Radar apparatus

Abstract

To provide a radar device capable of suppressing deterioration of radio wave directivity characteristics while being miniaturized.SOLUTION: The radar device includes: a plurality of array antennas that transmit and receive detection waves for detecting an object by electrically vibrating a plurality of elements arranged in an array in a predetermined vibration direction; a substrate including a first surface on which the array antennas can be mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a case that accommodates the substrate and supports the second surface; a cover that covers the case accommodating the substrate from a side of the first surface of the substrate; and a fastening member that fastens the cover, the substrate, and the case together in a first region of the substrate where a distance to a substrate edge parallel to the first direction is long with reference to a mounting position of the substrate on which the array antenna capable of electrically vibrating in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the elements are arranged is mounted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a radar device. [Background technology]

[0002] A radar device includes, for example, a substrate on which an antenna is mounted, a case that supports the substrate, and a cover that covers the substrate. The substrate is held between the case and the cover. The antenna emits radio waves through the cover made of a dielectric material. Technologies have been put into practical use that use such radar devices as in-vehicle devices to detect conditions inside a vehicle, such as occupant detection and seating position detection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-008474 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To install a radar device in a vehicle interior with extremely limited spare space, the radar device must be miniaturized. This requires downsizing the housings, such as the case and cover, that make up the radar device, as well as the circuit board. On the other hand, reducing the number of antennas installed is undesirable to maintain the radar device's detection characteristics. In this situation, if the circuit board is downsized, the board area becomes insufficient relative to the antenna opening area, making the antenna more susceptible to the influence of the housing and the circuit board edges when operating. This can result in unstable radio wave directivity characteristics. Furthermore, when fitting a case and a cover, screws are often used for ease of operation and cost considerations. However, if the screws are placed without considering the radio wave characteristics, the shape of the cover for screw placement and the presence of the screws themselves can affect the radio wave characteristics, further degrading the radio wave directivity characteristics.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a radar device that can be miniaturized while suppressing deterioration of the radio wave directivity characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A radar device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a plurality of array antennas that transmit and receive detection waves to detect objects by electrically vibrating a plurality of elements arranged in an array in a predetermined vibration direction; a substrate having a first surface on which the array antennas can be mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a case that houses the substrate and supports the second surface; a cover that covers the case from the side of the first surface of the substrate when the substrate is housed therein; and a fastening member that fastens the cover, the substrate, and the case together in a first region of the substrate that is farther from a mounting position of the substrate on which the array antenna that can electrically vibrate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in which the elements are arranged is mounted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the radar device according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the board while suppressing the deterioration of the radio wave directivity characteristics. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic explanatory diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a radar device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic exploded perspective view showing main components constituting the radar device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic plan view showing the radar device according to the embodiment as viewed from the cover (radome) side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a radar device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing the radar device according to the embodiment as viewed from the cover (radome) side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments described below, as well as the actions, results, and advantages brought about by the configurations, are merely examples. The present invention can be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments, and it is possible to obtain at least one of the various advantages based on the basic configurations and derivative advantages.

[0010] Fig. 1 is an exemplary schematic explanatory diagram showing a vehicle 100 equipped with a radar device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 according to this embodiment includes a vehicle body 102, a plurality of seats 104, and an occupant detection system 12. However, the vehicle 100 is not limited to this example.

[0011] For convenience, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are defined herein. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to one another. The X-axis is aligned along the width of the vehicle 100. The Y-axis is aligned along the length of the vehicle 100. The Z-axis is aligned along the height of the vehicle 100.

[0012] Furthermore, in this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, and includes the +X direction (rightward) indicated by the X axis arrow and the −X direction (leftward) opposite the X axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, and includes the +Y direction (forward) indicated by the Y axis arrow and the −Y direction (backward) opposite the Y axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, and includes the +Z direction (upward) indicated by the Z axis arrow and the −Z direction (downward) opposite the Z axis arrow.

[0013] A plurality of seats 104 are arranged in a passenger compartment R of a vehicle body 102. The occupant detection system 12 can detect the presence and location of occupants who may be present in the passenger compartment R. The occupant detection result by the occupant detection system 12 can be used, for example, for a seat belt reminder. The seat belt reminder notifies, for example, of seat positions in the passenger compartment R where an occupant has been detected but the seat belt is not fastened.

[0014] The occupant detection system 12 includes a radar device 10 and a control device 14. The radar device 10 may also be referred to as a sensor device or a radio wave sensor. The radar device 10 is not limited to being installed in the occupant detection system 12, and may be installed in other systems that detect objects.

[0015] The radar device 10 is provided, for example, on a ceiling 102a of a vehicle body 102. The ceiling 102a is provided at an end of the vehicle interior R in the +Z direction. The radar device 10 emits radio waves as transmission waves toward the vehicle interior R and receives reflected waves generated when the transmission waves are reflected by an object present in the vehicle interior R. Note that the transmission waves and the received waves may be collectively referred to as detection waves. In other words, the radar device 10 forms a detection area F and detects objects in the detection area F. The control device 14 is provided, for example, in the dashboard and is electrically connected to the radar device 10 via a network such as a CAN (Controller Area Network). The locations of the radar device 10 and the control device 14 are not limited to this example. The occupant detection system 12 may also include multiple radar devices 10.

[0016] Fig. 2 is an exemplary and schematic exploded perspective view showing the main components constituting the radar device 10. Fig. 3 is an exemplary and schematic plan view showing the radar device 10 as viewed from the cover side. Fig. 4 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the radar device 10. Fig. 5 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the radar device 10 as viewed from the cover side.

[0017] The radar device 10 is composed of main components such as an array antenna 16, a substrate 18, a case 20, a radome 22 that functions as a cover, and screws 24 that function as fastening members.

[0018] The array antenna 16 transmits and receives detection waves for detecting objects by electrically vibrating a plurality of antenna elements 16a arranged in an array in a predetermined vibration direction. A plurality of array antennas 16 are mounted on a substrate 18. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a transmitting array antenna 16A and a receiving array antenna 16B are mounted on a first surface 18a of the substrate 18, rotated by approximately 90° so as to be orthogonal to each other. Note that the arrangement of the antenna elements 16a and the mounting position and mounting form of the array antenna 16 (transmitting array antenna 16A and receiving array antenna 16B) are not limited to this example.

[0019] The transmitting array antenna 16A emits radio waves as transmission waves into the vehicle interior R. For example, the transmitting array antenna 16A emits radio waves (detection waves) of a predetermined frequency. The receiving array antenna 16B receives reflected waves (detection waves) generated when the transmission waves are reflected by an object present in the vehicle interior R. The transmitting array antenna 16A and the receiving array antenna 16B can be virtually equivalent to being arranged in, for example, a matrix using signal processing, thereby achieving transmission and reception of detection waves with desired radio wave directivity characteristics relative to the antenna aperture area. The array antenna 16 can form a detection area F that extends from the first surface 18a on which the array antenna 16 is provided toward approximately the −Z direction (see FIG. 1), which is the direction in which the first surface 18a faces.

[0020] The substrate 18 is, for example, a flat printed circuit board (PCB) extending in the X and Y directions. However, the substrate 18 is not limited to this example. The substrate 18 has, for example, a first surface 18a on which the array antenna 16 can be mounted and a second surface 18b opposite the first surface 18a. Although not shown, the substrate 18 further has various electronic components and electrical circuits. For example, a transmitter and a receiver are provided on the substrate 18. The transmitter and receiver include the array antenna 16, and an oscillator circuit, an AD converter, an amplifier, a filter circuit, and the like, which are provided on the substrate 18. The transmitter emits a transmission wave from the transmitting array antenna 16A. The receiver generates an electrical signal indicating the intensity of the reflected wave received by the receiving array antenna 16B.

[0021] Furthermore, the substrate 18 has an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the radar device 10. The ECU is a microcontroller having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and various electronic components. The ECU, for example, controls the transmitter and receiver and performs processes related to the generation of data based on the reflected waves received by the receiver. The ECU is mounted, for example, on the second surface 18b of the substrate 18. Note that electronic components and electrical circuits other than the array antenna 16 may be mounted together on the second surface 18b side to suppress any influence on the transmission and reception of detection waves by the array antenna 16.

[0022] 1 is, for example, an ECU having a CPU, memory, and various electronic components. The control device 14 is electrically connected to the ECU on the board 18. The control device 14 controls the ECU on the board 18 to cause the transmitting array antenna 16A to emit a transmission wave, and obtains from the ECU on the board 18 an electrical signal indicating the intensity of the reflected wave received by the receiving array antenna 16B.

[0023] The case 20 is, for example, made of metal, in the shape of a substantially rectangular box with one side open and a bottom, and has an internal storage space S for storing the substrate 18. The case 20 supports the second surface 18b of the substrate 18. The case 20 may also include a heat dissipation fan, heat dissipation fins, etc. for dissipating heat generated by the array antenna 16 and other electronic components mounted on the substrate 18 housed in the case 20.

[0024] The radome 22 is formed of a dielectric material such as synthetic resin, and functions as a cover that covers the case 20, in which the substrate 18 is housed, from the side of the first surface 18a of the substrate 18. The radome 22 is fitted to the case 20. A sealing member may be interposed between the radome 22 and the case 20. Fitting the radome 22 to the case 20 substantially seals the housing space S, thereby preventing water, dust, and the like from entering the housing space S in which the substrate 18 is housed. Furthermore, by covering the substrate 18 with the radome 22 exposed to the vehicle interior R side when the radar device 10 is in use, the radome 22 has the function of protecting the substrate 18 and the like from external forces even if an external force is applied to the radar device 10 from the vehicle interior R side. Detection waves (transmitted waves) emitted from the array antenna 16 and reflected waves (received waves) reflected by an object are transmitted and received through the radome 22.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the radome 22 has flanges 22a provided on parts of the opposing outer walls. In the case of Figures 2 and 3, flanges 22a are provided in, for example, two locations. Fixing openings 22b are formed in the flanges 22a. Fixing members such as screws and clips can be inserted into the fixing openings 22b. The radar device 10, in which the radome 22, the substrate 18, and the case 20 are integrated, can be fixed to the ceiling 102a of the vehicle interior R by using the screws, clips, etc. inserted into the fixing openings 22b of the flanges 22a.

[0026] 2 and 3, counterbore portions 22s (22sa, 22ab, 22ac, 22sd) are formed at predetermined positions of the radome 22 to stabilize the seating of the screws 24 when the screws 24 are used and to accommodate the screw heads and smooth the surface of the radome 22. The positions of the counterbore portions 22s will be described in detail later, including the fastening positions with the screws 24.

[0027] The screw 24 is a fastening member that fastens the radome 22, the substrate 18, and the case 20 together while they are stacked in the Z direction, thereby completing the radar device 10 as a single sensor device component. Considering cost and workability, the screw 24 may be made of metal, but is not limited to this. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2 (FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 4, the screw 24 is inserted from the radome 22 side, penetrates the substrate 18, and then screws into the female thread portion 20a formed in the case 20. As a result, the substrate 18 is clamped between the radome 22 and the case 20 and fastened together. By clamping the substrate 18 between the radome 22 and the case 20 and fastening them together, the substrate 18 in the radar device 10 is firmly fixed. As a result, even when the radar device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 100 and used in a vibration environment, it can stably transmit and receive detection waves.

[0028] However, when radar devices are miniaturized by reducing the size of the circuit board relative to the antenna aperture area, the circuit board's ground becomes weaker, making it more susceptible to electrical influences from the radome and case, which can lead to electrical instability. As a result, the radar device's radio wave directivity characteristics can deteriorate. Furthermore, detection waves in an electrically unstable state are more likely to be reflected and refracted from the radome's wall and are more susceptible to the shape of the radome itself and the screws used to fasten the radome, circuit board, and case together. As a result, the radio wave directivity characteristics of the array antenna (radar device) can be further deteriorated.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the radar device 10 of this embodiment. Using FIG. 2, we will explain the radio wave directivity characteristics and the structure of a typical radome, substrate, and case fastened together. For example, when fastening a substantially rectangular substrate 18 to a radome 22 and a case 20 together, screws 24 are typically placed at positions corresponding to the four corners of the substrate 18. Consider a case in which an antenna element 16a of the receiving array antenna 16B electrically vibrates in the direction of arrow E (a second direction described below). It is known that the detection wave from the antenna element 16a electrically vibrating in the direction of arrow E is easily affected by an object existing parallel to the arrangement direction of the antenna element 16a (a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow E). For example, it is known that the detection wave is likely to bend back from an edge 18e1 of the substrate 18 (an edge parallel to the arrangement direction of the antenna elements 16a of the receiving array antenna 16B) located close to the antenna element 16a (a short margin distance). Conversely, it is known that the degree to which the detection wave bends backward from the edge portion 18e2 (edge ​​portion parallel to the arrangement direction of the antenna elements 16a of the receiving array antenna 16B) of the substrate 18, which is located far from the antenna element 16a (longer margin distance), is reduced compared to the edge portion 18e1 side, which has a shorter margin distance from the antenna element 16a.

[0030] In other words, when the antenna element 16a electrically vibrates in the direction of arrow E, the difference in the margin distance disrupts the balance between the radio wave characteristics on the edge portion 18e1 side of the substrate 18 and the radio wave characteristics on the edge portion 18e2 side, which may cause degradation of the radio wave directivity characteristics of the array antenna 16 (radar device 10). Furthermore, the wall surface of the radome 22 is located near the edge portion 18e1, which is prone to the influence of the detection wave being deflected. In this case, if the shape of the wall surface of the radome 22 is complex (e.g., the thickness varies in a complex manner) or if there are screws 24 on the wall surface that fasten the detection wave together, reflection and refraction of the detection wave are likely to occur, further significantly affecting the radio wave characteristics. As a result, this may cause further degradation of the radio wave directivity characteristics of the array antenna 16 (radar device 10). It is known that wall surfaces parallel to the electrical vibration direction (direction of arrow E) of the antenna element 16a have little effect on the radio wave characteristics.

[0031] 2, 5, etc., the radar device 10 of this embodiment has a shape that suppresses changes in the thickness of an object extending in a direction perpendicular to the electrical vibration direction (the direction of arrow E) of the antenna element 16a (receiving array antenna 16B), specifically, a wall surface 22wa of the radome 22. In other words, the wall surface 22wa of the radome 22 has a shape that does not include any screws 24 or any portions with changed thickness for inserting the screws 24.

[0032] The structure of the radar device 10 will be specifically described with reference to Figures 2 and 5. First, we will focus on the array antenna 16 (e.g., the receiving array antenna 16B) that can electrically vibrate in a second direction E (the direction of arrow E) perpendicular to the first direction D in which the antenna elements 16a are arranged. Using the mounting position of the receiving array antenna 16B on the substrate 18 as a reference, a first region W1 is defined as an edge 18e2 side that is parallel to the first direction D and far from the mounting position of the receiving array antenna 16B. Using the mounting position of the receiving array antenna 16B as a reference, a second region W2 is defined as an edge 18e1 side that is parallel to the first direction D and close to the mounting position. As described above, the fastening position of the co-fastening screw 24 (fastening member) that is set in the second region W2 in a typical structure is set in the first region W1 in this embodiment.

[0033] That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the through holes 18h1 and 18h2 for fastening the radome 22, the substrate 18, and the case 20 together are provided in the first region W1 of the substrate 18. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the counterbore portions 22sa and 22ab for the screws 24 are provided at positions other than the wall surface 22wa of the radome 22 near the edge portion 18e1, where the margin distance for the detection wave (radio wave) to deviate is short when the receiving array antenna 16B (antenna element 16a) electrically vibrates in the second direction E. As a result, the shape of the wall surface 22wa can be made simple and uniform with little thickness variation, thereby mitigating the reflection and refraction of the detection wave at the wall surface 22wa. This reduces the influence of the wall surface 22wa on the radio wave characteristics of the receiving array antenna 16B (antenna element 16a). Furthermore, because there are no screws 24 on the wall surface 22wa, the influence of the screws 24 on the radio wave characteristics can also be eliminated.

[0034] The countersunk portions 22sa, 22ab of the screws 24 formed in the first region W1 are formed in the wall surfaces 22wb, 22wc of the radome 22 that are present on the sides of the array antenna 16 that can electrically vibrate in the second direction E (direction of arrow E). In this case, as described above, the wall surfaces 22wb, 22wc are parallel to the electrical vibration direction (second direction E) of the antenna element 16a, so it can be considered that the shape of the wall surfaces 22wb, 22wc and the presence of the screws 24 have little effect on the radio wave characteristics of the array antenna 16.

[0035] Furthermore, since there are no screws 24 in the second region W2 on the wall surface 22wa side, there is no need to provide through holes 18h1 and 18h2 for the screws 24 in the second region W2 (wall surface 22wa side) in the substrate 18. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of at least the second region W2 of the substrate 18 in the second direction E. In other words, it is possible to reduce the size of the radar device 10 while suppressing deterioration of the radio wave directivity characteristics.

[0036] Furthermore, among the screws 24, the screws 24 and countersunk portions 22sc, 22sd near the edge portion 18e2 of the substrate 18 originally have a low effect on the radio wave characteristics of the array antenna 16, so the end position of the substrate 18 may be maintained.

[0037] Furthermore, the countersunk portions 22sa, 22sb, 22sc, and 22sd (through holes 18h1, 18h2, 18h3, and 18h4 of the substrate 18) may be disposed at any position in the first region W1 as long as the joint strength (fastening strength) of the substrate 18, the case 20, and the radome 22 can be ensured. Furthermore, while Fig. 2 and other figures show an example in which four screws 24 are used for joint fastening, the number of screws may be increased or decreased as appropriate as long as the joint strength required for joint fastening the substrate 18, the case 20, and the radome 22 can be ensured.

[0038] In this way, the position where the substrate 18, the case 20, and the radome 22 are fastened together is set in the first region W1, where a sufficient distance can be secured to the end of the substrate 18 that is parallel to the direction orthogonal to the electrical vibration direction of the array antenna 16. This structure makes it possible to reduce reflection and refraction caused by the wall surface 22wa of the radome 22 near the array antenna 16. Furthermore, since there are no screws 24 on the wall surface 22wa, it is possible to suppress reflection and refraction caused by the screws 24, and the absence of the screws 24 also makes it possible to reduce space. Therefore, with the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to reduce the size of the radar device 10 while suppressing deterioration of the radio wave directivity characteristics.

[0039] As described above, in the radar device 10 of this embodiment, the fastening positions of the screws 24 are set in the first region W1 of the substrate 18, which is parallel to a direction perpendicular to the electrical vibration direction of the array antenna 16 and is located on the edge portion 18e2 side of the substrate 18 that is far from the array antenna 16. Therefore, the static load characteristics of the radome 22 may be reduced in the second region W2 where the screws are not fastened together. If an external force is applied to the portion with reduced static load characteristics, for example, if the radome 22 is pressed from the detection wave emission surface 22t side, this may cause problems such as deformation of the radome 22 and the substrate 18 therein.

[0040] Therefore, in the radar device 10 of this embodiment, a support portion 26 may be provided on at least a part of the second region W2 (the side not fastened together with the screws 24) opposite the first region W1 of the substrate 18, with the array antenna 16 electrically vibrating in the second direction E sandwiched therebetween. The support portion 26 functions to support the radome 22 with respect to the substrate 18 and the case 20. The support portion 26 may be formed, for example, on the back side (inner wall surface) of the detection wave emission surface 22t of the radome 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the support portion 26 may be, for example, a pin-shaped boss provided on the inner wall surface of the radome 22. The support portion 26 is configured to come into contact with and press, for example, both ends of the edge portion 18e1 of the substrate 18 when the radome 22 is fastened together with the substrate 18. As a result, this contributes to improving the static load characteristics of the radome 22 (radar device 10), and for example, even if an external force is applied to the radome 22, the function of protecting the radome 22 (radar device 10) from damage caused by the external force is improved.

[0041] The support portions 26 may be formed from the same material as the radome 22 and have the smallest size and shape necessary to provide the required strength, thereby minimizing the effect on the radio wave characteristics of the array antenna 16. The support portions 26 may be disposed at any position corresponding to the second region W2. The number of support portions 26 may be varied as needed as long as the static load characteristics required for the radar device 10 are obtained; at least one support portion 26 may be provided. The support portions 26 may be disposed, for example, at the center of the second region W2. As shown in FIG. 2, the support portions 26 are preferably disposed at both ends of the second region W2 of the substrate 18 in the first direction D, i.e., at the corners of the radome 22. In this case, the support portions 26 can minimize the effect on the radio wave characteristics due to the support portions 26 and can efficiently and stably support the radome 22, thereby contributing to improved static load characteristics.

[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the support portions 26 are formed integrally with the radome 22. However, in other embodiments, the support portions 26 may be formed integrally with the substrate 18 or may be disposed as independent spacers between the substrate 18 and the radome 22. In either case, the support portions 26 may be configured to support the radome 22 relative to the substrate 18. The support portions 26 may also be disposed on the first region W1 side. By disposing the support portions 26 at positions other than those at which the screws 24 are disposed, the static load characteristics of the radome 22 (radar device 10) as a whole can be improved. Furthermore, the support portions 26 may be disposed in place of some of the screws 24, as long as the fastening strength between the case 20, the substrate 18, and the radome 22 can be ensured.

[0043] As described above, the radar device 10 of this embodiment includes a plurality of array antennas 16 in which a plurality of antenna elements 16a (elements) arranged in an array electrically vibrate in a predetermined vibration direction to transmit and receive detection waves for detecting an object; a substrate 18 having a first surface 18a on which the array antennas 16 can be mounted and a second surface 18b opposite to the first surface 18a; a case 20 that houses the substrate 18 and supports the second surface 18b; and a case 20 in which the substrate 18 is housed. The case 20 includes a radome 22 (cover) that covers the first surface 18a of the substrate 18, and a screw 24 (fastening member) that fastens the radome 22, the substrate 18, and the case 20 together in a first region W1 on the substrate 18 that is farther from the mounting position of the substrate 18 on which the array antenna 16 that can be electrically vibrated in a second direction E that is perpendicular to the first direction D in which the antenna elements 16a are arranged is mounted.

[0044] According to this configuration, for example, the screws 24 that fasten the case 20, the substrate 18, and the radome 22 together are arranged in the first region W1 of the substrate 18, which ensures a long margin in the second direction E, which is the electrical vibration direction of the array antenna 16. As a result, it is possible to reduce reflection and refraction caused by the radome 22 near the array antenna 16, and to reduce the impact on the radio wave characteristics of the array antenna 16 (antenna elements 16a). Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the radio wave directivity characteristics of the array antenna 16. Furthermore, by fastening the screws 24 in the first region W1, it is possible to reduce the required area of ​​the substrate 18 on the opposite side of the first region W1 across the array antenna 16, which contributes to the miniaturization of the substrate 18 and, further, the radar device 10.

[0045] Furthermore, in the substrate 18 of the radar device 10 of this embodiment, for example, a support portion 26 for supporting the radome 22 (cover) on the substrate 18 and the case 20 may be provided in at least a part of the second region W2 opposite to the first region W1, with the array antenna 16 electrically vibrating in the second direction E sandwiched therebetween. With this configuration, for example, the radome 22 can be supported by the support portion 26 even on the second region W2 side where there are no screws 24 for co-fastening. As a result, the static load characteristics of the radome 22 and further the radar device 10 against external forces can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, the support parts 26 of the radar device 10 of this embodiment may be provided, for example, at both ends in the first direction D in the second region W2 of the substrate 18. This configuration makes it possible to efficiently and stably support the radome 22 while minimizing the influence of the support parts 26 on radio wave characteristics, and also contributes to improving static load characteristics.

[0047] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described, these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10...radar device, 16...array antenna, 16a...antenna element, 18...substrate, 20...case, 22...radome (cover), 24...screw (fastening member), 26...support part, D...first direction, E...second direction, W1...first region, W2...second region.

Claims

1. a plurality of array antennas each having a plurality of elements arranged in an array that electrically vibrate in a predetermined vibration direction to transmit and receive detection waves for detecting an object; a substrate having a first surface on which the array antenna can be mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a case that houses the substrate and supports the second surface; a cover that covers the case in a state in which the substrate is housed, from the side of the first surface of the substrate; a fastening member for fastening the cover, the substrate, and the case together in a first region of the substrate, the first region being on the far side of a distance to a substrate edge parallel to the first direction, based on a mounting position of the substrate on which the array antenna, which is electrically vibrating in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction in which the elements are arranged, is mounted; Including, Radar equipment.

2. 2. The radar device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is provided with a support portion in at least a part of a second region opposite the first region, across the array antenna that can be electrically vibrated in the second direction, for supporting the cover against the substrate and the case.

3. The radar device according to claim 2 , wherein the support portions are provided on both ends of the second region of the substrate in the first direction.

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