Ultrasonic sensor

Abstract

An ultrasonic sensor (1) attached to a plate-shaped vehicle body member (V3) is provided with: a cylindrical housing member (6) inserted into a through-hole (V4) formed in the vehicle body member; and an anti-vibration rubber (7) that is interposed between the housing member and the vehicle body member in an attached state in which the housing member is attached to the vehicle body member by being attached to the housing member. The vibration-proof rubber has three or more insertion sections (73) that are inserted through the through-hole in the mounted state and sandwiched between an inner edge (V41) of the through-hole and the housing member in a radial direction intersecting a central axis (CL) of the housing member, and the three or more insertion sections are disposed so as to surround the central axis.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-2633 filed on January 11, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a plate-shaped vehicle body component (eg, a bumper). Background Art

[0004] The ultrasonic sensor described in Patent Document 1 is mounted on a vehicle's bumper and used as a rear or corner sonar. Specifically, the sensor body, integrated with the frame and vibration suppression components, is inserted from the outside of the bumper into a hole in the bumper. The frame is a hollow, cylindrical component made of synthetic resin, etc. A retainer is then attached to the inside of the bumper. The retainer is a component used to secure the sensor body and frame to the bumper and is made of synthetic resin, etc.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-146564

[0006] As described in Patent Document 1, such ultrasonic sensors are required to suppress vibration transmission to vehicle body parts such as bumpers to which they are mounted as much as possible, thereby avoiding erroneous detection caused by the vibration transmission as much as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, etc. Specifically, the present disclosure provides, for example, a structure capable of suppressing as much as possible the transmission of vibrations between an ultrasonic sensor and a vehicle body member to which the ultrasonic sensor is mounted.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a plate-shaped vehicle body member includes:

[0009] a cylindrical shell member inserted into the through hole formed in the vehicle body member; and

[0010] The vibration-isolating rubber is mounted on the housing member and interposed between the housing member and the vehicle body member when the housing member is mounted on the vehicle body member.

[0011] The vibration-isolating rubber has three or more insertion portions, which are inserted into the through-hole in the mounted state and are clamped between the inner edge of the through-hole and the housing member in a radial direction intersecting the central axis of the housing member.

[0012] The three or more insertion portions are arranged to surround the central axis.

[0013] In addition, in each column of the application, each element may be marked with a parenthetical reference numeral. In this case, the reference numeral indicates an example of the correspondence between the element and the specific structure described in the embodiment described later. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited in any way by the description of the reference numeral. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle equipped with an ultrasonic sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 It is an enlarged representation Figure 1 A rear view of the area surrounding the mounting holes, which serve as through-holes, in the bumper shown.

[0016] Figure 3 It is an enlarged representation Figure 1 A bottom view schematically showing the structure of an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a vehicle.

[0017] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 A bottom view showing the schematic structure of the sensor body is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 It will Figure 4 The sensor body is shown exploded into a sensor housing and a frame as a bottom view.

[0019] Figure 6 It means from Figure 5 The frame is shown as a bottom view with the anti-vibration rubber removed.

[0020] Figure 7 It means Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing a state where the bezel and vibration-isolating rubber are mounted on a bumper.

[0021] Figure 8 It means Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing a state where the bezel and vibration-isolating rubber are mounted on a bumper.

[0022] Figure 9 Yes Figure 8 A bottom view of the anti-vibration rubber is shown.

[0023] Figure 10 It means Figure 3 A side view showing a state where the bezel and retainer are mounted on a bumper.

[0024] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Rear view of the frame and retainer shown.

[0025] Figure 12 It means Figure 9 The schematic diagram shows a state where the insertion portion of the vibration-isolating rubber is inserted into the mounting hole of the bumper.

[0026] Figure 13 It means Figure 9 The schematic diagram shows a state where the insertion portion of the vibration-isolating rubber is inserted into the mounting hole of the bumper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] (Implementation Method)

[0028] The following describes the embodiments of the present disclosure based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, inserting various variations applicable to a single embodiment midway through a series of descriptions related to that embodiment may hinder understanding of that embodiment. Therefore, variations are not inserted midway through a series of descriptions related to that embodiment, but are instead described collectively later.

[0029] (In-vehicle configuration)

[0030] If you refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured as a vehicle-mounted clearance sonar for installation on a vehicle V. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to detect objects around the vehicle V by being mounted on the vehicle V. The vehicle V is a so-called four-wheeled automobile and has a box-shaped vehicle body V1. The vehicle body V1 includes body panels V2 and bumpers V3, which are plate-shaped body parts forming the exterior panels. The bumpers V3 are respectively installed at the front and rear ends of the vehicle body V1. In this embodiment, the body panels V2 and bumpers V3 are formed of metal plates.

[0031] The ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to detect objects in front of and to the sides of the vehicle V by being mounted on the front bumper V3, or the front bumper, located at the front end of the vehicle body V1. Specifically, multiple (e.g., four) ultrasonic sensors 1 are mounted on the front bumper. The multiple ultrasonic sensors 1 mounted on the front bumper are positioned at different locations in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to detect objects behind and to the sides of the vehicle V by being mounted on the rear bumper V3, or the rear bumper, located at the rear end of the vehicle body V1. Multiple (e.g., four) ultrasonic sensors 1 are also mounted on the rear bumper.

[0032] The bumper V3 is provided with a through-hole, or mounting hole V4, for mounting the ultrasonic sensor 1. Hereinafter, the state in which the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the vehicle V by being mounted on the bumper V3 provided on the vehicle body V1 is referred to as the "on-vehicle state." Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can be attached to and detached from the bumper V3 while the bumper V3 is removed from the vehicle body V1. Therefore, the "mounted state" in which the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the bumper V3 includes the "on-vehicle state." In other words, the "mounted state" encompasses both the on-vehicle state and the state in which the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the bumper V3 removed from the vehicle body V1. The bumper V3 has a bumper outer surface V31 and a bumper inner surface V32. The bumper outer surface V31 is the outer surface of the bumper V3 and is disposed facing the bumper outer space SG, which is the outer side of the vehicle V when mounted on the vehicle. The bumper inner surface V32 is the surface behind the bumper outer surface V31 and is disposed facing the bumper inner space SN, which is the inner side of the vehicle V when mounted on the vehicle. The mounting hole V4 is formed to penetrate the bumper V3 in the thickness direction thereof by opening in the bumper outer surface V31 and the bumper inner surface V32 .

[0033] Here, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the ultrasonic sensor 1 from being incorrectly installed, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the mounting hole V4 is provided with a bumper-side protrusion V42 and a bumper-side flat portion V43 that protrude inward from its inner edge V41. "Incorrect installation" includes installing an incorrect ultrasonic sensor 1, different from the intended ultrasonic sensor, in a mounting hole V4 in a specific vehicle V. Furthermore, "incorrect installation" includes installing the correct ultrasonic sensor 1 in a different mounting position than intended. The mounting position is a rotational position centered around the pointing axis of the ultrasonic sensor 1 in the installed state. The "pointing axis" is an imaginary straight line extending from the ultrasonic sensor 1 along the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves and serves as the reference for the pointing angle. The "pointing axis" may also be referred to as the pointing center axis or the detection axis.

[0034] The bumper side protrusion V42, which is a vehicle body side protrusion of the present disclosure, is formed as an arc-shaped convex portion protruding toward the center position CP. The center position CP is the position of the center point of the arc in the arc-shaped portion of the mounting hole V4, excluding the bumper side protrusion V42 and the bumper side flat portion V43, when viewed from the front. Specifically, the center position CP is at Figure 2The center point of the imaginary circle indicated by the double-dashed line represents the maximum inner diameter of the mounting hole V4. In this embodiment, the bumper-side protrusion V42 is formed at multiple locations, specifically two locations. The two bumper-side protrusions V42 are located at different circumferential positions around the mounting hole V4. More specifically, in this embodiment, the two bumper-side protrusions V42 are symmetrically positioned, sandwiching a symmetry plane passing through the center position CP and parallel to the YZ plane. Furthermore, the two bumper-side protrusions V42 are located on the positive Z-axis side relative to the center position CP. Specifically, the two bumper-side protrusions V42 are arranged so that, based on the two bumper-side protrusions V42 and the center position CP, they form an isosceles inverted triangle with the center position CP as its vertex and a vertex angle of approximately 45 degrees. The bumper-side flat portion V43 is formed in a shape corresponding to the chord edge of a missing circle. In the figure, the bumper-side flat portion V43 is located on the negative Z-axis side relative to the center position CP. Specifically, the bumper side flat portion V43 is Figure 2 The center portion is provided at a position diagonally opposite to the upper left bumper-side protrusion V42 with the center position CP interposed therebetween.

[0035] (Ultrasonic Sensor)

[0036] Figure 3 One of the multiple ultrasonic sensors 1 is shown in a vehicle-mounted state. The overall structure of the ultrasonic sensor 1 according to this embodiment is described below. For ease of explanation, a right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, as shown in the respective figures, based on the direction of gravity in the vehicle-mounted state. In the illustrated right-handed XYZ coordinate system, the upward direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical axis, is defined as the positive Z-axis direction. Vertically upward refers to a direction parallel to and opposite to the direction of gravity when the vehicle V is stably mounted on a horizontal surface in a drivable state. In this embodiment, the upward direction, i.e., the positive Z-axis direction, is approximately the same direction as vertically upward. However, as will be described later, the present disclosure is of course not limited to this configuration.

[0037] The ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to transmit a detection wave as an ultrasonic wave toward the bumper outer space SG along the central axis CL. Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is configured to receive a reception wave including a reflection wave, which is a reflection of the detection wave caused by an object in the bumper outer space SG, i.e., an object surrounding the vehicle V, and to generate and output a detection signal corresponding to the reception result of the reception wave. Figure 3As shown, in the right-handed XYZ coordinate system shown in the figure, the direction of transmission of the detection wave, which is parallel to the central axis CL constituting the directional axis of the ultrasonic sensor 1, is defined as the positive Y-axis direction. Hereinafter, the Y-axis direction parallel to the directional axis or central axis CL is referred to as the "axial direction." Furthermore, of the two axial ends of a component or portion extending in the axial direction, the end on the positive Y-axis side is sometimes referred to as the "axial leading end," while the end on the negative Y-axis side is sometimes referred to as the "axial base end." Hereinafter, the axial dimension of a component or portion is simply referred to as the "axial dimension."

[0038] In the following, any direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as an "in-plane direction". The "in-plane direction" is a direction parallel to the XZ plane. Sometimes, the shape of a component or part in a plane perpendicular to the center axis CL, 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 center axis CL. That is, the "radial direction" is a direction perpendicular to the center axis CL and away from the center axis CL. Specifically, the "radial direction" is the direction in which a half-line is extended when a half-line is drawn in the imaginary plane with the intersection of the imaginary plane and the center axis CL as the starting point. In other words, the "radial direction" is the radial direction of the imaginary circle when a imaginary circle is drawn in the imaginary plane with the intersection of the above-mentioned imaginary plane and the center axis CL as the center. In the following, the direction away from the center axis CL in the radial direction is referred to as the "centripetal direction". In contrast, the direction toward the center axis CL in the radial direction is referred to as the "centripetal direction". In addition, the “circumferential direction” is the circumferential direction of the virtual circle surrounding the central axis C.

[0039] In this embodiment, when mounted on the vehicle V, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted such that its center axis CL intersects the thickness of the bumper V3 at the mounting position. The "mounting position" refers to the location where the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the bumper V3, typically the center position CP of the mounting hole V4. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the bumper V3 such that its center axis CL is substantially horizontal when mounted on the vehicle. Meanwhile, the bumper V3 is configured such that, in the mounting position, its outer surface V31 and inner surface V32 are inclined relative to the vertical plane.

[0040] Below, refer to Figures 3 to 5The components of the ultrasonic sensor 1 will be described in order. The sensor body 2, which constitutes the main body of the ultrasonic sensor 1, includes a sensor housing 3, an ultrasonic microphone 4, a cushioning member 5, a frame 6, and anti-vibration rubber 7. The sensor body 2 is mounted on the bumper V3 using a retainer 8. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor 1, when mounted or in the vehicle, consists of the sensor housing 3, the ultrasonic microphone 4, the cushioning member 5, the frame 6, the anti-vibration rubber 7, and the retainer 8.

[0041] (Sensor housing)

[0042] The ultrasonic sensor 1, or sensor body 2, comprises a sensor housing 3, which forms the outer shell. The sensor housing 3 is made of a hard synthetic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate, ABS resin, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. The sensor housing 3 comprises a box-shaped portion 31, a connector portion 32, and a microphone support portion 33. The box-shaped portion 31, connector portion 32, and microphone support portion 33 are seamlessly integrally formed by injection molding. The box-shaped portion 31 has a box-like outer shape that, when installed, has its longitudinal sides oriented in the X-axis direction and is thin in the Y-axis direction. A circuit board (not shown) is housed within the box-shaped portion 31, which is electrically connected to the ultrasonic microphone 4 via wiring.

[0043] The connector portion 32 is provided so as to extend from one end portion (i.e. Figures 3 to 5 The right end portion of the bumper (V3) is positioned approximately horizontally when mounted on the vehicle and extends diagonally rearward. Specifically, the connector portion 32 extends away from the bumper (V3) when installed. The connector portion 32 is configured as a receptacle connector that is removable from a plug connector (not shown) located at the end of a wiring harness for electrical connection to external devices such as the ECU. ECU stands for Electronic Control Unit.

[0044] The microphone support portion 33 extends in the axial direction 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 with the central axis CL as the axis center.

[0045] A pair of frame locking protrusions 34 are provided on the box-shaped portion 31. These small protrusions are used to lock the frame 6 to the sensor housing 3 and protrude centrifugally from the outer wall of the box-shaped portion 31. The pair of frame locking protrusions 34 are symmetrically positioned about the central axis CL.

[0046] (Ultrasonic Microphone)

[0047] like Figure 5As shown, the ultrasonic microphone 4 has a cylindrical outer shape extending axially. Specifically, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic microphone 4 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape with the central axis CL as its axis center. 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, formed of a thin film piezoelectric element or the like. The ultrasonic element 41 is housed within the microphone housing 42.

[0048] The microphone housing 42, which forms the outer shell of the ultrasonic microphone 4, is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape from a metal material such as aluminum. Specifically, the microphone housing 42 includes a diaphragm 43 and a side plate portion 44. The diaphragm 43 is formed into a thin plate having a thickness in the axial direction. The diaphragm 43 is arranged to block the axial front end of the cylindrical side plate portion 44. The outer surface of the diaphragm 43, which faces the bumper outer space SG when installed or mounted on the vehicle, is formed into a smooth, flat surface. The ultrasonic element 41 is bonded and fixed to the inner surface, the inner side, of the outer surface of the diaphragm 43.

[0049] (Buffer components)

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the buffer member 5 is formed into a stepped cylindrical shape surrounding the central axis CL. Specifically, the buffer member 5 has a base portion 51 and a microphone storage portion 52. The base portion 51, which is provided at the base end portion in the axial direction of the buffer member 5, is formed into a flat plate and annular shape. That is, the base portion 51 protrudes in the centrifugal direction from the base end portion in the axial direction of the microphone storage portion 52 formed into a cylindrical shape. The microphone storage portion 52 is configured to accommodate the portion of the ultrasonic microphone 4 that protrudes from the microphone support portion 33, which is substantially entirely distributed in the axial direction. That is, the microphone storage 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.

[0051] The buffer member 5 is seamlessly integrally formed from a synthetic resin elastic material such as silicone rubber. Furthermore, the buffer member 5 is configured so that its base portion 51 abuts against the microphone support portion 33 in the axial direction, and its microphone housing portion 52 covers the side surfaces of the ultrasonic microphone 4, thereby interposing itself between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6. Specifically, the buffer member 5 is configured to suppress the transmission of vibrations between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6.

[0052] (frame)

[0053] While referring to Figures 3 to 8 The structure of the bezel 6, which forms the outer shell of the ultrasonic sensor 1 together with the sensor case 3, will be described. The bezel 6 is an outer shell member used to attach the ultrasonic sensor 1 to the bumper V3 and is formed into a cylindrical shape from a hard synthetic resin. Figures 4 to 8The frame 6 is shown in a state where the central axis of the cylindrical shape is aligned with the central axis CL. The frame 6 includes a cylindrical portion 61 and a flange portion 62. The cylindrical portion 61 and the flange portion 62 are seamlessly integrally formed of the same material.

[0054] The cylindrical portion 61 is formed into a cylindrical shape, more specifically, a substantially circular cylindrical shape, surrounding the central axis CL. When installed, the cylindrical portion 61 surrounds the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the buffer member 5 and is 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.

[0055] The flange 62 is a protrusion that prevents the cylindrical portion 61 from being removed when inserted into the mounting hole V4 to mount the sensor body 2 or the bezel 6 to the bumper V3. It protrudes centrifugally from one axial end, or the front end, of the cylindrical portion 61. Specifically, the flange 62 is configured as a circumferentially continuous annular flange portion having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole V4. Furthermore, when mounted, the flange 62 is positioned so as to oppose the portion surrounding the mounting hole V4 on the bumper outer surface V31, sandwiching the vibration-damping rubber 7. In this embodiment, the flange 62 is formed so that its protruding direction intersects an imaginary plane whose normal is the central axis CL, corresponding to the intersection of the central axis CL and the thickness direction of the bumper V3 at the mounting position. Specifically, the rear surface 63 of the flange 62 is formed as a flat plane with its normal slightly inclined (e.g., several degrees) relative to the central axis CL.

[0056] A spacer mounting groove 64, a groove for mounting the vibration-isolating rubber 7, is provided in the cylindrical portion 61 at a position adjacent to the flange portion 62 in the axial direction. The groove opens in the direction in which the flange portion 62 projects. Specifically, the spacer mounting groove 64 is provided at the axially distal end of the cylindrical portion 61. The spacer mounting groove 64 extends across the entire circumferential edge of the frame 6. A main body 65, the portion of the cylindrical portion 61 that is closer to the proximal end of the spacer mounting groove 64 in the axial direction, extends along the central axis CL.

[0057] A pair of sensor retaining plates 66 are provided on the main body 65. The pair of sensor retaining plates 66 are arranged symmetrically about the central axis CL. The sensor retaining plates 66 are thin, radially-thick tongues, formed in the shape of a cantilever beam extending from the main body 65 toward the base end in the axial direction. Specifically, the sensor retaining plates 66 are configured to be elastically deformable, with the axially distal end serving as a fixed end and the axially proximal end serving as a free end, allowing the free end to move radially. A retaining hole 66a is provided on the free end of the sensor retaining plate 66, extending through the sensor retaining plate 66 in the thickness direction. The retaining hole 66a is formed to removably engage with the frame retaining protrusion 34 provided on the microphone support portion 33. In the main body 65, the same number of sensor retaining plates 66 as the number of frame retaining protrusions 34 are provided at positions corresponding to the frame retaining protrusions 34 in the circumferential direction.

[0058] Furthermore, a pair of retainer-holding projections 67 are provided on the main body 65. The retainer-holding projections 67 are symmetrically arranged about the central axis CL and project in the centrifugal direction. The retainer-holding projections 67 are rib-shaped projections that extend approximately parallel to the flange 62. Specifically, the retainer-holding projections 67, whose surfaces facing the flange 62 are known as retainer contact surfaces 67a, are approximately parallel to the rear surface 63 of the flange 62. The retainer contact surfaces 67a are smooth, planar surfaces.

[0059] Figure 7 yes Figure 8 Section VII-VII in Figure 1. Figure 7 As shown, the frame 6 has a sensor side recess 68 and a sensor side flat portion 69. The sensor side recess 68 and the sensor side flat portion 69 are provided in the cylindrical portion 61. The sensor side recess 68 is recessed into a shape that imitates the protruding shape in the bumper side protrusion V42 so as to engage with the bumper side protrusion V42 in the installed state. The sensor side recess 68 is arranged at a position corresponding to the bumper side protrusion V42 in the circumferential direction in the installed state. In this embodiment, two sensor side recesses 68 are provided in the cylindrical portion 61, corresponding to the case where two bumper side protrusions V42 are provided in the mounting hole V4. In addition, the sensor side flat portion 69 is arranged at a position corresponding to the bumper side flat portion V43 in the installed state. The sensor side flat portion 69 is formed into a shape corresponding to the bumper side flat portion V43.

[0060] (Anti-vibration rubber)

[0061] While referring to Figures 7 to 9The specific structure of the vibration-isolating rubber 7 of this embodiment will be described. The vibration-isolating rubber 7 is mounted on the frame 6 and, in the installed state, is positioned between the frame 6 and the bumper V3. The vibration-isolating rubber 7 is seamlessly formed integrally from a synthetic resin elastic material such as silicone rubber. The vibration-isolating rubber 7 is annular with a circular spacer through-hole 71 extending through the center. Specifically, the vibration-isolating rubber 7 includes an elastic spacer portion 72 and an insertion portion 73.

[0062] The elastic spacer portion 72 is a thin, or circular, portion having an axial thickness. It is formed in an O-ring shape surrounding the spacer through-hole 71 so as to be sandwiched between the flange portion 62 and the bumper V3 when installed. Specifically, the elastic spacer portion 72 has a thickness corresponding to the axial dimension of the spacer mounting groove 64 provided in the bezel 6, an inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the spacer mounting groove 64, and an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the flange portion 62.

[0063] The insertion portion 73 is provided to protrude in the axial direction from the elastic spacer portion 72. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the insertion portion 73 is arranged 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 engage with the inner edge V41 by being inserted through the mounting hole V4 in the installed state, thereby retaining the frame 6 with the vibration-isolating rubber 7 installed on the bumper V3. In addition, the insertion portion 73 is inserted through the mounting hole V4 in the installed state, and is clamped between the inner edge V41 and the frame 6 in the radial direction. And, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the insertion portion 73 is formed so that its axial dimension is larger than the thickness of the bumper V3.

[0064] The vibration-isolating rubber 7 has three or more insertion portions 73. Figure 7 As shown, these insertion portions 73 are arranged to surround the central axis CL. In this embodiment, the four insertion portions 73 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, these insertion portions 73 are arranged at positions different from the bumper side protrusion V42 in the circumferential direction in the installed state. And, one of the four insertion portions 73 (i.e., Figure 7 The insertion portion shown at the top in the figure is arranged between a pair of bumper side protrusions V42 in the circumferential direction when in the installed state. Moreover, the anti-vibration rubber 7 is configured to realize the centering function of the frame 6 relative to the mounting hole V4 when in the installed state. "Centering" means Figure 2 The center position CP of the mounting hole V4 is aligned with the center axis CL of the frame 6. That is, the four insertion portions 73 are provided so that the cylindrical portion 61 is centered by applying force from four directions, thereby forming a gap G between the cylindrical portion 61 and the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 over the entire circumference.

[0065] If you refer to Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The insertion portion 73 includes an axially protruding portion 73a and a retaining claw portion 73b. The axially protruding portion 73a is provided to protrude axially from the elastic spacer portion 72 so as to be housed inside the mounting hole V4 in the installed state. The retaining claw portion 73b is provided to extend axially from the axially protruding portion 73a. The insertion portion 73 is configured to be pressed in the centripetal direction by the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 through the axially protruding portion 73a, thereby elastically deforming the retaining claw portion 73b in the centrifugal direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the radius from the center of the vibration-isolating rubber 7 to the outer edge of the axially protruding portion 73a is set to be slightly larger than the radius of the mounting hole V4.

[0066] The retaining claw 73b is provided with a radial protrusion 73c protruding in the centrifugal direction. The radial protrusion 73c has a mounting hole abutment surface 73d and a retaining surface 73e. The mounting hole abutment surface 73d is formed into an inclined surface to abut against the inner edge V41 when the insertion portion 73 is inserted into the mounting hole V4, thereby applying a centripetal force to the retaining claw 73b. The retaining surface 73e is formed into an inclined surface that, when installed, faces the opening of the inner edge V41 on the side of the bumper rear face V32.

[0067] (Retainer)

[0068] In addition to reference Figures 3 to 9 In addition, refer to Figure 10 as well as 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, on the bumper V3. It is seamlessly formed integrally from a hard synthetic resin. Specifically, the retainer 8 is configured so that the retainer 8 is inserted and clamped between the retainer retaining protrusion 67 provided in the frame 6 of the sensor body 2 in a temporarily mounted state and the bumper V3, thereby achieving the mounted state. The "temporary mounted state" is the state from which the sensor 1 is mounted. Figure 3 The vehicle-mounted state or mounted state shown is a state where the retainer 8 is removed. That is, the "temporarily mounted state" is a state where the sensor body 2 is retained on the bumper V3 by the engagement of the inner edge V41 of the hole V4 with the through portion 73 of the vibration-isolating rubber 7.

[0069] The retainer 8 has a retainer body 81 and an elastic portion 82. Figure 11As shown, the retainer body 81 is formed into a U-shape having an opening portion 811 that opens in the negative direction of the Z axis in the figure. A connecting portion 812 on the side opposite to the opening portion 811 extends along the width direction of the retainer body 81, that is, the X axis direction in the figure. The retainer 8 is formed symmetrically with respect to a plane that passes through the center of the width direction of the retainer body 81 of the U-shaped portion and is parallel to the YZ plane in the figure. Extended portions 813 that extend in the negative direction of the Z axis in the figure are provided on both sides of the connecting portion 812. That is, the opening portion 811 is provided at the front end portions in the extension direction of a pair of extended portions 813 arranged parallel to each other. On the other hand, the base end portions in the extension direction of the pair of extended portions 813 are connected to each other by the connecting portion 812.

[0070] The pair of extension portions 813 each have a guide portion 814. The guide portion 814 is formed into a thin plate having a thickness along the axial direction. The guide portion 814 is provided to protrude inwardly along the width direction of the retainer body 81 and to extend from a position corresponding to the opening portion 811 in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the extension portion 813. The guide portion 814 is formed so as to guide the extension portion 813 toward the square groove-shaped space formed between the retainer retaining protrusion 67 and the bumper V3 when the retainer 8 is installed on the frame 6 while being moved in the extension direction of the retainer retaining protrusion 67. That is, the guide portion 814 is provided so as to abut against the surface of the retainer retaining protrusion 67, i.e., the retainer abutting surface 67a, when the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6 is inserted into the inner side of the opening portion 811.

[0071] like Figure 10 As shown, the elastic portion 82 is a cantilever beam-shaped leaf spring portion that protrudes axially from the retainer body 81. The elastic portion 82 is configured to abut against the bumper inner surface V32 and elastically deform when the retainer 8 is clamped between the retainer abutment surface 67a in the frame 6 and the bumper inner surface V32. Therefore, the elastic portion 82 is formed so as to elastically deform along the axial direction by being pressed toward the negative direction of the Y-axis in the figure, thereby generating an elastic force in the positive direction of the Y-axis in the figure. In this embodiment, the elastic portion 82 is configured to protrude from a pair of extension portions 813 respectively toward the positive direction of the Y-axis in the figure. Specifically, the elastic portion 82 extends from the approximate center of the extension portion 813 in the extension direction in a direction inclined relative to the Y-axis. In addition, the pair of elastic portions 82 are provided in a gull-wing shape on one extension portion 813 when viewed from the side. That is, the retainer 8 has four elastic portions 82.

[0072] Thus, the elastic portion 82 is configured to generate an elastic force toward the bumper V3 when the cylindrical portion 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 retaining protrusion 67 and the bumper V3. Furthermore, the retainer 8 is configured to be mounted on the frame 6 by accommodating the cylindrical portion 61 inside the opening 811 and sliding along the bumper rear surface V32, thereby being retained between the bumper V3 and the cylindrical portion 61 by the elastic force.

[0073] (Effect)

[0074] The following describes the method and installation state of the ultrasonic sensor 1 relative to the bumper V3, along with the effects achieved by the structure of this embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For simplicity, the following installation method and installation process will be described using a right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system based on the vehicle-mounted state, as shown in the figures. As mentioned above, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can be attached to and detached from the bumper V3 while the bumper V3 is removed from the vehicle body V1. Therefore, in actual installation methods and installation processes, the positive Z-axis direction may differ from the upward direction.

[0075] First, if Figure 5 As shown, the buffer component 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, the O-ring-shaped elastic spacer portion 72 in the vibration-proof rubber 7 is embedded in the spacer mounting groove 64 in the frame 6. Moreover, the buffer component 5 in a state of covering the ultrasonic microphone 4 is inserted into the inner side of the cylindrical shape in the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6 to which the vibration-proof rubber 7 is mounted. Then, the locking hole 66a in the sensor locking piece 66 provided in the cylindrical portion 61 is engaged with the frame locking protrusion 34 provided in the sensor housing 3. In this way, by assembling the frame 6 to which the vibration-proof rubber 7 is mounted to the sensor housing 3, a sensor housing 3 is formed. Figure 4 The sensor body 2 shown in FIG. In this sensor body 2, the buffer member 5 surrounds the ultrasonic microphone 4 and is housed within the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6. Specifically, the buffer member 5 is interposed between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6. This effectively suppresses the transmission of vibrations between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6.

[0076] Figure 4 The sensor body 2 shown is inserted, starting with the connector portion 32, into the mounting hole V4 from the side of the bumper outer space SG until the elastic spacer portion 72 of the vibration-isolating rubber 7 abuts the bumper outer surface V31. At this point, while the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6 is inserted into the mounting hole V4, the front end surface of the insertion portion 73 of the vibration-isolating rubber 7 in the insertion direction, i.e., the mounting hole abutting surface 73d, abuts the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4. Figure 12 In order to simplify the diagram, Figure 12 , described later Figure 13 In the figure, components other than the bumper V3 and the anti-vibration rubber 7 are omitted. Figure 12 The hollow arrow in the figure indicates the relative movement of the vibration-isolating rubber 7 with respect to the bumper V3. In this way, the insertion portion 73 is fixed with the axially protruding portion 73a as the fixed end and the retaining claw portion 73b as the free end closes to the inner side, i.e., the center axis CL, by abutting the mounting hole abutting surface 73d with the inner edge V41. Figure 12 Elastic deformation in the direction indicated by the black arrow.

[0077] When the holding claw portion 73b passes through the mounting hole V4, the elastic deformation of the insertion portion 73 toward the inner side is restored. Figure 8 As shown, the bezel 6 is secured to the bumper V3 by the flange 62 and the insertion portion 73. This temporarily attaches the sensor body 2. This temporary attachment is maintained until the retainer 8 is attached, thanks to the elastic contact between the elastic spacer 72 and the insertion portion 73 of the vibration-isolating rubber 7 and the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 in the bumper V3 and its surrounding area.

[0078] In the temporary installation state, the axially protruding portion 73a of the insertion portion 73 is in contact with the inner edge V41 of the installation hole V4 in the centrifugal direction. At this time, the radius of the installation hole V4 is slightly smaller than the radius from the center of the O-ring-shaped elastic spacer portion 72 in the vibration-isolating rubber 7 to the outer edge of the axially protruding portion 73a. Therefore, Figure 13 As shown, the axially protruding portion 73a is pressed in the centripetal direction by the inner edge V41 as shown by the arrow with oblique shadow in the figure. Figure 13 The dotted line in the figure indicates the portion of the axially protruding portion 73a that is elastically deformed by being bitten by the inner edge V41. As a result, the insertion portion 73 falls outward as indicated by the black arrow in the figure. That is, the insertion portion 73 is elastically deformed in such a way that the retaining claw portion 73b, which is the free end, moves outward, i.e., in the centrifugal direction, with the axially protruding portion 73a as the fixed end. Thus, a temporary installation state in which the sensor body 2 is maintained 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 bumper outer surface V31 is facing vertically downward, the sensor body 2 will not fall off the bumper V3, and the temporary installation state can be well maintained.

[0079] As described above, after the sensor body 2 is temporarily mounted, the retainer 8 is installed on the frame 6, i.e., the sensor body 2. Specifically, first, the retainer 8 is set so that the frame 6 in the temporarily mounted sensor body 2 is inserted into the opening 811. Then, the retainer 8 is pressed in while sliding along the inside V32 of the bumper until the frame 6 and the connecting portion 812 in the retainer 8 abut or come close. Then, the extended portion 813, i.e., the guide portion 814 in the retainer 8 is inserted into the space between the retainer abutting surface 67a in the frame 6 and the inside V32 of the bumper. At this time, the elastic portion 82 is elastically deformed, so that the retainer 8 is elastically clamped between the retainer retaining protrusion 67 in the frame 6 and the inside V32 of the bumper. In this way, by installing the retainer 8 on the temporarily mounted sensor body 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasonic sensor 1 is installed in the bumper V3 or in the vehicle-mounted state.

[0080] In this embodiment, in the temporarily mounted state, the vibration-isolating rubber 7 is interposed between the bumper V3 and the sensor body 2. Specifically, in the axial direction, an elastic spacer 72 is sandwiched between the flange 62 of the frame 6 of the sensor body 2 and the bumper V3. Meanwhile, in the radial direction, an insertion portion 73 is inserted and elastically sandwiched between the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6 of the sensor body 2 and the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 in the bumper V3. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the insertion portion 73 maintains the insertion of the cylindrical portion 61 into the mounting hole V4. This structure minimizes the transmission of vibrations between the ultrasonic sensor 1 and the bumper V3, the vehicle body component to which it is mounted. In particular, it minimizes the occurrence of false detections caused by vibration transmission to the bumper V3, which is prone to occur when the bumper V3 is formed from a metal plate with high vibration transmission properties. Furthermore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of vibration transmission caused by foreign matter such as water, ice, and sand being caught between the sensor body 2 and the bumper V3 and the occurrence of erroneous detection caused by the vibration.

[0081] In this embodiment, in the temporary installation state, the installed state, or the vehicle-mounted state, 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 three or more locations circumferentially, surrounding the central axis CL. This allows the frame 6, and therefore the ultrasonic sensor 1, to center relative to the mounting hole V4 in the installed state. Furthermore, a narrow gap G is formed between the cylindrical portion 61 and the inner edge V41 of the mounting hole V4 in locations other than those where the insertion portions 73 are provided. This effectively prevents radial interference, or contact, between the inner edge V41 and the frame 6 in locations where the insertion portions 73 are not provided. Consequently, this structure effectively suppresses unintended vibration transmission between the ultrasonic sensor 1 and the bumper V3 caused by radial contact between the inner edge V41 and the frame 6. In particular, it effectively suppresses erroneous detection caused by vibration transmission to the bumper V3, which can easily occur when the bumper V3 is formed from a metal plate with high vibration transmission properties.

[0082] As described above, when installed or mounted on the vehicle, the cushioning member 5, frame 6, and vibration-isolating rubber 7 are interposed between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the bumper V3. Specifically, the cushioning member 5 is sandwiched between the ultrasonic microphone 4 and the frame 6. Furthermore, the vibration-isolating rubber 7 is sandwiched between the frame 6 and the bumper V3. Therefore, according to this embodiment, false detection caused by vibration transmission to the bumper V3, which is likely to occur when the bumper V3 is formed of a metal plate with high vibration transmission properties, can be effectively suppressed.

[0083] In this embodiment, a plurality of bumper-side protrusions V42 and a bumper-side flat portion V43 are provided at predetermined positions circumferentially around the mounting hole V4. Furthermore, a sensor-side recess 68 and a sensor-side flat portion 69 are formed in the cylindrical portion 61 of the frame 6, corresponding to the shapes and circumferential arrangement of the bumper-side protrusions V42 and the bumper-side flat portion V43. When installed, the insertion portion 73 is circumferentially positioned at a different position from the bumper-side protrusions V42. Specifically, one of the plurality of insertion portions 73 is circumferentially positioned between the pair of bumper-side protrusions V42 when installed. Furthermore, the frame 6 is configured so that the sensor-side recess 68 engages with the bumper-side protrusion V42 when installed. This effectively prevents incorrect installation, improving installation workability, and effectively suppresses the occurrence of erroneous detection caused by vibration transmission from the bumper V3. In particular, as described above, when the thickness direction of the bumper V3 intersects the central axis CL forming the directional axis, or when the directivity is not symmetrical about the directional axis, errors in the rotational posture of the ultrasonic sensor 1 when mounted on the vehicle can be effectively avoided. Examples of cases where the directivity is not symmetrical about the directional axis include cases where the width of the directivity differs between the horizontal and vertical directions, specifically, when the in-plane shape of the diaphragm 43 is an oblong. Alternatively, for example, the ultrasonic microphone 4 may exhibit so-called eccentric directivity.

[0084] (Variation)

[0085] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be appropriately modified. Representative modified examples are described below. In the following description of the modified examples, the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment are mainly described. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples, the same or equal parts are marked with the same figure marks. Therefore, in the description of the following modified examples, with respect to the constituent elements with the same figure marks as those in the above-mentioned embodiment, as long as there is no technical contradiction or special additional description, the description in the above-mentioned embodiment can be appropriately quoted.

[0086] The ultrasonic sensor 1 is not limited to being mounted on the bumper V3. Specifically, for example, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can also be mounted on the vehicle body panel V2. That is, the mounting hole V4 can also be provided on the vehicle 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 a metal vehicle body panel V2. Furthermore, 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 transmitting only ultrasonic waves. Alternatively, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can have only a receiving function, which is to receive ultrasonic waves, i.e., detection waves, transmitted from another ultrasonic transmitter, and reflected waves caused by surrounding objects.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the Y-axis direction is set to the horizontal direction. Therefore, the upward direction, that is, the positive direction of the Z-axis, is the direction substantially the same as the vertically upward direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this technical solution. That is, the upward direction may also be a direction that forms a predetermined small acute angle α with the vertically upward direction. The acute angle α in this case is, for example, less than 10 degrees. Therefore, depending on the shape of the bumper V3, the mounting position of the ultrasonic sensor 1, etc., there is a case where the positive direction of the Z-axis is the same direction as the vertically upward direction, or is a direction that intersects with the vertically upward direction. Similarly, regarding the positive direction of the Y-axis, there is also a case where it is the same direction as the horizontal direction, or is a direction that intersects with the horizontal direction.

[0088] The shape, number of bumper protrusions V42, and the position of the bumper protrusions V42 in the mounting hole V4 can be changed appropriately. Specifically, for example, the shape of the bumper protrusions V42 is not limited to an arc shape, but can also be a rounded triangle shape, a trapezoidal shape, etc. If the protruding direction of the bumper protrusions V42 is also toward the inside of the mounting hole V4, it is not necessary to set it in a state strictly facing the center position CP. In addition, it is also possible to replace Figure 2 The bumper side protrusion V42 on the upper right side of the bumper, or together with it, the bumper side protrusion V42 is provided at a diagonal position sandwiching the center position CP. Alternatively, for example, it is possible to omit Figure 2 The bumper-side protrusion V42 is located on the upper right side of the vehicle. Specifically, the bumper-side protrusion V42 may be provided only at a diagonal position with the bumper-side flat portion V43, sandwiching the center position CP. In other words, a structure for preventing incorrect installation of the ultrasonic sensor 1 may be formed by a single bumper-side protrusion V42 and a single bumper-side flat portion V43 located at diagonal positions. Alternatively, the bumper-side flat portion V43 may be omitted. In other words, the structure for preventing incorrect installation of the ultrasonic sensor 1 may be formed by the shape and arrangement of at least one bumper-side protrusion V42.

[0089] The structures of the various components of the ultrasonic sensor 1 are not limited to the specific examples shown in the above embodiments. Specifically, for example, the materials used to construct the various components can be appropriately modified from the above examples. Furthermore, multiple components formed from the same material can also be formed from different materials. Similarly, multiple components formed from different materials can also be formed from the same material. Furthermore, multiple components formed seamlessly and integrally can also be formed by laminating independent components. Similarly, multiple components formed by laminating independent components can also be seamlessly and integrally formed.

[0090] The specific structure of the sensor housing 3 is not limited to the above-mentioned specific example. That is, for example, the structure and extension direction of the connector part 32 can be appropriately changed. In addition, the shape of the microphone support part 33 is not limited to a roughly cylindrical shape, but can also be a roughly elliptical cylindrical shape, a roughly long cylindrical shape, a roughly polygonal cylindrical shape, etc. Similarly, the outer shape of the ultrasonic microphone 4, that is, the microphone housing 42, is not limited to a roughly cylindrical shape, but can also be a roughly elliptical cylindrical shape, a roughly regular polygonal prism shape, etc. The electrical-mechanical conversion element constituting the ultrasonic element 41 is not limited to a piezoelectric element. The specific structure of the buffer component 5 is also not limited to the above-mentioned specific example. That is, for example, the shape of the buffer component 5 is not limited to a roughly cylindrical shape, but can also be a roughly elliptical cylindrical shape, a roughly long cylindrical shape, a roughly polygonal cylindrical shape, etc.

[0091] The specific structure of the frame 6 and the retainer 8, which are components for mounting the ultrasonic sensor 1 on a plate-shaped vehicle body component (e.g., a bumper V3), is also not limited to the above-mentioned specific example. Specifically, for example, the structure of the detailed portion of the frame 6 and / or the retainer 8 can be appropriately changed from the above-mentioned specific example. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the structure in which the sensor body 2 is mounted on a vehicle body component using the frame 6 and the retainer 8. That is, for example, the frame 6 can be integrated with the sensor body 2 in a manner that cannot be assembled or disassembled. In other words, the present disclosure can also be well applied to a so-called frameless structure. Alternatively, the present disclosure can also be well applied to a so-called retainerless structure. In other words, the ultrasonic sensor 1 can also be fixed to the bumper V3 by the anti-vibration rubber 7 without using the retainer 8, thereby achieving a vehicle-mounted state.

[0092] There is no particular limitation on the number of insertion portions 73 provided in the vibration-isolating rubber 7. For example, three insertion portions 73 may be arranged at equal intervals around the circumference, corresponding to the vertices of an equilateral triangle. Alternatively, five or more insertion portions 73 may be arranged at equal intervals around the circumference. In other words, to achieve the centering function of the frame 6 relative to the mounting hole V4, the insertion portions 73 may be provided at least three locations surrounding the central axis CL.

[0093] Regarding the elements constituting the above-mentioned embodiments, except for cases where they are specifically indicated as necessary or cases where they are clearly considered to be necessary in principle, they are of course not necessarily necessary. In addition, when referring to the number, value, amount, range, etc. of the constituent elements, except for cases where they are specifically indicated as necessary or cases where they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific number. Similarly, when referring to the shape, direction, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, except for cases where they are specifically indicated as necessary or cases where they are limited to a specific shape, direction, positional relationship, etc. in principle, the present disclosure is not limited to the shape, direction, positional relationship, etc.

[0094] Modifications are not limited to the above examples. That is, for example, in addition to the above examples, various modifications can be adopted. In addition, multiple modifications can be combined with each other as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0095] (Public Content)

[0096] As is apparent from the description of the above-described embodiment and modified examples, this specification discloses at least the following matters.

[0097] [Viewpoint 1]

[0098] An ultrasonic sensor (1) is mounted on a plate-shaped vehicle body component (V3), comprising:

[0099] A cylindrical shell member (6) is inserted into a through hole (V4) formed in the vehicle body member; and

[0100] The anti-vibration rubber (7) is installed on the housing member and is interposed between the housing member and the vehicle body member when the housing member is installed on the vehicle body member.

[0101] The vibration-isolating rubber has three or more insertion portions (73), which are inserted into the through hole in the mounted state and are clamped between the inner edge (V41) of the through hole and the housing component in a radial direction intersecting the central axis (CL) of the housing component.

[0102] The three or more insertion portions are arranged to surround the central axis.

[0103] [Viewpoint 2]

[0104] According to the ultrasonic sensor described in Aspect 1,

[0105] The insertion portion is formed so that a dimension in an axial direction parallel to the central axis is larger than a thickness of the vehicle body member.

[0106] [Viewpoint 3]

[0107] The ultrasonic sensor according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein

[0108] The housing member comprises: a cylindrical portion (62); and a flange portion (61) for preventing slipping, wherein one end of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction parallel to the central axis protrudes in a centrifugal direction away from the central axis.

[0109] The vibration-isolating rubber further includes an elastic spacer portion (72) formed in an annular shape so as to be clamped between the flange portion and the vehicle body component in the mounted state.

[0110] The insertion portion is provided to protrude from the elastic spacer portion in the axial direction.

[0111] [Viewpoint 4]

[0112] The ultrasonic sensor according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein

[0113] The through hole has a vehicle body side protrusion (V42) protruding inward.

[0114] The housing component is configured to have a sensor side recess (68) that is recessed in the same shape as the protruding shape of the vehicle body side protrusion. In the installed state, the sensor side recess engages with the vehicle body side protrusion.

[0115] The insertion portion is provided at a position different from that of the vehicle body-side protrusion in a circumferential direction surrounding the central axis in the mounted state.

[0116] [Viewpoint 5]

[0117] According to the ultrasonic sensor described in aspect 4,

[0118] The insertion portion is provided between the pair of vehicle body-side protrusions in the circumferential direction in the mounted state.

[0119] [Viewpoint 6]

[0120] The ultrasonic sensor according to aspect 4 or 5, wherein

[0121] The vehicle body side protrusions are formed at a plurality of locations.

[0122] [Viewpoint 7]

[0123] The ultrasonic sensor according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein

[0124] The vehicle body parts are metal plates.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic sensor (1) mounted on a plate-shaped vehicle body component (V3), wherein: have: A cylindrical shell member (6) is inserted into a through hole (V4) formed in the vehicle body member; and The anti-vibration rubber (7) is installed on the housing member and is interposed between the housing member and the vehicle body member when the housing member is installed on the vehicle body member. The vibration-isolating rubber has three or more insertion portions (73), which are inserted into the through hole in the mounted state and are clamped between the inner edge (V41) of the through hole and the housing component in a radial direction intersecting the central axis (CL) of the housing component. The three or more insertion portions are arranged to surround the central axis.

2. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, wherein The insertion portion is formed so that a dimension in an axial direction parallel to the central axis is larger than a thickness of the vehicle body member.

3. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, wherein The housing member comprises: a cylindrical portion (62); and a flange portion (61) for preventing slipping, wherein one end of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction parallel to the central axis protrudes in a centrifugal direction away from the central axis. The vibration-isolating rubber further includes an elastic spacer portion (72) formed in an annular shape so as to be clamped between the flange portion and the vehicle body component in the mounted state. The insertion portion is provided to protrude from the elastic spacer portion in the axial direction.

4. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, wherein The through hole has a vehicle body side protrusion (V42) protruding inward. The housing component is configured to have a sensor side recess (68) that is recessed in the same shape as the protruding shape of the vehicle body side protrusion. In the installed state, the sensor side recess engages with the vehicle body side protrusion. The insertion portion is provided at a position different from that of the vehicle body-side protrusion in a circumferential direction surrounding the central axis in the mounted state.

5. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 4, wherein The insertion portion is provided between the pair of vehicle body-side protrusions in the circumferential direction in the mounted state. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 4 , wherein: The vehicle body side protrusions are formed at a plurality of locations.

7. The ultrasonic sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The vehicle body parts are metal plates.

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