JP2016070926A - Radar device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radar device which can be reduced in size.SOLUTION: The radar device comprises: an antenna member capable of emitting or receiving microwaves; a feed part having a plurality of wave guides connected to the proximal ends of the antenna member at one ends thereof, respectively; a high-frequency circuit part being contact with the feed part; an information processing circuit part; a signal line which connects the high-frequency circuit part and the information processing circuit part; and a common substrate which has the high-frequency circuit part and the information processing circuit part mounted thereon. On the common substrate, plane positions of the high-frequency circuit part and the information processing circuit part do not overlap, the common substrate has closed conductive foil surrounding the high-frequency circuit part, and the closed conductive foil is grounded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a radar device.

  In recent years, radar devices have rapidly spread as sensor devices for collision reduction and collision prevention control for commercial vehicles. As advanced safety functions in the future, in addition to the conventionally developed automatic steering function of vehicles, protection of drivers and pedestrians of motorcycles and driver assistance (driver support) for invisible areas are required. With the diversification of automobile safety device functions, it is required to widen the field of view, extend the detection distance, and improve the recognition rate of the object to be detected.

  On the other hand, modularization of radar devices is being promoted from the viewpoint of freedom of installation, design (designability), and sharing with camera sensor devices. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of installing a combined device of a radar device and a camera sensor on an upper portion of a windshield in a vehicle interior.

Special table 2012-505115 gazette

  As described above, when the radar device is required to have multiple functions and higher functions, there is a problem that the cost of the radar device increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a radar apparatus with a lower production cost.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a radar apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an antenna member capable of radiating or receiving microwaves, and a plurality of antenna members respectively connected to a base portion of the antenna member at one end. A high-frequency circuit unit in contact with the feed unit, an information processing circuit unit, a signal line connecting the high-frequency circuit unit and the information processing circuit unit, and the high-frequency circuit And a common substrate on which the information processing circuit unit is mounted, and the planar positions of the high-frequency circuit unit and the information processing circuit unit on the common substrate do not overlap with each other, A closed conductor foil surrounding the high-frequency circuit section is provided, and the closed conductor foil is grounded.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a radar device with lower production costs is obtained.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a radar apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a radar apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state before the antenna member and the feed member are assembled in the radar device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the feed member is assembled to the antenna member in the radar device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the radar control board as viewed from the lower surface side in the radar apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the upper case and the front cover are removed in the radar apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a radar device according to a modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the drawings used in the following description, for the purpose of emphasizing the feature portion, the feature portion may be shown in an enlarged manner for convenience, and the dimensional ratios of the respective constituent elements are not always the same as in practice. Absent. In addition, for the same purpose, portions that are not characteristic may be omitted from illustration.
Each figure shows an XYZ coordinate system. In the following description, each direction will be described based on each coordinate system as necessary.

The radar apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is an apparatus that radiates a millimeter wave band radar wave, for example. The radar device 100 is attached, for example, facing the front of the vehicle, and detects an object in front of the vehicle.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a radar apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the front cover 90 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line for explanation of each part.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the radar device 100. Note that FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing, for example, a partially enlarged view for explaining each part. Further, FIG. 2 is not a cross section along one plane, but is a cross sectional view showing an appropriate selection of a cross section along an appropriate plane passing through the portion in order to easily show the portion to be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the radar device 100 includes an antenna member 10, a feed member 30, a radar control board (common board) 40, a power circuit board 50, an imaging device 70, and an upper case 80. And a front cover 90.
The antenna member 10 includes a first type horn 11 and a second type horn 21. The feed member 30 is attached to the upper surface (antenna member side contact surface) 10 a of the antenna member 10. The radar control board (common board) 40 is attached to the upper surface 30 a of the feed member 30. The power circuit board 50 is located above the radar control board 40 and is connected to the radar control board 40 by wiring 60. The imaging device 70 is located above the power supply circuit board 50. The upper case 80 covers the antenna member 10 from above and covers each component arranged on the antenna member 10. The front cover 90 covers the front of the antenna member 10.
Further, the antenna member 10 and the feed member 30 constitute a feed unit 5. The feed unit 5 includes a first type waveguide 8 and a second type waveguide 9.

  The radar device 100 has a high-frequency circuit unit 4 mounted on a radar control board 40 (see FIG. 5). The high frequency circuit unit 4 includes a first type high frequency circuit unit 41 and a second type high frequency circuit unit 42. The radar apparatus 100 transmits a radar wave (high frequency electromagnetic wave) output from the second type high frequency circuit unit 42 through the second type waveguide 9 and radiates it from the second type horn 21 of the antenna member 10. Further, the radar device 100 receives the radar wave reflected on the detection target by the first type horn 11, transmits the radar wave through the first type waveguide 8, and is mounted on the radar control board 40. The signal is received by the circuit unit 41.

In the following description, the antenna member 10 transmits a radar wave, and the + Y direction in FIG. 1 is the front and the −Y direction is the rear. Furthermore, facing forward (+ Y direction), a right direction (+ X direction), a left direction (−X direction), an upward direction (+ Z direction), and a downward direction (−Z direction) are determined.
Each direction does not necessarily represent the direction when the radar apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, for example, the radar apparatus 100 can be assembled to a vehicle in an upside down state.
Hereinafter, each configuration of the radar apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

<Antenna member>
As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna member 10 includes five first type horns 11 that are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction (X-axis direction) and form a row in the width direction, and a row of the first type horns 11. Two horns 21 of the second kind located at the left and right ends of the The five first-type horns 11 and the two second-type horns 21 all face the same direction. That is, when the direction in which one of the first type horns 11 is directed forward is assumed, the direction in which the other first type horn 11 and the second type horn 21 are directed is also forward.
The antenna member 10 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and is preferably manufactured by die casting. The antenna member 10 can radiate or receive microwaves including millimeter waves.

In general, a horn refers to a cylindrical member that spreads toward the end, but is used with a slightly different meaning in the present specification. Since the present invention pays attention to a hollow portion where radio waves are transmitted, the hollow portion is referred to as a horn. Therefore, for example, when one block-shaped member has three diverging cavities, the one member has three horns. Also, when three end-expanding tubes are bundled, there are three horns.
In more detail, the horn is a cavity extending from the base toward the aperture, and the cross-sectional area of the cavity in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the cavity extends is continuously from the base toward the aperture. Expanding. However, as long as the region has a length equal to or shorter than the wavelength, a part where the cross-sectional area is partially constant or reduced may be included.
In the present embodiment, a pyramidal horn is particularly used as the first type horn 11 and the second type horn 21. The aperture of the horn is sometimes expressed as opening, but in this specification, the expression aperture is used for the radio wave emission port of the horn. The word opening is used to describe a hole or hole that opens in a member other than the horn.
In the text or in the claims, when referring to the orientation of the horn, it means the orientation when looking through the aperture side from the base of the horn.

The first type horn 11 functions as a part of an antenna for receiving radar waves.
As shown in FIG. 2, the first type horn 11 is a pyramid horn having a pyramid shape that gradually spreads from the base 12 to the aperture 13. The length from the base 12 of the first type horn 11 to the aperture 13 is the first type length L1. About the site | part concerning 1st type horn 11 and 2nd horn 21, "first type (part name)" or "second type (part name)" as mentioned above so that it may explain easily. It expresses.

  The apertures 13 of the five first type horns 11 are arranged on the same plane in the front-rear direction. Further, since the five first-type horns 11 have the same first-type length L1, the respective base portions 12 are arranged on the same surface in the front-rear direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the apertures 13 of the five first type horns 11 have the same shape. That is, the apertures 13 of the five first-type horns 11 have the same first-type height H1. Further, the apertures 13 of the five first type horns 11 have the first type width W1 having the same width. The aperture 13 has a vertically long rectangular cross-sectional shape in which the first type height H1 is larger than the first type width W1.

  Five first-type horns 11 are provided in the width direction, and the reception performance of the radar wave is enhanced by complementing each other. The number of first type horns 11 is not limited to five and may be one or more. Further, the number of the first type horns 11 is preferably three or more, thereby ensuring reception performance. In addition, since the first type horn 11 is provided side by side in the width direction, the height of the entire radar device 100 can be reduced.

The second type horn 21 functions as a part of an antenna for radar wave transmission.
As shown in FIG. 1, the second type horns 21 are located on the left and right sides of the row of the first type horns 11, respectively. In the case of distinguishing between the second type horns 21 located on the left and right sides, the horn located on the right side (+ X side) of the row of the first type horns 11 is the right end horn 21R, and on the left side (−X side). Let the horn located be the left end horn 21L.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second type horn 21 is a pyramid horn having a pyramid shape that gradually spreads from the base 22 to the aperture 23. The length from the base 22 to the aperture 23 of the second type horn 21 is represented by the second type length L2. Note that the right end horn 21R and the left end horn 21L may have different lengths, but here, the description will be made assuming that the second type length L2 has the same length.
Further, the second type length L2 of the second type horn 21 is larger than the first type length L1 of the first type horn 11. In other words, the second type horn 21 is longer than the first type horn 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aperture 23R of the right end horn 21R and the aperture 23L of the left end horn 21L have the same height H2 of the second type. The second type height H2 is the same as the first type height H1.
The width W2R of the aperture 23R of the right end horn 21R is smaller than the width W2L of the aperture 23L of the left end horn 21L. The aperture 23R of the right end horn 21R has a vertically-long rectangular cross section having a height H2 larger than the width W2R. On the other hand, the aperture 23L of the left end horn 21L has a cross-sectional shape close to a square having a width W2L and a height H2 that are substantially the same.

  The elevation angle (elevation angle or depression angle) may be different between the orientation of the right end horn 21R and the orientation of the left end horn 21L. For example, the orientation that the right end horn 21R faces may be directed downward as compared to the orientation that the left end horn 21L faces. In this case, the right-end horn 21R detects an object by transmitting a radar wave toward an object located on a road relatively close to the vehicle on which the radar device 100 is mounted. On the other hand, the left end horn 21L detects an object located on a distant road of the vehicle, a relatively tall object, and the like.

The apertures 23 of the two second-type horns 21 are arranged on the same plane in the front-rear direction.
In the present embodiment, the aperture 23 of the second type horn 21 and the aperture 13 of the first type horn 11 are disposed on the same plane in the front-rear direction. Even if the aperture 13 of the first type horn 11 and the aperture 23 of the second type horn 21 are not on the same plane, the difference in position between the aperture 13 and the aperture 23 in the front-rear direction is the second type. It is preferable that the radar wave (high-frequency electromagnetic wave) output from the high-frequency circuit unit 42 is smaller than the wavelength in free space. This suppresses the radar wave received by the first type horn 11 from being disturbed by the aperture 23 of the second type horn 21. Alternatively, the radar wave transmitted from the second type horn 21 is suppressed from being disturbed by the aperture 13 of the first type horn 11.
Further, the base 22 of the second type horn 21 is located behind the base 12 of the first type horn 11 by a distance larger than the wavelength in free space of the high frequency electromagnetic wave output from the second type high frequency circuit unit 42. It is preferable to arrange so as to. Thereby, the length of the 2nd type horn 21 can be extended to such an extent that the directivity as an antenna of the 2nd type horn 21 becomes higher than the directivity as the antenna of the 1st type horn 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the antenna member 10 has a first type lower hole 14 extending vertically upward from the base 12 of each first type horn 11 with respect to the orientation of the first type horn 11. Is provided. Five first type lower holes 14 are provided corresponding to the five first type horns 11, respectively. The first type lower hole 14 forms an opening 24a in the upper surface (antenna member side contact surface) 10a of the antenna member 10.
Similarly, the antenna member 10 is provided with a second type lower hole 24 that extends vertically upward from the base 22 of the second type horn 21 with respect to the orientation of the second type horn 21. Two second-type lower holes 24 are provided corresponding to the two second-type horns 21 respectively. The second type lower hole 24 forms an opening 14 a in the upper surface 10 a of the antenna member 10.
The upper surface 10 a of the antenna member 10 is substantially parallel to the width direction and the length direction of the first type horn 11 and the second type horn 21. The upper surface 10 a is substantially perpendicular to the first type lower hole 14 and the second type lower hole 24.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state before the antenna member 10 and the feed member 30 are assembled. In FIG. 3, the feed member 30 is turned upside down for explanation, and the lower surface 30 b faces upward.
A plurality of screw holes 16 for fixing the feed member 30 and the radar control board 40 are provided on the upper surface 10 a of the antenna member 10.
Further, the upper surface 10 a of the antenna member 10 is continuous from the first type lower groove 15 continuing from the opening 14 a of the first type lower hole 14 and from the opening 24 a of the second type lower hole 24. A second type lower groove 25 is provided. Five first-type lower grooves 15 are provided corresponding to the respective first-type lower holes 14, and second-type lower grooves 25 are formed in the respective second-type lower holes 24. Two are provided correspondingly.
The first type lower groove 15 constitutes a part of the first type waveguide 8 together with the first type upper groove 31 of the feed member 30 described later. The second type lower groove 25 forms part of the second type waveguide 9 together with the second type upper groove 32 of the feed member 30.

<Feed member>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the feed member 30 is assembled to the antenna member 10.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the feed member 30 is attached to the upper surface 10 a behind the antenna member 10. The feed member 30 has a block shape or a plate shape, is preferably made of an aluminum alloy, and can be manufactured by die casting or cutting. The feed member 30 has a lower surface (feed member side contact surface) 30b (see FIG. 3) located on the lower side, and an upper surface 30a and a lower upper surface 30c (see FIG. 4) located on the upper side. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface 30a and the lower surface 30b are not parallel to each other, and the upper surface 30a is inclined forward with the lower surface 30b being horizontal.

The feed member 30 is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 36 for fixing penetrating from the upper surface 30a to the lower surface 30b.
The feed member 30 is provided with five first-type upper holes 33 and two second-type upper holes 34. The first type upper hole 33 and the second type upper hole 34 penetrate the upper surface 30 a and the lower surface 30 b of the feed member 30. The first type upper hole 33 and the second type upper hole 34 are provided perpendicular to the upper surface 30a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower surface 30 b of the feed member 30 includes a first type upper groove 31 extending from the opening 33 b of the first type upper hole 33 and an opening 34 b of the second type upper hole 34. A second type upper groove 32 that extends is provided.
The feed member 30 is in contact with the upper surface 10a of the antenna member 10 at the lower surface 30b. The first type lower groove 15 provided on the upper surface 10 a of the antenna member 10 faces the first type upper groove 31 provided on the lower surface 30 b of the feed member 30. The first type lower groove 15 and the first type upper groove 31 are mirror-symmetrical to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the first-type lower groove 15 and the first-type upper groove 31 face each other and overlap each other, thereby forming a tunnel-type first-type relay at the boundary between the feed member 30 and the antenna member 10. Hole 6 is formed.
Similarly, the second type lower groove 25 and the second type upper groove 32 have a mirror-symmetric shape. The second type lower groove 25 and the second type upper groove 32 face each other and overlap each other to constitute the second type relay hole 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the feed member 30 has an upper surface 30a and a lower upper surface 30c provided one step below the upper surface 30a.
On the upper surface 30 a of the feed member 30, an opening 33 a of the first type upper hole 33 and an opening 34 a of the second type upper hole 34 are located. A recess 35 is provided on the upper surface 30 a of the feed member 30. The recess 35 is connected to the opening 33a and the opening 34a. The recess 35 is slightly larger than the high-frequency circuit region 45 of the radar control board 40 described later, and has a substantially similar shape to the high-frequency circuit region 45.

<Radar control board (common board)>
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the radar control board 40 as viewed from the bottom surface 40b side.
The radar control board 40 is fixed to the upper surface 30 a of the feed member 30. Thereby, the plate | board surface of the radar control board 40 is arrange | positioned with the breadth in the direction where the 1st type horn 11 or the 2nd type horn 21 is extended, and the width direction. The radar control board 40 is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 43 for fixing. The radar control board 40 and the feed member 30 are fixed by inserting a fixing hole 43 of the radar control board 40 and a screw (not shown) penetrating through the fixing hole 36 of the feed member 30 into the screw hole 16 of the antenna member 10. To do.

  The radar control board 40 is disposed on the upper side of the antenna member 10 in the present embodiment. However, the radar control board 40 may be disposed below the antenna member 10. In this case, it can be set as the structure covered with a cover from the downward direction further.

As shown in FIG. 5, the radar control board 40 includes a first type high frequency circuit unit 41 for receiving radar waves, a second type high frequency circuit unit 42 for transmitting radar waves, and an information processing circuit unit 47. And have been implemented. The planar positions of the information processing circuit unit 47, the first type high frequency circuit unit 41, and the second type high frequency circuit unit 42 on the radar control board 40 do not overlap.
The radar control board 40 is provided with a signal line 48 that connects the first type high frequency circuit unit 41 and the second type high frequency circuit unit 42 to the information processing circuit unit 47.

  The information processing circuit unit 47 includes an information processing integrated circuit 47a. The information processing integrated circuit 47a serves to control the first type high frequency circuit unit 41 and the second type high frequency circuit unit 42 and to process information. More specifically, the information processing integrated circuit 47 a instructs the second type high-frequency circuit unit 42 to transmit a radar wave via the signal line 48. Further, the information processing integrated circuit 47a calculates radar wave reception information in the first type high frequency circuit unit 41 via the signal line 48, and estimates the distance, direction, and the like of the object.

  The radar control board 40 is assembled to the feed member 30 so that the lower surface 40 b contacts the upper surface 30 a of the feed member 30. Further, the region where the information processing circuit unit 47 is formed in the lower surface 40 b is disposed to face the lower upper surface 30 c of the feed member 30.

The first type high frequency circuit unit 41 and the second type high frequency circuit unit 42 are arranged adjacent to each other, and constitute a high frequency circuit region 45 as a whole. On the lower surface 40b of the radar control board 40, a closed conductor foil 46 (hatching region in FIG. 5) surrounding the high-frequency circuit region 45 (that is, the first type high-frequency circuit unit 41 and the second type high-frequency circuit unit 42). ) Is provided.
The foil 46 is made of, for example, copper. The foil 46 serves to shield an electromagnetic field generated by the high-frequency circuit region 45 disposed inside the lower surface 40b.
The foil 46 is provided in a region in contact with the upper surface 30 a of the feed member 30 on the lower surface 40 b of the radar control board 40. The foil 46 is in contact with the antenna member 10 having a reference potential via the feed member 30 by contacting the upper surface 30a of the feed member 30.

The first type of high-frequency circuit unit 41 includes a high-frequency integrated circuit 41a and five transmission lines (microstrip lines) 41c extending from the high-frequency integrated circuit 41a and having reception ends 41b at the leading ends.
The second type high frequency circuit section 42 includes a high frequency integrated circuit 42a and two transmission lines (microstrip lines) 42c extending from the high frequency integrated circuit 42a and having transmission ends 42b at the leading ends.

As shown in FIG. 2, the receiving end 41 b of the first type high-frequency circuit unit 41 is located above the opening 33 a of the first type upper hole 33 of the feed member 30. The electromagnetic wave transmitted from the first type upper hole 33 is received by the receiving end 41b.
Similarly, the transmission end 42 b of the second type high-frequency circuit unit 42 is located above the opening 34 a of the second type upper hole 34 of the feed member 30. The electromagnetic wave transmitted from the high frequency integrated circuit 42a is transmitted from the transmitting end 42b to the second type upper hole 34.

  The radar control board (common board) 40 is, for example, a ceramic board or a glass epoxy board, and is made of an insulating material. The radar control board 40 is particularly preferably a glass epoxy board. Thereby, the cost of the radar control board 40 can be suppressed.

<Feed part>
Next, the feed unit 5 having the first type waveguide 8 and the second type waveguide 9 which are transmission paths of the radar waves to be transmitted and received and including the antenna member 10 and the feed member 30 will be described. .

The feed unit 5 includes a feed member 30 including an upper surface 30a and a lower surface 30b, and an antenna member 10 including an antenna member side contact surface (upper surface) 10a. The feed unit 5 includes five first-type waveguides 8 that transmit reception radar waves and two second-type waveguides 9 that transmit transmission radar waves.
The feed unit 5 covers the first type high frequency circuit unit 41 and the second type high frequency circuit unit 42 on the upper surface 30 a of the feed member 30.

The feed unit 5 includes a first type lower hole 14 and a first type lower groove 15 of the antenna member 10, and a first type upper groove 31 and a first type upper hole 33 of the feed member 30, These constitute the first type waveguide 8.
The first type lower groove 15 and the first type upper groove 31 face each other and overlap each other, thereby forming the first type relay hole 6. The first type relay hole 6 has one end connected to the first type lower hole 14 and the other end connected to the first type upper hole 33. As a result, the first-type lower hole 14, the first-type relay hole 6, and the first-type upper hole 33 constitute a first-type waveguide 8 that is a continuous hole.

Similarly, the feed portion 5 includes a second type lower hole 24 and a second type lower groove 25 of the antenna member 10, and a second type upper groove 32 and a second type upper hole 34 of the feed member 30. These constitute the second type of waveguide 9.
The second type lower groove 25 and the second type upper groove 32 face each other and overlap each other, thereby forming the second type relay hole 7. The second type relay hole 7 has one end connected to the second type lower hole 24 and the other end connected to the second type upper hole 34. Thus, the second type lower hole 24, the second type relay hole 7, and the second type upper hole 34 constitute a second type waveguide 9 which is a continuous hole.
The first-type waveguide 8 and the second-type waveguide 9 are paths inclined forward in the first-type upper hole 33 and the second-type upper hole 34 provided in the feed member 30. ing.

  The first type waveguide 8 is connected to the base 12 of the first type horn 11 at one end. Further, the first type waveguide 8 is opened on the other receiving end 41b of the first type high frequency circuit section 41 at the other end. The first type waveguide 8 transmits the radar wave received by the first type horn 11 to the receiving end 41b.

  The second type waveguide 9 is connected to the base portion 22 of the second type horn 21 at one end. Further, the second type waveguide 9 is opened at the other end on a different transmission end 42b of the second type high-frequency circuit unit 42, respectively. The second type waveguide 9 transmits the radar wave transmitted from the transmission end 42 b to the base 22 of the second type horn 21.

  The feed unit 5 includes a first type relay hole 6 of the first type waveguide 8 and a second type relay hole 7 of the second type waveguide 9 between the antenna member 10 and the feed member 30. And configure. The first type relay hole 6 and the second type relay hole 7 are located on a plane (a plane parallel to the XY plane) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the height direction (Z direction). Therefore, the first-type relay hole 6 and the second-type relay hole 7 are different from the first-type waveguide 8 and the second-type waveguide 9 in the width direction (X direction) and the length direction ( (Y direction). Thereby, the positions of the opening 33 a of the first type waveguide 8 and the opening 34 a of the second type waveguide 9 can be appropriately arranged in accordance with the configuration of the radar control board 40. That is, the configuration of the receiving end 41b of the first type high frequency circuit unit 41 and the transmitting end 42b of the second type high frequency circuit unit 42 of the radar control board 40 can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced.

<Power circuit board>
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where the upper case 80 and the front cover 90 are removed.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the power supply circuit board 50 is provided above the radar control board 40 and substantially parallel to the radar control board 40. The power circuit board 50 is fixed to the antenna member 10 with screws.

  The power supply circuit board 50 is connected to the radar control board 40 and the imaging device 70 by wiring 60 and supplies DC power to the radar control board 40 and the imaging device 70. Further, the power supply circuit board 50 is mounted with a control circuit that controls the imaging device 70. Further, the power supply circuit board 50 may be mounted with a processing unit that issues a command to the imaging device 70 based on information such as the distance and direction of the object that is calculated and guided by the radar control board 40.

A connector 51 to which external terminals are connected and a capacitor 52 for keeping the power supply voltage constant are mounted on the power supply circuit board 50. The connector 51 and the capacitor 52 are relatively tall parts as mounting parts.
The capacitor 52 is a bypass capacitor that connects the power supply line and the ground in order to avoid fluctuations in the power supply voltage. The capacitor 52 is provided to prevent a voltage drop of the circuit when the circuit requires a large current. Therefore, the capacitor 52 needs a sufficient electrostatic quantity to prevent a voltage drop, so that the size and the size of the capacitor 52 are increased.

  The connector 51 and the capacitor 52 are located behind the power supply circuit board 50 and behind the imaging device 70. As shown in FIG. 2, the radar apparatus 100 includes an antenna member 10 whose height gradually decreases from the front toward the rear. By disposing the connector 51 and the capacitor 52 behind the power supply circuit board 50, the connector 51 and the capacitor 52 having a large height are disposed in a low portion of the antenna member 10. Thereby, the height of the radar apparatus 100 can be averaged, and it can suppress that a height becomes large locally.

<Imaging device>
The imaging device 70 includes an imaging optical system 71, an imaging element 72, and a substrate 73. The imaging device 70 is fixed to the upper case 80 with screws.
The imaging optical system 71 faces forward, and the optical axis passes through the field window 81 of the upper case 80. The imaging optical system 71 has a configuration in which, for example, a plurality of lenses having the same optical axis are combined.
The image sensor 72 is disposed at the focal position of the imaging optical system 71. The image pickup device 72 is a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, and picks up a subject image formed through the image forming optical system 71.
An image sensor 72 is mounted on the substrate 73. The substrate 73 is fixed to the imaging optical system 71. Further, the substrate 73 is connected to the power supply circuit substrate 50 by wiring 60.
The imaging device 70 is controlled by a control circuit of the power supply circuit board 50 and is supplied with power from the power supply circuit board 50.

<Upper case>
As shown in FIG. 1, the upper case 80 has a rear upper surface 82 and a front upper surface 83 positioned at the upper portion, a pair of side surfaces 84 positioned at the side portions, and a rear surface 85 positioned at the rear portion.
The upper case 80 is fixed to the antenna member 10 with screws. The upper case 80 and the antenna member 10 may be fixed by other methods.

  The upper case 80 has an opening 87 in the front, and the aperture 13 of the first type horn 11 and the aperture 13 of the second type horn 21 of the antenna member 10 are exposed forward from the opening 87. . A front cover 90 is provided in front of the opening 87 and covers the aperture 13 and the aperture 23.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rear upper surface 82 is positioned one step above the front upper surface 83 and the stepped portion 86. Below the rear upper surface 82, an imaging device 70 and a connector 51 and a capacitor 52 mounted on the power supply circuit board 50 are arranged.

  The stepped portion 86 has a viewing window 81 at the center in the width direction. The field window 81 is provided to ensure the field of view of the imaging device 70. The viewing window 81 may be fitted with a transparent plate.

  The front upper surface 83 is arranged so as to cover the lower part of the field of view of the imaging device 70, thereby blocking the light traveling from the lower side of the radar device 100 toward the imaging device 70 and suppressing entering the imaging optical system 71. .

  The radar apparatus 100 of this embodiment may be attached to the interior space of an automobile. Specifically, the radar apparatus 100 may be disposed in the vehicle interior between the windshield and the rear mirror with the front side facing the windshield of the vehicle. In this case, if the height of the radar device 100 (dimension in the Z-axis direction) is large, the radar device 100 may hinder the visibility of the driver who drives the vehicle. Moreover, if the width dimension (dimension in the X-axis direction) and the length dimension (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of the radar apparatus 100 are large, the radar apparatus 100 may be greatly exposed from the rear surface of the room mirror, and the design may be deteriorated. There is.

  The radar apparatus 100 of this embodiment can suppress the height dimension because the five first type horns 11 and the two second type horns 21 are all arranged in the width direction. Therefore, when the radar apparatus 100 is attached to the interior space, it is possible to prevent the driver's field of view from being obstructed.

  Further, in the feed member 30 of the radar apparatus 100, the upper surface 30a and the lower surface 30b are not parallel to each other, and the upper surface 30a is inclined forward. Accordingly, the radar control board 40 fixed to the upper surface 30a of the feed member 30 is inclined forward. That is, the plate surface of the radar control board 40 extends in the width direction and the height direction of the first type horn 11.

In the radar apparatus 100, a power circuit board 50 is disposed above the radar control board 40. The radar control board 40 and the power supply circuit board 50 are preferably arranged in parallel to each other. Thereby, the radar apparatus 100 can provide a certain gap between the radar control board 40 and the power supply circuit board 50, and can prevent mechanical interference between the boards.
In addition, the power supply circuit board 50 is arranged to be inclined forward along the radar control board 40 by being parallel to the radar control board 40. Thereby, the radar apparatus 100 can arrange | position the power supply circuit board 50 close to the antenna member 10 in the front, and can suppress a front height dimension. Furthermore, the radar apparatus 100 arranges the front upper surface 83 of the upper case 80 so as to be parallel to the power supply circuit board 50 to suppress the height dimension of the front of the radar apparatus 100 and to tilt the front upper surface 83 forward. . Thereby, the radar apparatus 100 can be expanded below the field of view of the imaging apparatus 70.

<Modification>
Next, a modified radar device 200 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a radar device 200 according to a modification. The radar device 200 is different from the above-described radar device 100 in the configuration of the antenna member 110. In addition, about the component of the same aspect as the above-mentioned radar apparatus 100, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, in FIG. 7, the front cover 90 is shown with a dashed-dotted line for description of each part.

The radar device 200 includes an antenna member 110.
The antenna member 110 is positioned at the left and right ends of the five first-type horns 111 that are adjacent to each other in the width direction (X-axis direction) and form a row in the width direction, and the first-type horn 111 row. Two horns 121 of the second type.

The first type of horn 111 is a pyramid horn and functions as a part of an antenna for receiving radar waves.
The apertures 113 of the five first type horns 111 are arranged on the same plane in the front-rear direction. The apertures 113 of the five first type horns 111 have the same shape. That is, the apertures 113 of the five first type horns 111 have the same first height h1. In addition, the apertures 113 of the five first type horns 111 have the same first width w1. The aperture 113 has a vertically long rectangular cross-sectional shape in which the first type height h1 is larger than the first type width w1.

The second type of horn 121 is a pyramid horn and functions as a part of an antenna for transmitting radar waves.
The second type horns 121 are located on the left and right sides of the row where the first type horns 111 are arranged. In the case of distinguishing between the second type horns 121 located on the left and right sides, the horn located on the right side (+ X side) of the row of the first type horns 111 is the right end horn 121R, and on the left side (−X side). Let the horn located be the left end horn 121L.

The aperture 123R of the right end horn 121R and the aperture 123L of the left end horn 121L have the same height h2. The height h2 of the aperture 123 of the second type horn 121 is higher than the height h1 of the first type of aperture 113 of the horn 111.
Further, the width w2R of the aperture 123R of the right end horn 121R is smaller than the width w2L of the aperture 123L of the left end horn 121L.
The aperture 123R of the right-end horn 121R has a vertically long rectangular cross section having a height h2 larger than the width w2R. On the other hand, the aperture 123L of the left end horn 121L has a cross-sectional shape close to a square having a width w2L and a height h2 that are substantially the same.

  In the radar device 200 according to the modified example, the height dimension of the aperture 113 of the first type horn 111 is the first type height h1 that is the same height. Further, the height h2 which is the height direction dimension of the aperture 123 of the second type horn 121 is higher than the first type height h1. Further, the center in the height direction of the first type horn 111 and the center in the height direction of the second type horn 121 substantially coincide with each other.

  In the radar device 200, there are two second type horns 121. The height direction dimension of the aperture 113 of the first type horn 111 is the first type height h1 which is the same height. The height direction dimension (height h2) of the aperture 123 of the second type horn 121 is higher than the first type height h1.

With the above configuration, the radar apparatus 200 can reduce the side lobe in the product of the gain of the transmission antenna and the gain of the reception antenna.
Further, the radar device 200 is more preferable because the first type horn 111 is disposed at the center of the second type horn 121 in the height direction, and the side lobe of the second type horn 121 can be easily excluded.

  Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, each configuration in each embodiment and combinations thereof are examples, and addition, omission, replacement, and configuration of configurations are within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention. And other changes are possible.

  For example, in each embodiment, although the radar apparatus provided with five 1st type horns was illustrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, it is preferable that three or more first-type horns are provided.

Moreover, in each embodiment, the 2nd type horn illustrated the radar apparatus provided one each on the right and left of the row | line | column which 1st type horn makes. However, at least one of the second type horns only needs to be positioned at the left or right end of the row of the first type horns. For example, two horns may be provided at the right end. Further, the number of second type horns is not limited as long as at least one horn is provided.
In each embodiment, the two second-type horns have the same aperture height. However, the heights of the apertures of the plurality of second type horns may be different from each other.

  In each embodiment, although an antenna member is provided with the 1st type horn and the 2nd type horn, it is not restricted to this. The antenna member may be a directional antenna, for example, an array antenna.

5 ... feed section,
6 ... 1st type relay hole,
7 ... The second kind of relay hole,
8 ... 1st type waveguide,
9 ... The second type of waveguide,
10, 110 ... antenna member,
10a ... Upper surface (antenna member side contact surface),
11, 111 ... first type horn,
12, 22 ... the base,
13, 23, 23L, 23R, 113, 123, 123L, 123R ... aperture,
14 ... Lower hole (hole) of the first type,
14a, 24a, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b ... opening,
15 ... Lower groove (groove) of the first type,
21, 121 ... 2nd type horn,
21L, 121L ... Left end horn,
21R, 121R ... right end horn,
24 ... the lower hole (hole) of the second type,
25 ... Lower groove (groove) of the second type,
30 ... feed member,
30a ... upper surface,
30b ... lower surface (feed member side contact surface),
30c ... lower upper surface,
31 ... The first type upper groove (groove),
32 ... Second type upper groove (groove),
33 ... first type upper hole (hole),
34 ... Second type upper hole (hole),
35 ... recess,
40: Radar control board,
40b, ... under surface,
41... First type high frequency circuit section,
41a, 41b ... high frequency integrated circuit,
41b ... receiving end,
41c, 42c ... transmission path (microstrip line),
42 ... the second type high frequency circuit section,
42a ... high frequency integrated circuit,
42b ... transmitting end,
45. High frequency circuit area,
46 ... foil,
47. Information processing circuit section,
47a ... Integrated circuit for information processing,
48 ... Signal line,
50 ... power circuit board,
51 ... Connector,
52. Capacitor,
60 ... wiring,
70: Imaging device,
71: Imaging optical system,
72. Image sensor,
73 ... substrate,
80 ... Upper case,
81 ... View window,
82 ... rear upper surface,
83 ... front upper surface,
86: Stepped part,
90 ... front cover,
100, 200 ... Radar device,
H1, h1 ... height of the first kind,
H2, h2 ... height of the second kind,
W1, W2L, W2R, w1, w2L, w2R ... Width

Claims (7)

An antenna member capable of radiating or receiving microwaves;
A plurality of waveguides each connected at one end to the base of the antenna member;
A high-frequency circuit unit in contact with the feed unit;
An information processing circuit section;
A signal line connecting the high-frequency circuit unit and the information processing circuit unit;
A common substrate on which the high-frequency circuit unit and the information processing circuit unit are mounted,
On the common substrate, the planar positions of the high-frequency circuit unit and the information processing circuit unit do not overlap,
The common substrate has a closed conductor foil surrounding the high-frequency circuit unit,
A radar device wherein the closed conductor foil is grounded. A feed member that is a block or plate-like member having holes or grooves;
The feed member contacts the antenna member at a feed member side contact surface;
The antenna member is in contact with the feed member at the antenna member side contact surface,
The feed member has a hole or a groove opened in the feed member side contact surface,
The antenna member has a hole or a groove opened in the antenna member side contact surface,
The feed part is constituted by the antenna member including the feed member and the antenna member side contact surface,
The radar device according to claim 1, wherein the hole and groove opened in the feed member side contact surface and the hole and groove opened in the antenna member side contact surface constitute the waveguide of the feed unit.   The radar device according to claim 1, wherein the common substrate is a glass epoxy substrate. The antenna member is a pyramid type horn having a height dimension larger than the width dimension of the aperture, and the length from the base to the aperture is the first type horn, and the pyramid type horn A horn of at least one second type in which the length from the base to the aperture is a second type length longer than the length of the first type,
There are at least three horns of the first type,
Each of the waveguides connected to the base of the first type horn opens on a different receiving end on the high-frequency circuit unit at the other end,
When the direction in which one of the first type horns faces is the front, the direction in which the other first type horn and the second type horn are directed is also forward,
At least three of the first type horns are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction, and form a row in the width direction.
At least one of the second type horns is located at the left or right end of the row of the first type horns,
The waveguide connected to the base of the second type horn opens on the transmitting end on the high-frequency circuit unit at the other end,
The difference in position in the front-rear direction of the apertures of the first type horn and the second type horn is smaller than the wavelength in free space of the high frequency electromagnetic wave output by the high frequency circuit unit,
The base of the second type horn is located behind the base of the first type horn by a distance larger than the wavelength in free space of the high frequency electromagnetic wave output by the high frequency circuit unit,
The radar device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the feed portion is positioned forward of a base portion of the second type horn.   The radar device according to claim 4, wherein the common substrate is located on an upper side or a lower side of the antenna member. There are five horns of the first type,
The radar device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the five horns of the first type are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction and form a row in the width direction. There are two horns of the second kind,
The height dimension of the aperture of the first type horn is the first type height that is the same height.
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a height dimension of the aperture of the second type horn is higher than a height of the first type.