Antenna device, detection device, opening / closing portion control system, and passenger detection system

Abstract

Provided are an antenna device, a detection device, an opening / closing portion control system, and a passenger detection system, each having a simple structure and an easy design. The antenna device includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on a surface of the substrate, and a reflector vertically disposed on the surface of the substrate and extending along the surface, the reflector having a curved portion curved with a given curvature, protruding toward the antenna, having a convex curved surface that reflects an electric wave radiated by the antenna, and a first planar portion and a second planar portion disposed extending along the surface of the substrate from both sides of the convex curved surface, forming a V shape together with the convex curved surface in plan view, each having a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface that reflect the electric wave radiated by the antenna, the convex curved surface having a shape corresponding to a portion of a circumferential surface of a cylinder that is included in a given azimuth angle, the convex curved surface being inclined toward the antenna with respect to the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to antenna devices, detection devices, opening and closing control systems, and passenger detection systems. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, there have been vehicle-mounted radar devices equipped with transceivers for both millimeter-wave radar and millimeter-wave radar. The transceiver is a semi-tangent cone with a radius longer than its height, and the side of the semi-tangent cone is the reflecting surface. The reflecting surface is a concave surface that causes the generatrix of the semi-tangent cone to curve towards the bottom (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2010-154182 Summary of the Invention

[0006] -The problem the invention aims to solve-

[0007] However, when designing a reflector for better distribution of reflected waves, the reflector of existing vehicle radar devices has a complex shape, such as the generatrix of a semi-tangent cone that bends towards the bottom, and is not easy to design.

[0008] Therefore, the aim is to provide an antenna device, a detection device, an opening and closing control system, and a passenger detection system with a simple structure and easy design of reflector.

[0009] -Methods for solving problems-

[0010] An antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; an antenna disposed on the surface of the substrate; and a reflector erected on the surface of the substrate and extending along the surface, the reflector having: a curved portion that bends with a given curvature and protrudes toward the antenna side, having a convex curved surface that reflects radio waves radiated by the antenna; and a first planar portion and a second planar portion that extend along the surface of the substrate from both sides of the convex curved surface, forming a V-shape together with the convex curved surface when viewed from above, having a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, respectively, that reflect radio waves radiated by the antenna, the convex curved surface having a shape corresponding to the portion of the outer circumference of a cylinder included in a given azimuth angle, the convex curved surface being inclined toward the antenna side relative to the substrate.

[0011] -Invention Effects

[0012] It can provide antenna devices, detection devices, opening and closing control systems, and passenger detection systems with simple structures and easy-to-design reflectors. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the detection device 100 of the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the detection device 100.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the detection device 100 and the antenna device 100A.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the detection device 100 and the antenna device 100A.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the detection device 100 and the antenna device 100A.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the detection device 100 and the antenna device 100A.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the curved section 131.

[0020] Figure 8 It means Figure 4 The diagram shows the cross-section viewed from the direction of arrow AA.

[0021] Figure 9 It means Figure 4 The diagram shows the cross-section viewed from the direction of the BB arrow.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram representing the evaluation coordinate system of the detection device 100.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the simulation results of the radiation intensity of the detection device 100.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a graph showing the simulation results of the radiation intensity of the detection device 100.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a graph representing the radiation intensity of the detection device 100.

[0026] Figure 14 It is a graph showing the measured results of the radiation intensity characteristics relative to the azimuth angle of the detection device 100.

[0027] Figure 15 It is a graph showing the simulation results obtained from various combinations of radius vector R and various V-shaped angles θ.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the width W of the curved section 131 and the relationship between the width W and the radius R. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following describes embodiments of the antenna device, detection device, opening / closing control system, and passenger detection system utilizing the present invention. The XYZ coordinate system will be defined for explanation. The directions parallel to the X-axis (X direction), parallel to the Y-axis (Y direction), and parallel to the Z-axis (Z direction) are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the -Z direction side will sometimes be referred to as the lower side or lower, and the +Z direction side as the upper side or upper. Also, "top view" refers to observation in the XY plane. Furthermore, for ease of understanding of the structure, the length, thickness, etc., of each part will sometimes be exaggerated. Furthermore, the terms "parallel," "upper," etc., allow for deviations in degree without compromising the effectiveness of the embodiment.

[0030] <Implementation Method>

[0031] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the detection device 100 of the embodiment. Figure 1 The document also shows an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 300. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the detection device 100. The detection device 100 includes a lower housing 10, an upper housing 20, a substrate 110, a transceiver device 120, and a reflector 130. The transceiver device 120 includes an antenna 121, a transmitting circuit 122, a receiving circuit 123, and a control unit 124.

[0032] The detection device 100 includes at least a substrate 110, a transceiver 120, and a reflector 130. The antenna device 100A of the embodiment includes at least a substrate 110, an antenna 121, and a reflector 130. Therefore, in... Figure 2 In the figure, the substrate 110, antenna 121 and reflector 130 are marked with brackets 100A.

[0033] The lower housing 10 and the upper housing 20 are examples of an outer casing, which are aligned and engaged to form a casing with a sealed internal space. The substrate 110, the transceiver 120, and the reflector 130 are housed within the internal space of the casing formed by the lower housing 10 and the upper housing 20. Thus, the detection device 100 encapsulates the substrate 110, the transceiver 120, and the reflector 130 within the lower housing 10 and the upper housing 20.

[0034] As an example, the upper housing 20 has a locking part 21, a screw hole 22, and a connector 23. The locking part 21 and the screw hole 22 are examples of mounting parts that allow the housing composed of the lower housing 10 and the upper housing 20 to be installed on the lower part of the vehicle door, the inside of the bumper, or inside the vehicle compartment. The connector 23 has terminals that connect to the transceiver 120 via the base plate 110. The connector 23 is connected to the vehicle's ECU 300, for example, via the vehicle's LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or CAN (Controller Area Network). Thus, the detection device 100 is connected to the ECU 300 via the connector 23.

[0035] As an example, such a detection device 100 can be used as a detection device for the operation of an electric opener for the opening and closing of a vehicle's trunk lid, tailgate, or sliding door. In this case, the detection device 100 detects the presence or movement of the toes of a vehicle occupant located under the rear bumper. An occupant who inserts their toes under the rear bumper is an example of an operator located around the vehicle.

[0036] An electric door opener is a device that drives an actuator to unlock vehicle doors and open / close opening / closing parts such as the trunk lid, tailgate, or sliding doors. Here, if the ECU 300 is a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the vehicle's opening and closing parts based on the detection results of the detection device 100, then the system including the detection device 100 and the ECU 300 is an opening and closing part control system. Furthermore, if the ECU 300 is a passenger detection unit that detects the presence or absence of passengers in the passenger compartment based on the detection results of the detection device 100, then the system including the detection device 100 and the ECU 300 is a passenger detection system.

[0037] In the case where the detection device 100 is used as a detection device for the electric opening mechanism of a vehicle's trunk lid or tailgate, it is, for example, located on the inner side of the rear bumper, at the center of the vehicle's width direction. In this case, the +X direction is vertically downward, the -X direction is vertically upward, the +Y direction is to the right of the vehicle's direction of travel, the -Y direction is to the left of the vehicle's direction of travel, the +Z direction is to the rear of the vehicle, and the +Z direction is to the front of the vehicle. The detection device 100 radiates radio waves in the +X direction and receives reflected waves to detect the presence or movement of a detection object in the +X direction.

[0038] The following is an example illustrating how the detection device 100, located inside the rear bumper of a vehicle, detects the presence or movement of the user's toes when operating the electric opener of the trunk lid or tailgate. Specifically, the detection device 100 detects the user's toes as an example.

[0039] The detection device 100 radiates radio waves in the +X direction and receives reflected waves, thereby detecting the presence or movement of a target object in the +X direction. The timing of receiving the reflected waves differs depending on whether the user's toes are present under the detection device 100 or not. Therefore, the detection device 100 detects at least one of the following actions based on the timing of receiving the reflected waves: the presence of the toes or the insertion of the toes under the detection device 100.

[0040] Next, the detailed structure of the substrate 110, the transceiver 120, and the reflector 130 will be described. Here, except... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In addition, it also uses Figures 3 to 6 Please provide an explanation. Figures 3 to 6 This is a diagram showing the detection device 100 and the antenna device 100A. Figures 3 to 6 The diagram shows a substrate 110, a transceiver 120, and a reflector 130.

[0041] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the substrate 110 has a shape that matches the lower housing 10 and the upper housing 20 when viewed from above. The substrate 110 is, for example, a wiring substrate conforming to the FR4 (Flame Retardant type 4) standard. A transceiver 120 and a reflector 130 are mounted on the upper surface 111 of the substrate 110. The control unit 124 of the transceiver 120 (see reference) Figure 2 Wiring and connector 23 via substrate 110 (reference) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The terminal connection is as follows. The substrate 110 is fixed to the inside of the upper housing 20 by screws or the like.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown in the enlarged view, the transceiver 120 includes an antenna 121, a transmitting circuit 122, a receiving circuit 123, and a control unit 124, as shown in the enlarged view. Figures 2 to 6 As shown, it is mounted on the upper surface 111 of the substrate 110. The transmitting circuit 122, receiving circuit 123, and control unit 124 in the transceiver device 120 are implemented by a so-called IC (Integrated Circuit) chip.

[0043] Antenna 121 is disposed on the upper surface of the IC chip and connected to transmitting circuit 122 and receiving circuit 123. Antenna 121 is, for example, a patch antenna, serving as both a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. Antenna 121 is, for example, capable of transmitting and receiving 60.5 GHz millimeter waves.

[0044] The transmitting circuit 122 and the receiving circuit 123 are integrated into a single unit using an analog integrated circuit contained in an IC chip. Furthermore, the transmitting circuit 122 and the receiving circuit 123 are connected to a control unit 124, and their operation is controlled by the control unit 124. The transmitting circuit 122 outputs a transmitting signal to the antenna 121 according to the transmitting command output from the control unit 124. The receiving circuit 123 receives the reflected wave of the transmitted signal at the detection object.

[0045] The control unit 124 represents the functions implemented by the computer contained in the IC chip. The control unit 124 has the function of a detection unit to detect at least one of the presence or action of a detection object based on the signal received by the receiving circuit 123.

[0046] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the reflector 130 is vertically disposed on the upper surface 111 of the substrate 110. "Vertically disposed on the upper surface 111" means that it is disposed on the upper surface 111 in an upright state. Furthermore, the reflector 130 is disposed at an angle relative to the upper surface 111. This will be described in detail later.

[0047] The reflector 130 has a bent portion 131, flat portions 132 and 133, a fixing portion 134, and a engaging portion 135. The flat portion 132 is an example of a first planar portion, and the flat portion 133 is an example of a second planar portion. The bent portion 131 and the flat portions 132 and 133 extend along the upper surface 111 of the substrate 110. The reflector 130 reflects the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna 121 in the +X direction. Furthermore, the reflector 130 reflects electromagnetic waves reflected by the detection object back to the antenna 121.

[0048] Because the reflector 130 is located inside the rear bumper of the vehicle at the center of the width of the vehicle, it can make the reflected waves reach a farther distance in the left and right diagonal directions of the rear bumper. This is to detect the user's toes in a wider range in the left and right directions.

[0049] Regarding the distance from the reflector 130 to the toes, this distance is longer when the toes are positioned diagonally downwards to the left and right, compared to when the toes are directly below. Therefore, the reflector 130 is configured to reflect radio waves to a greater distance on the -Y direction side (left diagonal downwards) in the +X direction and on the +Y direction side (right diagonal downwards) in the +X direction.

[0050] In order to extend the arrival distance of reflected waves in the -Y direction side (left-downward direction) and the +Y direction side (right-downward direction) in the +X direction, a sophisticated design for extending the arrival distance is sought. To achieve this, the antenna device 100A and the reflector 130 of the detection device 100 in this embodiment have relatively simple shapes.

[0051] The curved portion 131 is curved with a given curvature and has a convex curved surface 131S, which faces the antenna 121 (reference). Figure 2 The transceiver 120 protrudes from the side of the antenna 121. The convex curved surface 131S is the reflecting surface of the curved portion 131. The curved portion 131 has a shape that bends the flat plate, and the convex curved surface 131S has a shape corresponding to the portion of the cylindrical shaft contained in a given azimuth angle within the outer circumferential surface of a cylinder. The curved portion 131 extends relative to the upper surface 111 of the substrate 110 toward the antenna 121 (reference). Figure 2 The transceiver device 120 is tilted to one side.

[0052] Here, in order to illustrate the shape of the curved portion 131, except... Figures 3 to 6 In addition, it also uses Figures 7 to 9 Please provide an explanation. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the curved section 131. Figure 7 In the image, only the curved portion 131 of the reflector 130 is shown, and a virtual cylinder 1 containing the curved portion 131 is also shown. Figure 8 It means Figure 4 The diagram shows the cross-section viewed from the direction of arrow AA. Figure 9 It means Figure 4 The diagram shows the cross-section viewed from the direction of the BB arrow.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), the curved portion 131 is the azimuth angle of the cylinder 1 with radius R and cylindrical axis C relative to the cylindrical axis C. The part contained therein. Azimuth. This is an example of a given azimuth angle. The curved portion 131 has: a vertex 131A1 of the arc at the upper end of the convex curved surface 131S; a vertex 131A2 of the arc at the lower end of the convex curved surface 131S; and a straight line 131B connecting vertex 131A1 and vertex 131A2. The straight line 131B is located on the convex curved surface 131S and is parallel to the cylinder axis C. The straight line 131B is a straight line corresponding to the generatrix of the cylinder 1.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown in (B), the curved portion 131 is disposed on the upper surface 111 such that the straight line 131B connecting vertices 131A1 and 131A2 lies on a plane parallel to the XZ plane and passing through the center 120C of the upper surface of the transceiver 120, and the straight line 131B is inclined toward the transceiver 120 side. Because the straight line 131B is inclined toward the transceiver 120 side, the convex curved surface 131S is also inclined toward the transceiver 120 side. The center 120C corresponds to the antenna 121 (reference). Figure 2 The center of the surface.

[0055] The curved portion 131 is inclined on a plane parallel to the XZ plane and passing through the center 120C of the transceiver device 120, such that the angle between the straight line 131B connecting the vertices 131A1 and 131A2 and the upper surface 111 is α degrees. The convex curved surface 131S, like the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 1, has a shape that is curved in the circumferential direction but not curved in the direction parallel to the cylinder axis C and the straight line 131B.

[0056] In this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, for example, the angle α is 52 degrees. This makes the design of the curved section 131 relatively easy. The curved section 131 can be manufactured by bending the flat plate along the virtual cylindrical axis C with a radius of curvature R. Furthermore, the angle α is not limited to 52 degrees. Angle α is an acute angle (an angle greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees).

[0057] As an example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the curved portion 131 overlaps with the transceiver 120 when viewed from above. Here, the shape of the curved portion 131 completely overlapping with the transceiver 120 when viewed from above is shown, but preferably, the curved portion 131 overlaps with at least a portion of the transceiver 120 when viewed from above. This is because it allows for efficient reflection from the antenna 121 (reference) of the transceiver 120. Figure 2 The radiated radio waves. In addition, for example, when the antenna 121 radiates radio waves at an angle more inclined toward the bend 131 than vertically upward, the bend 131 may not overlap with the transceiver 120 when viewed from above.

[0058] Both flat plate sections 132 and 133 are flat (plate-like) parts, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, surfaces 132S and 133S are respectively located on the +X direction side. Surfaces 132S and 133S are reflective surfaces of plate portions 132 and 133. Surface 132S is an example of a first reflective surface, and surface 133S is an example of a second reflective surface.

[0059] Surfaces 132S and 133S extend from both sides of the convex curved surface 131S in the circumferential direction along the upper surface 111 of the substrate 110, as shown in the figure. Figure 4 As shown by the dashed line, when viewed from above, it forms a V-shape together with the convex curved surface 131S. The angle (interior angle) θ of the V-shape formed by surfaces 132S and 133S is, for example, 120 degrees. Angle θ is preferably 90 degrees or more.

[0060] The flat plate portion 132 is continuously provided from the side portion of the curved portion 131 in the -Y direction in the circumferential direction, and the flat plate portion 133 is continuously provided from the side portion of the curved portion 131 in the +Y direction in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the surface 132S is a surface that is continuous from the end portion of the convex curved surface 131S in the -Y direction, and the surface 133S is a surface that is continuous from the end portion of the convex curved surface 131S in the +Y direction.

[0061] Therefore, such as Figure 9 As shown, if we consider a cross-section of the flat plate 132 cut along a plane parallel to the XZ plane, the angle α between surface 132S and the upper surface 111 is equal to the angle α between the straight line 131B of the curved portion 131 and the upper surface 111. This is because, within the XZ plane, the flat plate 132 is inclined relative to the upper surface 111 at the same angle as the curved portion 131. Here, as an example, the angle α is 52 degrees.

[0062] Furthermore, since the flat plate portion 132 and the flat plate portion 133 have a symmetrical (surface-symmetric) shape that is a mirror image of each other with respect to the straight line 131B containing the curved portion 131 and parallel to the XZ plane, if the flat plate portion 133 is cut along a cross section parallel to the XZ plane, the angle α between the surface 133S and the upper surface 111 is equal to the angle α between the straight line 131B of the curved portion 131 and the upper surface 111.

[0063] Two fixing portions 134 extend from the -Y direction side end of the flat plate portion 132 and the +Y direction side end of the flat plate portion 133, and extend in the -X direction. The fixing portions 134 are provided to stably fix the reflector 130 to the upper surface of the substrate 110, and have a downwardly protruding protrusion 134A (see reference). Figure 6 The protrusion 134A is inserted into a through hole in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the substrate 110 and is fixed to the substrate 110 by means of an adhesive or the like.

[0064] Two engaging portions 135 are protruding from the lower ends of the flat plate portions 132 and 133, inserted into through holes in the substrate 110 in the thickness direction (Z direction), and fixed to the substrate 110 by adhesive or the like.

[0065] In the reflector 130 described above, when viewed from above from vertices 131A1 and 131A2, the direction of the +X direction is the front direction of the reflector 130, and the front direction of the antenna device 100A and the detection device 100.

[0066] As described above, for example, a reflector 130 having a bent portion 131, flat portions 132 and 133, a fixing portion 134, and a locking portion 135 can be manufactured by bending a metal sheet obtained by punching a metal sheet in a stamping process along a virtual cylindrical axis C with a radius of curvature R. The metal sheet can be, for example, made of aluminum.

[0067] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the evaluation coordinate system of the detection device 100. Since the detection device 100 includes an antenna device 100A, the evaluation results of the detection device 100 will be explained below. Figure 10 As shown, due to the XYZ coordinate system and Figures 1 to 9 The XYZ coordinate system shown is the same; therefore, it is defined as the origin being the center 120C on the upper surface of the transceiver device 120 (reference). Figure 7 (B) is consistent.

[0068] The evaluation coordinate system is a polar coordinate system. Azimuth represents the angle relative to the -Y direction (0 degrees), indicated by the arrow. Therefore, the azimuth in the +X direction is 90 degrees, and the azimuth in the +Y direction is 180 degrees. The azimuth in the -X direction is 270 degrees and -90 degrees. Elevation represents the angle relative to the +X direction (0 degrees), indicated by the arrow. Therefore, the elevation in the +Z direction is 90 degrees, and the elevation in the -Z direction is -90 degrees.

[0069] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the simulation results of the radiation intensity from the detection device 100. Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 In (C), the horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle (degrees), and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle (degrees). Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 In (C), brighter light indicates higher radiation intensity, while darker light indicates lower radiation intensity. Furthermore, in... Figure 11 The lower side of the simulation results of the radiation intensity of (C) shows the comparison detection device 50. The comparison detection device 50 has a reflector 53, which sets the convex curved surface 131S of the curved portion 131 of the reflector 130 and the reflective surfaces of the flat portions 132 and 133S of the flat portion 132 and 133 as parabolic surfaces.

[0070] Figure 12 This is a graph showing the simulation results of the radiation intensity from the detection device 100. Figure 12 (A) Figure 12 In (C), the upper layer shows the characteristics of the radiation intensity (dB) relative to the azimuth angle in a plane with an elevation angle of 10 degrees, and the lower layer shows the characteristics of the radiation intensity relative to the elevation angle in the XZ plane. The XZ plane is a plane with an azimuth angle of 90 degrees.

[0071] exist Figure 11 (A) and Figure 12 (A) shows the radiation intensity of a simulation model with a radius R of 7.5 mm for the bend 131 and an angle θ of 120 degrees for the V-shape of the reflector 130. Figure 11 (B) and Figure 12 (B) shows the radiation intensity of a simulation model with a radius vector R of 7.5 mm for the bend 131 and an angle θ of 150 degrees for the V-shape of the reflector 130. Furthermore, in Figure 11 (C) and Figure 12 (C) shows the radiation intensity based on simulation results for the detection device 50 used for comparison.

[0072] If Figure 11 (A) and Figure 12 (A) and Figure 11 (B) and Figure 12 (B) and Figure 11 (C) and Figure 12 Compared to (C), it can be seen that the radiation intensity increases in the range of 40 to 50 degrees and 130 to 140 degrees regarding the azimuth angle. Since the detection device 100 is located inside the rear bumper of the vehicle at the center of the vehicle's width, the azimuth angle ranges of 40 to 50 degrees and 130 to 140 degrees correspond to the left and right diagonal directions of the rear bumper, respectively. The azimuth angle ranges of 40 to 50 degrees and 130 to 140 degrees represent the wide-angle side of the direction relative to the 90-degree azimuth angle, within the angle of propagation in the XY plane of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna 121 and reflected by the reflector 130. The 90-degree azimuth direction is the direction facing the reflector 130; the so-called wide-angle side range is the range with a relatively large angle relative to the direction facing the reflector 130.

[0073] Furthermore, regarding characteristics relative to the angle of elevation, such as from Figure 12 (A) Figure 12 (B) and Figure 11 As the characteristics of the lower layer of (C) are known, the detection device 100 and the comparison detection device 50 show the same radiation intensity.

[0074] Therefore, it can be seen that, compared with the comparative detection device 50, the detection device 100 can make the reflected waves reach a farther distance in the left and right diagonal directions of the rear bumper of the vehicle. The detection device 100 can detect the user's toes in a wider range in the left and right directions.

[0075] Figure 13 This is a graph representing the radiation intensity of the detection device 100. In Figure 13 In order to compare the measured results with the simulation results, in Figure 13 (A) Figure 13 The upper layer of (C) is shown Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 The simulation results shown in (C) are compared with the measured results shown in the lower layer.

[0076] exist Figure 13 (A) Figure 13 In (C), the horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle (degrees), and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle (degrees). Figure 13 (A) Figure 13 In (C), the brighter the light, the higher the radiation intensity; the darker the light, the lower the radiation intensity.

[0077] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the measured results of the radiation intensity characteristics relative to the azimuth angle of the detection device 100. Figure 14 In order to compare the measured results with the simulation results, the following conditions must be met. Figure 14 (A) Figure 14 The upper layer of (C) is shown Figure 12 (A) Figure 12 The simulation results for the characteristics of radiation intensity relative to azimuth are shown in (C), with the measured results shown in the lower layer. The measured results are similar to the simulation results, showing the characteristics of radiation intensity relative to azimuth in a plane with an elevation angle of 10 degrees.

[0078] exist Figure 13 (A) and Figure 14 (A) shows the radiation intensity of a detection device 100 with a radius R of 7.5 mm for the bend 131 and an angle θ of 120 degrees for the V-shape of the reflector 130. Figure 13 (B) and Figure 14 (B) shows the radiation intensity of the detection device 100 with a radius R of 7.5 mm for the bend 131 and an angle θ of 150 degrees for the V-shape of the reflector 130. Furthermore, in Figure 13 (C) and Figure 14 (C) shows the radiation intensity of the detection device 50 used for comparison.

[0079] If Figure 13 (A) to Figure 13 Comparing the simulation results of the upper layer and the actual measurement results of the lower layer in (C), it can be confirmed that the simulation results and the actual measurement results show the same result in each of the detection device 100 with a V-shaped angle θ of 120 degrees, the detection device 100 with a V-shaped angle θ of 150 degrees, and the comparison detection device 50.

[0080] Furthermore, if Figure 13 (A) and Figure 14 (A) and Figure 13(B) and Figure 14 The measured results of (B) and Figure 13 (C) and Figure 14 Compared with the measured results of (C), it can be seen that the radiation intensity increases in the range of azimuth angles of 40 to 50 degrees and 130 to 140 degrees.

[0081] These test results confirm that, compared to the comparative detection device 50, the detection device 100 can cause reflected waves to reach a greater distance in the left and right diagonal directions of the vehicle's rear bumper. It can also be confirmed that the detection device 100 can detect the user's toes within a wider range in the left and right directions, and can activate the electric starter within a wider range in the left and right directions.

[0082] Figure 15 This is a graph representing the simulation results obtained from various combinations of radius vector R and various V-shaped angles θ. Figure 15 The simulation results show the characteristics of radiation intensity at the azimuth angle relative to a plane with an elevation angle of 10 degrees. The radius vector R is set to 1 mm, 2.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 7.5 mm, and 10 mm. The V-shaped angle θ is set to 150 degrees, 140 degrees, 130 degrees, 120 degrees, and 90 degrees.

[0083] On a wide-angle side, corresponding to an azimuth angle of 40 to 50 degrees and 130 to 140 degrees on the left and right diagonally downwards from the rear bumper of the vehicle, the radiation intensity of the comparative detection device 50 (reference) is compared with that of the device. Figure 12 The combination within the range enclosed by the thick line A represents the combination whose radiation intensity increases compared to the upper layer of (C). Additionally, the blank areas within the range enclosed by the thick line A represent combinations that were not simulated. Furthermore, the characteristics of combinations outside the range enclosed by the thick line A are omitted here.

[0084] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the width W of the curved section 131 and the radius R. (See diagram below.) Figure 16 As shown in (A), the width W of the curved portion 131 is characterized by the length of the interval in the Y direction where the curved portion 131 exists. If such a width W is used, then... Figure 15 The combination within the range enclosed by the thick line A is a combination of wavelengths less than one wavelength at the communication frequency of the transceiver 120.

[0085] like Figure 16As shown in (B), in the relationship between width W and radius R, the larger the angle θ at the V-shape, the greater the tendency of radius R to increase relative to the increase of width W. Regarding width W being equivalent to one wavelength, which is 5 mm at 60.5 GHz, the relationship between width W and radius R further to the left of the thick dotted line shown for width W = 5 mm characterizes the combination of width W and radius R with increased radiation intensity on the wide-angle side. Therefore, in order to design a curved section 131 with width W less than one wavelength of the communication frequency of transceiver 120, i.e., 60.5 GHz, for example, a... Figure 16 In (B), the width W can be a combination of a width W of less than 5mm and the radius R.

[0086] Furthermore, when the width W is one wavelength wider than the wavelength of the transceiver 120 at its communication frequency, when the angle θ of the V-shape is greater than 150 degrees, and when the angle θ of the V-shape is less than 90 degrees, no increase in radiation intensity is observed compared to the comparative detection device 50 on the wide-angle side, in the range of azimuth angles of 40 to 50 degrees and 130 to 140 degrees.

[0087] As a result, when the width W is less than one wavelength, the narrowness of the curved portion 131 allows electromagnetic waves to be reflected more easily towards the wide-angle side due to reflections at the flat portions 132 and 133. However, when the width W is wider than one wavelength, more electromagnetic waves are reflected by the curved portion 131, and fewer electromagnetic waves are reflected towards the wide-angle side at the flat portions 132 and 133, resulting in a decrease in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves at the wide-angle side. Furthermore, when the V-angle θ is less than 90 degrees, the electromagnetic waves reflected at the flat portions 132 and 133 travel further towards the -X direction than towards the +X direction, thus reducing the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reflected towards the wide-angle side. Moreover, when the V-angle θ is 150 degrees or more, the curved portion 131 is nearly planar even when the width W is less than one wavelength, further reducing the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reflected towards the wide-angle side.

[0088] Therefore, in order to increase the radiation intensity on a wide-angle side with an azimuth angle of 40 to 50 degrees and 130 to 140 degrees in the left and right diagonal directions corresponding to the rear bumper of the vehicle, it is preferable that the V-angle θ is 90 degrees or more, and the width W of the bend 131 is less than one wavelength of the wavelength of the communication frequency of the transceiver 120.

[0089] As described above, the reflector 130 has a curved portion 131 and flat portions 132 and 133. The curved portion 131 is curved with a given curvature and protrudes toward the antenna 121 side (antenna side), having a convex curved surface 131S that reflects the radio waves radiated by the antenna 121. The convex curved surface 131S has a cylindrical axis C corresponding to the outer circumference of a cylinder, contained within a given azimuth angle. The shape of the portion in the middle is inclined toward the antenna 121 side relative to the upper surface 111 of the substrate 110.

[0090] Furthermore, the flat plate portions 132 and 133 respectively have surfaces 132S and 133S that reflect the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna 121. Surfaces 132S and 133S extend along the upper surface 111 of the substrate 110 from both sides of the circumferential curved surface 131S, forming a V-shape together with the convex curved surface 131S when viewed from above. The convex curved surface 131S and surfaces 132S and 133S are the reflecting surfaces of the reflector 130.

[0091] The reflector 130, which consists of a curved portion 131 having such a convex curved surface 131S and flat portions 132 and 133 having surfaces 132S and 133S, has a simple structure and can be easily designed.

[0092] Therefore, an antenna device 100A and a detection device 100 with a simple structure and easy design of reflector 130 can be provided. Furthermore, an opening / closing control system and a passenger detection system comprising the antenna device 100A with a simple structure and easy design of reflector 130 and the detection device 100 can be provided. Moreover, due to the simple structure and easy design of reflector 130, the arrival distance of the radio waves reflected by reflector 130 can be reliably extended in the desired direction within the aforementioned wide-angle range.

[0093] Furthermore, since the convex curved surface 131S is tilted relative to the substrate 110, at least a portion of it overlaps with the antenna 121 when viewed from above. Therefore, the reflector 130 can reliably reflect the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna 121, and the electromagnetic waves reflected by the object being detected can be reliably reflected by the reflector 130 back to the antenna 121.

[0094] Furthermore, since the convex curved surface 131S, surfaces 132S, and 133S are continuous surfaces, the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna 121 and the electromagnetic waves reflected by the detected object can be reflected equally. In addition, the design and fabrication of the reflector 130 can be made easier.

[0095] Because the bending portion 131 has a shape that allows the flat plate to be bent, it is easier to design and manufacture the bending portion 131.

[0096] Furthermore, since the flat plate that forms the curved portion 131 has flat plate portions 132 and 133 on both sides of the portion that forms the curved portion 131, it is easier to design and manufacture the reflector 130.

[0097] Furthermore, since the width W of the curved portion 131 in the Y-axis direction, which is an example of the arrangement of the curved portion 131, the flat portion 132, and the flat portion 133 when viewed from above, is less than one wavelength of the wavelength at the communication frequency of the antenna, the arrival distance of the radio wave reflected by the reflector 130 can be extended more reliably in the wide-angle range.

[0098] Furthermore, since the angle between the lower surfaces 132S and 133S when viewed from above is 90 degrees or more, the arrival distance of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the reflector 130 can be extended more reliably within the wide-angle range.

[0099] Furthermore, since antenna 121 serves as both a transmitting antenna for transmitting radio waves and a receiving antenna for receiving radio waves, it is possible to use a single antenna 121 for both transmitting and receiving, making it easier to design and manufacture reflector 130.

[0100] Furthermore, since the antenna 121 has a transmitting antenna for transmitting radio waves and a receiving antenna for receiving radio waves, and the transmitting and receiving antennas are arranged side by side, the reflector 130 can be designed and manufactured more easily in a structure where the transmitting and receiving antennas are separate.

[0101] Furthermore, the detection device 100 includes: an antenna device 100A; a transmitting circuit 122; a receiving circuit 123; and a control unit 124 that functions as a detection unit to detect at least one of the presence or movement of a detected object based on the signal received by the receiving circuit 123. Because such a detection device 100 includes a reflector 130 composed of a curved portion 131 having a convex curved surface 131S and flat portions 132 and 133 having surfaces 132S and 133S, its structure is simple and it can be easily designed.

[0102] Furthermore, since the transmitting circuit 122 and the receiving circuit 123 are integrated by means of an integrated circuit, a detection device 100 with a simple structure can be provided.

[0103] Furthermore, the antenna 121 and the integrated circuit that implements the transmitting circuit 122 and the receiving circuit 123 are integrated into one unit, thereby providing a detection device 100 with a simpler structure.

[0104] Since the antenna device 100A, the transmitting circuit 122, the receiving circuit 123, and the control unit 124, which functions as a detection unit, are housed in the lower housing 10 and the upper housing 20, which further include a lower housing 10 and an upper housing 20 that have a housing that can be installed in the lower part of a vehicle door, the inside of a vehicle bumper, or in the vehicle compartment, the design of the reflector 130 is simple, and an encapsulated detection device 100 can be provided.

[0105] Furthermore, since the control unit 124, which functions as a detection unit, detects at least one of the presence or actions of an operator in the vicinity of the vehicle, a detection device 100 that can be used as an electric opener for opening and closing the vehicle can be provided.

[0106] Furthermore, the above description illustrates, as an example, the form of the bent portion 131 and the flat portions 132 and 133 of the reflector 130, which are manufactured by bending a flat metal plate. However, the reflector 130 is not limited to a structure obtained by bending a flat metal plate; it can also be made of resin. When the reflector 130 is made of resin, it can be manufactured by resin molding. Moreover, the reflector 130 is not limited to a flat reflector as described above. The reflector 130 can have any shape, such as a box shape, as long as it is an object having a convex curved surface 131S and surfaces 132S and 133S.

[0107] Furthermore, the above describes the configuration of the antenna 121 that can also transmit and receive data in the transceiver device 120. However, the antenna 121 may also have the following structure: a transmitting antenna for transmitting radio waves and a receiving antenna for receiving radio waves, with the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna arranged side by side.

[0108] Furthermore, while the transceiver 120 has been described as having an antenna 121, the antenna 121 can also be separated from the transceiver 120. The transceiver 120 has been described as having a transmitting circuit 122, a receiving circuit 123, and a control unit 124, but the transmitting circuit 122, the receiving circuit 123, and the control unit 124 can also be separated, or the transmitting circuit 122, the receiving circuit 123, and the control unit 124 can be separated.

[0109] Furthermore, the above description illustrates that the flat plate portions 132 and 133 have a shape that is mirror-symmetrical (surface-symmetrical) relative to the straight line 131B containing the curved portion 131 and parallel to the XZ plane. However, the flat plate portions 132 and 133 can also have different shapes as long as they form a V-shape when viewed from above and have surfaces 132S and 133S that are inclined at an angle α when cut by a plane parallel to the XZ plane.

[0110] The antenna device, detection device, opening and closing control system, and passenger detection system of the present invention have been described above according to exemplary embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments and various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the claims.

[0111] Furthermore, this international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-020998, filed on February 12, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] -Symbol Explanation-

[0113] 100 Detection Device

[0114] 100A Antenna Device

[0115] 110 substrate

[0116] 120 transceiver

[0117] 120C Center

[0118] 121 antenna

[0119] 122 Transmitting Circuit

[0120] 123 Receiving Circuit

[0121] 130 reflector

[0122] 131 Bend

[0123] 131S Convex Curved Surface

[0124] 131A1 Vertex

[0125] 131A2 Vertex

[0126] 131B Straight Line

[0127] 132, 133 Flat Plate Section

[0128] 132S and 133S surfaces.

Claims

1. An antenna device, characterized in that, Include: substrate; An antenna is disposed on the surface of the substrate; and A reflector, comprising a curved portion and a pair of first and second planar portions, is erected on the surface of the substrate and extends along the surface. The curved portion bends with a given curvature, protrudes toward the antenna side, and has a convex curved surface that reflects the radio waves radiated by the antenna. The first planar portion extends from one side of the convex curved surface along the surface of the substrate to the first end of the reflector, and has a first reflecting surface that reflects the radio waves radiated by the antenna. The second planar portion extends from the other side of the convex curved surface along the surface of the substrate to the second end of the reflector opposite to the first end, and has a second reflecting surface that reflects the radio waves radiated by the antenna. When viewed from above, the first and second reflective surfaces, together with the convex curved surface, form a V-shaped surface of the reflector. The convex curved surface has a shape corresponding to a portion of the outer circumference of a cylinder, said portion being contained within a given azimuth angle with reference to the cylinder's axis. The convex curved surface is inclined toward the antenna side relative to the substrate and has a non-curved shape in a direction parallel to the cylindrical axis.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The convex curved surface is inclined relative to the substrate so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the antenna when viewed from above.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The convex curved surface, the first reflecting surface, and the second reflecting surface are continuous surfaces.

4. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The curved portion has a shape that allows the flat plate to bend.

5. The antenna device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plate is a plate having a first planar portion and a second planar portion on both sides of the portion that forms the curved portion.

6. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the width of the curved portion along the single-axis direction in which the curved portion, the first planar portion, and the second planar portion are arranged is less than one wavelength of the wavelength at the communication frequency of the antenna.

7. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the angle between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface is greater than 90 degrees.

8. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The antenna is an antenna that serves as both a transmitting antenna for transmitting radio waves and a receiving antenna for receiving radio waves.

9. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The antenna has a transmitting antenna for transmitting radio waves and a receiving antenna for receiving radio waves, and the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are arranged side by side.

10. A detection device, characterized in that, Include: Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A transmitting circuit that outputs a transmitting signal to the antenna; A receiving circuit that receives the reflected wave obtained by the transmitted signal being reflected by the detected object; and The detection unit detects at least one of the presence or movement of the detected object based on signals received by the receiving circuit.

11. The detection device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit are integrally constructed using integrated circuits.

12. The detection device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The antenna and the integrated circuit are integrally formed.

13. The detection device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The detection device further includes: a housing having a mounting portion that can be installed on the lower part of a vehicle door, the inside of a vehicle bumper, or inside a vehicle compartment. The antenna device, the transmitting circuit, the receiving circuit, and the detection unit are housed in the housing.

14. The detection device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The detection unit detects at least one of the presence or movement of the operator's toes in the vicinity of the vehicle.

15. A control system for an opening and closing mechanism, characterized in that, Include: The detection device according to claim 14; and The control unit controls the opening and closing of the vehicle's opening and closing mechanism based on the detection results from the detection unit.

16. A passenger detection system, characterized in that, Include: The detection device according to claim 14; and The passenger detection unit detects the presence or absence of passengers in the carriage based on the detection results of the detection unit.

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