Radar apparatus and radar apparatus support structure

Abstract

To provide a radar apparatus and a radar apparatus support structure in which thermal creep of a support member for the radar apparatus mounted on a vehicle can be suppressed.SOLUTION: A housing 30 houses a radar main body 20. The housing 30 comprises a box-shaped component 40 and brackets 50. The box-shaped component 40 is configured to receive the radar main body 20. The brackets 50 are provided protruding from the box-shaped component 40, and fastened to a front bumper 100 or an emblem plate 120. Each of the bracket 50 is placed at a position offset from a center of gravity G of the radar main body 20 in a thickness direction of the radar main body 20. Furthermore, each of the brackets 50 comprises a fastening piece 55 and a first rib 51. A surface opposed to the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120, of the fastening piece 55 is directed toward a same direction as a radiation plane of the radar main body 20. Furthermore, an insertion through hole 56 is bored through the fastening piece 55. The first rib 51 is disposed upright to the fastening piece 55. The first rib 51 is disposed extending to an end of the fastening piece 55 from the box-shaped component 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a radar device and a support structure for the radar device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1, a millimeter-wave radar is disposed in the front of a vehicle. The radar is housed in a housing. A bracket projects from a side surface of the housing. A fastening hole is drilled in the bracket. The bracket is fastened to, for example, a front bumper.

[0003] Also, in Patent Document 2, a millimeter-wave radar is disposed in the front of a vehicle. The radar is housed in a housing. A plate-like attachment portion projects from a side surface of the housing. A hole is drilled in the attachment portion, and through this hole, the attachment portion is fastened to a front grille or the like. The base portion of the attachment portion is thinner than the tip portion. When a frontal collision of the vehicle occurs, the base portion of the attachment portion breaks. As a result, the housing moves (recedes) downward. Further, a reinforcing rib is provided at the base portion of the attachment portion. By providing the rib at the base portion, the housing is firmly supported during normal driving. The rib is formed only at the base portion of the attachment portion. That is, the end position of the rib becomes the break point. In other words, the break position is controlled by the rib.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, a heat source such as a drive source is arranged in front of the vehicle. Accordingly, the periphery of the millimeter-wave radar also becomes high temperature. When the bracket is formed of resin, heat creep occurs in the bracket under high temperature. When the bracket is deformed due to heat creep, the radiation surface of the millimeter-wave radar tilts. Then, adjustment in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction (also called aiming) with respect to the millimeter-wave radar becomes necessary.

[0006] Therefore, in this specification, a radar device and a support structure of the radar device capable of suppressing heat creep of a support component are disclosed.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The radar device disclosed in this specification includes a radar main body and a housing. The radar main body has a radiation surface. The housing houses the radar main body. The housing includes a box body portion and a bracket. The box body portion houses the radar main body. The bracket projects from the box body portion and is fastened to a bumper or an emblem plate. The bracket is made of a resin material. Further, the bracket is arranged at a position offset in the thickness direction of the radar main body with respect to the center of gravity of the radar main body. Furthermore, the bracket includes a fastening piece and ribs. The surface of the fastening piece facing the bumper or the emblem plate faces the same direction as the radiation surface. Further, an insertion hole is drilled at the end of the fastening piece. The ribs stand on the fastening piece. The ribs include first ribs. The first ribs extend from the box body portion to the ends of the fastening piece.

[0008] By arranging the bracket at a position offset in the thickness direction of the radar main body with respect to the center of gravity of the radar main body, a moment that tilts the radiation surface is generated. Along with this, a bending moment that tries to bend in an arch shape is input to the fastening piece. At this time, due to the compressive rigidity and tensile rigidity of the first ribs standing over the entire length of the fastening piece, bending deformation is suppressed over the entire length of the fastening piece.

[0009] Also, in the above configuration, the ribs may include second ribs orthogonal to the first ribs.

[0010] The generation of a moment that tilts the radiation surface causes a torsional moment (torque) to occur in the bracket. The twist is suppressed by a second rib that is orthogonal to the first rib, that is, extends in the width direction of the fastening piece.

[0011] In addition, in the above configuration, the first rib and the second rib may be disposed on the facing surface of the fastening piece. In this case, a guide cylinder is formed by a pair of first ribs and a pair of second ribs.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when there is a guide projection on the bumper or emblem, it is possible to position and temporarily fix the radar device using the guide cylinder.

[0013] In addition, this specification discloses a support structure for a radar device. This support structure includes the radar device described above and a bumper or emblem plate to which the radar device is fastened. The guide cylinder surrounds the insertion hole. The bumper or emblem includes an insertion cylinder that is inserted into the guide cylinder.

[0014] The insertion cylinder is inserted into the guide cylinder. Thereby, the radar device is temporarily fixed to the bumper or emblem. In that state, by screwing a screw nut through the insertion hole of the guide cylinder, the radar device is fastened to the bumper or emblem. Further, even when so-called non-rotational loosening occurs in the fastening portion due to thermal creep, the relative displacement between the radar device and the bumper or emblem is suppressed by the holding structure in which the guide cylinder covers the insertion cylinder.

[0015] In addition, this specification discloses a support structure for a radar device. This support structure includes the radar device described above and a bumper or emblem plate to which the radar device is fastened. The guide cylinder surrounds the insertion hole. The bumper or emblem includes a recess into which the guide cylinder is inserted. A fastening hole that is axially aligned with the insertion hole is drilled at the bottom of the recess.

[0016] According to the above configuration, by inserting the guide cylinder into the recessed portion, the radar device is temporarily fixed to the bumper or emblem. In this state, by inserting a screw through the insertion hole of the guide cylinder and further screwing the screw into the fastening hole, the radar device is fastened to the bumper or emblem. Further, even when so-called non-rotational loosening occurs in the fastening portion due to thermal creep, the relative displacement between the radar device and the bumper or emblem is suppressed by the holding structure in which the recessed portion covers the guide cylinder.

[0017] Further, in the above configuration, the radar device may be fastened to the bumper or emblem plate such that the radiation surface faces the horizontal direction. In this case, a plurality of brackets are provided in the upper portion of the box body portion.

[0018] By providing a plurality of brackets at positions separated from the center of gravity of the radar device, that is, at positions where the moment is relatively large, the moment generated in each bracket is dispersed.

[0019] Further, in the above configuration, the opposing surfaces of the fastening pieces may be separated from the radiation surface more than the rear surface of the box body portion.

[0020] By separating the fastening pieces further from the radiation surface than the rear surface of the box body portion, even when the radiation surface is exposed to the front of the vehicle, the exposure of the fastening points to the outside of the vehicle can be avoided.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the radar device and the support structure of the radar device disclosed in this specification, thermal creep of the support components can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The radar device and the support structure of the radar device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The shapes, materials, numbers, and numerical values described below are examples for explanation. These shapes and the like can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the radar device and the support structure of the radar device. Also, in all the drawings below, the same reference numerals are assigned to equivalent elements.

[0024] In FIGS. 1 to 17, the vehicle longitudinal direction is indicated by the FR axis. The vehicle width direction is indicated by the RW axis. Further, the vehicle height direction is indicated by the UP axis. The FR axis, RW axis, and UP axis are orthogonal to each other. The positive direction of the FR axis is forward. The positive direction of the RW axis is to the right. The positive direction of the UP axis is upward.

[0025] 1. Overall Configuration (Configuration Common to the First, Second, and Third Embodiments) FIG. 1 discloses a radar device 10 according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 1 illustrates a front bumper 100 to which the radar device 10 is fastened. In this specification, the radar device 10 and the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 5) constitute the support structure of the radar device.

[0026] The front bumper 100 is a buffer component arranged on the front surface of the vehicle. The front bumper 100 is formed, for example, from a resin material. For example, the front bumper 100 is a split body, and the front bumper 100 divided into a plurality of parts is attached to the front surface of the vehicle. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the front bumper is fastened to the peripheral components by clip fastening. Instead of clip fastening, the front bumper 100 may be fastened to the peripheral components by bolt fastening.

[0027] The front bumper 100 is provided with a frame 106. The frame 106 is a thick-walled frame body for attaching the radar device 10. The frame 106 is, for example, rectangular. A rectangular opening 108 is formed at the center of the frame 106. The opening 108 has a shape along the shape of the box body portion 40 of the radar device 10. For example, the front surface 40A (see FIG. 2) of the box body portion 40 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle from the opening 108.

[0028] Fastening holes 110 are drilled in the frame 106. For example, the fastening holes 110 are drilled in the back surface of the frame 106. Note that the back surface of the frame 106 is the surface facing the inside of the vehicle. For example, the fastening holes 110 are provided on both sides of the opening 108. As will be described later, the insertion holes 56 drilled in the bracket 50 of the radar device 10 are aligned with the fastening holes 110. A screw nut 90 is screwed into the fastening hole 110. The screw nut 90 is a so-called tapping screw type screw, and in the process of screwing the screw nut 90 into the fastening hole 110, the inner peripheral surface of the fastening hole 110 is threaded (cut).

[0029] In FIG. 1, the front bumper 100 is illustrated as a fastening component of the radar device 10, but the radar device 10 may be fastened to the rear bumper. Similar to the front bumper 100, a frame 106 is also provided on the rear bumper. The radar device 10 is fastened to this frame 106.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, the emblem plate 120 is supported by, for example, the front grille 140. The emblem plate 120 is disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction on the front surface of the vehicle. For example, the emblem plate 120 is formed of a resin material.

[0031] The emblem plate 120 has a design surface 120A (see FIG. 14) that is exposed to the outside. A recess 128 is formed at the center of the back surface of the emblem plate 120. Note that the back surface of the emblem plate 120 is the surface opposite to the design surface 120A. A front wall 121 is provided at the bottom of the recess 128. The recess 128 is rectangular, and at least the front surface 40A of the radar device 10 is inserted therein. Also, for example, a predetermined clearance is provided between the front surface 40A of the radar device 10 and the bottom surface of the recess 128.

[0032] Fastening holes 130 are drilled in the back surface of the emblem plate 120. For example, the fastening holes 130 are provided on both sides of the recess 128. As will be described later, the insertion holes 56 drilled in the bracket 50 of the radar device 10 are aligned with the fastening holes 130. Similar to the fastening holes 110 of the front bumper 100, a screw nut 90 is screwed into the fastening holes 130. In this screwing process, the inner peripheral surface of the fastening hole 130 is threaded (cut).

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the radar device 10 is a device having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The radar device 10 includes a radar main body 20 and a housing 30. The radar main body 20 includes a radar antenna and a circuit board. The surface on which the radar antenna is disposed is the radiation surface 22. Also, a millimeter-wave oscillator is mounted on the circuit board. That is, the radar device 10 is a millimeter-wave radar device. Also, for example, the radar main body 20 has a horizontally long shape in which the dimension in the width direction (RW direction) is larger than the dimension in the height direction (UP axis direction).

[0034] The radar main body 20 is housed in the housing 30. The housing 30 is a molded part using, for example, a resin material. The housing 30 includes a box body part 40 and a bracket 50. The box body part 40 houses the radar main body 20. Also, the box body part 40 has, for example, an open back surface and is closed by a lid 42. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the lid 42 is fastened to the box body part 40 by screws 46. A connector 44 is provided on the lid 42. Data regarding the electromagnetic wave (reflected wave) received by the radar main body 20 is sent to an ECU (electronic control unit) in the vehicle via the connector 44.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bracket 50 protrudes from the box body portion 40. The bracket 50 is a fastening component that is fastened to the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 5). For example, the bracket 50 extends in the vehicle width direction from both side surfaces of the box body portion 40.

[0036] For example, in the following first to third embodiments, a plurality of brackets 50 are provided on the radar device 10. For example, the radar device 10 includes three brackets 50. That is, the radar device 10 is supported by the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120 by three-point support.

[0037] A plurality of brackets 50 are provided in the upper portion of the box body portion 40. For example, in the upper portion of the box body portion 40, the brackets 50 protrude from both side surfaces in the vehicle width direction. For example, the bracket 50 protrudes in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the side surface of the box body portion 40. Also, in the lower portion of the box body portion 40, the bracket 50 protrudes from one side surface in the vehicle width direction. For example, the bracket 50 protrudes in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the side surface of the box body portion 40.

[0038] The bracket 50 includes a fastening piece 55. The fastening piece 55 protrudes and abuts in the width direction (RW axis direction) from the side surface of the box body portion 40. Also, the fastening piece 55 is a flat plate piece, and the opposing surface 55B1 with the front bumper 100 (see FIG. 1) or the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 5) faces the same direction as the radiation surface 22. Insertion holes 56 are drilled in the vehicle width direction ends of the fastening piece 55 in the thickness direction. The insertion holes 56 are axially aligned with the fastening holes 110 of the front bumper 100 or the fastening holes 130 of the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 5).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the radiation surface 22 is fastened to the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120 so as to face the horizontal direction. The bracket 50 is disposed at a position offset in the thickness direction (FR axis direction) of the radar main body 20 with respect to the center of gravity G of the radar main body 20. By offsetting the bracket 50, which is a support component, with respect to the center of gravity G, a moment is generated to tilt the radar device 10. By providing a plurality of brackets 50 at upper positions separated from the center of gravity G, the loads transmitted to the respective brackets 50 are dispersed.

[0040] For example, the bracket 50 is provided near the rear surface of the box body portion 40. For example, on the side surface of the box body portion 40, the bracket 50 projects from the rear end. With such an arrangement, the front surface 40A of the box body portion 40 is inserted into the opening 108 of the front bumper 100 or the recess 128 of the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 5). In addition, the insertion hole 56 of the bracket 50 and the fastening hole 110 of the front bumper 100 or the fastening hole 130 of the emblem plate 120 are aligned axially. Even when the front surface 40A of the box body portion 40 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, since the bracket 50 is disposed inside the vehicle, the exposure of the fastening point to the outside of the vehicle can be avoided.

[0041] Note that by installing the bracket 50 on the rear side of the center of gravity G (see FIG. 2) of the radar main body 20, a moment is generated to cause the radar main body 20 to fall forward. As described above, the fastening piece 55 is a flat plate piece, and the surface facing the front bumper 100 (see FIG. 1) or the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 5) faces the same direction as the radiation surface 22. Therefore, the fastening piece 55 is disposed in a direction in which it is relatively easily deformed by thermal creep with respect to the forward-falling moment.

[0042] In order to suppress the thermal creep of the bracket 50 associated with the moment of forward fall, in the first to third embodiments described below, a first rib 51 and a second rib 52 are provided on the bracket 50, respectively. The first rib 51 suppresses the bending deformation of the bracket 50. Further, the second rib 52 suppresses the torsional deformation of the bracket 50.

[0043] Note that in the following first to third embodiments, the structures of the brackets 50 are different from each other. However, in any of the brackets 50, the first rib 51 and the second rib 52 are provided as a common structure. Also, as described later, in the following first to third embodiments, as the structures of the brackets 50 are different from each other, the structures around the fastening holes 110 and 130 of the front bumper 100 (see FIG. 1) and the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 5) are also different from each other.

[0044] 2. First Embodiment Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bracket 50 includes a fastening piece 55, a first rib 51, and a second rib 52.

[0045] The fastening piece 55 projects and abuts in the width direction (RW-axis direction) from the side surface of the box body portion 40. The fastening piece 55 is a flat plate piece, and the opposing surface 55B1 with the front bumper 100 (see FIG. 1) or the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 5) faces the same direction as the radiation surface 22. An insertion hole 56 is drilled in the vehicle width direction end portion (projecting end portion) of the fastening piece 55 in the thickness direction.

[0046] The first rib 51 and the second rib 52 are erected on the fastening piece 55. For example, the first rib 51 and the second rib 52 are erected perpendicular to the fastening piece 55. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the first embodiment, the first rib 51 and the second rib 52 are formed on the back surface of the fastening piece 55. The back surface refers to the back surface of the opposing surface 55B1.

[0047] The first rib 51 is a plate piece extending from the box body portion 40 to the end portion (outer end in the width direction) of the fastening piece 55. For example, the first rib 51 stands vertically from the back surface 40B of the box body portion 40 and extends in the vehicle width direction (RW axis direction). The first rib 51 is arranged, for example, at the edge end (end portion in the UP axis direction) of the fastening piece 55. In the examples of FIGS. 1-5, the first rib 51 is provided so as to be continuous with the upper surface or the lower surface of the box body portion 40. The first rib 51 extends along a horizontal plane (FR-RW plane).

[0048] The second rib 52 is a plate piece erected on the fastening piece 55 so as to be orthogonal to the first rib 51. For example, the second rib 52 is arranged between the insertion hole 56 and the side surface of the box body portion 40 on the back surface of the fastening piece 55. For example, the second rib 52 is spaced apart from the side surface of the box body portion 40 toward the outer side in the width direction. Also, assuming that the vertical dimension (dimension in the UP axis direction) of the fastening piece 55 is the width dimension, for example, the second rib 52 is provided over the entire width of the fastening piece 55.

[0049] As described above, since the bracket 50 is offset from the center of gravity G of the radar main body 20, a moment is generated that attempts to tilt the box body portion 40 forward. Referring to FIG. 4, a bending load that attempts to bend in an arc shape, as illustrated by the dashed-dotted line, and a torsional load, as illustrated by the arrow, are input to the bracket 50.

[0050] The deformation of the bracket 50 due to the bending load is suppressed by the first rib 51. When a bending deformation is input, as illustrated by the arrow, a tensile load is input to the root portion (portion close to the fastening piece 55) of the first rib 51, and a compressive load is input to the ceiling portion. The input direction of this load is along the extending direction of the first rib 51, and the compressive load and the tensile load are input in a direction with high compressive rigidity and tensile rigidity for the first rib 51. The first rib 51 resists these tensile and compressive loads over the entire length of the fastening piece 55, thereby suppressing the bending deformation of the bracket 50.

[0051] Also, the deformation of the bracket 50 due to the torsional load is suppressed by the second rib 52. A torsional load is input to the bracket 50 about its extending direction as an axis. At this time, a shear load in the FR axis direction, as illustrated by the dashed line, is input to the second rib 52. By the second rib 52 resisting this shear load, the deformation of the bracket 50 is suppressed.

[0052] Even when the periphery of the bracket 50 is at a high temperature, the deformation (i.e., thermal creep) of the bracket 50 is suppressed by the first rib 51 and the second rib 52 as described above. As a result, the tilting (forward fall) of the radiation surface 22 of the radar main body 20 is suppressed.

[0053] 3. Second Embodiment In FIGS. 6 - 14, the radar device 10 and its support structure according to the second embodiment are illustrated. In this embodiment, a guide cylinder 57 is provided on the bracket 50. The guide cylinder 57 is formed by the first rib 51 and the second rib 52. Further, an insertion cylinder 112 is formed on the frame 106 of the front bumper 100. Also, an insertion cylinder 132 is formed on the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 13).

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the front 40A side of the radar device 10. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the back 40B side of the radar device 10. Similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, the brackets 50 project from both side surfaces in the vehicle width direction above the box body portion 40. Also, the bracket 50 projects from one side surface in the vehicle width direction below the box body portion 40. Also, the bracket 50 is provided closer to the back of the box body portion 40.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 12, the bracket 50 includes first ribs 51A, 51B, second ribs 52A, 52B, and fastening pieces 55A, 55B. The opposing surfaces of the fastening pieces 55A, 55B with respect to the front bumper 100 (see FIG. 6) or the emblem plate 120 (see FIG. 13) face in the same direction as the radiation surface 22. An insertion hole 56 is drilled in the fastening piece 55B in the thickness direction. That is, when the fastening pieces 55A, 55B are regarded as an integral fastening piece 55, the insertion hole 56 is drilled at the end of the fastening piece 55 in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] The first ribs 51A, 51B and the second ribs 52A, 52B are arranged on the opposing surfaces 55A1, 55B1 of the fastening pieces 55A, 55B. The fastening piece 55A extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the side surface of the box body portion 40. The outer end of the fastening piece 55A in the vehicle width direction is connected to the second rib 52A. The fastening piece 55B is connected to the rear end of the second rib 52A. The insertion hole 56 is drilled in the fastening piece 55B. By adopting a stepped structure via the second rib 52A, the fastening piece 55B is arranged behind the rear surface 40B of the box body portion 40. In other words, referring to FIG. 12, the opposing surface 55B1 is spaced apart from the radiation surface 22 of the radar body 20 more than the rear surface 40B of the box body portion 40.

[0057] Since the opposing surface 55B1 of the fastening piece 55B is further spaced apart from the radiation surface 22 than the rear surface 40B of the box body portion 40, even when the radiation surface 22 is exposed on the front of the vehicle, the exposure of the fastening point to the outside of the vehicle can be avoided.

[0058] The first rib 51A is provided at the upper ends of the fastening pieces 55A, 55B. The first rib 51B is provided at the lower ends of the fastening pieces 55A, 55B. The first ribs 51A, 51B extend from the side surface of the box body portion 40 to the outer end of the fastening piece 55B in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] The second ribs 52A, 52B are orthogonal to the first ribs 51A, 51B. The second rib 52A is arranged between the fastening pieces 55A, 55B. The second rib 52B is arranged at the outer end of the fastening piece 55B in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] The guide cylinder 57 is formed by the first ribs 51A, 51B and the second ribs 52A, 52B. The guide cylinder 57 is a square cylinder. A fastening piece 55B is provided at the rear end of the guide cylinder 57. That is, the guide cylinder 57 surrounds the insertion hole 56.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, corresponding to the guide cylinder 57, an insertion cylinder 112 is formed in the front bumper 100. The insertion cylinder 112 extends rearward of the vehicle from the back surface of the frame 106. The insertion cylinder 112 is, for example, a circular cylinder. A reinforcing rib is provided at the root portion (connection portion with the frame) of the insertion cylinder 112. Referring to FIG. 12, the inner cavity of the insertion cylinder 112 becomes the fastening hole 110.

[0062] Also referring to FIG. 13, corresponding to the guide cylinder 57, an insertion cylinder 132 is formed in the emblem plate 120. The insertion cylinder 132 extends rearward of the vehicle from the back surface of the emblem plate 120. The insertion cylinder 132 is, for example, a circular cylinder. A reinforcing rib is provided at the root portion of the insertion cylinder 132. Referring to FIG. 14, the inner cavity of the insertion cylinder 132 becomes the fastening hole 130.

[0063] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the process of fastening the radar device 10 to the front bumper 100. Referring to FIG. 9, the guide cylinder 57 of the radar device 10 is covered by the insertion cylinder 112 of the front bumper 100. The rear end of the insertion cylinder 112 abuts against the fastening piece 55B.

[0064] At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the guide cylinder 57 is caught by the insertion cylinder 112, preventing the radar device 10 from falling off the front bumper 100. That is, the radar device 10 is temporarily fixed to the front bumper 100 by the guide cylinder 57 and the insertion cylinder 112. The operator can once release the radar device 10 and go to get screws or tools.

[0065] Further, by inserting the guide cylinder 57 into the insertion cylinder 112 of the front bumper 100, the insertion hole 56 and the fastening hole 110 are axially aligned. As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, a screw nut 90 is screwed into the insertion hole 56 and the fastening hole 110. By the screw nut 90 threading (cutting) the inner peripheral surface of the fastening hole 110, the radar device 10 is fastened to the front bumper 100.

[0066] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the process of fastening the radar device 10 to the emblem plate 120. Referring to FIG. 13, the guide cylinder 57 of the radar device 10 is covered with the insertion cylinder 132 of the emblem plate 120. The rear end of the insertion cylinder 132 abuts against the fastening piece 55B. Thereby, the radar device 10 is temporarily fixed to the emblem plate 120. Further, a screw nut 90 is screwed into the insertion hole 56 and the fastening hole 130. By the screw nut 90 threading (cutting) the inner peripheral surface of the fastening hole 130, the radar device 10 is fastened to the emblem plate 120.

[0067] Thus, in the second embodiment, the guide cylinder 57 is formed by the first ribs 51A, 51B and the second ribs 52A, 52B. That is, the rib components for suppressing the thermal creep of the bracket 50 are also used as the temporary fixing means of the radar device 10.

[0068] Also, the guide cylinder 57 and the insertion cylinders 112, 132 suppress the relative position fluctuation between the radar device 10 and the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120 when the fastening force decreases due to thermal creep. The fastening piece 55B and the insertion cylinders 112, 132 are fastened by a screw nut 90. At this time, an axial force is input to the protruding ends of the fastening piece 55B and the insertion cylinders 112, 132. Due to thermal creep, so-called stress relaxation occurs, and the fastening piece 55B deforms and concaves, resulting in a so-called non-rotating looseness where the fastening force decreases.

[0069] Here, the insertion cylinders 112 and 132 are inserted into the guide cylinder 57. That is, the insertion cylinders 112 and 132 are held by the guide cylinder 57. Therefore, even if the fastening force by the screw thread 90 decreases, the holding structure of the insertion cylinders 112 and 132 and the guide cylinder 57 suppresses the relative position variation between the radar device 10 and the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120.

[0070] 4. Third Embodiment Figs. 15 - 17 illustrate a radar device according to the third embodiment and its support structure. Fig. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the radar device 10 alone. Similar to Figs. 2 and 3, brackets 50 project from both side surfaces in the vehicle width direction above the box body portion 40. Also, a bracket 50 projects from one side surface in the vehicle width direction below the box body portion 40. Further, the brackets 50 are provided closer to the back surface of the box body portion 40. Note that the three brackets illustrated in Fig. 16 all have the same shape. For the bracket 50 arranged below, the cross-sectional structure is illustrated.

[0071] The bracket 50 includes first ribs 51A and 51B, second ribs 52A and 52B, and fastening pieces 55A and 55B. The opposing surfaces of the fastening pieces 55A and 55B with the front bumper 100 (see Fig. 15) or the emblem plate 120 (see Fig. 17) face the same direction as the radiation surface 22. An insertion hole 56 is drilled in the fastening piece 55B in the thickness direction. That is, when the fastening pieces 55A and 55B are regarded as an integral fastening piece 55, the insertion hole 56 is drilled at the end in the vehicle width direction of the fastening piece 55.

[0072] The fastening piece 55A extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the side surface of the box body portion 40. The outer end in the vehicle width direction of the fastening piece 55A is connected to the second rib 52A. The fastening piece 55B is connected to the front end of the second rib 52A. The insertion hole 56 is drilled in the fastening piece 55B.

[0073] The first rib 51A is provided at the upper ends of the fastening pieces 55A and 55B. The first rib 51B is provided at the lower ends of the fastening pieces 55A and 55B. The first ribs 51A and 51B extend from the side surface of the box body portion 40 to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the fastening piece 55B.

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

[0075] The guide cylinder 57 is formed by the first ribs 51A and 51B and the second ribs 52A and 52B. The guide cylinder 57 is a square cylinder. The fastening piece 55B is provided at the front end of the guide cylinder 57. That is, the guide cylinder 57 surrounds the insertion hole 56.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 15, corresponding to the guide cylinder 57, a recessed portion 150 is formed in the front bumper 100. The recessed portion 150 is formed on the back surface of the frame 106. The recessed portion 150 is a square hole corresponding to the shape of the guide cylinder 57. A fastening hole 110 is drilled in the bottom surface of the recessed portion 150.

[0077] Also referring to FIG. 17, corresponding to the guide cylinder 57, a recessed portion 160 is formed in the emblem plate 120. The recessed portion 160 is formed on the back surface of the emblem plate 120. The recessed portion 160 is a square hole corresponding to the shape of the guide cylinder 57. A fastening hole 130 is drilled in the bottom surface of the recessed portion 160.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 15, when the radar device 10 is fastened to the front bumper 100, the guide cylinder 57 of the radar device 10 is fitted into the recessed portion 150 of the front bumper 100. At this time, the fastening piece 55B provided at the front end (see FIG. 16) of the guide cylinder 57 abuts against the bottom surface of the recessed portion 150. Accordingly, the insertion hole 56 of the fastening piece 55B and the fastening hole 110 of the recessed portion 150 are aligned axially.

[0079] Further, the guide cylinder 57 is fitted into the recessed portion 150 of the front bumper 100, so that the radar device 10 is temporarily fixed to the front bumper 100. The operator can once release the radar device 10 and go to get screws and tools. Further, by screwing the screw nut 90 into the insertion hole 56 and the fastening hole 110, the radar device 10 is fastened to the front bumper 100.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 17, when fastening the radar device 10 to the emblem plate 120, the guide cylinder 57 of the radar device 10 is fitted into the recessed portion 160 of the emblem plate 120. At this time, the fastening piece 55B provided at the front end (see FIG. 16) of the guide cylinder 57 abuts against the bottom surface of the recessed portion 160. Along with this, the insertion hole 56 of the fastening piece 55B and the fastening hole 130 of the recessed portion 160 are aligned axially.

[0081] Further, the guide cylinder 57 is fitted into the recessed portion 160 of the emblem plate 120, so that the radar device 10 is temporarily fixed to the front bumper 100. Further, by screwing the screw nut 90 into the insertion hole 56 and the fastening hole 130, the radar device 10 is fastened to the front bumper 100.

[0082] Also, as described above, due to thermal creep, the fastening piece 55B is recessed and the fastening force by the screw nut 90 is reduced. In this case, the holding structure by the guide cylinder 57 and the recessed portions 150 and 160 suppresses the relative position fluctuation between the radar device 10 and the front bumper 100 or the emblem plate 120.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0083] 10 Radar device, 20 Radar main body, 22 Radiation surface, 30 Housing, 40 Box body portion, 50 Bracket, 51 First rib, 52 Second rib, 55 Fastening piece, 55B1 Opposing surface of the fastening piece, 57 Guide cylinder, 90 Screw nut, 100 Front bumper, 110,130 Fastening holes, 112,132 Insertion cylinders, 120 Emblem plate, 130 Fastening hole, 150,160 Recessed portions.

Claims

1. A radar apparatus comprising a radar main body having a radiation surface, and a housing for housing the radar main body, wherein the housing comprises a box body portion for housing the radar main body, and a bracket protruding from the box body portion and fastened to a bumper or an emblem plate, wherein the bracket is made of a resin material, is disposed at a position offset in the thickness direction of the radar main body with respect to the center of gravity of the radar main body, and further comprises a fastening piece having a facing surface with the bumper or the emblem plate facing the same direction as the radiation surface and having an insertion hole drilled at an end portion, and a rib standing on the fastening piece, wherein the rib comprises a first rib extending from the box body portion to the end portion of the fastening piece. Radar apparatus.

2. The radar apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rib comprises a second rib orthogonal to the first rib. Radar apparatus.

3. The radar apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first rib and the second rib are disposed on the facing surface of the fastening piece, and a guide cylinder is formed by a pair of the first ribs and a pair of the second ribs. Radar apparatus.

4. A support structure for a radar apparatus, comprising the radar apparatus according to claim 3 and the bumper or the emblem plate to which the radar apparatus is fastened, wherein the guide cylinder surrounds the insertion hole, and the bumper or the emblem comprises an insertion cylinder to be inserted into the guide cylinder. Support structure for a radar apparatus.

5. A support structure for a radar apparatus, comprising the radar apparatus according to claim 3 and the bumper or the emblem plate to which the radar apparatus is fastened, wherein the guide cylinder surrounds the insertion hole, and the bumper or the emblem comprises a recess into which the guide cylinder is inserted, and a fastening hole axially aligned with the insertion hole is drilled at the bottom of the recess. Support structure for a radar apparatus.

6. The support structure for a radar apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the radar apparatus is fastened to the bumper or the emblem plate such that the radiation surface faces in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of the brackets are provided in an upper portion of the box body portion. Support structure for a radar apparatus.

7. The support structure for a radar apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the facing surface of the fastening piece is spaced apart from the radiation surface more than the back surface of the box body portion. Support structure for a radar apparatus. ​ ​

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