Device for aligning a directional antenna of a radar distance warning device of a vehicle

• US 5,313,213 A
• Filed: 01/15/1993
• Issued: 05/17/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Company LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Neumann, Frank, Hotz, Dieter
• Primary Examiner(s): Hellner, Mark
• Application Number:
  US08/002,848
• Time in Patent Office: 487 Days
• Field of Search: 342/165, 342/70, 343/721, 343/711, 343/713, 343/714
• US Class Current: 342/165
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0023 the element being a sensor, e.g. distance sensor, camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2200/36 Conjoint adjustments, i.e. a mechanical link allows conjoint adjustment of several units
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 11/06 Testing the alignment of vehicle headlight devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4026 Antenna boresight
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/403 in azimuth, i.e. in the horizontal plane
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4034 in elevation, i.e. in the vertical plane
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4086 in a calibrating environment, e.g. anechoic chamber
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4972 Alignment of sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52004 Means for monitoring or calibrating short-range imaging G01S7/5205
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/125 Means for positioning
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3233 particular used as part of a sensor or in a security system, e.g. for automotive radar, navigation systems

Abstract

A device for aligning a directional antenna of a radar distance warning device of a vehicle has an alignment spotlight connected to the directional antenna to form a rigid unit adjustably mounted on the vehicle via an adjusting board. This rigid unit is aligned by aligning the optical axis of the light cone of the alignment spotlight with the aid of a vehicle-related optical verification device, particularly a headlight adjusting device. The alignment spotlight can be removable, or the vehicle headlight can be used for alignment.

Claims

1. Device for aligning a directional antenna of a radar distance warning device of a vehicle, comprising:

an alignment spotlight separate and distinct from the directional antenna, having a light cone with an optical axis; and

an adjusting board coupled to the alignment spotlight and to the directional antenna to form a rigid unit that is adjustably mounted on the vehicle, wherein the rigid unit is alignable by aligning the optical axis of the light cone of the alignment spotlight using a vehicle-related optical verification device.

2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising an accurately-fitting, detachable connection that connects the directional antenna and the alignment spotlight together.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment spotlight is a vehicle headlight.

4. Device according to claim 2, wherein the optical axis of the alignment spotlight coincides with a main radiating direction of the directional antenna.

5. Device according to claim 3, wherein the optical axis of the alignment spotlight is aligned parallel to a main radiating direction of the directional antenna.

6. Device according to claim 1, further comprising adjusting screws which provide for aligning the rigid unit.

7. Device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting board is mounted adjustably about an axis parallel to a transverse vehicle axis on the vehicle.

8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting board is mounted adjustably about an axis parallel to a transverse vehicle axis and about an axis parallel to a vertical vehicle axis on the vehicle.

9. Device according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis of the alignment spotlight coincides with a main radiating direction of the directional antenna.

10. Device according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis of the alignment spotlight is aligned parallel to a main radiating direction of the directional antenna.

11. Device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjusting motor which provides for aligning the rigid unit.