Body structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle body structure capable of changing decorative parts without affecting a radar device. The vehicle body structure (2) includes: a first decorative part (32) supported by a vehicle body frame (3) and forming the outer surface of a vehicle (1); a second decorative part (33) arranged adjacent to the first decorative part and forming the outer surface of the vehicle together with the first decorative part; and a radar device (30) supported by the vehicle body frame and arranged on the back side of the second decorative part. The second decorative part is formed of a resin material and is smaller than the first decorative part. The second decorative part may also include a plate-shaped portion (33A) facing the front of the radar device and an edge wall portion (33B) extending from the edge of the plate-shaped portion toward the radar device. The end of the edge wall portion may also be located closer to the back side of the radar device than the front side of the radar device. A gap (35) may also be formed between the end of the edge wall portion and the radar device and the vehicle body frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles equipped with radar devices for detecting objects such as other vehicles and buildings in their vicinity are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a radar device that is located inside a resin bumper and mounted to the vehicle body via a bracket. Radio waves emitted by the radar device and their reflected waves pass through the bumper, protecting the radar device from contamination.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-106199 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] Because the radar's transmitted and received waves pass through the bumper panel, changes in the bumper's radio wave transmission characteristics, such as due to replacement, can alter the radar's detection sensitivity. This restricts the ability to modify decorative parts like the bumper panel. Furthermore, modifications to decorative parts can alter the radar's functionality.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to enable modification of decorative parts in a vehicle body structure without affecting a radar device.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle body structure 2, which has: a first decorative part 32, which is supported by a vehicle body frame 3 and forms the outer surface of a vehicle 1; a second decorative part 33, which is arranged adjacent to the first decorative part and forms the outer surface of the vehicle together with the first decorative part; and a radar device 30, which is supported by the vehicle body frame and arranged on the back side of the second decorative part, the second decorative part is formed of a resin material and is smaller than the first decorative part.

[0010] This method allows for modifications to the vehicle body structure without affecting the radar device. Since the first decorative element does not affect the performance of the radar device, designers and users can freely modify its shape, material, and coating. This maintains the performance of the radar device, thereby improving traffic safety.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the second decorative member may include a plate-shaped portion 33A facing the front surface of the radar device and an edge wall portion 33B extending from an edge of the plate-shaped portion toward the radar device.

[0012] According to this aspect, the edge wall portion can protect the radar device from foreign matter.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the end of the edge wall may be located closer to the rear side of the radar device than the front side of the radar device, and a gap 35 may be formed between the end of the edge wall and the radar device and the vehicle frame.

[0014] According to this aspect, a gap is formed between the edge wall portion and the radar device and the bracket. Therefore, when the second garnish is displaced together with the first garnish, the second garnish can be prevented from colliding with the radar device and the bracket.

[0015] In the above aspect, the edge wall portion may be arranged at least below the radar device.

[0016] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent foreign matter that is blown up from below by the edge wall from reaching the radar device.

[0017] In the above aspect, the edge wall portion may be formed in a cylindrical shape along an edge of the plate-shaped portion, and the front surface of the radar device may be arranged inside the edge wall portion.

[0018] According to this aspect, the edge wall portion surrounds the radar device, and thus the radar device can be reliably protected from foreign matter.

[0019] In the above aspect, the second decorative member may be detachably coupled to the first decorative member.

[0020] According to this aspect, when the first garnish is replaced, the second garnish can be reused.

[0021] In the above embodiment, the first decorative member may include a recessed portion 32B recessed downward in the thickness direction at an upper edge portion thereof, and the second decorative member may be fitted into the recessed portion.

[0022] According to this aspect, the first decorative member and the second decorative member cooperate with each other to form a unified appearance.

[0023] In the above embodiment, the upper edge of the second decorative member may be arranged along the lower edge of the vehicle lighting device 21 .

[0024] According to this aspect, the second decorative member and the lighting device can form a unified appearance in cooperation with each other.

[0025] In the above embodiment, the first decorative member may have an opening 36 penetrating in the thickness direction, and the second decorative member may be fitted into the opening.

[0026] According to this aspect, the cover and the radar device can be arranged at any location surrounded by the first garnish.

[0027] In the above embodiment, the first decorative member may be a bumper face.

[0028] According to this aspect, the bumper face can be replaced without affecting the performance of the radar device.

[0029] In the above aspect, the second decorative member may have a higher radio wave transmittance than the first decorative member.

[0030] According to this aspect, the performance of the radar device can be improved, thereby improving traffic safety.

[0031] In the above aspect, the paint applied to the second decorative member may have a higher radio wave transmittance than the paint applied to the first decorative member.

[0032] According to this aspect, the performance of the radar device can be improved, thereby improving traffic safety.

[0033] Effects of the Invention

[0034] According to the above configuration, in the vehicle body structure, the decorative member can be changed without affecting the radar device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 It is a front view of the vehicle body structure of the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a side view of the vehicle body structure of the first embodiment, showing the structure with the bumper face and the protective cover omitted.

[0037] Figure 3 It is a side view of the headlamp, bracket, and radar device according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body structure of the first embodiment (along Figure 1 sectional view along line IV-IV in FIG.

[0039] Figure 5 It is a front view of the vehicle body structure of the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 6 A sectional view of the vehicle body structure of the second embodiment (along Figure 5VI-VI line cross-sectional view).

[0041] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a vehicle body structure according to a third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a protective cover according to a third embodiment.

[0043] Figure 9 A sectional view of the vehicle body structure of the third embodiment (along Figure 5 VI-VI line cross-sectional view).

[0044] Label Description

[0045] 1: vehicle;

[0046] 2, 50, 60: body structure;

[0047] 3: Body frame;

[0048] 21, 66: lighting device;

[0049] 26, 57: bracket;

[0050] 30: radar device;

[0051] 32: front bumper face;

[0052] 32B: concave part;

[0053] 33, 63: hood;

[0054] 33A: plate-shaped part;

[0055] 33B: marginal wall;

[0056] 35: gap;

[0057] 51: Opening;

[0058] 57: bracket;

[0059] 61: rear body panel;

[0060] 62: Rear bumper face. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle body structure of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the vehicle body structure is applied to a passenger car will be described.

[0062] (First embodiment)

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the body structure 2 of a four-wheeled vehicle 1 includes a body frame 3 serving as a skeleton. The body frame 3 is formed of metal. The body frame 3 comprises a pair of left and right front side frames 5 extending forward and backward at the front of the vehicle 1; a bulkhead 6 coupled to the front ends of the left and right front side frames 5; and a pair of left and right front upper members 7 extending outward and left and right from the front ends of the corresponding front side frames 5, then curving and extending rearward and upward. The bulkhead 6 can be formed into a rectangular frame shape and comprises a pair of left and right bulkhead side members extending vertically; a bulkhead upper member extending left and right and coupled to the upper ends of the left and right bulkhead side members; and a bulkhead lower member extending left and right and coupled to the lower ends of the left and right bulkhead side members. The pair of left and right front upper members 7 are positioned outboard and upward relative to the pair of left and right front side frames 5. Front fenders 15 are coupled to each of the left and right front upper members 7. A front hood 16 is disposed between the left and right front fenders 15 in an openable and closable manner.

[0064] The vehicle body frame 3 includes a pair of left and right bumper stays 18 extending forward from the front ends of the left and right front side frames 5 , and a bumper beam 19 extending left and right and connected to the front ends of the left and right bumper stays 18 .

[0065] A pair of left and right lighting devices 21 are provided at the front of the vehicle 1. The lighting devices 21 are so-called headlights. Each lighting device 21 can be coupled to at least one of the bulkhead 6, the front upper member 7, and the front fender 15 via a bracket. Each lighting device 21 has a main body 21A extending left and right and a plurality of coupling pieces 21B extending from the edges of the main body 21A. The main body 21A is formed of a translucent resin and has a front surface panel 21C disposed on the front surface and a light emitter (not shown) disposed behind the front surface panel 21C.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a bracket 26 is provided below the left and right lighting devices 21. The bracket 26 can be formed of a resin. The bracket 26 can be combined with at least one of the bulkhead 6, the front upper member 7, the front fender 15 and the lighting device 21. The bracket 26 extends in the left-right direction below the main body 21A of the lighting device 21. The bracket 26 is combined with a mounting portion 21D formed on the main body 21A of the lighting device 21. The mounting portion 21D is recessed rearward from the front surface of the main body 21A and has a front surface facing forward. Alternatively, the left and right outer ends of the bracket 26 may be combined with the front fender 15, and the left and right inner ends of the bracket 26 may be combined with the bulkhead 6. The bracket 26 may be a so-called corner upper beam.

[0067] like Figure 3As shown, the bracket 26 has: a plate-shaped main body portion 26A facing front and back; an upper edge wall 26B protruding forward from the upper edge of the main body portion 26A; a lower edge wall 26C protruding forward from the lower edge of the main body portion 26A; and a plurality of reinforcing walls 26D protruding forward from the front surface of the main body portion 26A and extending up and down to be combined with the upper edge wall 26B and the lower edge wall 26C.

[0068] A radar device 30 is mounted on the bracket 26. Specifically, the radar device 30 is supported on the vehicle body frame 3 via the bracket 26. The radar device 30 emits radio waves and measures the reflected waves, thereby detecting objects around the vehicle 1 and measuring the distance and direction to the objects, that is, the position of the objects relative to the radar device 30. The radar device 30 can be mounted on the front surface of the main body 26A of the bracket 26. In this embodiment, the radar device 30 is directly coupled to the front surface of the main body 26A. Alternatively, an adapter can be coupled to the front surface of the main body 26A of the bracket 26, with the radar device 30 being detachably secured to the adapter.

[0069] The radar device 30 can have, for example, a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The front face, or front surface, of the radar device 30 is positioned forward of the front ends of the upper edge wall 26B and the lower edge wall 26C of the bracket 26. In other embodiments, the front face of the radar device 30 can also be positioned rearward of the front ends of the upper edge wall 26B and the lower edge wall 26C of the bracket 26. The radar device 30 transmits radio waves forward from its front face and receives reflected waves from the front. In other words, the radar device 30 transmits radio waves forward. The radar device 30 can arbitrarily change its direction of transmission and can be tilted left or right outward relative to the front.

[0070] The body frame 3 supports a front bumper face 32 as a first decorative member forming the outer surface of the vehicle 1. The front bumper face 32 is formed of resin. The front bumper face 32 extends left and right in front of the bumper beam 19. The middle portion of the front bumper face 32 in the left-right direction is connected to the bumper beam 19, and the front bumper face 32 is connected to the front fender 15 at both left and right ends. Taking into account the design and function of the exterior, the front bumper face 32 can be formed by combining multiple parts or by a single continuous part. The multiple parts that constitute the front bumper face 32 can be in contact with each other or can be separated from each other.

[0071] The front bumper face 32 is positioned away from the direction of radio wave emission from the radar device 30. Specifically, when viewed from the front, the front bumper face 32 is positioned so as not to overlap with the radar device 30. A cover 33, serving as a second decorative member, is provided in the direction of radio wave emission from the radar device 30. The cover 33 is positioned adjacent to the front bumper face 32 and, together with the front bumper face 32, forms the exterior surface of the vehicle 1. The radar device 30 is positioned on the rear side of the cover 33.

[0072] The cover 33 is formed of a resin material. The cover 33 preferably has a higher radio wave transmittance than the front bumper panel 32. For example, the cover 33 preferably has a higher radio wave transmittance than the front bumper panel 32 in the frequency band of 30 GHz to 300 GHz. In particular, the paint applied to the cover 33 preferably has a higher radio wave transmittance than the paint applied to the front bumper panel 32. The paint applied to the cover 33 preferably has a lower metal content than the paint applied to the front bumper panel 32. The cover 33 and the bumper panel can be formed of the same material, such as polypropylene.

[0073] The cover 33 is formed smaller than the front bumper surface 32. The size of the cover 33 relative to the size of the front bumper surface 32 may be 1 / 10 or less, more preferably 1 / 20 or less, and even more preferably 1 / 50 or less.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 33 includes a plate-shaped portion 33A facing the front of the radar device 30 and an edge wall portion 33B extending from the edge of the plate-shaped portion 33A toward the radar device 30. The plate-shaped portion 33A is preferably formed into a shape that cooperates with the front bumper face 32 to give the viewer a sense of unity. The front bumper face 32 has a recessed portion 32B at its upper edge that is recessed downward along the thickness direction. The recessed portion 32B is located at a position corresponding to the radar device 30. The cover 33 fits into the recessed portion 32B. The upper edge of the cover 33 is located along the lower edge of the front panel 21C of the lighting device 21.

[0075] The end of the edge wall portion 33B is located closer to the rear side of the radar device 30 than the front side of the radar device 30. A gap 35 is formed between the end of the edge wall portion 33B and the radar device 30 and the bracket 26. The edge wall portion 33B is preferably located at least below the radar device 30. In this embodiment, the edge wall portion 33B is formed into a cylindrical shape along the edge of the plate-shaped portion 33A. The front side of the radar device 30 can be located inside the edge wall portion 33B.

[0076] The cover 33 can be detachably connected to the front bumper face 32. An upper edge wall 32A extending rearward is provided at the upper edge of the front bumper face 32. The lower portion of the edge wall portion 33B of the cover 33 is preferably detachably connected to the upper edge wall 32A of the front bumper face 32. For example, the lower portion of the edge wall portion 33B of the cover 33 is preferably detachably connected to the upper edge wall 32A of the front bumper face 32 via a fastening member 37. The fastening member 37 may be a resin fastener, screw, or the like. The upper edge of the edge wall portion 33B of the cover 33 may be detachably secured to a securing portion provided on the lighting device 21. Alternatively, the edge wall portion 33B of the cover 33 may be detachably secured to the bulkhead 6 or the vehicle body frame 3 including the front upper member 7 via a supporting member (not shown).

[0077] According to the above embodiment, the front bumper panel 32 of the vehicle body structure 2 can be modified without affecting the radar device 30. The front bumper panel 32 is positioned away from the radar device 30's radio wave emission direction, thus not affecting the performance of the radar device 30. Therefore, designers and users can freely modify the shape, material, and paint of the front bumper panel 32. This maintains the performance of the radar device 30, thereby improving traffic safety. The cover 33 can be removed from the replaced front bumper panel 32 and reused.

[0078] The end of the edge wall portion 33B of the cover 33 is located closer to the rear side of the radar device 30 than the front side. Therefore, the edge wall portion 33B protects the radar device 30 from foreign matter. The edge wall portion 33B particularly protects the front side of the radar device 30 from dust flying from the road surface. The edge wall portion 33B is cylindrical, and the front side of the radar device 30 is positioned within the edge wall portion 33B. This allows the edge wall portion 33B to more reliably protect the front side of the radar device 30.

[0079] A gap 35 is formed between the edge wall portion 33B and the radar device 30 and the bracket 26. This prevents the cover 33 from colliding with the radar device 30 and the bracket 26 when the cover 33 and the front bumper surface 32 are displaced together. Consequently, damage to the cover 33 and the radar device 30 can be prevented when the front bumper surface 32 moves rearward due to a minor collision.

[0080] The cover 33 of the first embodiment may also be flexible. For example, the edge of the cover 33 may be formed from an elastomer or rubber. Furthermore, the plate-shaped portion 33A may be formed from an elastomer or rubber, similar to the edge wall portion 33B. This prevents damage to the cover 33 and the radar device 30 when the front bumper face 32 moves rearward due to a minor collision. If the edge wall portion 33B of the cover 33 is flexible, the edge wall portion 33B may also abut against the side of the radar device 30 or the bracket 26.

[0081] (Second embodiment)

[0082] Compared to the vehicle body structure 2 of the first embodiment, the vehicle body structure 50 of the second embodiment differs in the position of the cover 33 relative to the front bumper face 32 and the position of the radar device 30 relative to the front bumper face 32. In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the vehicle body structure 50, the front bumper face 32 has an opening 51 extending through the front bumper face 32 in the thickness direction. The cover 33 engages with the opening 51. The opening 51 may extend downward from the upper edge of the front bumper face 32. The shapes of the opening 51 and the plate-shaped portion 33A of the cover 33 may be arbitrarily modified.

[0083] The front bumper face 32 has a supporting wall portion 53 extending toward the back side at the edge of the opening 51. The supporting wall portion 53 can be formed into a cylindrical shape along the opening 51. The inner peripheral surface of the supporting wall portion 53 of the front bumper face 32 is opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the edge wall portion 33B of the cover 33. The edge wall portion 33B is combined with the supporting wall portion 53 in a manner that allows for assembly and disassembly. For example, a locking hole 55 can be provided on one of the edge wall portion 33B and the supporting wall portion 53, and an elastic claw 56 that engages with the locking hole 55 can be provided on the other of the edge wall portion 33B and the supporting wall portion 53. In addition, the edge wall portion 33B can also be fastened to the supporting wall portion 53 in a manner that allows for assembly and disassembly by a fastening component.

[0084] The radar device 30 may be disposed on the rear side of the plate-shaped portion 33A of the cover 33. The radar device 30 may be coupled to the vehicle body frame 3 via a bracket 57. The vehicle body frame 3 may include the bulkhead 6, the front upper member 7, and the front fender 15.

[0085] (Third embodiment)

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the vehicle body structure 60 of the third embodiment includes: a rear bumper 62 as a first decorative member, which is supported by a rear body panel 61 constituting a portion of the vehicle body frame 3 and forms the exterior surface of the vehicle 1; a cover 63 as a second decorative member, which is disposed adjacent to the rear bumper 62 and, together with the rear bumper 62, forms the exterior surface of the vehicle 1; and a radar device 30, which is supported by the rear body panel 61 and disposed on the rear side of the cover 63. In the third embodiment, components identical to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0087] A cargo compartment opening 64 that opens rearward is formed on the rear body panel 61 that forms the rear portion of the vehicle 1. A tailgate 65 is provided in the cargo compartment opening 64 so as to be openable and closable. The rear bumper face 62 is disposed along the surface of the rear body panel 61, below the cargo compartment opening 64. The rear bumper face 62 includes a rear bumper face center portion 62A that extends left and right along the lower edge of the cargo compartment opening 64, and left and right rear bumper face end portions 62B that extend upward from both ends of the rear bumper face center portion 62A along the left and right side edges of the cargo compartment opening 64. The rear bumper face 62 is coupled to the surface of the rear body panel 61 via fastening members.

[0088] The rear body panel 61 is provided with left and right lighting devices 66 on the left and right side edges of the cargo area opening 64. The lighting devices 66 are so-called taillights or brake lights. The lower edges of the left and right lighting devices 66 are arranged upwardly away from the upper edges of the left and right rear bumper end portions 62B of the rear bumper face 62. A cover 63 is attached to the rear body panel 61 between the lower edges of the left and right lighting devices 66 and the upper edges of the left and right rear bumper end portions 62B of the rear bumper face 62.

[0089] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cover 63 includes a plate-shaped portion 63A that faces the surface of the rear body panel 61 with a gap therebetween, and an edge wall portion 63B that extends from the edge of the plate-shaped portion 63A toward the surface of the rear body panel 61. The edge wall portion 63B is formed in an annular shape along the edge of the plate-shaped portion 63A. The plate-shaped portion 63A is preferably formed in a shape that cooperates with the rear bumper face 62 to give the viewer a sense of unity. The plate-shaped portion 63A is curved to follow the shape of the rear body panel 61. The edge wall portion 63B can be connected to the rear body panel 61 via fasteners. A flange 63C extending perpendicularly to the edge wall portion 63B can also be formed at the end of the edge wall portion 63B. The flange 63C can be connected to the rear body panel 61 via fasteners 67. The flange 63C can be positioned at the edge of the cargo area opening 64 so as to overlap with the tailgate 65.

[0090] The radar device 30 is arranged in a portion of the rear body panel 61 that faces the plate-shaped portion 63A of the cover 63 .

[0091] The above is the end of the description of the specific embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified. The vehicle body structure 2 is not limited to be applied to passenger cars, but can also be applied to two-wheeled vehicles, trucks, etc.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure comprising: a first decorative member supported on the vehicle body frame and forming an outer surface of the vehicle; a second trim member disposed adjacent to the first trim member and forming the exterior surface of the vehicle together with the first trim member; a bracket coupled to at least one of the vehicle body frame and a lighting device coupled to the vehicle body frame; and a radar device supported by the vehicle body frame via the bracket and arranged on the back side of the second garnish; The second decorative member is formed of a resin material and is smaller than the first decorative member. The bracket has: a plate-shaped main body facing forward and backward; an upper edge wall protruding forward from an upper edge of the main body; a lower edge wall protruding forward from the lower edge of the main body; and a plurality of reinforcing walls protruding forward from the front surface of the main body and extending up and down to be connected to the upper edge wall and the lower edge wall, The radar device is provided on the front surface of the main body of the bracket, The front surface of the radar device is arranged forward of the front ends of the upper edge wall and the lower edge wall of the bracket.

2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: The second garnish includes a plate-shaped portion facing the front surface of the radar device and an edge wall portion extending from an edge of the plate-shaped portion toward the radar device.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 2, wherein: An end portion of the edge wall portion is located closer to the rear side of the radar device than the front side of the radar device, and a gap is formed between the end portion of the edge wall portion and the radar device and the vehicle body frame.

4. The vehicle body structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The edge wall portion is disposed at least below the radar device.

5. The vehicle body structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The edge wall portion is formed into a cylindrical shape along the edge of the plate-shaped portion. The front surface of the radar device is arranged inside the edge wall portion.

6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: The second decorative member is detachably coupled to the first decorative member.

7. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first decorative member has a recessed portion at its upper edge that is recessed downward along the thickness direction. The second decorative piece is engaged with the recess.

8. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: The upper edge of the second decorative member is arranged along the lower edge of the lighting device of the vehicle, The vehicle body frame comprises: a pair of left and right front side frames extending forward and backward at the front of the vehicle; a bulkhead coupled to the front ends of the pair of left and right front side frames; a pair of left and right front upper members extending outwardly to the left and right sides from the front ends of the respective front side frames, then bending and extending rearward and upward; and a pair of left and right front fenders coupled to the pair of left and right front upper members. The left and right outer ends of the bracket are combined with the front fender, the left and right inner ends of the bracket are combined with the partition, and the bracket extends left and right below the lighting device.

9. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first decorative member has an opening extending through the first decorative member in the thickness direction. The second decorative piece is engaged with the opening.

10. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first decorative part is a bumper face.

11. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: The second decorative member has a higher radio wave transmittance than the first decorative member.

12. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein: The paint applied to the second decorative member has a higher radio wave transmittance than the paint applied to the first decorative member.

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