Attachment structure of external environment sensor and vehicle including same

Abstract

The invention relates to an attachment structure of an external environment sensor and a vehicle including the attachment structure. The attachment structure of the external environment sensor is arranged on the roof of the vehicle. The attachment structure includes: an external environment sensor; an external environment sensor is mounted on the mounting part; and a cover disposed above the external environment sensor. A front portion of the cover is provided with a first airflow opening connecting an inner space of the cover and an outer space of the cover, a rear portion of the cover is provided with a second airflow opening connecting the inner space of the cover and the outer space of the cover, and the inner space of the cover is provided with an airflow channel connecting the first airflow opening and the second airflow opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure of an external environment sensor mounted on a vehicle and a vehicle including the attachment structure. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there have been active efforts to provide access to sustainable transportation systems that take into account people in vulnerable situations among traffic participants. To this end, research and development to further improve traffic safety and convenience by developing preventive safety technologies are attracting attention. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2022 / 0212609 discloses a sensor (external environment sensor) attached to the roof of a vehicle via a bracket.

[0003] The external environment sensor described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2022 / 0212609 is arranged on the roof of the vehicle and is thus vulnerable to direct sunlight, which may increase the ambient temperature around the external environment sensor. Therefore, the external environment sensor may receive a heat load. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to suppress the heat load on an external environment sensor by suppressing an increase in the ambient temperature around the external environment sensor in an attachment structure of the external environment sensor arranged on the roof of a vehicle and a vehicle including the attachment structure. This will ultimately contribute to the development of sustainable transportation systems.

[0005] To achieve this object, an aspect of the present invention provides an attachment structure 17 of an external environment sensor arranged on a roof 2 of a vehicle 1, the attachment structure including: an external environment sensor 14; a mounting portion 19 on which the external environment sensor is mounted; and a cover 20 arranged above the external environment sensor, wherein a first air flow opening 53 is provided at a front portion of the cover, the first air flow opening connecting an internal space of the cover and an external space of the cover, a second air flow opening 55 is provided at a rear portion of the cover, the second air flow opening connecting the internal space of the cover and the external space of the cover, and an air flow passage 57 connecting the first air flow opening and the second air flow opening is provided in the internal space of the cover.

[0006] According to this aspect, the first air flow opening and the second air flow opening connect the internal space of the cover to the external space. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle is traveling, the traveling wind caused by the traveling of the vehicle passes through the air flow passage and cools the external environment sensor arranged in the internal space of the cover and the periphery of the external environment sensor. Therefore, in the attachment structure of the external environment sensor arranged on the roof of the vehicle, an increase in the ambient temperature around the external environment sensor is suppressed, thereby suppressing the heat load on the external environment sensor.

[0007] In the above aspect, preferably, the mounting portion is a roof cross member having an upward-facing main surface, the roof cross member includes a first inclined portion 41 extending forward with a downward inclination, and the first inclined portion continues from the space below the second air flow opening to the space below the first air flow opening.

[0008] According to this aspect, water that enters the interior space of the cover from the external space through the first air flow opening or the second air flow opening due to rainfall or the like is discharged along the first inclined portion to the front side of the roof cross member. This prevents water from accumulating around the external environment sensor.

[0009] In the above aspect, preferably, the roof cross member further includes a pair of second inclined portions 42 that extend laterally outward from the first inclined portion with a downward inclination.

[0010] According to this aspect, water that enters the interior space of the cover from the external space through the first air flow opening or the second air flow opening due to rainfall or the like is discharged along each second inclined portion to the laterally outward space of the roof cross member. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent water from accumulating around the external environment sensor.

[0011] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle further includes a pair of side beams 4 that extend forward from the laterally outward space of the roof cross member to the engine hood 9 of the vehicle with a downward inclination, and the laterally outward end of each second inclined portion is connected to the corresponding side beam.

[0012] According to this aspect, water that has been discharged to the laterally outward space of the roof cross member through each second inclined portion is discharged to the engine hood through the side beam. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water that has been discharged to the laterally outward space of the roof cross member through each second inclined portion from flowing back to each second inclined portion.

[0013] In the above aspect, preferably, each side beam defines a groove 59 that continues from the laterally outward space of the roof cross member to the engine hood, and the laterally outward end of each second inclined portion is connected to the groove.

[0014] According to this aspect, water that has been discharged to the laterally outward space of the roof cross member through each second inclined portion is discharged along the groove in an appropriate direction.

[0015] In the above aspect, preferably, the front end of the first inclined portion is connected to the upper end of the windshield 8 of the vehicle.

[0016] According to this aspect, water that has been discharged to the front portion of the cover through the first inclined portion is discharged along the windshield to the front portion of the windshield. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water that has been discharged to the front portion of the cover through the first inclined portion from flowing back to the first inclined portion.

[0017] In the above aspect, preferably, the air flow passage extends from the first air flow opening to the second air flow opening along the front-rear direction.

[0018] According to this aspect, the traveling wind smoothly passes through the air flow passage along the front-rear direction. Therefore, the cooling effect on the external environment sensor and its periphery can be improved.

[0019] In the above aspect, preferably, the external environment sensor is a lidar.

[0020] According to this aspect, in the attachment structure of the lidar arranged on the roof of the vehicle, the rise in the surrounding temperature of the lidar is suppressed.

[0021] To achieve such an object, an aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle 1, the vehicle including: an attachment structure 17 of an external environment sensor according to the above aspect; a vehicle speed sensor 13 configured to detect the vehicle speed; and a controller 16 connected to the external environment sensor and the vehicle speed sensor; wherein, the controller is configured to: determine whether the vehicle stops based on the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor, and stop the operation of the external environment sensor when the controller determines that the vehicle stops.

[0022] According to this aspect, when the vehicle stops and the traveling wind is not blown out, the heat generation of the external environment sensor can be suppressed. Therefore, the rise in the surrounding temperature of the external environment sensor is more effectively suppressed.

[0023] Therefore, according to the above aspect, in the attachment structure of the external environment sensor arranged on the roof of the vehicle and in the vehicle including the attachment structure, the rise in the surrounding temperature of the external environment sensor can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a side view showing a vehicle provided with a sensor attachment structure according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a plurality of sensors and a controller provided in a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the roof of a vehicle provided with a sensor attachment structure according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where a cover is removed from the roof of a vehicle provided with a sensor attachment structure according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a main part of a roof of a vehicle provided with a sensor attachment structure according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a roof cross member according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 7 FIG. 3 is a side view showing a roof cross member according to an embodiment (a side view seen from the arrow VII side of Figure 6 ); and

[0031] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of a roof of a vehicle provided with a sensor attachment structure according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a vehicle 1 provided with an attachment structure for an external environment sensor according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a sensor attachment structure 17) will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the vehicle 1 is located on a horizontal plane will be described.

[0033] As Figure 1 shown, the vehicle 1 is, for example, a four-wheel motor vehicle. The vehicle 1 includes an upper structure 2 (roof) constituting the upper part of the vehicle 1 and a front structure 3 constituting the front part of the vehicle 1. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the upper structure 2 includes a pair of left and right side beams 4 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "front-rear direction") (see Figure 4 ), a roof member 5 extending in the lateral direction and spanning on the left and right side beams 4 (see Figure 5 ), a roof panel 6 disposed above and behind the roof member 5, and side garnishes 7 respectively disposed above the side beams 4.

[0034] In the present embodiment, each side beam 4 is formed in an arch shape, with the central portion in the front-rear direction curved upward. That is, the front portion of each side beam 4 extends forward with a downward inclination. The roof panel 6 is made of glass, for example. The roof panel 6 is disposed in the central portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The front end of the roof panel 6 may be disposed above the rear end of the roof member 5. A windshield 8 is disposed between the front portions of the pair of left and right side beams 4. The windshield 8 extends forward with a downward inclination.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1 , the front structure 3 includes, for example, an engine hood 9, a pair of front fenders 10 disposed laterally outside the engine hood 9, and a light emitter 11 and a front bumper 12 disposed in front of the engine hood 9. The engine hood 9 is disposed in front of the windshield 8. The front portion of each side beam 4 is disposed behind and laterally outside the engine hood 9.

[0036] As shown Figure 2 In the vehicle 1, as shown, a plurality of sensors are provided for detecting the condition of the vehicle 1 and the condition around the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle speed sensor 13 for detecting the vehicle speed, an external environment sensor 14 for detecting the condition around the vehicle 1, a position sensor 15 for detecting the position and orientation of the vehicle 1, and a controller 16 connected to the vehicle speed sensor 13, the external environment sensor 14, and the position sensor 15.

[0037] The controller 16 includes a processor such as an arithmetic processing unit (CPU or MPU) and a storage device such as a memory (ROM or RAM). The controller 16 may be configured as a single piece of hardware or a unit composed of a plurality of pieces of hardware.

[0038] As shown Figure 3 In the sensor attachment structure 17, as shown, is a structure for arranging the external environment sensor 14 on the upper structure 2 (roof) of the vehicle 1. As shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the present embodiment, the sensor attachment structure 17 includes the external environment sensor 14, the position sensor 15, a base 18 for fixing the external environment sensor 14 and the position sensor 15, a roof cross member 19 (an example of a mounting portion) on which the external environment sensor 14 and the position sensor 15 are mounted via the base 18, and a cover 20 arranged above the external environment sensor 14 and the position sensor 15. In another embodiment, the external environment sensor 14 and the position sensor 15 may be directly mounted on the roof cross member 19.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the external environment sensor 14 is a light detection and ranging (LiDAR). The LiDAR emits light such as infrared rays into the area around the vehicle 1 and captures the reflected light to detect the relative position of the objects around the vehicle 1 with respect to the vehicle 1. The external environment sensor 14 (LiDAR) includes, for example, a light emitting module (not shown), a light receiving module (not shown), a housing 21 that houses the light emitting module and the light receiving module, and a wiring harness 22 connected to the light emitting module and the light receiving module.

[0040] The housing 21 of the external environment sensor 14 includes a housing main body portion 21A formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a plurality of protruding members 21B that extend laterally from the housing main body portion 21A. In the present embodiment, two protruding members 21B are provided. Each protruding member 21B is formed in a plate shape. In each protruding member 21B, a through hole (not shown) that penetrates in the vertical direction is formed.

[0041] The position sensor 15 includes, for example, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna (not shown) and a housing 23 that houses the GNSS antenna. The GNSS antenna receives signals output from GNSS artificial satellites and detects the current position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the vehicle 1. For example, the position sensor 15 may include a GPS antenna as the GNSS antenna, which receives radio waves from global positioning system (GPS) satellites.

[0042] The housing 23 of the position sensor 15 includes a housing main body portion 23A formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a plurality of protruding members 23B that protrude laterally from the housing main body portion 23A. In the present embodiment, two protruding members 23B are provided. Each protruding member 23B is formed in a plate shape. A through hole (not shown) penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in each protruding member 23B.

[0043] The base 18 is formed in a plate shape. The base 18 can be fastened to the roof cross member 19 by a plurality of bolts 24. Accordingly, the external environment sensor 14 and the position sensor 15 are arranged on the upper structure 2 (roof) of the vehicle 1 via the base 18. The base 18 includes a base front portion 26 that constitutes the front portion of the base 18, a base rear portion 28 that constitutes the rear portion of the base 18 and is arranged higher than the base front portion 26, and a step 30 that connects the base front portion 26 and the base rear portion 28.

[0044] The external environment sensor 14 is fixed to the base front portion 26. The base front portion 26 is arranged below the external environment sensor 14. The base front portion 26 extends forward with a downward inclination. As Figure 5 shown, a plurality of bosses 32 extending upward are provided on the upper surface of the base front portion 26.

[0045] Fastening holes (not shown) are formed in each boss 32. Internal threads (not shown) may be formed in the fastening holes. The central axis of the fastening hole of each boss 32 is aligned with the central axis of the corresponding through hole (not shown) formed in the protruding member 21B of the housing 21 of the external environment sensor 14.

[0046] The external environment sensor 14 can be fastened to the base 18 by bolts 35 (see Figure 4 ). For example, each bolt 35 passes through the through hole (not shown) of the protruding member 21B of the housing 21 of the external environment sensor 14 and is screwed into the internal thread of the boss 32.

[0047] The position sensor 15 is fixed to the rear part 28 of the base. The rear part 28 of the base extends horizontally. A plurality of fastening holes (not shown) penetrating the rear part 28 of the base in the vertical direction are formed in the rear part 28 of the base. Internal threads (not shown) may be formed in each fastening hole of the rear part 28 of the base. The central axis of each fastening hole of the rear part 28 of the base is aligned with the corresponding through hole (not shown) in the protruding member 23B of the housing 23 of the position sensor 15.

[0048] The position sensor 15 can be fastened to the base 18 by bolts 36 (see Figure 4 ). For example, each bolt 36 passes through the through hole (not shown) of the protruding member 23B of the housing 23 of the position sensor 15 and is screwed into the internal thread of the rear part 28 of the base.

[0049] The rear part 28 of the base includes an insertion hole 37 penetrating in the vertical direction and a washer 38 inserted into the insertion hole 37. The wire harness 22 of the external environment sensor 14 passes through the insertion hole 37 of the base 18 via the washer 38. The wire harness 22 of the external environment sensor 14 is connected to the controller 16.

[0050] The step 30 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the step 30 is connected to the front end of the rear part 28 of the base. The lower end of the step 30 is connected to the rear end of the front part 26 of the base.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the roof cross member 19 has an upward-facing main surface. The roof cross member 19 is arranged between the left side beam 4 and the right side beam 4. In addition, the roof cross member 19 is arranged between the roof panel 6 and the windshield 8. That is, the portion of each side beam 4 from the roof cross member 19 to the engine hood 9 extends forward with a downward inclination. The roof cross member 19 can be arranged, for example, above the roof member 5. The upper surface of the roof cross member 19 is arranged lower than the upper surface of the roof panel 6.

[0052] As Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the roof cross member 19 includes a first inclined portion 41 extending forward with a downward inclination and a pair of second inclined portions 42 extending laterally outward with a downward inclination from the first inclined portion 41. The first inclined portion 41 extends from the rear end to the front end of the roof cross member 19. Among the pair of second inclined portions 42, one second inclined portion 42 extends leftward with a downward inclination from the central portion in the lateral direction of the roof cross member 19. Among the pair of second inclined portions 42, the other second inclined portion 42 extends rightward with a downward inclination from the central portion in the lateral direction of the roof cross member 19.

[0053] The front end of the first inclined portion 41 (i.e., the front end of the roof cross member 19) is connected to the upper end of the windshield 8. The laterally outer end of each second inclined portion 42 (i.e., the lateral end of the roof cross member 19) is connected to the corresponding side beam 4.

[0054] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, a downwardly recessed portion 43 is formed on the upper surface of the roof cross member 19. The recessed portion 43 is provided in the front portion of the roof cross member 19. The recessed portion 43 extends across the first inclined portion 41 and the second inclined portion 42. The external environment sensor 14 is disposed above the recessed portion 43, and the front portion 26 of the base is located therebetween.

[0055] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the cover 20 is formed in a plate shape. The cover 20 is disposed above the base 18 and the roof cross member 19. An upwardly protruding portion 45 is provided in the lateral central portion of the cover 20. The upper surfaces of the left and right side portions of the cover 20 are arranged in the same plane as the upper surface of the vehicle roof panel 6 and the upper surface of the windshield 8.

[0056] The protruding portion 45 of the cover 20 includes a front wall 46 disposed in front of the external environment sensor 14, a rear wall 47 disposed behind the external environment sensor 14, a pair of side walls 48 connecting the left and right ends of the front wall 46 and the corresponding left and right ends of the rear wall 47, and an upper wall 49 connecting the upper end of the front wall 46, the upper end of the rear wall 47, and the upper ends of each side wall 48. The external environment sensor 14 and the position sensor 15 are disposed in the internal space of the protruding portion 45 of the cover 20, that is, in the space 51 (internal space) defined by the front wall 46, the rear wall 47, each side wall 48, and the upper wall 49.

[0057] The front wall 46 extends forward with a downward inclination. The front wall 46 is provided with an opening 52 and a first air flow opening 53 connecting the internal space and the external space of the cover 20. When viewed from the front, the opening 52 overlaps with the front surface of the external environment sensor 14. The opening 52 is provided with a panel material 54. The panel material 54 can be formed of, for example, a transparent or translucent resin material.

[0058] The first air flow opening 53 is formed in a rectangular shape elongated in the lateral direction. The width of the first air flow opening 53 in the lateral direction is substantially equal to the width of the opening 52 in the lateral direction. The first air flow opening 53 is formed above the opening 52.

[0059] The rear wall 47 extends backward with a downward inclination. The rear wall 47 is provided with a second air flow opening 55 connecting the internal space and the external space of the cover 20. The second air flow opening 55 is formed in a rectangular shape elongated in the lateral direction. The second air flow opening 55 is provided in the upper portion of the rear wall 47. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the second air flow opening 55 can overlap with at least a part of the first air flow opening 53.

[0060] As Figure 5As shown, an air flow passage 57 connecting a first air flow opening 53 and a second air flow opening 55 is provided in the internal space of the protrusion 45 of the cover 20. The air flow passage 57 extends from the first air flow opening 53 to the second air flow opening 55 in the front-rear direction. The air flow passage 57 forms a part of the internal space 51 of the protrusion 45 of the cover 20. In the present embodiment, the air flow passage 57 is a space between the upper wall 49 of the protrusion 45 and the external environment sensor 14 within the internal space 51 of the protrusion 45 of the cover 20. That is, the air flow passage 57 is arranged above the external environment sensor 14.

[0061] As Figure 3 and Figure 8 shown, each of the left side beam 4 and the right side beam 4 defines a groove 59 that continues from the laterally outward space of the roof cross member 19 to the engine hood 9. The groove 59 is defined by the side beam 4, the side garnish 7, the roof cross member 19, and the windshield 8. For example, the laterally outward end of the second inclined portion 42 of the roof cross member 19 and the lateral end of the windshield 8 face the upper edge of the laterally corresponding side garnish 7 above the side beam 4, with a gap therebetween. In the present embodiment, this gap forms the groove 59. That is, the laterally outward end of the second inclined portion 42 of the roof cross member 19 is connected to the groove 59.

[0062] In another embodiment, the groove 59 may be provided along the extending direction of the side beam 4 so as to be recessed downward from the upper surface of the side beam 4.

[0063] By arranging the external environment sensor 14 on the upper structure 2 (roof) of the vehicle 1, interference (vignetting) between the external member of the vehicle 1 and the detection range of the external environment sensor 14 is suppressed compared to the case where the external environment sensor 14 is arranged on the front structure 3 (for example, an external member such as the front bumper 12) of the vehicle 1. In addition, since the external environment sensor 14 is arranged at a higher position compared to the case where the external environment sensor 14 is arranged on the front structure 3 of the vehicle 1, it is possible to prevent mud, snow, etc. kicked up by other vehicles in front of the vehicle 1 from adhering to the external environment sensor 14. In addition, since external shocks caused by minor collisions, etc. cannot be transmitted, damage to the external environment sensor 14 is suppressed.

[0064] Now, the functions and effects of the sensor attachment structure 17 configured as described above will be described.

[0065] The controller 16 is configured to determine whether the vehicle 1 has stopped based on the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 13. For example, when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 13 is 0, the controller 16 may determine that the vehicle 1 has stopped. In the case where the controller 16 determines that the vehicle 1 has stopped for a predetermined period, the controller 16 stops the operation of the external environment sensor 14.

[0066] As shown Figure 5 in FIG. 2, the first air flow opening 53 and the second air flow opening 55 connect the internal space of the protruding portion 45 of the cover 20 to its external space. Thus, for example, when the vehicle 1 travels forward, the traveling wind caused by the travel of the vehicle 1 passes through the air flow passage 57 from front to back (arrow A). The traveling wind passing through the air flow passage 57 cools the internal space of the cover 20, and more specifically, cools the external environment sensor 14 (lidar) disposed in the internal space 51 of the protruding portion 45 and the periphery of the external environment sensor 14. This suppresses an increase in the ambient temperature around the external environment sensor 14 (lidar) in the sensor attachment structure 17 disposed on the upper structure 2 (roof) of the vehicle 1, thereby suppressing the heat load on the external environment sensor 14. Since the air flow passage 57 extends from the first air flow opening 53 to the second air flow opening 55 in the front-rear direction, the traveling wind smoothly passes through the air flow passage 57 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the cooling effect on the external environment sensor 14 and its periphery can be improved.

[0067] When the controller 16 determines that the vehicle 1 has stopped for a predetermined period, the controller 16 stops the operation of the external environment sensor 14. Thus, heat generation of the external environment sensor 14 when the vehicle 1 stops and the traveling wind is not blown out can be suppressed. Therefore, an increase in the ambient temperature around the external environment sensor 14 is more effectively suppressed.

[0068] As shown Figure 8 in FIG. 3, due to rainfall or the like, water enters the internal space of the cover 20 from the external space through the first air flow opening 53 or the second air flow opening 55 (arrow B). The water entering from the external space falls toward the roof cross member 19 (arrow C). The first inclined portion 41 of the roof cross member 19 extends from the rear end to the front end of the roof cross member 19. That is, the first inclined portion 41 extends from the space below the second air flow opening 55 to the space below the first air flow opening 53. Therefore, the water on the roof cross member 19 is discharged toward the front side of the roof cross member 19 along the first inclined portion 41 (arrow D). A part of the water discharged along the first inclined portion 41 to the front side of the roof cross member 19 is discharged to the laterally outward space of the roof cross member 19 along the second inclined portion 42 (arrow E). The lateral end portion of the roof cross member 19 (more specifically, the laterally outward end portion of the second inclined portion 42 of the roof cross member 19) is connected to the groove 59 of the laterally corresponding side beam 4. Therefore, the water discharged to the laterally outward space along the second inclined portion 42 is discharged forward from the roof cross member 19 along the groove 59 of the side beam 4, and more specifically, is discharged onto the engine hood 9 (see Figure 1 FIG. 4)(arrow F). These features make it possible to prevent the water entering the internal space of the cover 20 from the external space through the first air flow opening 53 or the second air flow opening 55 from accumulating on the periphery of the external environment sensor 14.

[0069] Since the laterally outward end of each second inclined portion 42 is connected to the corresponding side beam 4, it is possible to prevent the water flowing out to the laterally outward space of the roof cross member 19 through each second inclined portion 42 from flowing back to each second inclined portion 42. In addition, the groove 59 in the side beam 4 ensures that the water discharged from the roof cross member 19 is discharged in an appropriate direction (onto the hood 9) and not discharged from the left and right sides of the vehicle 1.

[0070] The front end of the roof cross member 19 is connected to the upper end of the windshield 8. Therefore, the water discharged to the front side of the roof cross member 19 along the first inclined portion 41 is discharged onto the windshield 8 (arrow G). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water flowing out to the front portion of the cover 20 through the first inclined portion 41 from flowing back to the first inclined portion 41.

[0071] When the vehicle 1 travels uphill, the vehicle 1 tilts forward. At this time, the roof cross member 19 can also tilt forward. In this case, the water entering the inner space of the cover 20 from the external space is discharged backward along the upper surface of the roof cross member 19, and more specifically, toward the recessed portion 43 of the roof cross member 19. The water discharged toward the recessed portion 43 of the roof cross member 19 is discharged laterally outward along the second inclined portion 42. In this way, even if the roof cross member 19 tilts forward, it is possible to prevent the water flowing out to the laterally outward space of the roof cross member 19 through each second inclined portion 42 from flowing back to each second inclined portion 42. Therefore, even if the roof cross member 19 tilts forward, it is possible to reliably prevent the water entering the inner space of the cover 20 from the external space through the first air flow opening 53 or the second air flow opening 55 from accumulating around the external environment sensor 14.

[0072] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention should not be limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the first air flow opening 53 is provided above the opening 52, but the first air flow opening 53 can be provided on the left and right sides of the opening 52. In addition, although the lidar is an example of the external environment sensor 14 in the above embodiment, sensors other than the lidar (for example, millimeter wave radar, microwave radar, or ultrasonic sensor) can be examples of the external environment sensor 14 in another embodiment.

Claims

1. An attachment structure of an external environment sensor arranged on a roof of a vehicle, the attachment structure comprising: External environment sensors; a mounting portion, the external environment sensor being mounted on the mounting portion; as well as a cover disposed above the external environment sensor, The front part of the cover is provided with a first air flow opening, and the first air flow opening connects the inner space of the cover and the outer space of the cover. The rear portion of the cover is provided with a second airflow opening, the second airflow opening connecting the inner space of the cover and the outer space of the cover, and The inner space of the cover is provided with an air flow channel connecting the first air flow opening and the second air flow opening.

2. The attachment structure of the external environment sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting portion is a roof rail having an upwardly facing major surface, The roof crossbar includes a first inclined portion extending forward at a downward inclination, and The first inclined portion continues from a space below the second air flow opening to a space below the first air flow opening.

3. The attachment structure of the external environment sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The roof cross rail further includes a pair of second inclined portions extending laterally outward from the first inclined portion at a downward inclination.

4. The attachment structure of the external environment sensor according to claim 3, wherein: The vehicle further includes a pair of side rails extending forwardly at a downward inclination from a space laterally outward of the roof rail to a hood of the vehicle, and A laterally outward end portion of each of the second inclined portions is connected to a corresponding side member.

5. The attachment structure of the external environment sensor according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the side rails defines a recess extending from the laterally outward space of the roof rail to the hood, and The laterally outward end portion of each of the second inclined portions is connected to the groove.

6. The attachment structure of the external environment sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The front end of the first inclined portion is connected to an upper end of a windshield of the vehicle.

7. The attachment structure of the external environment sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The air flow passage extends from the first air flow opening to the second air flow opening in a front-to-rear direction.

8. The attachment structure of the external environment sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The external environment sensor is a laser radar.

9. A vehicle, comprising: The attachment structure of the external environment sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a vehicle speed; and a controller connected to the external environment sensor and the vehicle speed sensor; Wherein, the controller is configured to: determining whether the vehicle is stopped based on the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor, and The operation of the external environment sensor is stopped if the controller determines that the vehicle is stopped.

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