Radar cover and radar cover unit

Abstract

The radar cover can prevent ice and snow from affecting the radar unit. [Solution] A radar cover 10 through which radio waves emitted from a radar unit R are transmitted, comprising a base portion 11 whose back surface 11a faces the radar unit R, and an adhesion suppression layer 12 covering at least the area on the front surface 11b of the base portion 11 through which radio waves are transmitted, wherein the adhesion suppression layer 12 contains a lubricating liquid that has lubricating properties against ice and snow and is made of a liquid release material that pushes the lubricating liquid to the surface when cooled below a reference temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0007] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a radar cover and a radar cover unit.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a radar unit that detects obstacles around a vehicle using radio waves such as millimeter waves has been mounted on the vehicle. Such a radar unit is disposed inside a radar cover provided on the front surface of the vehicle, and transmits and receives radio waves that pass through the radar cover and the like. Therefore, in a vehicle equipped with the above-described radar unit, the radar cover needs to be formed so as to transmit the radio wave while suppressing attenuation of the radio wave.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, since the radar cover is exposed to the outside of the vehicle, ice and snow may adhere to it. When ice and snow adhere to the radar cover, attenuation of radio waves may increase, or radio waves may be reflected, and there is a risk that the performance of the radar unit cannot be exhibited. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent ice and snow from adhering to the radar cover.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to make it possible to prevent ice and snow from affecting the radar unit in the radar cover.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As means for solving the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a radar cover through which radio waves emitted from a radar unit are transmitted, comprising a base whose back surface faces the radar unit, and an adhesion suppression layer covering at least the area on the front surface of the base through which the radio waves are transmitted, wherein the adhesion suppression layer is made of a liquid release material that contains a lubricating liquid having lubricating properties against ice and snow and which pushes the lubricating liquid to the surface when cooled below a reference temperature.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a radar cover unit comprising the radar cover of the first aspect and a heater located between the back surface of the base and the radar unit.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the second aspect described above, the heater is positioned so as to avoid the area of ​​the base through which the radio waves are transmitted, when viewed from the direction of transmission of the radio waves.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the third aspect described above, the heater is located below the range through which the radio waves of the base are transmitted, and the base has an ice and snow receiving portion at a position opposite to the heater that can support ice and snow from below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, an adhesion-suppressing layer made of a liquid release material that pushes lubricating liquid to the surface as the temperature decreases is provided on the front surface of the base of the radar cover. Furthermore, the adhesion-suppressing layer is formed to cover at least the area on the front surface of the base of the radar cover through which radio waves are transmitted. With this invention, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of ice and snow to the area of ​​the radar cover through which radio waves are transmitted. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress ice and snow from affecting the radar unit in the radar cover. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]This is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of the radar cover unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view including the radar cover of the radar cover unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view including the radar cover of the radar cover unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view including the radar cover of the radar cover unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view including the radar cover of the radar cover unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of a radar cover unit in a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the radar cover and radar cover unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of the radar cover unit 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the radar cover unit 1 comprises a radiator grille 2 (external member) and a radar cover 10.

[0015] It should be noted that the radar cover unit 1 is not limited to a configuration that includes a radiator grille 2. For example, the radar cover unit 1 may include a radar cover 10 and other vehicle parts (external parts). In other words, in this embodiment, the external part to which the radar cover 10 is attached is the radiator grille 2, but the external member may be other vehicle parts.

[0016] The radiator grille 2 is provided on the front surface of the vehicle so as to close an opening leading to the engine room of the vehicle, ensuring ventilation to the engine room and preventing foreign objects from entering the engine room. At the center of the radiator grille 2, a radar cover 10 is provided so as to face a radar unit R disposed in the engine room. Since the radiator grille 2 does not need to have radio wave permeability, it may be plated with, for example, chromium (Cr).

[0017] The radar unit R (see FIG. 2) has, for example, a transmitting unit that transmits millimeter waves, a receiving unit that receives reflected waves, and an arithmetic unit that performs arithmetic processing. This radar unit R transmits and receives radio waves that pass through the radar cover 10, and detects the surrounding situation of the vehicle based on the received radio waves. For example, the radar unit R calculates and outputs the distance to an obstacle, the relative speed of the obstacle, and the like.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the radar cover 10. The radar cover 10 is disposed to face the radar unit R, and the radio waves radiated from the radar unit R are transmitted therethrough. As shown in FIG. 2, the radar cover 10 has a base portion 11 and an adhesion suppression layer 12.

[0019] The base portion 11 is formed of a resin capable of transmitting radio waves radiated from the radar unit R, and is made of, for example, synthetic resins such as PP (polypropylene), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin), AES (acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin), ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), colored PC (polycarbonate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or composite resins thereof.

[0020] The base 11 has a plate-shaped main body 20 and a fixing portion 21 provided on the main body 20. The surface of the main body 20 on the side of the radar unit R forms the back surface 11a of the base 11. Also, the surface on the opposite side of the surface forming the back surface 11a of the main body 20 forms the front surface 11b of the base 11 directed toward the outside of the vehicle. That is, the base 11 has a back surface 11a directed toward the radar unit R and a front surface 11b directed toward the outside of the vehicle. Note that the front surface 11b of the base 11 is a so-called front surface that can be visually recognized from the outside through the adhesion-preventing layer 12.

[0021] In the base 11, the central portion of the back surface 11a and the central portion of the front surface 11b are directed in the horizontal direction. Also, the edge portion of the base 11 is formed to be curved so as to face the inside of the vehicle with respect to the central portion. However, the base​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The adhesion-preventing layer 12 is formed from a liquid release agent consisting of a gel containing lubricating liquid. Such a liquid release agent is a material that pushes the contained lubricating liquid to the surface when cooled below a reference temperature. This reference temperature can be adjusted by selecting the gel material, etc.

[0026] In this embodiment, the adhesion-preventing layer 12 prevents ice and snow from adhering, so the upper limit of the temperature at which ice and snow may adhere becomes the reference temperature. Furthermore, when the temperature of the adhesion-preventing layer 12 rises above the reference temperature, it re-encapsulates the lubricating fluid that it has pushed out. Therefore, when the temperature falls below the reference temperature again, the lubricating fluid is pushed out from the adhesion-preventing layer 12.

[0027] The adhesion-preventing layer 12 improves surface lubrication against ice and snow by pushing lubricating fluid onto its surface. As a result, ice and snow that adhere to the adhesion-preventing layer 12 while the lubricating fluid is pushed onto the surface slide along the surface of the adhesion-preventing layer 12 and are discharged to the outside of the adhesion-preventing layer 12.

[0028] Such an adhesion-preventing layer 12 can be formed, for example, when synthesizing a polydimethylsiloxane resin, by mixing a lubricating liquid having affinity for the polydimethylsiloxane resin and then heating and curing the mixed material. Examples of manufacturing methods are also provided in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5950399 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 6245714. However, the manufacturing method of the adhesion-preventing layer 12 is not limited to these.

[0029] Furthermore, the adhesion-preventing layer 12 can be formed in film form and attached to the base 11 with an adhesive (not shown). Such an adhesion-preventing layer 12 is transparent, making the front surface 11b of the base 11 visible from the outside. In other words, the front surface 11b of the base 11 becomes a design surface that is visible from the outside through the adhesion-preventing layer 12.

[0030] As described above, the radar cover 10 of this embodiment allows radio waves emitted from the radar unit R to pass through. The radar cover 10 of this embodiment also comprises a base 11 and an adhesion suppression layer 12. The back surface 11a of the base 11 faces the radar unit R. The adhesion suppression layer 12 covers at least the area on the front surface 11b of the base 11 in which radio waves are transmitted (radio wave transmission range A). The adhesion suppression layer 12 also contains a lubricating liquid that has lubricating properties against ice and snow, and is made of a liquid release material that pushes the lubricating liquid to the surface when cooled below a reference temperature.

[0031] In this embodiment of the radar cover 10, an adhesion suppression layer 12 made of a liquid release material that pushes lubricating liquid to the surface as the temperature decreases is provided on the front surface 11b of the base 11 of the radar cover 10. Furthermore, the adhesion suppression layer 12 is formed to cover at least the area of ​​the front surface 11b of the base 11 of the radar cover 10 that is transmitted by radio waves.

[0032] According to the radar cover 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of ice and snow in the radio wave transmission range A. Therefore, according to the radar cover 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the effect of ice and snow on the radar unit R.

[0033] Furthermore, in the radar cover 10 of this embodiment, the base portion 11 has a fixing portion 21 that is fixed to the radiator grille 2. The adhesion suppression layer 12 covers the surface of the base portion 11, avoiding the fixing portion 21. With this radar cover 10 of this embodiment, the adhesion suppression layer 12 is not formed on the surface of the fixing portion 21. Therefore, the fixing force of the fixing portion 21 to the radiator grille 2 is prevented from decreasing due to lubricating fluid.

[0034] Furthermore, in the radar cover 10 of this embodiment, the front surface 11b of the base 11 is a design surface that is visible from the outside. Also, the adhesion suppression layer 12 covers the entire front surface 11b. With this radar cover 10 of this embodiment, there is no need to pattern the adhesion suppression layer 12 on the front surface 11b of the base 11. Therefore, the adhesion suppression layer 12 can be easily formed.

[0035] Furthermore, the radar cover unit 1 of this embodiment includes a radar cover 10. Therefore, according to the radar cover unit 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of ice and snow to the radar cover 10 and prevent ice and snow from affecting the radar unit R.

[0036] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3. In this description, parts that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view including the radar cover 10 provided by the radar cover unit 1A of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the radar cover unit 1A of this embodiment comprises the radar cover 10 and the heater 3. Note that the radar cover unit 1A of this embodiment may also include an external member (radiator grille 2) as in the first embodiment described above.

[0038] The heater 3 is positioned between the back surface 11a of the base 11 and the radar unit R, in a direction that connects the front surface 11b and the back surface 11a of the base 11. In this embodiment, it is fixed to the back surface 11a of the base 11. The heater 3 is connected to an energization control device (not shown) and generates heat when energized.

[0039] In this embodiment, the heater 3 is positioned so as to overlap with the radio wave transmission range A when viewed from the direction along the normal to the front surface 11b (the direction in which radio waves are transmitted). The heater 3 is configured such that, for example, the spacing between the heating wires is set to a spacing that allows radio waves to pass through.

[0040] According to this embodiment of the radar cover unit 1A, heating the base 11 with the heater 3 makes it possible to further suppress the accumulation of ice and snow in the radio wave transmission range A of the base 11.

[0041] Furthermore, since the radar cover unit 1A of this embodiment includes a radar cover 10 having an adhesion suppression layer 12, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of ice and snow to the radio wave transmission range A without generating heat with the heater 3. Therefore, the heater 3 only needs to be used as an auxiliary. Thus, the radar cover unit 1A of this embodiment can reduce power consumption compared to a radar cover unit without an adhesion suppression layer 12 that has a heater 3 installed.

[0042] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. In this description, parts that are the same as those of the first or second embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view including the radar cover 10 provided by the radar cover unit 1B of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the radar cover unit 1B of this embodiment, the heater 3 is located below the radio wave transmission range A. In other words, in the radar cover unit 1B of this embodiment, the heater 3 is positioned to avoid the radio wave transmission range A when viewed from the direction of radio wave transmission.

[0044] In this embodiment of the radar cover unit 1B, the heater 3 is positioned to avoid the radio wave transmission range A when viewed from the direction of radio wave transmission. Therefore, with this embodiment of the radar cover unit 1B, it is possible to prevent the heater 3 from attenuating radio waves.

[0045] Furthermore, in the radar cover unit 1B of this embodiment, the heater 3 is located below the radio wave transmission range A. Therefore, it is possible to melt ice and snow that slides down from the radio wave transmission range A with the heat from the heater 3.

[0046] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. In this description, parts that are the same as those described in any of the first to third embodiments will be omitted or simplified.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view including the radar cover 10 provided in the radar cover unit 1C of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the radar cover unit 1C of this embodiment, the heater 3 is located below the radio wave transmission range A. In addition, the base 11 of the radar cover 10 has an ice and snow receiving portion 11c at a position opposite to the heater 3.

[0048] The ice and snow receiving portion 11c is a protrusion formed by the portion of the base portion 11 that protrudes below the radio wave transmission range A. The ice and snow receiving portion 11c can receive ice and snow that slides down from the radio wave transmission range A and support the ice and snow from below. The ice and snow supported by this ice and snow receiving portion 11c is melted by the heat of the heater 3.

[0049] In this embodiment of the radar cover unit 1C, the heater 3 and the ice and snow receiving section 11c are located below the radio wave transmission range A. Therefore, with this embodiment of the radar cover unit 1C, ice and snow that slides down from the radio wave transmission range A can be melted at a position that does not overlap with the radio wave transmission range A.

[0050] In this embodiment, the surface of the ice and snow receiving portion 11c is covered with the adhesion-preventing layer 12. However, the surface of the ice and snow receiving portion 11c may be left uncovered with the adhesion-preventing layer 12, making it easier for the ice and snow receiving portion 11c to receive ice and snow.

[0051] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. In this description, parts that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0052] Figure 6 is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of the radar cover unit 1D of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, a recess 2a is provided in relation to the radiator grille 2. This recess 2a is located below the radar cover 10 and is a part that prevents ice and snow falling from the radar cover 10 from coming into contact with the radiator grille 2.

[0053] According to the radar cover unit 1D of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent ice and snow falling from the radar cover 10 from accumulating on the radiator grille 2. Therefore, according to the radar cover unit 1D of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of ice and snow accumulating on the radiator grille 2.

[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the constituent members shown in the above embodiments are examples, and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0055] For example, in the above embodiment, a metallic luster may be imparted to the radar cover 10. For instance, a metallic luster can be imparted to the radar cover 10 by covering a thin film of indium or the like, which is transparent to radio waves, with a transparent resin layer.

[0056] Furthermore, the external shape of the radar cover 10 is not limited to a rectangular shape as in the above embodiment. The external shape of the radar cover 10 can be arbitrarily changed to suit the vehicle.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention can employ the configurations described in the following appendix.

[0058] (Note 1) A radar cover through which radio waves emitted from a radar unit are transmitted, The back of the base is facing the radar unit, A layer that prevents adhesion, covering at least the area on the front surface of the base through which the radio waves are transmitted, Equipped with, The adhesion-preventing layer comprises a lubricating liquid that has lubricating properties against ice and snow, and a liquid release material that pushes the lubricating liquid to the surface when cooled below a reference temperature. A radar cover characterized by the following features.

[0059] (Note 2) The base portion has a fixing portion that is fixed to an external member, The adhesion-preventing layer covers the surface of the base portion, avoiding the fixing portion. A radar cover as described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein.

[0060] (Note 3) The front surface of the base is a design surface that is visible from the outside, The adhesion-preventing layer covers the entire front surface. A radar cover as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the features described herein.

[0061] (Note 4) A radar cover as described in any one of the appendices 1-3, A heater located between the back surface of the base and the radar unit, Equipped with, A radar cover unit characterized by the following features.

[0062] (Note 5) With respect to the direction of transmission of the aforementioned radio waves, the heater is positioned so as to avoid the area of ​​the base through which the aforementioned radio waves are transmitted. A radar cover unit as described in Appendix 4, characterized by the features described herein.

[0063] (Note 6) The heater is located below the range through which the radio waves are transmitted to the base. The base has an ice and snow receiving portion at a position opposite the heater, which is capable of supporting ice and snow from below. The radar cover unit as described in Appendix 5, characterized by the features described herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1...Radar cover unit, 1A...Radar cover unit, 1B...Radar cover unit, 1C...Radar cover unit, 1D...Radar cover unit, 2...Radiator grille (external component), 2a...Recess, 3...Heater, 10...Radar cover, 11...Base, 11a...Rear, 11b...Front, 11c...Ice and snow receiving section, 12...Adhesion suppression layer, 20...Main body, 21...Fixing section, A...Radio wave transmission range, R...Radar unit

Claims

1. A radar cover through which radio waves emitted from a radar unit are transmitted, The back of the base is facing the radar unit, A layer that prevents adhesion, covering at least the area on the front surface of the base through which the radio waves are transmitted, Equipped with, The adhesion-preventing layer comprises a lubricating liquid that has lubricating properties against ice and snow, and a liquid release material that pushes the lubricating liquid to the surface when cooled below a reference temperature. A radar cover characterized by the following features.

2. The radar cover according to claim 1, A heater located between the back surface of the base and the radar unit, Equipped with, A radar cover unit characterized by the following features.

3. With respect to the direction of transmission of the aforementioned radio waves, the heater is positioned so as to avoid the area of ​​the base through which the aforementioned radio waves are transmitted. The radar cover unit according to claim 2, characterized by the features described above.

4. The heater is located below the range through which the radio waves are transmitted to the base. The base has an ice and snow receiving portion at a position opposite the heater, which is capable of supporting ice and snow from below. The radar cover unit according to claim 3, characterized in that it is as described above.

Images