Patent ID: 12261353

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the present embodiment, an antenna device for a vehicle will be described as an example of the device for a vehicle.

<Overall Structure>

In explaining the present embodiment, for convenience, the front-rear direction of the vehicle to which an antenna device1for a vehicle is attached is the x direction, the left-right direction perpendicular to the x direction is the y direction, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the x direction and the y direction is the z direction.

The outline of the overall structure of the antenna device1for a vehicle will be described with reference toFIGS.1and2.

FIG.1is a perspective view showing the antenna device1for a vehicle of the present embodiment, and shows a state in which the antenna device1for a vehicle is attached to a vehicle roof2.FIG.1(a)is a perspective view seen from the front upper side, andFIG.1(b)is a perspective view seen from the rear upper side.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the antenna device1for a vehicle, and shows a cut surface (X-Z plane) vertically cut at the center in the Y direction. The antenna device1for a vehicle is attached to the rear side of the vehicle roof2on the upper surface of the vehicle. As shown inFIG.2, the antenna device1for a vehicle includes an antenna case3, a planar antenna61aused as a satellite digital radio antenna or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna, a capacitive loading element65used as an AM/FM antenna, a coil element61b, and a TEL antenna61cthat communicates using the frequency band of Long Term Evolution (LTE), an image pickup device80, an antenna base portion40, a seal50, a base pad30, and the like. In the present embodiment, an antenna unit including various antenna elements such as a planar antenna61a, a capacitive loading element65, a coil element61b, and a TEL antenna61cand an antenna substrate such as a circuit board (for example, a Print Circuit Board (PCB)) for mounting and electrically connecting the antenna elements (described simply as an antenna unit in the following description) and the image pickup device80are examples of electronic devices. The electronic device is not limited to this, and may be, for example, only the antenna unit or only the image pickup device80. The antenna unit is not shown in drawings other thanFIG.2, except for the capacitive loading element65.

The antenna case3covers the components configuring a part of the antenna device1for a vehicle, such as the antenna unit and the image pickup device80from above.

The antenna case3has an outer case10and an inner case20(shown inFIG.2). Then, as shown inFIG.2, the antenna case3and the antenna base portion40form an accommodation area for accommodating an electronic device such as the antenna unit and the image pickup device80. The accommodation area has an accommodation area S formed by the outer case10and the antenna base portion40, and an accommodation area R formed by the inner case20and the antenna base portion40. Although the details will be described later, the accommodation area S is defined as an area for accommodating the inner case20and the image pickup device80.

The antenna case3has a double case structure composed of an outer case10and an inner case20. All or a part of the antenna unit is accommodated in the accommodation area R formed by the inner case20and the antenna base portion40. Further, the image pickup device80is attached to the rear portion of the inner case20. The outer case10is provided so as to cover them. In the accommodation area S formed by the outer case10and the antenna base portion40, the inner case20, in which all or a part of the antenna unit is accommodated in the accommodation area R, and the image pickup device80are accommodated.

In addition, the base pad30is attached so as to surround the peripheral edge of the antenna base portion40, and has a function of blindfolding the space area between the antenna base portion40and the vehicle roof2. As shown inFIG.2, the antenna device1for a vehicle is placed on the upper surface of the vehicle roof2by passing the protruding portion42athat is provided on the lower surface of the antenna base portion40(metal base42) described later and projects downward in the z direction through a mounting through hole (not shown) formed in the vehicle roof2. Then, by screwing the bolt70, which configures a part of the mounting component, from the lower side (inside the vehicle) of the vehicle roof2into the mounting hole provided in the protruding portion42a, other components (not shown) of the mounting component can act so as to sandwich the vehicle roof2together with the antenna base portion40from the lower side of the vehicle roof2. This action makes it possible to pull the antenna base portion40toward the vehicle roof2side, and the antenna device1for a vehicle is fixed to the vehicle roof2. A gap (space area) is formed between the vehicle roof2and the antenna base portion40due to a difference in the shape of the vehicle roof2and the shape of the antenna base portion40, a difference in materials, and the like. The base pad30is provided such that the gap cannot be seen from the outside, from an aesthetic point of view.

<Outer Case10>

Next, the outer case10will be described with reference toFIGS.2,5, and6.

FIG.5is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device1for a vehicle as viewed from above.FIG.6is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device1for a vehicle as viewed from below. Note that the antenna unit is not shown except for the capacitive loading element65inFIG.5, and the capacitive loading element65is not shown inFIG.6.

The outer case10is a resin molded product made of a synthetic resin having non-translucency and radio wave transmission, containing polycarbonate and Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile (ASA), and has a shark fin shape that is inclined such that the front side in the x direction is lower than the rear side in the x direction and both sides are curved inward.

As shown inFIG.6, the lower surface of the outer case10is open. Then, the inner case20, the antenna unit, the image pickup device80, and the like are covered from above in the z direction (see, for example,FIGS.2and5).

In the rear in the x direction of the outer case10, an image pickup opening18for exposing an image pickup unit such as a lens of the image pickup device80provided in the rear in the x direction of the inner case20to the outside of the outer case10is provided. The image pickup opening18is formed at the front end of a portion of the outer case10where the area in the rear in the x direction is concave to the front direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the opening peripheral edge of the image pickup opening18and the image pickup unit of the image pickup device80are slightly separated (having a gap), and waterproof structure (not shown) may be provided as a matter of course for the waterproofing inside the outer case10at this portion.

As shown inFIG.6, the outer case10is provided with a plurality of first locking pieces14for attachment to the antenna base portion40so as to project downward in the z direction from the lower surface side of the inner wall. In the present embodiment, seven first locking pieces14are used, but the number is not limited to this if there are a plurality of first locking pieces14. When fixing the antenna base portion40to the outer case10, the first locking piece14engages with the second locking piece44provided on the antenna base portion40. That is, the outer case10and the antenna base portion40are fixed by the snap-fit structure. In addition, this snap-fit structure also has a function as a vent for ventilation (space area) between the accommodation area (particularly the accommodation area S) and the opening portion31described later, in addition to the engagement between the outer case10and the antenna base portion40. The snap-fit structure is shown by the circle of reference numeral K inFIG.2, and the details will be described later with reference toFIG.7.

<Inner Case20>

The inner case20will be described with reference toFIGS.2,5, and6.

The inner case20is made of a synthetic resin having non-translucency and radio wave transmission (a resin molded product formed of a synthetic resin including polycarbonate and Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile (ASA)).

The inner case20has a lower surface that is open, and mainly covers the antenna unit from above in the z direction.

A plurality of screw holes27used for screwing the antenna base portion40with screws28are provided at the lower end of the inner case20.

The image pickup device80is attached to a rear wall provided in the rear in the x direction of the inner case20. The image pickup device80is fixed to the inner case20by being attached to the rear wall of the inner case20by screwing or the like. That is, in the present embodiment, the image pickup device80is on the outside of the inner case20. The image pickup device80is electrically connected to an in-vehicle electronic device provided in the vehicle by, for example, the coaxial cable80ashown inFIG.2, via the accommodation area R of the inner case20. Then, the image signal captured by the image pickup device80is transmitted to the in-vehicle electronic device by the coaxial cable80a.

As shown inFIGS.2,5, and8, the capacitive loading element65is mounted on the upper side and the side surface of the outer surface of the inner case20. Here, the capacitive loading element65includes three elements65a,65b, and65cintegrally, and as shown inFIG.8, the element65ais fixed to the upper side of the outer surface of the inner case20with a screw or the like, the element65bis attached along the upper one surface of the inner case20, and the element65cis attached along the upper other surface of the inner case20. The capacitive loading element65is used for, for example, an AM/FM antenna, and is formed by processing a conductor plate such as a tin-plated steel plate or a stainless steel plate. Then, for example, an AM broadcast wave or an FM broadcast wave is received. In the present embodiment, the capacitive loading element65is provided on the outer surface of the inner case20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the capacitive loading element may be provided inside the inner case20.

<Base Pad30>

The base pad30will be described with reference toFIGS.1,5, and6.

The base pad30is an annular elastic member made of elastomer, rubber, or the like. The base pad30has a pad surface32provided with the antenna base mounting opening portion39shown inFIG.6, and a pad peripheral edge33extending downward in the z direction from the outer peripheral edge of the pad surface32. The antenna base mounting opening portion39is provided such that its outer shell is outside the position of the inner pad51that is pressed when fixing the antenna base portion40and the inner case20. The base surface of the antenna base portion40is exposed from the antenna base mounting opening portion39. The metal base42is attached to the base surface, and a circuit board (antenna substrate) such as a PCB is installed. The base pad30may be pressed when fixing the inner case20and the antenna base portion40without providing the inner pad51.

The base pad30is fitted into the lower end peripheral edge of the outer case10, and the pad peripheral edge33functions as a blindfold from the outside of the space area (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as a space area) between the lower end peripheral edge of the outer case10and the vehicle roof2.

As shown inFIGS.5and6, a plurality of openings31are provided at the lower end of the pad peripheral edge33of the base pad30. The plurality of openings31are formed, for example, as a notched structure. The plurality of openings31are used to take in the air98from the outside of the antenna device1for a vehicle, to pass the air to the outside through the space area, and to discharge the water99that has infiltrated into the accommodation area S of the antenna device1for a vehicle to the outside. The plurality of openings31each have a front opening portion31aprovided at the front end in the x direction of the base pad30and a rear opening portion31bprovided at the rear end in the x direction.

The front opening portion31amainly functions as an intake port for taking in air98from the outside of the antenna device1for a vehicle into the space area (see enlarged view A ofFIG.1(a)). The rear opening portion31bmainly functions as a discharge port for passing air to the outside through the space area, and also discharging the water99that has infiltrated into the space area from the accommodation area S of the antenna device1for a vehicle to the outside (see the enlarged view B ofFIG.1(b)). For example, since the front opening portion31ais provided in the front in the x direction of the antenna device1for a vehicle, it is possible to take in (intake) the traveling wind (air98) generated as the vehicle travels (the line expressed like a royal fern in the enlarged view A schematically shows how the air98is taken in). Taking in the traveling wind (air98) acts, for example, to guide the residual water in the space area to the rear opening portion31b, or to guide the water99that has infiltrated into from the accommodation area S to the rear opening portion31b. Further, since the rear opening portion31bis provided in the rear in the x direction of the antenna device1for a vehicle, the traveling wind (air98) taken in from the front opening portion31apasses through the space area and blows from the rear opening portion31b. The water99in the space area can be discharged to the outside as the air98blows through (the blowout in the enlarged view B schematically shows how the air98blows through). Further, by improving the air permeability of the space area by the front opening portion31aand the rear opening portion31b, it is possible to reduce the residual water to prevent the generation of the water film.

On the pad surface32of the base pad30, a plurality of locking piece arrangement portions34communicating upward and downward in the z direction are provided in the vicinity of the antenna base mounting opening portion39or as a part of the outer shell of the antenna base mounting opening portion39.

When the inner case20is fixed to the antenna base portion40across the base pad30, the second locking piece44provided on the antenna base portion40is inserted to the locking piece arrangement portion34.

<Antenna Base Portion40>

The antenna base portion40will be described with reference toFIGS.3to6and9.

FIG.3is a perspective view of the antenna device1for a vehicle as viewed from the lower side surface.FIG.4is a perspective view of the antenna device1for a vehicle as viewed from the rear lower side, and shows an enlarged view of an area D in the front in the x direction and an area C in the rear in the x direction.FIG.9is an exploded perspective view of the antenna base portion40.

The antenna base portion40is a combination (complex body) of the resin base41of polybutylene terephthalate or the like and the metal base42of aluminum or the like attached to the upper surface of the resin base41. In addition, it may be composed of only one of the metal base42and the resin base41.

The antenna base portion40(here, the resin base41) has, on the outer peripheral portion, second locking pieces44that engage with the first locking pieces14of the outer case10to lock the outer case10(for example,FIG.5). As shown inFIG.9, the second locking piece44is provided so as to extend upward to the outer edge portion of the opening44acommunicating upward and downward in the z direction.

The resin base41is provided with a plurality of (here, five in a cross shape) base portion openings43in a substantially central portion. The metal base42is attached so as to close these base portion openings43. Further, a ground plate47(GND) is attached to the front in the x direction of the metal base42(seeFIG.9).

An antenna substrate is provided on the upper surface of the metal base42, and antenna elements such as the coil element61band the TEL antenna61cand an amplifier (not shown) are mounted on the antenna substrate. Further, the planar antenna61ais provided on the ground plate47(GND).

A plurality of screw receiving bosses48used for screwing with the inner case20described above by screws28are provided on the peripheral edge of the resin base41.

An inner pad51(see, for example,FIG.5) is attached to the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the resin base41and inside the screw receiving boss48. The inner pad51is an annular elastic member made of elastomer, rubber, or the like, and is provided on the upper surface of the resin base41.

When the inner case20and the antenna base portion40(here, the resin base41) are fixed by screwing, the inner pad51is pressed by the lower end of the inner case20and the upper surface of the resin base41. Then, the space between the inner case20and the antenna base portion40is sealed.

The antenna unit (antenna substrate, antenna element, or the like) is disposed inside the area of the resin base41to which the inner pad51is attached. The cable (not shown) connected to the antenna substrate of the antenna unit extends downward in the z direction of the antenna base portion40via the base portion openings43provided in the resin base41. Then, using a cable, for example, a signal received by an antenna element and processed by a circuit of an antenna substrate or the like is transmitted to an in-vehicle electronic device provided in the vehicle.

A front decompression rib arrangement portion45through which the front decompression rib35is inserted is provided in the area in the front in the x direction of the resin base41, specifically, in the rear in the x direction from the second locking piece44provided in the front in the x direction of the resin base41.

Further, a rear decompression rib arrangement portion46through which the above-described rear decompression rib36is inserted is provided in the area in the rear in the x direction of the resin base41. Specifically, a first rear decompression rib arrangement portion46athrough which the first rear decompression rib36ais inserted, a second rear decompression rib arrangement portion46bthrough which the second rear decompression rib36bis inserted, and a third rear decompression rib arrangement portion46cthrough which the third rear decompression rib36cis inserted are provided. The functions of the front decompression rib35and the rear decompression rib36will be described later.

<Rectifying Rib49of Antenna Base Portion40>

A rectifying rib49extending approximately in the x direction is formed on the lower surface of the resin base41of the antenna base portion40, that is, the surface on the side facing the vehicle roof2. Specifically, in the front portion in the x-direction of the resin base41, more specifically, in the front area in the x-direction from the portion where the seal50is disposed, a plurality of rectifying ribs49are formed some of which are linear and some of which follow the outer shell of the resin base41, from the tip side (position near the front opening portion31aof the base pad30) rearward in the x direction.

In the rear portion in the x-direction of the resin base41, specifically, in the rear area in the x-direction from the portion where the seal50is disposed, a plurality of rectifying ribs49are formed some of which are linear and some of which follow the outer shell of the resin base41, from the seal50toward the rear end side (position near the rear opening portion31bof the base pad30).

The extension length (height) of the rectifying rib49downward in the z direction is set such that the tip of the rectifying rib49is slightly separated from the vehicle roof2when the antenna device1for a vehicle is attached to the vehicle roof2(see, for example,FIGS.2and7).

The rectifying rib49rectifies the air flow in the space area between the antenna base portion40and the vehicle roof2in the x direction (front-rear direction). Thus, for example, as compared with the case where ribs are formed in a grid pattern on the lower surface of the antenna base portion40, the air flow from the inside (accommodation area S) of the antenna device1for a vehicle or the front opening portion31ato the rear opening portion31bis improved, and the water99that has infiltrated into the accommodation area S can be efficiently discharged to the outside through the space area.

Then, for example, the air taken in from the outside of the antenna device1for a vehicle is rectified toward the rear opening portion31bof the base pad30as the vehicle travels, thereby improving the air permeability of the space area, and reducing the residual water in the space area to prevent the generation of water film.

<Decompression Ribs (Front Decompression Rib35, Rear Decompression Rib36)>

As shown inFIG.6, a plurality of ribs35and36extending downward in the z direction are provided on the bottom surface of the pad surface32of the base pad30. Specifically, the base pad30has a front decompression rib35extending downward in the z direction from the bottom surface32aon the front side in the x direction of the pad surface32, and a plurality of rear decompression ribs36extending downward in the z direction from the bottom surface32bon the rear side in the x direction.

The significance of providing the decompression ribs (front decompression rib35, rear decompression rib36) will be briefly described. As described above, by providing the base pad30with the openings31(front opening portion31a, rear opening portion31b), the water99that has infiltrated into the accommodation area S is efficiently discharged through the space area. Then, it is possible to improve the air permeability of the space area between the antenna base portion40of the antenna device1for a vehicle and the vehicle roof2, and reduce the residual water to prevent the generation of the water film.

On the other hand, the opening portion31(front opening portion31a, rear opening portion31b) can also be an infiltration route for water99. When cleaning a vehicle by using a high-pressure washer, the water99may infiltrate into the above-described space area through the opening portion31. In that case, when the decompression ribs (front decompression rib35, rear decompression rib36) are not provided, the water99may strongly hit the seal50. This may accelerate the deterioration of the seal50. Assuming that water99may infiltrate vigorously, the decompression ribs (front decompression rib35, rear decompression rib36) are provided in the openings31(front opening portion31a, rear opening portion31b), and the water pressure of the water99to infiltrate at high pressure is reduced to prevent the water from directly hitting the seal50.

The front decompression rib35is formed in the vicinity of the front opening portion31aso as to extend in the y direction (left and right) with a predetermined width at the center in the y direction. The predetermined width is wider than the width of the front opening portion31ain the y direction (left and right). The extension length (height) of the front decompression rib35downward in the z direction is set such that when the antenna device1for a vehicle is fixed to the vehicle roof2, the tip of the front decompression rib35abuts on and presses the vehicle roof2.

When the inner case20is fixed to the antenna base portion40(resin base41) across the base pad30, the front decompression rib35is inserted into the front decompression rib arrangement portion45provided as an opening in the antenna base portion40. Then, when the front decompression rib35is inserted into the front decompression rib arrangement portion45, the front decompression rib35is sandwiched between the inner case20and the vehicle roof2. By being sandwiched between the inner case20and the vehicle roof2, the front decompression rib35decompresses the water99that infiltrates at high pressure from the front opening portion31aand prevents collapse due to the water pressure.

The rear decompression rib36has a first rear decompression rib36a, a second rear decompression rib36b, and a third rear decompression rib36cin the vicinity of the rear opening portion31b.

The third rear decompression rib36cis formed so as to extend in the y direction (left and right) with a predetermined width in the center of the y direction, in the vicinity of the rear opening portion31b. The third rear decompression rib36cis formed in a substantially V-shape whose center is convex to the front in the x direction when viewed from below. The predetermined width in the y direction (left and right) is wider than the width in they direction (left and right) of the rear opening portion31b. Due to the substantial V-shape, the air flow rearward in the x direction by the rectifying rib49is not obstructed. Further, by making the width wider than the rear opening portion31band making the center convex to the front in the x direction, the water99infiltrating from the rear opening portion31bat high pressure can be decompressed.

The first rear decompression rib36aand the second rear decompression rib36bare formed so as to be separated in the y direction and to extend in the y direction (left and right) with respective predetermined widths between the third rear decompression rib36cand the antenna base mounting opening portion39. The first rear decompression rib36aand the second rear decompression rib36bare provided symmetrically. The extension length (height) of the rear decompression rib36(the first rear decompression rib36a, the second rear decompression rib36b, and the third rear decompression rib36c) in the z direction is set such that the tip of the rear decompression rib36abuts on and presses the vehicle roof2, as in the front decompression rib35.

When the inner case20is fixed to the antenna base portion40across the base pad30, the rear decompression rib36is inserted into the rear decompression rib arrangement portion46provided as an opening in the resin base41of the antenna base portion40. When the rear decompression rib36is inserted into the rear decompression rib arrangement portion46, the rear decompression rib36is sandwiched between the inner case20and the vehicle roof2. By being sandwiched between the inner case20and the vehicle roof2, the rear decompression rib36decompresses the water99that infiltrates at high pressure from the rear opening portion31band prevents collapse due to the water pressure.

The first rear decompression rib36a, the second rear decompression rib36b, and the third rear decompression rib36care inserted through and adhered to the first rear decompression rib arrangement portion46a, the second rear decompression rib arrangement portion46b, and the third rear decompression rib arrangement portion46c, respectively.

The front decompression rib35and the rear decompression rib36are not limited to the above-described configurations, and various modes are possible in the number of arrangements, arrangement positions, and shapes of each. For example, a plurality of the front decompression ribs35may be used, like the rear decompression ribs36. Further, instead of a linear shape, it may be curved and V-shaped when viewed from below. The same applies to the rear decompression rib36, and for example, the rear decompression rib36may be formed of one rib in a straight line like the front decompression rib35. Further, when there are a plurality of rear decompression ribs36, the pressed state of the third rear decompression rib36cclosest to the rear opening portion31bis set to be the strongest, and the pressed state of the first rear decompression rib36aand the second rear decompression rib36bmay be weakened or slightly separated from each other.

<Fixing the Antenna Device1for a Vehicle to the Vehicle Roof2>

As described above, the antenna device1for a vehicle is mounted on the vehicle roof2by screwing the bolt70, which is a mounting component, into the mounting hole of the protruding portion42aprovided in the antenna base portion40.

<Seal50>

On the lower surface of the resin base41of the antenna base portion40, a seal50, which is an annular elastic member made of an elastomer, rubber, urethane, silicon foam, or the like, is provided to surround the base portion openings43. The seal50watertightly seals the space between the resin base41and the vehicle (that is, the vehicle roof2).

In the present embodiment, the seal50does not have an area extending linearly in the y direction (left and right), in the front and the rear in the x direction. Specifically, the front and the rear of the seal50in the x direction are formed convex in an arc shape, respectively. Due to this shape, even when water99adheres to the seal50, the water can be smoothly flowed backward by the air98taken in from the opening portion31and residual water can be reduced.

<Antenna Unit>

As described above, the antenna unit includes an antenna substrate and various antenna elements (planar antenna61a, capacitive loading element65, coil element61b, TEL antenna61c, or the like) mounted on the antenna substrate. The antenna element may be attached to the inside of the inner case20or may be attached to the resin base41.

<Fixing of the Outer Case10and the Antenna Base Portion40by Snap-Fitting>

A snap-fit structure for engaging the outer case10and the antenna base portion40will be described with reference toFIG.7.

As shown inFIG.7, the outer case10and the antenna base portion40are fixed by the snap-fit structure.

Specifically, the claw portion of the first locking piece14provided on the inner wall surface of the outer case10is locked with the claw portion of the second locking piece44provided on the resin base41of the antenna base portion40. The second locking piece44of the resin base41is formed so as to extend upward in the z direction from the outer shell of the opening44acommunicating upward and downward in the z direction. The opening44ain the x direction has the size having a certain width in which the accommodation area S and the space area communicate with each other, from the front end in the x direction of the first locking piece14to the front in the x direction, in the state where the claw portion of the first locking piece14and the second locking piece44are engaged with each other. When the claw portion of the first locking piece14is locked to the claw portion of the second locking piece44, the first locking piece14is elastically deformed by using the opening44aand is engaged with the claw portion of the second locking piece44. Then, as shown inFIG.7, the opening44a, in the state where the claw portion of the first locking piece14and the claw portion of the second locking piece44are engaged with each other, is in an open state such that the accommodation area S and the space area communicate with each other. In addition, for the opening44a, a structure formed for removing the mold in the molding process at the time of manufacturing may be used, or the opening44amay be provided exclusively for the above function when it is not necessary in the molding process.

By having the snap-fit structure like this, the opening44ain the portion where the second locking piece44is formed communicates with the antenna base portion40, specifically, the space above and below the resin base41in the z direction, in a state where the first locking piece14and the second locking piece44are locked with each other. Then, the opening44afunctions as a vent for ventilation between the accommodation area S and the rear opening portion31b.

The opening44asends, to the space area, the external air taken into the accommodation area S from a gap between the image pickup unit of the image pickup device80and the outer case10, or the like. Further, since the air flow between the opening44aand the rear opening portion31bis formed through the rectifying rib49, the air permeability to the outside of the antenna device1for a vehicle is improved. Then, even when the water99has infiltrated into the upper space of the antenna base portion40(that is, the accommodation area S between the outer case10and the inner case20), for example, from the gap between the image pickup unit of the image pickup device80and the outer case10, water is allowed to flow from the opening44ainto the lower space of the antenna base portion40(the space area between the antenna base portion40and the vehicle roof2). Further, the water99is discharged to the outside of the antenna device1for a vehicle from the rear opening portion31bformed in the base pad30, through the rectifying rib49formed on the lower surface of the antenna base portion40.

Although it has been described so far that the base pad30is provided with both the front opening portion31aand the rear opening portion31b, the front opening portion31amay not be provided if the opening44ais provided. That is, if the opening44ahas the same function as the front opening portion31a, the front opening portion31amay not be provided, and the opening44aand the rear opening portion31bmay be provided. Further, the opening44amay be provided only in the front in the x direction from the position where at least the seal50is provided. In that case, the opening44ais not provided in the rear in the x direction from the position where the seal50is provided.

InFIG.7, the engagement between the first locking piece and the second locking piece44in the front in the x direction of the outer case10and the antenna base portion40, and the opening44ahave been described. The other six first locking pieces, the second locking piece44, and the opening44aare provided on the sides of the outer case10and the antenna base portion40, as shown inFIGS.5and6. Then, the second locking pieces44are formed so as to extend upward in the z direction from the outer shell of the opening44acommunicating upward and downward in the z direction. These openings44ahave the size in the y direction having a certain width in which the accommodation area S and the space area communicate with each other, from the left (or right) end of the first locking piece14in the y direction to the left (or right) side in the y direction, in a state where the claw portion of the first locking piece14and the claw portion of the second locking piece44are engaged with each other. In the present embodiment, it has been described that the opening44ais provided as a snap-fit structure in the engagement between the seven first locking pieces14and the second locking piece44, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one opening44amay be provided. In this case, the opening44ahaving a certain width is provided in the front in the x direction of the position of the seal50, and in the engagement between the other first locking piece14and the second locking piece44, the opening44amay not be formed.

As compared with the case where the outer case10and the antenna base portion40are screw-fixed, by fixing the outer case10and the antenna base portion40by the snap-fit structure, it is possible to reduce the stress generated in the boss portion used for screw fixing, and prevent chemicals such as detergent from accumulating inside the outer case10and causing cracks in the boss portion due to chemical cracks.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can be adopted.FIG.10shows a modification example of the antenna device101for a vehicle. The difference from the above-described embodiment is that the decompression ribs (front decompression rib35, rear decompression rib36) are not present. The antenna device101for a vehicle is suitable for a vehicle whose destination is an area where a high-pressure washer is not used, or a vehicle such as a large vehicle where a high-pressure washer cannot be used.

Further, although not shown, when the outer case10and the antenna base portion40are fixed by screwing instead of snap-fitting, there is no opening at the position where the second locking piece44is formed. However, a through hole penetrating the upper and lower parts of the antenna base portion40in the z direction may be formed in the vicinity of the second locking piece44so as to have a function as a vent similar to the above-described opening44a. The position where the through hole is provided is preferably in the front in the x direction from the position of the seal50. That is, by providing the through hole in the front in the x direction from the seal50, the flow of air98in the space area between the antenna base portion40and the vehicle roof2can be formed from the area of the seal50in the front in the x direction to the rear opening portion31bin the rear in the x direction.

Further, the decompression rib is provided on the base pad30, but without being limited to this, may be provided on the antenna base portion40.

Although the antenna unit and the image pickup device80have been described as an example of the electronic device of the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to other electronic devices without deviating from the gist of the present invention.

Further, although it has been described that the front opening portion31ais provided at the tip of the base pad30in the front in the x direction, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of front openings31amay be provided on the side in the front in the x direction. In this case, any position may be used as long as it is the side in the front in the x direction from the mounting position of the seal50described above.

The features of the device for a vehicle of the present invention are summarized as follows.

(Aspect 1)

A device for a vehicle of Aspect 1 includesa base;a case that forms an accommodation area for accommodating an electronic device, together with the base; anda base pad attached to the base, and having an opening portion, in whichthe base has a vent for ventilation between the accommodation area and the opening portion.

According to Aspect 1, the vent for ventilation between the accommodation area and the opening portion of the pad improves, for example, the air permeability of the space area formed between the vehicle roof and the base, and can efficiently discharge water that has infiltrated into the accommodation area from the opening portion provided in the pad through the space area. Further, residual water in the space area is prevented, thereby preventing the generation of a water film, and preventing, for example, the deterioration of a member (for example, a sealing member) disposed in the space area formed when attached to a vehicle.

(Aspect 2)

Aspect 2 is the device for a vehicle, in whichthe case has a first case (inner case), and a second case (outer case) provided so as to cover the first case,the accommodation area hasa first accommodation area that is formed by the first case and the base, and accommodates at least a part of the electronic device, anda second accommodation area formed by the first case, the second case, and the base, andthe vent is provided at a position that enables ventilation between the second accommodation area and the opening portion.

According to Aspect 2, when the case has a so-called double case structure,the vent is provided at a position that enables ventilation between the second accommodation area and the opening portion of the pad. That is, providing the vent at a position that enables ventilation between the accommodation area formed by the outer case and the opening portion improves, for example, the above-described air permeability of the space area, and the water that has infiltrated into the space area can be effectively discharged from the second accommodation area. In addition, it is possible to prevent the generation of a water film and prevent the deterioration of the member (for example, the sealing member) disposed in the space area.

The “at least a part of an electronic device” may be a part of components configuring the electronic device, or when there are a plurality of electronic devices, it may be one or more of the plurality of electronic devices.

(Aspect 3)

Aspect 3 is the device for a vehicle, in whicha sealing member is provided on the base,the opening portion is provided behind the base pad, andthe vent is provided at least on a side opposite to a position where the opening portion is provided with respect to a position where the sealing member is provided.

According to Aspect 3, air from the vent can flow from the front to the rear of the sealing member, for example, along the side surface of the sealing member. That is, the water adhering to the sealing member can be effectively discharged, and the air permeability around the sealing member can be improved to prevent the generation of a water film.

(Aspect 4)

Aspect 4 is the device for a vehicle, in whichthe device for a vehicle has a snap-fit structure as a structure for fixing the case and the base, andan opening provided in the snap-fit structure function as the vents.

According to the fourth aspect, in the snap-fit structure, in addition to the engagement between the case and the base, the opening used for the engagement is used as the vent, so that it is not necessary to provide, for example, a through hole dedicated to ventilation. Further, the snap-fit structure can prevent the occurrence of problems such as cracking of the fixing structure (particularly, the screw fastening boss) between the outer case and the base, as compared with screw fixing.

(Aspect 5)

Aspect 5 is the device for a vehicle, in whichthe base has a rectifying unit that rectifies an air flow from the vent toward the opening portion.

According to Aspect 5, since the air flow from the vent is rectified toward the opening portion, the ventilation between the vent (accommodation area) and the opening portion can be improved, and the water can be efficiently discharged.

(Aspect 6)

Aspect 6 is the device for a vehicle, in whichthe rectifying unit is a rib extending from a bottom surface of the base.

According to the sixth aspect, since the rib can be integrally formed when the base is manufactured, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

(Aspect 7)

Aspect 7 further includes a protective wall provided between the opening portion and the sealing member, in the device for a vehicle.

According to the seventh aspect, since there is the protective wall, even when water vigorously (at high pressure) infiltrates from the opening portion, water does not directly hit the sealing member, so that deterioration of the sealing member due to the impact of water can be prevented.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-090279, filed May 25, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: antenna device for a vehicle2: vehicle roof3: antenna case10: outer case (second case)14: first locking piece18: image pickup opening20: inner case (first case)27: screw hole28: screw30: base pad31: opening portion31a: front opening portion31b: rear opening portion32: pad surface32a: bottom32b: bottom33: pad peripheral edge34: locking piece arrangement portion35: front decompression rib36: rear decompression rib36a: first rear decompression rib36b: second rear decompression rib36c: third rear decompression rib39: antenna base mounting opening portion40: antenna base portion41: mold base42: metal base42a: protruding portion43: base portion opening44: second locking piece44a: opening45: front decompression rib arrangement portion46: rear decompression rib arrangement portion46a: first rear decompression rib arrangement portion46b: second rear decompression rib arrangement portion46c: third rear decompression rib arrangement portion48: screw receiving boss47: ground plate49: rectifying rib50: seal61a: planar antenna61b: coil element61c: TEL antenna65: capacitive loading element65a,65b,65c: element70: bolt80: image pickup device98: air99: water101: antenna device for a vehicleS: accommodation area (first accommodation area)R: accommodation area (second accommodation area)