Vehicle radar

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle radar. The vehicle radar comprises a shell, a base and a sensor, the shell defines a circumferential direction and comprises a front part, a rear part and a body part, and the front part forms a front opening; a rear opening is formed in the rear part, and the front opening is communicated with the rear opening; the body part is arranged between the front part and the rear part and comprises a plurality of clamping pieces, and the intervals of the clamping pieces in the circumferential direction are different from one another. The base comprises a plurality of clamping parts, and the clamping parts are opposite to the clamping pieces. The sensor is disposed on the base. According to the radar for the vehicle, due to the fact that the distances between the clamping pieces in the circumferential direction are different, automatic positioning can be achieved through clamping on the structure without the synergistic effect of an assembling mold, meanwhile, the elements can be prevented from being staggered in the circumferential direction in the assembling process, the assembling process can be automated, and the assembling efficiency is improved. The effects of improving the assembling efficiency and the yield and reducing the personnel cost are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention provides a vehicle radar, and in particular provides a vehicle radar that is easy to assemble. Background Art

[0002] Cars are an indispensable means of transportation in our lives. Generally speaking, to avoid collisions with other vehicles or obstacles while driving or reversing, a parking sensor is often installed behind the vehicle to detect the distance between the vehicle and other vehicles or obstacles. Using non-contact detection technologies such as ultrasound and light sensing, it instantly informs the driver of the safe distance when driving or reversing, thereby preventing damage to the vehicle and any associated safety issues. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Existing parking sensors consist of a sensor (transducer) that implements the aforementioned detection technology, a base that secures the sensor, and a housing that houses the sensor and base. However, these components are small and often assembled manually, making it difficult to significantly improve assembly efficiency and yield. Therefore, research into automating the assembly process between the various parking sensor components has become a crucial topic.

[0004] The inventor then devoted all his energy to careful research and developed an automotive radar that is easy to assemble, in order to achieve the effect of improving assembly efficiency and yield, and reducing labor costs.

[0005] The present invention provides a vehicle radar comprising a housing, a base, and a sensor. The housing defines a circumference and includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a body portion. The front portion forms a front opening, the rear portion forms a rear opening, and the front opening is connected to the rear opening. The body portion is disposed between the front and rear portions and includes a plurality of latches, with the latches spaced at varying intervals along the circumference. The base includes a plurality of latches, which are aligned with the latches. The sensor is disposed on the base.

[0006] In one embodiment, the vehicle radar further includes a rubber sleeve, which is disposed on the housing and includes a plurality of rubber sleeve latching members. The housing further includes a plurality of rubber sleeve latching portions, and the rubber sleeve latching members are latched in the rubber sleeve latching portions.

[0007] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned latching member is aligned with the latching portion of the rubber sleeve.

[0008] In one embodiment, the front portion includes a stopper, and the base abuts against the stopper.

[0009] In one embodiment, the front portion includes a buckling portion, the base forms a buckling groove, and the buckling portion is received in the buckling groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the body further includes an inner surface, and the latch portion is disposed on the inner surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the front portion, the body portion, and the rear portion are sequentially arranged along a longitudinal direction, and the outer diameter of the front portion gradually increases along the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the vehicle radar further includes an adhesive portion, and the adhesive portion is disposed between the base and the sensor and between the base and the housing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the adhesive portion completely covers a rear end surface of the base adjacent to the rear portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the adhesive portion is a silicone base.

[0015] Thus, because the latches of the automotive radar of the present invention have different circumferential spacings, when the base and sensor are inserted into the housing through the rear opening for assembly, only a single phase conforms to the correct assembly position and orientation. This allows for self-positioning through the structural latches, eliminating the need for assembly molds. Furthermore, circumferential misalignment of components is prevented during assembly, thereby automating the assembly process, improving assembly efficiency and yield, and reducing labor costs.

[0016] In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a front view schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle radar according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Explosion diagram.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the right side of the shell.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic front view of .

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the rear view.

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the right side of the base.

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic front view of .

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the right side of the sensor.

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the right side of the rubber sleeve.

[0026] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the rear view.

[0027] Figure 11 for Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view along section XX.

[0028] Figure 12 for Figure 1 A partial rear view diagram of .

[0029] Reference numerals

[0030] 1: Automotive radar

[0031] 100: Shell

[0032] 110: front

[0033] 112: Stopper

[0034] 116: Front opening

[0035] 120: Body

[0036] 122: Outer surface

[0037] 122a: Rubber sleeve latch part

[0038] 124: Inner surface

[0039] 124a: latch

[0040] 130: rear

[0041] 132: Outer surface

[0042] 132a: snap-on structure

[0043] 136: Rear opening

[0044] 140: Terminal platform

[0045] 200: Base

[0046] 210: Base body

[0047] 212: latch part

[0048] 214: Accommodation

[0049] 216: Limiting Department

[0050] 218: Buckle slot

[0051] 220: Extension

[0052] 260: Through hole

[0053] 300: Sensor

[0054] 310: Sensing body

[0055] 312: Limit feature

[0056] 320: Insulation

[0057] 330: Terminal

[0058] 400: Rubber sleeve

[0059] 410: Rubber sleeve body

[0060] 412: Inner surface

[0061] 412a: Rubber sleeve latch

[0062] 420: Neck section

[0063] 500: Connection terminal

[0064] 600: viscose department

[0065] L: Vertical

[0066] XX: Section DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The aforementioned and other technical aspects, features, and effects of the present invention are clearly presented in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is worth noting that directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, used in the following embodiments, refer only to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, identical or similar components will be referenced using the same or similar reference numerals.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,in Figure 1 is a front view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle radar of the present invention, and Figure 2 for Figure 1Schematic diagram of an explosion. The automotive radar 1 of this embodiment can be used in general vehicles, large vehicles, or industrial vehicles, and includes a housing 100, a base 200, and a sensor 300. The housing 100 is, for example, a plastic member manufactured by injection molding; the base 200 is generally disc-shaped and made of relatively low-hardness plastic; and the sensor 300 is, for example, a directional ultrasonic sensor, disposed on the base 200 and secured to the housing 100 by the base 200. When the sensor 300 receives ultrasonic signals reflected by obstacles or other vehicles, it converts the ultrasonic signals into electrical signals and transmits them through connection terminals within the housing 100 to a control element for signal processing, thereby notifying the user of the precise distance between the vehicle being driven and the obstacle or other vehicle. In some possible embodiments, the automotive radar 1 may further include a rubber sleeve 400, adapted to be disposed on the housing 100 and covering at least a portion of the sensor 300, thereby preventing the sensor 300 from being contaminated by foreign matter or impact, which could degrade its sensing performance. These elements can be assembled along a longitudinal direction L to form Figure 1 The automotive radar 1 in.

[0069] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5 ,in Figure 3 for Figure 2 The right side view of the shell in FIG. Figure 4 for Figure 3 , and Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic rear view. Specifically, the housing 100 is a hollow structure and includes a front portion 110, a body portion 120, and a rear portion 130. The front portion 110 defines a front opening 116; the body portion 120 is disposed between the front portion 110 and the rear portion 130; and the rear portion 130 defines a rear opening 136. The front opening 116 communicates with the rear opening 136. The front portion 110, the body portion 120, and the rear portion 130 are arranged in sequence along the longitudinal direction L.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the front portion 110 is slightly tapered, and its outer diameter gradually increases along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, when the base 200 and the sensor 300 are assembled with the housing 100 through the rear opening 136 in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L, the position of the sensor 300 in the longitudinal direction L can be limited by the dimensional relationship between the front portion 110 and the base 200 or the sensor 300. Furthermore, the front portion 110 may include a stopper 112, wherein the contour of the stopper 112 does not completely correspond to that of the base 200 or the sensor 300, thereby forming interference with the base 200 or the sensor 300 during assembly, thereby improving the tightness of the connection between the housing 100 and the base 200 or the sensor 300 and preventing relative displacement between the two.

[0071] On the other hand, the body 120 includes an outer surface 122 and an inner surface 124, wherein the outer surface 122 has a plurality of rubber sleeve latching portions 122a. These rubber sleeve latching portions 122a are, for example, grooves extending along the longitudinal direction L for a certain length and are suitable for latching with the rubber sleeve 400 when the rubber sleeve 400 is sleeved on the housing 100, thereby improving the bonding strength between the two. In addition, as Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface 124 has a plurality of latching members 124a, wherein the latching members 124a are, for example, ribs protruding relative to the interior space of the housing 100, suitable for latching with the base 200 when the base 200 and the sensor 300 are assembled with the housing 100, thereby improving the bonding force between the two. In this embodiment, these latching members 124a are located opposite the rubber sleeve latching portion 122a, that is, the relative positions of the two on the inner surface 124 and the outer surface 122 of the body 120 are the same. Furthermore, when the housing 100 is manufactured by injection molding, a portion of the outer surface 124 can be made to protrude inward by mold pressing. Therefore, the rubber sleeve latching portion 122a on the outer surface 122 and the latching members 124a on the inner surface 124 can be completed in the same manufacturing process, thereby eliminating the steps and time required for separate manufacturing.

[0072] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 100 defines a circumferential direction, and the number of the rubber sleeve latching portions 122a is, for example, three, and they are respectively arranged at Figure 4 Similarly, the number of the latch member 124a is, for example, three, and are respectively configured at Figure 5 In other words, the circumferential spacing of the rubber sleeve latch portions 122a is different from each other, and the circumferential spacing of the latch members 124a is also different from each other. Through such a configuration, when the housing 100 and the base 200 or the sensor 300 are assembled with each other, the rubber sleeve latch portions 122a and the latch members 124a arranged in a specific phase can achieve a fool-proofing effect, so that the rubber sleeve 400 and the base 200 (or the sensor 300) can only be sleeved or embedded in the housing 100 in a specific direction, which can prevent the components from being misaligned with each other in the circumferential direction, and thus can automate the assembly process, thereby achieving the effect of improving assembly efficiency, yield rate and reducing personnel costs.

[0073] It is worth mentioning that although the latching member 124a is used as an alignment structure for the rubber sleeve latching portion 122a in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. In some possible embodiments, the rubber sleeve latching portion 122a or the latching member 124a can also be designed as a convex rib or a concave portion through a mold, or the rubber sleeve latching portion 122a and the latching member 124a can be made separately in different processes. In this case, the rubber sleeve latching portion 122a and the latching member 124a do not need to be aligned with each other. As long as they are arranged at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction, the foolproof effect during assembly can also be achieved. In some embodiments where the automotive radar 1 does not have a rubber sleeve 400, the body 120 may also not have the rubber sleeve latching portion 122a but only have the latching member 124a, and the effect of correct assembly and combination with the base 200 and the sensor 300 can also be achieved.

[0074] On the other hand, the rear portion 130 includes an outer surface 132, and at least one snap-fit ​​structure 132a is disposed on the outer surface 132. In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​structure 132a is, for example, a lug protruding from the outer surface 132 and having a groove formed therein. The number of the lugs is two and they are disposed on the outer surface 132. Figure 4 The left and right sides of the housing 100 allow for snap-fitting with the mounting brackets when the vehicle radar 1 is mounted on the vehicle, enhancing the stability of the vehicle radar 1 relative to the vehicle body. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 100 also includes a plurality of terminal platforms 140 , which are disposed on the inner side of the rear portion 130 and are suitable for securing contact terminals that are electrically connected to the sensor 300 .

[0075] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,in Figure 6 for Figure 2 The right side view of the base in Figure 7 for Figure 6 . In detail, the base 200 of this embodiment includes a base body 210 and an extension portion 220, wherein the base body 210 and the extension portion 220 are arranged in sequence along the longitudinal direction L, and the extension portion 220 protrudes relative to the rear end surface of the base body 210. Furthermore, the base body 210 includes a plurality of latching portions 212, which can be grooves that are recessed radially inward, and the number of the latching portions 212 is, for example, three and arranged on the tapered side surface of the base body 210. Figure 7As shown, the position of the latch portion 212 corresponds to the latch member 124a, that is, the circumferential spacing between the latch portions 212 is different from each other, so that they can achieve a foolproof effect during assembly with the housing 100. In addition, the base body 210 also includes a receiving portion 214 and at least one limiting portion 216, wherein the receiving portion 214 is, for example, a groove that is recessed inward along the longitudinal direction L; and the limiting portion 216 can be a step-difference structure that protrudes relative to the bottom surface of the receiving portion 214, and the number is, for example, two and is disposed on the base body 210 at Figure 7 In order to fit with the sensor 300, the base 200 preferably has a through hole 260 formed therein, wherein the through hole 260 passes through the base body 210 and the extension portion 220 along the longitudinal direction L, allowing a portion of the sensor 300 to pass through and produce a limiting effect.

[0076] In some possible embodiments, the base body 210 is further formed with a snap-fit ​​groove 218, wherein the snap-fit ​​groove 218 is, for example, circumferentially arranged on the side surface of the base body 210, which can provide a more stable bonding force when an interference fit is formed between the shell 100 and the base 200, thereby avoiding longitudinal L and radial displacement between the shell 100 and the base 200. This will be further explained below.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the right side view of the sensor in the figure. As shown in the figure, the sensor 300 of this embodiment includes a sensing body 310, an insulating portion 320 and a terminal portion 330, wherein the sensing body 310 is, for example, a hollow shell made of aluminum metal, and contains electronic components required for transmitting and sensing ultrasonic waves; the insulating portion 320 is, for example, made of electrically insulating rubber or plastic, and is used to be embedded with the base 200; the terminal portion 330 is, for example, a metal contact pin, the number of which is two and electrically connected to the electronic components inside the sensing body 310, which can serve as a connecting bridge between the sensor 300 and other circuits or electronic components, but in other possible embodiments, the terminal portion 330 can also be a wire formed by a twisted pair, and can be straight, curved, or deflected in a specific area, and the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, at least one limiting feature 312 is formed on the sensing body 310, wherein the limiting feature 312 is, for example, a recessed portion having a shape corresponding to the limiting portion 216, the number of which is, for example, two and respectively arranged on the sensing body 310 at Figure 8 The upper and lower sides of the .

[0078] Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ,in Figure 9 for Figure 2 The right side view of the rubber sleeve in Figure 10 for Figure 9Schematic rear view. As shown in the figure, the rubber sleeve 400 includes a rubber sleeve body 410 and a necking portion 420, wherein the rubber sleeve body 410 and the necking portion 420 are arranged in sequence along the longitudinal direction L, and the rubber sleeve 400 is sleeved on the housing 100 through the rubber sleeve body 410. In detail, the rubber sleeve body 410 has an inner surface 412, and a plurality of rubber sleeve latching members 412a are disposed on the inner surface 412. These rubber sleeve latching members 412a are, for example, ribs protruding radially inward relative to the inner surface 412. There are three of these rubber sleeve latching members 412a, and their positions and shapes correspond to those of the rubber sleeve latching members 122a. On the other hand, the inner diameter of the necking portion 420 is smaller than the inner diameter of the rubber sleeve body 410. In this way, when the rubber sleeve 400 is mounted on the housing 100, a tight fit is formed between the rubber sleeve body 410 and the housing 100, and the necked portion 420 can also tightly cover the side of the sensing body 310, with only a portion of the sensing body 310 protruding relative to the rubber sleeve 400, thereby achieving the effect of maintaining sensing performance and preventing pollutants such as rainwater and dust from invading the interior of the automotive radar.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 ,in Figure 11 for Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view along the XX section is as follows: Figure 12 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a partial rear view. Specifically, when the user wishes to combine the various components of the automotive radar 1, they first place the sensor 300 on the base 200. The alignment between the insulating portion 320 and the through-hole 260, and between the retaining feature 312 and the retaining portion 216, ensures a secure connection between the two, with the terminal portion 330 protruding relative to the extension portion 220. The base 200 and sensor 300 are then placed into the housing 100 through the rear opening 136 in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L. During assembly of the housing 100 and the base 200, the latching members 124a align and gradually latch onto the latching portions 212, thereby ensuring that there is no circumferential or radial misalignment between the housing 100 and the base 200. When the front end of the base 200 abuts the stopper 112 of the housing 100, the latching members 124a are fully latched onto the latching portions 212, preventing relative displacement between the housing 100 and the base 200 in the longitudinal direction L. Consequently, the base 200 and the sensor 300 can be inserted into the housing 100 from the rear, and the structure automatically achieves position limiting and positioning functions, eliminating the need for an assembly mold to calculate the distance difference between the two. This improves the efficiency and yield of automated assembly and enhances the ease of assembly of the automotive radar 1.

[0080] At this time, if one wants to make the connection between the shell 100 and the base 200 tighter, the base 200 can be slightly over-pressed relative to the shell 100 in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L, so that a portion of the stopper 112 is pressed into the snap-fit ​​groove 218 of the base 200 to form a snap-fit ​​portion, that is, the snap-fit ​​portion is accommodated in the snap-fit ​​groove 218, thereby enabling the shell 100 to provide further limiting functions in the radial and longitudinal directions L to avoid relative displacement between the two.

[0081] Finally, the rubber sleeve 400 is placed over the housing 100 and sensor 300 along the longitudinal direction L, so that only a portion of the sensing body 310 is exposed from the rubber sleeve 400. During the assembly process of the rubber sleeve 400 and the housing 100, the rubber sleeve latch 412a aligns and gradually latches onto the rubber sleeve latch portion 122a until the front end of the front portion 110 abuts the junction of the rubber sleeve body 410 and the constricted portion 420, completely latching the rubber sleeve latch portion 412a onto the rubber sleeve latch portion 122a. Afterwards, the connecting terminal 500 connected to the control element can be placed on the terminal platform 140, and an electrical connection can be established between the terminal portion 330 and the connecting terminal 500, thereby enabling the automotive radar 1 to perform its sensing function.

[0082] Due to limitations in previous assembly processes, a tight fit between the housing 100 and the sensor 300 was difficult to achieve. This allowed rainwater, snow, or dust to easily infiltrate the interior of the automotive radar 1 through the gap between the housing 100 and the sensor 300, potentially damaging the components. Therefore, the components of the automotive radar 1 of this embodiment are structurally tight-fitting. Therefore, even without the front cover to shield against foreign objects, the automotive radar is still protected from damage by foreign matter. This reduces the overall size of the automotive radar 1 while maintaining performance.

[0083] In addition, Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the automotive radar 1 further includes an adhesive portion 600. The adhesive portion 600 is, for example, a sealant formed with a silicone base. The adhesive portion 600 is disposed between the extension portion 220 of the base 200 and the insulating portion 320 of the sensor 300, and between the base body 210 of the base 200 and the body 120 of the housing 100. This arrangement not only strengthens the connection between the housing 100, the base 200, and the sensor 300, but also maintains sufficient elasticity after solidifying from a fluid state, preventing the automotive radar 1 from cracking due to vibration or impact.

[0084] In some possible embodiments, the adhesive portion 600 can be configured to completely cover the rear end surface of the base 200 adjacent to the rear portion 130 to achieve better waterproof and airtightness. Compared to the case where the adhesive portion 600 is only configured at the seams between the housing 100 and the base 200 and between the base 200 and the sensor 300, the adhesive portion 600 in this case is preferably selected from a colloid with a lower viscosity, approximately between 2 Pascal·second and 5 Pascal·second. This allows the colloid to flow evenly and cover the rear end surface of the base 200, achieving a more complete sealing effect.

[0085] The present invention has been disclosed above in terms of preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are only used to describe the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that any changes and substitutions equivalent to the above embodiments should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The technical features of the above embodiments may be appropriately combined, substituted, omitted, and modified without causing conceptual contradictions or structural conflicts. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be based on the scope of the patent application.

Claims

1. A vehicle radar, characterized in that: include: A housing defines a circumferential direction and includes: a front portion forming a front opening; a rear portion forming a rear opening, wherein the front opening is connected to the rear opening; and a body portion disposed between the front portion and the rear portion and comprising a plurality of latching members, wherein the plurality of latching members have different spacings in the circumferential direction; A base comprising a plurality of latching portions, wherein the plurality of latching portions are latched to the plurality of latching members; and A sensor is disposed on the base.

2. The vehicle radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a rubber sleeve, which is configured on the shell and includes a plurality of rubber sleeve latching parts. The shell also includes a plurality of rubber sleeve latching portions, and the plurality of rubber sleeve latching parts are latched in the plurality of rubber sleeve latching parts.

3. The vehicle radar according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plurality of latching members are aligned with the plurality of rubber sleeve latching portions.

4. The vehicle radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front portion includes a stopper, and the base abuts against the stopper.

5. The vehicle radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front portion includes a buckling portion, the base forms a buckling groove, and the buckling portion is accommodated in the buckling groove.

6. The vehicle radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The body also includes an inner surface, and the plurality of latching members are configured on the inner surface.

7. The vehicle radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front portion, the body portion and the rear portion are sequentially arranged along a longitudinal direction, and the outer diameter of the front portion gradually increases along the longitudinal direction.

8. The vehicle radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further comprises an adhesive portion, and the adhesive portion is configured between the base and the sensor and between the base and the shell.

9. The vehicle radar according to claim 8, characterized in that: The adhesive portion completely covers a rear end surface of the base adjacent to the rear portion.

10. The vehicle radar according to claim 8, characterized in that: The adhesive portion is a silicone base.

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