Vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and acoustic sensor device

Abstract

This in-vehicle sensor installation structure is provided with an external structure unit (10) and an acoustic sensor device (100). The exterior structure section (10) has a plate-like shape and has a rear outer surface (11) exposed to the outside of the vehicle (Ve) in a posture facing the rear of the vehicle (Ve). An acoustic sensor device (100) has a sensor housing (30) and a MEMS microphone (70). The sensor housing (30) is held on a rear inner surface (12) that is on the rear side of the rear outer surface (11) in the outer structure section (10). The MEMS microphone (70) is housed in the sensor housing (30) in a posture such that an exterior sound collection surface (71) that detects sound coming from the outside of the vehicle (Ve) and vibration within the exterior structure section (10) faces the exterior structure section (10).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on patent application No. 2023-18454 filed in Japan on February 9, 2023, and the contents of the basic application are cited by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure in this specification relates to an acoustic sensor device that detects sound and vibration coming from outside a vehicle and its installation configuration. Background Art

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle upper structure in which a surrounding information detection sensor is mounted on the upper portion of a vehicle. In this vehicle upper structure, a portion of the roof panel covering the surrounding information detection sensor, which faces the sensor's detection unit, is formed of a material that allows a detection medium to pass through. Patent Document 1 cites radio waves, light, and ultrasonic waves as examples of the detection medium used in the surrounding information detection sensor.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-199129

[0006] The inventors of the present disclosure have conceived of installing an acoustic sensor device in a vehicle, the acoustic sensor device detecting sounds and vibrations coming from outside the vehicle. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose such a structure in which an acoustic sensor device is installed in a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and an acoustic sensor device, which enable installation of the acoustic sensor device suitable for detecting sound and vibration.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a disclosed technical solution provides a vehicle-mounted sensor setting structure, which comprises: an external structural part having a rear outer surface and being in a plate shape, and the above-mentioned rear outer surface is exposed to the outside of the vehicle in a posture facing the rear of the vehicle; and an acoustic sensor device having a sensor housing and a sound detection sensor part, the above-mentioned sensor housing is retained on the rear inner side surface which becomes the inner side of the rear outer surface in the external structural part, and the above-mentioned sound detection sensor part is accommodated in the sensor housing in a posture such that the vehicle-exterior sound collecting surface faces the external structural part, and the vehicle-exterior sound collecting surface detects sound coming from the outside of the vehicle and vibrations in the external structural part.

[0009] In this technical solution, the acoustic sensor device is mounted on the vehicle's exterior structure with its exterior sound-collecting surface facing the rear of the vehicle. This allows the acoustic sensor device to effectively collect sound from the rear of the vehicle and vibrations within the exterior structure. This allows for an acoustic sensor device that is suitable for detecting both sound and vibration.

[0010] In addition, a disclosed technical solution provides a vehicle-mounted sensor setting structure, which comprises: an external structural part having an upper outer surface and being in a plate shape, and the above-mentioned upper outer surface is exposed to the outside of the vehicle in a posture facing upward from the vehicle; and a thin film-like adhesive layer, which maintains the acoustic sensor device on the upper inner side surface which becomes the inner side of the upper outer surface in the external structural part, and the above-mentioned acoustic sensor device has a sensor housing and a sound detection sensor part, and the above-mentioned sensor housing is maintained on the above-mentioned upper inner side surface, and the above-mentioned sound detection sensor part is accommodated in the sensor housing in a posture such that the outside sound collecting surface faces the external structural part, and the outside sound collecting surface detects the sound coming from the outside of the vehicle and the vibration in the external structural part.

[0011] In addition, a disclosed technical solution provides a vehicle-mounted sensor setting structure, which comprises: an external structural part having an upper outer surface and being in a plate shape, and the above-mentioned upper outer surface is exposed to the outside of the vehicle in a posture facing upward from the vehicle; and a retaining component, which retains the acoustic sensor device on the upper inner side surface on the inner side of the upper outer surface in the external structural part, and the above-mentioned acoustic sensor device has a sensor housing and a sound detection sensor part, and the above-mentioned sensor housing is retained on the above-mentioned upper inner side surface on the inner side, and the above-mentioned sound detection sensor part is accommodated in the sensor housing in a posture such that the outside sound collecting surface faces the external structural part, and the outside sound collecting surface detects sound coming from the outside of the vehicle and vibrations in the external structural part.

[0012] In these technical solutions, the acoustic sensor device is mounted on an external structure by retaining the adhesive surface provided on the sensor housing on the upper inner side surface via a film-like adhesive layer or retaining member. This allows the acoustic sensor device to be easily and reliably mounted on external structures of various configurations. This allows for mounting an acoustic sensor device suitable for detecting sound and vibration.

[0013] In addition, a disclosed technical solution provides an acoustic sensor device, which is retained on an external structural part of a vehicle in a plate-shaped manner, wherein the above-mentioned acoustic sensor device comprises: a sound detection sensor part, having a sound collecting surface for detecting sound and vibration within the external structural part; and a sensor housing, which is retained on the inner side surface of the external structural part by an adhesive layer and accommodates the sound detection sensor part with the sound collecting surface along the inner side surface.

[0014] In this technical solution, since the sensor housing is provided with an adhesive surface, the acoustic sensor device can be held over a large area on the inner surface of the external structure using double-sided tape or adhesive material. This allows the acoustic sensor device to be easily and reliably mounted on external structures of various configurations. This allows for mounting an acoustic sensor device suitable for detecting sound and vibration.

[0015] In addition, the reference numbers in parentheses in the claims are merely examples of corresponding relationships with specific structures in the embodiments described below, and do not limit the technical scope in any way. In addition, combinations of claims not explicitly stated in the claims are also possible as long as the combination does not particularly hinder them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining locations where the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure disclosed herein can be applied.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the basic structure of an acoustic sensor device using a MEMS microphone.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the assembly process of the acoustic sensor device.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the configuration of the acoustic sensor device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view of the sensor housing that houses two MEMS microphones.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the sensor housing that houses the two MEMS microphones.

[0022] Figure 7 This figure shows the electrical configuration of an acoustic sensor device including two MEMS microphones and an ECU.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the basic structure of an acoustic sensor device using a piezoelectric sensor.

[0024] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating the detailed structure of a piezoelectric sensor.

[0025] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the assembly process of the acoustic sensor device.

[0026] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the sensor housing that houses four piezoelectric sensors.

[0028] Figure 13 This figure shows the electrical configuration of an acoustic sensor device including four piezoelectric sensors and an ECU.

[0029] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a modified example of the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing a mounting process of the acoustic sensor device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 21 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a seventh embodiment.

[0037] Figure 22 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to an eighth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing a vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to a ninth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a tenth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 25 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic sensor device according to a modified example of the tenth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 26 It is a diagram showing an installation structure of an on-vehicle sensor according to an eleventh embodiment.

[0042] Figure 27 yes Figure 26XXVII-XXVII line cross-sectional view.

[0043] Figure 28 It is a diagram showing a vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and an acoustic sensor device according to Modification 1.

[0044] Figure 29 It is a diagram showing a vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and an acoustic sensor device according to Modification 2.

[0045] Figure 30 It is a diagram showing a vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and an acoustic sensor device according to Modification 3.

[0046] Figure 31 It is a diagram showing a vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and an acoustic sensor device according to a fourth modification.

[0047] Figure 32 It is a diagram showing a vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and an acoustic sensor device according to Modification 5.

[0048] Figure 33 It is a diagram showing the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and acoustic sensor device of Modification Example 6.

[0049] Figure 34 A diagram showing a piezoelectric sensor of an acoustic sensor device according to Modification 7.

[0050] Figure 35 This is a diagram showing a piezoelectric sensor of an acoustic sensor device according to Modification 8.

[0051] Figure 36 This is a diagram showing a piezoelectric sensor of an acoustic sensor device according to Modification 9.

[0052] Figure 37 It is a diagram showing a vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and an acoustic sensor device according to Modification 10.

[0053] Figure 38 It is a diagram showing the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and acoustic sensor device of Modification 11.

[0054] Figure 39 It is a diagram showing the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure and acoustic sensor device of Modification Example 12.

[0055] Figure 40 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the acoustic sensor device in the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of Modification 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, sometimes, by marking the same reference numerals on the corresponding constituent elements in each embodiment, repeated descriptions are omitted. When only a part of the structure is described in each embodiment, the other parts of the structure can apply the structure of the other embodiments described previously. In addition, not only the combination of structures explicitly described in the description of each embodiment, but also the structures of multiple embodiments can be partially combined with each other even if not explicitly described, as long as the combination does not particularly hinder.

[0057] [Installation location of the acoustic sensor device]

[0058] The vehicle-mounted sensor arrangement structure disclosed in the present invention can be Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The vehicle Ve shown is applied to various locations. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure can also be installed on any of the vehicle's front, side, rear, and upper surfaces. Thus, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be installed inside various locations exposed to the outside of the vehicle Ve.

[0059] In vehicle Ve, the exterior structure 10 is a combination of smooth curved and flat surfaces to enhance design and aerodynamics. Furthermore, for lightweighting, a large portion of the exterior structure 10 is thin and plate-like. This plate-like portion vibrates when exposed to sound from the outside. Furthermore, vibrations transmitted from the road surface and those generated during a vehicle collision are transmitted through the exterior structure 10, causing the plate-like portion to vibrate. The acoustic sensor device 100 indirectly detects external sound and vehicle vibrations by measuring these vibrations and the sound re-emitted by these vibrations.

[0060] The acoustic sensor device 100 is mounted on a plate-shaped exterior structure 10 of the vehicle Ve. Examples of the vehicle's front exterior structure 10 include the front logo Pf1, headlights Pf2, front fog lights Pf3, bumper corners Pf4, bumper sides Pf5, front-facing cameras Pf6, windshield Pf7, and millimeter-wave radar. The acoustic sensor device 100, mounted on the vehicle's front exterior structure 10, is positioned with its exterior sound-collecting surface 71 facing the front Ze of the vehicle Ve. It detects sounds originating from outside the vehicle Ve, primarily from the front Ze.

[0061] The external structural parts 10 on the side of the vehicle include, for example, the side mirror Ps1, the side mirror cover Ps2, the door Ps3, the pillars (such as the B-pillar Ps4), the side fender Ps5, the fender camera, the fender optical radar, the side steps, and the tire cover. The acoustic sensor device 100 provided on the side mirror Ps1 is positioned so that the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 faces the rear Go of the vehicle Ve, and detects sounds arriving from the rear Go outside the vehicle Ve. The acoustic sensor device 100 provided on the side mirror cover Ps2 is positioned so that the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 faces the front Ze of the vehicle Ve, and detects sounds arriving from the front Ze outside the vehicle Ve. The acoustic sensor devices 100 provided on other external structural parts 10 on the side of the vehicle are positioned so that the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 faces the right Mi or left Hi of the vehicle Ve, and detects sounds arriving from the exterior of the vehicle Ve, primarily from the side.

[0062] The vehicle's rear exterior structure 10 includes, for example, a rear camera Pb1, a rearview window Pb2, the rear surface of a rear door or hatch, a reflector Pb3, a taillight module Pb4, the edge of the rear glass Pb5, and an ADAS rear camera module. Alternatively, the rear bumper and rear emblem may serve as the vehicle's rear exterior structure 10. The acoustic sensor device 100, mounted on the vehicle's rear exterior structure 10, is positioned with its exterior sound-collecting surface 71 facing the rear direction Go of the vehicle Ve, detecting sounds originating from outside the vehicle Ve, primarily from the rear direction Go.

[0063] Examples of the external structural components 10 on the vehicle's upper surface include the four corners Pt1 or center Pt2 of the roof panel (ceiling), the upper surface Pt3 of the trunk lid, the sunroof, roof rails, the rear spoiler, and the roof spoiler. Alternatively, the housing of an ADAS sensor module (such as a camera or optical radar) mounted on the roof panel may be used as the external structural component 10 on the vehicle's upper surface. The acoustic sensor device 100, mounted on the external structural component 10 on the vehicle's upper surface, is positioned with its exterior sound-collecting surface 71 facing upward Ue of the vehicle Ve, detecting sounds from all four directions (front, back, left, and right) of the vehicle Ve.

[0064] Here, the front-back direction and the left-right direction in the present disclosure are defined with reference to the vehicle Ve at rest on a horizontal plane. Specifically, the front-back direction (the front Ze and the rear Go) is defined along the longitudinal direction (the direction of travel) of the vehicle Ve. In addition, the left-right direction (the right Mi and the left Hi) is defined along the width direction of the vehicle Ve. Furthermore, the up-down direction (the top Ue) is defined along the vertical direction of the horizontal plane defining the front-back direction and the left-right direction. In addition, in order to simplify the description, the description of the figure marks representing the various directions may sometimes be appropriately omitted in the following description.

[0065] (First embodiment)

[0066] The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the exterior structure portion 10 of the rear surface of the vehicle. Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure is composed of an exterior structure portion 10 , an adhesive layer 20 , an acoustic sensor device 100 , and the like.

[0067] The exterior structure 10 has a rear exterior surface 11 that is exposed to the outside of the vehicle Ve in a posture facing the rear Go of the vehicle Ve. The exterior structure 10 is, for example, the rear window Pb2 (see Figure 1 ), formed from sheet-shaped glass. The exterior structural portion 10 may be flat or slightly curved. In the exterior structural portion 10, the back side of the rear exterior surface 11 forms a smooth rear inner surface 12 to which the adhesive layer 20 is attached. In the embodiment where the acoustic sensor device 100 is mounted on the rear window Pb2 or the edge Pb5 of the rear glass, the rear inner surface 12 is defined as the area where the light-shielding black ceramic layer is formed.

[0068] The adhesive layer 20 is formed from double-sided tape or an adhesive material. The adhesive layer 20, with each surface bonded to the rear inner side surface 12 and the acoustic sensor device 100, holds the adhesive surface 31 of the acoustic sensor device 100 against the rear inner side surface 12. The adhesive layer 20 is formed into a film thinner than the external structure 10 and transmits sound reaching the external structure 10 toward the acoustic sensor device 100. When double-sided tape is used as the adhesive layer 20, one adhesive surface of the adhesive layer 20 is first bonded to the adhesive surface 31 of the acoustic sensor device 100. Then, the other adhesive surface of the adhesive layer 20 is bonded to the rear inner side surface 12. This process secures the acoustic sensor device 100 to the external structure 10.

[0069] [Basic structure of acoustic sensor device]

[0070] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, acoustic sensor device 100 includes sensor housing 30, MEMS microphone 70, and circuit board 80. MEMS microphone 70 and circuit board 80 are housed in sensor housing 30. Sensor housing 30 includes adhesive surface 31, closed space 34, vehicle interior space 36, and connector 38.

[0071] The attachment surface 31 is a flat mounting surface provided on the sensor housing 30. The attachment surface 31 is attached to the rear inner surface 12 of the exterior structure 10 via the adhesive layer 20. Thus, the sensor housing 30 is held by the rear inner surface 12.

[0072] The enclosed space 34 and the in-vehicle space 36 are compartmentalized within the sensor housing 30. The housing space of the sensor housing 30 is divided into the enclosed space 34 and the in-vehicle space 36 by the circuit board 80. The enclosed space 34 is formed on the side of the adhesive surface 31 relative to the circuit board 80 (hereinafter referred to as the in-vehicle side SG). The in-vehicle space 36 is formed on the opposite side of the enclosed space 34 (hereinafter referred to as the in-vehicle side SN) across the circuit board 80.

[0073] A closed space 34 is defined between the adhesive surface 31 and the vehicle exterior sound collecting surface 71 (described later) of the MEMS microphone 70. The closed space 34 is a hollow space filled with air or an inert gas. The adhesive surface 31 side within the closed space 34 increases the area within a range smaller than half the wavelength of the highest frequency sound in the measurement object, thereby being able to collect the sound re-emitted due to the vibration of the external structural part 10 with good sensitivity. In addition, the height of the closed space 34, that is, the distance from the inner bottom wall 42 (described later) to the front surface of the circuit substrate 80, is shorter than the wavelength of the highest frequency sound in the measurement object. Thus, the closed space 34 functions as a sound collecting space for collecting sound.

[0074] The sound insulation filler 37 is housed in the vehicle interior space 36. The sound insulation filler 37 is housed in the sensor housing 30 behind the circuit board 80 and is disposed on the opposite side of the closed space 34 across the circuit board 80 (see FIG. Figure 3 The soundproofing filler 37 fills substantially the entirety of the vehicle interior space 36, forming a soundproofing structure for the vehicle interior side (SN) of the circuit board 80. Specifically, the soundproofing filler 37 provides both a sound-absorbing and sound-isolating effect against sound that reaches the sensor housing 30 from the vehicle interior side (SN). Furthermore, the soundproofing filler 37 suppresses vibrations of the MEMS microphone 70 and the circuit board 80. Furthermore, the soundproofing filler 37 prevents air containing water vapor from entering the vehicle interior space 36, thereby suppressing condensation caused by daytime and nighttime temperature fluctuations.

[0075] The sound-insulating filler 37 is formed from a soft elastomer such as polyurethane or silicone, or a porous soft elastomer such as sponge. Sound-absorbing materials such as non-woven fabrics and cotton can also be used as the sound-insulating filler 37. The sound-insulating filler 37 can also be pre-formed and placed in the vehicle interior space 36, or formed by curing polyurethane, silicone, or a foam thereof that fills (encloses) the vehicle interior space 36. When a curable filler such as polyurethane or silicone is filled in the vehicle interior space 36, the circuit board 80 functions as a sealant, preventing the uncured sound-insulating filler 37 and its additives from invading the enclosed space 34.

[0076] Connector 38 is provided in a cylindrical shape on the side of sensor housing 30. A plug portion of a wiring harness is inserted into connector 38. By connecting the plug portion to connector 38, the detection signal of MEMS microphone 70 can be output to an external structure (such as ECU 90 described later) through the wiring harness.

[0077] The sensor housing 30 is composed of a housing body 40 and a back cover 50. The sensor housing 30 is generally in the shape of a flat quadrangular prism or a cylinder. The housing body 40 and back cover 50 are primarily formed of a resin material. The housing body 40 has a mounting bottom wall 41 and a peripheral wall 44.

[0078] The mounting bottom wall 41 is the bottom wall of the sensor housing 30 that forms the attachment surface 31. An inner bottom wall surface 42 facing the closed space 34 is formed on the opposite side of the attachment surface 31 in the mounting bottom wall 41. The inner bottom wall surface 42 is provided with a porous structure formed by a large number of recesses 43 (see also Figure 6 The recesses 43 are spaced apart from each other on the inner bottom wall surface 42. The recesses 43 partially reduce the thickness of the mounting bottom wall 41. This structure can suppress the reduction in the strength of the mounting bottom wall 41 and improve the sound transmittance.

[0079] The peripheral wall 44 is erected from the peripheral edge of the mounting bottom wall 41 toward the vehicle interior side SN. The peripheral wall 44 surrounds the MEMS microphone 70 and the circuit substrate 80 around the entire circumference. The wall thickness of the peripheral wall 44 is sufficiently thicker than the wall thickness of the external structural portion 10 and the mounting bottom wall 41. With such a structure, the peripheral wall 44 prevents the invasion of sound (vibration) from the side. A connector portion 38 is provided on one outer wall surface of the peripheral wall 44. The peripheral wall 44 has an upper peripheral wall portion 44a that divides the closed space 34 and a lower peripheral wall portion 44b that divides the vehicle interior space 36. Between the upper peripheral wall portion 44a and the lower peripheral wall portion 44b, a step portion 44c toward the vehicle interior side SN is formed in an annular shape (see also Figure 6 ).

[0080] The back cover 50 is in the shape of a rectangular plate as a whole. The back cover 50 and the shell body 40 together form a closed space 34 and a vehicle interior space 36 as a closed liquid-tight storage space. The thickness of the back cover 50 and the sound insulation filler 37 is thicker than the wall thickness of the mounting bottom wall 41. As a result, the sound absorption rate of the back sound absorbing structure formed by the back cover 50 and the sound insulation filler 37 is greater than the sound absorption rate of the external structure part 10 and the mounting bottom wall 41. The back cover 50 squeezes the sound insulation filler 37 between the back surface of the circuit substrate 80 and is fixed to the top surface of the peripheral wall 44 by the adhesive portion 55 (refer to Figure 3The adhesive portion 55 is formed of, for example, an adhesive material. The back cover 50 may also be joined to the housing body 40 by welding. By isolating the surrounding wall 44 from sounds coming from the side and the back cover 50 and the sound-insulating filler 37 from sounds coming from the rear, the acoustic sensor device 100 mounted on the exterior structure 10 can have directivity toward the rear outer surface 11. Furthermore, if sufficient sound insulation and sealing can be achieved using only the sound-insulating filler 37, the back cover 50 is unnecessary.

[0081] The MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) microphone 70 is a microphone element that converts sound (vibration of air) into an electrical signal. The MEMS microphone 70 functions as a condenser microphone, and outputs the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the vibration of a thinner vibrating membrane (diaphragm) due to sound pressure as an electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as a detection signal). The MEMS microphone 70 is mounted on the back of the circuit substrate 80. The MEMS microphone 70 configures a vibrating membrane in the internal space and introduces sound from the sound hole provided on the sound collecting surface (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle-exterior sound collecting surface 71). The vehicle-exterior sound collecting surface 71 is housed in the sensor housing 30 in a posture facing the external structural part 10. Thus, the MEMS microphone 70 effectively detects sound that reaches the external structural part 10 from the outside of the vehicle Ve and is transmitted to the enclosed space 34. In addition, an electret condenser microphone or the like can be used as a sound detection sensor part instead of the MEMS microphone 70.

[0082] The circuit board 80 is a glass epoxy board or the like and is generally rectangular. The circuit board 80 is housed in the sensor housing 30 along the mounting bottom wall 41 and is fixed to the step 44c of the peripheral wall 44 via the substrate fixing material 88 (see FIG. Figure 3 The substrate securing material 88 is formed into a thin film from a rubber seal, double-sided tape, or adhesive material. The circuit substrate 80 and the sensor housing 30 cooperate to define the enclosed space 34 and the vehicle interior space 36. Furthermore, the circuit substrate 80 utilizes the substrate securing material 88 as a sealant to define the enclosed space 34. For convenience, the side of the circuit substrate 80 facing the enclosed space 34 is referred to as the front surface, and the opposite side is referred to as the back surface.

[0083] A MEMS microphone 70 is mounted on the back surface of a circuit substrate 80. A sound hole 81 is formed in the portion of the circuit substrate 80 between the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 and the enclosed space 34. The sound hole 81 is a through-hole that penetrates the circuit substrate 80 in the thickness direction. The sound hole 81 transmits vibrations from the air in the enclosed space 34 to the exterior sound-collecting surface 71.

[0084] The circuit board 80 is provided with an amplifier circuit unit 85 and a communication interface 86 (see Figure 7 The amplifier circuit unit 85 is electrically connected to the MEMS microphone 70 and amplifies the detection signal output by the MEMS microphone 70. The communication interface 86 outputs the detection signal amplified by the amplifier circuit unit 85.

[0085] As the circuit board 80 is housed in the sensor housing 30, it is electrically connected to a plurality of connector insertion pins 83. The connector insertion pins 83 are formed of a metal material. The middle portion of the connector insertion pins 83 is embedded in the peripheral wall 44 of the housing body 40. One end of the connector insertion pin 83 is exposed inside the connector portion 38. The connector insertion pins 83 transmit detection signals, etc. output from the communication interface 86, to the wiring inside the plug portion connected to the connector portion 38.

[0086] [Acoustic Sensor Device of First Embodiment]

[0087] Figures 4 to 6 The acoustic sensor device 100 of the first embodiment shown is a Figure 2 The acoustic sensor device 100 of the basic structure shown is a structure obtained by combining multiple (two) components. The acoustic sensor device 100 houses two circuit substrates 80 on which MEMS microphones 70 are mounted. In other words, the acoustic sensor device 100 has two MEMS microphones 70. By mounting the acoustic sensor device 100 on the rear inner side surface 12, the two MEMS microphones 70 are arranged in the horizontal direction of the vehicle Ve with the exterior sound collecting surface 71 facing the rear Go of the vehicle Ve. In the first embodiment, the MEMS microphones 70 are arranged in the left-right direction of the vehicle Ve at a distance of, for example, several centimeters (for example, 5 cm). The two circuit substrates 80 are electrically connected by substrate connection wires 84. The detection signals of the two MEMS microphones 70 are output from the connector insertion pins 83 exposed in the connector portion 38.

[0088] The attachment surface 31 formed on the sensor housing 30 is rectangular in shape with the left-right direction as the long side (see Figure 5 The interior of the sensor housing 30 is divided into two independent closed spaces 34 and two vehicle interior spaces 36 connected to each other by a space connection portion 47. The sound insulation filling material 37 accommodated in the vehicle interior space 36 may be formed integrally or may be divided into two.

[0089] The sensor housing 30 is provided with a shielding wall 45 and a shielding groove 46. The shielding wall 45 extends vertically from the mounting bottom wall 41 toward the vehicle interior side SN, dividing the two enclosed spaces 34. The shielding wall 45 extends along the short side of the sensor housing 30 to separate the two MEMS microphones 70 and the enclosed spaces 34. The shielding wall 45 suppresses the transmission of sound (vibration) from one of the two enclosed spaces 34 to the other. The shielding groove 46 is recessed from the top surface of the shielding wall 45 toward the vehicle exterior side SG. The shielding groove 46 forms a soundproofing space 46a in the shielding wall 45, which is hollow or filled with a soundproofing filler, separating the two MEMS microphones 70 and the enclosed space 34. The formation of the soundproofing space 46a in the shielding wall 45 further suppresses the transmission of sound from one of the two enclosed spaces 34 to the other. Silicone, polyurethane, or foams thereof are also used as the soundproofing filler. By making the vehicle interior space 36 and the shielding groove 46 continuous, both the vehicle interior space 36 and the shielding groove 46 can be filled with the soundproof filler in one filling.

[0090] [Electrical structure of acoustic sensor device]

[0091] Next, based on Figure 7 The electrical configurations of the acoustic sensor device 100 and the ECU 90 will be described in detail.

[0092] Each circuit board 80 of the acoustic sensor device 100 is provided with the aforementioned amplifier circuit unit 85 and communication interface 86. One amplifier circuit unit 85 and one communication interface 86 are provided for each MEMS microphone 70. Each communication interface 86 independently outputs the detection signal of each MEMS microphone 70 to the ECU 90.

[0093] The ECU 90 is a computing device mounted on the vehicle Ve. The ECU 90 is electrically connected to the acoustic sensor device 100 via a wiring harness or the like, and functions as a signal processing device that processes detection signals output by the acoustic sensor device 100. The ECU 90 includes a signal receiving unit 91 and a signal processing unit 93.

[0094] The ECU 90 is provided with a number of signal receiving units 91 corresponding to the number of MEMS microphones 70, in other words, the number of channels of the detection signal input to the ECU 90. In a mode in which two detection signals are input to the ECU 90, at least two signal receiving units 91 are provided in the ECU 90. The detection signals output from the plurality of MEMS microphones 70 are input to each signal receiving unit 91 (see Figure 7Signals 1 and 2. The signal receiving unit 91 includes an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) function and supplies a signal obtained by Fourier transforming the detection signal to the signal processing unit 93.

[0095] The signal processing unit 93 performs signal processing based on the signal differences between the multiple detection signals. The signal processing unit 93 calculates the differences in physical quantities of the provided detection signals, such as phase differences, time differences, sound pressure differences, and amplitude products. The ECU 90 uses these calculated differences in physical quantities to calculate information related to the relative positions of the sound sources detected by each MEMS microphone 70, such as the incoming directions of sound and vibration. For example, the signal receiving unit 91 estimates the direction of an emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance) approaching vehicle Ve based on the sound of its siren.

[0096] [Summary of the First Embodiment]

[0097] In the first embodiment described so far, the acoustic sensor device 100 is mounted on the exterior structure 10 of the vehicle Ve with the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 facing the rear of the vehicle Ve. Therefore, the acoustic sensor device 100 can effectively collect sound from the rear of the vehicle Ve. Consequently, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be mounted in a manner suitable for detecting both sound and vibration.

[0098] Specifically, the acoustic sensor device 100 is attached to the rear inner surface 12 of the exterior structure 10, facing the rear direction Go of the vehicle Ve. This on-vehicle sensor installation structure reduces the impact of rainwater during driving, thereby reducing rain noise. Consequently, it can effectively detect surrounding sounds and vibrations even during rainfall. Furthermore, it can detect emergency vehicles approaching from the rear direction Go of the vehicle Ve with high sensitivity.

[0099] Furthermore, the acoustic sensor device 100 is not exposed to the exterior of the vehicle Ve. As a result, the design of the vehicle Ve is less likely to be compromised. Furthermore, waterproofing is improved, and damage such as cracking caused by flying rocks and the like is prevented. Furthermore, wind noise is less likely to be generated near the acoustic sensor device 100. Furthermore, pore clogging caused by wax and flooding caused by high-pressure washing are also avoided.

[0100] Furthermore, the MEMS microphone 70 is housed in and protected by the sensor housing 30. This configuration shields the sensor housing 30 from vibration input from directions other than the rear Go by the peripheral wall 44. As a result, the acoustic sensor device 100 can more effectively collect sound from the rear Go.

[0101] Furthermore, protection by the sensor housing 30 prevents damage to the MEMS microphone 70 during transport and storage. Furthermore, waterproofing and dustproofing are improved, and condensation can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the sensor assembly factory where the acoustic sensor device 100 is assembled performs a characteristic inspection and sealing inspection before shipment, moisture, foreign matter, and chemical substances are less likely to enter the sealed interior of the sensor housing 30. Furthermore, by enclosing an inert gas such as nitrogen in the sealed space 34, degradation and characteristic fluctuations of the MEMS microphone caused by moisture and oxygen in the air can be suppressed. Alternatively, moisture and oxygen in the air can be removed by placing a desiccant or deoxidizer in the sealed space 34.

[0102] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the sensor housing 30 is provided with a flat adhesive surface 31. Furthermore, the adhesive surface 31 is secured to the rear inner surface 12 by a thin film adhesive layer 20. Thus, if the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure uses an adhesive layer 20 such as double-sided tape or adhesive material, no processing of the external structural portion 10 is required. This makes installation of the acoustic sensor device 100 easier, and eliminates the need for complex structures such as screw holes and locking claws in the external structural portion 10. Furthermore, if the external structural portion 10 faces the outside air, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be installed anywhere. Furthermore, repairing (or replacing) commercially available acoustic sensor devices 100 is also easy.

[0103] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the exterior structural portion 10 is formed of glass. It is difficult to provide screw holes and latching claws for mounting in an exterior structural portion 10 formed of glass. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure in which the acoustic sensor device 100 is mounted via the adhesive layer 20 is particularly effective when the exterior structural portion 10 is made of glass. Furthermore, glass has a lower density and is thinner than iron, making it more permeable to sound. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure in which the acoustic sensor device 100 is mounted on glass can detect sounds outside the vehicle Ve with high sensitivity. Furthermore, the rear window is relatively far from the audio speakers. Therefore, by using the rearview window Pb2 as the exterior structural portion 10, the acoustic sensor device 100 is less susceptible to the effects of audio noise.

[0104] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the acoustic sensor device 100 includes multiple MEMS microphones 70. This makes it easier to secure the area of ​​the attachment surface 31 of the sensor housing 30 by including multiple MEMS microphones 70. Consequently, even in an installation configuration using the adhesive layer 20, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be reliably fixed to the external structure 10.

[0105] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, multiple (two) MEMS microphones 70 are arranged horizontally along the vehicle Ve. Furthermore, the detection signals output from each MEMS microphone 70 are input to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 performs signal processing based on the signal differences between the multiple detection signals. This signal processing enables the direction of the sound source approaching the vehicle Ve to be estimated.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, shielding walls 45 separating the multiple MEMS microphones 70 are provided within the sensor housing 30. Consequently, each MEMS microphone 70 is located in a separate space. In other words, sound (vibration) is less likely to mix within the sensor housing 30, and the MEMS microphones 70 can be acoustically separated. As a result, phase difference detection of sound using multiple MEMS microphones 70 can be reliably performed.

[0107] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a hollow soundproof space 46a is provided in the shielding wall 45 to separate the multiple MEMS microphones 70. Providing the hollow soundproof space 46a in the shielding wall 45 further ensures acoustic separation between the MEMS microphones 70. Consequently, detection of phase differences in sound using the multiple MEMS microphones 70 can be performed more reliably.

[0108] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the sensor housing 30 is provided with a flat adhesive surface 31. Therefore, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be held over a large area on the rear outer surface 11 of the exterior structure 10 using double-sided tape or an adhesive material. Consequently, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be easily and reliably attached to exterior structures 10 having various configurations. Consequently, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be mounted in a manner suitable for detecting sound and vibration.

[0109] Furthermore, in the sensor housing 30 of the first embodiment, a hollow, enclosed space 34 is defined between the attachment surface 31 and the exterior sound-collecting surface 71. The provision of such an enclosed space 34 causes the air within the enclosed space 34 to vibrate, enabling the MEMS microphone 70 to effectively detect sound (vibration) that reaches the exterior structural portion 10 and is transmitted to the sensor housing 30.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the plate-shaped circuit board 80 housed in the sensor housing 30 cooperates with the sensor housing 30 to define the closed space 34. Specifically, the vehicle interior side SN of the closed space 34 is sealed by the circuit board 80. This configuration facilitates assembly of the acoustic sensor device 100 without complicating the structure of the sensor housing 30, while defining the closed space 34 within the sensor housing 30.

[0111] In the first embodiment, the MEMS microphone 70 is mounted on the back surface of the circuit substrate 80, opposite the front surface facing the enclosed space 34. Furthermore, a sound hole 81 is formed in the portion of the circuit substrate 80 between the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 and the enclosed space 34, penetrating the circuit substrate 80 in the thickness direction. This structure allows vibrations in the enclosed space 34 to be transmitted to the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 through the sound hole 81. Therefore, even when mounted on the back surface of the circuit substrate 80, the MEMS microphone 70 can reliably detect sound reaching the exterior structure 10.

[0112] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a sound-insulating filler 37 is disposed on the opposite side of the closed space 34 across the circuit board 80. Accommodated within the vehicle interior space 36 of the sensor housing 30, the sound-insulating filler 37 blocks sound that enters the sensor housing 30 from the rear cover 50, thereby preventing it from being transmitted to the MEMS microphone 70. The sound-insulating effect of the sound-insulating filler 37 enables the MEMS microphone 70 to more reliably detect sounds outside the vehicle Ve.

[0113] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a recess 43 is formed in the mounting bottom wall 41 of the sensor housing 30. This recess 43 faces the enclosed space 34, reducing the thickness of the mounting bottom wall 41. This reduced thickness due to the recess 43 facilitates the transmission of sound reaching the external structure 10 into the enclosed space 34. As a result, the MEMS microphone 70 can effectively detect sound outside the vehicle Ve. Furthermore, the strength of the mounting bottom wall 41 is maintained in the portion where the recess 43 is not formed. Furthermore, since the recess 43 does not penetrate the sensor housing 30, the sensor housing 30 remains sealed.

[0114] In the first embodiment, an amplifier circuit unit 85 and a communication interface 86 are also formed on the circuit board 80. By processing the detection signal in the acoustic sensor device 100, noise resistance can be improved, thereby improving the S / N ratio.

[0115] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the peripheral wall 44 is formed thicker than the mounting bottom wall 41 and the back cover 50 . Therefore, the peripheral wall 44 effectively blocks sound and vibration coming from the side of the sensor housing 30 along the external structure 10 .

[0116] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the plurality of vehicle interior spaces 36 are connected to one another via the space connection portion 47. Therefore, the plurality of circuit boards 80 can be electrically connected via the board connection wires 84 passing through the space connection portion 47.

[0117] In the first embodiment, rear inner surface 12 further corresponds to the "inner surface," enclosed space 34 corresponds to the "hollow sound-collecting space," sound-insulating filler 37 corresponds to the "rear-side sound-insulating material," mounting bottom wall 41 corresponds to the "mounting wall," and recess 43 corresponds to the "hole." Furthermore, MEMS microphone 70 corresponds to the "sound detection sensor unit," exterior sound-collecting surface 71 further corresponds to the "sound-collecting surface," sound hole 81 corresponds to the "through hole," and ECU 90 corresponds to the "signal processing device."

[0118] (Second embodiment)

[0119] The second embodiment of the present disclosure discloses an on-vehicle sensor installation structure applied to an external structural portion 10 on the upper surface of a vehicle. The external structural portion 10 has an upper outer surface 13 that is exposed to the exterior of the vehicle Ve, facing upward Ue of the vehicle Ve. The external structural portion 10 is, for example, the aforementioned roof panel and is formed from a plate-shaped metal material (such as iron or aluminum). The second embodiment of the on-vehicle sensor installation structure can be applied to all external surface components facing upward Ue of the vehicle Ve.

[0120] In the exterior structure 10, the back side of the upper outer surface 13 is a smooth upper inner surface 14 to which the adhesive layer 20 is attached. The acoustic sensor device 100 is fixed to the exterior structure 10 by having its attachment surface 31 held to the upper inner surface 14 by the adhesive layer 20.

[0121] [Basic structure of acoustic sensor device]

[0122] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the acoustic sensor device 100 of the second embodiment replaces the MEMS microphone 70 (see Figure 2 ), and includes a piezoelectric sensor 270 as a sound detection sensor unit. Like the MEMS microphone 70, the piezoelectric sensor 270 forms an exterior sound-collecting surface 71 and converts sound into an electrical signal. The piezoelectric sensor 270 is composed of a piezoelectric element 270a and a metal plate 275.

[0123] The piezoelectric element 270a is formed in a thin plate shape. A negative electrode 271n is formed on one surface (front surface) of the piezoelectric element 270a. A positive electrode 271p is formed on the other surface (back surface) of the piezoelectric element 270a. A positive electrode line 272p is connected to the positive electrode 271p by solder 273 (see Figure 9 The piezoelectric element 270a generates a voltage corresponding to the input stress between the negative electrode 271n and the positive electrode 271p.

[0124] The metal plate 275 is formed into a thin plate having a larger area than the piezoelectric element 270a. The metal plate 275 is bonded to the surface of the piezoelectric element 270a on the negative electrode 271n side. The negative electrode line 272n is connected to the metal plate 275 by solder 273 (see Figure 9 Metal plate 275 is electrically connected to the GND potential of circuit board 80 via negative line 272n. Sound transmitted to sensor housing 30 causes metal plate 275 to vibrate integrally with piezoelectric element 270a. The front surface of metal plate 275, opposite to piezoelectric element 270a, serves as the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 of piezoelectric sensor 270.

[0125] The piezoelectric sensor 270 is housed in the closed space 34. The front surface of the metal plate 275 is adhered to the inner bottom wall 42 via the piezoelectric adhesive layer 276, so that the piezoelectric sensor 270 is held on the mounting bottom wall 41 of the sensor housing 30 forming the adhesion surface 31 (see Figure 10 The piezoelectric adhesive layer 276 is formed from double-sided tape or an adhesive material. The negative and positive lines 272n and 272p of the piezoelectric sensor 270 are connected to one end of a pair of intermediate insert pins 87 by welding, welding, or crimping. The intermediate insert pins 87 are formed from a metal material and are partially embedded in the housing body 40.

[0126] A vibration-damping filler 35 is placed on the vehicle interior side (SN) of the piezoelectric sensor 270. Like the sound-insulating filler 37, the vibration-damping filler 35 is made of polyurethane, silicone, sponge, or the like. By being placed in the enclosed space 34, the vibration-damping filler 35 prevents excess air expansion and contraction, suppresses unwanted resonance, and cuts off high frequencies. Specifically, the vibration-damping filler 35 attenuates sound and vibration that intrudes into the sensor housing 30 from the vehicle interior side (SN), preventing unwanted vibration and resonance from being detected.

[0127] The circuit board 80 is held on the step portion 44c (see FIG. 1 ) by pressing the vibration damping filler 35 between the circuit board 80 and the piezoelectric sensor 270. Figure 10 ). The circuit board 80 is electrically connected to the plurality of intermediate insertion pins 87 and the connector insertion pins 83 as it is housed in the sensor housing 30. The intermediate insertion pins 87 and the connector insertion pins 83 are electrically connected to the circuit board 80 by welding or welding. The piezoelectric sensor 270 is connected to the amplifier circuit portion 85 (see FIG. 1 ) on the circuit board 80 via the intermediate insertion pins 87. Figure 13 ) is electrically connected. In addition, the detection signal of the piezoelectric sensor 270 can be output to the outside from the plug portion connected to the connector portion 38.

[0128] A sound insulation filler 37 is disposed on the vehicle interior side SN of the circuit board 80. The sound insulation filler 37 is sealed between the circuit board 80 and the back cover 50 (see FIG. Figure 10 The sound-insulating filler 37 , together with the vibration-damping filler 35 , suppresses vibrations that penetrate into the sensor housing 30 from the vehicle interior SN and prevents them from being transmitted to the piezoelectric sensor 270 .

[0129] [Acoustic Sensor Device of Second Embodiment]

[0130] Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The acoustic sensor device 100 of the second embodiment shown is a Figure 8 The basic structure shown is a structure obtained by combining multiple (four) acoustic sensor devices 100. The acoustic sensor device 100 houses four piezoelectric sensors 270 and four circuit boards 80. By mounting the acoustic sensor device 100 on the upper inner side surface 14, the four piezoelectric sensors 270 are arranged horizontally in the vehicle Ve, with the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 facing the upper side Ue of the vehicle Ve. In the second embodiment, the piezoelectric sensors 270 are arranged two at a predetermined interval in the left-right and front-back directions of the vehicle Ve. By installing the acoustic sensor device 100 on the roof panel, it is possible to measure sound around the entire 360-degree area of ​​the vehicle Ve.

[0131] Connector insertion pins 83 are connected to one of the four circuit boards 80 closest to the connector portion 38 (hereinafter referred to as the output board). Meanwhile, the other three circuit boards 80 are electrically connected to the output board via board connection insertion pins 284. With this structure, the outputs of the four piezoelectric sensors 270 can be output from the connector insertion pins 83 exposed in the connector portion 38.

[0132] In addition, the output substrate and other circuit substrates 80 can also be connected through substrate connection lines 84 (see Figure 4 Furthermore, a plurality of connector portions 38 for outputting detection signals of the piezoelectric sensor 270 may be provided in the sensor housing 30.

[0133] The interior of the sensor housing 30 is divided into four independent closed spaces 34 and four vehicle interior spaces 36 connected to each other by space connecting portions 47 (see Figure 12 A vibration-damping filler 35 is disposed on the vehicle interior side SN of each piezoelectric sensor 270 housed in each closed space 34. Furthermore, each vehicle interior space 36 and the space connection portion 47 are filled with foamed polyurethane or foamed silicone, etc., to form an integrated sound-insulating filler 37.

[0134] In the sensor housing 30, similar to the first embodiment, a shielding wall 45 and a shielding groove 46 are provided. The shielding wall 45 divides the four closed spaces 34. The shielding wall 45 extends in a cross shape to separate the four piezoelectric sensors 270 and the closed spaces 34. The shielding groove 46 is formed in a cross shape along the shielding wall 45, and a hollow soundproof space 46a is divided in the shielding wall 45 (see Figure 12 By forming the shielding walls 45 and the soundproofing spaces 46a described above, the multiple enclosed spaces 34 and the piezoelectric sensors 270 are acoustically isolated. The shielding grooves 46 may also be filled with a soundproofing filler. Each interior space 36 is connected to the shielding grooves 46 by a space connector 47, allowing them to be filled with the soundproofing filler in a single filling.

[0135] [Electrical structure of acoustic sensor device]

[0136] like Figure 13 As shown, each circuit board 80 of the acoustic sensor device 100 is provided with the aforementioned amplifier circuit unit 85 and communication interface 86. One amplifier circuit unit 85 and one communication interface 86 are provided for each piezoelectric sensor 270. Each communication interface 86 individually outputs the detection signal of each piezoelectric sensor 270 to the ECU 90.

[0137] The ECU 90 includes four signal receiving units 91 and a signal processing unit 93. The detection signals output from the plurality of piezoelectric sensors 270 (see Figure 13 The signals 1 to 4) are input to the respective signal receiving units 91. The respective signal receiving units 91 provide the signal processing unit 93 with signals obtained by Fourier transforming the respective detection signals.

[0138] Information indicating the positional relationship of each piezoelectric sensor 270 in the front-back direction and the left-right direction is pre-registered in the signal processing unit 93. The signal processing unit 93 can estimate the direction of arrival of the sound (vibration) detected by the piezoelectric sensor 270, in other words, the direction of the sound source as viewed from the vehicle Ve, based on the signal differences, specifically, the phase differences, time differences, and sound pressure differences, of the four detection signals received from the signal receiving units 91.

[0139] [Summary of the Second Embodiment]

[0140] In the second embodiment described so far, the acoustic sensor device 100 is attached to the external structural portion 10 by holding the flat adhesive surface 31 provided on the sensor housing 30 against the upper inner side surface 14 via the film-like adhesive layer 20. Therefore, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be easily and reliably attached to external structural portions 10 having various configurations. Consequently, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be attached in a manner suitable for detecting sound and vibration.

[0141] Specifically, the acoustic sensor device 100 is attached to the exterior structure 10 via the adhesive layer 20, eliminating the need for machining the vehicle's upper surface, such as the roof panel. This reduces the installation cost of the acoustic sensor device 100, and allows a single acoustic sensor device 100 to detect sound and vibrations from a full 360° circumference. Furthermore, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be installed on the vehicle Ve without being constrained by the vehicle's exterior design. Furthermore, since there are no structures protruding upward Ue from the roof panel, wind noise can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the exterior structure 10 faces upward Ue, snow is less likely to accumulate on the upper exterior surface 13 during driving than on the front exterior surface.

[0142] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 for detecting sound is formed by a piezoelectric sensor 270. The piezoelectric sensor 270 includes a single-body vibration plate that bonds a metal plate 275 to a piezoelectric element 270a. By using such a piezoelectric sensor 270, the sensitivity of sound detection can be improved. Furthermore, the metal plate 275 and the piezoelectric element 270a exhibit less temperature-dependent characteristic changes than resin materials. Therefore, by using the piezoelectric sensor 270, a stable detection signal can be output.

[0143] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the intermediate insertion pin 87 partially embedded in the sensor housing 30 electrically connects the piezoelectric sensor 270 to the circuit board 80. Thus, the structure in which the intermediate insertion pin 87 embedded and held in the sensor housing 3 is sandwiched between the piezoelectric sensor 270 and the circuit board 80 facilitates the process of electrically connecting the piezoelectric sensor 270 to the circuit board 80.

[0144] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the acoustic sensor device 100 includes multiple (three or more) piezoelectric sensors 270 arranged horizontally, longitudinally, and laterally along the vehicle Ve. Therefore, by comparing the detection signals from each piezoelectric sensor 270, the incoming direction of sound (vibration) can be estimated across the entire 360° circumference of the vehicle Ve. Furthermore, the structure for acquiring detection signals from multiple piezoelectric sensors 270 improves the reliability and sensitivity of the detection results.

[0145] Furthermore, the piezoelectric sensor 270 of the second embodiment is connected via a negative wire 272n and a positive wire 272p. If the piezoelectric sensor 270 is firmly connected to the circuit board 80, sensitivity may be reduced or unwanted vibrations may be received. On the other hand, if the piezoelectric sensor 270 is electrically connected via a flexible wire, sensitivity may be reduced or unwanted vibrations may be less likely to be received.

[0146] In the second embodiment, the plurality of vehicle interior spaces 36 are connected to one another via the space connection portion 47. Therefore, the sound insulation filler 37, such as urethane foam, can be collectively filled into each vehicle interior space 36.

[0147] Furthermore, the piezoelectric sensor 270 of the second embodiment is attached to the inner bottom wall surface 42. With such an arrangement, the piezoelectric sensor 270 can efficiently measure the sound transmitted to the exterior structure portion 10 and the mounting bottom wall 41.

[0148] In the second embodiment, the upper inner surface 14 further corresponds to the "inner surface", the middle insertion pin 87 corresponds to the "connecting portion", and the piezoelectric sensor 270 corresponds to the "sound detection sensor portion".

[0149] (Third embodiment)

[0150] Figure 14 The third embodiment of the present disclosure is a modified example of the first embodiment. In the in-vehicle sensor installation structure of the third embodiment, the acoustic sensor device 100 includes an exterior acoustic sensor device 100a and an interior acoustic sensor device 100b. Exterior acoustic sensor device 100a has substantially the same structure as acoustic sensor device 100 installed on the rear inner side surface 12 in the first embodiment, and includes two MEMS microphones 70 with exterior sound-collecting surfaces 71.

[0151] The in-vehicle acoustic sensor device 100b has substantially the same structure as the acoustic sensor device 100 having the basic structure described in the first embodiment. The in-vehicle acoustic sensor device 100b is held by the exterior acoustic sensor device 100a, facing in the opposite direction to the exterior acoustic sensor device 100a. The in-vehicle acoustic sensor device 100b is arranged side by side with the exterior acoustic sensor device 100a in a direction perpendicular to the exterior structure 10 (hereinafter referred to as the in-and-outer direction), and is located on the vehicle interior side SN relative to the exterior acoustic sensor device 100a.

[0152] The in-vehicle acoustic sensor device 100b includes a single MEMS microphone 170. The MEMS microphone 170 is held on the back surface of the circuit board 80 with its sound collecting surface (hereinafter referred to as in-vehicle sound collecting surface 73) facing the vehicle interior SN. The in-vehicle sound collecting surface 73 detects sound coming from the interior of the vehicle Ve.

[0153] ECU90 (refer to Figure 7) has three signal receiving units 91 and a signal processing unit 93. Each signal receiving unit 91 obtains two detection signals detected by each exterior sound collecting surface 71 and one detection signal detected by the interior sound collecting surface 73, and provides them to the signal processing unit 93. The signal processing unit 93 infers the interior noise received by the exterior sound collecting surface 71 based on the interior sound measured by the interior sound collecting surface 73 and the pre-determined transfer function. The signal processing unit 93 eliminates the interior noise contained in the exterior sound by subtracting the interior noise from the detection signal of the exterior sound collecting surface 71.

[0154] The third embodiment described so far also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment, enabling the installation of an acoustic sensor device 100 suitable for detecting both sound and vibration. Furthermore, the acoustic sensor device 100 of the third embodiment includes, in addition to the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 for detecting sound from outside the vehicle Ve, an interior sound-collecting surface 73 for detecting sound from inside the vehicle Ve. This configuration eliminates interior noise. Consequently, the influence of interior sound on sound detection by the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 is minimized.

[0155] In the third embodiment, the MEMS microphone 70 of the exterior vehicle acoustic sensor device 100a corresponds to the "first sound detection sensor unit," and the MEMS microphone 170 of the interior vehicle acoustic sensor device 100b corresponds to the "second sound detection sensor unit."

[0156] In addition, like Figure 15 As shown in the modified example of the third embodiment, the exterior acoustic sensor device 100a may also be configured to include only one MEMS microphone 70, similar to the interior acoustic sensor device 100b. Even with this configuration, the interior sound detection signal collected by the MEMS microphone 170 can be used to cancel the interior sound from the exterior sound measured by the MEMS microphone 70.

[0157] (Fourth embodiment)

[0158] Figure 16 The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is a variation of the third embodiment. In the acoustic sensor device 100 of the fourth embodiment, a MEMS microphone 70 having an exterior sound-collecting surface 71 and a MEMS microphone 170 having an interior sound-collecting surface 73 are both housed in a single sensor housing 30. The MEMS microphone 70 is mounted on the front surface of a circuit board 80 and housed in a closed space 34.

[0159] MEMS microphone 170 is mounted on the back surface of circuit board 80 and housed in vehicle interior space 36. A microphone housing hole 37a is formed in sound-insulating filler 37 to house MEMS microphone 170. A sound-collecting opening 53 is formed in rear cover 50 to allow interior sound to pass through. MEMS microphone 170 detects interior sound that has passed through sound-collecting opening 53 and microphone housing hole 37a using interior sound-collecting surface 73.

[0160] The fourth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the third embodiment, that is, cancel the vehicle interior noise. As a result, the influence of the vehicle interior sound on the sound detection of the vehicle exterior sound collecting surface 71 can be suppressed.

[0161] (Fifth embodiment)

[0162] Figure 17 The fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is a modified example of the second embodiment. In the in-vehicle sensor installation structure of the fifth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, an acoustic sensor device 100 comprising an exterior acoustic sensor device 100a and an interior acoustic sensor device 100b is mounted on the exterior structure 10 of the vehicle Ve. Exterior acoustic sensor device 100a has substantially the same structure as the acoustic sensor device 100 mounted on the rear inner side surface 12 in the second embodiment, and includes two piezoelectric sensors 270 that form an exterior sound collecting surface 71.

[0163] In-vehicle acoustic sensor device 100b has substantially the same structure as acoustic sensor device 100, which has the same basic structure as described in the second embodiment. In-vehicle acoustic sensor device 100b is held by exterior acoustic sensor device 100a in an opposite orientation to exterior acoustic sensor device 100a. In-vehicle acoustic sensor device 100b, piezoelectric sensor 370 forms interior sound-collecting surface 73.

[0164] The fifth embodiment described thus far also achieves the same effect as the third embodiment, eliminating interior noise. As a result, the influence of interior noise on sound detection by the exterior sound-collecting surface 71 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the piezoelectric sensor 270 of the exterior acoustic sensor device 100a corresponds to the "first sound detection sensor unit," and the piezoelectric sensor 370 of the interior acoustic sensor device 100b corresponds to the "second sound detection sensor unit." Alternatively, either of the two MEMS microphones 70 in the third and fourth embodiments may be used as the piezoelectric sensor 270. Furthermore, either of the two piezoelectric sensors 270 in the fifth embodiment may be used as the MEMS microphone 70.

[0165] (Sixth embodiment)

[0166] Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 The sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is another modified example of the first embodiment. In the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of the sixth embodiment, the acoustic sensor device 100 further includes a holding member 60 .

[0167] The retaining member 60 is formed of a resin material into an axially flattened cylindrical shape. The retaining member 60 is retained by an adhesive layer 120 on the rear inner side surface 12 (or upper inner side surface 14) of the outer structural portion 10. The adhesive layer 120, like the adhesive layer 20, is formed of a double-sided tape or adhesive material.

[0168] The retaining member 60 is provided with a surrounding wall 61 that surrounds the sensor housing 30 and a retaining portion 62 that is retained by the external structural portion 10. The surrounding wall 61 is formed thicker than the peripheral wall 44 of the housing body 40. A cutout portion 61a and an engaging groove 63 are formed in the surrounding wall 61. The cutout portion 61a is provided in the defective portion of the surrounding wall 61 to avoid the connector portion 38 that protrudes toward the outer peripheral side of the housing body 40. The engaging groove 63 is a groove portion that is recessed from the inner peripheral wall surface of the surrounding wall 61. The engaging groove 63 engages with the claw portion 48 formed on the housing body 40. The retaining portion 62 is a flange-shaped portion that protrudes toward the outer peripheral side from the surrounding wall 61. The end surface of the retaining portion 62 on the vehicle outer side SG is retained by the rear inner side surface 12, etc. via the adhesive layer 120.

[0169] The retaining member 60 is attached to the exterior structural portion 10 before the sensor housing 30. The sensor housing 30 is inserted into the surrounding wall 61 of the retaining member 60 attached to the exterior structural portion 10 and retained by the adhesive layer 20. Furthermore, the sensor housing 30 is also retained by the retaining member 60 by the engagement groove 63 and the claw portion 48 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 44.

[0170] The sixth embodiment described so far also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment, enabling installation of an acoustic sensor device 100 suitable for detecting sound and vibration. Specifically, in the sixth embodiment, the acoustic sensor device 100 further includes a retaining member 60. This retaining member 60 is provided with a retaining portion 62 that is retained by the exterior structural portion 10. Consequently, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be more securely secured to the exterior structural portion 10.

[0171] Furthermore, the holding member 60 is provided with a surrounding wall 61 having a shape surrounding the sensor housing 30. Therefore, the surrounding wall 61 can more effectively block sound and vibration coming from the side of the sensor housing 30.

[0172] Furthermore, the holding member 60 is attached to the external structure 10 before the sensor housing 30. This further improves the accuracy of the position of the acoustic sensor device 100, improves the mounting strength, stabilizes the thickness of the adhesive layer 20, and prevents air bubbles from entering the adhesive layer 20.

[0173] And, like Figure 20 As shown in the modified example of the sixth embodiment, the acoustic sensor device 100 may also be configured with two MEMS microphones 70. Furthermore, the retaining member 60 may be attached to the exterior structural portion 10 after the sensor housing 30 is attached. In this embodiment, the retaining member 60 is provided with a pressing protrusion 64. The pressing protrusion 64 is formed at the end of the surrounding wall 61 on the vehicle interior side SN. By attaching the retaining member 62 to the exterior structural portion 10 via the adhesive layer 120, the pressing protrusion 64 presses the sensor housing 30 toward the exterior structural portion 10.

[0174] (Seventh embodiment)

[0175] Figure 21 The seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is another modified example of the first embodiment. In the acoustic sensor device 100 of the seventh embodiment, a plurality of MEMS microphones 70 are mounted on a circuit substrate 80. The circuit substrate 80 is provided with the same number of amplifier circuit sections 85 as the number of MEMS microphones 70 mounted thereon (see FIG. Figure 7 ) and the communication interface 86 (see Figure 7 The circuit board 80 is disposed in the vehicle interior space 36 formed integrally with the sensor housing 30 so as to close the plurality of closed spaces 34 from the vehicle interior side SN.

[0176] As in the seventh embodiment, if the circuit substrate 80 connected to the MEMS microphone 70 is connected to one, the structure of the acoustic sensor device 100 can be simplified. As a result, the cost of the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure can be reduced. In addition, it is also possible to connect the piezoelectric sensor 270 (see Figure 11 ) The circuit substrates 80 connected are connected into one structure.

[0177] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0178] Figure 22The eighth embodiment of the present disclosure shown is a variation of the seventh embodiment. In the acoustic sensor device 100 of the eighth embodiment, multiple MEMS microphones 70 are mounted on a circuit substrate 80 at closely spaced intervals. The multiple MEMS microphones 70 can be arranged in a row or in a two-dimensional array. Furthermore, piezoelectric sensors 270 can be placed on the sound-collecting surface of the enclosed space instead of the MEMS microphones 70. Furthermore, both the MEMS microphones 70 and the piezoelectric sensors 270 can be arranged in conjunction with each other. For example, MEMS microphones 70 can be placed in odd-numbered rows of the two-dimensional array, and piezoelectric sensors 270 can be placed in even-numbered rows.

[0179] The housing body 40 is formed with a plurality of enclosed spaces 34 corresponding to the arrangement of the MEMS microphones 70. As in the first embodiment, the enclosed spaces 34 are enclosed by the circuit board 80 and the substrate fixing material 88, making them acoustically independent of each other. The circuit board 80 is formed with a plurality of sound holes 81 continuous with each enclosed space 34 in the portion of the vehicle exterior side SG that serves as each exterior sound collecting surface 71. This configuration of the eighth embodiment enables the direction of a sound source to be estimated with greater accuracy.

[0180] (Ninth embodiment)

[0181] Figure 23 The ninth embodiment of the present disclosure shown is another modified example of the first embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, the connector portion 38 (see Figure 2 The detection signal of the MEMS microphone 70 is output to the ECU 90 via the output pin 184 provided on the circuit board 80 and the harness 39 (see Figure 7 ) etc. The harness 39 is electrically connected to the output pin 184 by welding or crimping. In addition to the output pin 184 and harness 39 for outputting the detection signal, an output pin 184 and harness 39 for connecting to the power line of the circuit board 80 and supplying power may also be provided.

[0182] The in-vehicle sensor installation structure of the ninth embodiment further includes a clamping member 160. Clamping member 160 is formed of a resin material into a cylindrical shape. Clamping member 160 is positioned near acoustic sensor device 100 and is retained by exterior structure 10 along with acoustic sensor device 100. Clamping member 160 is adhered to rear inner surface 12 or upper inner surface 14 via adhesive layer 120.

[0183] The clamping member 160 includes a cylindrical clamping wall 161. A planar clamping and adhesive surface 162 is provided on the outer circumference of the clamping wall 161. The clamping and adhesive surface 162 is secured to the rear inner side surface 12 or the upper inner side surface 14 via an adhesive layer 120. Adhesive layer 120, like adhesive layer 20, is formed from double-sided tape or an adhesive material. A vibration damping material 164 is disposed on the inner circumference of the clamping wall 161.

[0184] The vibration damping material 164 is formed into a columnar shape from a sponge or other material. It is in close contact with the inner circumference of the clamping wall 161. A harness hole 165 is provided in the vibration damping material 164. The harness hole 165 is an elongated through-hole extending axially through the vibration damping material 164. The harness 39 used for power supply and signal transmission passes through the harness hole 165.

[0185] Clamping member 160 secures wire harness 39 to exterior structure 10. The portion where clamping member 160 contacts wire harness 39 serves as vibration damping material 164. Vibration damping material 164 provides a sound-absorbing and vibration-damping effect on wire harness 39. This prevents vehicle vibrations from being transmitted from wire harness 39 to circuit board 80 and detected by MEMS microphone 70.

[0186] (Tenth embodiment)

[0187] Figure 24 The tenth embodiment of the present disclosure is another variation of the first embodiment. In the acoustic sensor device 100 of the tenth embodiment, the sensor housing 30 includes a front cover 150 in addition to the housing body 40 and the back cover 50. The front cover 150 is attached to the end surface of the housing body 40 facing the vehicle's outer side SG using adhesive or welding. The front cover 150 is provided with a mounting bottom wall 41 and an adhesive surface 31. The front cover 150, together with the housing body 40 and the circuit board 80, defines a closed space 34.

[0188] The housing body 40 has a tapered upper peripheral wall portion 44a. The upper peripheral wall portion 44a decreases the cross-sectional area of ​​the enclosed space 34 as it moves from the attachment surface 31 toward the exterior sound collection surface 71. The shape of the upper peripheral wall portion 44a gives the enclosed space 34 a partial cone or quadrangular pyramidal shape.

[0189] In the tenth embodiment described so far, the tapered upper peripheral wall portion 44a forms a horn structure within the sensor housing 30. This allows the directivity of sound detection to be directed outward. As a result, external sound is more effectively collected within the enclosed space 34, thereby improving the sensitivity of the MEMS microphone 70. In the tenth embodiment, the upper peripheral wall portion 44a corresponds to the "peripheral wall portion."

[0190] In addition, Figure 25In the acoustic sensor device 100 of the modified example of the tenth embodiment shown in FIG, the MEMS microphone 70 (see Figure 24 ), the piezoelectric sensor 270 is mounted on the front surface of the circuit substrate 80. In addition, the closed space 34 accommodates an acoustic matching material 135 formed into a partial cone or a partial quadrangular pyramid. The acoustic matching material 135 can transmit the sound or vibration transmitted to the mounting bottom wall 41 to the vehicle exterior sound collecting surface 71 more efficiently than air. Therefore, in the eleventh embodiment, effective sound collection in the closed space 34 can also be performed, so that the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 270 can be improved.

[0191] (Eleventh embodiment)

[0192] Figure 26 as well as Figure 27 The eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure is another modified example of the first embodiment. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of the eleventh embodiment is installed in a side mirror Ps1 of a vehicle Ve. An acoustic sensor device 100 is housed in a housing 15 of the side mirror Ps1. The acoustic sensor device 100 uses the mirror member of the side mirror Ps1 as an exterior structural portion 10 and is mounted on the rear surface (rear inner surface 12) of the mirror member.

[0193] As in the eleventh embodiment, by using a hard glass mirror member as the external structure 10, the mirror member functions as an antenna for receiving the sound from the rear Go. As a result, the piezoelectric sensor 270 (or MEMS microphone 70, see Figure 2 Therefore, the mirror member is used as the vehicle-mounted sensor of the exterior structure 10, and the mounting structure of the acoustic sensor device 100 is suitable for detecting sound and vibration.

[0194] (Other Embodiments)

[0195] Although a plurality of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0196] exist Figure 28In Variation 1 of the second embodiment shown above, the roof panel of the vehicle Ve, which serves as the exterior structure 10, is curved to convexly face upward Ue (outboard side SG) for drainage. In the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of Variation 1, two acoustic sensor devices 100, based on the basic structure of the first embodiment, are arranged in the left-right direction. The attachment surface 31 of each acoustic sensor device 100 is attached to the upper inner side surface 14 at an angle relative to the horizontal, in accordance with the curvature of the exterior structure 10. At least a portion of the gap created between the flat attachment surface 31 and the curved upper inner side surface 14 is filled by the deformation of the adhesive layer 20. According to Variation 1 above, the acoustic sensor device 100 can be securely attached to a curved exterior structure 10 without requiring any special processing.

[0197] And, in Figure 29 In the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of the modified example 2 shown in FIG, two acoustic sensor devices 100 are connected by an adhesive layer 20 formed of a double-sided tape or the like. Figure 30 In the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of the third modified example shown, two acoustic sensor devices 100 are connected by a single adhesive layer 20 and a flexible connecting member 22. In the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structures of the second and third modified examples, by bending the adhesive layer 20 and the connecting member 22 between the two acoustic sensor devices 100, each adhesive surface 31 can follow the curved outer structure 10 (see FIG. Figure 28 ).

[0198] exist Figure 31 as well as Figure 32 In the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structures of Modifications 4 and 5 shown, the sensor housing 30 is secured to the curved outer structural portion 10 via a retaining member 60. The retaining member 60 is adhered to the upper inner surface 14 via an adhesive layer 20. The inner space 16 formed between the mounting bottom wall 41 and the upper inner surface 14 is divided into multiple sections and sealed by sealing members 24. Sealing members 24 are formed from rubber or foam material, for example. Sealing members 24 prevent water and the like from entering the inner space 16.

[0199] Figure 31 The acoustic sensor device 100 of Modification 4 shown here includes multiple MEMS microphones 70. A recess 43 formed in the mounting bottom wall 41 of the sensor housing 30 extends through the mounting bottom wall 41 in the thickness direction. Recess 43 functions as a sound hole connecting the enclosed space 34 with the back space 16. The sound hole formed by recess 43 is provided with a membrane, etc., that transmits sound but does not transmit air or moisture.

[0200] Figure 32The acoustic sensor device 100 of the modified example 5 shown is a structure including a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 270. The recess 43 is not provided on the mounting bottom wall 41 to which the piezoelectric sensors 270 are attached (see FIG. Figure 31 Acoustic matching material 17 is housed in inner space 16 defined between mounting bottom wall 41 and rear inner surface 12. Acoustic matching material 17 can transmit sound or vibration transmitted to outer structure 10 to mounting bottom wall 41 more efficiently than air. Alternatively, adhesive or other material may be used in inner space 16 instead of acoustic matching material 17.

[0201] exist Figure 33 In the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of Modification 6 shown, multiple sensor housings 30 are fixed to the curved outer structural portion 10 via a retaining member 60. The retaining member 60 is adhered to the upper inner surface 14 via an adhesive layer 120. Each sensor housing 30 is inserted into a fixing hole 18 defined by the retaining member 60 and the sealing member 24 and is retained by the upper inner surface 14 within the fixing hole 18 via an adhesive layer 20.

[0202] exist Figure 34 In the seventh modification of the second embodiment, the structure of the piezoelectric sensor 270 is changed. In the piezoelectric sensor 270 of the seventh modification, the metal plate 275 (see Figure 9 The piezoelectric element 270 a of the piezoelectric sensor 270 is housed in the closed space 34 and is adhered to the inner bottom wall surface 42 of the mounting bottom wall 41 by means of a double-sided tape or the like.

[0203] In addition, Figure 35 In the eighth modification shown, a piezoelectric sensor 270 including a single-body diaphragm composed of a piezoelectric element 270a and a metal plate 275 is attached to a step portion 44c spaced apart from the mounting bottom wall 41 by an adhesive member such as double-sided tape.

[0204] And, in Figure 36 In the ninth variation shown, the metal plate 275 of the piezoelectric sensor 270 forms the mounting bottom wall 41. The metal plate 275 seals the opening provided in the housing body 40 and, together with the housing body 40 and other components, constitutes the sensor housing 30. The metal plate 275 is exposed from the sensor housing 30 and is directly affixed to the exterior structural portion 10 using double-sided tape or the like. In this ninth variation, sound is efficiently transmitted from the exterior structural portion 10 to the exterior sound-collecting surface 71, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 270.

[0205] exist Figure 37In the modified example 10 shown, the adhesive layer 20 is divided to form an inner space 16 between the mounting bottom wall 41 and the rear inner side surface 12. The inner space 16 is sealed by the adhesive layer 20. The adhesive layer 20 can prevent water and the like from entering the inner space 16. Figure 1 Similarly, recess 43 is a through-hole extending through mounting bottom wall 41. Recess 43 connects rear space 16 with enclosed space 34, functioning as a sound hole. Even in this modification 10, the sensitivity of MEMS microphone 70 can be improved. Alternatively, instead of mounting bottom wall 41 having multiple sound holes, mounting bottom wall 41 can be formed from a fabric material that allows sound to pass while not allowing water to pass through, in other words, a fabric material that combines waterproofness and moisture permeability (e.g., Gore-Tex, a registered trademark).

[0206] Alternatively, you can Figure 38 As shown in Modification 11, a film-like protective sheet 42a made of sound-permeable fiber, rubber, resin, or the like that is impermeable to water and dust is adhered to the inner bottom wall 42. The protective sheet 42a seals the inside of the recess 43. This structure prevents water, dust, and the like from entering the enclosed space 34 before attachment to the exterior structure 10.

[0207] And, you can also Figure 39 As in the illustrated modification 12, the outside of the through hole, ie, the recess 43 is sealed by an adhesive layer 20 made of a double-sided tape or the like.

[0208] And, in Figure 40 In the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure of Modification 13 of the second embodiment, three acoustic sensor devices 100 are arranged in a front-to-back, left-to-right, and right-to-left arrangement. As in Modification 13, by arranging three or more acoustic sensor devices 100 (sound detection sensor units) staggered in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, the direction of the sound source can be estimated.

[0209] (Disclosure of technical ideas)

[0210] This specification discloses multiple technical concepts described in the following multiple items. Some items are sometimes described by selectively citing a multiple dependent form of a previous item in a subsequent item. Also, some items are sometimes described by referring to a multiple dependent form of another multiple dependent form. Items described in these multiple dependent forms define multiple technical concepts.

[0211] (Technical Thought 1)

[0212] A vehicle-mounted sensor arrangement structure, comprising:

[0213] An external structure portion (10) has a rear outer surface (11) and is plate-shaped, wherein the rear outer surface (11) is exposed to the outside of the vehicle (Ve) in a posture facing the rear of the vehicle; and

[0214] An acoustic sensor device (100) comprises a sensor housing (30) and a sound detection sensor portion (70, 270), wherein the sensor housing (30) is retained on a rear inner side surface (12) which is the inner side of the rear outer surface in the outer structural portion, and the sound detection sensor portion (70, 270) is housed in the sensor housing in a posture where an exterior sound collecting surface (71) faces the exterior structural portion, and the exterior sound collecting surface (71) detects sound coming from outside the vehicle and vibrations within the exterior structural portion.

[0215] (Technical Thought 2)

[0216] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in Technical Idea 1,

[0217] The sensor housing is provided with a flat adhesive surface (31).

[0218] The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure further comprises a film-shaped adhesive layer (20) for holding the sticking surface on the rear inner side surface.

[0219] (Technical Thought 3)

[0220] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in Technical Idea 2,

[0221] The outer structure is formed of glass.

[0222] (Technical Thought 4)

[0223] A vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure, comprising:

[0224] An external structure portion (10) has an upper outer surface (13) and is plate-shaped, wherein the upper outer surface (13) is exposed to the outside of the vehicle (Ve) in an attitude facing upward; and

[0225] A thin film adhesive layer (20) holds the acoustic sensor device (100) on the upper inner side surface (14) which is the inner side of the upper outer surface in the above-mentioned external structural part. The above-mentioned acoustic sensor device (100) has a sensor housing (30) and a sound detection sensor part (70, 270). The above-mentioned sensor housing (30) is held on the above-mentioned upper inner side surface (14). The above-mentioned sound detection sensor part (70, 270) is housed in the above-mentioned sensor housing in a posture in which the vehicle's outside sound collection surface (71) faces the above-mentioned external structural part. The vehicle's outside sound collection surface (71) detects sound coming from the outside of the above-mentioned vehicle and vibration in the above-mentioned external structural part.

[0226] (Technical Thought 5)

[0227] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in Technical Idea 4,

[0228] The sensor housing is provided with an adhesive surface (31),

[0229] The adhesive layer holds the sticking surface on the upper inner surface.

[0230] (Technical Thought 6)

[0231] A vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure, comprising:

[0232] An external structure portion (10) has an upper outer surface (13) and is plate-shaped, wherein the upper outer surface (13) is exposed to the outside of the vehicle (Ve) in an attitude facing upward; and

[0233] The retaining member (60) retains the acoustic sensor device (100) on the upper inner side surface (14) which is the inner side of the upper outer surface in the outer structural portion. The acoustic sensor device (100) comprises a sensor housing (30) and a sound detection sensor portion (70, 270). The sensor housing (30) is retained on the upper inner side surface (14). The sound detection sensor portion (70, 270) is housed in the sensor housing in a posture where an exterior sound collecting surface (71) faces the outer structural portion. The exterior sound collecting surface (71) detects sound coming from outside the vehicle and vibrations within the outer structural portion.

[0234] (Technical Thought 7)

[0235] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 6,

[0236] The acoustic sensor device includes a plurality of the sound detection sensor units.

[0237] (Technical Thought 8)

[0238] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 7,

[0239] The acoustic sensor device includes a plurality of the sound detection sensor units arranged in a horizontal direction of the vehicle.

[0240] (Technical Thought 9)

[0241] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in technical idea 7 or 8,

[0242] The detection signals outputted from the plurality of the above-mentioned sound detection sensor units are inputted into a signal processing device (90),

[0243] The signal processing device performs signal processing based on signal differences between the plurality of detection signals.

[0244] (Technical Thought 10)

[0245] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in any one of technical ideas 7 to 9,

[0246] The sensor housing is provided with a shielding wall (45) for separating the plurality of sound detection sensor parts.

[0247] (Technical Thought 11)

[0248] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in technical idea 10,

[0249] The shielding wall is provided with a hollow soundproof space (46a) or a soundproof space filled with a sound absorbing material for separating the plurality of sound detection sensor parts.

[0250] (Technical Thought 12)

[0251] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 9,

[0252] The above-mentioned acoustic sensor device has:

[0253] a first sound detection sensor unit serving as the sound detection sensor unit; and

[0254] The second sound detection sensor unit (170, 370) includes an interior sound collecting surface (73) for detecting sound coming from the interior of the vehicle.

[0255] (Technical Thought 13)

[0256] According to the vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 10,

[0257] The acoustic sensor device further includes a holding member (60) including a surrounding wall (61) surrounding the sensor housing and a holding portion (62) held by the external structure portion.

[0258] (Technical Thought 14)

[0259] An acoustic sensor device is held on a plate-shaped exterior structure (10) of a vehicle, wherein the acoustic sensor device comprises:

[0260] A sound detection sensor unit (70, 270) having a sound collecting surface (71) for detecting sound and vibration within the external structure; and

[0261] The sensor housing (30) is held on the inner side surfaces (12, 14) of the outer structure portion by an adhesive layer (20) and houses the sound detection sensor portion with the sound collecting surface along the inner side surfaces.

[0262] (Technical Thought 15)

[0263] According to the acoustic sensor device described in technical idea 14,

[0264] The sensor housing is provided with an adhesive surface (31),

[0265] The adhesive layer is in the form of a film, and holds the adhesive surface on the inner side surface (12, 14) of the outer structure portion.

[0266] (Technical Thought 16)

[0267] According to the acoustic sensor device described in technical idea 15,

[0268] The sensor housing defines a hollow sound collecting space (34) between the adhesive surface and the sound collecting surface.

[0269] (Technical Thought 17)

[0270] According to the acoustic sensor device described in technical idea 16,

[0271] It also includes a plate-shaped circuit substrate (80) on which the sound detection sensor unit is mounted and housed in the sensor housing.

[0272] The circuit substrate and the sensor housing cooperate to define the hollow sound collecting space.

[0273] (Technical Thought 18)

[0274] According to the acoustic sensor device described in technical idea 17,

[0275] The sound detection sensor unit is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board, which is opposite to the front surface facing the hollow sound collecting space.

[0276] A through hole (81) is formed in a portion of the circuit substrate between the sound collecting surface and the hollow sound collecting space. The through hole (81) penetrates the circuit substrate in a thickness direction.

[0277] (Technical Thought 19)

[0278] According to the acoustic sensor device described in technical idea 17 or 18,

[0279] A back side sound insulation material (37) is also provided. The back side sound insulation material (37) is accommodated in the sensor housing and is arranged on the opposite side of the hollow sound collecting space across the circuit substrate.

[0280] (Technical Thought 20)

[0281] The acoustic sensor device according to any one of technical ideas 16 to 19, wherein:

[0282] The sensor housing has a tapered peripheral wall portion (44a) which reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow sound collecting space as it moves from the pasting surface toward the sound collecting surface.

[0283] (Technical Thought 21)

[0284] The acoustic sensor device according to any one of technical ideas 16 to 19, wherein:

[0285] The sensor housing has a mounting wall (41) forming the sticking surface.

[0286] A hole portion (43) is formed on the installation wall, facing the hollow sound collecting space and reducing the thickness of the installation wall.

[0287] (Technical Thought 22)

[0288] The acoustic sensor device according to any one of technical ideas 16, 18, and 19, wherein:

[0289] The sound detection sensor portion includes a piezoelectric element (270a) held by a mounting wall (41) of the sensor housing forming the pasting surface.

[0290] (Technical Thought 23)

[0291] According to the acoustic sensor device described in technical idea 22, further comprising:

[0292] A plate-shaped circuit substrate (80) is housed in the sensor housing and cooperates with the sensor housing to divide the hollow sound collecting space; and

[0293] The connecting portion (87) is partially embedded in the sensor housing and electrically connects the piezoelectric element to the circuit substrate.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted sensor arrangement structure, wherein: have: An external structure portion (10) has a rear outer surface (11) and is plate-shaped, wherein the rear outer surface (11) is exposed to the outside of the vehicle (Ve) in a posture facing the rear of the vehicle; and An acoustic sensor device (100) comprises a sensor housing (30) and a sound detection sensor portion (70, 270), wherein the sensor housing (30) is retained on a rear inner side surface (12) which is the inner side of the rear outer surface in the outer structural portion, and the sound detection sensor portion (70, 270) is housed in the sensor housing in a posture where an exterior sound collecting surface (71) faces the exterior structural portion, and the exterior sound collecting surface (71) detects sound coming from outside the vehicle and vibrations within the exterior structural portion.

2. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor housing is provided with an adhesive surface (31), The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure further comprises a film-shaped adhesive layer (20) for holding the sticking surface on the rear inner side surface.

3. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to claim 2, wherein: The outer structure is formed of glass.

4. A vehicle-mounted sensor arrangement structure, wherein: have: The outer structure (10) has an upper outer surface (13) and is plate-shaped, wherein the upper outer surface (13) is exposed to the outside of the vehicle (Ve) in an upward direction. as well as A thin film adhesive layer (20) holds the acoustic sensor device (100) on the upper inner side surface (14) which is the inner side of the upper outer surface in the above-mentioned external structural part. The above-mentioned acoustic sensor device (100) has a sensor housing (30) and a sound detection sensor part (70, 270). The above-mentioned sensor housing (30) is held on the above-mentioned upper inner side surface. The above-mentioned sound detection sensor part (70, 270) is housed in the above-mentioned sensor housing in a posture in which the vehicle's outside sound collection surface (71) faces the above-mentioned external structural part. The vehicle's outside sound collection surface (71) detects sound coming from the outside of the above-mentioned vehicle and vibration in the above-mentioned external structural part.

5. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to claim 4, wherein: The sensor housing is provided with an adhesive surface (31), The adhesive layer holds the sticking surface on the upper inner surface.

6. A vehicle-mounted sensor arrangement structure, wherein: have: An external structure portion (10) has an upper outer surface (13) and is plate-shaped, wherein the upper outer surface (13) is exposed to the outside of the vehicle (Ve) in an attitude facing upward; and The retaining member (60) retains the acoustic sensor device (100) on the upper inner side surface (14) which is the inner side of the upper outer surface in the outer structural portion. The acoustic sensor device (100) comprises a sensor housing (30) and a sound detection sensor portion (70, 270). The sensor housing (30) is retained on the upper inner side surface. The sound detection sensor portion (70, 270) is housed in the sensor housing with an outer sound collecting surface (71) facing the outer structural portion. The outer sound collecting surface (71) detects sound coming from outside the vehicle and vibrations in the outer structural portion.

7. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein: The acoustic sensor device includes a plurality of the sound detection sensor units.

8. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein: The acoustic sensor device includes a plurality of the sound detection sensor units arranged in a horizontal direction of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to claim 7, wherein: The detection signals outputted from the plurality of the sound detection sensor units are inputted into a signal processing device (90). The signal processing device performs signal processing based on signal differences between the plurality of detection signals.

10. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to claim 7, wherein: The sensor housing is provided with a shielding wall (45) for separating the plurality of sound detection sensor parts.

11. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to claim 10, wherein: The shielding wall is provided with a hollow soundproof space (46a) or a soundproof space filled with a sound absorbing material for separating the plurality of sound detection sensor parts.

12. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 6, wherein: The above-mentioned acoustic sensor device has: a first sound detection sensor unit serving as the sound detection sensor unit; as well as The second sound detection sensor unit (170, 370) includes an interior sound collecting surface (73) for detecting sound coming from the interior of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle-mounted sensor installation structure according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: The acoustic sensor device further includes a holding member (60) including a surrounding wall (61) surrounding the sensor housing and a holding portion (62) held by the external structure portion.

14. An acoustic sensor device held on a plate-shaped exterior structural portion (10) of a vehicle, wherein: The acoustic sensor device comprises: A sound detection sensor unit (70, 270) having a sound collecting surface (71) for detecting sound and vibration within the external structure; and The sensor housing (30) is held on the inner side surfaces (12, 14) of the outer structure by an adhesive layer (20) and houses the sound detection sensor portion with the sound collecting surface along the inner side surfaces.

15. The acoustic sensor device according to claim 14, wherein The sensor housing is provided with an adhesive surface (31), The adhesive layer is in the form of a film, and holds the adhesive surface on the inner side surface (12, 14) of the outer structure portion.

16. The acoustic sensor device according to claim 15, wherein The sensor housing defines a hollow sound collecting space (34) between the adhesive surface and the sound collecting surface.

17. The acoustic sensor device according to claim 16, wherein: It also includes a plate-shaped circuit substrate (80) on which the sound detection sensor unit is mounted and housed in the sensor housing. The circuit substrate and the sensor housing cooperate to define the hollow sound collecting space.

18. The acoustic sensor device according to claim 17, wherein The sound detection sensor unit is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board, which is opposite to the front surface facing the hollow sound collecting space. A through hole (81) is formed in a portion of the circuit substrate between the sound collecting surface and the hollow sound collecting space. The through hole (81) penetrates the circuit substrate in a thickness direction.

19. The acoustic sensor device according to claim 17, wherein: A back side sound insulation material (37) is also provided. The back side sound insulation material (37) is accommodated in the sensor housing and is arranged on the opposite side of the hollow sound collecting space across the circuit substrate.

20. The acoustic sensor device of claim 16, wherein: The sensor housing has a tapered peripheral wall portion (44a) which reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow sound collecting space as it moves from the pasting surface toward the sound collecting surface.

21. The acoustic sensor device of claim 16, wherein: The sensor housing has a mounting wall (41) forming the sticking surface. A hole portion (43) is formed on the installation wall, facing the hollow sound collecting space and reducing the thickness of the installation wall.

22. The acoustic sensor device according to any one of claims 16, 18 and 19, wherein: The sound detection sensor portion includes a piezoelectric element (270a) held by a mounting wall (41) of the sensor housing forming the pasting surface.

23. The acoustic sensor device of claim 22, wherein: Also features: A plate-shaped circuit substrate (80) is housed in the sensor housing and cooperates with the sensor housing to divide the hollow sound collecting space; and The connecting portion (87) is partially embedded in the sensor housing and electrically connects the piezoelectric element to the circuit substrate.

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