Adapter and radar unit

Abstract

The present application provides an adapter for holding a radar device mounted on a straddle-type vehicle, which can position the radar device and make the work of holding the radar device easier than before. The adapter of the present application includes a first member, a second member fastened and linked to the first member by a fastening link portion to sandwich the radar device with the first member, the first member including a third wall portion, a fourth wall portion facing the fourth side portion, and a groove portion provided in the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion for inserting a protruding portion of the radar device to position the radar device, the groove portion being open to the second member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an adapter that holds a radar device, and a radar unit provided with the adapter. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle such as a straddle-type vehicle, a radar device using a laser radar or a millimeter wave radar or the like is mounted in order to detect an obstacle. The radar device is used, for example, for an ACC system (adaptive cruise control system), a Stop & Go system (congestion following system), and a vehicle-to-vehicle warning system.

[0003] Such a radar device is held by an adapter as shown in Patent Document 1 or the like, and is mounted to a mounting portion of a vehicle. Specifically, a conventional adapter that holds a radar device is a unitary member. Also, by pushing the radar device into the adapter from an opening portion of the adapter, the radar device is held by the adapter.

[0004] Further, in a conventional adapter that holds a radar device, a scheme in which a groove portion for positioning the radar device is provided in facing wall portions is also proposed. Specifically, a protruding portion such as a pin of the radar device is inserted into the groove portion, and the radar device is positioned with respect to the adapter.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-303672

[0006] In the case of a conventional adapter that enables positioning of a radar device to hold the radar device, first, a portion provided with a protruding portion of the radar device is inserted into the adapter from an opening portion of the adapter. Then, the protruding portion of the radar device is inserted into a groove portion of the adapter. Thereafter, while rotating the radar device with the protruding portion of the radar device as a center of rotation, the radar device is pushed into the adapter from the opening portion of the adapter. Thus, the radar device is held by the adapter. In this way, in the case of a conventional adapter that enables positioning of a radar device, when holding the radar device, such a procedure of pushing in while rotating the radar device as described above is required, and thus there is a problem in that the work of holding the radar device becomes complicated. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application was made in view of the above-described problems, and a first object thereof is to provide an adapter that holds a radar device mounted on a straddle-type vehicle, the adapter being capable of positioning the radar device, and the work of holding the radar device being made easier than in the past. Further, a second object of the present application is to provide a radar unit provided with such an adapter. Further, a third object of the present application is to provide a radar unit that holds a radar device mounted on a straddle-type vehicle, the radar unit being capable of positioning the radar device with respect to an adapter, and the work of holding the radar device by the adapter being made easier than in the past.

[0008] The adapter of the present application is an adapter that holds a radar device mounted on a straddle-type vehicle, characterized in that one of the side portions of the radar device is provided as a first side portion, one of the side portions of the radar device opposite the first side portion is provided as a second side portion, one of the side portions of the radar device connecting the first side portion and the second side portion is provided as a third side portion, and one of the side portions of the radar device opposite the third side portion is provided as a fourth side portion, in which case the adapter includes a first member having a first wall portion facing the first side portion, and a second member having a second wall portion facing the second side portion and fastened to the first member by a fastening link, the first member including a third wall portion facing the third side portion, a fourth wall portion facing the fourth side portion, and a groove portion provided in the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion for insertion of a protruding portion of the radar device to position the radar device, the groove portion being open to the second member.

[0009] Further, the radar unit of the present application includes the adapter of the present application and the radar device held by the adapter.

[0010] Further, the radar unit of the present application includes the adapter of the present application and the radar device held by the adapter.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] In this invention, the radar device is inserted into the first part along the opposing direction of the first and second parts. This allows a protrusion from one of the first part and the radar device to be inserted into a groove from the other. Furthermore, the first and second parts are fastened together using a fastening connection, thereby enabling the adapter to hold the radar device. Therefore, when holding the radar device with the adapter, this invention eliminates the need for the conventional process of rotating the radar device while simultaneously pushing in the adapter. Thus, this invention simplifies the operation of holding the radar device with the adapter compared to conventional methods, allowing the radar device to be positioned within the adapter. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view of a straddle-type vehicle equipped with a radar unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a radar unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the upper portion of another example of a radar unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the main part around the slot of the adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the main part around the slot of the adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of the main part around the slot of another example of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the radar unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the upper portion of the radar unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, an example of the adapter and radar unit of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] In addition, the following describes an example in which the adapter and the radar unit of the present application are mounted on a two-wheeled motor vehicle, which is an example of a straddle-type vehicle, but the adapter and the radar unit of the present application can also be adopted by other straddle-type vehicles other than two-wheeled motor vehicles. The other straddle-type vehicles other than two-wheeled motor vehicles refer to, for example, bicycles (e.g., two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and the like), three-wheeled motor vehicles and off-road vehicles, and the like, which use at least one of an engine and an electric motor as a drive source. Further, the bicycle means all vehicles that can be propelled on a road by a pedaling force applied to pedals. That is, the bicycle includes a common bicycle, an electrically assisted bicycle, an electric bicycle, and the like. Further, the two-wheeled motor vehicle or the three-wheeled motor vehicle means a so-called motorcycle, which includes a motor scooter, a moped, an electric moped, and the like.

[0025] Further, the structure and the operation and the like of the adapter and the radar unit of the present application described below are an example, and the adapter and the radar unit of the present application are not limited to the case of such a structure and operation and the like. Further, the same reference numerals or similar components or portions are denoted in the case of the same reference numerals being denoted or the case of the reference numerals being omitted in each drawing. Further, the illustration is appropriately simplified or omitted with respect to the detailed structure.

[0026] Embodiment

[0027] The following describes the adapter of the present embodiment, the radar unit provided with the adapter and the radar device, and the straddle-type vehicle provided with the radar unit.

[0028] Structure of Straddle-Type Vehicle

[0029] Figure 1 is a side view of a straddle-type vehicle on which a radar unit of an embodiment of the present application is mounted.

[0030] The straddle-type vehicle 1 is, for example, a two-wheeled motor vehicle, and is provided with a radar unit 3 at a front portion thereof. The radar unit 3 is provided with a radar device 200, an adapter 100 that holds the radar device 200, as described later. The radar device 200 is disposed in a manner that the later-described transceiving surface 201 faces the front in the traveling direction of the straddle-type vehicle 1. Further, the adapter 100 is mounted to a mounting portion, not shown, of the straddle-type vehicle 1. The mounting portion refers to a bracket or the like for mounting the adapter 100. In addition, the part to be mounted by the mounting portion is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the mounting portion is mounted to a vehicle frame 2 of the straddle-type vehicle 1. At this time, the mounting portion can be directly mounted to the vehicle frame 2 or indirectly mounted via a damper or the like.

[0031] Also, the straddled vehicle 1 can be provided with the radar unit 3 at a position other than the front portion of the straddled vehicle 1. For example, the straddled vehicle 1 can be provided with the radar unit 3 at a rear portion of the straddled vehicle 1. The radar device 200 provided at the rear portion of the straddled vehicle 1 is configured so that the aforementioned transmission surface 201 faces the rear of the straddled vehicle 1 in the traveling direction of the straddled vehicle 1.

[0032] <Structure of adapter and radar unit>

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a radar unit representing an embodiment of the present application. That is, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a state in which a radar device is held by an adapter of an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an adapter of an embodiment of the present application. Also, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a radar device of an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] The adapter 100 of the present embodiment constitutes, together with the radar device 200, the radar unit 3 mounted on the straddled vehicle 1. In other words, the adapter 100 holds the radar device 200 mounted on the straddled vehicle 1.

[0035] Hereinafter, when the adapter 100 is described, each portion of the generally cuboid-shaped radar device 200 is defined as described below. The transmission surface 201 is set as the front surface, and the surface facing the transmission surface 201 is set as the back surface 202. The side surface portion of the side surface portions connecting the transmission surface 201 and the back surface 202, which is the lower surface portion in the present embodiment, is set as the lower surface portion 203. The side surface portion of the side surface portions connecting the transmission surface 201 and the back surface 202, which faces the lower surface portion 203, is set as the upper surface portion 204. The side surface portion of the side surface portions connecting the transmission surface 201 and the back surface 202, which is the left side surface portion in the present embodiment, is set as the left side surface portion 205. The left side surface portion 205 can also be said to be one of the side surface portions connecting the transmission surface 201 and the back surface 202, which connects the lower surface portion 203 and the upper surface portion 204. The side surface portion of the side surface portions connecting the transmission surface 201 and the back surface 202, which faces the left side surface portion 205, is set as the right side surface portion 206.

[0036] Here, in the present embodiment, the lower surface portion 203 corresponds to the first side surface portion of the present application, the upper surface portion 204 corresponds to the second side surface portion of the present application, the left side surface portion 205 corresponds to the third side surface portion of the present application, and the right side surface portion 206 corresponds to the fourth side surface portion of the present application.

[0037] The adapter 100 is provided with a first member 10 and a second member 20.

[0038] The first part 10 includes a base 11 and a wall portion 12 protruding forward from the base 11. The base 11 is disposed facing the back surface 202 of the radar device 200. In this embodiment, the wall portion 12 is a wall portion corresponding to the first wall portion of the present invention. The wall portion 12 faces the lower surface portion 203 of the radar device 200. Furthermore, the wall portion 12 contacts the lower surface portion 203 of the radar device 200 and supports the lower surface portion 203. In addition, in this embodiment, the radar device 200 held by the adapter 100 has a connector 207 on its lower surface portion 203 for wiring connection with a control device (not shown). Therefore, a clearance portion 16 is formed in the wall portion 12 in such a way that the wall portion 12 and the connector 207 do not interfere. The clearance portion 16 is a through hole or a cutout. That is, when the radar device 200 is held by means of the adapter 100, the connector 207 is inserted into the clearance portion 16.

[0039] Furthermore, the first part 10 of this embodiment includes a wall portion 13 and a wall portion 14 protruding forward from the base 11. In this embodiment, wall portion 13 corresponds to the third wall portion of the present invention. Wall portion 13 is disposed facing the left side portion 205 of the radar device 200. Wall portion 14, in this embodiment, corresponds to the fourth wall portion of the present invention. Wall portion 14 is disposed facing the right side portion 206 of the radar device 200. That is, in this embodiment, wall portions 13 and 14 face each other in the lateral direction. As described later, the adapter 100 clamps the radar device 200 in the vertical direction using the first part 10 and the second part 20, thus holding the radar device 200. At this time, the adapter 100 can hold the radar device 200 by means of a holding force sufficient to limit the lateral movement of the radar device 200. However, by including wall portions 13 and 14, the lateral movement of the radar device 200 can be further limited, and the detachment of the radar device 200 from the adapter 100 can be further suppressed.

[0040] The second part 20 includes a base 21 and a wall portion 22 protruding forward from the base 21. The base 21 is disposed facing the first part 10. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the base 21 does not face the back surface of the radar device 200, but it is also possible for the base 21 to extend downwards, with a portion of the base 21 disposed facing the back surface of the radar device 200. In this embodiment, the wall portion 22 corresponds to the second wall portion of the present invention. The wall portion 22 faces the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200. The wall portion 22 directly or indirectly contacts the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200, supporting the upper surface portion 204.

[0041] The adapter 100 includes a fastening connection portion 30. The first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by the fastening connection portion 30. In this embodiment, the fastening connection portion 30 utilizes a threaded fastening structure. Specifically, the fastening connection portion 30 comprises an internal thread portion 31 provided in the first part 10, a portion of the second part 20 having a through hole 32, and an external thread member 33. The internal thread portion 31 is disposed at, for example, the base 11 of the first part 10, facing the second part 20. The through hole 32 is disposed at, for example, the base 21 of the second part 20, facing the internal thread portion 31. The external thread member 33 is inserted into the through hole 32 of the second part 20 and screwed into the internal thread portion 31 of the first part 10, thereby fastening the second part 20 to the first part 10. Furthermore, when the second part 20 is fastened to the first part 10, the radar device 200 is clamped by the wall portion 12 of the first part 10 and the wall portion 22 of the second part 20. Thus, the fastening force of the fastening connection portion 30 acting in the vertical direction is a holding force, and the radar device 200 is held by the adapter 100.

[0042] Furthermore, the adapter 100 of this embodiment is provided with two fastening connection portions 30, but the number of fastening connection portions 30 is not particularly limited. Moreover, the fastening connection portions 30 are not limited to components using a threaded fastening structure. Conventionally, components using a snap-fit ​​structure are known as structures for fastening two parts together. For example, the fastening connection portions 30 may also utilize a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0043] However, the adapter 100 of this embodiment can also hold multiple radar devices 200 with different positions of the connector 207 using the same adapter 100. Specifically, the adapter 100 has clearance portions 16 formed not only in the wall portion 12 but also in the wall portions 13 and 14. Therefore, by inserting the connector 207 into the clearance portion 16 of the wall portion 13, the adapter 100 can be held in the radar device 200 with the connector 207 located on the left side portion 205. Furthermore, by inserting the connector 207 into the clearance portion 16 of the wall portion 14, the adapter 100 can be held in the radar device 200 with the connector 207 located on the right side portion 206.

[0044] Furthermore, the adapter 100 of this embodiment includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the detection axis of the radar device 200 relative to the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1. Specifically, the adapter 100 includes three internal thread portions 15 and three adjusting bolts 70 as the adjustment mechanism. Each of the internal thread portions 15 is formed in the first part 10, for example, in a manner that extends through in the front-rear direction. Each of the adjusting bolts 70 includes an external thread portion 71 that engages with the internal thread portion 15. In addition, a tool connecting portion 72 with a cross-sectional shape, for example, polygonal, is provided at the end of the external thread portion 71. That is, by screwing the external thread portion 71 of the adjusting bolt 70 into the internal thread portion 15 of the first part 10, connecting the tool to the tool connecting portion 72, and rotating the adjusting bolt 70, the adjusting bolt 70 can move relative to the first part 10 in the through direction of the internal thread portion 15.

[0045] Furthermore, one end of the adjusting bolt 70, located on the side opposite to the tool connection portion 72, is rotatably and angularly adjustable in the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1. Since the adjusting bolt 70 can rotate freely and angularly adjust relative to the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1, the mounting structure of one end of the adjusting bolt 70 and the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1 is not particularly limited. Various universal joint structures are known that connect two connecting parts rotatably and angularly. For example, a known connection structure of such a universal joint can be used to rotatably and angularly adjust one end of the adjusting bolt 70 to the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, using a mounting part 80 that forms a universal joint together with the adjusting bolt 70, one end of the adjusting bolt 70 is rotatably and angularly adjustable to the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1. The mounting part 80 can be an accessory part of the adapter 100 or an accessory part of the straddle-type vehicle 1. Specifically, a ball head 73 with a portion of its outer periphery spherically shaped is formed at the end of the adjusting bolt 70 opposite to the tool connection portion 72. Furthermore, the mounting part 80 includes a retaining portion 81 that holds the ball head 73 of the adjusting bolt 70 rotatably and angularly adjustable. The structure by which the retaining portion 81 holds the ball head 73 is not particularly limited. Various known structures in universal joints that allow for rotatable and angularly adjustable ball heads can be used as the structure by which the retaining portion 81 holds the ball head 73.

[0047] The external thread 71 of the adjusting bolt 70 is screwed into each of the internal thread 15 of the first part 10. The same number of mounting parts 80 as the adjusting bolt 70 are then mounted on the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1. The retaining portion 81 of each mounting part 80 holds the ball head 73 of each adjusting bolt 70, thereby mounting the adapter 100 on the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1. With the adapter 100 mounted on the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1, the tool and tool connection portion 72 are connected, causing each adjusting bolt 70 to rotate. This allows the distance between the adapter 100 and the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1 to be changed depending on the position of each adjusting bolt 70. This allows the angle of the adapter 100 relative to the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1 to be adjusted. That is, relative to the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1, the angle of the detection axis of the radar device 200 held by the adapter 100 can be adjusted.

[0048] Another example is the method of adjusting the angle from the front of the adapter 100. When the external thread 71 of the adjusting bolt 70 is screwed into the internal thread 15 from the front of the first part 10, the adapter 100 is positioned behind the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1, and the tool connection 72 of the adjusting bolt 70 protrudes behind the first part 10. Therefore, the angle of the adapter 100 relative to the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1 can be adjusted from the rear of the adapter 100.

[0049] Furthermore, the adapter 100 of this embodiment includes three internal thread portions 15 and three adjusting bolts 70. However, the number of internal thread portions 15 is not limited to three, nor is the number of adjusting bolts 70 limited to three. As long as the distance between the adapter 100 and the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1 can be adjusted at at least three locations, the angle of the adapter 100 relative to the mounting portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1 can be adjusted. Therefore, it is acceptable to have at least three or more internal thread portions 15, or even four or more. Similarly, it is acceptable to have at least three or more adjusting bolts 70, or even four or more. Furthermore, in this embodiment, all the internal thread portions 15 of the adapter 100 are provided on the first part 10. However, it is also possible that at least a portion of the internal thread portions 15 are provided on the second part 20.

[0050] Here, as Figure 2As shown, when the radar device 200 is held by the adapter 100, in the facing direction between the transceiver surface 201 and the back surface 202, the end portion 23 of the second part 20 on the transceiver surface 201 side is positioned away from the back surface 202 relative to it. In other words, in this embodiment, when the radar device 200 is held by the adapter 100, in the facing direction between the transceiver surface 201 and the back surface 202, the end portion 23 of the second part 20 on the transceiver surface 201 side protrudes forward from the radar device 200. Alternatively, when the radar device 200 is held by the adapter 100, in the facing direction between the transceiver surface 201 and the back surface 202, the end portion 23 of the second part 20 on the transceiver surface 201 side may also be at the same position as the transceiver surface 201. In addition, in this embodiment, when the radar device 200 is held by the adapter 100, in the opposite direction of the transceiver surface 201 and the back surface 202, the end 24 of the second part 20 on the back surface 202 side is at the same position as the back surface 202, or is at a position that is away from the transceiver surface 201 compared to the back surface 202 with reference to the transceiver surface 201.

[0051] The radar device 200 has exposed metal parts or other components that are susceptible to corrosion due to water. When the radar device 200 is held by the adapter 100, the end 23 of the second component 20 on the transceiver surface 201 side is positioned as described above, thereby covering the entire upper part of the radar device 200. This prevents rainwater and other water from adhering to the water-corroded components of the radar device 200, thus inhibiting corrosion. Furthermore, in the facing direction of the wall portions 13 and 14, the second component 20 does not need to cover the entire upper part of the radar device 200. For example, portions of the radar device 200 that are not susceptible to water corrosion may not be covered by the second component 200 in the facing direction of the wall portions 13 and 14. Figure 5 The reference numeral 40 in the attached figure refers to the radar positioning unit 40, which will be described later.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the upper portion of another example of a radar unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0053] When the radar device 200 is held by the adapter 100, in the facing direction of the transceiver surface 201 and the back surface 202, the end portion 23 of the second part 20 on the transceiver surface 201 side is positioned away from the back surface 202 relative to the transceiver surface 201. In this case, the end portion 23 of the second part 20 on the transceiver surface 201 side may also be bent toward the wall portion 12, in other words, toward the radar device 200. This prevents water from seeping into the space between the second part 20 and the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200 from the end portion 23 side of the second part 20. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent water from seeping into the space between the second part 20 and the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200 from the front of the radar unit 3. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent rainwater and other water from adhering to parts of the radar device 200 that are prone to corrosion due to water, and to further suppress corrosion of these parts.

[0054] Furthermore, the adapter 100 includes a positioning structure for positioning the radar device 200 relative to the adapter 100. Specifically, the adapter 100 includes a positioning structure for positioning the wall portion 12 side portion of the radar device 200 and a positioning structure for positioning the wall portion 22 side portion of the radar device 200. In other words, in this embodiment, the adapter 100 includes a positioning structure for positioning the lower portion of the radar device 200 and a positioning structure for positioning the upper portion of the radar device 200. The details of these positioning structures will be described below.

[0055] The adapter 100 has a slot 60 in each of the wall portions 13 and 14 of the first part 10 as a positioning configuration for positioning the wall portion 12 side portion of the radar device 200 relative to the adapter 100. A protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is inserted into the slot 60. Thus, the wall portion 12 side portion of the radar device 200 is positioned on the adapter 100. Specifically, the protrusion 209 provided on the left side portion 205 of the adapter 100 is inserted into the slot 60 of the wall portion 13. The protrusion 209 provided on the right side portion 206 of the adapter 100 is inserted into the slot 60 of the wall portion 14. The protrusion 209 is, for example, a pin mounted on the outer contour portion of the radar device 200. Alternatively, the protrusion 209 may be a component integrally formed with the outer contour portion of the radar device 200. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 209 is cylindrical, but the protrusion 209 may also be a shape other than cylindrical. The slot 60 opens into the second part 20. In this embodiment, the groove 60 extends in the opposing directions of the first part 10 and the second part 20. However, if the groove 60 opens toward the second part 20, the direction of extension of the groove 60 may also be inclined relative to the opposing directions of the first part 10 and the second part 20.

[0056] The conventional adapter for holding the radar device is a single integrated component. That is, the conventional adapter for holding the radar device is configured such that the first part 10 and the second part 20 of the adapter 100 are integrally formed. Furthermore, in conventional adapters for holding the radar device, a design has been proposed where slots for positioning the radar device are provided on opposing walls. When holding the radar device using such a conventional adapter capable of positioning the radar device, firstly, the portion with the protrusion of the radar device is inserted into the adapter through the opening. Then, the protrusion of the radar device is inserted into the slot of the adapter. Afterward, while rotating the radar device around the protrusion as a rotation center, the radar device is pushed into the adapter through the opening. Thus, the radar device is held by the adapter. In this way, conventional adapters capable of positioning the radar device require a process of rotating the radar device while pushing it in, as described above, making the operation of holding the radar device cumbersome.

[0057] On the other hand, in the adapter 100 of this embodiment, the radar device 200 is inserted into the first part 10 along the opposing direction of the first part 10 and the second part 20, thereby allowing the protrusion 209 provided on the radar device 200 to be inserted into the groove 60 provided on the first part 10. Then, in the adapter 100 of this embodiment, the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by means of the fastening connection 30, thereby enabling the adapter 100 to hold the radar device 200. Therefore, when holding the radar device 100 with the adapter 100, the adapter 100 of this embodiment does not require the conventional process of rotating the radar device while pushing the adapter in. Therefore, the adapter 100 of this embodiment can position the radar device 200 on the adapter 100, and the operation of holding the radar device 200 with the adapter 100 is easier than in the past.

[0058] Alternatively, a protrusion 209 may be provided on the first part 10, and a groove 60 may be provided on the radar device 200. In this case, specifically, the protrusion 209 is provided on the wall portion 13 and the wall portion 14 of the first part 10. Furthermore, the groove 60 is provided on the left side portion 205 and the right side portion 206 of the radar device 200. Moreover, the grooves 60 provided on the left side portion 205 and the right side portion 206 of the radar device 200 open toward the lower surface portion 203 of the radar device 200.

[0059] With the adapter 100 and radar device 200 configured in this way, that is, with the radar unit 3 configured in this way, the protrusion 209 can be inserted into the slot 60 by inserting the radar device 200 into the first part 10 in the opposite direction of the first part 10 and the second part 20. Then, the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by means of the fastening connection 30, thereby enabling the adapter 100 to hold the radar device 200. Furthermore, when the adapter 100 holds the radar device 200, there is no need for the conventional process of rotating the radar device while pushing in the adapter. Therefore, with the radar unit 3 configured in this way, the radar device 200 can be positioned on the adapter 100, and the operation of the adapter 100 holding the radar device 200 becomes easier than before.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the groove 60 is configured as described below.

[0061] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the main part around the slot of the adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The groove 60 provided on the wall 13 of the first part 10 of the adapter 100 is along... Figure 3 The diagram shows the view taken in the direction of arrow A. Furthermore, Figure 6 The groove 60 indicates the area before the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is inserted. Figure 7 The groove 60 indicates that the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is inserted. In addition, the groove 60 provided at the wall 14 of the first part 10 of the adapter 100 has the same structure as the groove 60 provided at the wall 13 of the first part 10 of the adapter 100.

[0062] The first end 61 of the groove 60 is open. The protrusion 209 of the radar device 200, inserted from the first end 61, abuts against the second end 62, thereby positioning the radar device 200. The groove 60 also has a narrowing portion 63 between the first end 61 and the second end 62. The narrowing portion 63 is a portion whose width is reduced in a direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62. Specifically, the groove 60 has sidewall portions 64 and 65 as sidewall portions connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62. Furthermore, the groove 60 has a protrusion 66 protruding inwards at each of the sidewall portions 64 and 65. In this embodiment, these protrusions 66 are narrowing portions 63. Additionally, in this embodiment, the sidewall portions 64 and 65 are approximately L-shaped (or approximately U-shaped). However, the shape of sidewall portion 64 and sidewall portion 65 is only one example. For example, sidewall portion 64 and sidewall portion 65 may also be generally straight.

[0063] At the narrowing portion 63, the width of the groove 60 is reduced in a direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the first end portion 61 and the second end portion 62. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this configuration, the width of the groove 60 decreases laterally at the narrowed portion 63. Furthermore, before the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is inserted into the groove 60, the width of the narrowed portion 63 becomes smaller than the width of the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 in the direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62. Therefore, when the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is inserted into the groove 60, the narrowed portion 63 is plastically deformed by the pressure of the protrusion 209. That is, in the state where the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 abuts against the second end 62 and the radar device 200 is positioned, the groove 60 and the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 inserted into the groove 60 are in surface contact at the portion of the narrowed portion 63 where it is plastically deformed due to the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200.

[0064] In conventional adapters with a slot for positioning the radar device, the end of the slot where the cylindrical protrusion of the radar device, such as a pin, abuts is V-shaped. That is, in conventional adapters, the end corresponding to the second end 62 of the slot 60 in this embodiment is V-shaped. Furthermore, in conventional adapters with a slot for positioning the radar device, the protrusion of the radar device abuts against the V-shaped wall of the slot, thereby positioning the radar device relative to the adapter. In this case, the V-shaped wall of the slot and the protrusion of the radar device are in line contact, resulting in a small contact area. Therefore, in conventional adapters with a slot for positioning the radar device, the contact area between the V-shaped wall of the slot and the protrusion of the radar device is prone to wear due to vibrations transmitted to the radar device and the adapter. Consequently, the radar device held by the conventional adapter with a slot for positioning the radar device is prone to wobbling.

[0065] On the other hand, in the adapter 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the groove 60 and the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 into which it is inserted make surface contact at the portion of the reduced portion 63 where the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is plastically deformed. Therefore, when holding the radar device 200, the adapter 100 of this embodiment can increase the contact area between the groove 60 and the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 into which it is inserted compared to the conventional method. Therefore, the adapter 100 of this embodiment can position the radar device 200 and suppress the shaking of the radar device 200 compared to the conventional method.

[0066] Preferably, the protrusions 66 provided in each of the sidewall portions 64 and 65 are equidistant from the second end 62 in the direction connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62. In other words, Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this configuration, the direction connecting the first end portion 61 and the second end portion 62 is vertical. Preferably, the protrusion 66 provided on the side wall portion 64 and the protrusion 66 provided on the side wall portion 65 have the same height. By arranging the protrusions 66 provided on each of the side wall portions 64 and 65 in this way, when the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is inserted into the groove portion 60, both protrusions 66 are simultaneously pushed and plastically deformed. Therefore, by arranging the protrusions 66 provided on each of the side wall portions 64 and 65 in this way, the positioning accuracy of the radar device 200 is improved. Furthermore, when measuring the distance from the second end portion 62 in the direction connecting the first end portion 61 and the second end portion 62, for example, the measurement position of the second end portion 62 is determined as the part of the second end portion 62 that is furthest from the first end portion 61. For example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this case, the lowest part of the second end 62 is the measurement position of the second end 62.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is cylindrical. In this case, it is preferable that the second end portion 62 of the groove 60 is an arc-shaped recess in the direction away from the first end portion 61. By configuring the second end portion 62 of the groove 60 in this way, the contact area between the second end portion 62 of the groove 60 and the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is increased compared to the case where the second end portion 62 is V-shaped. Therefore, by configuring the second end portion 62 of the groove 60 in this way, the shaking of the radar device 200 within the adapter 100 can be further suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, preferably, when the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is cylindrical and the second end 62 of the groove 60 is an arc-shaped recess extending away from the first end 61, the portion of the reduced portion 63 that contacts the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is positioned at the same level as the central axis of the protrusion 209 in the direction connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62, or closer to the second end 62 than the central axis of the protrusion 209. In other words, preferably, the direction connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62 is vertical. Figure 6 and Figure 7In this configuration, the portion of the reduced portion 63 that contacts the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is lower than the central axis of the protrusion 209. When the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is cylindrical, its width is widest at its central axis in a direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62. Therefore, by configuring the reduced portion 63 in this way, the protrusion 209 abuts against the second end 62 before the widest portion in the direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62 passes through the reduced portion 63. Therefore, by configuring the reduced portion 63 in this way, swaying between the protrusion 209 and the reduced portion 63 can be further suppressed, and swaying of the radar device 200 within the adapter 100 can be further suppressed.

[0069] Such a reduced portion 63 can be implemented, for example, as described below. Figure 6 As shown, in one of the sidewall portions 64 and 65 connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62, the end of the reduced portion 63 at the point where it contacts the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is designated as the first point P1. In the other of the sidewall portions 64 and 65 connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62, the end of the reduced portion 63 at the point where it contacts the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is designated as the second point P2. The center point of the arc-shaped second end 62 is designated as the center point C. The imaginary straight line connecting the center point C and the first point P1 is designated as the first imaginary straight line L1. The imaginary straight line connecting the center point C and the second point P2 is designated as the second imaginary straight line L2.

[0070] With this definition, the angle α formed by the first imaginary line L1 and the second imaginary line L2 on the second end 62 side can be set to 180° or less. To increase the contact area between the second end 62 and the protrusion 209, the radius of the arc shape of the second end 62 is approximately the same as the radius of the outer periphery of the protrusion 209. Therefore, the center point C is approximately at the same position as the central axis of the protrusion 209. Thus, by setting the angle α to 180° or less, the portion of the reduced portion 63 that contacts the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 is at the same position as the central axis of the protrusion 209 in the direction connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62, or closer to the second end 62 than the central axis of the protrusion 209.

[0071] Furthermore, preferably, the first end 61 of the groove 60 widens as it moves away from the second end 62. In this embodiment, the first end 61 of the groove 60 widens as it moves away from the second end 62 by means of the inclined surface 67 formed at the first end 61. The widening of the first end 61 of the groove 60 as it moves away from the second end 62 facilitates the insertion of the protrusion 209 into the groove 60, making it easier for the adapter 100 to hold the radar device 200.

[0072] Furthermore, the reduced portion 63 is not limited to the protrusion 66. Hereinafter, an example of a groove portion 60 having a reduced portion 63 other than the protrusion 66 will be described.

[0073] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of the main part around the slot of another example of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] exist Figure 8 The groove 60 shown, with sidewalls 64 and 65 approaching each other from the second end 62 toward the first end 61. Even with the groove 60 configured in this way, a narrowing portion 63 is formed between the first end 61 and the second end 62. Furthermore, this narrowing portion 63 is plastically deformed by the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 when it is inserted into the groove 60.

[0075] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the radar unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

[0076] The adapter 100 includes a radar positioning section 40 and an adapter positioning section 50 as a positioning structure for positioning the wall portion 22 side of the radar device 200 relative to the adapter 100. The radar positioning section 40 is provided on the second part 20 of the adapter 100 and positions the radar device 200 relative to the second part 20. The adapter positioning section 50 has a first positioning section provided on the first part 10 of the adapter 100 and a second positioning section provided on the second part 20 of the adapter 100, and positions the first part 10 and the second part 20. That is, by positioning the radar device 200 relative to the second part 20 with the radar positioning section 40 and by positioning the first part 10 and the second part 20 with the adapter positioning section 50, the wall portion 22 side of the radar device 200 is positioned relative to the adapter 100.

[0077] In this embodiment, the adapter positioning part 50 has a recess 51 as a first positioning part provided on the first part 10, and a protrusion 52 as a second positioning part provided on the second part 20. The protrusion 52 is, for example, cylindrical and is inserted into the recess 51. That is, the adapter positioning part 50 of this embodiment positions the first part 10 and the second part 20 by inserting the protrusion 52 into the recess 51. In addition, the protrusion 52 may be integrally formed with the base 11 of the first part 10, or it may be mounted to the base 11 by means of a pin or the like formed separately from the base 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 52 is cylindrical, but the protrusion 209 may also be a shape other than cylindrical. In addition, in this embodiment, an inclined surface 53 is formed at the opening of the recess 51 such that the opening increases toward the protrusion 52. As a result, the insertion of the protrusion 52 into the recess 51 becomes easier, and the positioning of the first part 10 and the second part 20 becomes easier. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two adapter positioning portions 50 configured in this way are provided at the adapter 100. In other words, in this embodiment, a pair of adapter positioning portions 50 configured in this way are provided at the adapter 100.

[0078] Furthermore, the structure of the adapter positioning part 50 described above is one example. For instance, the adapter positioning part 50 may also have a protrusion 52 as a first positioning part provided on the first part 10, and a recess 51 as a second positioning part provided on the second part 20. Additionally, the adapter positioning part 50 may be a structure in which the stepped portions abut against each other for positioning, or it may use a structure other than the recess 51 and the protrusion 52. Furthermore, the number of adapter positioning parts 50 is arbitrary, as long as the rotation of the second part 20 relative to the first part 10 can be restricted by the adapter positioning part 50.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radar positioning part 40 includes a recess 41. A protrusion 208 provided on the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200 is inserted into the recess 41. Thus, the radar device 200 is positioned relative to the second component 20. The protrusion 208 is, for example, a pin mounted on the outer contour portion of the radar device 200. Alternatively, the protrusion 208 may be a component integrally formed with the outer contour portion of the radar device 200. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an inclined surface 43 is formed at the opening of the recess 41 such that the opening widens towards the protrusion 208. This facilitates the insertion of the protrusion 208 into the recess 41 and facilitates the positioning of the radar device 200 and the second component 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a radar positioning part 40 configured in this way is provided at the adapter 100.

[0080] Furthermore, the structure of the adapter positioning part 50 described above is one example. For instance, if the radar device 200 has a recess, the radar positioning part 40 may also be a protrusion inserted into the recess. Additionally, the radar positioning part 40 may be a structure in which stepped portions abut against each other for positioning, or it may be a structure other than a recess or a protrusion. Furthermore, two or more radar positioning parts 40 may be provided on the adapter 100.

[0081] In this embodiment, the radar positioning part 40 pushes the radar device 200 against the wall portion 12 of the first part 10 while the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by the fastening connection part 30. Specifically, the radar positioning part 40 has a protrusion 42 that protrudes from the wall portion 22 of the second part 20 towards the wall portion 12 of the first part 10. Furthermore, a recess 41 is provided at the end of the protrusion 42. And, while the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by the fastening connection part 30, the end of the protrusion 42 of the radar positioning part 40 pushes the radar device 200 against the wall portion 12 of the first part 10.

[0082] When the radar device 200 is held between the wall portion 12 of the first part 10 and the wall portion 22 of the second part 20, a structure is needed on the wall portion 22 of the second part 20 to push the radar device 200 toward the wall portion 12 of the first part 10. In this embodiment, this structure can also serve as a radar positioning part 40. Therefore, by configuring the radar positioning part 40 to push the radar device 200 toward the wall portion 12 of the first part 10, the shape of the first part 10 can be simplified.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radar positioning part 40 is disposed between a pair of fastening connecting parts 30. In such a case, preferably, as shown below... Figure 3 As shown, when the second part 20 is not fastened to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, at least one pair of fastening connection 30s warp in a manner that protrudes toward the wall 12 of the first part 10.

[0084] When the radar device 200 is clamped by the wall portion 12 of the first part 10 and the wall portion 22 of the second part 20, the radar device 200 is clamped by the reaction force acting on the wall portion 22 of the second part 20. Specifically, when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by the fastening connection portion 30, the wall portion 22 of the second part 20 is deformed by the pressure exerted by the radar device 200 in a direction away from the wall portion 12 of the first part 10. Therefore, the wall portion 22 of the second part 20 wants to return to its original shape. At this time, a reaction force is generated at the wall portion 22 of the second part 20 in the direction toward the wall portion 12 of the first part 10. Using this reaction force, the radar device 200 is clamped by the wall portion 12 of the first part 10 and the wall portion 22 of the second part 20.

[0085] Therefore, in the state where the second part 20 is not fastened to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, if the pair of fastening connection 30s are flat, then when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by means of the fastening connection 30s, the pair of fastening connection 30s of the second part 20 warps in a direction protruding away from the wall portion 12 of the first part 10. On the other hand, in the state where the second part 20 is not fastened to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30s, compared to the case where the pair of fastening connection 30s are flat, in the case where the pair of fastening connection 30s of the second part 20 is warped in a way protruding towards the wall portion 12 of the first part 10, when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by means of the fastening connection 30s, the pair of fastening connection 30s of the second part 20 has a nearly flat shape. Therefore, when the second part 20, which is not securely connected to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, warps in such a way that the pair of fastening connection 30s protrude toward the wall 12 of the first part 10, the aesthetics of the radar unit 3 are improved. In other words, when the second part 20, which is not securely connected to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, warps in such a way that the pair of fastening connection 30s protrude toward the wall 12 of the first part 10, the aesthetics of the adapter 100 of the radar device 200 are maintained.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second part 20 is made of resin. In this case, it is more preferable that the second part 20, without being securely connected to the first part 10 by the fastening connection 30, warps as a whole in a manner protruding towards the wall 12 of the first part 10. This is based on the following reasoning: In the state where the second part 20 is not securely connected to the first part 10 by the fastening connection 30, only the pair of fastening connections 30 warps towards the wall 12 of the first part 10. In this case, when the second part 20 deforms due to the fastening connection 30 connecting the first part 10 and the second part 20, stress concentration occurs at the warped portion between the fastening connections 30 and at the boundary of the flat portion adjacent to that portion. If the second part 20 is made of resin, if creep occurs at the boundary due to this stress concentration, the reaction force acting on the wall 22 of the second part 20 is reduced. That is, the force required to hold the radar device 200 is reduced.

[0087] On the other hand, if the second part 20, which is not securely connected to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, warps entirely in a manner that protrudes towards the wall 12 of the first part 10, the reaction force acting on the wall 22 of the second part 20 is greater than if it warps only partially in a manner that protrudes towards the wall 12 of the first part 10. Therefore, if the second part 20, which is not securely connected to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, warps entirely in a manner that protrudes towards the wall 12 of the first part 10, the reaction force acting on the wall 22 of the second part 20 based on creep is reduced, and the reaction force acting on the wall 22 of the second part 20 is also greater than if it warps only partially in a manner that protrudes towards the wall 12 of the first part 10. Therefore, when the second part 20 is made of resin, if the second part 20 is warped as a whole in a way that protrudes toward the wall 12 of the first part 10 without being fastened to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, the adapter 100 can stably hold the radar device 200 for a long time.

[0088] Furthermore, even when the second part 20, which is not securely connected to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, warps in a manner that protrudes towards the wall 12 of the first part 10, the following effect can also be achieved. When the first part 10 and the second part 20 are securely connected, and the second part 20 is pushed by the radar device 200, the part of the second part 20 that is further away from the contact portion with the radar device 200 is less prone to deformation. Therefore, even when the second part 20, which is not securely connected to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, warps in a manner that protrudes towards the wall 12 of the first part 10, when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are securely connected, the end 23 on the transceiver surface 201 side of the second part 20 is prone to bending towards the radar device 200. Therefore, even when the second part 20 is not securely connected to the first part 10 by means of the fastening connection 30, and at least one pair of fastening connection 30 is warped in a way that protrudes toward the wall portion 12 of the first part 10, it is easy to prevent water from seeping between the second part 20 and the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200, and it is easy to prevent corrosion of the parts of the radar device 200 that are susceptible to water corrosion.

[0089] Furthermore, preferably, when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by means of the fastening connection 30, the radar positioning part 40 contacts the radar device 200 after the recess 51 and protrusion 52 of the adapter positioning part 50 have made contact. For example, when the radar device 200 and the second part 20 are positioned by means of the radar positioning part 40, the recess 51 and protrusion 52 of the adapter positioning part 50 have not yet made contact. In such a case, for example, due to the structure of the radar positioning part 40, the second part 20 is in a state where it can be rotatably mounted on the radar device 200. Positioning the second part 20 and the first part 10 in such a state by means of the adapter positioning part 50 is a complicated operation.

[0090] On the other hand, the first part 10 and the second part 20 are positioned by means of the adapter positioning part 50, and then the radar device 200 and the second part 20 are positioned by means of the radar positioning part 40. In this case, the second part 20 and the radar device 200, which do not rotate, can be positioned by means of the radar positioning part 40. Therefore, after the recess 51 and the protrusion 52 configured as the adapter positioning part 50 come into contact, the radar positioning part 40 and the radar device 200 come into contact, and the positioning operation of the radar device 200 and the adapter 100 using the radar positioning part 40 and the adapter positioning part 50 becomes easy.

[0091] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the upper portion of the radar unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0092] Should Figure 10This indicates a state where, with the first part 10 and the second part 20 securely connected by the fastening connection 30, a force is applied to the second part 20, causing the protrusion 208 of the radar device 200 to disengage from the recess 41 of the radar positioning part 40 of the second part 20. In this state, the radar device 200... Figure 10 As indicated by the white arrow in the middle, it can move freely in the direction from the back side 202 toward the transceiver side 201, and there is a possibility of it falling off the adapter 100.

[0093] Here, the second component 20 of the adapter 100 in this embodiment includes a latching portion 25. With the first component 10 and the second component 20 securely connected by the fastening connection portion 30, the latching portion 25 latches onto the radar device 200 when it moves from the back surface 202 toward the transceiver surface 201. Alternatively, in this embodiment, when the radar device 200 moves from the back surface 202 toward the transceiver surface 201, the latching portion 25 is configured to latch onto a protrusion 210 provided on the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200. However, the position of the radar device 200 for the latching portion 25 to latch onto is arbitrary. For example, when the radar device 200 moves from the back surface 202 toward the transceiver surface 201, the latching portion 25 may also latch onto the transceiver surface 201 of the radar device 200. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the protrusion 210 on the radar device 200. The adapter 100 of this embodiment has a latching part 25, so when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by means of the fastening connection part 30, and a force is applied to the second part 20 and the protrusion 208 of the radar device 200 disengages from the recess 41 of the radar positioning part 40 of the second part 20, the radar device 200 can be prevented from falling off the adapter 100.

[0094] <Method for holding the radar device at the adapter>

[0095] Next, the method of maintaining the radar device 200 by means of the adapter 100 will be described.

[0096] First, with the first part 10 and the second part 20 not fastened together, the radar device 200 is inserted into the first part 10. Specifically, when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together, the radar device 200 is inserted into the first part 10 in a direction that is the opposite direction of the first part 10 and the second part 20. Then, the protrusion 209 provided at the radar device 200 is inserted into the groove 60 provided at the wall portion 13 and the wall portion 14 of the first part 10 of the adapter 100. Then, the protrusion 209 provided at the radar device 200 abuts against the second end portion 62 of the groove 60. As a result, the wall portion 12 of the radar device 200 can be positioned relative to the first part 10 of the adapter 100. At this time, the groove 60 opens in the direction toward the second part 20 when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together. Therefore, relative to the direction in which the first part 10 and the second part 20 face each other when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together, the radar device 200 can be inserted into the first part 10 in a state in which the facing directions of the lower surface portion 203 and the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200 are approximately parallel.

[0097] Next, the first part 10 and the second part 20 of the adapter 100 are positioned using the adapter positioning part 50, and the radar device 200 is positioned relative to the second part 20 using the radar positioning part 40. Specifically, when the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together, the second part 20 is brought close to the first part 10 along a direction that is the opposing direction of the first part 10 and the second part 20. Then, in the adapter positioning part 50, the protrusion 52 is inserted into the recess 51 to position the first part 10 and the second part 20 of the adapter 100. Furthermore, the protrusion 208 of the radar device 200 is inserted into the recess 41 of the radar positioning part 40 to position the radar device 200 relative to the second part 20. As a result, the wall portion 22 of the radar device 200 can be positioned relative to the adapter 100.

[0098] Here, as described above, relative to the directions of the opposing directions of the first part 10 and the second part 20 when they are fastened together, the radar device 200 can be inserted into the first part 10 with the opposing directions of the lower surface portion 203 and the upper surface portion 204 of the radar device 200 approximately parallel. Therefore, when the adapter positioning portion 50 positions the first part 10 and the second part 20 of the adapter 100, the protrusion 208 of the radar device 200 can easily enter the recess 41 of the radar positioning portion 40. Specifically, the recess 41 of the radar positioning portion 40 and the protrusion 208 of the radar device 200 are in a position that is approximately facing each other. Therefore, the adapter 100 of this embodiment can easily position the wall portion 22 side portion of the radar device 200 relative to the adapter 100.

[0099] Finally, the first part 10 and the second part 20 of the adapter 100 are fastened together by means of the fastening connection 30. Thus, the radar device 200 is held by means of the first part 10 and the second part 20, and the radar device 200 is held in the adapter 100.

[0100] <Effects of the adapter and radar unit>

[0101] The adapter 100 of this embodiment is an adapter for holding a radar device 200 mounted on a straddle-type vehicle 1. The adapter 100 of this embodiment includes a first part 10 and a second part 20. The first part 10 has a wall portion 12 facing the lower surface portion 203. The second part 20 has a wall portion 22 facing the upper surface portion 204, and is fastened to the first part 10 by means of a fastening connection portion 30. Furthermore, the first part 10 includes a wall portion 13 facing the left side portion 205, a wall portion 14 facing the right side portion 206, and a groove portion 60. The groove portion 60 is provided on the left side portion 205 and the right side portion 206 for inserting the protrusion 209 of the radar device 200 to position the radar device 200. The groove portion 60 also opens into the second part 20.

[0102] The adapter 100 configured in this way inserts the radar device 200 into the first part 10 along the opposing directions of the first part 10 and the second part 20, thereby allowing the protrusion 209 provided on the radar device 200 to be inserted into the groove 60 provided on the first part 10. Furthermore, in this adapter 100, the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by a fastening connection 30, thereby enabling the adapter 100 to hold the radar device 200. Therefore, when holding the radar device 100 with the adapter 100, the conventional process of rotating the radar device while pushing the adapter in is eliminated. Thus, the adapter 100 configured in this way can position the radar device 200 within the adapter 100, making the operation of holding the radar device 200 with the adapter 100 easier than before.

[0103] Furthermore, the radar unit 3 in this embodiment is a radar unit comprising a radar device 200 mounted on a straddle-type vehicle 1 and an adapter 100 for holding the radar device 200. The adapter 100 comprises a first part 10 and a second part 20. The first part 10 has a wall portion 12 facing the lower surface portion 203. The second part 20 has a wall portion 22 facing the upper surface portion 204 and is fastened to the first part 10 by means of a fastening connection portion 30. In addition, the first part 10 comprises a wall portion 13 facing the left side portion 205, a wall portion 14 facing the right side portion 206, and protrusions 209 provided on the wall portions 13 and 14. The radar device 200 has grooves 60 on the left side portion 205 and the right side portion 206. The grooves 60 are into which the protrusions 209 are inserted to position the radar device 200. Furthermore, the grooves 60 open to the lower surface portion 203.

[0104] In this configuration, the radar unit 3 inserts the radar device 200 into the first part 10 along the opposing directions of the first part 10 and the second part 20. This allows the protrusion 209 provided on the first part 10 to be inserted into the slot 60 provided in the radar device 200. Furthermore, in this configuration, the first part 10 and the second part 20 are fastened together by a fastening connection 30, thereby enabling the adapter 100 to hold the radar device 200. Therefore, in this configuration, the radar unit 3 eliminates the need for the conventional process of rotating the radar device while simultaneously pushing in the adapter when holding the radar device 100 with the adapter 200. Thus, this configuration makes it easier to position the radar device 200 on the adapter 100 compared to conventional methods.

[0105] The adapter 100 and radar unit 3 of this embodiment have been described above. However, the adapter and radar unit of the present invention are not limited to the description of this embodiment, and may be implemented only in part of this embodiment.

[0106] Furthermore, the orientation of radar unit 3 shown in this embodiment is ultimately just one example. For instance, the radar unit of the present invention can also be mounted in a straddle-type vehicle with the first and second parts of the adapter of the present invention facing each other laterally.

[0107] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0108] 1. Stride-on vehicle; 2. Frame; 3. Radar unit; 10. First part; 11. Base; 12. Wall; 13. Wall; 14. Wall; 15. Internal thread; 16. Clearance part; 20. Second part; 21. Base; 22. Wall; 23. End; 24. End; 25. Hook; 30. Fastening connection; 31. Internal thread; 32. Through hole; 33. External thread; 40. Radar positioning part; 41. Recess; 42. Protrusion; 43. Inclined surface; 50. Adapter positioning part; 51. Recess; 52. Protrusion; 53. Inclined surface; 60. Groove; 61. First end; 62. Second end; 63. Reduction part; 64. Side wall; 65. Side wall; 66. Protrusion; 67. Inclined surface; 70. Adjusting bolt; 71. External thread; 72. Tool connection; 73. Ball head, 80 mounting part, 81 retaining part, 100 adapter, 200 radar device, 201 transceiver surface, 202 back side, 203 lower surface, 204 upper surface, 205 left side, 206 right side, 207 connector, 208 protrusion, 209 protrusion, 210 protrusion.

Claims

1. An adapter (100) for holding a radar device (200) mounted on a straddle-type vehicle (1), characterized in that, One of the side portions of the aforementioned radar device (200) is designated as the first side portion (203). The side portion of the aforementioned radar device (200) that faces the aforementioned first side portion (203) is designated as the second side portion (204). One of the side portions of the aforementioned radar device (200) that connects the aforementioned first side portion (203) and the aforementioned second side portion (204) is designated as the third side portion (205). In this case, the side portion of the aforementioned radar device (200) facing the aforementioned third side portion (205) is designated as the fourth side portion (206). It includes a first part (10) and a second part (20), wherein the first part (10) has a first wall portion (12) facing the first side surface portion (203). The aforementioned second part (20) has a second wall portion (22) facing the aforementioned second side portion (204), and is fastened to the aforementioned first part (10) by means of a pair of fastening connecting portions (30). The aforementioned first part (10) includes a third wall portion (13), a fourth wall portion (14), and a groove portion (60). The aforementioned third wall portion (13) faces the aforementioned third side portion (205). The aforementioned fourth wall portion (14) faces the aforementioned fourth side portion (206). The aforementioned groove (60) is provided on the aforementioned third wall portion (13) and the aforementioned fourth wall portion (14) for the protrusion (209) of the aforementioned radar device (200) to be inserted, thereby positioning the aforementioned radar device (200). The aforementioned groove (60) opens into the aforementioned second part (20). The aforementioned second part (20) includes a radar positioning section (40) for positioning the aforementioned radar device (200). The aforementioned radar positioning unit (40) is disposed between a pair of the aforementioned fastening connections (30). The aforementioned second part (20) is configured such that, in a first state where it is not fastened to the aforementioned first part (10) by means of a pair of aforementioned fastening connecting parts (30), it warps in a manner that protrudes toward the aforementioned first wall portion (12) between at least a pair of aforementioned fastening connecting parts (30); and in a second state where the aforementioned first part (10) and the aforementioned second part (20) are fastened to each other by means of a pair of aforementioned fastening connecting parts (30), the aforementioned radar positioning part (40) pushes the aforementioned radar device (200) toward the aforementioned first wall portion (12). In the aforementioned second state, the aforementioned protrusion (209) is pushed against the inner wall surface of the aforementioned groove (60).

2. The adapter (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the radar device (200) is configured such that the surface facing the transceiver surface (201) is the back surface (202), When the aforementioned radar device (200) is held in the adapter (100), In the opposite directions of the aforementioned receiving and sending surface (201) and the aforementioned back surface (202), The end (23) of the second part (20) on the side of the aforementioned receiving and sending surface (201) is at the same position as the aforementioned receiving and sending surface (201), or it is a position that is away from the aforementioned back surface (202) compared to the aforementioned receiving and sending surface (201) with the aforementioned back surface (202) as a reference.

3. A radar unit (3), characterized in that, The adapter (100) as described in claim 1 or 2 is equipped with The radar device (200) is held by the aforementioned adapter (100).

4. A radar unit (3) comprising a radar device (200) mounted on a straddle-type vehicle (1) and an adapter (100) for holding the radar device (200), characterized in that, One of the side portions of the aforementioned radar device (200) is designated as the first side portion (203). The side portion of the aforementioned radar device (200) that faces the aforementioned first side portion (203) is designated as the second side portion (204). One of the side portions of the aforementioned radar device (200) that connects the aforementioned first side portion (203) and the aforementioned second side portion (204) is designated as the third side portion (205). In this case, the side portion of the aforementioned radar device (200) facing the aforementioned third side portion (205) is designated as the fourth side portion (206). The aforementioned adapter (100) includes a first part (10) and a second part (20). The aforementioned first part (10) has a first wall portion (12) facing the aforementioned first side surface portion (203), The aforementioned second part (20) has a second wall portion (22) facing the aforementioned second side portion (204), and is fastened to the aforementioned first part (10) by means of a pair of fastening connecting portions (30). The aforementioned first part (10) includes a third wall portion (13), a fourth wall portion (14), and a groove portion (60). The aforementioned third wall portion (13) faces the aforementioned third side portion (205). The aforementioned fourth wall portion (14) faces the aforementioned fourth side portion (206). The protrusion (209) is provided on the aforementioned third wall portion (13) and the aforementioned fourth wall portion (14). The aforementioned radar device (200) has grooves (60) on the aforementioned third side surface (205) and the aforementioned fourth side surface (206) for the aforementioned protrusion (209) to be inserted into in order to position the radar device (200). The aforementioned groove (60) opens toward the aforementioned first side portion (203). The aforementioned second part (20) includes a radar positioning section (40) for positioning the aforementioned radar device (200). The aforementioned radar positioning unit (40) is disposed between a pair of the aforementioned fastening connections (30). The aforementioned second part (20) is configured such that, in a first state where it is not fastened to the aforementioned first part (10) by means of a pair of aforementioned fastening connecting parts (30), it warps in a manner that protrudes toward the aforementioned first wall portion (12) between at least a pair of aforementioned fastening connecting parts (30); and in a second state where the aforementioned first part (10) and the aforementioned second part (20) are fastened to each other by means of a pair of aforementioned fastening connecting parts (30), the aforementioned radar positioning part (40) pushes the aforementioned radar device (200) toward the aforementioned first wall portion (12). In the aforementioned second state, the aforementioned protrusion (209) is pushed against the inner wall surface of the aforementioned groove (60).

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