Ultrasonic sensor

Abstract

An ultrasonic sensor attached to a plate-shaped vehicle body member (V3) is provided with: a housing member (6); and an anti-vibration rubber (7) interposed between the housing member and the vehicle body member. The housing member has a cylindrical portion (62) inserted into a through-hole (V4) formed in the vehicle body member, and a retaining flange portion (61) protruding at one end in the axial direction. The anti-vibration rubber has: an elastic spacer section (72) formed in a ring shape so as to be sandwiched between the flange section and the vehicle body member in an attached state; and an insertion section (73) which is provided so as to protrude from the elastic spacer section in the axial direction, and which holds the housing member to which the anti-vibration rubber is attached to the vehicle body member by being inserted through the through-hole and engaged with the inner edge (V41).

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023 - 2632 filed on January 11, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a plate - shaped vehicle body part (such as a bumper, etc.). Background art

[0004] The ultrasonic sensor described in Patent Document 1 is mounted on a bumper of a vehicle and used as a rear sonar or a corner sonar. Specifically, a sensor body integrated with a frame and a vibration - suppressing member is inserted into a hole portion of the bumper from the outside of the bumper. The frame is a cylindrical member having a hollow portion and is made of a synthetic resin or the like. Then, a retainer is mounted on the inner side of the bumper. The retainer is a member for fixing the sensor body and the frame to the bumper and is made of a synthetic resin or the like.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018 - 146564

[0006] As described in Patent Document 1, in such an ultrasonic sensor, it is required to suppress the vibration transmission between the ultrasonic sensor and a vehicle body part such as a bumper as an installation object as much as possible, thereby avoiding false detection caused by the vibration transmission as much as possible. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure has been completed in view of the above - illustrated circumstances and the like.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a plate - shaped vehicle body part includes: a housing member having a cylindrical portion and a flange portion for preventing detachment, the cylindrical portion being inserted into a through - hole formed in the vehicle body part, and the flange portion protruding in a centrifugal direction away from the central axis at one end portion in an axial direction parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical portion; and an anti - vibration rubber which, when the housing member is mounted on the vehicle body part, is interposed between the housing member and the vehicle body part. The anti - vibration rubber has: an elastic spacer portion formed in a ring shape to be clamped between the flange portion and the vehicle body part in the mounted state; and an insertion portion protruding from the elastic spacer portion along the axial direction so as to be inserted into the through - hole and engaged with an inner edge of the through - hole in the mounted state, thereby holding the housing member on which the anti - vibration rubber is mounted to the vehicle body part.

[0009] In addition, in each column of the application form, reference numerals enclosed in parentheses may sometimes be assigned to each element. In such a case, the reference numerals represent a simple example of the correspondence between the element and the specific structure described in the embodiments described later. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited by the description of the reference numerals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle equipped with an ultrasonic sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing Figure 1 the rear view of the periphery of the mounting hole, which is a through-hole, in the bumper shown.

[0012] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing Figure 1 the bottom view schematically showing the structure of the ultrasonic sensor in the in-vehicle state shown.

[0013] Figure 4 is a view showing Figure 3 the bottom view schematically showing the structure of the sensor body shown.

[0014] Figure 5 is a bottom view showing the sensor body shown Figure 4 decomposed into a sensor housing and a frame.

[0015] Figure 6 is a bottom view showing the state where the vibration-proof rubber has been removed from the frame shown Figure 5 in.

[0016] Figure 7 is Figure 6 the side view of the frame shown.

[0017] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the frame and the vibration-proof rubber shown Figure 5 are mounted on the bumper.

[0018] Figure 9 is a view showing Figure 8 the bottom view of the appearance of the vibration-proof rubber shown.

[0019] Figure 10 is a side view showing the state where the frame and the retainer shown Figure 3 are mounted on the bumper.

[0020] Figure 11 is Figure 10 the rear view of the frame and the retainer shown.

[0021] Figure 12 is a view showing the state whereFigure 9 Schematic diagram of the situation when the insertion part in the vibration isolation rubber shown is inserted into the mounting hole in the bumper.

[0022] Figure 13 It shows Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the situation when the insertion part in the vibration isolation rubber shown is inserted into the mounting hole in the bumper.

[0023] Figure 14 It shows Figure 9 A diagram showing an example of a structure for tilting outward when the insertion part in the vibration isolation rubber shown is inserted into the mounting hole in the bumper.

[0024] Figure 15 It shows Figure 9 A diagram showing another example of a structure for tilting outward when the insertion part in the vibration isolation rubber shown is inserted into the mounting hole in the bumper. Detailed implementation mode

[0025] (Embodiment)

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. It should be noted that if various modification examples applicable to one embodiment are inserted in the middle of a series of descriptions related to this embodiment, it may hinder the understanding of this embodiment. Therefore, the modification examples are not inserted in the middle of a series of descriptions related to this embodiment, and will be described collectively later.

[0027] (Vehicle-mounted structure)

[0028] If referring to Figure 1 , in this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 1 has a structure of a vehicle-mounted type clearance sonar with the vehicle V as the installation object. That is, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to be able to detect an object existing around the vehicle V by being mounted on the vehicle V. The vehicle V is a so-called four-wheel vehicle and includes a box-shaped vehicle body V1. The vehicle body V1 has a plate-shaped vehicle body part forming the outer panel, namely the vehicle body panel V2, and a bumper V3. The bumper V3 is provided at the front end and the rear end of the vehicle body V1 respectively. In this embodiment, the vehicle body panel V2 and the bumper V3 are formed of a metal plate.

[0029] The ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to detect an object existing in front of and on the front side of the vehicle V by being mounted on the bumper V3 provided at the front end in the vehicle body V1, that is, the front bumper. Similarly, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to detect an object existing behind and on the rear side of the vehicle V by being mounted on the bumper V3 provided at the rear end in the vehicle body V1, that is, the rear bumper. Hereinafter, the state where the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the vehicle V by being mounted on the bumper V3 provided in the vehicle body V1 is referred to as the "vehicle-mounted state".

[0030] Specifically, in the on-vehicle state, a plurality of (e.g., four) ultrasonic sensors 1 are installed on the front bumper. The plurality of ultrasonic sensors 1 installed on the front bumper are respectively arranged at different positions in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, a plurality of (e.g., four) ultrasonic sensors 1 are also installed on the rear bumper. A through hole, i.e., mounting hole V4, for installing the ultrasonic sensor 1 is provided in the bumper V3. In the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the mounting hole V4 is formed as a circular hole. That is, the mounting hole V4 has an inner edge V41 in the shape of a cylindrical inner surface. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can be loaded and unloaded with respect to the bumper V3 in a state where the bumper V3 is removed from the vehicle body V1. Therefore, the "mounted state" of the ultrasonic sensor 1 on the bumper V3 includes the "on-vehicle state". That is, the "mounted state" includes the on-vehicle state and the state where the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the bumper V3 removed from the vehicle body V1.

[0031] (Ultrasonic sensor)

[0032] Figure 3 One of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors 1 is represented in the on-vehicle state. Hereinafter, the overall structure of the ultrasonic sensor 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In addition, for the sake of convenience of explanation, as shown in the respective figures, a right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set with the direction of gravity acting in the on-vehicle state as the reference. In the illustrated right-handed XYZ coordinate system, the upward direction along the vertical is set as the positive Z-axis direction. The vertical upward direction means the direction parallel to the direction of gravity action and opposite to the direction of gravity action when the vehicle V is stably placed on a horizontal plane in a state where it can travel. In the present embodiment, the upward direction, i.e., the positive Z-axis direction, is substantially the same as the vertical upward direction. However, as will be described later, the present disclosure is of course not limited to such a manner.

[0033] The bumper V3 has a bumper outer surface V31 and a bumper back surface V32. The bumper outer surface V31 is the outer surface of the bumper V3 and is provided to face the bumper outer space SG that becomes the outer space of the vehicle V in the on-vehicle state. The bumper back surface V32 is the surface on the inner side of the bumper outer surface V31 and is provided to face the bumper inner space SN that becomes the inner space of the vehicle V in the on-vehicle state. The mounting hole V4 is formed to penetrate the bumper V3 in its thickness direction by opening in the bumper outer surface V31 and the bumper back surface V32.

[0034] The ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to be able to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. That is, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to transmit a detection wave, which is an ultrasonic wave, toward the bumper outer space SG along the central axis CL. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to receive a reception wave including a reflected wave, and generate and output a detection signal corresponding to the reception result of the reception wave, where the reflected wave is a reflected wave of the detection wave caused by an object existing in the bumper outer space SG, that is, an object around the vehicle V. As Figure 3 shown, in the illustrated right-handed XYZ coordinate system, the transmission direction of the detection wave parallel to the central axis CL constituting the pointing axis of the ultrasonic sensor 1 is set as the positive Y-axis direction. The "pointing axis" refers to an imaginary straight line extending along the transmission and reception direction of the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic sensor 1, and serves as a reference for the pointing angle. The "pointing axis" may also be referred to as the pointing center axis or the detection axis. The positive Y-axis direction parallel to the pointing axis is referred to as the "axial direction". Hereinafter, there is a case where, for a component or part extending along the axial direction, the end portion on the positive Y-axis side among the two end portions in the axial direction is referred to as the "front end portion in the axial direction", and the end portion on the negative Y-axis side is referred to as the "base end portion in the axial direction". In addition, hereinafter, the dimension in the axial direction of a certain component or part is simply referred to as the "axial dimension".

[0035] Hereinafter, any direction orthogonal to the axial direction is referred to as the "in-plane direction". The "in-plane direction" is a direction parallel to the XZ plane. Sometimes, the in-plane shape of a certain component or part, that is, the shape projected onto the XZ plane, is referred to as the "in-plane shape". The "in-plane direction" includes the "radial direction" and the "circumferential direction". The "radial direction" is a direction extending radially from the central axis CL. That is, the "radial direction" is a direction orthogonal to the central axis CL and away from the central axis CL. Specifically, the "radial direction" is the direction in which a half-line extends when a half-line is drawn in a hypothetical plane orthogonal to the central axis CL starting from the intersection of the hypothetical plane and the central axis CL in that hypothetical plane. In other words, the "radial direction" is the radius direction of a hypothetical circle drawn in the hypothetical plane with the intersection of the above-mentioned hypothetical plane and the central axis CL as the center. Hereinafter, the direction away from the central axis CL in the radial direction is referred to as the "centrifugal direction". In contrast, hereinafter, the direction toward the central axis CL in the radial direction is referred to as the "centripetal direction". In addition, the "circumferential direction" is the circumferential direction of the above-mentioned hypothetical circle surrounding the central axis C.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the vehicle V in a vehicle-mounted state such that the central axis CL intersects the thickness direction of the bumper V3 at the mounting position. The "mounting position" is the position where the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the bumper V3 and is typically the central position of the mounting hole V4. The central position of the mounting hole V4 is the central position of the circle that forms the intersection line of the inner edge V41 in the shape of a cylindrical inner surface in the mounting hole V4 and the bumper outer surface V31 or the bumper back surface V32. Alternatively, the central position of the mounting hole V4 is the position on the XZ plane of the central axis CL in the vehicle-mounted state or the mounted state. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the bumper V3 such that the central axis CL is substantially horizontal in the vehicle-mounted state. On the other hand, the bumper V3 is configured such that at the mounting position, the bumper outer surface V31 and the bumper back surface V32 are inclined with respect to the vertical plane.

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 3 to 5 , each part constituting the ultrasonic sensor 1 will be described in sequence. The sensor main body 2 that constitutes the main body part of the ultrasonic sensor 1 includes a sensor housing 3, an ultrasonic microphone 4, a buffer member 5, a frame 6, and a vibration-proof rubber 7. The sensor main body 2 is mounted on the bumper V3 using a retainer 8. That is, the ultrasonic sensor 1 in the mounted state or the vehicle-mounted state includes the sensor housing 3, the ultrasonic microphone 4, the buffer member 5, the frame 6, the vibration-proof rubber 7, and the retainer 8.

[0038] (Sensor housing)

[0039] The sensor housing 3 that constitutes the outer shell of the ultrasonic sensor 1, that is, the sensor main body 2, is formed of a hard synthetic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate, ABS resin, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. The sensor housing 3 has a box-shaped portion 31, a connector portion 32, and a microphone support portion 33. The box-shaped portion 31, the connector portion 32, and the microphone support portion 33 are integrally formed without seams by injection molding. The box-shaped portion 31 has a box-shaped outer shape with a long side direction in the X-axis direction and thin in the Y-axis direction in the mounted state. A circuit board (not shown) electrically connected to the ultrasonic microphone 4 via connection wiring is housed inside the box-shaped portion 31.

[0040] The connector portion 32 is provided to extend from one end portion in the long side direction of the box-shaped portion 31 (that is, Figures 3 to 5 the right end portion in and extends substantially horizontally and obliquely rearward in the vehicle-mounted state. That is, the connector portion 32 extends in a direction away from the bumper V3 in the mounted state. The connector portion 32 has a structure of a socket connector that can be detached from and attached to a plug connector (not shown) provided at the end of a wire harness for electrical connection with an external device such as an ECU. ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit.

[0041] The microphone support portion 33 extends axially from the box-shaped portion 31. The microphone support portion 33 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the central axis CL. In the present embodiment, the microphone support portion 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis CL.

[0042] A pair of frame engaging protrusions 34 are provided on the box-shaped portion 31. The frame engaging protrusions 34 are small protrusions for engaging the frame 6 with the sensor housing 3, and protrude radially outward from the outer wall surface of the box-shaped portion 31. The pair of frame engaging protrusions 34 are arranged at symmetric positions with the central axis CL interposed therebetween.

[0043] (Ultrasonic microphone)

[0044] As Figure 5 shown, the ultrasonic microphone 4 has a columnar outer shape extending axially. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic microphone 4 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis CL. The ultrasonic microphone 4 includes an ultrasonic element 41 and a microphone housing 42. The ultrasonic element 41 is a so-called electro-mechanical conversion element, and is composed of a thin film piezoelectric element or the like. The ultrasonic element 41 is housed inside the microphone housing 42.

[0045] The microphone housing 42 that constitutes the outer shell of the ultrasonic microphone 4 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape from a metal material such as aluminum. Specifically, the microphone housing 42 has a diaphragm 43 and a side plate portion 44. The diaphragm 43 is formed in a thin plate shape having a thickness direction in the axial direction. The diaphragm 43 is provided to block the front end portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical side plate portion 44. The outer surface of the diaphragm 43 facing the outside of the bumper outer space SG in the mounted state or the vehicle-mounted state is formed in a smooth planar shape. The ultrasonic element 41 is adhesively fixed to the inner surface, which is the inner side surface of the outer surface of the diaphragm 43.

[0046] (Buffer member)

[0047] As Figure 5 shown, the buffer member 5 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape surrounding the central axis CL. Specifically, the buffer member 5 has a base portion 51 and a microphone housing portion 52. The base portion 51 provided at the base end portion in the axial direction of the buffer member 5 is formed in a flat and annular shape. That is, the base portion 51 protrudes radially outward from the base end portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical microphone housing portion 52. The microphone housing portion 52 is configured to house, over substantially the entire axial direction, the portion of the ultrasonic microphone 4 that protrudes from the microphone support portion 33. That is, the microphone housing portion 52 has a columnar internal space corresponding to the outer shape of the ultrasonic microphone 4 so as to cover the side surface of the ultrasonic microphone 4.

[0048] The buffer member 5 is integrally formed without seams from a synthetic resin-based elastic material such as silicone rubber. Further, the buffer member 5 is configured to be interposed between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6 by the base portion 51 abutting against the microphone support portion 33 in the axial direction and the microphone housing portion 52 covering the side surface of the ultrasonic microphone 4. That is, the buffer member 5 is provided to suppress vibration transmission between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6.

[0049] (Frame)

[0050] While referring to Figures 3 to 8 , the structure of the frame 6, which is an outer shell member that forms the outer shell of the ultrasonic sensor 1 together with the sensor housing 3, will be described. The frame 6 is an outer shell member used to mount the ultrasonic sensor 1 to the bumper V3 and is formed in a cylindrical shape from a hard synthetic resin. Figures 4 to 8 The frame 6 is illustrated in a state where the central axis of the cylindrical shape of the frame 6 coincides with the central axis CL. The frame 6 has a cylindrical portion 61 and a flange portion 62. The cylindrical portion 61 and the flange portion 62 are integrally formed without seams from the same material.

[0051] The cylindrical portion 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the central axis CL, and more specifically, in a substantially cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 61 is provided to surround the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the buffer member 5 in the mounted state and to be inserted into the mounting hole V4. The cylindrical portion 61 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting hole V4 and an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameters of the microphone support portion 33 and the buffer member 5.

[0052] The flange portion 62 is a protrusion for preventing detachment when the cylindrical portion 61 is inserted into the mounting hole V4 in order to mount the sensor body 2 or the frame 6 to the bumper V3, and is provided to protrude along the centrifugal direction at one end portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 61, that is, the front end portion. Specifically, the flange portion 62 is configured to have an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole V4 and is a continuous annular eaves portion in the circumferential direction. Further, the flange portion 62 is provided to face the portion around the mounting hole V4 in the bumper outer surface V31 with the vibration isolation rubber 7 interposed therebetween in the mounted state. In the present embodiment, corresponding to the central axis CL intersecting the thickness direction of the bumper V3 at the mounting position, the flange portion 62 is formed such that the protruding direction intersects the imaginary plane having the central axis CL as the normal line. That is, the back surface 63 of the flange portion 62 is formed in a flat planar shape whose normal direction is slightly (for example, several degrees) inclined with respect to the central axis CL.

[0053] At a position in the cylindrical portion 61 that is axially adjacent to the flange portion 62, a groove portion for mounting the vibration-proof rubber 7, i.e., the spacer mounting groove 64, is provided to open in the protruding direction of the flange portion 62. That is, the spacer mounting groove 64 is disposed at the front end portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 61. The spacer mounting groove 64 extends throughout the entire circumferential frame 6. A portion of the cylindrical portion 61 on the base end side of the spacer mounting groove 64 in the axial direction, i.e., the main body portion 65, extends along the central axis CL.

[0054] A pair of sensor locking pieces 66 are provided on the main body portion 65. The pair of sensor locking pieces 66 are arranged at positions symmetrically sandwiching the central axis CL. The sensor locking pieces 66 are thin plate-like tongues having a thickness direction in the radial direction, and are formed in a cantilever beam shape extending from the main body portion 65 toward the base end side in the axial direction. That is, the sensor locking pieces 66 are configured to be elastically deformable such that the front end portion in the axial direction is the fixed end and the base end portion in the axial direction is the free end, and the free end moves in the radial direction. A locking hole 66a that penetrates the sensor locking piece 66 in its thickness direction is provided on the free end side of the sensor locking piece 66. The locking hole 66a is formed to be detachably engaged with a frame locking projection 34 provided on the microphone support portion 33 in the assembled state. In the main body portion 65, the same number of sensor locking pieces 66 as the frame locking projections 34 are provided at positions corresponding to the frame locking projections 34 in the circumferential direction.

[0055] In addition, a pair of retainer holding projections 67 are provided on the main body portion 65. The pair of retainer holding projections 67 are arranged at symmetric positions sandwiching the central axis CL and project in the centrifugal direction. The retainer holding projections 67 are rib-shaped projections and extend substantially parallel to the flange portion 62. That is, a surface of the retainer holding projection 67 that faces the flange portion 62, i.e., the retainer contact surface 67a, is provided substantially parallel to the back surface 63 of the flange portion 62. The retainer contact surface 67a is formed in a smooth planar shape.

[0056] (Vibration-proof rubber)

[0057] While referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the specific structure of the vibration-proof rubber 7 of the present embodiment will be described. The vibration-proof rubber 7 is configured to be interposed between the frame 6 and the bumper V3 in the mounted state by being mounted on the frame 6. The vibration-proof rubber 7 is integrally formed without seams from a synthetic resin-based elastic material such as silicone rubber. The vibration-proof rubber 7 is formed in a ring shape with a circular hole-shaped spacer through-hole 71 penetrating through the center. Specifically, the vibration-proof rubber 7 has an elastic spacer portion 72 and an insertion portion 73.

[0058] The elastic spacer portion 72 is a thin plate-like, i.e., circular plate-like, portion along the thickness direction in the axial direction, and is formed into an O-shaped ring surrounding the spacer through-hole 71 so as to be clamped between the flange portion 62 and the bumper V3 in the installed state. Specifically, the elastic spacer portion 72 has a thickness corresponding to the axial dimension of the spacer mounting groove 64 provided in the frame 6, an inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the spacer mounting groove 64, and an outer diameter substantially equivalent to that of the flange portion 62. The insertion portion 73 is provided to project axially from the elastic spacer portion 72. As Figure 8 shown, the insertion portion 73 is provided to abut against the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 in the centrifugal direction in the installed state. That is, the insertion portion 73 is configured to be engaged with the inner edge V41 by being inserted into the mounting hole V4 in the installed state, thereby holding the frame 6 having the vibration isolator rubber 7 on the bumper V3. The insertion portions 73 are provided at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction surrounding the central axis CL. Specifically, in the present embodiment, four insertion portions 73 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0059] The insertion portion 73 has an axially projecting portion 73a and a holding claw portion 73b. As Figure 8 shown, the axially projecting portion 73a projects axially from the elastic spacer portion 72 so as to be received inside the mounting hole V4 in the installed state. The holding claw portion 73b extends along the axial direction from the axially projecting portion 73a. The insertion portion 73 is configured such that the axially projecting portion 73a is pressed by the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 in the centripetal direction, so that the holding claw portion 73b is elastically deformed in the centrifugal direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the radius from the center of the vibration isolator rubber 7 to the outer edge in the axially projecting portion 73a is set to be slightly larger than the radius of the mounting hole V4.

[0060] The holding claw portion 73b is provided with a radially projecting portion 73c projecting in the centrifugal direction. The radially projecting portion 73c has a mounting hole abutting surface 73d and a holding surface 73e. The mounting hole abutting surface 73d is formed in an inclined surface shape so as to apply a force to the holding claw portion 73b in the centripetal direction by abutting against the inner edge V41 when the insertion portion 73 is inserted into the mounting hole V4. The holding surface 73e is formed in an inclined surface shape facing the opening portion on the bumper back surface V32 side of the inner edge V41 in the installed state.

[0061] (Retainer)

[0062] In addition to referring to Figures 3 to 9 also refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11, the structure of the retainer 8 will be described. The retainer 8 is a housing component used to mount the ultrasonic sensor 1, i.e., the sensor body 2, to the bumper V3, and is integrally formed without seams from a hard synthetic resin. Specifically, the retainer 8 is configured to be mounted by being inserted and clamped between the retainer holding protrusion 67 provided in the frame 6 of the sensor body 2 in the temporarily mounted state and the bumper V3. The "temporarily mounted state" is the state in which the retainer 8 is removed from the Figure 3 vehicle-mounted state or mounted state shown. That is, the "temporarily mounted state" is the state in which the sensor body 2 is held on the bumper V3 by the engagement of the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 and the insertion portion 73 in the vibration-proof rubber 7.

[0063] The retainer 8 has a retainer body 81 and an elastic portion 82. As Figure 11 shown, the retainer body 81 is formed in a U-shape having an opening 811 opening in the negative Z-axis direction in the figure. The connecting portion 812 on the side opposite to the opening 811 extends along the width direction of the retainer body 81, i.e., the X-axis direction in the figure. The retainer 8 is symmetrically formed with respect to a plane passing through the center in the width direction of the U-shaped portion, i.e., the retainer body 81, and parallel to the YZ plane in the figure. On both sides of the connecting portion 812, there are provided extending portions 813 extending in the negative Z-axis direction in the figure. That is, the opening 811 is provided at the front end portion in the extending direction of a pair of extending portions 813 arranged in parallel. On the other hand, the base end portions in the extending direction of the pair of extending portions 813 are connected to each other by the connecting portion 812.

[0064] Each of the pair of extending portions 813 has a guiding portion 814. The guiding portion 814 is formed in a thin plate shape along the thickness direction of the axial direction. The guiding portion 814 protrudes inward along the width direction of the retainer body 81 and extends from a position corresponding to the opening 811 in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the extending portion 813. The guiding portion 814 is formed to guide the extending portion 813 to be inserted into the square groove-shaped space formed between the retainer holding protrusion 67 and the bumper V3 while moving the retainer 8 in the extending direction of the retainer holding protrusion 67 and mounting it on the frame 6. That is, the guiding portion 814 is provided to abut against the surface of the retainer holding protrusion 67, i.e., the retainer abutting surface 67a, in a state where the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6 is inserted into the inside of the opening 811.

[0065] As Figure 10As shown, the elastic part 82 is a leaf spring part in the shape of a cantilever beam, which protrudes from the retainer body 81 along the axial direction. The elastic part 82 is configured to abut against and elastically deform the bumper rear surface V32 in a state where the retainer 8 is clamped between the retainer abutment surface 67a of the frame 6 and the bumper rear surface V32. Therefore, the elastic part 82 is formed to elastically deform along the axial direction by being pressed toward the negative Y-axis direction in the figure, thereby generating an elastic force in the positive Y-axis direction in the figure. In the present embodiment, the elastic part 82 is provided to protrude from the pair of extended parts 813 toward the positive Y-axis direction in the figure. Specifically, the elastic part 82 extends from the substantially central part of the extended part 813 in the extending direction to a direction inclined with respect to the Y-axis. In addition, the pair of elastic parts 82 are arranged in a gull-wing shape in a side view on one extended part 813. That is, the retainer 8 has four elastic parts 82.

[0066] In this way, the elastic part 82 is formed to generate an elastic force in the direction toward the bumper V3 in a state where the cylindrical part 61 of the frame 6 is inserted into the mounting hole V4 and the retainer body 81 is inserted into the space between the retainer holding projection 67 and the bumper V3. Moreover, the retainer 8 is configured to be mounted on the frame 6 by receiving the cylindrical part 61 inside the opening 811 and sliding along the bumper rear surface V32, so as to be held between the bumper V3 and the cylindrical part 61 by the elastic force.

[0067] (Effect)

[0068] Hereinafter, with reference to the respective drawings, the mounting method and mounting state of the ultrasonic sensor 1 with respect to the bumper V3 will be described together with the effects achieved by the structure of the present embodiment. In addition, for the sake of simplicity of description, the following mounting method or mounting process will be described using the right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system based on the in-vehicle state as shown in the figure. Among them, as described above, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can be loaded and unloaded with respect to the bumper V3 in a state where the bumper V3 is removed from the vehicle body V1. Therefore, in the actual mounting method or mounting process, there may be a case where the positive Z-axis direction is different from the upward direction.

[0069] First, as Figure 5As shown, the buffer member 5 is mounted on the sensor housing 3 to cover the ultrasonic microphone 4. In addition, a vibration-proof rubber 7 is mounted on the frame 6. Specifically, an O-ring-shaped elastic spacer portion 72 in the vibration-proof rubber 7 is fitted into a spacer mounting groove 64 in the frame 6. Further, the buffer member 5 in a state of covering the ultrasonic microphone 4 is inserted into the cylindrical inner side of the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6 on which the vibration-proof rubber 7 is mounted. Then, a locking hole 66a in a sensor locking piece 66 provided on the cylindrical portion 61 engages with a frame locking projection 34 provided on the sensor housing 3. In this way, by assembling the frame 6 on which the vibration-proof rubber 7 is mounted to the sensor housing 3 on which the buffer member 5 is mounted, the Figure 4 sensor main body 2 shown is formed. In this sensor main body 2, the buffer member 5 surrounds the ultrasonic microphone 4 and is housed in the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6. That is, the buffer member 5 is in a state of being interposed between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6. Thereby, vibration transmission between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6 can be suppressed well.

[0070] Figure 4 The sensor main body 2 shown starts from the connector portion 32 and is inserted into the mounting hole V4 from the bumper outer space SG side until the elastic spacer portion 72 in the vibration-proof rubber 7 abuts against the bumper outer surface V31. At this time, during the process of inserting the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6 into the mounting hole V4, the mounting hole abutting surface 73d, which is the front end surface in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 73 in the vibration-proof rubber 7, abuts against the inner edge V41 in the mounting hole V4. Figure 12 Fig. shows this situation. In addition, for simplicity of illustration, in Figure 12 , and in the Figure 13 described later, illustrations of structural elements other than the bumper V3 and the vibration-proof rubber 7 are omitted. Figure 12 The hollow arrow in shows the situation of the relative movement of the vibration-proof rubber 7 with respect to the bumper V3. In this way, by the mounting hole abutting surface 73d abutting against the inner edge V41, the insertion portion 73 is elastically deformed in the direction indicated by the blackened arrow in Figure 12 with the axially protruding portion 73a as a fixed end and the retaining claw portion 73b as a free end approaching the inner side, i.e., the central axis CL.

[0071] When the retaining claw portion 73b passes through the mounting hole V4, the elastic deformation of the insertion portion 73 toward the inner side as described above is restored. Then, as shown in Figure 8 , a state is formed in which the frame 6 is held on the bumper V3 by the flange portion 62 and the insertion portion 73. Thereby, the sensor main body 2 is in a temporarily mounted state. This temporarily mounted state can be held well until the process of the retainer 8 after installation by the elastic abutment of the elastic spacer portion 72 and the insertion portion 73 in the vibration-proof rubber 7 against the inner edge V41 and its peripheral portion of the mounting hole V4 in the bumper V3.

[0072] In the temporarily installed state, the axially protruding portion 73a in the insertion portion 73 abuts while facing the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 in the centrifugal direction. At this time, the radius of the mounting hole V4 is slightly smaller than the radius from the center of the O-ring-shaped elastic spacer portion 72 in the vibration isolator rubber 7 to the outer edge in the axially protruding portion 73a. Therefore, as Figure 13 shown, the axially protruding portion 73a is pressed by the inner edge V41 in the centripetal direction as indicated by the arrow with diagonal shading in the figure. In addition, in Figure 13 , the portion of the axially protruding portion 73a elastically deformed by being bitten by the inner edge V41 is indicated by a dotted line. Then, the insertion portion 73 is tilted outward as indicated by the blackened arrow in the figure. That is, the insertion portion 73 elastically deforms in such a manner that the axially protruding portion 73a is the fixed end and the holding claw portion 73b, which becomes the free end, moves outward, i.e., in the centrifugal direction. Thereby, the temporary installation state of holding the sensor body 2 on the bumper V3 is achieved. In this temporary installation state, even if the operator changes the posture of the bumper V3, typically, for example, even if the outer surface V31 of the bumper faces vertically downward, the sensor body 2 does not fall off from the bumper V3, and the temporary installation state can be well maintained.

[0073] As described above, after the sensor body 2 is brought into the temporarily installed state, the holder 8 is attached to the frame 6, i.e., the sensor body 2. Specifically, first, the holder 8 is set to a state in which the frame 6 in the sensor body 2 in the temporarily installed state is inserted into the opening 811. Then, while sliding the holder 8 along the bumper back surface V32, it is pressed in until the frame 6 abuts or approaches the connecting portion 812 in the holder 8. Then, the extending portion 813, i.e., the guiding portion 814, in the holder 8 is inserted into the space between the holder abutment surface 67a in the frame 6 and the bumper back surface V32. At this time, due to the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 82, the holder 8 is elastically clamped between the holder holding protrusion 67 in the frame 6 and the bumper back surface V32. In this way, by attaching the holder 8 to the sensor body 2 in the temporarily installed state, as Figure 3 shown, the installation state or in-vehicle state of installing the ultrasonic sensor 1 on the bumper V3 is achieved.

[0074] In the present embodiment, in the temporarily installed state, the vibration isolation rubber 7 is interposed between the bumper V3 and the sensor main body 2. Specifically, in the axial direction, an elastic spacer portion 72 is clamped between the flange portion 62 in the frame 6 provided on the sensor main body 2 and the bumper V3. On the other hand, in the radial direction, the insertion portion 73 is inserted and elastically clamped between the cylindrical portion 61 in the frame 6 provided on the sensor main body 2 and the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 provided in the bumper V3. Moreover, through the elastic deformation of the insertion portion 73, the state where the cylindrical portion 61 is inserted into the mounting hole V4 is maintained. According to this structure, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the vibration transmission between the ultrasonic sensor 1 and the bumper V3 which is a body part as its mounting object. In particular, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the occurrence of false detection caused by vibration transmission with the bumper V3, which is likely to occur when the bumper V3 is formed of a metal plate having high vibration transmissibility. And, it is possible to favorably suppress the occurrence of vibration transmission caused by foreign matters such as water, ice, and sand being clamped between the sensor main body 2 and the bumper V3, and the occurrence of false detection caused thereby.

[0075] In the present embodiment, in the temporarily installed state, the installed state, or the vehicle-mounted state, the insertion portions 73 which are interposed between the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 and the frame 6 in a rubber-elastic manner are provided at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction surrounding the central axis CL. That is, the plurality of insertion portions 73 are arranged to surround the central axis CL. Thereby, it is possible to favorably suppress the occurrence of accidental vibration transmission between the ultrasonic sensor 1 and the bumper V3 caused by the contact between the inner edge V41 and the frame 6 in the radial direction.

[0076] As described above, in the installed state or the vehicle-mounted state, the buffer member 5, the frame 6, and the vibration isolation rubber 7 are interposed between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the bumper V3. Specifically, the buffer member 5 is clamped between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6. In addition, the vibration isolation rubber 7 is clamped between the frame 6 and the bumper V3. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to favorably suppress the occurrence of false detection caused by vibration transmission with the bumper V3, which is likely to occur when the bumper V3 is formed of a metal plate having high vibration transmissibility.

[0077] (Modification example)

[0078] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed. Hereinafter, representative modification examples will be described. In the description of the following modification examples, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described. In addition, in the above-described embodiment and the modification examples, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, in the description of the following modification examples, regarding the components having the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment, as long as there is no technical contradiction or special additional explanation, the description in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately cited.

[0079] The object to which the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted is not limited to the bumper V3. Specifically, for example, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can also be mounted on the body panel V2. That is, the mounting holes V4 can also be provided in the body panel V2. Therefore, the present disclosure can also achieve the same excellent effects as described above when the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the metal body panel V2. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is not limited to a structure capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. That is, for example, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can also have a structure capable of only transmitting ultrasonic waves. Or, for example, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can also only have a receiving function, which is a function of receiving the reflected wave caused by an object existing around, that is, the detection wave, which is the ultrasonic wave transmitted from another ultrasonic transmitter.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the Y-axis direction is set as the horizontal direction. Therefore, the upward direction, that is, the positive Z-axis direction, is substantially the same as the vertically upward direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this technical solution. That is, the upward direction can also be a direction forming a specified small acute angle α with the vertically upward direction. The acute angle α in this case is, for example, 10 degrees or less. Therefore, depending on the shape of the bumper V3, the mounting position of the ultrasonic sensor 1, etc., there are cases where the positive Z-axis direction is the same as the vertically upward direction, or is a direction intersecting with the vertically upward direction. Similarly, regarding the positive Y-axis direction, there are also cases where it is the same as the horizontal direction, or is a direction intersecting with the horizontal direction.

[0081] The structure of each part in the ultrasonic sensor 1 is not limited to the specific examples shown in the above embodiment. Specifically, for example, regarding the materials constituting each part, it can also be appropriately changed from the above specific examples. In addition, a plurality of constituent elements formed of the same material can also be formed of different materials from each other. Similarly, a plurality of constituent elements formed of different materials from each other can also be formed of the same material from each other. In addition, a plurality of constituent elements integrally formed without seams with each other can also be formed by fitting mutually independent components. Similarly, a plurality of constituent elements formed by fitting mutually independent components can also be integrally formed without seams with each other.

[0082] The specific structure of the sensor housing 3 is not limited to the above specific examples. That is, for example, the structure and the extending direction of the connector portion 32 can be appropriately changed. In addition, the shape of the microphone support portion 33 is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape, and may be a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape, a substantially long cylindrical shape, a substantially polygonal cylindrical shape, or the like. Similarly, the outer shape of the ultrasonic microphone 4, i.e., the microphone housing 42, is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape, and may be a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape, a substantially regular polygonal prism shape, or the like. The electro-mechanical conversion element constituting the ultrasonic element 41 is not limited to a piezoelectric element. The specific structure of the buffer member 5 is not limited to the above specific examples. That is, for example, the shape of the buffer member 5 is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape, and may be a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape, a substantially long cylindrical shape, a substantially polygonal cylindrical shape, or the like.

[0083] The specific structures of the frame 6 and the retainer 8, which are components for mounting the ultrasonic sensor 1 to a plate-shaped vehicle body member (e.g., the bumper V3), are not limited to the above specific examples. Specifically, for example, the structures of the detailed parts in the frame 6 and / or the retainer 8 can be appropriately changed from the above specific examples. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the structure of mounting the sensor main body 2 to the vehicle body member using the frame 6 and the retainer 8. That is, for example, the frame 6 can be integrated with the sensor main body 2 in a non-detachable manner. In other words, the present disclosure can also be well applied to a so-called frameless structure. Or, the present disclosure can also be well applied to a so-called retainerless structure. In other words, the ultrasonic sensor 1 may be mounted on the bumper V3 through the vibration isolation rubber 7 without using the retainer 8, thereby realizing the in-vehicle state.

[0084] There is no particular limitation on the number of insertion portions 73 provided in the vibration isolation rubber 7. That is, for example, three insertion portions 73 can be circumferentially arranged at equal intervals and respectively located at positions corresponding to the vertices of an equilateral triangle. Or, for example, five or more insertion portions 73 can be circumferentially arranged at equal intervals.

[0085] The structure in which the vibration isolation rubber 7 interferes with the bumper V3 to increase the holding force of the ultrasonic sensor 1, i.e., the sensor main body 2, toward the bumper V3 is not limited to the specific examples shown in the above embodiments. That is, in the above embodiments, as this structure, the relationship between the inner diameter dimension of the circular hole-shaped mounting hole V4 and the outer diameter dimension of the axially protruding portion 73a in the vibration isolation rubber 7 is used. Specifically, the radius from the center of the vibration isolation rubber 7 to the outer edge in the axially protruding portion 73a is set to be larger than the radius of the mounting hole V4. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this method. That is, for example, as Figure 14 shown, a rubber pressing portion V42 protruding toward the center can also be provided on the mounting hole V4. The rubber pressing portion V42 can be, for example, Figure 14 a reduced-diameter portion like the example ofFigure 15 As shown, a contact protrusion 73f as a convex portion is provided on the outer wall surface of the axially protruding portion 73a.

[0086] Regarding the elements constituting the above-described embodiments, unless otherwise specifically stated as essential or clearly considered essential in principle, they are not necessarily essential. In addition, when referring to numerical values such as the number, value, quantity, range, etc. of the constituent elements, unless otherwise specifically stated as essential or clearly limited to a specific number in principle, the present disclosure is not limited to that specific number. Similarly, when referring to the shape, direction, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, unless otherwise specifically stated as essential or clearly limited to a specific shape, direction, positional relationship, etc. in principle, the present disclosure is not limited to that shape, direction, positional relationship, etc.

[0087] The modification examples are not limited to the above illustrations. That is, for example, various modification examples can be adopted in addition to the above illustrations. In addition, multiple modification examples can be combined with each other as long as they are not technically contradictory.

[0088] (Disclosed content)

[0089] From the descriptions of the above-described embodiments and modification examples, it can be seen that in this specification, at least the following disclosed matters are disclosed.

[0090] [Viewpoint 1]

[0091] An ultrasonic sensor (1) is mounted on a plate-shaped vehicle body part (V3), and includes:

[0092] A housing part (6) having a cylindrical part (62) and a flange part (61) for preventing detachment. The cylindrical part (62) is inserted into a through hole (V4) formed in the vehicle body part, and the flange part (61) protrudes in a centrifugal direction away from the central axis in one end part in the axial direction parallel to the central axis (CL) of the cylindrical part; and

[0093] A vibration-proof rubber (7) is interposed between the housing part and the vehicle body part in a state where the housing part is mounted on the vehicle body part by being mounted on the housing part,

[0094] The vibration-proof rubber has:

[0095] An elastic spacer part (72) formed in a ring shape to be clamped between the flange part and the vehicle body part in the mounting state; and

[0096] The insertion part (73) is provided to protrude from the elastic spacer part along the axial direction, so as to be inserted into the through hole and engage with the inner edge (V41) of the through hole in the mounted state, thereby holding the housing member with the vibration-proof rubber mounted thereon to the vehicle body member.

[0097] [Viewpoint 2]

[0098] The ultrasonic sensor according to Viewpoint 1, wherein

[0099] the insertion part is arranged to abut against the inner edge in the centrifugal direction in the mounted state.

[0100] [Viewpoint 3]

[0101] The ultrasonic sensor according to Viewpoint 2, wherein

[0102] the insertion part has:

[0103] an axially protruding part (73a) provided to protrude from the elastic spacer part along the axial direction so as to be received inside the through hole in the mounted state; and

[0104] a holding claw part (73b) extending along the axial direction from the axially protruding part,

[0105] configured such that the holding claw part is elastically deformed in the centrifugal direction by being pressed by the inner edge in the direction opposite to the centrifugal direction, i.e., the centripetal direction.

[0106] [Viewpoint 4]

[0107] The ultrasonic sensor according to any one of Viewpoints 1 to 3, wherein

[0108] the insertion part is provided at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction surrounding the central axis.

[0109] [Viewpoint 5]

[0110] The ultrasonic sensor according to any one of Viewpoints 1 to 4, wherein

[0111] the elastic spacer part and the insertion part are integrally formed without seams from the same material.

[0112] [Viewpoint 6]

[0113] The ultrasonic sensor according to any one of Viewpoints 1 to 5, wherein

[0114] the vehicle body member is a metal plate.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic sensor (1) is installed on a plate-shaped vehicle body part (V3) and includes: A housing part (6) having a cylindrical part (62) and a flange part (61) for preventing detachment. The cylindrical part (62) is inserted into a through-hole (V4) formed in the vehicle body part, and the flange part (61) projects in a centrifugal direction away from the central axis in one end part in the axial direction parallel to the central axis (CL) of the cylindrical part; and A vibration-proof rubber (7) is interposed between the housing part and the vehicle body part in a state where the housing part is installed on the vehicle body part by being installed on the housing part. The vibration-proof rubber has: An elastic spacer part (72) formed in a ring shape to be clamped between the flange part and the vehicle body part in the installation state; and A through-part (73) is provided to project along the axial direction from the elastic spacer part, and is configured to be engaged with an inner edge (V41) of the through-hole by being inserted into the through-hole in the installation state, so as to hold the housing part on which the vibration-proof rubber is installed on the vehicle body part.

2. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, wherein The through-part is provided to abut against the inner edge in the centrifugal direction in the installation state.

3. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 2, wherein The through-part has: An axially projecting part (73a) provided to project along the axial direction from the elastic spacer part so as to be received inside the through-hole in the installation state; and A holding claw part (73b) extending along the axial direction from the axially projecting part, And is configured such that the holding claw part is elastically deformed in the centrifugal direction by being pressed by the inner edge in a direction opposite to the centrifugal direction, that is, in the centripetal direction.

4. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, wherein The through-part is provided at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction surrounding the central axis.

5. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, wherein The elastic spacer part and the through-part are integrally formed without seams from the same material.

6. The ultrasonic sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The vehicle body part is a metal plate.

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