Radar measuring device with plano-convex lens
A radar measuring device for level and/or limit level monitoring is provided, including a radar signal source configured to generate and/or transmit a radar signal, an antenna arrangement configured to direct the radar signal, a plano-convex lens with a plane side configured to face a medium and to focus the radar signal, the radar measuring device being configured such that the plane side rests at least partially on a container surface and such that a contact surface is formed between the plano-convex lens and the container.
1. A radar measuring device for level monitoring and/or for limit level monitoring, comprising:
a radar signal source configured to generate, transmit, and receive a radar signal;
an antenna arrangement comprising a horn antenna configured to direct the radar signal;
a plano-convex lens with a plane side and a convex side,
wherein the plane side is configured:
to face a medium and to focus the radar signal, and
as a contact surface in order to rest on a surface of a container during measurement of a level of a filling material in the container and/or of a limit level of a filling material in the container, and
wherein the convex side protrudes into the horn antenna of the antenna arrangement; and
a housing having at least one underside at least partially formed by the plano-convex lens,
wherein the antenna arrangement is disposed in the housing.
2. The radar measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the plano-convex lens is further configured to be attached to the container by a force-fit, or by a form-fit, or by a positive substance jointing connection, so that the radar measuring device is attached to the container.
3. The radar measuring device according to claim 2 , wherein the plano-convex lens is further configured to be attached using an adhesive connection.
4. The radar measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the plano-convex lens is made of a same material as at least part of the container.
5. The radar measuring device according to claim 4 , wherein the same material is a plastic composite.
6. The radar measuring device according to claim 1 ,
wherein the convex side of the plano-convex lens has a diameter that equals a maximum inner diameter of the horn antenna.
7. The radar measuring device according to claim 6 , wherein a ratio of a surface area of the convex side of the plano-convex lens to the plane side of the plano-convex lens is between 0.5 and 5.
8. The radar measuring device according to claim 1 ,
wherein the radar signal source is arranged in the housing.
9. The radar measuring device according to claim 8 , wherein the plano-convex lens is made of a same material as the housing.
10. The radar measuring device according to claim 6 ,
wherein a lens step at least partially circumferentially surrounds the convex side of the plano-convex lens,
wherein the lens step is formed parallel to the plane side of the plano-convex lens, and
wherein the lens step forms at least part of at least one underside of a housing of the radar measuring device.
11. The radar measuring device according to claim 8 , wherein the housing is filled with a filling compound, which is configured to protect the antenna arrangement and the radar signal source from moisture.
12. The radar measuring device according to claim 1 , further comprising an energy storage device configured to supply the radar measuring device with energy.
13. The radar measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the antenna arrangement and the plano-convex lens are connected and/or connectable by a force-fit, or by a form-fit, or by a positive substance jointing connection.
14. The radar measuring device according to claim 13 , wherein the force-fit, the form-fit, the positive substance jointing connection between the antenna arrangement and the plano-convex lens comprises a seal, which is configured to prevent contamination or moisture from penetrating into the antenna arrangement or into the radar signal source.
15. A method of mounting a radar measuring device according to claim 1 on a container, the method comprising:
forming a joint with an adhesive, between a flat surface of the plano-convex lens of the radar measuring device and the container.
16. A radar measurement arrangement, comprising:
a radar measuring device according to claim 1 ; and
a container configured to receive a medium,
wherein the radar measuring device rests at least partially on the container and forms a contact surface, and
wherein the container has no recess or receiving device on the contact surface for mounting the radar measuring device.
17. The radar measuring arrangement according to claim 16 , wherein the radar measuring device and the container have a same permittivity at the contact surface.