SE538913C2

SE538913C2 - Housing for holding a radar device

Info

Publication number: SE538913C2
Application number: SE1551161A
Authority: SE
Inventors: De Bruin Stefan
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2015-09-10
Filing date: 2015-09-10
Publication date: 2017-02-14
Also published as: SE1551161A1; DE102016010825A1; DE102016010825B4

Description

30 538 913 an integrated dieiectrio tens. The first part is joined with a second part by a groove and tohgue joint and by oiips. Document Dâtššššt 387 At disoioses a radar sensor with a oasing and a piastio ions enoiosing the front of the casing.

The piastic lens and the casing are joiried by a. shap~fii joint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Despite known solutions in the field, there is still a need to develop a housing for holding a radar device which optimizes the function of the radar device and which facilitates the manufacturing process.

An object of the present invention is to achieve a housing for holding a radar device which optimizes the function of the radar device.

Another object of the invention is to achieve a housing for holding a radar device, which facilitates the manufacturing process.

A further object of the invention is to achieve a housing for holding a radar device, which facilitates the mounting of the housing.

The herein mentioned objects are achieved by a housing for holding a radar device and a vehicle according to the independent claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention a housing for holding a radar device is provided. The housing comprises a first part and a second part which are removably attached to each other and at least partly surround the radar device, wherein the first part is adapted to be attached to a vehicle and comprises mounting means to hold the radar device, and wherein the second part is arranged such that the radio waves from/to the radar device passes through the second part. The first part comprises a base portion and at least one hook means projecting from the base portion and the second part comprises at least one attachment means adapted to engage with the at least 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 one hook means, wherein the hook means and the attachment means are configured to form a snap-fit attachment between the first part and the second part. By joining the first part and the second part with a snap-fit attachment an immediate confirmation that the second part is correctly attached to the second part is provided. The second part of the housing may be removed for example during service and/or calibration of the radar device. lf the second part is incorrectly/loosely mounted the second part might be displaced when the vehicle is operated. This could cause occurrence of ghost signals and thereby incorrect control signals to the vehicle. By the use of a snap-fit attachment the person mounting the second part on the first part will both receive an audible confirmation by the sound of the snap-fit engagement between the hook means and the attachment means and also a tactile confirmation by the vibration caused by the snap-fit engagement. This way, it is obvious for the person mounting the second part that it is correctly positioned and the risk for ghost signals is thereby minimized. By an immediate confirmation of correct mounting, a time-efficient and simplified mounting is achieved. The snap fit between the first part and the second part of the housing also carries horizontal forces acting on the first part and the second part perpendicularly to the main extension of the first part and the second part. This way, it is ensured that the second part of the housing does not move in the direction towards or away from the base portion.

When the housing is arranged on a vehicle the base portion of the first part is suitably arranged on the front of the vehicle such that the base portion extends essentially perpendicularly to the surface on which the vehicle is operated. The radar device is suitably attached to the base portion such that the main direction of radiation is essentially parallel with the surface on which the vehicle is operated. The radiation beams are thus directed away from the vehicle. The first part of the housing may be denominated a bracket. The at least one hook means suitably projects from the base portion in the direction of the main direction of radiation. Thus, in the case where the radar device is 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 arranged on the front of a vehicle the at least one hook means projects from the base portion in the direction of the main travel direction of the vehicle.

The second part of the housing suitably comprises a front portion and a fastening portion. The front portion extends essentially in parallel with the base portion of the first part. The second part is arranged such that the radio waves to/from the radar device pass through the front portion. The fastening portion extends essentially perpendicularly to the front portion at a first end of the front portion. The first end of the front portion may be the upper end of the front portion. The upper end being defined as the end being furthest away from the ground on which the vehicle is operated. The at least one attachment means suitably projects from the front portion on the side facing the first part of the housing. The at least one attachment means is suitably arranged adjacent a second end of the front portion, opposite the first end.

The at least one hook means suitably comprises a first hook portion which extends essentially perpendicularly to the base portion. The first hook portion thus extends essentially in parallel with the main direction of radiation and thus essentially in parallel with the surface on which the vehicle is operated. The at least one hook means suitably further comprises a second hook portion which extends upwards from the first hook portion. The second hook portion may extend essentially perpendicularly to the first hook portion. Alternatively, the second hook portion extends with an angle to the first hook portion, wherein the angle may be between 94-105 degrees.

According to an aspect of the invention the at least one hook means comprises at least one recess and the at least one attachment means comprises at least one corresponding protrusion. This way, the first part and the second part of the housing are joined together by snap fit. Alternatively, the at least one hook means comprises a plurality of recesses and the at least one attachment means comprises a corresponding number of protrusions. Alternatively the at least one recess is a groove and the at least one corresponding protrusion is 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 an elongated ridge. The at least one recess is situated on the second hook portion of the at least one hook means.

The mounting means on the first part of the housing may be bolts which are adapted to support and hold the radar device. The mounting means may alternatively be clips, screws or similar. The mounting means suitably projects from the base portion in the direction towards the second part of the housing.

According to an aspect of the invention the at least one attachment means is adapted to be fitted over and at least partially surround a part of the at least one hook means. Preferably, the at least one attachment means is designed to be fitted over and at least partially surround the second hook portion of the at least one hook means. The at least one attachment means thus constitutes a female connector and the at least one hook means constitutes a male connector. The at least one attachment means is suitably designed as a pocket, cap, hood or similar. The at least one attachment means suitably corresponds to the shape of the second hook portion of the at least one hook means, such that a close fit between the at least one attachment means and the at least one hook means is achieved. The second hook portion is suitably longer than the depth of the at least one attachment means such that the at least one attachment means does not rest on the first hook portion.

Since the at least one hook means projects from the base portion a space is formed between the first part and the second part of the housing. The distance between the first part and the second part thus depends on the length of the first hook portion. The length of the first hook portion is suitably such that the radar device may fit inside the space formed between the first part and the second part of the housing.

According to an aspect of the invention the first part and the second part of the housing are further attached to each other by at least one fastening means.

The fastening means may be a screw or similar. Preferably, the first part of the 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 housing comprises at least one internally threaded element and the second part of the housing comprises a corresponding through hole adapted to circumferentially surround the threaded element for attachment of the first part and the second part by the at least one fastening means. The second part of the housing is thus mounted by bringing the through hole over the internally threaded element such that the inner walls of the through hole circumferentially surround the internally threaded element. The first part of the housing preferably comprises at least one fastening portion extending essentially perpendicularly to the base portion at a first end of the base portion. The first end may be the upper end of the base portion. The at least one threaded element is suitably arranged on the at least one fastening portion of the first part and thus projects above the surface of the fastening portion. The at least one corresponding through hole is suitably arranged on the at least one fastening portion of the second part of the housing. The at least one fastening portion of the first part extends in parallel with the at least one fastening portion of the second part of the housing. The fastening portion of the first part of the housing and the fastening portion of the second part of the housing are arranged such that they abut when the at least one attachment means and the at least one hook means are engaged by snap fit. By arranging an internally threaded element on the first part of the housing, the second part of the housing may be guided into the correct position wherein the inner walls of the through hole circumferentially surrounds the threaded element. Also, the projecting threaded element on the first part constitutes a spacer between the fastening means and the second part of the housing. This way, the stress on the second part of the housing is minimized when the fastening means is tightened. The attachment by fastening means carries vertical forces acting on the first part and the second part of the housing. This way is ensured that the second part of the housing does not move vertically. By configuring the housing with at least one snap-fit attachment and at least one fastening means attachment according to the present invention, it is ensured that the first part and the second part of the housing are securely attached to each other and the function of the radar device is optimized. 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 The first part of the housing may comprise one fastening portion with one or more internally threaded elements. Alternatively, the first part of the housing may comprise two or more fastening portions with one internally threaded element each. The second part of the housing may similarly comprise one fastening portion with one or more through holes. Alternatively, the second part of the housing may comprise two or more fastening portions with one through hole each.

According to an aspect of the invention the at least one internally threaded element is welded onto the first part. The threaded element may then be a threaded cylinder, collar, spacer or similar. Alternatively, the at least one internally threaded element is a self-clinching nut. By using a self-clinching nut the manufacture of the housing is simplified and time-efficient.

The first part may comprise at least two hook means and the second part may comprise at least two attachment means.

According to an aspect of the invention the first part comprises metal. The second part preferably comprises plastic transparent to radio waves from/to the radar device.

Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not restricted to the specific details described. Specialists having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention. 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 BFIIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For fuller understanding of the present invention and further objects and advantages of it, the detailed description set out below should be read together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various diagrams, and in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a housing for holding a radar device according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 schematically illustrates details of a housing for holding a radar device according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 schematically illustrates details of a housing for holding a radar device according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure i sohematšcaily' shovvs a eicle view of a vehicle i according to an embodiment of the Eiiveritioii. The vehicle i contçorises a radar device 12 arrangeci ai the front of the vehicte i, vvherein the radar device 12 is arrariged inside a housing to for hoidtng a radar device according to the present invention. The radar' olet/ice 12 rnay be arrangect on the front bomber of the vehicle i. The housing iO ie attached to the vehicle i. The vehicle 1 may be a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. The vehicle 1 may alternatively be a passenger car.

Figure 2 echeinaticeity shows a housing 10 for holding a radar device 12 according to an embodiment of the invention. The radar device 12 is not shown in the figure. The housing 10 comprises a first part 14 and a second 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 part 16, which are removably attached to each other and arranged to at least partly surround the radar device 12. A space 13 is formed between the first part 14 and the second part 16, wherein the radar device 12 is arranged in said space 13. The first part 14 is adapted to be attached to a vehicle 1 and comprises mounting means 18 to hold the radar device 12. The second part 16 is arranged such that the radio waves from/to the radar device 12 passes through the second part 16. The first part 14 comprises a base portion 20 and at least one hook means 22 projecting from the base portion 20 and the second part 16 comprises at least one attachment means 24 adapted to engage with the at least one hook means 22, wherein the hook means 22 and the attachment means 24 are configured to form a snap-fit attachment 23 between the first part 14 and the second part 16. By the use of a snap-fit attachment 23 the person mounting the second part 16 on the first part 14 will both receive an audible confirmation that the second part 16 is correctly mounted and a tactile confirmation. This way, the risk for ghost signals is minimized and the function of the radar device 12 is optimized. The snap-fit between the first part 14 and the second part 16 of the housing 10 ensures that the second part 16 of the housing 10 does not move in the direction towards or away from the base portion 20.

The base portion 20 extends essentially vertically and thus essentially perpendicularly to the surface on which the vehicle 1 is operated. The at least one hook means 22 suitably projects from the base portion 20 in the direction of the main direction of radiation, towards the second part 16 of the housing 10.

Thus, in the case where the radar device 12 is arranged on the front of a vehicle 1 as described in Figure 1, the at least one hook means 22 projects from the base portion 20 in the main travel direction of the vehicle 1. The first part 14 further comprises at least one fastening portion 26 extending essentially perpendicularly to the main extension of the base portion 20 at an upper end of the base portion 20. The upper end being defined as the end of the base portion being furthest away from the ground on which the vehicle 1 is operated. The at least one hook means 22 comprises a first hook portion 30 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 which extends essentially perpendicularly to the base portion 20. The at least one hook means 22 suitably further comprises a second hook portion 32 which extends upwards from the first hook portion 30. The second hook portion 32 may extend with an angle to the first hook portion 30, wherein the angle is between 94-105 degrees.

The second part 16 of the housing 10 suitably comprises a front portion 34 and a fastening portion 36. The front portion 34 extends essentially in parallel with the base portion 20 of the first part 14. The second part 16 is arranged such that the radio waves to/from the radar device 12 pass through the front portion 34. The fastening portion 36 extends essentially perpendicularly to the front portion 34 at an upper end of the front portion 34. The upper end being defined as the end of the front portion 34 being furthest away from the ground on which the vehicle 1 is operated. The at least one attachment means 24 projects from the front portion 34 on the side facing the first part 14 of the housing 10. The at least one attachment means 24 is suitably arranged adjacent a lower end of the front portion 34.

The enlargement of the snap-fit attachment 23 between the first part 14 and the second part 16 of the housing 10 shows that the second hook portion 32 of the at least one hook means 22 comprises at least one recess 40 and the at least one attachment means 24 comprises at least one corresponding protrusion 42. This way, the first part 14 and the second part 16 of the housing 10 are joined together by snap-fit. The protrusion 42 on the at least one attachment means 24 may be tapered. The at least one hook means 22 may comprise a plurality of recesses 40 and the at least one attachment means 24 may comprise a corresponding number of protrusions 42. The at least one recess 40 may be a groove and the at least one corresponding protrusion 42 may be an elongated ridge. The at least one attachment means 24 is adapted to be fitted over and at least partially surround the second hook portion 32 of the at least one hook means 22. The at least one attachment means 24 thus constitutes a female connector and the at least one hook means 22 constitutes 10 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 a male connector. The at least one attachment means 24 is suitably designed as a pocket, cap, hood or similar. The at least one attachment means 24 suitably corresponds to the shape of the second hook portion 32 of the at least one hook means 22, such that a close fit between the at least one attachment means 24 and the at least one hook means 22 is achieved.

The first part 14 and the second part 16 of the housing 10 are further attached to each other at their respective fastening portions 26, 36 by at least one fastening means 44. The at least one fastening means 44 may be any type of screw. The attachment by fastening means is further described in Figure 4.

Figure 3 shows the first part 14 of a housing 10 for holding a radar device 12 according to an embodiment of the invention. The first part 14 is thus a part of a housing 10 for holding a radar device 12 configured as in Figure 2, wherein the first part 14 comprises two hook means 22 for snap-fit attachment with the second part 16. The second part of the housing (not shown) thus comprises two attachment means 24. The base portion 20 is adapted to be attached to a vehicle 1 or similar. The first part 14 further comprises a fastening portion 26 at the upper end of the base portion 20. The fastening portion 26 is elongated and extends essentially perpendicularly to the base portion 20. Two internally threaded elements 50 are arranged on the fastening portion 26 for attachment by fastening means (not shown). The threaded elements 50 project above the surface of the fastening portion 26. The attachment by fastening means is further described in Figure 4.

Figure 4 shows a top view of a housing 10 for holding a radar device 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 10 is configured as described in Figure 2 and Figure 3. The first part 14 of the housing 10 comprises two internally threaded elements 50 on a fastening portion 26 and the second part 16 of the housing 10 comprises two corresponding through holes 52 on a fastening portion 36. When the second part 16 of the housing 10 is correctly positioned, the through holes 52 surround 11 10 15 20 25 30 538 913 the threaded elements 50 and fastening means (not shown) may be mounted to attach the second part 16 to the first part 14. The fastening portion 26 of the first part 14 of the housing 10 and the fastening portion 36 of the second part 16 of the housing 10 are thus arranged such that they abut when the at least one attachment means 24 and the at least one hook means 22 are engaged by snap-fit. The second part 16 is thereby hanging on the fastening portion 26 of the first part 14. The internally threaded elements 50 on the first part 14 of the housing 10 guide the second part 16 of the housing 10 into the correct position when mounting the second part 16. Also, the projecting threaded elements 50 constitute spacers between the fastening means and the second part 16 of the housing. This way, the stress on the second part 16 of the housing 10 is minimized when the fastening means are tightened. The attachment by fastening means carries vertical forces acting on the first part 14 and the second part 16 of the housing 10. This way is ensured that the second part 16 of the housing 10 does not move vertically.

The internally threaded elements 50 may be welded onto the fastening portion 26 or they may be self-clinching nuts. The internally threaded elements 50 may be threaded inserts, spacers, collars or similar. By using self-clinching nuts the manufacture of the housing 10 is considerably simplified and thus time-efficient. lt is to be understood that even if the figures disclose one fastening portion 26 of the first part 14 with two internally threaded elements 50 and one fastening portion 36 of the second part 16 with two through holes 52, the first part 14 of the housing 10 may comprise two or more fastening portions 26 with one internally threaded element 50 each and the second part 16 of the housing 10 may similarly comprise two or more fastening portions 36 with one through hole 52 each.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. lt is not intended to be exhaustive or to restrict the invention to the variants described. Many 12 538 913 modifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art.

The embodiments have been chosen and described in order best to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications and hence make it possible for specialists to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use. 13

Claims

10 15 20 25 30 538 913 Claims

1. A housing (10) for holding a radar device (12), comprising a first part (14) and a second part (16) which are removably attached to each other and arranged to at least partly surround the radar device (12), wherein the first part (14) is adapted to be attached to a vehicle (1) and comprises mounting means (18) to hold the radar device (12), and wherein the second part (16) is arranged such that the radio waves from/to the radar device (12) passes through the second part (16), characterized in that the first part (16) comprises a base portion (20) and at least one hook means (22) projecting from the base portion (20) and the second part (16) comprises at least one attachment means (24) adapted to engage with the at least one hook means (22), wherein the hook means (22) and the attachment means (24) are configured to form a snap-fit attachment (23) between the first part (14) and the second part (16).

2. A housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one hook means (22) comprises at least one recess (40) and the at least one attachment means (24) comprises at least one corresponding protrusion (42).

3. A housing according to claim 1or 2, characterized in that the at least one attachment means (24) is adapted to be fitted over and at least partially surround at least a part of the at least one hook means (22).

4. A housing according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (14) and the second part (16) of the housing are further attached to each other by at least one fastening means (44).

5. A housing according to claim 4, characterized in that the first part (14) comprises at least one internally threaded element (50) and the second part (16) comprises at least one corresponding through hole (52) adapted to circumferentially surround the threaded element (50) for attachment of the first part (14) and the second part (16) by the at least one fastening means (44). 14 10 15 20 25 538 913

6. A housing according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one internally threaded element (50) is welded onto the first part (14).

7. A housing according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one internally threaded element (50) is a self-clinching nut.

8. A housing according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (14) of the housing comprises two hook means (22) and the second part (16) of the housing comprises two attachment means (24).

9. A housing according to any of claims 5-8, characterized in that the first part (14) comprises two internally threaded elements (50) and the second part (16) comprises two corresponding through holes (52).

10. A housing according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (14) of the housing comprises metal.

11. A housing according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part (16) of the housing comprises plastic transparent to radio waves from/to the radar device.

12. A vehicle (1) comprising a radar device (12), characterized in that the radar device (12) is arranged inside a housing (10) according to any of the claims 1-11. 15