radar device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a radar device including a circuit board disposed within a housing having an open upper side and an RF element mounted on an upper surface of the circuit board, and a cavity having an open lower side and coupled to the upper surface of the circuit board to accommodate the RF element, wherein the cavity includes a coupling portion extending downward in an area coupled to the surface of the circuit board, and the coupling portion is inserted into a coupling hole formed in the circuit board to contact a ground plane of the circuit board.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0079939, filed on June 30, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a radar device that prevents electrostatic discharge that may be caused by external electromagnetic waves. Background Art

[0004] Radar equipment is a sensor used to detect surrounding objects and is widely used in various fields, including civilian and military fields. Such radar equipment is installed on vehicles, aircraft, and other vehicles and can be integrated with various application technologies.

[0005] For example, if a radar device is mounted on a vehicle, the radar device detects nearby obstacles, such as vehicles in front of the vehicle, pedestrians, etc., and the vehicle's control system can use the detection results of the radar device to control the vehicle to avoid the obstacle. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted radar device can detect the vehicle in front, and the vehicle control system can control the vehicle to follow the vehicle in front by using the detection results of the radar device.

[0006] To this end, radar equipment detects the distance between the vehicle and surrounding objects by emitting electromagnetic waves and receiving reflected electromagnetic waves.

[0007] Radar equipment includes an RF element and an antenna, and can transmit and receive electromagnetic waves through the antenna. In this case, a cavity can be provided to cover the RF element to prevent noise generated by electromagnetic waves being transmitted to the RF element. However, due to electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurring outside the radar equipment, there is a possibility that charge passing through the cavity can be conducted to the RF element, which is a conductor.

[0008] Therefore, there is an increasing need for a method to solve the performance degradation of radar equipment caused by the discharge phenomenon occurring outside the radar equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In this context, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a radar device capable of removing charges conducted to a cavity by extending a coupling portion in one region of the cavity to contact a ground plane of a circuit board.

[0010] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a radar device including a circuit board disposed within a housing having an open upper side and an RF element mounted on an upper surface of the circuit board, and a cavity having an open lower side and coupled to the upper surface of the circuit board to accommodate the RF element, wherein the cavity includes a coupling portion extending downward in an area coupled to the surface of the circuit board, and the coupling portion is inserted into a coupling hole formed in the circuit board to contact a ground plane of the circuit board.

[0011] According to embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to provide a radar device that removes a charge conducted to a cavity by forming a coupling portion extending to contact a ground plane of a circuit board in one area of the cavity, which can achieve an ESD robustness effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 A state in which a radar device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is mounted on a vehicle is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a radar device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a coupled state of a radar device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 is a view for explaining a cavity of a housing to which a coupling portion extends according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a view for describing a radar device in which a cavity is coupled to a radome according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a view for explaining a cavity including a plurality of coupling portions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a view for explaining a cavity in which a coupling portion is formed in a plate shape according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a view for explaining a radome formed of an inwardly protruding area according to an embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the following description of examples or embodiments of the disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that can be implemented are shown by way of illustration, and in which, even if the same reference numerals and symbols are shown in different drawings, they can be used to denote the same or similar components. Also, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted when it is determined that the subject matter of some embodiments of the disclosure can be made less clear.

[0021] The terms such as "include," "have," "comprise," "comprise," "consist of," and "consist of" used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components, unless the terms are used together with the term "only." As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(A)," or "(B)" can be used herein to describe elements of the disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to limit the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, etc., but is only used to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0023] When referring to a first element and a second element "connected or coupled," "in contact or overlap," etc., it should be interpreted that the first element can not only be "directly connected or coupled" or "directly in contact or overlap" with the second element, but also a third element can be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected or coupled," "in contact or overlap," etc. with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or coupled," "in contact or overlap," etc. with each other.

[0024] When terms such as "after," "subsequently," "next," "before," etc. related to time are used to describe the process or operation of elements or configurations, or the flow or steps in the operation, process, manufacturing method, these terms can be used to describe non-continuous or non-sequential processes or operations, unless the terms "directly" or "immediately" are used together.

[0025] In addition, when referring to any size, relative size, etc., even if the relevant description is not specified, the numerical value or the corresponding information of the element or feature (e.g., level, range, etc.) should be considered to include a tolerance or error range that can be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.). In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all meanings of the term "can."

[0026] Hereinafter, a radar device according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] In the following description of examples or embodiments of the disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that can be implemented are shown by way of illustration, and in which, even if the same reference numerals and symbols are shown in different drawings, they can be used to denote the same or similar components. Also, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted when it is determined that the subject matter of some embodiments of the disclosure can be made less clear.Figure 1 A state in which the radar apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on a vehicle is shown.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1 The radar apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can be installed in a vehicle or the like to detect the presence or position of a target in front of the vehicle, or to detect the distance to the target.

[0029] In the present disclosure, it is assumed that such a radar apparatus 100 is provided in a vehicle. However, the radar apparatus 100 can be installed on the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surface of various vehicles or mobile devices (e.g., two-wheeled vehicles, trains, subway trains, aircraft, etc.), as well as vehicles. Even in this case, the radar apparatus 100 can operate substantially the same as described below.

[0030] Further, the target detected by the radar apparatus 100 can be an arbitrary target (e.g., a vehicle, a person, an object, etc.) in the vicinity or a specific target.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1 The radar apparatus 100 can emit a transmission signal St in the form of an electromagnetic wave, receive a reception signal Sr that is emitted transmission signal St hits a target and returns, and detect the presence or position of the target, or detect the distance to the target, based on the reception signal Sr.

[0032] The process of the radar apparatus 100 for detecting the presence or position of a target or detecting the distance to the target can include signal detection processing of the reception signal Sr, signal processing of the detected reception signal Sr, and signal analysis processing, etc.

[0033] The radar apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can include at least one transmission antenna that radiates a transmission signal St and at least one reception antenna that receives a reception signal Sr. According to an example, the transmission antenna can be implemented as an array antenna and arranged in a first direction. In this case, the reception antenna can also be implemented as an array antenna and can be arranged in the first direction, or can be arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The difference between the absolute values of the arrangement intervals of the transmission antenna and the reception antenna can be configured to be between 0.5 and 0.75 wavelengths. In addition, the interval between the transmission antenna and the reception antenna can be configured to be greater than one wavelength. However, this is not limited thereto, and the transmission antenna and the reception antenna can be implemented in various types and forms as needed.

[0034] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the radar apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the coupled state of the radar apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2The radar apparatus 100 can include a circuit board 130 disposed within a housing 140 having an open upper side, and an RF element 150 mounted on an upper surface of the circuit board 130, and a cavity 120 having an open lower side and coupled to the upper surface of the circuit board 130 to accommodate the RF element 150. Figure 2 The arrangement and shape of the radome 110, the cavity 120, the circuit board 130, the housing 140, and the RF element 150 shown in FIG. 1 are examples, and are not limited thereto. Each component of the radar apparatus 100 is not limited to a specific arrangement or shape, as long as the technical idea described in the present disclosure can be substantially identically applied.

[0036] In addition, referring to Figure 3 The radar apparatus 100 can include the radome 110, the cavity 120, the circuit board 130, the housing 140, and the RF element 150, and can further include an antenna 160 and a shield 170.

[0037] The housing 140 has an open upper side and the circuit board 130 is disposed therein. The radome 110 is coupled to the housing 140, and electromagnetic waves transmitted and received from the antenna 160 are transmitted through the radome 110.

[0038] The radome 110 can be made of a material that can transmit electromagnetic waves, such that signals radiated from the antenna 160 are transmitted to the outside, and signals reflected from a target are received. That is, the radome 110 is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves, such as a plastic including, for example, PBT(+ASA)-GF30 or the like, such that a loss of electromagnetic waves transmitted and received through the radome 110 can be minimized. However, this is one example and is not limited thereto. Also, according to an example, the radome 110 can be configured as a front and rear bumper, a grill, a side body of a vehicle, or an outer surface of a vehicle component.

[0039] The circuit board 130 can include a first region 131 on which the antenna 160 is mounted and a second region 132 on which the RF element 150 is mounted on an upper side thereof. Figure 2 The shapes of the first region 131 and the second region 132 shown are examples, and are not limited thereto. The respective regions can be variously implemented according to the mounting shape of the antenna 160 and the RF element 150. According to an example, the circuit board 130 can be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB). However, this is one example and is not limited thereto.

[0040] The shield 170 can be disposed between the circuit board 130 and the housing 140. The shield 170 can shield electromagnetic waves caused by components disposed in the radar apparatus 100. The shield can be made of a metal material and can form a structure for dissipating electromagnetic waves. According to an example, the shield 170 can be directly soldered to a ground portion on the circuit board 130 to shield electromagnetic waves.

[0041] The RF element 150 can process electromagnetic waves transmitted and received through the antenna 160 and transmit an electrical signal to a controller of the radar device 100. Although two RF elements are shown as being mounted in Figure 2 , this is an example and is not limited thereto, and one or three or more elements can be provided.

[0042] The antenna 160 can be mounted in the first area 131, which is separated from the second area 132 of the circuit board 130 in which the RF element 150 is mounted, in an upper surface. The antenna 160 can include at least one transmission antenna that radiates a transmission signal and at least one reception antenna that receives a reception signal.

[0043] According to an example, the transmission antenna and the reception antenna can be designed in various antenna structures and antenna shapes. For example, the antenna 160 can be designed in the form of an array antenna including a plurality of antenna elements. Alternatively, the antenna 160 can be designed in the form of a microstrip antenna or a patch antenna.

[0044] The cavity 120 can reflect or absorb electromagnetic waves from the outside on the upper side and the side to prevent the electromagnetic waves from being transmitted to the RF element 150 to generate noise. The cavity 120 can be coupled to the second area 132 to cover the RF element 150 without overlapping the first area 131. That is, the cavity 120 is formed in a concave structure inside so that the RF element 150 is disposed between the circuit board 130 and the cavity 120. Accordingly, a space can be formed between the cavity 120 and the RF element 150.

[0045] According to an example, the cavity 120 can be formed of a polymer resin containing conductive powder to shield electromagnetic waves from the outside. In this case, the polymer resin can be, for example, silicone, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, nylon, polyurethane, or a mixture thereof. In addition, silver or silver-plated copper can be used as the conductive powder. Alternatively, according to an example, the cavity 120 can be made of plastic including carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes. Alternatively, according to an example, the cavity 120 can be made of a metal material. However, this is only an example, and as long as it is a material capable of shielding electromagnetic waves and preventing electrostatic discharge according to the present disclosure, it is not limited to a specific material.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2 , the cavity 120 can include a coupling portion 121 that extends downward in one area coupled to a surface of the circuit board 130.

[0047] In Figure 2 , the coupling portion 121 is shown as extending in a vertical direction on one surface of the cavity 120, but is not limited thereto and can be formed in other directions such as an inclined direction. In addition, although the coupling portion 121 is shown as being formed in a circular shape in Figure 2The coupling portion is shown in the form of a square pillar, but this is an example, and the shape of the coupling portion can be variously formed as needed.

[0048] The coupling portion 121 can be inserted into a coupling hole 121a formed in the circuit board 130 to contact a ground plane of the circuit board 130. In Figure 2 In the drawings, the coupling portion 121 is shown as being formed in a corner region, but is not limited thereto, and the formation position of the coupling portion 121 can be variously determined if needed.

[0049] In Figure 3 In the drawings, the coupling portion 121 is shown as being inserted into the coupling hole 121a, but this is an example and is not limited thereto. According to another example, a coupling groove is formed on a side surface of the circuit board 130, and the coupling portion 121 can be implemented in the form of being fitted into the coupling groove.

[0050] Referring to Figure 4 , a path through which a charge q moves by an electromagnetic wave from the outside is shown. In the case of a conventional cavity, the path through which the moving charge moves to the cavity is not fixed, and thus an electrostatic discharge effect can occur in an RF element inside the cavity. However, in the case of the radar apparatus 100 according to the disclosure, the coupling portion 121 is formed to protrude from the cavity 120 and be coupled to a ground plane of the circuit board 130, so that the charge in the cavity 120 can be transferred to the ground plane through the cavity.

[0051] Thus, it is possible to prevent the charge in the cavity 120 from causing an electrostatic discharge effect in the RF element 150.

[0052] In addition, an outer surface of the coupling portion 121 in contact with the coupling hole 121a can be coated with an insulating material to minimize the effect of charge transfer.

[0053] Thus, it is possible to provide a radar apparatus that removes a charge conducted to a cavity by forming a coupling portion that extends in contact with a ground plane of a circuit board in a region of the cavity, which is capable of achieving an ESD robustness effect.

[0054] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the radar apparatus 100 according to the disclosure will be described with reference to the related drawings. Although the description of the repeated parts in the description of the above-described radar apparatus 100 is omitted, the repeated parts can be applied to the embodiments described below as long as the technical idea is not violated. In addition, the embodiments described in the disclosure can be independently implemented, or can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0055] Figure 4 is a view for explaining that a coupling portion extends to a cavity of a housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3The coupling hole 121a formed in the circuit board 130 can extend to the case 140 through the shield cover 170. Accordingly, the length of the coupling portion 121 formed in the cavity 120 can be longer than that of the illustrated embodiment. Accordingly, the coupling portion 121 can pass through the shield cover 170 and be inserted into the coupling hole 121a extending to the case 140 to contact the case 140. Figure 5

[0057] According to an example, the case 140 can include a grounding portion at a portion contacted by the coupling portion 121. In this case, the electric charge in the cavity 120 can move to the grounding surface of the circuit board 130 and the grounding portion of the case 140 through the coupling portion 121. Accordingly, the electrostatic discharge prevention effect can be further enhanced.

[0058] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a radar apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3 , according to an example, the cavity 120 can have an upper surface coupled to a lower surface of the radome 110. Alternatively, according to another example, the cavity 120 can be integrally manufactured with the radome 110.

[0060] In this case, the distance "b" between the radome 110 and the antenna 160 is shorter than the distance "a" between the radome 110 and the antenna 160 according to the embodiments of Figure 4 and Figure 6 . Accordingly, the gain value of the signal transmitted and received by the antenna 160 can be increased. Accordingly, the value of the antenna gain can be increased while ensuring prevention of the electrostatic discharge effect.

[0061] However, according to this embodiment, the influence of the dielectric strength can be reduced due to the air between the radome 110 and the cavity 120. Accordingly, the distance "b" between the radome 110 and the antenna 160 can be adjusted in consideration of the increased antenna gain and the reduced insulation strength.

[0062] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a cavity including a plurality of coupling portions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0063] Referring to Figure 6 , the plurality of coupling portions 122 formed in the cavity 120 can be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. Accordingly, the plurality of coupling holes 121a formed in the circuit board 130 can also be formed to correspond to the number of the coupling portions 122.

[0064] In Figure 6 , a case in which the number of the coupling portions 122 is 5 is illustrated, however, this is an example and is not limited thereto. If necessary, the number of the coupling portions 122 can be variously formed.​

[0065] In addition, although the interval distance and the formation region of the coupling portion 122 are uniformly provided with each other in Figure 7 , it is not limited thereto. The interval distance between the coupling portions 122 is not necessarily uniform, and the size of the region of the coupling portion is not necessarily the same.

[0066] Accordingly, it is possible to secure a plurality of moving paths of the electric charge, and thus it is possible to further strengthen the effect of preventing electrostatic discharge.

[0067] Figure 7 is a view for explaining a cavity in which a coupling portion is formed in a plate shape according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] Referring to Figure 8 , the coupling portion 123 in the cavity 120 can be formed in a plate shape along one surface of the cavity 120. Accordingly, the coupling hole 121a in the circuit board 130 can also be formed in a shape in which the plate-shaped coupling portion 123 can be inserted, corresponding to the shape of the coupling portion 123.

[0069] Accordingly, it is possible to widely secure a moving path of the electric charge, and thus it is possible to further secure the effect of preventing electrostatic discharge.

[0070] Figure 8 is a view for explaining a radome formed by a region protruding inward according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0071] Referring to Figure 3 , the radome 110 can be formed such that a region corresponding to the first region 131 in which the antenna 160 is mounted protrudes toward the antenna 160.

[0072] In this case, the distance "c" between the radome 110 and the antenna 160 is shorter than the distance "a" between the radome 110 and the antenna 160 according to Figure 4 and ​ . Accordingly, it is possible to increase a gain value of a signal transmitted and received by the antenna 160. Thus, it is possible to increase the value of the antenna gain while obtaining the effect of preventing electrostatic discharge.

[0073] According to an example, the protruding region of the radome 110 can be formed such that the distance "c" to the antenna 160 is half a wavelength with respect to a wavelength of a signal transmitted from the antenna 160. This is because when the distance between the antenna 160 and the radome 110 is half the wavelength of the center frequency of the antenna, signal loss caused by the radome 110 can be minimized. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain the effect of preventing electrostatic discharge while minimizing signal loss from the antenna 160.

[0074] Accordingly, it is possible to provide a radar device capable of achieving an ESD robustness effect by removing the charge conducted to the cavity by extending the coupling portion in one region of the cavity to be in contact with the ground plane of the circuit board.

[0075] The above description has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed technology, and the above description has been provided in the context of particular applications and requirements thereof. Various modifications, additions and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications. The above description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosed technology and should not be taken as limiting the disclosed technology's scope. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the disclosed technology. Therefore, the scope of the disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments shown but is consistent with the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The scope of the disclosed technology should be interpreted in the broadest sense and be construed to include all alterations, equivalents, and substitutes in accordance with the principles of the claims.

Claims

1. A radar device comprising: a circuit board disposed in the housing having an open upper side, and the RF components being mounted on an upper surface of the circuit board; a cavity having an open lower side and coupled to an upper surface of the circuit board to accommodate RF components; as well as A shielding cover is provided between the circuit board and the housing, wherein the cavity includes a coupling portion extending downward in an area coupled to a surface of the circuit board, and the coupling portion is inserted into a coupling hole formed in the circuit board to contact a ground plane of the circuit board, and an outer surface of the coupling portion contacting the coupling hole is coated with an insulating material, The coupling portion is inserted into a coupling hole formed to extend through the shield cover to the housing and extends to contact the housing. The coupling portion is formed in the form of a plate, and the coupling hole is formed in a shape in which the plate-shaped coupling portion is inserted. The radar apparatus further includes a radome having an open lower side and coupled to the housing, and an antenna mounted in an area of ​​the upper surface of the circuit board that is separate from an area where the RF element is mounted, The radome is formed so that a region corresponding to where the antenna is mounted protrudes toward the antenna, and With respect to the wavelength of a signal transmitted from the antenna, a distance from the protruding area of ​​the radome to the antenna corresponds to half a wavelength.

2. The radar device according to claim 1, wherein A space is formed between the cavity and the RF element.

3. The radar device according to claim 1, wherein The cavity is formed of a polymer resin containing conductive powder to shield electromagnetic waves from the outside.

4. The radar device according to claim 1, wherein An upper surface of the cavity is coupled to a lower surface of the radome.

5. The radar device according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of the coupling parts are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of the coupling holes are formed to correspond to the coupling parts.

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