transmitting antenna element 410 and a receiving antenna element 420 on a printed circuit board 150.

The transmit antenna element 410 may include a radiator (described later), and the radiator radiates a signal from the transmit antenna element 410. That is, the radiator forms a radiation pattern of the transmitting antenna element 410. Here, the radiator is arranged along the feed line, and the radiator is made of a conductive material. The radiator may include at least one of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Gu), gold (Au), and nickel (Ni).

The transmitting antenna element 410 may include a plurality of transmitting antenna arrays. In addition, the plurality of transmission antenna arrays are each connected to different transmission channels of the communication element 430, and selectively form the radiation pattern according to the signal supplied through the communication element 430.

The receiving antenna element 420 may include a plurality of receiving antenna arrays and may include a radiator. The radiator forms the radiation pattern of the receiving antenna element 420. Here, the radiator is arranged along the feed line and is made of a conductive material. Additionally, the radiator may include at least one of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Gu), gold (Au), and nickel (Ni).

The communication element 430 is connected to the plurality of antenna arrays. The communication element 430 may include, for example, a millimeter wave RFIC. The communication element 430 generates a transmission signal from transmission data and outputs it to the transmission antenna element 410, receives a signal from the reception antenna element 420, and generates data from the reception signal.

The radar module 100 can be driven.

The control unit 440 may drive the radar module 100 while the vehicle is driving. The control unit 440 controls the radar module 100 to determine whether an object is detected in the area surrounding the current location. The control unit 440 processes transmitted data and received data. The control unit 440 may control the communication element 430 to generate a transmission signal from transmission data. The control unit 440 may control the communication element 430 to generate received data from the received signal. The control unit 440 may synchronize transmitted data and received data. The control unit 440 may perform CFAR operation, tracking operation, target selection operation, etc. on the received data to extract angle information, speed information, and distance information about the target.

The radome 170 may include a cover portion 171 disposed opposite to the printed circuit board 150 and an edge portion 173 coupled to the case 110. The printed circuit board 150 may be placed in a space formed by the height difference between the cover portion 171 and the edge portion 173 of the radome 170.

The radome 170 may define the direction in which the plurality of antenna arrays are sequentially arranged as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of antenna arrays are sequentially arranged may be defined as the Y-axis direction, The direction perpendicular to the plurality of antenna arrays may be defined as the Z-axis direction.

Figure 4 is a diagram specifically showing a plurality of antenna arrays according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the communication element 430 is commonly connected to the transmitting antenna element 410 and the receiving antenna element 420.

The communication element 430 has a plurality of transmission channels connected to the transmission antenna element 410 and also has a plurality of reception channels connected to the reception antenna element 420.

Preferably, the communication element 430 may include a first transmission channel (CH1), a second transmission channel (CH2), and a third transmission channel (CH3). Additionally, the communication element 430 may include a first reception channel (CH1), a second reception channel (CH2), a third reception channel (CH3), and a fourth reception channel (CH4).

The transmission antenna element 410 includes a first transmission antenna array 411 connected to the first transmission channel (CH1), a second transmission antenna array 412 connected to the second transmission channel (CH2), and the third transmission antenna element 410. It may include a third transmission antenna array 413 connected to the transmission channel (CH3).

In addition, the receiving antenna element 420 includes a first receiving antenna array 421 connected to the first receiving channel (CH1), a second receiving antenna array 422 connected to the second receiving channel (CH2), It may include a third receiving antenna array 423 connected to the third receiving channel (CH3), and a fourth receiving antenna array 424 connected to the fourth receiving channel (CH4).

At this time, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first to third transmission antenna arrays 411, 412, and 413 may be antennas composed of a single channel and a single array having different structures. And, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the first to third transmission antenna arrays 411, 412, and 413 may be antennas composed of a single channel and a single array having the same structure.

Accordingly, the transmitting antenna element 410 in the first embodiment of the present invention is a combination of the first to third transmitting antenna arrays 411, 412, and 413 connected to each of the transmitting channels (CH1, CH2, and CH3). form different radiation patterns.

In addition, the transmission antenna element 410 in the second embodiment of the present invention is a phase supplied to the first to third transmission antenna arrays 411, 412, and 413 connected to each of the transmission channels (CH1, CH2, and CH3). and selectively changing power to form different radiation patterns.

As described above, the receiving antenna element 420 includes first to fourth receiving antenna arrays 421, 422, 423, and 424, and thus receives a received signal for the transmitted signal transmitted through the transmitting antenna element 410. You can receive it.

Meanwhile, the communication element 430 can generate a transmission signal from transmission data. To this end, the communication element 430 may output a transmission signal to the transmission antenna element 410 through each transmission channel. To this end, the communication element 430 may be provided with an oscillator (not shown), and for example, the oscillator may include a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and an oscillator.

Additionally, the communication element 430 may receive a reception signal from the reception antenna element 420. The communication element 430 may generate received data from the received signal. To this end, the communication element 430 may include a low noise amplifier (LNA; not shown) and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC; not shown). The low-noise amplifier may amplify the received signal with low noise, and the analog-to-digital converter may generate received data by converting the received signal from an analog signal to digital data.

That is, the transmitting antenna element 410 can transmit a transmission signal into the air, and the receiving antenna element 420 can receive a reception signal from the air. Here, the transmission signal represents a wireless signal transmitted from the radar module 10. And the received signal represents a wireless signal flowing into the radar module 100 as the transmitted signal is reflected by the target (TARGET).

Meanwhile, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first transmission antenna array 411 is a short-distance transmission antenna array, the second transmission antenna array 412 is a mid-range transmission antenna array, and the third transmission antenna The array 413 may be a short-distance transmission antenna array like the first transmission antenna array 411.

At this time, as shown in the figure, the mid-range transmission antenna array constituting the first transmission antenna array 411 and the third transmission antenna array 413 is the short-distance transmission antenna array constituting the second transmission antenna array 412. It can be formed in a smaller size than the transmitting antenna array.

In addition, the first transmission antenna array 411, the second transmission antenna array 412, and the third transmission antenna array 413 are connected to different transmission channels of the communication element 430, respectively, through a single channel. It can be configured. Additionally, each of the first transmission antenna array 411, the second transmission antenna array 412, and the third transmission antenna array 413 may be configured as a single array.

Figure 5 is a plan view showing a first transmission antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The first transmission antenna array 411 is a short-distance transmission antenna and may include a feed line 4111, a distribution unit 5112, and a plurality of radiators.

In an embodiment, the radiator 4113 that is closest to the distribution unit 4112 in the array may be arranged to be spaced apart from the feed line 4111. For example, the radiator 4113 may be implemented as a gap coupled patch antenna to reduce the amount of radiation.

The distribution unit 4112 is disposed between the communication element 430 and the feed line 4111, and can thereby supply a signal to the feed line 4111.

The patch of the radiator 4117 disposed furthest from the distribution unit 4112 in the array may be the largest among the patches of the plurality of radiators in order to reduce side lobes of radio waves.

In an embodiment, the length (h4) of the array may be 29 mm or more and 31 mm or less, preferably 29.7 mm, and the gap (h5) between the first radiator 4113 and the second radiator 4114 of the array is It may be narrower than the gap h6 between the third radiator 4115 and the fourth radiator 4116, but this is not limited.

A plurality of radiators are distributed and arranged on the feed line 4111. The plurality of radiators are arranged along the feed line 4111. Through this, signals are supplied from the feed line 4111 to the radiators. The plurality of radiators are made of a conductive material. Here, the plurality of radiators may include at least one of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Gu), gold (Au), and nickel (Ni).

Figure 6 is a plan view showing a receiving antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving antenna element 420 is composed of a plurality of channels and may therefore include a plurality of arrays. In an embodiment, the plurality of channels may include four channels, for example, a first reception channel (CH1), a second reception channel (CH2), a third reception channel (CH3), and a fourth reception channel (CH4). may include. Each of the plurality of channels (a first receive antenna array, a second receive antenna array, a third receive antenna array, and a fourth receive antenna array) may each include four unit arrays, for example, the first unit array (a1) , it may be a second unit array (a2), a third unit array (a3), and a fourth unit array (a4).

Each of the receiving antenna arrays may include a plurality of feed lines, a distribution unit, and a plurality of radiators. In an embodiment, the first unit array a1 may include a feed line 4211, a distribution unit 4212, and a plurality of radiators.

The feed line 4211 may be arranged to extend from the distribution unit 4212 to supply signals to the plurality of radiators. The feed lines 4211 extend in one direction and are arranged side by side in the other direction. The feed lines 4211 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals, and a signal can be transmitted from one end of the feed line 4211 to the other end.

The distribution unit 4212 is disposed between the communication element 430 and the feed line 4211 and can supply a signal to the feed line 4211. The distribution unit 4212 can distribute signals to a plurality of feed lines.

A plurality of radiators receive signals from the receiving antenna element 420. Preferably, the plurality of radiators receive signals from a receiving antenna array that receives a signal from the communication element 430 among the plurality of receiving antenna arrays. The plurality of radiators form a radiation pattern of the receiving antenna element 420. The plurality of radiators are distributed and arranged on the feed line 4211. The plurality of radiators are arranged along the feed lines 4211. The plurality of radiators are made of a conductive material. Here, the plurality of radiators may include at least one of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Gu), gold (Au), and nickel (Ni).

In an embodiment, the radiator 4213 of the unit array a1 disposed at the edge of the plurality of arrays may be spaced further apart from the distribution unit 4212 than the radiator 4215 of the unit array a2 disposed in the middle. That is, in order to adjust the phases of the plurality of unit arrays equally, the radiator 4213 of the unit array (a1) disposed at the edge of the plurality of arrays is more powerful than the radiator 4215 of the unit array (a2) disposed in the middle. It can be placed spaced apart from the distribution unit 4212.

Additionally, among the plurality of unit arrays, the radiators 4213 and 4215 closest to the distribution unit 4212 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the feed line 4211. For example, the radiators 4213 and 4215 may be implemented as gap coupled patch antennas to reduce radiation.

The patch of the radiator 4214 disposed furthest from the distribution unit 4212 among the plurality of unit arrays may be the largest in size among the patches of the plurality of radiators in order to reduce side lobes of radio waves.

In an embodiment, the receiving antenna element 420 includes four channels, and the spacing between the channels may be less than 2λ.

In an embodiment, the length (h7) of the first unit array (a1) may be 40 mm or more and 42 mm or less, preferably 41.6 mm, and the first radiator 4215 and the second unit array (a2) The spacing h9 of the radiator 4216 may be narrower than the spacing h8 between the third radiator 4217 and the fourth radiator 4218, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the distance W2 between the first channel and the second channel may be 7.0 mm or more and 8.0 mm or less, and preferably 7.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the transmitting antenna element 410 and the receiving antenna element 420 in the present invention are configured as virtual array antennas. To this end, the communication element 430 converts the antenna array of the transmitting antenna element 410 and the receiving antenna element 420 into a virtual array antenna, and adjusts the respective spacing between the antenna elements that actually transmit and receive the wireless signal. By virtually changing the number of antennas for transmission or reception through a conversion process that applies the algorithm used, the reception resolution and number of object detections can be increased.

In other words, the phase and power of the received signal received from each of the four channels of the receiving antenna element 420 with respect to the transmitted signal transmitted from the first transmitting antenna array 411 are the same as those of the third transmitting antenna array. The phase and power of the received signal received from each of the four channels of the receiving antenna element 420 appear to be different from the transmitted signal transmitted at 413. Accordingly, the difference in phase and power can be calculated using the physical distance difference between the first and third transmission antenna arrays 411 and 413, and thus the original 4 Four virtual channels for each reception channel can be created, thereby increasing the reception resolution.

Meanwhile, the distance between the first and third transmission antenna arrays 411 and 413 is preferably determined by the reception channel of the reception antenna element 420. That is, the arrangement of the first transmission antenna array 411 and the third transmission antenna array 413 applies an algorithm using the gap between each antenna element with respect to the actual transmission and reception antenna elements in the communication element 430. It is a virtual antenna that can virtually increase the number of channels through a conversion process and thereby increase reception resolution. Accordingly, the distance between the first transmission antenna array 411 and the third transmission antenna array 413 affects the number of added virtual channels.

Therefore, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the distance between the first transmission antenna array 411 and the third transmission antenna array 413 is spaced apart by the maximum size of the reception channel of the reception antenna element 420, and Accordingly, a virtual array can be added with 4 virtual channels seamlessly.

For example, if the receiving antenna element 420 has four receiving channels and the size of each receiving channel is 5, the sum of the receiving channels 1 to 5 is 20. Therefore, when the reception channel is formed as described above, the separation distance between the first transmission antenna array 411 and the third transmission antenna array 413 in the present invention is also formed to be 20 or more, so that the actual reception channel The number of virtual channels can be formed as the number of .

Additionally, the second transmission antenna array 412 is disposed between the first transmission antenna array 411 and the third transmission antenna element 410.

At this time, in the third operation mode in which the first transmission antenna array 411, the second transmission antenna array 412, and the third transmission antenna array 413 are simultaneously driven, in order to balance the left and right radiation patterns, the second The distance between the transmission antenna array 412 and the first transmission antenna array 411 is designed to be equal to the distance between the second transmission antenna array 412 and the third transmission antenna array 413.

Hereinafter, the operation mode of the transmission antenna element 410 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Here, the operation mode may include a first operation mode, a second operation mode, and a third operation mode.

And, the first operation mode refers to the normal driving mode of the vehicle, which can be performed when the vehicle is driving on a normal city road. The second operation mode refers to a low-speed driving mode of the vehicle, which can be performed when the vehicle is driving at an intersection, a congested road, or a sharp turn section. And, the third operation mode refers to a high-speed driving mode of the vehicle, which can be performed when the vehicle is traveling on a highway or automobile road.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the connection configuration of the radar module in the first operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the radiation pattern in the first operation mode according to FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the gain in the first operation mode of FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the first operation mode is a normal driving mode, and in this case, the transmitting antenna element 410 operates as a mid-range radar.

To this end, the communication element 430 supplies signals only to the second transmission channel (CH2) connected to the second transmission antenna array 412 among the three transmission channels, and to the first transmission channel (CH1), which is the remaining two transmission channels. ) and the third transmission channel (CH3) do not supply signals. Accordingly, in the above case, the first transmission antenna array 411 and the third transmission antenna array 413 do not radiate signals for object detection, and only the second transmission antenna array 412 detects the object. emits a signal for

Accordingly, only the second transmission antenna array 412 operates according to the above transmission channel settings, and accordingly, the transmission antenna element 410 operates as a mid-range antenna. In this case, the transmitting antenna element 410 can detect some left and right objects in a short distance and a front object that exists in the vicinity of 100m.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the transmitting antenna element 410 in the first operation mode has a vertical radiation pattern and a left and right radiation pattern within an appropriate range, and an overall circular radiation pattern may be formed. . In addition, the transmitting antenna element 410 has a maximum gain of 16.0414 dB at 0 degrees, a gain of 7.51 dB at -45 degrees, a gain of 7.43 dB at +45 degrees, and a gain of 7.51 dB at -10 degrees. appears, and at +10 degrees, a gain of 15.80dB was confirmed to appear.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the connection configuration of a radar module in a second operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a radiation pattern in the second operation mode according to FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the gain in the second operation mode of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the second operation mode refers to a low-speed driving mode of the vehicle, which can be performed when the vehicle is driving at an intersection, a congested road, or a sharp turn section. In this case, the transmitting antenna element 410 operates as a short-range radar.

For this purpose, the communication element 430 includes a first transmission channel (CH1) connected to the first transmission antenna array 411 and a third transmission channel (CH3) connected to the third transmission antenna array 413 among the three transmission channels. ), and does not supply a signal to the remaining transmission channel, the second transmission channel (CH2). Accordingly, in the above case, the second transmission antenna array 412 does not radiate a signal for object detection, and the first transmission antenna array 411 and the second transmission antenna array 412 detect the object. emits a signal for

Accordingly, the first transmission antenna array 411 and the third transmission antenna array 413 operate in the second operation mode according to the transmission channel settings as described above, and accordingly, the transmission antenna element 410 is used for short-distance operation. It operates as an antenna. In this case, the transmission antenna element 410 is a wide-angle antenna, enabling object detection in a wide left and right range.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper and lower width of the transmission antenna element 410 in the second operation mode is reduced compared to the radiation pattern of the transmission antenna element 410 in the first operation mode. However, it was confirmed that the width on the left and right sides increased significantly, and as a result, a radiation pattern that can efficiently detect objects at the left and right corners can be formed. In addition, the transmitting antenna element 410 has a maximum gain of 13.4137 dB at 0 degrees, a gain of 12.17 dB at -45 degrees, a gain of 11.85 dB at +45 degrees, and a gain of 12.93 dB at -10 degrees. It was confirmed that a gain of 13.31 dB appeared at +10 degrees. That is, compared to the first operation mode, it was confirmed that in the second operation mode, the gain of the radiation pattern does not decrease significantly even when moving left or right, thereby enabling detection in a wide range.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the connection configuration of the radar module in the third operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the radiation pattern in the third operation mode according to FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the gain in the third operation mode according to FIG. 13.

13 to 15, the third operation mode refers to a high-speed driving mode of the vehicle, which can be performed when the vehicle is traveling on a highway or automobile road. The transmitting antenna element 410 in this case operates as a long-range radar.

To this end, the communication element 430 supplies signals to the first transmission antenna array 411, the second transmission antenna array 412, and the third transmission antenna array 413, respectively, connected to the three transmission channels. Accordingly, in the above case, the first to third transmission antenna arrays 411, 412, and 413 all radiate signals for detecting the object.

Therefore, in the third operation mode according to the above transmission channel settings, the first transmission antenna array 411, the second transmission antenna array 412, and the third transmission antenna array 413 all operate, and accordingly, The transmitting antenna element 410 operates as a long-distance antenna. In this case, the transmission antenna element 410 is a wide-angle antenna, making it possible to detect objects in a wide upper and lower range. Accordingly, it is possible to detect objects that exist over 160m.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the transmission antenna element 410 in the third operation mode has an upper and lower width compared to the radiation pattern of the transmission antenna element 410 in the first and second operation modes. It can be confirmed that this has increased significantly, but the width on the left and right has decreased. In addition, the transmitting antenna element 410 has a maximum gain of 18.3649 dB at 0 degrees, a gain of -13.11 dB at -45 degrees, a gain of -143.33 at +45 degrees, and a gain of 17.22B at -10 degrees. A gain appeared, and at +10 degrees, a gain of 17.23 dB was confirmed.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the radome and printed circuit board of a vehicle radar device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, the radome 170 includes a cover portion 171 disposed opposite the printed circuit board 150, an edge portion 173 for fastening to the case 110, and an inner surface of the cover portion 171. It may include an uneven portion 175 disposed at (177).

Then, a communication element 430 is mounted on the printed circuit board 150.

Preferably, the upper surface of the printed circuit board 150 is divided into a first area where the communication element 430 is mounted and a second area where the transmitting antenna element 410 and the receiving antenna element 420 are mounted.

Additionally, an electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 for shielding electromagnetic waves generated by the communication element 430 is disposed on an area of the inner surface of the cover part 171 that vertically overlaps the first area. Here, the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may be a shield can.

Additionally, an uneven portion 175 is disposed on an inner surface of the cover portion 171 that vertically overlaps the second region.

The cover portion 171 can accommodate the printed circuit board 150 to protect the printed circuit board 150, and the transmitting antenna element 410 and the receiving antenna element 420 mounted on the printed circuit board 150. Radio waves radiated from and received from outside can pass through.

The radome 170 may have a printed circuit board 150 disposed in a space formed by a height difference between the cover portion 171 and the edge portion 173. A transmitting antenna element 410 and a receiving antenna element 420 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 150.

Referring to the enlarged view of the radome 170 and the printed circuit board 150, the height (d1) of the cover portion 171 of the radome 170 and the height (d2) of the edge portion 173 may be the same, but It is not limited to this. For example, the height d1 of the cover portion 171 may be between 1 mm and 2 mm, and the height d2 of the edge portion 173 may be between 1 mm and 2 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The uneven portion 175 may include a plurality of irregularities, and the shape of the irregularities may be square, but is not limited thereto. The period d3 between the plurality of irregularities may be 0.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The distance d4 between the inner surface 177 of the cover portion 171 and the printed circuit board 150 may be 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Preferably, the distance d4 may be 2 mm.

The height (d5) of the plurality of irregularities may be 0.5 mm or more and 0.75 mm or less, but is not limited thereto. However, the height (d5) of the plurality of irregularities has a great influence on wide-angle implementation, and accordingly, when the height (d5) is formed to be 0.5 mm or more and 0.75 mm or less, optimal wide-angle implementation is possible.

That is, the radome 170 of the vehicle radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention forms an uneven portion 175 on the inner surface 177 to suppress the propagation of radio waves in the surface direction due to diffuse reflection and increase radio wave transmission in the vertical direction. You can do it.

Meanwhile, the upper surface of the cover part 171 is formed with a certain level difference, and accordingly, the inner surface of the cover part 171 is also formed with a certain level difference.

That is, the inner surface of the cover part 171 may be divided into a first area where the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 is placed and a second area where the concavo-convex portion 175 is placed.

At this time, the second area of the cover part 171 is related to the distance d4, and wide-angle implementation performance changes depending on the location of the second area.

At this time, optimal performance can be achieved when the distance d4 is 2 mm as described above.

Meanwhile, the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 is disposed in the first area of the cover part 171. At this time, the distance d6 between the first area of the cover part 171 and the printed circuit board 150 is determined by the height of the communication elements 430 and 440 and the height of the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450. You can.

At this time, the height of the communication element 430 is generally about 0.8 mm, and the height of the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 is about 4.2 mm.

Accordingly, the distance d6 between the inner surface of the first area of the cover portion 171 and the printed circuit board 150 may satisfy 4.2 mm.

In other words, the first area of the inner surface of the cover part 171 may be defined as an area for shielding electromagnetic waves, and the second area may be defined as an area for transmitting radio waves. Accordingly, the characteristics that each inner surface must have are different, and accordingly, the inner surface of the cover portion 171 has a certain level difference.

Preferably, among the inner surfaces of the cover portion 171, the inner surface of the first area is positioned higher than the inner surface of the second area.

Figure 17 is a plan view of the radome of a vehicle radar device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 17, it is a plan view showing the inner surface (177a) of the radome (170a). The radome (170a) has an uneven portion (175a) disposed in the second area of the inner surface (177a) within the edge portion (173a). may include. At this time, the concavo-convex portion 175a is not formed in the first area of the inner surface 177a within the edge portion 173a, and thus has a flat surface to contact the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450.

The gap d8 in the X-axis direction and the gap d7 in the Y-axis direction between the edge portion 173a and the inner surface 177a may be the same, but are not limited thereto. The gap (d7) in the ) can be between 5mm and 7mm.

The uneven portion 175a of the radome according to the first embodiment has a shape that extends continuously in the vertical direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and a plurality of irregularities may be arranged in the horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). .

Figure 18 is a plan view of a radome of a vehicle radar device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 18, it is a plan view showing the inner surface (177b) of the radome (170b), and the radome (170b) may include an uneven portion (175b) disposed on the inner surface (177b) within the edge portion (173b). there is. The distance between the edge portion 173b and the inner surface 177b in the X-axis direction and the gap in the Y-axis direction may be the same, but are not limited thereto.

The uneven portion 175b of the radome according to the second embodiment has a shape that extends discontinuously in the vertical direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and has a plurality of irregularities in the horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) in a zigzag pattern. -zag) can be placed in the form.

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a radome and a printed circuit board of a vehicle radar device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the radome 170c includes a cover portion 171c disposed opposite the printed circuit board 150, an edge portion 173c for fastening to the case 110, and an inner surface of the cover portion 171c. It may include an uneven portion 175c disposed at (177c).

Preferably, the upper surface of the printed circuit board 150 is divided into a first area where the communication element 430 is mounted and a second area where the transmitting antenna element 410 and the receiving antenna element 420 are mounted.

In addition, an electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 for shielding electromagnetic waves generated by the communication element 430 is disposed on an area of the inner surface of the cover part 171c that vertically overlaps the first area. Here, the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may be a shield can.

Additionally, an uneven portion 175c is disposed on an inner surface of the cover portion 171c that vertically overlaps the second region.

The cover portion 171c can accommodate the printed circuit board 150 to protect the printed circuit board 150, and the transmitting antenna element 410 and the receiving antenna element 420 mounted on the printed circuit board 150. Radio waves radiated from and received from outside can pass through.

The radome 170c may have a printed circuit board 150 disposed in a space formed by a height difference between the cover portion 171c and the edge portion 173c.

A transmitting antenna element 410 and a receiving antenna element 420 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 150.

The radome 170c according to the third embodiment includes at least one of a plurality of uneven portions 175c in an area where the cover portion 171c, the transmitting antenna element 410, and the receiving antenna element 420 overlap in the vertical direction. You may not. That is, since the uneven portion 175c is not disposed in the vertical direction between the transmitting antenna element 410 and the receiving antenna element 420, the beam width can be widened by increasing radio wave penetration in the vertical direction.

Referring to the enlarged view of the radome (170c) and the printed circuit board 150, the height of the cover portion (171c) and the height of the edge portion (173c) of the radome (170c) may be the same, but this is not limited. The distance (d10) between the edge portion 173c of the radome 170c and the transmission antenna element 410 may be 10 mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

An area where the cover portion 171c of the radome 170c according to the third embodiment, the transmitting antenna element 410, and the receiving antenna element 420 are disposed overlap in the vertical direction, for example, an area in which no uneven portion is formed. The width (d9) may be 1 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the upper surface of the cover part 171c is formed with a certain level difference, and accordingly, the inner surface of the cover part 171c is also formed with a certain level difference.

That is, the inner surface of the cover part 171c may be divided into a first area where the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 is placed and a second area where the concavo-convex portion 175c is placed.

At this time, the second area of the cover portion 171c is related to the distance d4, and wide-angle implementation performance changes depending on the location of the second area.

At this time, optimal performance can be achieved when the distance d4 is 2 mm as described above.

Meanwhile, the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 is disposed in the first area of the cover portion 171c. At this time, the distance d6 between the first area of the cover part 171c and the printed circuit board 150 may be determined by the height of the communication element 430 and the height of the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450. .

At this time, the height of the communication element 430 is generally about 0.8 mm, and the height of the electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 is about 4.2 mm.

Accordingly, the distance d6 between the inner surface of the first area of the cover portion 171c and the printed circuit board 150 may satisfy 4.2 mm.

In other words, the first area of the inner surface of the cover portion 171c may be defined as an area for shielding electromagnetic waves, and the second area may be defined as an area for transmitting radio waves. Accordingly, the characteristics that each inner surface must have are different, and accordingly, the inner surface of the cover portion 171 has a certain level difference.

Preferably, among the inner surfaces of the cover portion 171c, the inner surface of the first area is positioned higher than the inner surface of the second area.

Figure 19 is a plan view of a radome of a vehicle radar device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 19, it is a plan view showing the inner surface (177c) of the radome (170c). The radome (170c) may include an uneven portion (175c) disposed on the inner surface (177c) within the edge portion (173c). there is. The distance between the edge portion 173b and the inner surface 177c in the X-axis direction and the distance in the Y-axis direction may be the same, but are not limited thereto.

The uneven portions 175c of the radome according to the third embodiment have a shape that extends continuously in the vertical direction (eg, Y-axis direction), and a plurality of them may be arranged in the horizontal direction (eg, X-axis direction).

The radome 170c may not include at least one of the plurality of uneven portions 175c in an area where the cover portion 171c, the transmitting antenna element 410, and the receiving antenna element 420 overlap in the vertical direction.

Figure 20 is a plan view of a vehicle radar device mounted on the side and rear of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, the vehicle radar device 100 may be mounted on the side and rear of the vehicle, respectively. For example, a plurality of antenna arrays of the automotive radar device 100 may be arranged perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and radio waves may be radiated in the Z-axis direction.

When a wide-angle radar that provides a wide field of view (FOV) to the sides and rear, such as the vehicle radar device 100 according to the embodiment, is mounted on the sides and rear of the vehicle, blind spots formed on the sides and rear of the vehicle are reduced. It can be completely covered, helping with safe driving.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in any respect and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining the control method of a vehicle radar device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a step-by-step description of the control method for the vehicle radar device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a flow chart for:

Referring to FIG. 21, the control unit 440 acquires driving information of the vehicle by communicating with the outside (step 110). Here, the driving information of the vehicle may include vehicle speed information and vehicle location information. Additionally, the location information of the vehicle may include road traffic situation information according to the current location of the vehicle.

Afterwards, the control unit 440 checks the driving status of the vehicle using the obtained driving information (step 120). That is, the control unit 440 uses the driving information to check the current speed of the vehicle and also checks traffic condition information on the road on which the vehicle is currently traveling.

Then, the control unit 440 selects the detection mode of the transmitting antenna element 410 using the confirmed driving state of the vehicle (step 130). The detection mode refers to the operation mode and accordingly includes first to third operation modes.

Thereafter, the control unit 440 selects a transmission channel to which a signal will be supplied among a plurality of transmission channels of the communication element 430 according to the selected mode (step 140). That is, if the operation mode is the first operation mode, the second transmission channel is selected as the transmission channel to which the signal will be supplied, and if the operation mode is the second operation mode, the first transmission channel and the third transmission channel are selected as the transmission channel to which the signal will be supplied. It is selected as a channel, and in the third operation mode, the first to third transmission channels are selected as transmission channels to which the signal will be supplied.

Thereafter, the communication element 430 supplies a signal through the transmission antenna element 410 connected to the selected transmission channel among the plurality of transmission channels and performs an object detection operation accordingly (step 150).

Referring to FIG. 21, the control unit 440 acquires driving information of the vehicle by communicating with the outside (step 210). Here, the driving information of the vehicle may include vehicle speed information and vehicle location information. Additionally, the location information of the vehicle may include road traffic situation information according to the current location of the vehicle.

Afterwards, the control unit 440 checks the driving status of the vehicle using the obtained driving information (step 220). That is, the control unit 440 uses the driving information to check the current speed of the vehicle and also checks traffic condition information on the road on which the vehicle is currently traveling.

Then, the control unit 440 selects the detection mode of the transmitting antenna element 410 using the confirmed driving state of the vehicle (step 230). The detection mode refers to the operation mode and accordingly includes first to third operation modes.

Thereafter, when the mode is selected, the control unit 440 determines the phase and power to be input to each transmission antenna array connected to the plurality of transmission channels according to the selected mode (step 240).

Thereafter, the communication element 430 supplies the determined phase and power to each transmission antenna array according to the control signal from the controller (step 250).

Then, the communication element 430 performs an object detection operation through a transmission antenna connected to each transmission channel (step 260).

According to an embodiment according to the present invention, the volume of the radar device can be minimized by integrating the previously separate transmission communication element and the reception communication element into one communication element, and thus the product price can be reduced. .

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the risk of traffic accidents can be reduced by improving blind spots and improving target detection by implementing an optimized radar antenna beam pattern according to road driving conditions.

In addition, according to an embodiment according to the present invention, the size of the radar module can be reduced by implementing the radar module, which was previously separated into a long-range antenna, a short-range antenna, and a mid-range antenna, into a single integrated type. It has the effect of increasing freedom of vehicle design and reducing costs.

The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the embodiments.

Although the above description focuses on the examples, this is only an example and does not limit the examples, and those skilled in the art will understand that there are various options not exemplified above without departing from the essential characteristics of the examples. You will see that variations and applications of branches are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences related to application should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the embodiments set forth in the appended claims.

110: case
120: connector
130: Auxiliary printed circuit board
140: bracket
150: printed circuit board
160: shielding part
170: Radome
180: Waterproof ring
410: Transmitting antenna element
411: first transmit antenna array
412: Second transmit antenna array
413: Third transmitting antenna element
420: Receiving antenna element
430: Communication element
440: Control unit

Claims (20)

A transmission antenna element that transmits a transmission signal;
a receiving antenna element that receives a received signal based on reflection of the transmitted signal; and
It includes a communication element that includes a plurality of transmission channels connected to the transmission antenna element and a plurality of reception channels connected to the reception antenna element, and processes the transmission signal and the reception signal,
The transmitting antenna element is,
Each of the plurality of transmission channels is connected to each other and includes first to third transmission antenna arrays composed of a single channel,
The communication element is,
In a first mode of operation, a signal is supplied only to the second transmit antenna array to radiate a first radiation pattern,
In a second mode of operation, a signal is supplied to the first and third transmit antenna arrays to radiate a second radiation pattern,
In a third operation mode, signals are supplied to all of the first to third transmission antenna arrays to radiate a third radiation pattern,
the first radiation pattern has a first vertical width and a first horizontal width,
The second radiation pattern has a second vertical width less than the first vertical width and a second horizontal width greater than the first horizontal width,
wherein the third radiation pattern has a third vertical width greater than the first and second vertical widths, and a third horizontal width less than the first and second horizontal widths,
Radar module. According to clause 1,
The first transmission antenna array is a short-distance transmission antenna array connected to a first transmission channel,
The second transmission antenna array is a mid-range transmission antenna array connected to a second transmission channel,
The third transmission antenna array is a short-distance transmission antenna array connected to a third transmission channel,
Radar module. According to clause 1,
Each of the first to third transmission antenna arrays,
Consisting of a single array containing no unit arrays
Radar module. According to clause 1,
The second transmit antenna array,
disposed between the first and third transmit antenna arrays,
Radar module. According to clause 4,
The spacing between the first transmitting antenna array and the second transmitting antenna array is the same as the spacing between the second transmitting antenna array and the third transmitting antenna array,
Radar module. According to clause 2,
The communication element is,
Converting the array of the first to third transmit antenna arrays into a virtual array antenna array,
Forming a virtual reception channel using the gap between the first to third transmission antenna arrays,
Radar module. According to clause 6,
The distance between the first and third transmission antenna arrays is,
greater than or equal to the total size of the plurality of channels of the receiving antenna array
Radar module. According to paragraph 1,
The receiving antenna element is,
Comprising a receiving antenna array composed of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of receiving channels,
Radar module. According to clause 1,
The first to third operation modes are,
Determined based on at least one of the vehicle's speed information and location information
Radar module. According to clause 1,
The first radiation pattern is a radiation pattern for detecting objects within a mid-distance range,
The second radiation pattern is a radiation pattern for detecting objects within a short distance range,
The third radiation pattern is a radiation pattern for detecting objects within a long range,
Radar module. According to clause 1,
The communication element is,
Changing the radiation pattern transmitted through the first to third transmission antenna arrays by changing the phase and power supplied to each of the first to third transmission antenna arrays.
Radar module. case; and
It is accommodated in the case and includes a printed circuit board on which a radar module is mounted,
The radar module is,
A transmission antenna element that transmits a transmission signal,
A receiving antenna element that receives a received signal based on reflection of the transmitted signal,
It includes a communication element that includes a plurality of transmission channels connected to the transmission antenna element and a plurality of reception channels connected to the reception antenna element, and processes the transmission signal and the reception signal,
The transmitting antenna element is,
Each of the plurality of transmission channels is connected to each other and includes first to third transmission antenna arrays composed of a single channel,
The communication element is,
In a first mode of operation, a signal is supplied only to the second transmit antenna array to radiate a first radiation pattern,
In a second mode of operation, a signal is supplied to the first and third transmit antenna arrays to radiate a second radiation pattern,
In a third operation mode, signals are supplied to all of the first to third transmission antenna arrays to radiate a third radiation pattern,
the first radiation pattern has a first vertical width and a first horizontal width,
The second radiation pattern has a second vertical width less than the first vertical width and a second horizontal width greater than the first horizontal width,
wherein the third radiation pattern has a third vertical width greater than the first and second vertical widths, and a third horizontal width less than the first and second horizontal widths,
Vehicle radar device. According to clause 12,
The receiving antenna element includes a receiving antenna array composed of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of receiving channels,
Each of the first to third transmission antenna arrays,
Consisting of a single array containing no unit arrays
Vehicle radar device. According to clause 12,
The first transmission antenna array is a short-distance transmission antenna array connected to a first transmission channel,
The second transmission antenna array is a mid-range transmission antenna array connected to a second transmission channel,
The third transmission antenna array is a short-distance transmission antenna array connected to a third transmission channel,
Vehicle radar device. According to clause 14,
The second transmit antenna array,
disposed between the first and third transmission antenna arrays on the printed circuit board,
The distance between the first and second transmission antenna arrays is,
Equal to the spacing between the second and third transmission antenna arrays
Vehicle radar device. According to clause 14,
The communication element is,
Converting the array of the first to third transmit antenna arrays into a virtual array antenna array,
Forming a virtual reception channel using the gap between the first to third transmission antenna arrays
Vehicle radar device. According to clause 16,
The distance between the first and third transmission antenna arrays is,
greater than or equal to the total size of the plurality of channels of the receiving antenna array
Vehicle radar device. According to clause 15,
The first to third operation modes are,
Determined based on at least one of the vehicle's speed information and location information
Vehicle radar device. In the vehicle radar device installed at least one of the front, rear, and side and rear of the vehicle,
case; and
It is accommodated in the case and includes a printed circuit board including a radar module,
The radar module is,
each connected to a plurality of transmission channels of the communication element and comprising first to third transmission antenna arrays composed of a single channel and a single array;
A first operation mode for supplying signals only to transmission channels connected to the second transmission antenna array, a second operation mode for supplying signals only to transmission channels connected to the first and third transmission antenna arrays, and the first to third transmission Controlling the detection range based on a third operating mode that supplies signals to all transmission channels connected to the antenna array,
The first operation mode is a mode for radiating a first radiation pattern using only the second transmission antenna array,
The second operation mode is a mode for radiating a second radiation pattern using only the first and third transmission antenna arrays,
The third operation mode is a mode for radiating a third radiation pattern using all of the first to third transmission antenna arrays,
the first radiation pattern has a first vertical width and a first horizontal width,
The second radiation pattern has a second vertical width less than the first vertical width and a second horizontal width greater than the first horizontal width,
The third radiation pattern has a third vertical width larger than the first and second vertical widths, and a third horizontal width smaller than the first and second horizontal widths. According to clause 19,
The first transmission antenna array is a short-distance transmission antenna array connected to a first transmission channel,
The second transmission antenna array is a mid-range transmission antenna array connected to a second transmission channel,
The third transmission antenna array is a short-distance transmission antenna array connected to a third transmission channel,
Vehicle radar device.

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