Object sensor mounting structure

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an attachment structure for an object sensor, which satisfies both the requirement for suppressing functional loss of the object sensor and the requirement for increasing the degree of freedom of design of an exterior member. An attachment structure (10) for attaching an object sensor (11) to a vehicle body, the object sensor (11) being disposed on the outside of the vehicle body (2) and on the inside of an exterior member (3). The attachment structure (10) is provided with: a bracket (12) that houses the object sensor; and a coupling member (13) that couples the bracket to the vehicle body. The connecting member has: a support member (38) that supports the bracket so as to be movable in the vehicle interior / exterior direction; and a biasing member (39) that biases the bracket toward the outside of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a mounting structure of an object sensor. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide a sustainable transportation system for those who are in a disadvantaged position among traffic participants have been active. In order to achieve this goal, research and development are being devoted to further improving the safety and convenience of traffic through the research and development of preventive safety technologies. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mounting structure in which an object detection device (object sensor) that detects the presence or absence of an object in front of a vehicle, the relative distance, etc., is mounted on a vehicle body.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4331152 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The object sensor is sometimes arranged on the outside of the vehicle body and on the inside of the vehicle body of an exterior component such as a bumper. In this case, in order to suppress the functional loss of the object sensor caused by an external impact, it is preferred to keep the object sensor away from the exterior component (i.e., it is preferred to arrange the object sensor on the vehicle body side as much as possible).

[0008] However, if the object sensor is moved away from the exterior component, the area of ​​the portion of the exterior component through which the radio waves from the object sensor pass (hereinafter referred to as the "sensor field of view") becomes larger. In recent years, the field of view (FoV: Field of View) of the object sensor has sometimes been expanded for the purpose of expanding the area for detecting the object. As the FoV of the object sensor increases, the area of ​​the sensor field of view of the exterior component also increases. In the sensor field of view of the exterior component, there are design constraints (for example, curvature constraints) in order to take into account the function of the object sensor. Therefore, if the area of ​​the sensor field of view of the exterior component increases, the design constraints of the exterior component also increase.

[0009] As described above, the requirement to suppress the functional loss of the object sensor and the requirement to increase the degree of freedom in designing the exterior component are in a trade-off relationship, and it is difficult to satisfy both simultaneously.

[0010] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to satisfy both the requirement of suppressing the functional loss of the object sensor and the requirement of increasing the degree of freedom in designing the exterior component in the mounting structure of the object sensor, and to further contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a mounting structure 10 for mounting an object sensor 11 arranged on the outside of a vehicle body 2 and on the inside of an exterior component 3 to the vehicle body, the mounting structure comprising: a bracket 12, which accommodates the object sensor; and connecting components 13A~13C, which connect the bracket to the vehicle body, the connecting components having: a supporting component 38, which supports the bracket so as to be movable in the vehicle inward and outward directions; and a force applying component 39, which applies force to the bracket toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0013] According to this method, the force-applying member applies force to the object sensor toward the outside of the vehicle via the bracket, so that the object sensor can be brought close to the side of the exterior component. As a result, the area of ​​the sensor field of view of the exterior component can be suppressed, so that the design freedom of the exterior component can be increased. When the exterior component is impacted from the outside, the object sensor and the bracket overcome the force of the force-applying member and shift from the outside of the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle. As a result, the impact applied to the object sensor is mitigated, so that damage to the object sensor, that is, functional loss of the object sensor, is suppressed. As a result, the requirements of suppressing functional loss of the object sensor and increasing the design freedom of the exterior component can be met at the same time.

[0014] In the above aspect, the support member may include a shaft portion 41 extending in the vehicle interior-exterior direction, and the urging member may be a coil spring that is arranged around the shaft portion and is expandable and contractible in the vehicle interior-exterior direction.

[0015] According to this aspect, the support member and the urging member can be arranged compactly.

[0016] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the bracket may have a through hole 32 extending in the vehicle interior and exterior directions, the shaft portion may be arranged to pass through the through hole, the support member may have a flange portion 42 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion toward the radial outside and abutting against the vehicle exterior surface around the through hole on the bracket, and the vehicle exterior end portion 39A of the coil spring abuts against the vehicle interior surface around the through hole on the bracket.

[0017] According to this embodiment, in a normal state where no external impact is transmitted to the object sensor or the bracket, the coil spring applies force to the object sensor toward the vehicle outer side, while the flange portion contacts the vehicle outer side surface of the bracket. This prevents the bracket and the object sensor from falling off the shaft portion due to the force of the coil spring.

[0018] In the above aspect, the vehicle body may include a through hole 47 penetrating in the vehicle interior-exterior direction, and the shaft portion may be fixed to the vehicle body by fitting into the through hole.

[0019] According to this aspect, since the shaft portion does not shift toward the vehicle interior, the bracket and the object sensor can be more stably attached to the vehicle body.

[0020] In the above aspect, the vehicle body may include a through hole 47 penetrating in the vehicle interior and exterior direction, and the support member may penetrate the through hole and be supported by the vehicle body so as to be movable in the vehicle interior and exterior direction together with the bracket.

[0021] According to this aspect, when the exterior member is impacted from the outside, not only the object sensor and the bracket but also the shaft portion overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member and displaces from the vehicle exterior to the vehicle interior. This can further mitigate the impact applied to the object sensor.

[0022] In the above aspect, the end portion 39B of the coil spring on the vehicle inner side may be in contact with the vehicle body.

[0023] According to this aspect, since a new component for fixing the coil spring is not required, the object sensor can be mounted on the vehicle body with a simpler structure.

[0024] In the above aspect, the support member may further include a seat portion 65 projecting radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion at a position closer to the vehicle interior than the flange portion, and the vehicle interior end portion 39B of the coil spring may abut against the seat portion.

[0025] According to this aspect, even if the distance between the vehicle body and the exterior member in the vehicle interior and exterior directions becomes longer, the acting force can be reliably transmitted to the bracket.

[0026] In the above-mentioned method, the bracket may include: a housing portion 18 that houses the object sensor; and a pair of extension portions 19 that extend from the housing portion to both sides, and the connecting parts are provided in a manner that includes three or more first connecting parts 13A that engage with the upper portion of one of the extension portions and a second connecting part 13B that engages with the lower portion of another of the extension portions.

[0027] According to this aspect, the bracket can be stably attached to the vehicle body.

[0028] In the above aspect, the object sensor may be arranged at a position closer to the exterior member than to the vehicle body.

[0029] According to this aspect, the area of ​​the sensor field of view portion of the exterior member can be reduced, and thus the degree of freedom in designing the exterior member can be increased.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to the above configuration, in the mounting structure of the object sensor, it is possible to simultaneously satisfy the requirement of suppressing the functional loss of the object sensor and the requirement of increasing the degree of freedom in designing the exterior component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a top view of a vehicle provided with the mounting structure of the object sensor according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the object sensor according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a front view of the object sensor mounting structure according to the first embodiment as seen from the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a side view showing the mounting structure of the object sensor according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which a shaft portion of the mounting structure of the object sensor according to the first embodiment is supported on a vehicle body.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a front view showing a modified example of the mounting structure of the object sensor according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which a shaft portion of a mounting structure of an object sensor according to a second embodiment is supported on a vehicle body.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in which a shaft portion of a mounting structure of an object sensor according to a third embodiment is supported on a vehicle body.

[0040] Description of symbols

[0041] 1: Vehicle;

[0042] 2: Car body;

[0043] 3: Rear bumper (exterior parts);

[0044] 10: Sensor installation structure;

[0045] 11: Object sensor;

[0046] 12: bracket;

[0047] 13A: first connecting member;

[0048] 13B: second connecting member;

[0049] 13C: third connecting member;

[0050] 18: Containment Department;

[0051] 19: extension;

[0052] 32: through hole;

[0053] 38: supporting member;

[0054] 39: force applying component;

[0055] 39A: end of the force-applying member on the vehicle outer side;

[0056] 39B: end of the force-applying member on the vehicle inner side;

[0057] 41: shaft;

[0058] 42: flange portion;

[0059] 47: Through hole;

[0060] 65: Pedestal part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle 1 provided with a mounting structure for an object sensor 11 according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a “sensor mounting structure 10 ”) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0062] (First Embodiment)

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 1 is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 1 has a body 2 that is long in the front-rear direction. A rear bumper 3 (an example of an exterior component) is provided at the rear of the body 2. The rear bumper 3 extends in the left-right direction and covers the rear of a bumper beam (not shown).

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body 2 has a main plate 2A provided at the left and right rear corners thereof and a sub-plate 2B fixed to the vehicle outer side of the main plate 2A. The main plate 2A has a complex curved surface shape. The sub-plate 2B is a component for arranging the object sensor 11 described later so that the millimeter wave (radio wave) from the object sensor 11 is irradiated in an appropriate direction. The sub-plate 2B has a plane portion 5 facing the main wall portion 21 of the bracket 12 accommodating the object sensor 11 described later. A gap may be formed between the plane portion 5 and the main plate 2A facing thereto.

[0065] The sensor mounting structure 10 is a structure for mounting the object sensor 11 on the vehicle body 2. Specifically, the object sensor 11 is disposed between the sub panel 2B and the rear bumper 3 of the vehicle body 2.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the object sensor 11 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 2. Therefore, the rear side of the vehicle 1 is the vehicle exterior side of the sensor mounting structure 10, and the front side of the vehicle 1 is the vehicle interior side of the sensor mounting structure 10. In addition, the direction from the front side toward the rear side is the vehicle interior and exterior direction of the sensor mounting structure 10. Hereinafter, the sensor mounting structure 10 will be described based on the state in which the object sensor 11 is mounted on the vehicle body 2.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor mounting structure 10 includes an object sensor 11 , a bracket 12 for accommodating the object sensor 11 , and a plurality of connecting members 13A to 13C for connecting the bracket 12 to the vehicle body 2 .

[0068] The object sensor 11 detects obstacles around the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the object sensor 11 is a millimeter wave radar. The millimeter wave radar may be, for example, a known structure as follows, comprising: a sensor body (not shown), which includes a circuit substrate, an irradiation antenna for irradiating millimeter waves (radio waves), and a receiving antenna for receiving reflected waves after reflection; a housing 14 that accommodates the sensor body; and a connector portion 16 that accommodates a sensor side terminal (not shown) connected to the circuit substrate. The housing 14 is formed into a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The connector portion 16 is in the shape of a flat cylinder. The connector portion 16 extends downward from the lower surface of the housing 14.

[0069] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 12 is formed of, for example, a resin material. The bracket 12 has a housing portion 18 for housing the object sensor 11 and a pair of extension portions 19 extending outwardly from left and right sides of the housing portion 18 .

[0070] The housing portion 18 includes a main wall portion 21 disposed at a position closer to the vehicle interior than the object sensor 11, a pair of side wall portions 22 extending from the left and right sides of the main wall portion 21 toward the vehicle exterior, a lower wall portion 23 extending from the lower end of the main wall portion 21 toward the vehicle exterior, and a connection portion 24 connecting the vehicle exterior ends of the left and right side wall portions 22. An opening portion 25 penetrating in the up-down direction is formed in the lower wall portion 23. When the object sensor 11 is accommodated in the housing portion 18, the housing 14 is arranged in a space surrounded by the main wall portion 21, the left and right side wall portions 22, the lower wall portion 23, and the connection portion 24, and the connector portion 16 is arranged to pass through the opening portion 25.

[0071] Each extension portion 19 includes: a main body portion 28 extending from the corresponding left and right sides of the main wall portion 21 toward the left and right outer sides; one or more plate-like portions 29A to 29C, which are arranged at a position closer to the vehicle interior than the main body portion 28; and a leg portion 30 (see Figure 2), which extends in the vehicle interior-exterior direction and connects the main body 28 with the plate-like parts 29A to 29C. The accommodating part 18 and each extension part 19 are formed as a whole. In the present embodiment, a first plate-like part 29A is arranged at the upper part of the main body 28 of one extension part 19, a second plate-like part 29B is arranged at the lower part of the main body 28 of another extension part 19, and a third plate-like part 29C is arranged at the lower part of the main body 28 of one extension part 19. The structures of the plurality of plate-like parts 29A to 29C are the same, so only the first plate-like part 29A will be described below, and the description of the second plate-like part 29B and the third plate-like part 29C will be omitted.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, a circular through hole 32 is formed in the first plate-shaped portion 29A and passes through in the vehicle interior and exterior direction. The first plate-shaped portion 29A is provided with: a cylindrical portion 34 extending from the vehicle exterior surface around the through hole 32 on the first plate-shaped portion 29A toward the vehicle exterior; and a plurality of reinforcing portions 36 extending from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 34 toward the radially outer side. The cylindrical portion 34 is provided so that its central axis passes through the center of the through hole 32. Some of the plurality of reinforcing portions 36 are connected to the leg portion 30.

[0073] The plurality of connecting members 13A to 13C include a first connecting member 13A engaged with the first plate-shaped portion 29A, a second connecting member 13B engaged with the second plate-shaped portion 29B, and a third connecting member 13C engaged with the third plate-shaped portion 29C. The plurality of connecting members 13A to 13C have the same structure, so only the first connecting member 13A will be described below, and the description of the second connecting member 13B and the third connecting member 13C will be omitted.

[0074] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first connection member 13A includes a support member 38 that supports the bracket 12 so as to be movable in the vehicle interior-exterior direction and a biasing member 39 that biases the bracket 12 toward the vehicle exterior.

[0075] The support member 38 has a shaft portion 41 extending in the vehicle interior-exterior direction and a flange portion 42 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 41. The shaft portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 41 engages with the through hole 32 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A. That is, when the shaft portion 41 is inserted into the through hole 32 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 41 is in sliding contact with the edge of the first plate-shaped portion 29A that defines the through hole 32. The end portion of the shaft portion 41 on the vehicle exterior side is arranged at a position closer to the vehicle exterior side than the through hole 32 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A. At this time, the end portion of the shaft portion 41 on the vehicle exterior side is arranged at a position closer to the rear bumper 3 than the vehicle body 2 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0076] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a protrusion 43 protruding from the end surface of the shaft 41 toward the vehicle interior is provided at the end of the shaft 41 on the vehicle interior side. In this embodiment, the diameter of the protrusion 43 is smaller than the diameter of the shaft 41 except for the protrusion 43.

[0077] The flange portion 42 is provided at the end portion of the shaft portion 41 on the vehicle outer side. The diameter of the flange portion 42 is at least larger than the diameter of the through hole 32 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A. More specifically, the diameter of the flange portion 42 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 34 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A. When the shaft portion 41 is engaged with the first plate-shaped portion 29A, the flange portion 42 is arranged at a position closer to the vehicle outer side than the cylindrical portion 34 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A.

[0078] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the force applying member 39 is a coil spring that can be extended and retracted in the vehicle interior and exterior directions. For example, the force applying member 39 is a compression coil spring that is arranged in a state compressed compared to the natural length. However, the force applying member 39 may also be a coil spring that is arranged at the natural length. The force applying member 39 is arranged around the shaft portion 41. The end 39A of the force applying member 39 on the vehicle exterior side is arranged at a position closer to the vehicle interior side than the first plate-shaped portion 29A.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle body 2 is provided with a plurality of through holes 47 penetrating in the vehicle interior and exterior direction. In the present embodiment, each through hole 47 is provided in the plane portion 5 of the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2. Each through hole 47 is provided in the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2 in such a manner as to match the through hole 32 of each plate-shaped portion 29A to 29C when viewed in the vehicle interior and exterior direction. A plurality of connecting members 13A to 13C are fitted in each through hole 47. The structures of each through hole 47 are the same, and therefore, only the through hole 47 matching the first plate-shaped portion 29A and fitted in the first connecting member 13A will be described below.

[0080] Each through hole 47 is in a circular shape having a diameter substantially equal to that of the protruding portion 43 of the shaft portion 41 of the first connecting member 13A. In the present embodiment, a fixing member 48 is provided on the vehicle inner side surface around each through hole 47 on the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2. The fixing member 48 may also be provided on the vehicle outer side surface of the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2. The fixing member 48 is provided with a through hole 49 which penetrates in the vehicle inner and outer directions and is formed in a circular shape having a diameter substantially equal to that of the protruding portion 43 of the shaft portion 41 of the first connecting member 13A. When viewed in the vehicle inner and outer directions, the through hole 49 of the fixing member 48 matches the through hole 47 of the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2.

[0081] The protrusion 43 of the shaft portion 41 of the first connection member 13A is fitted into the insertion hole 47 of the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2 and the through hole 49 of the fixing member 48. Thus, the shaft portion 41 of the first connection member 13A is fixed to the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2.

[0082] In other embodiments, the fixing member 48 may be, for example, a welding nut fixed to the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2. In this case, a threaded tooth that is screwed with the welding nut may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 43 of the shaft portion 41 of the first connecting member 13A. In other embodiments, the shaft portion 41 of the first connecting member 13A may be fixed to the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2 by a snap mechanism.

[0083] When the shaft portion 41 of the first connecting member 13A is fixed to the sub-plate 2B of the vehicle body 2, the end portion 39B on the vehicle inner side of the force applying member 39 abuts against the vehicle outer side surface of the sub-plate 2B of the vehicle body 2, and the end portion 39A on the vehicle outer side of the force applying member 39 abuts against the vehicle inner side surface around the through hole 32 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A. Thus, the force applying member 39 applies force to the bracket 12 toward the vehicle outer side. In a state where no external impact is transmitted to the object sensor 11 or the bracket 12 (hereinafter referred to as a normal state), the vehicle inner side surface of the flange portion 42 abuts against the vehicle outer side end surface of the cylindrical portion 34 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the object sensor 11 is arranged on the vehicle outer side of the vehicle body 2 and the vehicle inner side of the rear bumper 3. Specifically, the object sensor 11 is arranged at a position closer to the rear bumper 3 than the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2 by adjusting the length of the shaft portion 41 in the vehicle inner and outer directions. The object sensor 11 can be arranged in a manner close to the rear bumper 3, but it is preferably arranged so as not to contact the vehicle inner side surface of the rear bumper 3. The interval between the vehicle outer side surface of the object sensor 11 and the vehicle inner side surface of the rear bumper 3 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, about 10 mm.

[0085] Next, an example of a method of attaching the object sensor 11 to the vehicle body 2 is described. When attaching the object sensor 11 to the vehicle body 2, the object sensor 11 is first held by the bracket 12. Specifically, the object sensor 11 is inserted into the accommodating portion 18 from the opening on the side opposite to the lower wall portion 23 of the accommodating portion 18. Thus, the object sensor 11 is held by the bracket 12.

[0086] Next, the bracket 12 is mounted to the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2. Specifically, first, the shaft portion 41 of each connecting member 13A to 13C is inserted into the through hole 32 of the corresponding plate-shaped portion 29A to 29C. That is, the shaft portion 41 of the first connecting member 13A is inserted into the through hole 32 of the first plate-shaped portion 29A from the vehicle outer side to the vehicle inner side. The shaft portion 41 of the second connecting member 13B is inserted into the through hole 32 of the second plate-shaped portion 29B from the vehicle outer side to the vehicle inner side. The shaft portion 41 of the third connecting member 13C is inserted into the through hole 32 of the third plate-shaped portion 29C from the vehicle outer side to the vehicle inner side. Thus, each shaft portion 41 is engaged with the extension portion 19 of the bracket 12. At this time, the flange portion 42 of the shaft portion 41 of each connecting member 13A to 13C is arranged at a position closer to the vehicle outer side than the cylindrical portion 34 of the corresponding plate-shaped portion 29A to 29C. Then, the biasing member 39 is arranged corresponding to the outer periphery of each shaft portion 41. Then, the protrusion 43 of the shaft portion 41 of each connecting member 13A to 13C protrudes from the vehicle outer side to the vehicle inner side into the corresponding insertion hole 47 of the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2 and the through hole 49 of the fixing member 48. As described above, the object sensor 11 is mounted on the vehicle body 2.

[0087] The operation and effects of the sensor mounting structure 10 configured as described above will be described.

[0088] The force applying member 39 applies force to the object sensor 11 toward the vehicle outer side via the bracket 12, so that the object sensor 11 can be brought closer to the rear bumper 3. In addition, the object sensor 11 is arranged at a position closer to the rear bumper 3 than the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2. As a result, the area of ​​the sensor field of view portion of the rear bumper 3 through which the radio wave from the object sensor 11 passes can be suppressed. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the rear bumper 3 (for example, the degree of freedom in setting the curvature) can be increased.

[0089] The object sensor 11 and the bracket 12 are supported on the shaft portion 41 of each connecting member 13A to 13C in a manner that allows them to move in the vehicle interior and exterior directions. When the rear bumper 3 is subjected to an impact from the outside, the impact is transmitted to the object sensor 11 via the rear bumper 3. At this time, each force-applying member 39 is compressed in the vehicle interior and exterior directions, and the object sensor 11 and the bracket 12 overcome the force of each force-applying member 39 and shift from the vehicle exterior to the vehicle interior. As a result, the impact applied to the object sensor 11 is mitigated, so that damage to the object sensor 11, that is, functional loss of the object sensor 11, is suppressed. As a result, the requirement to suppress functional loss of the object sensor 11 and the requirement to increase the design freedom of the rear bumper 3 can be met at the same time. This is further conducive to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0090] The bracket 12 is mounted to the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2 via the first connecting member 13A engaged with the first plate-shaped portion 29A, the second connecting member 13B engaged with the second plate-shaped portion 29B, and the third connecting member 13C engaged with the third plate-shaped portion 29C. Thus, the bracket 12 can be stably mounted to the vehicle body 2.

[0091] Since the protrusions 43 of the shafts 41 of the corresponding connecting members 13A to 13C are fitted into the insertion holes 47 of the sub-plate 2B of the vehicle body 2, the shafts 41 are prevented from shifting toward the vehicle interior. Therefore, the bracket 12 and the object sensor 11 can be more stably mounted on the vehicle body 2.

[0092] A flange portion 42 is provided at the end portion on the vehicle outer side of the shaft portion 41 of each connecting member 13A to 13C, and in a normal state, the vehicle inner side surface of the flange portion 42 abuts against the vehicle outer side end surface of the cylindrical portion 34 of the corresponding plate-shaped portion 29A to 29C. Thus, the bracket 12 and the object sensor 11 are prevented from falling off from each shaft portion 41 due to the force of the force applying member 39.

[0093] Since the urging member 39 (coil spring) is disposed around the shaft portion 41 for supporting the bracket 12 , each of the supporting member 38 and the urging member 39 can be disposed compactly.

[0094] Since the vehicle inner end 39B of each urging member 39 contacts the vehicle outer surface of the sub-panel 2B of the vehicle body 2 , no new member is required for fixing each urging member 39 , and the object sensor 11 can be mounted on the vehicle body 2 with a simpler structure.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the third connecting member 13C is engaged with the lower portion of one of the extensions 19 of the bracket 12. In other embodiments, the position where the third connecting member 13C is engaged with the bracket 12 may be changed. Figure 6 As shown, the third connecting member 13C may be engaged with the upper center of the receiving portion 18 of the bracket 12 .

[0096] In the first embodiment, the sensor mounting structure 10 includes three connecting members 13A to 13C. In other embodiments, the sensor mounting structure 10 may include four or more connecting members, or may include only one or two connecting members. However, in order to stably connect the bracket 12 to the vehicle body 2 through the connecting members, it is preferred that the sensor mounting structure 10 includes three or more connecting members.

[0097] (Second Embodiment)

[0098] Reference Figure 7The sensor mounting structure 60 of the second embodiment is described. In the sensor mounting structure 60 of the second embodiment, only the structure of the supporting member 62 of the connecting member 61 is different from that of the sensor mounting structure 10 of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of the sensor mounting structure 10 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. A plurality of connecting members 61 are provided as in the first embodiment, and are engaged with the corresponding plate-like portions 29A to 29C. The structures of the plurality of connecting members 61 are the same, so only the connecting member 61 engaged with the first plate-like portion 29A is described, and the description of the connecting members 61 engaged with the second plate-like portion 29B and the third plate-like portion 29C is omitted.

[0099] The support member 62 of the connecting member 61 includes a shaft portion 63 extending in the vehicle interior and exterior direction, a flange portion 64 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 63, and a seat portion 65 provided at a position closer to the vehicle interior than the flange portion 64. In the present embodiment, the seat portion 65 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the protruding portion 66 of the shaft portion 63 on the vehicle exterior side. The outer diameter of the seat portion 65 is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 63.

[0100] The force-applying member 39 of the connecting member 61 is disposed between the flange portion 64 and the seat portion 65. Specifically, an end portion 39A on the vehicle outer side of the force-applying member 39 abuts against a surface on the vehicle inner side around the through hole 32 in the first plate-shaped portion 29A, and an end portion 39B on the vehicle inner side of the force-applying member 39 abuts against a surface on the vehicle outer side of the seat portion 65.

[0101] Since the urging member 39 is disposed between the flange portion 64 and the seat portion 65 , the urging force can be reliably transmitted to the bracket 12 even if the distance between the vehicle body 2 and the rear bumper 3 in the vehicle interior and exterior directions is increased.

[0102] (Third Embodiment)

[0103] Reference Figure 8 The sensor mounting structure 80 of the third embodiment is described. In the sensor mounting structure 80 of the third embodiment, only the structure of the supporting member 82 of the connecting member 81 is different from the sensor mounting structure 10 of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the same structures as the sensor mounting structure 10 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. A plurality of connecting members 81 are provided as in the first embodiment, and engage with the corresponding plate-like portions 29A to 29C. The structures of the plurality of connecting members 81 are the same, so only the connecting member 81 that engages with the first plate-like portion 29A is described, and the description of the connecting members 81 that engage with the second plate-like portion 29B and the third plate-like portion 29C, respectively, is omitted.

[0104] The support member 82 passes through the insertion hole 47 of the sub-plate 2B of the vehicle body 2, and is supported by the vehicle body 2 so as to be movable in the vehicle interior and exterior direction together with the bracket 12. Specifically, the support member 82 includes a shaft portion 83 extending in the vehicle interior and exterior direction, a flange portion 84 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 83, and a ring portion 86 provided at the end of the shaft portion 83 on the vehicle interior side.

[0105] The shaft portion 83 is disposed to pass through a mounting portion 85 mounted on the through hole 47 of the sub-plate 2B of the vehicle body 2. The mounting portion 85 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the vehicle interior and exterior direction. The mounting portion 85 can be formed of, for example, a resin material. The outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 83 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the mounting portion 85. That is, the shaft portion 83 can be displaced in the vehicle interior and exterior direction relative to the mounting portion 85. The end portion 39B on the vehicle interior side of the force applying member 39 is in contact with the end surface of the mounting portion 85 on the vehicle exterior side.

[0106] The ring portion 86 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 83. The outer diameter of the ring portion 86 is larger than the inner diameter of the mounting portion 85 and smaller than the diameter of the insertion hole 47 of the sub-plate 2B of the vehicle body 2. In a normal state, the vehicle outer side surface of the ring portion 86 abuts against the vehicle inner side end surface of the mounting portion 85.

[0107] The shaft portion 83 can be displaced in the vehicle interior and exterior direction relative to the mounting portion 85, so that the shaft portion 83, in addition to the object sensor 11 and the bracket 12, overcomes the force of the force applying member 39 and displaces from the vehicle exterior to the vehicle interior. Therefore, the impact applied to the object sensor 11 is further mitigated, thereby further suppressing damage to the object sensor 11, that is, loss of function of the object sensor 11.

[0108] The above is the end of the description of the specific implementation method, but the present invention is not limited to the above implementation method and can be widely modified. For example, in the above implementation method, the rear bumper 3 provided at the rear of the vehicle body 2 is taken as an example of an exterior component, but in other implementation methods, the front bumper provided at the front of the vehicle body 2 can also be taken as an example of an exterior component. In this case, the object sensor 11 can be provided at the front of the vehicle body 2 and configured at a position closer to the bumper than the vehicle body 2. In addition, a millimeter-wave radar is taken as an example of the object sensor 11, but in other implementation methods, a sensor other than a millimeter-wave radar (such as a microwave radar) can also be taken as an example of the object sensor 11.

Claims

1. An object sensor mounting structure for mounting an object sensor disposed on the vehicle exterior side of a vehicle body and on the vehicle interior side of an exterior component to the vehicle body, wherein: The object sensor installation structure comprises: a bracket that receives the object sensor; and a connecting member connecting the bracket to the vehicle body, The connecting member has: a support member that supports the bracket so as to be movable in a vehicle inward and outward direction; and A force applying member applies force to the bracket toward the outer side of the vehicle.

2. The object sensor mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein: The support member has a shaft portion extending in the vehicle interior and exterior direction. The urging member is a coil spring that is disposed around the shaft portion and is expandable and contractible in the vehicle interior and exterior directions.

3. The object sensor mounting structure according to claim 2, wherein: The bracket has a through hole extending in the vehicle interior and exterior direction. The shaft portion is arranged to pass through the through hole, The support member has a flange portion that protrudes radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and abuts against a surface of the bracket on the vehicle outer side around the through hole. An end portion of the coil spring on the vehicle outer side contacts a surface of the bracket on the vehicle inner side around the through hole.

4. The object sensor mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein: The vehicle body has a through hole that penetrates in the vehicle interior and exterior directions. The shaft portion is fixed to the vehicle body by being fitted into the insertion hole.

5. The object sensor mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein: The vehicle body has a through hole that penetrates in the vehicle interior and exterior directions. The support member passes through the insertion hole and is supported by the vehicle body so as to be movable together with the bracket in the vehicle inner and outer directions.

6. The object sensor mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein: An end portion of the coil spring on the vehicle inner side contacts the vehicle body.

7. The object sensor mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein: The support member further includes a seat portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion toward the radially outer side at a position closer to the vehicle inner side than the flange portion. An end portion of the coil spring on the vehicle inner side contacts the seat portion.

8. The object sensor mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The bracket has a receiving portion for receiving the object sensor and a pair of extending portions extending from the receiving portion to both sides. Three or more of the connecting members are provided, including a first connecting member engaged with an upper portion of one of the extending portions and a second connecting member engaged with a lower portion of the other extending portion.

9. The object sensor mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The object sensor is arranged at a position closer to the exterior member than to the vehicle body.

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