On-vehicle radar

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle radar.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle radar is provided, comprising a sensor, a case for accommodating at least a portion of the sensor, and a decoupling member disposed to abut the sensor and formed to have at least one drainage channel in communication with an exterior of the case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides an automotive radar, and in particular an automotive radar with a drainage channel. [Background technology]

[0002] Automobiles are an essential means of transportation in our daily lives. Generally, to prevent collisions with other vehicles or obstacles while driving or backing up, on-board radar is installed around the vehicle body to detect the distance between the vehicle and other vehicles or obstacles. Non-contact detection technologies such as ultrasonic and optical sensing inform the driver in real time of the safe distance while driving or backing up, preventing damage to the vehicle body and the resulting safety issues. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Taking ultrasonic automotive radar as an example, the internal sensor may transmit or receive signals through vibrations while the radar is in operation. To prevent the sensor from coming into contact with the vehicle's bumper or resonating with it, which could affect the signal content, designers place a decoupling ring inside the radar. However, traditional decoupling rings only cover a small area around the sensor, making them prone to deformation and warping as they age. Furthermore, when used in harsh weather conditions (such as winter or the rainy season), rain, snow, and frost from the external environment can easily accumulate on the sensor's surface, resulting in abnormal detection results.

[0004] According to the inventor's research, he has developed an on-board radar with drainage channels to prevent damage to the sensor from foreign substances such as rain and snow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides an on-vehicle radar, which includes, as one aspect thereof, a sensor, a case that houses at least a portion of the sensor, and a separating member that abuts against the sensor and that has at least one drainage channel that communicates with the outside of the case.

[0006] In the above aspect, the case may include a front portion, the sensor may protrude from the front portion, and the separation member may cover the other portion of the sensor and the front portion.

[0007] In the above aspect, a storage tank may be formed in the separating member, the storage tank being disposed between the sensor and the drainage channel and being in communication with the drainage channel.

[0008] In the above aspect, the separating member fitted to the sensor may include an inner wall, the storage tank may be formed on the inner wall, and a gap may be formed between the inner wall and the sensor.

[0009] In the above aspect, the separating member may define a circumferential direction, and the storage tank may extend along the circumferential direction and have a closed ring shape.

[0010] In the above aspect, the drainage channels may be plural, the separating member may define a circumferential direction, and the drainage channels may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0011] In the above aspect, the drainage channel may have a first end and a second end, the first end may be disposed between the sensor and the second end, and when the automotive radar is disposed in a motor vehicle, the height of the first end may be higher than or the same as the second end.

[0012] In the above aspect, the case may include a plurality of separation clips, the separation member may include a plurality of case clips, and the separation clips may be fastened to the case clips.

[0013] In the above aspect, the separating member may define a circumferential direction, and the case clips may be arranged at unequal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0014] In the above aspect, the separating member may be a sleeve made of rubber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As a result, the automotive radar of the present invention can discharge water, snow, or mud accumulated between the sensor and the separating member to the outside of the case through the drainage channel of the separating member, thereby achieving the effect of preventing damage to the sensor from foreign substances such as rain and snow.

[0016] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description and drawings are intended to set forth the method, means, and advantages employed to attain the objects of the invention. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the subsequent description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an on-vehicle radar according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the case in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the base in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the sensor in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the separating member in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the YY cross section in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of area B in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following is provided to explain embodiments of the present invention through specific examples, and those skilled in the art will easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention based on the disclosure of this specification. The directional terms used in the following examples, such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear, are merely directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are used for explanation purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, in the following examples, the same or similar parts may be designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0019] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the automotive radar of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of Figure 1. The automotive radar 1 of this embodiment can be applied to general vehicles, large vehicles, or industrial vehicles. The automotive radar 1 includes a case 100, a base 200, a sensor 300, and a separation member 400. The case 100 is, for example, a plastic part manufactured by injection molding. The base 200 is disc-shaped and made of low-hardness plastic. The sensor 300 is, for example, a directional ultrasonic sensor, and is disposed on the base 200 and assembled to the case 100 via the base 200. The separation member 400 is, for example, a soft rubber sleeve that abuts against the sensor 300 to prevent resonance between the sensor 300 and the vehicle. In this way, when the sensor 300 receives an ultrasonic signal reflected from an obstacle or another vehicle, it can convert the ultrasonic signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to a control component for signal processing via a connection terminal inside the case 100, and the accurate distance between the currently driving vehicle and the obstacle or other vehicle is displayed to the user. These components can be arranged along the vertical direction L. This completes the assembly of the automotive radar 1 in Figure 1.

[0020] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a right side view of the case in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a front view of Figure 3. Specifically, the case 100 has a hollow structure and includes a front section 110, a body section 120, and a rear section 130. A front opening 116 is formed in the front section 110. The body section 120 is disposed between the front section 110 and the rear section 130. A rear opening 136 is formed in the rear section 130. The front opening 116 communicates with the rear opening 136, and the front section 110, the body section 120, and the rear section 130 are aligned in order along the vertical direction L.

[0021] Furthermore, the front portion 110 may be slightly tapered. The outer diameter of the front portion 110 gradually increases along the vertical direction L. This allows the position of the sensor 300 in the vertical direction L to be limited by the dimensional relationship between the front portion 110 and the base 200 or the sensor 300 when the base 200 and the sensor 300 are assembled with the case 100 in the direction opposite to the vertical direction L from the rear opening 136.

[0022] Additionally, the body 120 includes a body outer wall 122, on which a plurality of separation clips 122a are formed. These separation clips 122a are, for example, grooves extending along the vertical direction L. When the separation member 400 is fitted into the case 100, the separation clips 122a press against the separation member 400, thereby increasing the joining force between the two. As shown in FIG. 4, the case 100 can define a circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the number of separation clips 122a is, for example, three, and they are located on the left, right, and upper sides in FIG. 4. In other words, the separation clips 122a are arranged at irregular intervals in the circumferential direction, thereby providing a foolproof effect when assembling the case 100 and the separation member 400. The separation clips 122a allow the separation member 400 to be fitted or embedded into the case 100 only in a specific direction. This prevents misalignment of parts, improves assembly efficiency and yield, and reduces labor costs.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a right side view of the base in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a front view of Figure 5. Specifically, the base 200 may include a base main body 210 and an extension portion 220. The base main body 210 and the extension portion 220 are aligned in sequence along the vertical direction L. The extension portion 220 protrudes from the rear end surface of the base main body 210. In addition, the base main body 210 includes a plurality of clip portions 212. These clip portions 212 may be grooves recessed radially inward. The number of clip portions 212 is, for example, three, and they are arranged on a tapered surface of the base main body 210. The clip portions 212 are spaced apart at different intervals in the circumferential direction defined by the base 200. This provides a foolproof effect when assembling the case 100.

[0024] Furthermore, the base body 210 may include a receiving portion 214 and at least one limiting portion 216. The receiving portion 214 may be, for example, a groove recessed inward in the vertical direction L. The limiting portion 216 may have a stepped structure protruding from the bottom of the receiving portion 214. There may be, for example, two limiting portions 216, which are located on the upper and lower sides of the base body 210 in FIG. 6. It is preferable that a through-hole 260 is formed in the base 200 to fit with the sensor 300. The through-hole 260 passes through the base body 210 and the extension portion 220 in the vertical direction L, allowing a portion of the sensor 300 to pass through and achieving a positional limiting effect.

[0025] In some possible embodiments, the base body 210 further includes a locking groove 218. The locking groove 218 is arranged on the side of the base body 210, for example, along the circumferential direction, to provide a more stable coupling force when the case 100 and the base 200 are mated together and to prevent misalignment between the case 100 and the base 200 in the vertical direction L and the radial direction, which will be further described below.

[0026] Please refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a right side view of the sensor in FIG. 2. As shown in the drawing, the sensor 300 of this embodiment includes a sensor body 310, an insulating portion 320, and a terminal portion 330. The sensor body 310 is a hollow case made of, for example, aluminum metal, and can accommodate electronic components necessary for emitting and detecting ultrasonic waves. The insulating portion 320 is made of, for example, electrically insulating rubber or plastic, and is used to fit with the base 200. The terminal portion 330 is, for example, a metal contact pin. There are two terminal portions 330, and they are electrically connected to the electronic components inside the sensor body 310. The terminal portion 330 can be used as a connection bridge between the sensor 300 and other electrical circuits or electronic components. In another possible embodiment, the terminal portion 330 may be a conductor formed as a twisted pair. The conductor may be straight, curved, or bent at a specific point. The present invention does not impose any limitations thereon. In this embodiment, at least one limiting feature 312 is formed in the sensor body 310. The limiting features 312 are, for example, recesses whose shape corresponds to the limiting portion 216. The limiting features 312 are, for example, two in number, and are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the sensor body 310 in FIG.

[0027] Please refer to Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 is a right side view of the separating member in Figure 2. Figure 9 is a rear view of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along the YY section in Figure 9. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 10. The separating member 400 of this embodiment has, for example, a hollow structure and includes a separating body 410, a connecting portion 420, and a contracting portion 430. The outer diameter of the separating body 410 is larger than the outer diameter of the contracting portion 430. The connecting portion 420 connects the separating body 410 and the contracting portion 430. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 420 gradually increases along the vertical direction L. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the separating body 410, the connecting portion 420, and the contracting portion 430 each include a first inner wall 412, a second inner wall 422, and a third inner wall 432. A plurality of case clips 412a are formed on the first inner wall 412. These case clips 412a are, for example, protrusions that protrude radially inward from the first inner wall 412. There are three case clips 412a, and their positions and shapes correspond to the separation clips 122a. As a result, when the case 100, the sensor 300, and the separation member 400 are assembled together, the separation body 410 is attached to the surface of the case 100, thereby preventing external contaminants from entering the interior of the automotive radar 1.

[0028] In severe weather conditions, traces of moisture between the sensor 300 and the separating member 400 are likely to condense into small droplets due to low outside temperatures, which may then freeze and form frost, affecting the detection results of the sensor 300. To address this, the separating member 400 of this embodiment has at least one drainage channel 460 formed in the third inner wall 432, which is connected to the outside of the case 100. When small droplets of water condense on the surface of the sensor 300, they can flow along the drainage channel 460, passing through the third inner wall 432, the second inner wall 422, and the first inner wall 412, and finally out of the case 100 without remaining inside the automotive radar 1. This extends the service life of the automotive radar 1.

[0029] In addition, the separating member 400 may have the function of collecting and concentrating water droplets from different areas before discharging them. Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of drainage channels 460 is, for example, four, and they are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the separating member 400. The drainage channel 460 in FIG. 11 has a first end 462 and a second end 464. The first end 462 is arranged between the sensor 300 and the second end 464. When the automotive radar 1 is installed in a vehicle, the height of the first end 462 is higher than or equal to the second end 464. Meanwhile, the separating member 400 further has a storage tank 470. The storage tank 470 is arranged between the sensor 300 and the drainage channels 460, forming a closed ring-shaped groove extending circumferentially and communicating with all of the drainage channels 460. With this arrangement, when small water droplets condense on the top or sides of sensor 300 and are difficult to drain from case 100 due to gravity alone, they can flow and accumulate in storage tank 470 through adjacent drain channel 460. When the liquid level reaches a set threshold, the liquid flows from first end 462 to second end 464 via lower drain channel 460, preventing small water droplets or frost from accumulating in a specific area on the surface of sensor 300.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in Figure 1. Figure 13 is an enlarged view of area B in Figure 12. When assembling the automotive radar 1, the sensor body 310 is placed on the base body 210, and the insulating portion 320 and the terminal portion 330 can be inserted through the through-hole 260. At this time, the limiting portion 216 and the limiting feature 312 fit together to ensure that the base 200 and the sensor 300 are firmly connected, and the sensor 300 can be fixed to the base 200 by a fixing means such as an adhesive. Then, the case 100 and the base 200 are fixed to each other using a clip structure, and the base 200 is abutted against the front portion 110 of the case 100. This allows a portion of the sensor body 310 to protrude from the front portion 110. At this time, pressure can be applied to create an interference fit between the case 100 and the base 200, so that a portion of the inner wall of the case 100 is positioned within the locking groove 218, thereby increasing the bonding strength between them. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the sensor 300 may be completely housed within the case 100. The present invention does not impose any limitations thereon.

[0031] Next, the separation member 400 is fitted to the case 100 and the sensor 300. The separation member 400 covers the front part 110 and a portion of the sensor body 310 that protrudes from the front part 110. Unlike conventional configurations in which the separation part only covers the periphery of the transducer, the separation member 400 of this embodiment covers the front part 110 of the case 100. This makes it less likely to warp even if it is deformed after long-term use. In addition to improving concealment, gaps are less likely to form between the case 100 and the separation member 400, reducing the possibility of substances such as water and gas entering the interior.

[0032] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13 , when the separating member 400 abuts against the sensor 300, a gap is formed between the third inner wall 432 and the sensor 300. This ensures that the separating member 400 does not tightly encase the sensor 300. Not only does this facilitate the passage of condensed water droplets through the drainage channel 460 and the storage tank 470, but even if the vehicle itself generates larger vibrations, these vibrations will not interfere with the vibrations generated when the sensor 300 transmits and receives signals. This arrangement allows the drainage channel 460 and the storage tank 470 to guide water droplets on the surface of the sensor 300 from the first end 462 to the second end 464, and also allows them to be discharged to the outside of the case 100. Furthermore, the negative pressure generated when assembling components inside the automotive radar 1 can be suppressed, improving the stability and convenience of automated assembly.

[0033] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the features and advantages of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is as defined in the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1. Automotive radar 100 cases 110 Front 116 Front opening 120 body part 122 Outer wall of the body 122a Breakaway Clip 130 rear 132 Rear exterior wall 136 Rear opening 200 base 210 Base body 212 Clip part 214 Storage Unit 216 Restricted Section 218 Lock groove 220 Stretching section 260 Through Hole 300 sensors 310 Sensor body 312 Restricted Features 320 Insulation section 330 Terminal section 400 Separation member 410 Separate body 412 First inner wall 412a Case Clip 420 Connection 422 Second inner wall 430 Contraction section 432 Third inner wall 460 Drainage Channel 462 First end 464 Second end 470 Storage Tank 500 connection terminal Areas A and B L vertical direction XX, YY cross section

Claims

1. The sensor and a case that houses at least a portion of the sensor; a separating member that abuts against the sensor and has at least one drainage channel formed therein that communicates with the outside of the case.

2. 2. The vehicle-mounted radar according to claim 1, wherein the case includes a front portion, the sensor protrudes relative to the front portion, and the separating member covers the other portion of the sensor and the front portion.

3. 2. The vehicle-mounted radar according to claim 1, wherein the separating member is formed with a storage tank, the storage tank being disposed between the sensor and the at least one drainage channel and communicating with the at least one drainage channel.

4. 4. The vehicle-mounted radar according to claim 3, wherein the separating member fitted to the sensor includes an inner wall, the storage tank is formed on the inner wall, and a gap is formed between the inner wall and the sensor.

5. 4. The vehicle-mounted radar according to claim 3, wherein the separating member defines a circumferential direction, and the storage tank extends along the circumferential direction and is in the shape of a closed ring.

6. The automotive radar according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drainage channel is plural, the separating member defines a circumferential direction, and the at least one drainage channel is arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

7. 2. The automotive radar according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drainage channel has a first end and a second end, the first end is disposed between the sensor and the second end, and when the automotive radar is disposed on a motor vehicle, the height of the first end is higher than or the same as that of the second end.

8. 2. The vehicle-mounted radar according to claim 1, wherein the case includes a plurality of separation clips, the separation member includes a plurality of case clips, and the separation clips are fastened to the plurality of case clips.

9. The vehicle-mounted radar according to claim 8, wherein the separating member defines a circumferential direction, and the plurality of case clips are arranged at uneven intervals along the circumferential direction.

10. 2. The vehicle-mounted radar according to claim 1, wherein the separating member is a rubber sleeve.

Images