Radar sign protection device

Abstract

Radar Panel Protection Device The present invention relates to a protection device (20) for protecting a radar panel (10), the protection device (20) comprising: - a support frame (22) configured to be fixed to the radar panel outside the radar wave emission beam, and - a removable assembly reversibly fixed to the support frame; the removable assembly comprising crossbars (23) extending between two lateral arms (25, 27) of the support frame (22), and a cover (24), each crossbar (23) comprising a section (40) offset from the support frame (22) along a thickness direction (E), the section (40) of each crossbar (23) being interposed between the support frame (22) and the cover (24) along the thickness direction (E). Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for protecting a radar sign

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective device intended to protect a radar panel.

[0002] In order to ensure the integrity of radar panels outside of the phases of use, whether they are located on the side of roads, or at sea, it is necessary to protect the emission surface, and preferably the entire radar panel, from external aggressions to which they are likely to be subjected.

[0003] Such external aggressions may be linked to industrial activities, such as collisions with cranes and / or platforms operating close to the radar panel, projections of particles, such as iron particles, linked to work on nearby metal structures, or even linked to the external environment (salts, animal droppings, etc.).

[0004] The state of the art is known for protective covers configured for mounting on the radar panel. However, such covers generally present a significant wind resistance, which makes their handling outdoors difficult.

[0005] It is also known, for example during construction phases, to protect radar panels using polypropylene sheets. However, this solution does not effectively protect the radar panel against the projection of fine particles such as ferric pollutants.

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to propose a protection device which can effectively protect a radar panel, while being easy to install and uninstall by an operator, both indoors and outdoors.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a protective device intended to protect a radar panel, the protective device comprising: - a support frame comprising at least two opposing lateral arms in a transverse direction, the support frame being configured to be fixed to the radar panel outside the radar wave emission beam, and - a removable assembly that is reversibly attached to the support frame;

[0008] the removable assembly comprising at least one cross member extending between the two lateral arms of the support frame in the transverse direction, and a tarpaulin covering the cross member or each cross member, the cross member comprising at least one section set away from the support frame in a thickness direction, substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction, the section of each cross member being interposed between the support frame and the tarpaulin in the thickness direction.

[0009] The protective device, thanks to the tarpaulin, and to the one or each crossbar effectively protects the radar panel from external aggressions.

[0010] In addition, each section of the crossbar, separated from the support frame and interposed between the support frame and the tarpaulin, generates a safety distance between the radar panel and the tarpaulin, protecting the radar panel in the event of a collision with the tarpaulin itself.

[0011] Furthermore, the removable assembly allows for easy assembly / disassembly of the crossbars and the tarpaulin of the support frame of the device.

[0012] Such a protective device has a low wind resistance and can therefore be installed and uninstalled on the radar panel easily and safely by an operator, both indoors and outdoors.

[0013] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the protective device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0014] - the removable assembly comprises a plurality of crossbars spaced apart from the others along an elevation direction substantially perpendicular to the transverse and thickness directions;

[0015] - each lateral branch comprises a first edge and a second opposite edge at the first edge along the thickness direction, at least one section extending to a first distance from the second edge, along the thickness direction, the first distance being between 5 cm and 50 cm;

[0016] - for each crossbeam, at least one segment is a central portion of the crossbeam and has a length between 50% and 90% of the length of the crossbeam, taken along the transverse direction;

[0017] - each lateral branch comprises a first edge and a second opposite edge at the first edge along the thickness direction, the crossbar or each crossbar being fixed to the second edge of each lateral branch by a reversible fixing system;

[0018] - the tarpaulin is attached to the support frame by a zipper system;

[0019] - the tarpaulin is fixed to the support frame by a system of straps;

[0020] - the tarpaulin is attached to the support frame by a Velcro system; and

[0021] - the tarpaulin covers the support frame and each cross member.

[0022] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a radar panel and a protective device as described above, the radar panel comprising an emission surface suitable for emitting electromagnetic waves with a frequency between 2000 MHz and 4000 MHz, the support frame being fixed on the radar panel so that the tarpaulin covers at least the emission surface.

[0023] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a support frame for a protection device according to the invention, the support frame being mounted on a radar panel,

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the support frame of [Fig.1], to which crossbars are attached, and

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a protection device according to the invention, fully mounted on the radar panel.

[0027] A radar sign 10 is illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0028] The radar panel 10 is, for example, intended to be installed on a naval vessel, for example a naval vessel for military use. Alternatively, radar panel 10 is intended for civilian applications and forms, for example, a road radar or other type of radar.

[0029] The radar panel 10 includes an emission surface 12. The emission surface 12 is suitable for emitting radar waves, such as electromagnetic waves with a frequency between 2000 MHz and 4000 MHz.

[0030] The emission surface 12 is, for example, a substantially flat surface.

[0031] Along a thickness direction E, shown in [Fig.1], the radar panel 10 also includes a rear portion 14, located behind the emission surface 12. The rear portion 14 forms, for example, a housing for receiving the electronic systems, not shown, of the radar panel 10.

[0032] The thickness direction E then corresponds to the depth of the radar panel 10.

[0033] Figures 1 to 3 show an assembly comprising the radar panel 10 and a protective device 20 for said radar panel 10, at least partially mounted on the radar panel 10. The protective device 20 comprises a support frame 22, and a removable assembly reversibly fixed to the support frame 22. The removable assembly comprises at least one cross member 23, visible in [Fig.2], and a cover 24, visible in [Fig.3].

[0034] With reference to [Fig.1], the support frame 22 will be described in more detail.

[0035] The support frame 22 is fixed to the radar panel 10.

[0036] For example, the support frame 22 is reversibly fixed to the radar panel 10 using a reversible fixing system.

[0037] The reversible fastening system is chosen for example from a snap-on, clip-on and / or screw-on system.

[0038] In particular, the support frame 22 is fixed on and / or around the emission surface 12 and / or the rear portion 14, along the thickness direction E. For example, the support frame 22 is fixed around the emission surface 12 and / or on its periphery. Alternatively, the support frame 22 is fixed around and / or on the periphery of the rear portion 14.

[0039] For example, the support frame 22 is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The support frame 22 is positioned by design outside the radar emission beam and does not interfere with the operation of the radar panel 10. The support frame 22 can then be left permanently mounted on the radar panel 10 to facilitate the subsequent mounting of the cross members 23 and the cover 24.

[0040] The support frame 22 comprises at least two lateral branches 25, 27 opposed along a transverse direction T.

[0041] The transverse direction T is for example substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction E and corresponds to the width or height of the radar panel 10.

[0042] In particular, the support frame comprises at least four arms 25, 27, 29, 31, arranged in pairs opposite each other. The arms 29 and 31 are hereinafter referred to as the "upper and lower arms," ​​and the remainder of the description will be made with reference to the transverse direction T corresponding to the width of the radar panel 10.

[0043] The lateral branches 25, 27 form, for example, the lateral sides of the support frame 22 and each extend along an elevation direction Z, perpendicular to the transverse directions T and of thickness E. The upper and lower branches 29, 31 form, for example, the upper and lower sides of the support frame 22 and each extend along the transverse direction T.

[0044] Each branch 25, 27, 29, 31 is, for example, cylindrical in shape, elongated along the elevation direction Z and the transverse direction T, respectively. For example, each branch 25, 27, 29, 31 has a substantially rectangular contour in a plane perpendicular to the elevation direction Z and the transverse direction T, respectively.

[0045] In the example of [Fig. 1], the support frame 22 has more than four branches 25, 27, 29, 31 and, for example, has a polygonal contour consisting of eight sides. In particular, the contour of the support frame 22 does not include any right angles but only obtuse angles. According to one embodiment, the support frame 22 has a shape substantially complementary to that of the contour of the radar panel 10.

[0046] Each branch 25, 27, 29, 31 comprises a first edge 25A, 27A, 29A, 31A and a second edge 25B, 27B, 29B, 31B opposite to the first edge 25A, 27A, 29A, 31A along the thickness direction E.

[0047] Each first edge 25A, 27A, 29A, 31A is for example turned towards the radar panel 10. Each second edge 25B, 27B, 29B, 31B is then turned towards the outside of the radar panel 10, according to the thickness direction.

[0048] Similarly, each lateral branch 25, 27 comprises a third edge 25C, 27C, and a fourth edge 25D, 27D, opposite the third edge 25C, 27C, along the transverse direction T.

[0049] Each third edge 25C, 27C, is for example turned towards the radar panel 10. Each fourth edge 25D, 27D, is then turned towards the outside of the radar panel 10, according to the transverse direction T.

[0050] In a similar manner, each upper and lower branch 29, 31 includes a third edge, not shown, and a fourth edge, not shown, opposite the third edge along the Z elevation direction.

[0051] Each third edge is for example turned towards the radar panel 10. Each fourth edge is then turned towards the outside of the radar panel 10, according to the elevation direction Z.

[0052] With reference to [Fig.2], the cross member or each cross member 23 will be described in more detail.

[0053] In the example of [Fig.2], the protection device 20 comprises a plurality of cross members 23 spaced apart from each other along the elevation direction Z and extending each along the transverse direction T.

[0054] In particular, the plurality of cross members 23 is arranged between the upper and lower branches 29 and 31 of the support frame 22, along the elevation direction Z and extends parallel to these upper and lower branches 29, 31. The cross members 23 are, for example, spaced at a constant pitch, taken along the elevation direction Z.

[0055] Each cross member 23 extends between the two lateral branches 25, 27 of the support frame 22 in the transverse direction T. In other words, each cross member 23 links the lateral branch 25 to the lateral branch 27 in the transverse direction T.

[0056] Each cross member 23 then extends between a first end 35 fixed to one of the lateral branches 25, 27 and a second end 37, opposite to the first end 35 in the transverse direction T, fixed to the other of the lateral branches 27, 25.

[0057] Each end 35, 37 is reversibly fixed to the respective lateral arm 25, 27. In a particular embodiment, each cross member 23 is fixed to the second edge 25B, 27B of each lateral arm 25, 27 by a reversible fixing system, such as a screw or bolting system, for example, or a snap or hook system.

[0058] Each cross member 23 includes at least one section 40 separated from the support frame 22 along a direction of thickness E.

[0059] In particular, the section 40 of each cross member 23 extends to a first distance DI from the second edge 25B, 27B, of each lateral branch 25, 27, along the thickness direction E. The first distance DI is for example between 50 mm and 500 mm, or for example between 200 mm and 400 mm, and preferably between 280 mm and 300 mm.

[0060] Thus, each cross member 23 extends at least partially at a distance, along the thickness direction E, from the support frame 22. Thus, when the support frame 22 is fixed to the radar panel 10, each crossbar 23 then extends at least partly at a distance, along the thickness direction E, from the emission surface 12.

[0061] In a particular embodiment, the section 40 of each cross member 23 is a central portion of the cross member 23, taken between the first end 35 and the second end 37, along the transverse direction T.

[0062] For example, the length L40 of each section 40, taken along the transverse direction T, represents between 50% and 90% of the length L23 of the cross member 23, taken along the transverse direction T between the first end 35 and the second end 37.

[0063] Advantageously, each cross member 23 does not include a salient right angle between the first and second ends 35, 37. For example, each section 40 is extended on either side, along the transverse direction T, by a succession of straight portions, forming an obtuse angle between them, in a plane comprising the thickness direction E and the transverse direction T.

[0064] In other words, the succession of straight portions connects the first and second ends 35, 37, extending for example along the thickness direction E, to the section 40, extending along the transverse direction T.

[0065] Alternatively, a curved portion connects the first and second ends 35, 37, extending for example along the thickness direction E, to the section 40, extending along the transverse direction T.

[0066] The absence of any sharp right angles on the support frame 22 and on each cross member 23, and the blunt contour of each cross member 23, limit the risks of damaging the radar panel 10 and the tarpaulin 24, as well as injuring an operator.

[0067] With reference to [Fig.3], tarpaulin 24 will be described in more detail.

[0068] Tarpaulin 24 is, for example, a flexible protective tarpaulin, for example made of polyvinyl chloride fabric. Tarpaulin 24 is advantageously flame-retardant (has undergone a treatment making it less flammable, for example) to meet safety standards.

[0069] Tarpaulin 24 has a thickness, for example, between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

[0070] The tarpaulin 24 is fixed to the support frame 22 by a reversible fixing system.

[0071] As an optional addition, the tarpaulin 24 is also attached to each cross member 23.

[0072] The section 40 of each cross member 23 is interposed between the support frame 22 and the tarpaulin 24 along the thickness direction E. In other words, each section 40 supports and keeps the tarpaulin 24 away from the emission surface 12 along the thickness direction E.

[0073] Advantageously, the tarpaulin covers the support frame 22 and each cross member 23.

[0074] In a first embodiment, the tarpaulin 24 is fixed to the support frame 22 by a zipper system 44.

[0075] Alternatively, the tarpaulin 24 is attached to the support frame 22 by means of a strap system 49. The strap system 49 comprises, for example, a set of hooks and elastic tensioners. The hooks are configured to be reversibly attached to the support frame 22, for example, to hook receiving recesses, not shown, provided on the support frame 22.

[0076] A combination of the two fastening systems described above is also envisaged. In the example of [Fig.3], the tarpaulin 24 is fixed to the side branches 25, 27 and lower 31 using the strap system 49, and is fixed to the upper branch 29 of the support frame 22 using the zipper system 44.

[0077] Advantageously, the zipper system 44 can be replaced by a Velcro system.

[0078] Such fastening systems 44, 49 are reversible and allow the tarpaulin 24 to completely enclose the support frame 22 and the crossbars 23. The support frame 22 and the crossbars 23 are thus protected from the external environment. Furthermore, the radar panel 10, and in particular the transmitting surface 12, are also protected from the external environment when the support frame 22 is mounted on the radar panel 10.

[0079] A method for installing such a protective device 20 will now be described.

[0080] Initially, the radar panel 10, the support frame 22, the cross member or cross members 23 and the tarpaulin 24 are supplied.

[0081] An operator then reversibly fixes the support frame 22 onto the radar panel 10.

[0082] For example, the operator clips, screws or reversibly fixes by any other means the support frame 22 on and / or around the emission surface 12 and / or the rear portion 14, according to the thickness direction E.

[0083] Since the support frame 22 is positioned outside the emission beam of the radar waves emitted by the emission surface 12, the operator can leave the support frame 22 in place on the radar panel 10, even during the period of operation of the radar panel 10.

[0084] Once the support frame 22 is mounted on the radar panel 10, the operator then reversibly attaches the removable assembly to the support frame 22.

[0085] Initially, the operator fixes the cross member or each cross member 23 to the support frame 22.

[0086] For example, the operator screws each end 35, 37 of the cross members 23 to the lateral arms 25, 27 of the support frame 22.

[0087] In a second step, the operator covers the support frame 22 and the crossbars 23 with the tarpaulin 24, and fixes the tarpaulin 24 to the support frame 22.

[0088] For example, the operator uses the zipper system 44 and / or the strap system 49 to attach the tarpaulin 24 to the support frame 22.

[0089] The protective device 20 is then mounted on the radar panel 10 and protects the radar panel 10 from external aggression.

[0090] By repeating the same steps in reverse, the operator can dismantle the protective device 20 from the radar panel 10, easily and quickly.

[0091] The protection device 20 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0092] First of all, the tarpaulin 24 effectively protects the radar panel 10 from all soiling due, for example, to the presence of animals, bad weather, or nearby industrial activities.

[0093] Furthermore, the crossbars 23 keep the tarpaulin 24 away from the emission surface 12 of the radar panel 10 and thus create a safety distance between the tarpaulin 24 and the emission surface 12. Thus, when an object strikes the tarpaulin 24, the safety distance DI and the crossbars 23 arranged between the tarpaulin 24 and the emission surface 12 prevent the object from also striking the emission surface 12.

[0094] Such a protective device 20 is reversibly mounted on the radar panel 10 and allows quick and easy installation / uninstallation of each element (support frame 22, crossbars 23, tarpaulin 24) of the device 20.

[0095] The tarpaulin 24 covering the entire support frame 22 and the crossbars 23 and being fixed to the support frame 22 and optionally to each crossbar 23, it has a low wind resistance and can therefore be installed and uninstalled on the radar panel 10 easily and safely by an operator, both indoors and outdoors.

Claims

Demands

1. Protective device (20) for protecting a radar panel (10), the protective device (20) comprising: - a support frame (22) comprising at least two lateral arms (25, 27) opposed along a transverse direction (T), the support frame (22) being configured to be fixed to the radar panel (10) outside the radar wave emission beam, and - a removable assembly reversibly fixed to the support frame (22);the removable assembly comprising at least one cross member (23) extending between the two lateral arms (25, 27) of the support frame (22) along the transverse direction (T), and a tarpaulin (24) covering the cross member or each cross member (23), the cross member (23) comprising at least one section (40) set away from the support frame (22) along a thickness direction (E), substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction (T), the section (40) of each cross member (23) being interposed between the support frame (22) and the tarpaulin (24) along the thickness direction (E).;

2. Protective device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable assembly comprises a plurality of cross members (23) spaced apart from each other in an elevation direction (Z) substantially perpendicular to the transverse (T) and thickness (E) directions.

3. Protective device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lateral branch (25, 27) comprises a first edge (25A, 27A) and a second edge (25B, 27B) opposite the first edge (25A, 27A) along the thickness direction (E), at least one section (40) extending to a first distance (Dl) from the second edge (25B, 27B) along the thickness direction (E), the first distance (Dl) being between 5 cm and 50 cm.

4. A protective device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each sleeper (23), at least one section (40) is a central portion of the sleeper (23) and has a length (L40) between 50% and 90% of the length (L23) of the crossbar (23), taken along the transverse direction (T).

5. Protective device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lateral arm (25, 27) comprises a first edge (25A, 27A) and a second edge (25B, 27B) opposite the first (25A, 27A) edge along the thickness direction (E), the cross member or cross members (23) being fixed to the second edge (25B, 27B) of each lateral arm (25, 27) by a reversible fastening system.

6. Protective device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tarpaulin (24) is attached to the support frame (22) by a zipper closure system (44).

7. Protective device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tarpaulin (24) is fixed to the support frame (22) by a system of straps (49).

8. Protective device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tarpaulin (24) is attached to the support frame (22) by a Velcro system.

9. Protective device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tarpaulin (24) covers the support frame (22) and each cross member (23).

10. Assembly comprising a radar panel (10) and a protective device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, the radar panel (10) comprising an emission surface (12) suitable for emitting electromagnetic waves with a frequency between 2000 MHz and 4000 MHz, the support frame (22) being fixed to the radar panel (10) so that the cover (24) covers at least the emission surface (12).

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