Vehicle body structure equipped with environmental sensors

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle body structure equipped with an environmental sensor. The vehicle body structure includes: an environmental sensor (22) positioned and attached to an internal structural member within a defined space between a bumper surface and an internal structural member; and a cover member (23) including a lower wall (24) extending from the internal structural member to a position adjacent to the bumper surface to substantially enclose the internal space from below. The cover member includes: a main portion (28) forming a base portion of the cover member; and an end portion (29) extending from the main portion to the position adjacent to the bumper surface and having a stiffness significantly lower than that of the main portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle body structure equipped with an environmental sensor that detects objects located around the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Environmental sensors (radar and lidar) are traditionally known sensors used to detect objects in the surrounding environment. Radar units are typically mounted at the front, rear, or corners of a vehicle to detect other vehicles and objects located in front of, behind, diagonally in front of, or diagonally behind the vehicle. These sensors are expected to be protected from damage and contamination from components and external objects.

[0003] JP2007-106199A discloses a radar device positioned inside a front bumper (bumper surface) that defines a portion of the vehicle's external contour, and supported by a bracket from the vehicle body structure (front member). Microwave radiation emitted from the radar device is transmitted through the front bumper, and reflected microwave radiation is transmitted back through the front bumper. Because the radar device is positioned inside the front bumper, it is protected from contamination and external impacts, thereby improving its durability.

[0004] According to this traditional arrangement, although the radar device is placed inside the bumper surface, rainwater, mud, dust and other foreign objects splashed from the road surface may enter the interior of the bumper surface and accumulate on the radar device.

[0005] This problem can be mitigated by providing a cover member extending between the bumper surface and the vehicle body to prevent foreign objects from reaching the radar unit. However, when an impact load is applied to the bumper surface from the outside, the impact load may be transmitted through the cover member to the radar unit and / or the bracket supporting the radar unit, which may cause damage to the radar unit or cause the radar unit's aiming direction to deviate or otherwise deviate from its original setting.

[0006] To overcome this problem, it is conceivable to use a cover component made of a highly flexible resin material, which would allow for easy deformation when impact loads are applied to the bumper surface, minimizing the load transmitted to the radar device. However, this cover component might be too flexible to withstand the pressure exerted by water splashed from the road surface and other objects thrown into the air, thus potentially failing to provide sufficient protection. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of these problems in the prior art, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle body structure equipped with an environmental sensor that can simultaneously protect the environmental sensor from contamination and external loads.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides a vehicle body structure equipped with an environmental sensor 22, the vehicle body structure comprising: a bumper surface 6 disposed on the exterior of a vehicle body 2; an internal structural member 12 positioned inside the bumper surface 6 to define an interior space between the bumper surface and the internal structural member; an environmental sensor 22 positioned in the interior space and attached to the internal structural member; and a cover member 23 including a lower wall 24 extending from the internal structural member to a position adjacent to the bumper surface to substantially enclose the interior space from below, the cover member comprising: a main portion 28 forming a base portion of the cover member; and an end portion 29 extending from the main portion to the position adjacent to the bumper surface and having a stiffness significantly lower than that of the main portion.

[0009] Because the internal space where the environmental sensor is located is separated from the surrounding space by a cover member, contaminants such as moisture and dirt are prevented from reaching the radar device. The main part of the cover member ensures sufficient resistance to external impacts. When an impact is applied to the bumper surface, the flexible end portion prevents the impact from being transmitted to the main part of the cover member, thereby protecting the main part of the cover member from external impacts and preventing the environmental sensor from being affected by external impacts. The bumper surface can be a front bumper surface or a rear bumper surface.

[0010] Preferably, the main portion and the end portion are made of plate members of the same material, and the main portion is endowed with increased bending stiffness by reinforcing features formed therein compared to the end portion.

[0011] Since the main and end parts of the cover component are made of the same material, the manufacturing of the cover component can be simplified.

[0012] Preferably, the reinforcing feature includes a rib 33 disposed in the main portion and extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] Therefore, the bending stiffness of the main part can be effectively increased.

[0014] Preferably, the reinforcing feature includes a flange 32 extending laterally over the main portion.

[0015] Lateral flanges can be easily formed on the main part and effectively increase the bending stiffness of the main part.

[0016] Preferably, the flange includes: a first portion that extends laterally along the base end portion of the lower wall; and a second portion that extends laterally at a certain distance from the base end portion of the lower wall.

[0017] Therefore, the flange can effectively reinforce the main part of the lower wall. In this case, the main part can be defined by the flange.

[0018] Preferably, the reinforcing feature includes a ridge (42) extending laterally on the lower wall.

[0019] Because the main and end portions can be formed on the same plane, the manufacturing of the cover components can be simplified. The ridge can be formed by bending the material of the lower wall and can have a V-shape, U-shape, or channel shape.

[0020] Preferably, the main portion and the end portion are made of the same plate component, and the thickness of the end portion is less than the thickness of the main portion.

[0021] Therefore, the stiffness of the main part and the stiffness of the end part can be easily differentiated by the difference in thickness.

[0022] Preferably, the main portion is made of a first material, and the end portion is made of a second material, the elastic modulus of which is significantly lower than that of the first material.

[0023] Therefore, the stiffness of the main part and the stiffness of the end part can be freely selected using different materials.

[0024] Preferably, the bumper surface is provided with a recessed portion R, which receives the end of the lower wall. The recessed portion effectively prevents foreign objects splashed from the road surface from reaching the upper part of the lower wall.

[0025] Because the end of the lower wall is effectively shielded from foreign objects thrown from the road by the portion of the bumper surface located directly below the recessed portion, the environmental sensor can be protected in an advantageous manner.

[0026] Therefore, the present invention provides a vehicle body structure equipped with an environmental sensor that can simultaneously protect the environmental sensor from pollution and external loads. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of the vehicle body according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a rear-facing angle.

[0028] Figure 2 Is with Figure 1 A similar view, in which the rear bumper face has been removed;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the radar module installed on the left rear corner of the vehicle body;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the radar module;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the deformation mode of the radar module cover member of the first embodiment when the rear bumper surface is subjected to an external load;

[0032] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows a radar module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows a radar module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows a radar module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows a radar module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows a radar module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows a radar module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12 It is similar to Figure 4 A view showing a radar module according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the deformation mode of the radar module cover member of the eighth embodiment when the rear bumper surface is subjected to external load. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] <<First Implementation Method>>

[0042] First, the following text will refer to Figures 1 to 5 A radar module 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the left rear portion of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. (Example) Figure 1As shown, vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle having a body 2 and four wheels 3. The left rear portion of the body 2 includes a rear outer panel 4 forming the tire housing for the left rear wheel 3, a rear trunk lid 5, and a rear bumper face 6.

[0043] The rear outer panel 4, the rear trunk lid 5, and the rear bumper surface 6 are panel components that define the outer left rear portion of the vehicle body 2. The rear outer panel 4 and the rear trunk lid 5 are made of stamped steel sheet, and the rear bumper surface 6 is made of injection-molded plastic material.

[0044] A rear combination light 7 is located on the upper left side of the rear bumper surface 6. The rear combination light 7 is divided into two parts: one part is integrally formed with the rear outer panel 4, and the other part is integrally formed with the rear trunk lid 5. A recessed portion 8 is provided at the left rear corner of the rear bumper surface 6. The recessed portion 8 has a through hole formed therein, and a rearward-facing reflector 9 is installed in the through hole of the recessed portion 8.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the left rear portion of the vehicle body, where the rear bumper face 6 has been removed. A bumper beam 10, serving as an internal structural member of the vehicle body 2, is located inside (front of) the rear bumper face 6. The bumper beam 10 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and extends laterally. The left and right ends of the bumper beam 10 are attached to the rear panel 12 via bumper brackets 11 at positions aligned with the rear ends of the left and right rear side frames. The rear panel 12 extends laterally and vertically, facing forward and rearward respectively. The rear end of the rear inner panel 13 is joined to the left end of the rear panel 12. The rear inner panel 13 extends in both the front-rear and vertical directions and faces the side. The rear side frames, bumper brackets 11, rear panel 12, and rear inner panel 13 also constitute internal structural members of the vehicle body 2.

[0046] The radar module 20 is positioned inside or within the corner portion of the rear bumper surface 6 (in front of the rear bumper surface 6). The radar module 20 is vertically inserted between the rear combination light 7 and the reflector 9. Figure 1 The radar module 20 is positioned between the two sides and laterally outward at the left end of the bumper beam 10. The radar module 20 is attached to the rear panel 12 via a radar bracket 21. The radar module 20 is located between the two sides and positioned laterally outward at the left end of the bumper beam 10. Figure 1 It is shown in dashed lines.

[0047] The radar module 20 includes a radar device 22 and a cover member 23. The radar device 22 detects objects (targets) located along the predetermined axis by emitting (illuminating) electromagnetic waves within a predetermined angular range centered on a predetermined axis and receiving reflected waves reflected by objects. The radar device 22 is positioned inside or within the rear bumper surface 6, with a predetermined gap defined between the rear bumper surface 6 and the radar device 22. The angle (attitude) of the radar device 22 can be adjusted by adjusting the radar bracket 21 so that the illumination axis of the radar device can point in a predetermined direction, and it is fixed to the rear panel 12 at that angle.

[0048] Radar device 22 is an environmental sensor that detects objects present around vehicle 1. In another embodiment, a light-emitting LiDAR (light detection and ranging) device, a sonar emitting ultrasonic waves, or the like can be provided as an environmental sensor instead of radar device 22.

[0049] Because the rear bumper surface 6 is made of plastic, the radar device 22 can detect objects through it. Since the radar module 20 is located inside the rear bumper surface 6, a high degree of freedom is provided for the exterior design of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the marketability of the vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a more detailed 3D view of radar module 20, and Figure 4 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of radar module 20. (See diagram below.) Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cover component 23 is positioned between the radar device 22 and the rear bumper surface 6. Figure 1 Between. In particular, the cover member 23 is attached to the radar bracket 21 at its base end and extends toward the bumper surface 6. Alternatively, the cover member 23 may extend from the radar device 22 itself.

[0051] The cover member 23 separates the internal space between the radar device 22 and the rear bumper surface 6 from the surrounding or external space (especially the space below). Therefore, rainwater, mud, dust, etc., splashed from the road surface are prevented from accumulating on the radar illumination and radar receiving surfaces of the radar device 22. The cover member 23 has a funnel shape extending from the base end adjacent to the radar device 22 to the free end adjacent to the bumper surface 6. The free end edge of the cover member 23 is irregularly shaped to conform to the internal contour of the bumper surface 6. A small gap (substantially constant in size) is defined between the end edge or free end edge of the cover member 23 and the opposite portion of the bumper surface 6.

[0052] The radar module 20 shown is located at the left rear corner of the vehicle body 2, and rainwater and mud splashed up by the left rear wheel are often thrown towards the radar device 22. Therefore, the cover member 23 includes: a lower wall 24 positioned below the axis of the radar device 22; and a left wall 25 positioned to the left of the axis, thus having a generally L-shaped cross-section. A flange 26 is provided on the upper edge of the left wall 25, which extends obliquely to the right and upward. The cover member 23 of the radar module 20 located at the right rear corner of the rear of the vehicle body 2 has a mirror-symmetrical shape with respect to the cover member 23 shown.

[0053] The cover component 23 is formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), vinyl chloride resin (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The cover component 23 can be made of any inexpensive plastic material and can be manufactured at low cost.

[0054] The lower wall 24 of the cover member 23 has: a main portion 28 disposed on the base portion of the lower wall 24, or on the side of the radar bracket 21 or radar device 22; and an end portion 29 disposed on the free end portion of the lower wall 24, or on the side of the rear bumper surface 6. The main portion 28 and the end portion 29 each include a portion of the lower wall 24 and a portion of the left wall 25. Both the lower wall 24 and the left wall 25 are cantilevered to the radar bracket 21.

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the lower wall 24 includes: a rearwardly downward inclined plate portion 31; and a flange 32 formed on the lower surface of the plate portion 31. The plate portion 31 is inclined downward from its base end adjacent to the radar device 22 and has a lateral width that gradually increases toward its end adjacent to the bumper surface 6. The flange 32 includes: a first portion that extends laterally (relative to the extension direction of the lower wall 24) along its base end portion; and a second portion that extends laterally (parallel to the first portion) at a distance from its base end portion. As used herein, the term "flange" should refer to any extension extending along a straight or curved path.

[0056] The lower wall 24 is further provided with a plurality of ribs 33 extending in the longitudinal direction (or in the direction of extension of the lower wall 24). The base end and free end of each rib 33 are respectively connected to the first part and the second part of the flange 32. As used herein, the term "rib" shall refer to any protrusion extending along a straight or curved path.

[0057] Ribs similar to rib 33 are also formed on the left front surface of the left wall 25, but they are not shown in the figure.

[0058] like Figure 4As shown, the distal edge (rear edge) of the flat plate portion 31 is adjacent to the inner surface of the rear bumper surface 6 to prevent water and other foreign matter from entering the internal space between the radar device 22 and the rear bumper surface 6. Alternatively, the rear edge of the flat plate portion 31 may contact the inner surface of the rear bumper surface 6. The rear edge of the flat plate portion 31 may be in a free state or in an elastically deformed state due to contact with the rear bumper surface 6. Because the internal space between the radar device 22 and the rear bumper surface 6 is separated from the surrounding space in this way by means of the cover member 23, the accumulation of moisture, dirt, grime, and other foreign matter that could contaminate the radar device 22 is prevented.

[0059] In this embodiment, the rear edge of the flat plate portion 31 is positioned or received in a recessed portion R of the rear bumper surface 6. The recessed portion R is recessed rearward compared to the surrounding portion of the rear bumper surface 6. The rear bumper surface 6 has a substantially constant thickness, so the recessed portion R is partially defined by a rearward protrusion 18 formed in the rear bumper surface 6. Because the rear edge of the flat plate portion 31 is received in the recessed portion R of the rear bumper surface 6, the flat plate portion 31 can effectively block debris thrown upward from the road surface.

[0060] Flange 32 and rib 33 are reinforcing features that strengthen the flat plate portion 31 to improve its bending stiffness. Since the flat plate portion 31, flange 32, and rib 33 are made of the same material, their shape increases the stiffness of the flat plate portion 31, particularly its bending stiffness. Because flange 32 and rib 33 are integrally formed with the flat plate portion 31 via injection molding, reinforcing features can be added to the flat plate portion 31 at minimal cost.

[0061] The operational mode and advantages of the above structure will be discussed below. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the operating mode of the vehicle body structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 (A) shows the body structure before experiencing an external impact on the rear bumper surface 6, and Figure 5 (B) shows the body structure after an external impact on the rear bumper surface 6.

[0062] More specifically, Figure 5 (B) shows that due to a load applied to the rear bumper surface 6 (e.g., when the vehicle is rear-ended by another vehicle), the rear bumper surface 6 moves from its original position (indicated by the dashed line) to its position (indicated by the solid line). At this time, the inner surface of the rear bumper surface 6 contacts the end of the cover member 23, causing the end of the cover member 23 to move forward. Because the end portion 29 of the cover member 23 has low stiffness and is easily deformable, the load applied to the rear bumper surface 6 is not transmitted to the radar device 22 or the radar bracket 21. Therefore, the radar device 22 is prevented from displaced due to external impact.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, since the cover member 23 generally extends rearward, or in particular, the lower wall 24 or the flat plate portion 31 is inclined rearward and downward, when the rear bumper surface 6 is pushed forward by an external impact, the lower wall 24 or the flat plate portion 31 is prone to deflect downward, thereby advantageously absorbing the impact transmitted from the rear bumper surface 6.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the inner surface of the rear bumper surface 6 is opposed to or abuts against the end portion 29 at a certain angle to the extending direction of the end portion 29 (that is, the normal direction of the rear bumper surface 6 opposed to the end portion 29 is at a certain angle to the extending direction of the end portion 29). When an external impact is transmitted from the rear bumper surface 6, the end portion 29 can bend advantageously, thereby effectively protecting the radar device 22 from external impact.

[0065] In this embodiment, as described above, the main portion 28 and the end portion 29 of the cover member 23 are made of the same material, thereby simplifying the manufacturing of the cover member 23. In particular, by appropriately selecting the size and position of the flange 32 and the rib 33 on the flat plate portion 31, the bending stiffness of the flat plate portion 31 can be freely selected as needed.

[0066] The flange 32 may be formed entirely or partially along the periphery of the main portion 28 in order to increase the bending stiffness of the main portion 28 as desired.

[0067] Rib 33 preferably includes a portion extending in the extension direction of the flat plate portion 31 and connected to flange 32 to desired increase the bending stiffness of the main portion 28.

[0068] <<Second Implementation Method>>

[0069] Next, the following will refer to Figure 6 A vehicle body structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 6 In, corresponding to Figure 4 The parts shown are labeled with similar figures, and these parts are not necessarily described again to avoid redundancy.

[0070] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shows the vehicle body structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a reflector 9 is provided in a portion of the rear bumper surface 6. The rear bumper surface 6 is provided with a recessed portion defined by an inward protrusion located directly below the end portion 29 of the flat plate portion 31 of the rear bumper surface 6, and the plate-shaped reflector 9 is externally mounted in the recessed portion.

[0071] The cover member 23 includes a frame portion 35, which is formed in a rectangular shape, closely surrounds the periphery of the radar device 22, and is fixedly attached to the radar bracket 21 or the radar device 22 itself. The frame portion 35 is made of a channel member having a forward-facing open side. The lower wall 24 and the left wall 25 are similar to the corresponding portions in the first embodiment, but extend from the frame portion 35 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the flange 32 is only provided at the middle position of the flat plate portion 31 relative to the longitudinal direction, extending laterally (along the boundary between the main portion 28 and the end portion 29), and longitudinally along the left edge and / or right edge of the main portion 28.

[0072] In this case, similar advantages as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the vehicle body structure operates in a manner similar to that of the vehicle body structure in the first embodiment.

[0073] <<Third Implementation Method>>

[0074] Next, the following text will refer to Figure 7 A vehicle body structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 7 In, corresponding to Figure 4 The parts shown are indicated by similar reference numerals, and these parts are not necessarily described repeatedly to avoid redundancy. For example... Figure 7 As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a reflector 9 is provided on the rear bumper surface 6.

[0075] The lower wall 24 of the cover member 23 is provided with: a flat plate portion 31 that is inclined backward and downward; and a flange 32 that extends in the transverse direction in the middle region relative to the longitudinal direction. The lower wall 24 of the cover member 23 in the third embodiment may also be provided with ribs 33 similar to those in the first and second embodiments.

[0076] Flange 32 is positioned along the boundary between the main portion 28 and the end portion 29 of the flat plate portion 31. More specifically, flange 32 extends downward from the front edge of the main portion 28 of the flat plate portion 31. Furthermore, end portion 29 extends rearward from the lower edge of flange 32. End portion 29 is simply formed as a thin plate member without flanges or ribs.

[0077] Similarly, in this case, the end portion 29 is prone to deformation, while the main portion 28 is endowed with high bending stiffness due to the presence of the flange 32. If ribs 33 are also provided, it will also help to increase the bending stiffness of the main portion 28.

[0078] <<Fourth Implementation Method>>

[0079] Next, the following text will refer to Figure 8 A vehicle body structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 8 In, corresponding to Figure 4 The parts shown are indicated by similar reference numerals, and these parts are not necessarily described repeatedly to avoid redundancy. The vehicle body structure of the fourth embodiment is similar to... Figure 7 The third embodiment shown has a similar vehicle body structure, but differs in that the flange 32 extends upward from the front edge of the flat plate portion 31 of the main portion 28 of the lower wall 24, and the end portion 29 extends from the upper edge of the flange 32.

[0080] Therefore, the vehicle body structure of the fourth embodiment provides similar advantages to the vehicle body structure of the third embodiment.

[0081] <<Fifth Implementation Method>>

[0082] Next, the following text will refer to Figure 9 A vehicle body structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 9 In, corresponding to Figure 4 The parts shown are indicated by similar reference numerals, and descriptions of these parts are not necessarily repeated to avoid redundancy. Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower wall 24 of the cover member 23 includes: a rearwardly downward-angled flat plate portion 31; and a ridge 42 extending in the transverse direction. The ridge 42 is formed by bending the material of the lower wall 24 to project downward from the lower surface of the flat plate portion 31. The ridge 42 extends along the boundary between the main portion 28 and the end portion 29 of the flat plate portion 31. Due to its geometry, the ridge 42 imparts increased stiffness to the flat plate portion 31, particularly bending stiffness. In this embodiment, the plate material forming the ridge 42 has substantially the same thickness as the rest of the flat plate portion 31 (including the portions forming the main portion 28 and the end portion 29). The ridge 42 thus defines a groove that extends in the transverse direction and has an upward-facing open side. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the ridge 42 is V-shaped, but it could also be U-shaped. If desired, the material of the flat plate portion 31 forming the ridge 42 can have an increased thickness compared to the rest of the flat plate portion 31.

[0083] This embodiment also provides similar advantages to the aforementioned embodiments. The structure of this embodiment is simple, thus providing a particularly cost-effective solution. Upon impact, the ridge 42 collapses in the longitudinal direction (extension direction) of the flat plate portion, while the end portion 29 simultaneously bends relative to the main portion 28, thereby allowing the shroud member 23 to deform in a particularly advantageous manner under impact loads without transmitting the impact load to the radar device 22.

[0084] <<Sixth Implementation Method>>

[0085] Next, the following text will refer to Figure 10A vehicle body structure according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 10 In, corresponding to Figure 4 The portions shown are represented by similar numbers, and these portions are not necessarily described repeatedly to avoid redundancy. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment, but compared to the previous embodiment, the ridge 42 in this example is inverted. Therefore, the ridge 42 has an upward-facing tip, and the groove defined by the ridge 42 has a downward-facing open side.

[0086] The advantages and variations of the previous implementation also apply to this implementation.

[0087] <<Seventh Implementation Method>>

[0088] Next, the following text will refer to Figure 11 A vehicle body structure according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 11 In, corresponding to Figure 4 The parts shown are indicated by similar reference numerals, and these parts are not necessarily described repeatedly to avoid redundancy. For example... Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower wall 24 of the cover member 23 consists only of a rearwardly and downwardly inclined flat plate portion 31. The flat plate portion 31 includes: a main portion 28 (base portion) extending rearward from the radar device 22 to a point some distance from the opposing surface of the rear bumper surface 6, and having a first thickness; and an end portion 29 extending rearward from the main portion 28 to a point adjacent to the opposing surface of the rear bumper surface 6, and having a second thickness significantly less than the first thickness. The lower wall 24 of the cover member 23 is uniformly made of the same plastic material. Therefore, the bending stiffness of the end portion 29 is significantly lower than the bending stiffness of the main portion 28.

[0089] In this configuration, the impact load applied to the rear bumper surface 6 can be effectively prevented from being transmitted to the radar device 22, while the cover member 23 maintains its function to protect the radar device 22 from external contamination. The stiffness of the main part 28 and the stiffness of the end part 29 can be freely differentiated by selecting different stiffness levels for the main part 28 and the end part 29.

[0090] <<Eighth Implementation Method>>

[0091] Next, the following text will refer to Figure 12 A vehicle body structure according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 12 In, corresponding to Figure 4 The parts shown are indicated by similar reference numerals, and these parts are not necessarily described repeatedly to avoid redundancy. For example... Figure 12As shown in the illustration, in this embodiment, the lower wall 24 of the cover member 23 consists only of a rearwardly and downwardly inclined flat plate portion 31, and does not have a flange 32 (as shown in the illustration). Figure 6 (as shown) and rib 33 (as shown) Figure 6 (as shown in the image) or any reinforcing features.

[0092] The flat plate portion 31 of the cover member 23 includes a main portion 28 made of a first plastic material and an end portion 29 made of a second plastic material, the second plastic material having a lower stiffness or modulus of elasticity than the first plastic material. The second material may be composed of an elastic material that is both elastic and flexible. In this case, the relatively stiff main portion 28 ensures the required protective function of the cover member 23, while the relatively flexible end portion ensures that external impacts applied to the rear bumper surface 6 are not transmitted to the radar device 22.

[0093] The main portion 28 and the end portion 29 of the cover component 23 can be joined together by welding, adhesion or shape joining, but more preferably by overmolding.

[0094] Figure 13 This illustrates what happens when a rearward load is applied to the rear bumper surface 6. Figure 12 The operating mode of the rear body structure is shown. When an impact load is applied to the rear end of vehicle 1, the bumper surface 6... Figure 13 The original state shown in (A) is transformed to Figure 13 (B), and deflects inward or forward as shown by the dashed line.

[0095] The inner surface of the rear bumper surface 6 contacts the end of the cover member 23 and pushes the end of the cover member 23 forward. Since the end portion 29 of the cover member 23 is significantly more deformable than the main portion 28 of the cover member 23, the end portion 29 of the cover member 23 undergoes bending and / or buckling deformation, while the main portion 28 remains unchanged, thereby protecting the radar device 22 from external impacts and effectively protecting the radar device 22 from external contamination before, during and after the incident.

[0096] Since the end portion 29 is made of a different material than the main portion 28, the stiffness of both the end portion 29 and the main portion 28 can be easily optimized. In the above embodiment, a reinforcing feature can be considered when the left wall 25 (side wall) has a lower edge that connects to the corresponding side edge of the lower wall 24 and the lower edge of the side wall extends from the base end of the lower wall 24 to a point slightly shorter than the end of the lower wall 24 (but not shown in the figure). Preferably, the lower wall 24 is angled downward from its base end adjacent to the radar device 22 and has a lateral width that gradually increases toward the end of its adjacent rear bumper surface 6. Thus, the side wall helps to reinforce the main portion of the lower wall, while the end portion allows for relatively easy bending or other deformation, while simultaneously preventing interference with the radiation range of the environmental sensors.

[0097] The present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. This completes the description of specific embodiments, but the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and can be widely modified. Furthermore, the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments are not all necessary for the broad concept of the invention, and they can be appropriately selected, omitted, and substituted without departing from the spirit of the invention. The contents of any references cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure equipped with environmental sensors, the vehicle body structure comprising: The bumper surface is located on the exterior of the vehicle body; An internal structural member is positioned inside the bumper surface, thereby defining an internal space between the bumper surface and the internal structural member; An environmental sensor, which is positioned in the internal space and attached to the internal structural components; as well as A cover component, the cover component including a lower wall extending from the internal structural component to a position adjacent to the bumper surface. The cover member includes: a main portion forming a base end portion of the cover member; and an end portion extending from the main portion to a position adjacent to the bumper surface and having a lower stiffness than the main portion. The main portion and the end portion are made of the same plate component, and compared to the end portion, the main portion is endowed with increased bending stiffness through reinforcing features formed therein. The reinforcing feature includes a flange extending laterally over the main portion, and The flange includes: a first portion that extends laterally along the base portion of the lower wall; and a second portion that extends laterally at a certain distance from the base portion of the lower wall.

2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing features include ribs disposed in the main portion and extending in the longitudinal direction.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing feature includes a ridge extending laterally on the lower wall.

4. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein, The main part and the end part are made of plate components of the same material, and the thickness of the end part is less than the thickness of the main part.

5. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein, The main portion is made of a first material, and the end portion is made of a second material, the elastic modulus of which is lower than that of the first material.

6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein, The bumper surface has a recessed portion that receives the end of the lower wall.

Images