JP2009300390A - Waterproof structure for millimeter wave radar device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waterproof structure (water drop preventing cover) for a millimeter wave radar device capable of reliably preventing decrease of performance of the millimeter wave radar device mounted on a vehicle in a situation where the vehicle gets wet, such as in rain. <P>SOLUTION: The water drop preventing cover 1 includes covers 1a-1d and is constituted in a cylindrical shape. The covers 1a-1d cover quadrants except for the emission direction of millimeter electric waves in relationship to the penetration side (radome 3) of the millimeter electric waves in the millimeter wave radar device 10. Thereby, waterdrops from the periphery are prevented by the covers 1a-1d, adhesion of the waterdrops to the radome 3 can be prevented. Accordingly, the structure can prevent attenuation of the millimeter electric waves and thus can prevent the decrease of the performance of the millimeter wave radar device 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device applied to a millimeter wave radar device for a vehicle.

  Conventionally, in a vehicle (for example, an automobile), a millimeter wave radar device for measuring an obstacle in front of the vehicle or a distance between vehicles may be mounted. Specifically, a millimeter wave radar device receives a radio wave reflected from an object by radiating a millimeter wave radio wave, receives the radio wave intensity, the time difference from the radio wave transmission to the radio wave reception, the frequency of the transmission radio wave and the reception radio wave The position of the object and the relative speed with the vehicle are detected based on the difference and the phase difference. Such a millimeter-wave radar device is often provided in the vicinity of the front grille of the vehicle (for example, the back surface of the front grille) in order to sufficiently exhibit its performance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

By the way, since millimeter wave radio waves are greatly attenuated by passing through a water film, for example, it has been conventionally a problem to prevent adhesion of water droplets in a millimeter wave radar apparatus. Patent Document 1 proposes a vehicle-mounted radome (electromagnetically permeable cover) that can maintain the detection accuracy of a millimeter-wave radar device even during rainfall. Specifically, the in-vehicle radome of Patent Document 1 is attached to a front grill of a vehicle and includes a structure that prevents water from flowing around the back of the front grill of the vehicle.
JP 2002-131413 A

  However, the vehicle-mounted radome of Patent Document 1 prevents water from flowing into the back surface of the front grille, and a waterproof effect in the millimeter wave radar device itself cannot be expected. If water wraps around the back of the front grill, the water adheres to or enters the radio wave irradiation surface of the millimeter wave radar device, and the performance (detection accuracy) of the millimeter wave radar device decreases. There is a fear.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and provides a waterproof structure for a millimeter-wave radar device that can more reliably prevent the performance of the millimeter-wave radar device from being degraded when the vehicle gets wet, such as during rain. The purpose is to provide.

  The invention according to claim 1 made to achieve the above object is a millimeter wave radar device applied to a millimeter wave radar device that is mounted on a vehicle and detects a detection target around the vehicle by transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves. In the millimeter wave radar device, a cover member that covers an upper region of the electromagnetically transmissive cover is provided for the electromagnetically permeable cover provided on the front surface of the antenna that transmits and receives millimeter wave radio waves. It is characterized by that.

  According to the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device of the present invention, the upper region of the electromagnetically permeable cover of the millimeter wave radar device is covered with the cover member. It is possible to prevent water droplets (rain) from adhering to the electromagnetically permeable cover. For this reason, it can be prevented that water droplets adhere to the electromagnetically permeable cover and the millimeter wave radio wave is attenuated, thereby reducing the performance (detection accuracy) of the millimeter wave radar device.

  Next, the invention of claim 2 is a waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device that is applied to a millimeter wave radar device that is mounted on a vehicle and detects a detection target around the vehicle by transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves. Among the wave radar devices, a cover member that covers an upper region and a lower region of the electromagnetically transmissive cover is provided for an electromagnetically transmissive cover provided on the front surface of an antenna that transmits and receives millimeter wave radio waves. .

  According to the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to the second aspect, the upper region and the lower region of the electromagnetically transmissive cover of the millimeter wave radar device are covered with the cover member. It is possible to prevent water droplets (rain) from adhering to the millimeter wave radar device.

  Next, the invention of claim 3 is a waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device applied to a millimeter wave radar device that is mounted on a vehicle and detects a detection object around the vehicle by transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves. Among electromagnetic wave radar devices, a cover member that covers the four-sided region of the electromagnetically transmissive cover excluding the millimeter wave irradiation direction is disposed on the electromagnetically permeable cover that is provided in front of the antenna that transmits and receives millimeter wave radio waves. It is characterized by.

  According to such a waterproof structure for a millimeter-wave radar device according to claim 3, the four-way region excluding the millimeter-wave irradiation direction of the electromagnetically permeable cover of the millimeter-wave radar device, that is, the front side of the electromagnetically permeable cover is excluded. Since the vertical and horizontal directions are covered by the cover member, it is possible to more reliably prevent water droplets (rain) from adhering to the electromagnetically permeable cover (millimeter wave radar device).

Next, in the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claims 1 to 3, it is preferable that the waterproof structure for the millimeter wave radar device is configured as in claim 4.
The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to a fourth aspect is the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to the first to third aspects, wherein an inner wall surface of the cover member is provided with a protruding portion protruding from the inner wall surface. It is a feature.

  According to such a waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 4, for example, even if water droplets (rain) adhere to the inner wall surface of the cover member, the water droplets adhere to the electromagnetically permeable cover of the millimeter wave radar device. It becomes difficult. This is because the flow of water droplets adhering to the inner wall surface of the cover member toward the electromagnetically permeable cover is blocked by the protrusions. Therefore, according to the structure of Claim 4, it can prevent more reliably that a water droplet (rain) adheres to an electromagnetically permeable cover (millimeter wave radar apparatus).

Next, the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 4 may be specifically configured as in claim 5.
The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to a fifth aspect is the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to the fourth aspect, wherein a step is formed on the inner wall surface of the cover member by the protruding portion.

For example, a step that protrudes from the inner wall surface may be formed. Further, there may be two or more steps.
According to the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device of the fifth aspect, since the flow of water droplets toward the electromagnetically permeable cover side is blocked by the step on the inner wall surface of the cover member, the electromagnetically permeable cover (millimeter wave radar) It is possible to more reliably prevent water droplets (rain) from adhering to the device.

  Next, the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 6 is the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner wall surface of the cover member has one or more grooves along the irradiation direction of the millimeter wave. It is characterized by being provided in plural.

  According to such a waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device of claim 6, even if water droplets (rain) adhere to the inner wall surface of the cover member, for example, the water droplets are likely to be discharged to the outside by flowing along the grooves. Become. If the cover member is configured to incline downward from the millimeter wave radar device side, water droplets can flow along the groove and be discharged to the outside.

Here, the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 6 is preferably configured as in claim 7.
The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to a seventh aspect is the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to the sixth aspect, wherein a region of the groove forming a mountain is hydrophilic on the inner wall surface of the cover member. It is characterized by being.

  According to such a waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 7, a region (hereinafter referred to as a mountain portion) in which a mountain is formed in the groove on the inner wall surface of the cover member is configured to have hydrophilicity. Therefore, water droplets adhering to the mountain portion are likely to spread around. As a result, the water droplets adhering to the peak portion are easily guided to the trough portion of the groove. For this reason, the effect that the water droplet adhering to the inner wall surface of a cover member can be discharged | emitted more rapidly outside can be acquired.

  Next, the prevention structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 8 is the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner wall surface of the cover member is configured to have water repellency. It is said.

  According to this, even if water droplets (rain) adhere to the inner wall surface of the cover member, for example, the water droplets can be quickly discharged to the outside. As described above, if the cover member is configured to incline downward from the millimeter wave radar device side, water droplets can quickly flow to the outside.

  Next, the waterproof structure for the millimeter wave radar device according to claim 9 is the waterproof structure for the millimeter wave radar device according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover member is provided with an elastic member on an end surface opposite to the millimeter wave radar device. It is characterized by having.

  For example, when the millimeter wave radar device is provided on the back (back) of the front grille in front of the vehicle, the front grille and the cover member are provided by providing an elastic member on the end surface of the cover member opposite to the millimeter wave radar device. The gap between the two can be filled with an elastic member. For example, a gap that may be generated between the front grille and the cover member is calculated, and an elastic member that matches the calculated size (length) of the gap may be provided on the cover member. Since the elastic member is stretchable to some extent, there is no problem even if there is some error in the calculated gap size. Moreover, the sealing performance can be improved by filling the space between the front grille and the cover member while the elastic member expands and contracts. According to this, it is possible to prevent water droplets (rain) from adhering to the inner wall surface of the cover member, and consequently water droplets from adhering to the electromagnetically transmissive cover (millimeter wave radar device).

Next, the waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 10 is mounted on a vehicle and is applied to a millimeter wave radar device that detects a detection target around the vehicle by transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves. Structure,
Among the millimeter wave radar devices, an electromagnetically permeable cover provided on the front surface of an antenna that transmits and receives millimeter wave radio waves is characterized in that the electromagnetically permeable cover is provided inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  Here, the lower end of the electromagnetically permeable cover may be inclined so as to protrude toward the front side of the vehicle, or the upper end of the electromagnetically permeable cover may protrude toward the front side of the vehicle. It is the meaning which may be comprised.

  In the case of the former configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for water droplets entering from below to adhere to the front surface of the electromagnetically permeable cover. This is because water droplets entering from below are blocked on the lower end side of the electromagnetically permeable cover. In the case of the latter configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for water droplets entering from above to adhere to the front surface of the electromagnetically permeable cover. This is because water droplets entering from above are blocked on the upper end side of the electromagnetically permeable cover.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, as a premise, the water droplet prevention cover (see FIG. 2 and subsequent figures) of the present invention is applied to the millimeter wave radar device 10 (see FIG. 1) mounted on the vehicle 100 (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the millimeter wave radar device 10 is installed on a back surface (back) of a front grill 110 provided in a front portion of the vehicle 100 in a vehicle 100. The millimeter wave radar device 10 receives a radio wave reflected from an object in front of the vehicle 100 by irradiating the millimeter wave radio wave in front of the vehicle 100, and receives the intensity of the received radio wave, the time difference from the radio wave transmission to the radio wave reception. The position of the object and the relative speed with respect to the vehicle 100 are detected based on the frequency difference or phase difference between the transmitted radio wave and the received radio wave.

By the way, in the vehicle, there is a concern about the intrusion of water droplets (for example, rain) into the back surface of the front grill 110 as indicated by arrows in FIG. 1, but the present invention prevents the water droplets from adhering to the millimeter wave radar device 10. Is for.
[First Embodiment]
First, 1st Embodiment and its modification are described using FIGS.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic view of the water droplet prevention cover 1 of the first embodiment.
Moreover, regarding the attachment method of the water droplet prevention cover 1, FIG. 2 (b) represents the attachment method of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 (c) represents the attachment method of the modified example (modified example 1 described later).

  Here, the millimeter wave radar device 10 will be supplemented. Although not shown, the millimeter wave radar apparatus 10 includes an antenna that transmits and receives millimeter wave radio waves, a millimeter wave module that oscillates and modulates transmission radio waves, demodulates received radio waves, and other control components that perform various controls. The main body case 10a is covered with an electromagnetically transmissive cover (hereinafter referred to as a radome) 3 and is housed in 10a (see, for example, FIG. 2B). The radome 3 faces the front side of the vehicle, and millimeter wave radio waves from an antenna (not shown) of the millimeter wave radar device 10 are irradiated to the front side of the vehicle through the radome 3 (through the radome 3). Is done.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the water drop prevention cover 1 has a cover 1a covering the upper region, a cover 1b covering the left region, and a cover 1c covering the lower region. And a cover 1d that covers the right region, and is configured in a cylindrical shape by the covers 1a to 1d. This cylindrical water droplet prevention cover 1 surrounds the front side of the radome 3 in four directions (up, down, left and right) except for the millimeter wave radio wave irradiation direction. Here, the top, bottom, left, and right, and front and rear are as shown in FIGS.

  Next, in FIG. 2B representing the first embodiment regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 1, the water droplet prevention cover 1 is attached to the radome 3. More specifically, the water droplet prevention cover 1 and the radome 3 are integrally formed.

The water droplet prevention cover 1 projects from the front end of the radome 3 to protect the front surface of the radome 3 (prevents water droplets from falling).
Such 1st Embodiment is realizable by changing the shape of the radome 3 (design change). Then, by forming the water drop prevention cover 1 and the radome 3 integrally from the beginning, there is a gap in the connecting portion between the water drop prevention cover 1 and the radome 3, and consequently the water drop prevention cover 1 and the radome 3. It is possible to prevent water from entering from the connecting portion. For this reason, it can prevent more reliably that a water droplet adheres to the front surface of the radome 3. FIG.
<Modification 1>
Next, Modification 1 regarding the method for attaching the water droplet prevention cover 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the first modification shown in FIG. 2C, the water droplet prevention cover 1 is attached to the main body case 10a. More specifically, the water droplet prevention cover 1 and the main body case 10a are integrally formed.

  The water drop prevention cover 1 extends from the front end of the main body case 10a (the connecting portion between the main body case 10a and the radome 3) and covers the entire radome 3 to protect the front surface of the radome 3 (prevents water droplets from falling down). To do).

This first modification example can be realized by changing the shape of the main body case 10a (changing the design). Then, by forming the water droplet prevention cover 1 and the main body case 10a integrally from the beginning, there is a gap in the connection portion between the water droplet prevention cover 1 and the main body case 10a, and consequently the water droplet prevention cover 1 and the main body case. It is possible to prevent water from entering from the connecting portion with 10a (water entering the inside of the main body case 10a or the front surface of the radome 3). In addition, since the entire radome 3 can be covered, it is possible to more reliably prevent water droplets from adhering to the front surface of the radome 3.
<Modification 2>
Next, a second modification regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 3A is the same diagram as FIG. 2A, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

  In the second modification shown in FIG. 3B, the water droplet prevention cover 1 is fixed to the radome 3 by the screw member 4. Since the specific configuration of attachment by screws is well known, description thereof is omitted here. The subsequent steps are also omitted.

According to this, the water droplet prevention cover 1 and the radome 3 can be made as separate parts, and in some cases, it is easy to manufacture and assemble.
<Modification 3>
Next, Modification 3 regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the third modification shown in FIG. 3C, the water droplet prevention cover 1 is fixed to the main body case 10 a by the screw member 4. The radome 3 is entirely covered by the water droplet prevention cover 1.

According to this, the water droplet prevention cover 1 and the main body case 10a can be separate parts, and in some cases, manufacturing and assembly are easy.
<Modification 4>
Next, Modification 4 regarding the method for attaching the water droplet prevention cover 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, as a premise, the millimeter wave radar device 10 is fixed to the vehicle 100 (see FIG. 1) by a bracket (described as BKT in the drawing) 5. The bracket 5 is screwed with a bolt to a predetermined location in the vehicle 100 through a bolt through hole 5 a provided in the bracket 5. In addition, such a bracket 5 is conventionally used.

  A plurality of shaft adjustment bolts 6 are rotatably provided on the bracket 5, and the millimeter wave radar device 10 is held on the shaft adjustment bolt 6 via a resin member or a nut member 6 a. Specifically, the resin member or the nut member 6 a is fitted to the shaft adjusting bolt 6 and is joined or fitted to the millimeter wave radar device 10. In the fourth modification, the millimeter-wave radar device 10 places the resin member or nut member 6a at two locations above and below the left surface of the main body case 10a and at one position below the right surface of the main body case 10a. And is held by the shaft adjusting bolt 6.

  In such a configuration, by rotating the shaft adjusting bolt 6, the resin member or the nut member 6a moves on the shaft adjusting bolt 6, and the position (posture) of the millimeter wave radar device 10 changes accordingly. For example, the operator can adjust the irradiation direction of the millimeter wave radio wave by adjusting the attitude of the millimeter wave radar device 10.

  In the fourth modification, the water droplet prevention cover 1 is formed integrally with the bracket 5. Specifically, in the plate to which the shaft adjustment bolt 6 is attached among the brackets 5, the water drop prevention cover 1 is integrally provided so that the shaft adjustment bolt 6 is accommodated in the water drop prevention cover 1.

This fourth modification can be realized by changing the shape of the bracket 5 (changing the design).
Further, in the fourth modification, the millimeter wave radar device 10 is adapted to be accommodated in the space inside the water droplet prevention cover 1, and according to this, water droplets can be more reliably attached to the front surface of the radome 3. Is prevented.
<Modification 5>
Next, Modification 5 regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Here, as a premise, the millimeter wave radar device 10 is fixed to the vehicle 100 (see FIG. 1) by the bracket 5 as in the fourth modification.
In Modification 5, the water droplet prevention cover 1 is fixed to a bracket 5 for fixing the millimeter wave radar device 10 to a vehicle via a fastening member (for example, a screw) 7. Specifically, the water droplet prevention cover 1 includes a bottom plate 1e connected to the covers 1a to 1d on the rear side. The bottom plate 1e is threaded. The water drop prevention cover 1 is fixed to the bracket 5 by fitting the female screw with the fastening member 7 that passes through the bracket 5.

In this fifth modification, the bracket 5 and the water droplet prevention cover 1 can be separate parts, and in some cases, manufacturing and assembly are easy.
Further, in the present modified example 5, as in the modified example 4, the millimeter wave radar device 10 fits in the space inside the water droplet prevention cover 1, and according to this, the adhesion of water droplets to the front surface of the radome 3 is more reliably performed. Is prevented.
<Modification 6>
Next, Modification 6 regarding the method for attaching the water droplet prevention cover 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the sixth modification, the shaft adjustment bolt 6 is configured to pass through the bottom plate 1 e of the water droplet prevention cover 1, and the bottom of the water droplet prevention cover 1 is formed by the fastening member 8 provided on the shaft adjustment bolt 6. The water droplet prevention cover 1 is fixed by sandwiching the plate 1e.
<Modification 7>
Next, Modification 7 regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In Modification 7, the water droplet prevention cover 1 is fixed to a nut member 6 a provided on the shaft adjusting bolt 6. Specifically, they are fixed to each other via a connecting member 9 for connecting the water droplet preventing cover 1 and the nut member 6a.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, 2nd Embodiment and its modification are described using FIGS.

FIG. 6A shows a schematic view of the water droplet prevention cover 11 of the second embodiment.
Moreover, regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11, FIG. 6B shows the attachment method of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6C shows the attachment method of the modified example (modified example 8 described later).

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the water droplet prevention cover 11 includes a cover 11 a that covers the upper region and a cover 11 b that covers the lower region of the radome 3. The cover 11a and the cover 11b are each formed in a U-shape.

  The water droplet prevention cover 11 covers the upper region and the lower region on the front side of the radome 3. Here, the top, bottom, left and right and front and rear are as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c).

  Next, regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11, the water droplet prevention cover 11 is attached to the radome 3 in FIG. More specifically, the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the radome 3 are integrally formed.

The water droplet prevention cover 11 projects from the front end of the radome 3 to protect the front surface of the radome 3 (prevents water droplets from falling).
Such 2nd Embodiment is realizable by changing the shape of the radome 3 (design change). Then, by forming the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the radome 3 integrally from the beginning, there is a gap in the connection portion between the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the radome 3, and consequently the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the radome 3. It is possible to prevent water from entering from the connecting portion. For this reason, it can prevent more reliably that a water droplet adheres to the front surface of the radome 3. FIG.
<Modification 8>
Next, Modification 8 regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present modification 8 shown in FIG. 6C, the water droplet prevention cover 11 is attached to the main body case 10a. More specifically, the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the main body case 10a are integrally formed.

  The water droplet prevention cover 11 extends from the front end of the main body case 10a (the connection portion between the main body case 10a and the radome 3) and covers the entire radome 3 to protect the front surface of the radome 3 (prevents water droplets from falling down). To do).

Such a modification 8 can be realized by changing the shape of the main body case 10a (changing the design). Then, by forming the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the main body case 10a integrally from the beginning, a gap is formed at the connection portion between the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the main body case 10a, and consequently the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the main body case. It is possible to prevent water from entering from the connecting portion with 10a (water entering the inside of the main body case 10a or the front surface of the radome 3). In addition, since the entire radome 3 can be covered, it is possible to more reliably prevent water droplets from adhering to the front surface of the radome 3.
<Modification 9>
Next, Modification 9 regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is the same diagram as FIG. 6A, and the description is omitted here.

In the present modification 9 shown in FIG. 7B, the water droplet prevention cover 11 is fixed to the radome 3 by the screw member 14.
According to this, the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the radome 3 can be made as separate parts, and in some cases, manufacturing and assembly are easy.
<Modification 10>
Next, Modification 10 regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present modified example 10 shown in FIG. 7C, the water droplet prevention cover 11 is fixed to the main body case 10 a by the screw member 14. The entire radome 3 is covered with the water droplet prevention cover 11.

According to this, the water droplet prevention cover 11 and the main body case 10a can be made as separate parts, and in some cases, it is easy to manufacture and assemble.
<Modification 11>
Next, Modification 11 regarding the method of attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, as a premise, the millimeter wave radar device 10 is fixed to the vehicle 100 (see FIG. 1) by a bracket (described as BKT in the drawing) 15. The bracket 15 is screwed with a bolt to a predetermined location in the vehicle 100 through a bolt through hole 15 a provided in the bracket 15. Such a bracket 15 is conventionally used.

  A plurality of shaft adjustment bolts 16 are rotatably provided on the bracket 15, and the millimeter wave radar device 10 is held on the shaft adjustment bolt 16 via a resin member or a nut member 16 a. Specifically, the resin member or nut member 16 a is fitted to the shaft adjusting bolt 16 and joined or fitted to the millimeter wave radar device 10. In the modification 11, the millimeter wave radar device 10 has the resin member or the nut member 16a disposed at two locations above and below the left surface of the main body case 10a and at one position below the right surface of the main body case 10a. And is held by the shaft adjusting bolt 16.

  In such a configuration, by rotating the shaft adjustment bolt 16, the resin member or the nut member 16a moves on the shaft adjustment bolt 16, and the position (posture) of the millimeter wave radar device 10 changes accordingly. For example, the operator can adjust the irradiation direction of the millimeter wave radio wave by adjusting the attitude of the millimeter wave radar device 10.

  In this modification 11, the water droplet prevention cover 11 is formed integrally with the bracket 15. Specifically, the water drop prevention cover 11 is integrally provided on the plate of the bracket 15 to which the shaft adjustment bolt 16 is attached so that the shaft adjustment bolt 16 is accommodated inside the water drop prevention cover 11.

Such a modification 11 can be realized by changing the shape of the bracket 15 (changing the design).
Further, in the present modification 11, the millimeter wave radar device 10 is adapted to fit in the space inside the water droplet prevention cover 11, and according to this, the water droplets can be more reliably attached to the front surface of the radome 3. Is prevented.
<Modification 12>
Next, a modified example 12 of the method for attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Here, as a premise, the millimeter wave radar device 10 is fixed to the vehicle 100 (see FIG. 1) by the bracket 15 as in the modification 11.
In Modification 12, the water droplet prevention cover 11 is fixed to a bracket 15 for fixing the millimeter wave radar device 10 to a vehicle by a fastening member (for example, a screw) 17.

In the present modified example 12, the bracket 15 and the water droplet prevention cover 11 can be separate parts, and in some cases, manufacturing and assembly are easy.
Further, in the present modified example 12, as in the modified example 11, the millimeter wave radar device 10 fits in the space inside the water droplet prevention cover 11, and according to this, the adhesion of water droplets to the front surface of the radome 3 is more reliably performed. Is prevented.
<Modification 13>
Next, a modified example 13 of the method for attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In Modification 13, the water droplet prevention cover 11 includes a bottom plate 11c connected to the covers 11a and 11b on the rear side.
The shaft adjusting bolt 16 passes through the bottom plate 11c of the water droplet preventing cover 11, and the bottom plate 11c of the water droplet preventing cover 11 is sandwiched by the fastening member 18 provided on the shaft adjusting bolt 16. A water droplet prevention cover 11 is fixed.
<Modification 14>
Next, a modified example 14 of the method for attaching the water droplet prevention cover 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the present modification 14, the water droplet prevention cover 11 is fixed to a nut member 16 a provided on the shaft adjustment bolt 16. Specifically, they are fixed to each other via a connecting member 19 for connecting the water droplet preventing cover 11 and the nut member 16a.

Next, in the said 1st, 2nd embodiment, you may comprise like the modifications 15-19 shown below.
<Modification 15>
First, Modification 15 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, although the case where it applies to the cover 1 for water droplet prevention of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated, it is applicable also in 2nd Embodiment.

  In the modified example 15 shown in FIG. 10, a step is formed on the inner wall surface of the covers 1 a to 1 d (only the covers 1 a and 1 c are shown in FIG. 10) constituting the water droplet prevention cover 1 so as to protrude from the wall surface. Is provided with a plate.

  Specifically, a plate 31 having a predetermined thickness is provided on the inner wall surface of the cover 1a, and a plate 32 is provided so as to overlap the plate 31. Similarly, in the cover 1c, a plate 33 having a predetermined thickness is provided on the inner wall surface of the cover 1c, and a plate 34 is provided so as to overlap the plate 33.

  About the plates 31 and 32, the width of the plates 31 and 32 in the left-right direction (the width in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface) is configured to be the same as the width of the cover 1a. On the other hand, the length of the plate 31 in the front-rear direction (length in the left-right direction in the drawing) is configured to be shorter than the length of the cover 1a. The plate 32 is configured such that its length is shorter than that of the plate 31. The plates 31 and 32 are attached to the cover 1a with their end surfaces aligned on the rear end side (the radome 3 side) of the water droplet prevention cover 1. For this reason, a step is formed by the plate 31 and the plate 32 on the front end side of the inner wall surface of the cover 1a. The description of the plates 33 and 34 is omitted.

According to such a configuration, the water droplets entering the inside of the water droplet prevention cover 1 are blocked by the steps formed by the plates 31 to 34 and fall downward. That is, water droplets that enter the inside of the water droplet prevention cover 1 do not easily reach the radome 3. Accordingly, water droplets are prevented from adhering to the radome 3.
<Modification 16>
Next, Modification 16 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, although the case where it applies to the cover 1 for water droplet prevention of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated, it is applicable also in 2nd Embodiment.

  In the modification 16 shown in FIG. 11, the rubber member 35 is provided in the front end side of the water drop prevention cover 1 (cover 1a-1d). The rubber member 35 fills a gap between the front end of the water droplet prevention cover 1 (covers 1 a to 1 d) and the front grill 110 of the vehicle 100.

Thus, if the gap between the tip of the water droplet prevention cover 1 (covers 1a to 1d) and the front grill 110 of the vehicle 100 is filled, the space formed by the covers 1a to 1d is set as a sealed space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water droplets from entering the inside of the water droplet prevention cover 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent water droplets from adhering to the radome 3.
<Modification 17>
Next, Modification 17 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, although the case where it applies to the cover 11 for water droplet prevention of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated, it is applicable also in 1st Embodiment.

  In the modified example 17 shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of grooves are provided on the inner wall surface of the water droplet prevention cover 11 (covers 11a, 11b) along the irradiation direction of the millimeter wave (from the rear end to the front end of the covers 11a, 11b). It has been. Specifically, the groove is a portion constituting a mountain (referred to as 41, 43, 45 in FIG. 12, hereinafter referred to as a mountain), and a portion constituting a valley (reference 42, in FIG. 12). 44 and 46, which are hereinafter referred to as valleys).

And in this modification 17, the surface of the peak part is subjected to hydrophilic processing (for example, embossing: processing to provide an uneven surface on the surface) so that the surface has hydrophilicity.
On the other hand, the surface of the valley is processed so that the surface has water repellency.

According to such a configuration, of the inner wall surface of the water droplet prevention cover 11, the water droplets adhering to the ridges are easily spread around and are easily guided to the valleys. And since the surface of a trough part has water repellency, the water droplet adhering to a trough part (water droplet guide | induced to the trough part) flows along a trough part rapidly, and comes to be discharged | emitted outside. In this case, the covers 11a and 11b may be inclined downward.
<Modification 18>
Next, Modification 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 13, the description of the water droplet prevention cover is omitted.

In this modification 18, the front surface of the radome 3 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Specifically, the front surface of the radome 3 is inclined so that the lower end protrudes forward of the vehicle from the upper end. According to such a configuration, since the water droplets entering from the lower end side of the radome 3 are blocked at the lower end side, the water droplets are less likely to adhere to the front surface of the radome 3. That is, adhesion of water droplets from the lower side of the radome 3 can be prevented.
<Modification 19>
Next, Modification 19 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the present modification 19, the front surface of the radome 3 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Specifically, the front surface of the radome 3 is inclined so that the upper end protrudes toward the vehicle front side from the lower end. . According to such a configuration, since the water droplets entering from the upper end side of the radome 3 are blocked at the upper end side, the water droplets are less likely to adhere to the front surface of the radome 3. That is, adhesion of water droplets from the upper side of the radome 3 can be prevented.

  In addition, the description of the cover for preventing water droplets is omitted in both <Modification 18> and <Modification 19>, but there is no problem even if the cover is used together. It becomes possible to prevent.

As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various form can be taken within the technical scope of this invention.
For example, in the above embodiment (Modifications 2, 3, 9, and 10), the water drop prevention cover 1 (11) and the radome 3 are fixed, or the water drop prevention cover 1 (11) and the main body case 10a are fixed. Instead of the screw member 4 (14), a clip or the like may be used for fixing. Alternatively, the contact portion between the water drop prevention cover 1 (11) and the radome 3 or the contact portion between the water drop prevention cover 1 (11) and the main body case 10a may be caulked to fix both. . Further, a claw shape is formed on the rear end surface of the water droplet prevention cover 1 (11), and the water droplet prevention cover 1 (11) is attached to the radome 3 or the body case 10a by sandwiching the radome 3 or the body case 10a with the claws. It may be fixed.

In the embodiment (Modification 15), the water droplet prevention cover 1 (covers 1a to 1d) may of course be molded so that a step is formed on the inner wall surface thereof.
In the above embodiment, the entire inner wall surface of the water droplet prevention covers 1, 11 and 21 may be subjected to water repellent finishing.

In the embodiment (Modification 17), the shape of the groove may be any shape. For example, a U-shaped groove or a V-shaped groove may be used.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, the cover 1 for water droplet prevention may be comprised only from the cover 1a, for example. In other words, the water droplet prevention cover 1 may be composed of only a cover member that covers the upper region of the radome 3.

1 is a diagram showing an outline regarding installation of a millimeter wave radar device 10. FIG. It is drawing showing the cover 1 for water droplet prevention of 1st Embodiment and a modification. It is drawing which shows the modification of 1st Embodiment (the 1). It is drawing which shows the modification of 1st Embodiment (the 2). It is drawing which shows the modification of 1st Embodiment (the 3). It is drawing which shows the modification of 1st Embodiment (the 4). It is drawing showing the cover 11 for water droplet prevention of 2nd Embodiment and a modification. It is drawing showing the modification of 2nd Embodiment (the 1). It is drawing showing the modification of 2nd Embodiment (the 2). It is drawing which shows the modification of 1st, 2nd embodiment (the 1). It is drawing showing the modification of 1st, 2nd embodiment (the 2). It is drawing which shows the modification of 1st, 2nd embodiment (the 3). It is drawing which shows the modification of 1st, 2nd embodiment (the 4).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,11,21 ... Water drop prevention cover, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d ... Cover, 1e ... Bottom plate, 3 ... Radome, 4 ... Screw member, 5 ... Bracket, 5a ... Bolt through hole, 6 ... Shaft adjustment bolt , 6a ... nut member, 7 ... fastening member, 8 ... fastening member, 9 ... connecting member, 10 ... millimeter wave radar device, 10a ... main body case, 11a, 11b ... cover, 11c ... bottom plate, 14 ... member, 15 ... Bracket, 15a ... bolt through hole, 16 ... shaft adjusting bolt, 16a ... nut member, 17, 18 ... fastening member, 19 ... connecting member, 21a ... cover, 31, 32, 33, 34 ... plate, 35 ... rubber member, 100 ... vehicle, 110 ... front grill.

Claims (10)

A waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device applied to a millimeter wave radar device that is mounted on a vehicle and detects a detection target around the vehicle by transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves,
In the millimeter wave radar apparatus, a millimeter wave cover is provided for an electromagnetically transmissive cover provided on the front surface of an antenna that transmits and receives millimeter wave radio waves. The cover member covers an upper region of the electromagnetically transmissive cover. Waterproof structure for wave radar equipment. A waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device applied to a millimeter wave radar device that is mounted on a vehicle and detects a detection target around the vehicle by transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves,
In the millimeter wave radar device, a cover member that covers an upper region and a lower region of the electromagnetically transmissive cover is provided for an electromagnetically permeable cover provided on the front surface of an antenna that transmits and receives millimeter wave radio waves. Waterproof structure for millimeter wave radar equipment. A waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device applied to a millimeter wave radar device that is mounted on a vehicle and detects a detection target around the vehicle by transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves,
In the millimeter wave radar device, a cover member that covers a four-sided region of the electromagnetically transmissive cover excluding the millimeter wave irradiation direction is disposed on the electromagnetically transmissive cover provided on the front surface of the antenna that transmits and receives millimeter wave radio waves. A waterproof structure for a millimeter-wave radar device. In the waterproof structure for millimeter wave radar devices according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device, wherein a protrusion projecting from the inner wall surface is provided on the inner wall surface of the cover member. The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 4,
A waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device, wherein a step is formed on the inner wall surface of the cover member by the protrusion. In the waterproof structure for millimeter wave radar devices according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
1. A waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device, wherein one or a plurality of grooves along the millimeter wave radio wave irradiation direction are provided on an inner wall surface of the cover member. The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to claim 6,
A waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device, wherein a region of the groove that forms a mountain on the inner wall surface of the cover member is configured to have hydrophilicity. The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A waterproof structure for a millimeter-wave radar device, wherein an inner wall surface of the cover member has water repellency. The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device, wherein the cover member is provided with an elastic member on an end surface opposite to the millimeter wave radar device. A waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device applied to a millimeter wave radar device that is mounted on a vehicle and detects a detection target around the vehicle by transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves,
Among the millimeter wave radar devices, in the electromagnetically permeable cover provided on the front surface of the antenna for transmitting and receiving millimeter wave radio waves,
The waterproof structure for a millimeter wave radar device, wherein the electromagnetically permeable cover is provided to be inclined with respect to a vertical direction.