Radar device and radar device support structure

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to enabling suppression of thermal creep of a support component for a vehicle-mounted radar device. A housing (30) accommodates a radar main body (20) and includes a box-shaped component (40) and a bracket (50). The radar main body (20) is held in the box-shaped component (40). The bracket (50) is protrudingly disposed on the box-shaped component (40) and fixed to a front bumper (100) or an emblem plate (120). The bracket (50) is arranged at a position offset from the center of gravity of the radar main body (20) in the thickness direction thereof. The bracket (50) includes a fixing piece (55) and a first rib (51). The fixing piece (55) has a mating surface opposite to the front bumper (100) or the emblem plate (120) and facing in the same direction as a radiating plane of the radar main body (20). An insertion through-hole (56) is drilled through the fixing piece (55). The first rib (51) is arranged in an upright position on the fastening piece (65).The first rib (51) extends from the box-shaped component (40) to one end of the attachment piece (55) in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present specification discloses a radar device and a radar device support structure. background

[0002] For example, JP 2022 - 136 378 A discloses a millimeter-wave radar mounted on a vehicle's front surface. The radar is housed in a housing. Brackets are machined from the side surfaces of the housing. Mounting holes are drilled through the brackets, and the brackets are attached, for example, to a front bumper.

[0003] In JP 2015 - 140 029 A, a millimeter-wave radar is also arranged on a vehicle front surface. The radar is housed in a housing. Plate-shaped fasteners protrude from the side surfaces of the housing. Holes are drilled through the fasteners, and the fasteners are attached through the holes, for example, to a front grille. A root portion of each fastener is designed to be narrower than a tip end portion. For this reason, the root portion of the fastener is broken during a frontal collision. This causes the housing to move downward (sway). Meanwhile, a stiffening rib is provided on the root portion of the fastener. When the root portion is provided with the rib, the housing is firmly supported during normal driving. The rib is formed only at the root portion of the fastener.This means that one end position of the rib represents a predetermined breaking point. In other words, the predetermined breaking point can be controlled via the rib.

[0004] For example, a heat source such as a power source is installed in the front of the vehicle. This exposes the area around the millimeter-wave radar to high temperatures. In a case where a radar bracket is made of resin, thermal creep will occur at the bracket at high temperatures. If the bracket is deformed due to thermal creep, a radiation plane of the millimeter-wave radar may be tilted. In this case, it becomes necessary to adjust the horizontal and vertical directions in the millimeter-wave radar. Such alignment is also called bearing.

[0005] Under the circumstances, the present specification discloses a radar device and a radar device support structure in which thermal creep of a support member can be suppressed. SUMMARY

[0006] A radar device disclosed herein includes a radar main body and a housing. The radar main body has a radiation plane. The housing is configured to house the radar main body and includes a box-shaped component and a bracket. The box-shaped component houses the radar main body. The bracket is protrudingly disposed on the box-shaped part and is fixed to a bumper or an emblem plate. The bracket is composed of a resin material. Further, the bracket is disposed at a position offset from the center of gravity of the radar main body in the thickness direction of the radar main body. The bracket further includes a fixing piece and a rib. The fixing piece has a mating surface facing the bumper or the emblem plate, the mating surface facing in the same direction as the radiation plane. An insertion through-hole is drilled through the fixing piece.The rib is arranged in an upright position on the attachment piece. The rib includes a first rib extending from the box-shaped component to one end of the attachment piece in the vehicle width direction.

[0007] The placement of the bracket offset from the center of gravity of the radar main body in the thickness direction of the main body generates a moment that causes the radiation plane to tilt. As a result, a bending moment acts on the mounting bracket, and this bending moment causes the mounting bracket to bend into an arcuate shape. However, the compressive and tensile rigidity of the first rib, which is arranged in an upright position along the entire length of the mounting bracket, prevents bending deformation of the mounting bracket along its entire length.

[0008] In the configuration described above, the rib may further comprise a second rib perpendicular to the first rib.

[0009] When the moment causing the radiation plane to tilt is generated, a torsional moment (torque) is exerted on the bracket. The second rib, which is perpendicular to the first rib—that is, extending in the width direction of the mounting piece—prevents the bracket from twisting due to the torsional moment.

[0010] Furthermore, in the configuration described above, the first rib and the second rib may be arranged on the mating surface of the mounting piece. In this case, a pair of first ribs and a pair of second ribs form a guide tube.

[0011] With the configuration described above, when a guide protrusion is formed on the bumper or emblem plate, it becomes possible to enable the positioning and temporary fixation of the radar device with the guide tube.

[0012] In one aspect of the present specification, a radar device support structure is disclosed. The radar device support structure includes the radar device described above and the bumper or emblem plate configured to mount the radar device. The guide tube surrounds the insertion through-hole. The bumper or emblem plate has an insertion cylinder that is inserted into the guide tube.

[0013] When the insertion cylinder is inserted into the guide tube, the radar device is temporarily secured to the bumper or emblem plate. In this state, a bolt is screwed into the insertion cylinder through the insertion through-hole of the guide tube to secure the radar device to the bumper or emblem plate. In this case, a support structure in which the insertion cylinder is enclosed and held by the guide tube can prevent relative displacement between the radar device and the bumper or emblem plate, even if a so-called anti-rotation lock occurs in a mounting area due to thermal creep.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, another radar device support structure is disclosed. The radar device support structure includes the radar device described above and the bumper or emblem plate configured to mount the radar device. A guide tube surrounds an insertion through-hole. The bumper or emblem plate has a recess into which the guide tube is inserted. A mounting hole is drilled into the bottom of the recess and is axially aligned with the insertion through-hole.

[0015] According to the configuration described above, when the guide tube is inserted into the recess, the radar device is temporarily fixed to the bumper or emblem plate. In this state, a screw is inserted through the insertion through-hole of the guide tube and screwed into the mounting hole to secure the radar device to the bumper or emblem plate. Even if the so-called anti-rotation effect occurs in the mounting area due to thermal creep, a support structure that holds the guide tube in the recess can prevent relative displacement between the radar device and the bumper or emblem plate.

[0016] Furthermore, in the configuration described above, the radar device can be mounted on the bumper or emblem plate with the radiation plane arranged in a vertical position. In this case, a plurality of brackets are arranged on an upper portion of the box-shaped component.

[0017] When the multiple brackets are mounted at positions away from the center of gravity of the radar device, that is, at positions where the moment is relatively large, the generated moment is distributed among the multiple brackets.

[0018] In the configuration described above, the mating surface of the mounting piece can be further away from the radiating plane than the rear surface of the box-shaped component.

[0019] By placing the mounting piece further away from the radiation plane than the box-shaped component, it can be prevented that mounting points are exposed to the outside of the vehicle, even if the radiation plane is exposed on the front surface of the vehicle.

[0020] According to the radar device and radar device support structure disclosed herein, thermal creep of the support member can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a radar device according to a first embodiment and a bumper configured to mount the radar device; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the radar apparatus according to the first embodiment as viewed from the radiation plane; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the radar device according to the first embodiment as viewed from the rear surface side; Fig. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the loads acting on a bracket; Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the radar device according to the first embodiment and an emblem plate configured to mount the radar device; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a radar device according to a second embodiment and a bumper configured to mount the radar device; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of the radar apparatus according to the second embodiment as viewed from a radiation plane; Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of the radar device according to the second embodiment as viewed from the rear surface side; Fig. 9 is a perspective view for explaining a method (1 / 2) of attaching the radar device according to the second embodiment to the bumper; Fig. 10 is a cross section along the Fig. 9 indicated line AA; Fig. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a method (2 / 2) of attaching the radar device according to the second embodiment to the bumper; Fig. 12 is a cross section along the Fig. 11 indicated line BB; Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the radar device according to the second embodiment and an emblem plate configured to mount the radar device; Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the radar device according to the second embodiment is attached to the emblem plate, taken at the same position as the cross-sectional view in Fig. 12; Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a radar device according to a third embodiment and a bumper for mounting the radar device; Fig. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the radar apparatus according to the third embodiment as viewed from the radiation plane; and Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the radar device according to the third embodiment and an emblem plate configured to mount the radar device. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] A radar device and a radar device support structure are explained below with reference to the figures. The shapes, materials, number of components, and numerical values described below are presented as examples for explanation purposes. The shapes and other features may be changed depending on the specifications of the radar device and the radar device support structure. In the figures, identical or equivalent components are denoted by identical reference numerals.

[0023] In the Fig. 1 to 17, the longitudinal direction of a vehicle is represented by an FR axis, the width direction of the vehicle by an RW axis, and the height direction of the vehicle by an UP axis. The FR axis, the RW axis, and the UP axis are perpendicular to each other. The FR axis has the positive direction on its front side. The RW axis has the positive direction on its right side. The UP axis has the positive direction on its upper side. 1. General configuration (common configuration in embodiments 1 to 3)

[0024] A radar device 10 according to an embodiment is shown in Fig. 1 revealed. Fig. 1 further shows a front bumper 100 to which the radar device 10 is attached. In this description, the radar device 10 and the front bumper 100 or an emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 5) a radar device support structure.

[0025] The front bumper 100 is a shock-absorbing component that is mounted on a front surface of a vehicle. The front bumper 100 is formed, for example, from a resin material. The front bumper 100 is, for example, a separable component, and several parts separated from the front bumper 100 are attached to the front surface of the vehicle. Fig. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the front bumper 100 is clipped to surrounding components around the front bumper 100. The front bumper 100 may also be bolted to the surrounding components instead of being connected to them.

[0026] The front bumper 100 has a frame 106. The frame 106 is a thick frame body for mounting the radar device 10. The frame 106 has, for example, a rectangular shape. In the center of the frame 106, a rectangular opening 108 is formed. The opening 108 has a shape corresponding to a shape of a box-shaped component 40 of the radar device 10. For example, a front surface 40A (see Fig. 2) the box-shaped component 40 is open through the opening 108 to an area outside the vehicle.

[0027] The frame 106 has mounting holes 110. The mounting holes 110 are drilled, for example, into a rear surface of the frame 106. Note that the rear surface of the frame 106 is a surface facing the interior of the vehicle. The mounting holes 110 are formed, for example, adjacent to the opening 108 on both sides thereof. As described below, each of the mounting holes 110 is axially aligned with an insertion through-hole 56 drilled through a bracket 50 of the radar device 10. A screw 90 is screwed into the mounting hole 110. The screw 90 is a so-called self-tapping screw that is screwed into the mounting hole 110, forming a thread on an inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 110.

[0028] It should be noted that Fig. 1 shows the front bumper 100 as an example of a mounting component for the radar device 10, although the radar device 10 can also be mounted on a rear bumper. As in the case of the front bumper 100, the frame 106 is also arranged on the rear bumper. The radar device 10 is mounted to the frame 106 of the rear bumper.

[0029] In Fig. 5, an emblem plate 120 is supported, for example, by a front grille 140. The emblem plate 120 is positioned centrally in the vehicle width direction on the front surface of the vehicle. The emblem plate 120 is formed, for example, from a resin material.

[0030] The emblem plate 120 has a design surface 120A (see Fig. 14) to be exposed to the outside. A recess 128 is formed in the center on a rear surface of the emblem plate 120. The rear surface of the emblem plate 120 is a surface opposite the design surface 120A. A front wall 121 is arranged at the bottom of the recess 128. The recess 128 has a rectangular shape, and at least the front surface 40A of the radar device 10 is inserted into the recess 128. In addition, a predetermined clearance is created, for example, between the front surface 40A of the radar device 10 and the bottom of the recess 128.

[0031] Mounting holes 130 are drilled into the rear surface of the emblem plate 120. The mounting holes 130 are formed, for example, adjacent to the recess 128 on both sides thereof. As described below, each mounting hole 130 is axially aligned with the insertion through-hole 56 drilled through the bracket 50 of the radar device 10. As with the mounting hole 110 in the front bumper 100, the screw 90 is screwed into the mounting hole 130. Upon screwing, threads are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 130.

[0032] As can be seen from the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 3, the radar device 10 is a substantially rectangular device. The radar device 10 includes a radar main body 20 and a casing 30. The radar main body 20 includes a radar antenna and a circuit board. A surface on which the radar antenna is mounted is a radiation plane 22. A millimeter-wave oscillator is disposed on the circuit board. This means that the radar device 10 is a millimeter-wave radar device. Furthermore, the radar main body 20 has, for example, a laterally elongated shape whose dimension in the width direction (RW axis direction) is larger than in the height direction (UP axis direction).

[0033] The radar main body 20 is housed in the housing 30. The housing 30 is a component molded using a resin material, for example. The housing 30 has the box-shaped component 40 and the bracket 50. The box-shaped component 40 is configured to accommodate the radar main body 20. For example, the box-shaped component 40 is open at its rear side, and the open rear side of the box-shaped component 40 is closed by a cover 42. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the cover 42 is attached to the box-shaped component 40, for example, by screws 46. A connector 44 is mounted on the cover 42. The data of an electromagnetic wave (reflected wave) received by the radar main body 20 is transmitted to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) installed in the vehicle via the connector 44.

[0034] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the bracket 50 protrudes from the box-shaped component 40. The bracket 50 is the fastening component that is attached to the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 5). The bracket 50 is mounted protrudingly on each side surface of the box-shaped component 40, for example, in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] For example, in the first to third embodiments described below, a plurality of brackets 50 are arranged on the radar device 10. For example, the radar device 10 has three brackets 50. That is, the radar device 10 is supported by the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120 in a three-point mount.

[0036] Of the brackets 50, two or more brackets 50 are arranged at an upper portion of the box-shaped component 40. For example, in the upper portion of the box-shaped component 40, the two or more brackets 50 are provided protrudingly on both side surfaces in the vehicle width direction. For example, each of the two or more brackets 50 protrudes in the vehicle width direction from a corresponding one of the side surfaces of the box-shaped component 40 at an upper end thereof. Further, in a lower portion of the box-shaped component 40, the bracket 50 is provided protrudingly on one of the side surfaces in the vehicle width direction. For example, the bracket 50 protrudes in the vehicle width direction from one of the side surfaces of the box-shaped component 40 at a lower end thereof.

[0037] Each of the brackets 50 includes a fastening piece 55. The fastening piece 55 is brought into contact with the side surface of the box-shaped component 40 and protrudes therefrom in the vehicle width direction (RW axis direction). The fastening piece 55 is a piece of a flat plate having a counter surface 55B1 corresponding to the front bumper (see Fig. 1) or the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 5), and the counter surface 55B1 faces in the same direction as the radiating plane 22. The insertion through-hole 56 is drilled through the fastening piece 55 in its thickness direction. The insertion through-hole 55 is axially aligned with the fastening hole 110 in the front bumper 100 or the fastening hole 130 in the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 5).

[0038] According to Fig. 2, the radiation plane 20 is arranged in a vertical position and is fixed in this position to the front bumper 100 or to the emblem plate 120. The bracket 50 is arranged offset from the center of gravity G of the radar main body 20 in the thickness direction of the radar main body 20 (FR axis direction).

[0039] Such placement of the bracket 50, which is the support component offset from the center of gravity G, generates a moment that causes the radar device 10 to tilt. When the two or more brackets 50 are arranged at upper positions away from the center of gravity G, the loads to be transferred to the brackets 50 are distributed among the two or more brackets 50.

[0040] The bracket 50 is arranged, for example, at a position near the rear surface of the box-shaped component 40. For example, the bracket 50 is arranged protrudingly on the side surface of the box-shaped component 40 at the rear end of the box-shaped component 40. In this way, the front surface 40A of the box-shaped component 40 can be inserted into the opening 108 of the front bumper 100 or into the recess 128 of the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 5). In addition, the insertion through-hole 56 in the bracket 50 is axially aligned with the mounting hole 110 in the front bumper 100 and the mounting hole 130 in the emblem plate 120, respectively. Even in a case where the front surface 40A of the box-shaped component 40 is exposed to the area outside the vehicle, because the bracket 50, as in Fig. 1, for example, is arranged inside the vehicle, an attachment point is not exposed to the area outside the vehicle.

[0041] The center of gravity G (see Fig. 2) of the radar main body 20 toward its rear surface, generates a moment that causes the radar main body 20 to fall forward. As described above, the attachment piece 55 is a piece of a flat plate, and the front bumper 100 (see Fig. 1) or the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 5) opposite counter surface 55B1 faces in the same direction as the radiating plane 22. Therefore, the fixing piece 55 is placed in a position where the fixing piece 55 is relatively easily deformed due to thermal creep by the forward falling moment.

[0042] In the first to third embodiments described below, a first rib 51 and a second rib 52 are provided on each bracket 50 to suppress thermal creep of the bracket 50 resulting from the forward falling moment. The first rib 51 has the function of preventing bending deformation of the bracket 50. The second rib 52 additionally has the function of preventing torsional deformation of the bracket 50.

[0043] In the first to third embodiments described below, the brackets 50 are provided with different configurations. However, the first rib 51 and the second rib 52 are provided as common features in all the brackets 50 according to the embodiments. As described below, the configurations of the front bumper 100 (see Fig. 1) and the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 5) in areas around the mounting holes 110 and 130 depending on the different structures of the brackets 50 in the first to third embodiments. 2. First embodiment

[0044] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the bracket 50 has the fastening piece 55, the first rib 51 and the second rib 52.

[0045] The fixing piece 55 is attached to the side surface of the box-shaped component 40 so as to protrude therefrom in the width direction (RW axis direction). The fixing piece 55, which is a piece of a flat plate, is provided in a position where the counter surface 55B1 corresponding to the front bumper (see Fig. 1) or the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 5) and points in the same direction as the radiation plane 22. The insertion through-hole 56 is drilled through the fastening piece 55 in its thickness direction.

[0046] The first rib 51 and the second rib 52 are arranged so that they stand on the mounting piece 55. For example, the first rib 51 and the second rib 52 are arranged in an upright position perpendicular to the mounting piece 55. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, both the first rib 51 and the second rib 52 are provided on the back surface of the fixing piece 55 in the first embodiment. The back surface is a surface on the back side of the mating surface 55B1.

[0047] The first rib 51 is a sheet metal piece extending from the box-shaped component 40 to the end (the outer end in the width direction) of the attachment piece 55. The first rib 51 is arranged, for example, in an upright position perpendicular to a rear surface 40B of the box-shaped component 40 and extends along the vehicle width direction (RW axis direction). The first rib 51 is arranged, for example, at an end edge (the end in the UP axis direction) of the attachment piece 55. In the examples of Fig. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first rib 51 is provided as a continuous extension of the upper surface or the lower surface of the box-shaped component 40. The first rib 51 extends along the horizontal plane (FR-RW plane).

[0048] The second rib 52 is a sheet metal part perpendicular to the first rib 51 on the fastening piece 55. For example, the second rib 52 is arranged on the rear surface of the fastening piece 55 between the insertion through hole 56 and the side surface of the box-shaped component 40. For example, the second rib 52 is separated from the side surface of the box-shaped component 40 outward in the width direction. Taking a vertical dimension (UP axis dimension) of the fastening piece 55 as the width dimension, the second rib 52 is provided, for example, across the entire width of the fastening piece 55.

[0049] As described above, when the bracket 50 is mounted at the position offset from the center of gravity G of the radar main body 20, the moment is generated that tilts the box-shaped component 40 forward. Fig. 4, the bracket 50 is subjected to both a bending load, which causes an arcuate curvature of the bracket 50, as indicated by alternating long and short dashed lines, and a torsional load, which is represented by an arrow.

[0050] The deformation of the bracket 50 caused by the bending load is inhibited by the first rib 51. Specifically, when bending deformation occurs, a tensile load is applied to a root portion (near the attachment piece 55) of the first rib 51, while a compressive load is applied to a roof portion of the first rib 51, as indicated by arrows. The direction in which the tensile and compressive loads are applied is along the longitudinal direction of the first rib 51, which means that the tensile load and compressive load are applied in a direction in which the first rib 51 has high compressive rigidity and high tensile rigidity. Therefore, the bending deformation of the bracket 50 can be prevented by the first rib 51, which withstands both the tensile load and the compressive load over the entire length of the attachment piece 55.

[0051] At the same time, the deformation of the bracket 50 due to the torsional load is prevented by the second rib 52. Specifically, the torsional load is applied to the bracket 50 with the RW axis direction serving as the torsional axis. Then, a shear stress is applied to the second rib 52 in the FR axis direction, as shown by a dashed line. The deformation of the bracket 50 can be inhibited by the second rib 52, which resists the shear stress.

[0052] Even when a region around the bracket is exposed to high temperatures, deformation (ie, thermal creep) of the bracket 50 can be prevented by the first rib 51 and the second rib 52 as described above. This can prevent or suppress the tilting movement (forward fall) of the radiation plane 22 of the radar main body 20. 3. Second embodiment

[0053] Fig. 6 to 14 show a radar device 10 and a radar device support structure according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a guide tube 57 is arranged on the bracket 50. The guide tube 57 is formed by first ribs 51 and second ribs 52. In addition, insertion cylinders 112 are formed on the frame 106 of the front bumper 100. On the other hand, insertion cylinders 132 are formed on the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 13).

[0054] Fig. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the radar device 10 as seen from the side of the front surface 40A. Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the radar device 10 from the side of the rear surface 40B. Similar to the one shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. In the radar device 10 shown in FIG. 3, brackets 50 are arranged in the upper portion of the box-shaped component 40, protruding in the vehicle width direction on both side surfaces thereof. Furthermore, in the lower portion of the box-shaped component 40, a bracket 50 is arranged protruding in the vehicle width direction on one of the side surfaces. The brackets 50 are mounted at positions near the rear surface of the box-shaped component 40.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 12, the bracket 50 has first ribs 51A and 51B, second ribs 52A and 52B, and attachment pieces 55A and 55B. A surface of the attachment pieces 55A and 55B, which corresponds to the front bumper 100 (see Fig. 6) or the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 13) faces the same direction as the radiating plane 22. An insertion through-hole 56 is drilled through the fixing piece 55B in the thickness direction thereof. In other words, when the fixing pieces 55A and 55B are considered as an integral part constituting the fixing piece 55, the insertion through-hole 56 is drilled in the fixing piece 55 at a position slightly offset outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] The first ribs 51A and 51B and the second ribs 52A and 52B are arranged on the mating surfaces 55A1 and 55B1 of the fastening pieces 55A and 55B. The fastening piece 55A extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the side surface of the box-shaped component 40. The outer end of the fastening piece 55A in the vehicle width direction is connected to the second rib 52A. The rear end of the second rib 52A is connected to the fastening piece 55B. The insertion through hole 56 is drilled through the fastening piece 55B. When a step structure is formed using the second rib 52A, the fastening piece 55B is arranged further rearward than the rear surface 40B of the box-shaped component 40. In other words, as shown in Fig. 12, the counter surface 55B1 is farther away from the radiation plane 22 of the radar main body 20 than the rear surface 40B of the box-shaped component 40.

[0057] When the mating surface 55B1 of the fixing piece 55B is farther from the radiation plane 22 than the rear surface 40B of the box-shaped component 40, the fixing point can be prevented from being exposed to the area outside the vehicle even if the radiation plane 22 is exposed on the front surface of the vehicle.

[0058] The first rib 51A is attached to the upper ends of the attachment pieces 55A and 55B. The first rib 51B is attached to the lower ends of the attachment pieces 55A and 55B. The first ribs 51A and 51B are configured to extend from the side surface of the box-shaped component 40 to the outer end of the attachment piece 55B in the vehicle direction.

[0059] The second ribs 52A and 52B are perpendicular to the first ribs 51A and 51B. The second rib 52A is located between the attachment pieces 55A and 55B. The second rib 52B is located at the outer end of the attachment piece 55B in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] The first ribs 51A and 51B and the second ribs 52A and 52B form the guide tube 57. The guide tube 57 is a square tube. The rear end of the guide tube 57 is connected to the fixing piece 55B. That is, the guide tube 57 surrounds the insertion through hole 56.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the plug-in cylinders 112 are configured to correspond to the guide tubes 57 on the front bumper 100. The plug-in cylinders 112 extend rearward in the vehicle from the rear surface of the frame 106. The plug-in cylinders 112 are, for example, circular cylinders. A root portion (connection portion to the frame) of each plug-in cylinder 112 has reinforcing ribs. Fig. 12 shows that inner bores of the insert cylinders 112 are used as mounting holes 110.

[0062] In Fig. 13, the insertion cylinders 132 on the emblem plate 120 are formed to correspond to the guide tubes 57. The insertion cylinders 132 extend rearward in the vehicle from the rear surface of the emblem plate 120. The insertion cylinders 132 are, for example, circular cylinders. A root portion of each of the insertion cylinders 132 has reinforcing ribs. Fig. 14 shows that inner bores of the insert cylinders 132 are used as mounting holes 130.

[0063] Fig. 9 to 12 show a method for attaching the radar device 10 to the front bumper 100. In Fig. 9, the guide tubes 57 of the radar device 10 are placed on the corresponding insertion cylinders 112 of the front bumper 100. The rear end of each insertion cylinder 112 is brought into contact with the attachment piece 55B.

[0064] In this state, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the guide tube 57 is caught by the insertion cylinder 112, preventing the radar device 10 from falling off the front bumper 100. In other words, the guide tube 57 and the insertion cylinder 112 cooperate to temporarily fix the radar device 10 to the front bumper 100. This allows a worker to temporarily release their hand from the radar device 10 to retrieve screws and tools.

[0065] When the guide tube 57 is pushed onto the insertion cylinder 112 of the front bumper 100, the insertion hole 56 is aligned with the mounting hole 110. As shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the screw 90 is screwed into the mounting hole 110 through the insertion through hole 56. The screw 90 is screwed in to form threads on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 120, thereby fixing the radar device 10 to the front bumper 100.

[0066] Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 show a method for attaching the radar device 10 to the emblem plate 120. In Fig. 13, the guide tubes 57 of the radar device 10 are placed on the insertion cylinders 132 of the emblem plate 120. The rear end of each insertion cylinder 132 is brought into contact with the fixing piece 55B. This allows the radar device 10 to be temporarily fixed to the emblem plate 120. Then, the screw 90 is screwed into the fixing hole 130 through the insertion hole 56. The screw 90 is screwed in, forming threads on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing hole 130, thereby fixing the radar device 10 to the emblem plate 120.

[0067] As described above, the first ribs 51A and 51B and the second ribs 52A and 52B form the guide tube 57. That is, the rib members provided to prevent the thermal creep of the bracket 50 can also be used as temporary fixing means for the radar device 10.

[0068] When the fastening force is reduced due to thermal creep, a combination of the guide tube 57 and the insertion cylinder 112 or 132 reduces the fluctuations in the relative position between the radar device 10 and the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120. The fastening piece 55B is fastened to the insertion cylinder 112 or 132 by means of the screw 90. An axial force acts on the contact ends of the fastening piece 55B and the insertion cylinder 112 or 132. Thermal creep causes stress relaxation, which deforms and compresses the fastening piece 55B, which in turn can lead to a reduction in the fastening force. That is, non-rotational loosening can occur.

[0069] In this embodiment, the insertion cylinder 112 or 132 is inserted into the guide tube 57. In other words, the insertion cylinder 112 or 132 is held in the guide tube 57. Therefore, the change in the relative position between the radar device 10 and the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120 can be prevented by the structure of holding the insertion cylinder 112 or 132 in the guide tube 57, even if the fastening force applied by the bolt 90 is reduced. 4. Third embodiment

[0070] Fig. 15 to 17 illustrate a radar device and a radar device support structure according to a third embodiment. Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the radar device 10 alone. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, brackets 50 are arranged in a projecting manner in the upper portion of the box-shaped component 40 on both side surfaces in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, in the lower part of the box-shaped component 40, a bracket 50 is arranged in a projecting manner on one of the side surfaces in the vehicle width direction. The brackets 50 are mounted at positions near the rear surface of the box-shaped component 40. It should be noted that the three brackets 50 shown in Fig. 16 are identically shaped. The cross-sectional structure is shown with respect to one of the brackets 50, which is arranged in the lower part.

[0071] Each of the brackets 50 has first ribs 51A and 51B, second ribs 52A and 52B, and attachment pieces 55A and 55B. Each of the attachment pieces 55A and 55B has a mating surface that corresponds to the front bumper 100 (see Fig. 15) or the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 17), and the opposing surface faces the same direction as the radiating plane 22. An insertion through-hole 56 is formed in the thickness direction of the fastening piece 55B and penetrates the latter. When the fastening pieces 55A and 55B are considered as a single piece, namely the fastening piece 55, the insertion through-hole 56 is drilled through the fastening piece 55 at a position slightly offset outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0072] The fastening piece 55A extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the side surface of the box-shaped component 40. The outer end of the fastening piece 55A in the vehicle width direction is connected to the second rib 52A. The front end of the second rib 52A is connected to the fastening piece 55B. A plug-in hoe 56 is drilled through the fastening piece 55B.

[0073] The first rib 51A is arranged at the upper ends of the attachment pieces 55A and 55B. The first rib 51B is arranged at the lower ends of the attachment pieces 55A and 55B. The first ribs 51A and 51B extend from the side surface of the box-shaped component 40 to the outer end of the attachment piece 55B in the vehicle width direction.

[0074] The second ribs 52A and 52B are perpendicular to the first ribs 51A and 51B. The second rib 52A is disposed between the attachment pieces 55A and 55B. The second rib 52B is disposed at the outer end of the attachment piece 55B in the vehicle width direction.

[0075] The first ribs 51A and 51B and the second ribs 52A and 52B form the guide tube 57. The guide tube 57 is a rectangular tube. The guide tube 57 is connected to the fastening piece 55B at its front end. That is, the guide tube 57 surrounds the insertion through hole 56.

[0076] Referring to Fig. 15, recesses 150 corresponding to the guide tubes 57 are formed in the front bumper 100. The recesses 150 are formed in the rear surface of the frame 106. Each of the recesses 150 is formed in the shape of a rectangular hole corresponding to a shape of the guide tube 57. The recess 150 has a bottom into which the mounting hole 110 is drilled.

[0077] In Fig. 17, recesses 160 corresponding to the guide tubes 57 are formed in the emblem plate 120. The recesses 160 are formed in the rear surface of the emblem plate 120. Each of the recesses 160 is formed in the shape of a rectangular hole corresponding to a shape of the guide tube 57. The recess 160 has a bottom into which the mounting hole 130 is drilled.

[0078] Back to Fig. 15: When the radar device 10 is attached to the front bumper 100, the guide tubes 57 of the radar device 10 are inserted into the recesses 150 in the front bumper 100. Subsequently, the guide tubes 57 on the front ends (see Fig. 16) of the guide tubes 57 are brought into contact with the bottoms of the recesses 150. As a result, the insertion holes 56 in the fastening pieces 55B are aligned with the fastening holes 110 in the recess 150.

[0079] The radar device 10 is temporarily attached to the front bumper 100 by inserting the guide tubes 57 into the recesses 150 in the front bumper 100. This allows the worker to temporarily release their hand from the radar device 10 to retrieve screws and tools. The screws 90 are then inserted through the insertion through holes 56 into the mounting holes 110, forming a thread therein to secure the radar device 10 to the front bumper 100.

[0080] Again on Fig. Referring to Fig. 17, the radar device 10 is attached to the emblem plate 120 by inserting the guide tubes 57 of the radar device 10 into the corresponding recesses 160 in the emblem plate 120. Then, the fastening pieces 55B (see Fig.16) are brought into contact with the bottoms of the recesses 160. This causes the insertion through-holes 56 in the mounting pieces 55B to be aligned with the mounting holes 130 in the recesses 160.

[0081] When the guide tubes 57 are inserted into the recesses 160 in the emblem plate 120, the radar device 10 is temporarily attached to the front bumper 100. Then, the screws 90 are inserted through the insertion through holes 56 into the mounting holes 130, forming threads therein to secure the radar device 10 to the front bumper 100.

[0082] As described above, when the mounting piece 55B is deformed due to thermal creep, the fastening force applied by the bolt 90 decreases. If this happens, the support structure realized by the guide tubes 57 and the recesses 150 or 160 can prevent a change in the relative position between the radar device 10 and the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120.

[0083] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may include all changes and modifications without departing from the technical scope or spirit of the present disclosure defined by the claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022 - 136 378 A

[0002] JP 2015 - 140 029 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Radar device (10) with: a radar main body (20) having a radiation plane (22); and a housing (30) configured to accommodate the radar main body (20); wherein the housing (30) comprises: a box-shaped component (40) in which the radar main body (20) is held, and at least one bracket (50) protruding from the box-shaped component (40) and configured to be attached to a bumper (100) or an emblem plate (120); wherein the at least one bracket (50) is made of a resin material and is arranged at a position offset from the center of gravity of the radar main body (20) in a thickness direction of the radar main body (20); wherein the at least one holder (50) comprises: a fastening piece (55) having a counter surface (55B1) opposite the bumper (100) or the emblem plate (120), the counter surface facing in the same direction as the radiation plane (22) and an insertion through hole (56) being drilled into the fastening piece (55), and a rib arranged in an upright position on the attachment piece (55), and wherein the rib comprises at least a first rib (51) extending from the box-shaped component (40) to one end of the attachment piece (55) in the vehicle width direction. [2] The radar device (10) of claim 1, wherein the rib further comprises at least one second rib (51) perpendicular to the at least one first rib. [3] Radar device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first rib (51) and the at least one second rib (52) are arranged on the counter surface (55B1) of the fastening piece (55); the at least one first rib (51) comprises a pair of first ribs (51) and the at least one second rib (52) comprises a pair of second ribs (52); and the pair of first ribs (51) and the pair of second ribs (52) form a guide tube (57). [4] Radar device support structure with: the radar device (10) according to claim 3; and the bumper (100) or the emblem plate (120) configured to mount the radar device (10), wherein the guide tube (57) surrounds the insertion through hole (56), and the bumper (100) or the emblem plate (120) comprises a plug-in cylinder (112, 132) configured to be inserted into the guide tube (57). [5] Radar device support structure with: the radar device (10) according to claim 3, and the bumper (100) or the emblem plate (120) configured to mount the radar device (10), wherein the guide tube (57) surrounds the insertion through hole (56), the bumper (100) or the emblem plate (120) has a recess (150, 160) into which the guide tube (57) is inserted, and a bottom of the recess (150, 160) is pierced by a fastening hole (110, 130) which is to be axially aligned with the insertion through-hole (56). [6] Radar device support structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the radar device (10) is attached to the bumper (100) or the emblem plate (120), the radiation plane (22) being arranged in a vertical position; and the bracket (50) comprises a plurality of brackets (50) arranged on an upper portion of the box-shaped component (40). [7] The radar device support structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the opposing surface (55B1) of the fixing piece (55) is farther away from the radiation plane (22) than a rear surface (40B) of the box-shaped component (40).

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