Radar device for a mobile body

Abstract

A radar device for a mobile body, such as a vehicle, having a high degree of installation freedom. The radar device comprises a sensor body transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, and path changing means placed in an electromagnetic wave path through which the electromagnetic waves pass and changing the propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves by refraction and/or reflection. Even when the installation site of the sensor body is restricted by requirements on a mobile body on which this radar device is to be mounted, the sensor body can be installed at the restricted site by changing the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves appropriately, while maintaining the functions of the sensor body appropriately.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an entire construction of a radar device for a mobile body according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a dielectric prism according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a dielectric prism according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an entire construction of a radar device for a mobile body according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radar device for a mobile body, comprising: a sensor body transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves; andpath changing means placed in an electromagnetic wave path through which said electromagnetic waves pass and changing the propagation direction of said electromagnetic waves by refraction and/or reflection.

2. The radar device for a mobile body according to claim 1, wherein said path changing means comprises one or a plurality of dielectric prisms.

3. The radar device for a mobile body according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a radome placed at an opening portion formed on said mobile body, said sensor body being placed on said mobile body at a different height position from that of said radome.

4. The radar device for a mobile body according to claim 3, wherein said mobile body is a vehicle, said opening portion is formed on a vehicle hood, and said sensor body is placed on said vehicle at a lower position than said radome placed at said opening portion formed on said vehicle hood.