Vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle-mounted radar device attachment structure capable of improving the output of radar waves and preventing the suppression of the degree of freedom with respect to a design surface. A vehicle-mounted radar device attachment structure (10) is provided with: a bumper cover (14) provided with a recess (14B) having a recessed inner side; a bracket part (30) which is disposed in the recessed part (14B) and is capable of attaching a vehicle-mounted radar device (20), which transmits and receives radar waves, to the bumper cover (14); and a cover section (40) that has a ridge line (40A) that overlaps the central axis (D) of the radar waves, and that covers the recessed section (14B) and the vehicle-mounted radar device (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an installation structure for a vehicle-mounted radar device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 disclosed a structure for mounting an onboard laser device on the back of a bumper cover via a bracket.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-37139 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to install the vehicle-mounted laser device on the corners and other sharp edges of the vehicle's exterior design, which may restrict the degree of freedom of the exterior design surface. On the other hand, since the shorter the distance from the central axis of the radar wave to the exterior design surface, the greater the radio wave transmittance, and the more symmetrical the exterior design surface is on the central axis, the higher the output value of the transmitted and received radar waves, there is room for improvement in the shape of the bumper cover.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to obtain a vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure that can improve the output of radar waves and prevent the restriction of the degree of freedom of appearance design.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The vehicle radar device mounting structure of the present invention described in technical solution 1 includes: a bumper cover having a recessed portion with its inner side recessed; a bracket portion disposed in the recessed portion and capable of mounting a vehicle radar device that transmits and receives radar waves on the bumper cover; and a cover portion having a ridge line that overlaps with the central axis of the radar wave and covers the recessed portion and the vehicle radar device.

[0011] In the vehicle radar device mounting structure of the present invention described in technical solution 1, the vehicle radar device is mounted in a recess via a bracket portion. This recess is provided on a bumper cover, and a cover portion having a ridge line overlapping the central axis of the radar waves transmitted and received by the vehicle radar device covers both the recess and the vehicle radar device. Therefore, by providing the recess on the ridge line portion such as the corner of the bumper cover, the vehicle radar device can be mounted at the corner of the vehicle's exterior design, thus preventing restriction on the freedom of the exterior design surface. Furthermore, since the cover portion covers the recess and the vehicle radar device in such a way that the ridge line of the cover portion overlaps with the central axis of the radar waves transmitted and received by the vehicle radar device, the exterior design surfaces located on both sides, sandwiching the ridge line, can be positioned on both sides, sandwiching the central axis of the radar waves. Thus, compared to a cover portion having a ridge line overlapping the central axis of the radar waves, a cover portion having a ridge line overlapping the central axis of the radar waves can symmetrically form the exterior design surfaces along the central axis of the radar waves, thereby improving the output of the radar waves.

[0012] The vehicle radar device installation structure described in technical solution 2 is such that, in the structure described in technical solution 1, the ridge line extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0013] In the vehicle radar device mounting structure of the present invention described in technical solution 2, since the ridge line of the cover extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle, the appearance design of the corner of the vehicle can be maintained.

[0014] The vehicle-mounted radar device installation structure described in technical solution 3 is such that, in the structure described in technical solution 1 or technical solution 2, the ridge line is a straight line with the appearance design surfaces located on both sides of the ridge line as linearly symmetrical.

[0015] In the vehicle-mounted radar device installation structure of the present invention described in technical solution 3, since the ridge line overlapping with the central axis of the radar wave is designed with the appearance design surface located on both sides of the ridge line as linearly symmetrical, the output of the radar wave can be further improved.

[0016] The vehicle radar device installation structure described in technical solution 4 is such that, in any one of the technical solutions 1 to 3, the bumper cover is a rear bumper cover installed on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0017] In the vehicle radar device mounting structure of the present invention described in technical solution 4, since the bumper cover is a rear bumper cover installed on the rear side of the vehicle, the output of the transmitted and received radar waves can be increased on the rear side of the vehicle, and the restriction on the degree of freedom of the appearance design surface of the rear of the vehicle can be prevented.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] As explained above, the vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure according to the present invention has the excellent effect of improving radar wave output and preventing restriction on the degree of freedom of appearance design. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the main part of the lower right rear section of a vehicle to which the sensor mounting structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0021] Figure 2 To approach from the rear side of the vehicle with the cover removed Figure 1 A summary perspective view of the main part of the lower right rear of the vehicle.

[0022] Figure 3 To allow for side views from the rear of the vehicle while the cover is installed. Figure 1 A summary perspective view of the main part of the lower right rear of the vehicle.

[0023] Figure 4 To illustrate along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the state after the IV-IV line has been cut.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the radio wave transmittance of a sensor used for detecting ambient information.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between the direction from the center of the radar wave and the signal strength. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, the sensor mounting structure 10, which is an embodiment of the vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure according to the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the arrow RR, appropriately shown in the drawings, indicates the rear side in the vehicle's front-rear direction, and the arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vehicle's vertical direction. Furthermore, the arrow RH indicates the right side (outer side) in the vehicle's width direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, only the front-rear, vertical, and left-right directions will be used in the description, referring to the front-rear direction, the vertical direction, and the left-right direction (vehicle width direction).

[0027] First, as an example, the sensor mounting structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted at the left and right corners of the rear exterior design of a vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 is, as an example, an electric vehicle (BEV), a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that operates using power generated by a power unit.

[0028] Furthermore, although the sensor mounting structure 10 applied to the lower rear part of the right side of the vehicle 12 will be described below in this embodiment, the sensor mounting structure applied to the lower rear part of the left side of the vehicle 12 is a left-right symmetrical structure relative to the structure of this embodiment. Therefore, by setting the left side in the vehicle width direction as the outer side in the vehicle width direction and setting the right side of the vehicle as the center side in the vehicle width direction, the present invention can be applied.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the main portion of the lower right rear part of a vehicle 12 that utilizes the sensor mounting structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The image schematically shows the main part of the lower right rear section of vehicle 12. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the sensor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment is applied to the rear of the vehicle 12. Specifically, the sensor mounting structure 10 is applied to the corners on both sides of the rear of the vehicle 12 in the vehicle width direction. The sensor mounting structure 10 includes a rear bumper cover 14, a bracket portion 30 capable of mounting a peripheral information detection sensor 20 on the rear bumper cover 14, and a cover portion 40.

[0030] The rear bumper cover 14 is positioned at the rear end of the vehicle 12. As an example, the rear bumper cover 14 extends along the width direction of the vehicle below the tailgate (not shown) that opens and closes the luggage compartment (not shown). The rear bumper cover 14 is mounted on the body that forms the frame of the vehicle 12 via a bracket (not shown) or the like. In this embodiment, the rear bumper cover 14 has a first recess 14A with a generally triangular shape at the corners on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle, and a second recess 14B with a generally pentagonal shape further provided on the first recess 14A.

[0031] The first recess 14A and the second recess 14B are provided on the rear bumper cover 14 in such a way that they are recessed inward (left side) in the vehicle width direction. As an example, the first recess 14A and the second recess 14B are formed at the corners of the rear bumper cover 14 along the extension line of the bumper ridge 14C that transitions from the rear surface of the vehicle to the right side of the vehicle. As an example, four mounting holes 14E are provided on the bottom 14D of the second recess 14B.

[0032] The bracket portion 30 includes a bracket body 30A on which a peripheral information detection sensor 20 is mounted, and four extension portions 30D extending outward from the bracket body 30A and having holes 30C corresponding to the four mounting holes 14E of the second recess 14B. Furthermore, as an example for mounting the peripheral information detection sensor 20, the bracket body 30A has two sensor mounting holes 30B at its upper part in the vertical direction of the vehicle when mounted on the second recess 14B.

[0033] The surrounding information detection sensor 20 is a sensor that detects surrounding information of the vehicle 12. Located at the rear corner of the vehicle 12, the surrounding information detection sensor 20 detects objects such as pedestrians, other vehicles, and structures located behind the vehicle. For example, the surrounding information detection sensor 20 uses millimeter-wave radar to detect vehicles behind the vehicle. Specifically, the surrounding information detection sensor 20 is configured to emit millimeter-wave radio waves and receive radio waves reflected by objects within the emission range, calculating the position of the object based on the time from the emission of the radio waves to their reception. That is, the surrounding information detection sensor 20 in this embodiment is a lidar (LIDAR) system that uses electromagnetic waves that function as radar waves for illumination. In this embodiment, as an example, the surrounding information detection sensor 20 uses a blind spot monitor (BSM).

[0034] When the peripheral information detection sensor 20 is installed in the recess 14A, it has two holes 20B at the upper part of the vehicle in the vertical direction, which are respectively corresponding to the two sensor mounting holes 30B provided on the bracket part 30.

[0035] The cover portion 40 has a cover ridge line 40A that extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle when mounted on the rear bumper cover 14. The cover portion 40 has a shape substantially the same as the first recess 14A of the rear bumper cover 14 described above, and is formed by a plate member with a generally triangular shape having a apex at the bottom. The cover ridge line 40A is a straight line that makes the exterior design surfaces located on both sides of the cover ridge line 40A, namely the right exterior design surface 40B and the rear exterior design surface 40C, which are located on both sides, substantially linearly symmetrical.

[0036] Figure 2 To approach from the rear side of the vehicle with the cover 40 removed. Figure 1 A summary perspective view of the main part of the lower right rear section of vehicle 12. Figure 3 To allow for side views from the rear of the vehicle while the cover 40 is installed. Figure 1 A summary perspective view of the main part of the lower right rear section of vehicle 12 was taken. Furthermore, Figure 4 To illustrate along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the state after the IV-IV line has been cut.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, a bracket portion 30 is installed in the second recess 14B of the rear bumper cover 14, and a peripheral information detection sensor 20 is mounted on the bracket portion 30. The peripheral information detection sensor 20 is accessed through two holes 20B provided on the peripheral information detection sensor 20 (see reference). Figure 1 ) and two sensor mounting holes 30B provided on the bracket part 30 (refer to Figure 1 As an example, the threaded part 50 is screwed together in an overlapping state and thus mounted on the bracket part 30.

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the bracket portion 30 is mounted on the rear bumper cover 14 by screwing the threaded component 50 together, for example, in an orientation where the hole 30C provided on the extension portion 30D overlaps with the mounting hole 14E provided on the bottom 14D of the second recess 14B. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the bracket 30 is mounted on the rear bumper cover 14 in such a way that the central axis D of the radar wave emitted by the peripheral information detection sensor 20 when viewed from above the vehicle overlaps with the bumper ridge line C of the rear bumper cover 14.

[0039] Moreover, such as Figure 3As shown, with the surrounding information detection sensor 20 installed, the cover 40 is mounted on the first recess 14A of the rear bumper cover 14. Specifically, the cover 40 is mounted such that the cover ridge line 40A and the bumper ridge line 14C are approximately on the same line. That is, as... Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from above the vehicle, the bumper ridge line 14C, the cover ridge line 40A, and the radar wave's central axis D overlap. Furthermore, as an example, the cover 40 is joined via a bracket 42 and other means, including threaded components and bolts.

[0040] (Functions and effects)

[0041] Next, the function and effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0042] In the sensor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment, the peripheral information detection sensor 20 is mounted in the second recess 14B provided on the rear bumper cover 14 via the bracket portion 30. Furthermore, the cover portion 40, having a cover ridge line 40A that overlaps with the central axis D of the radar waves transmitted and received by the peripheral information detection sensor 20, covers the second recess 14B and the peripheral information detection sensor 20. Therefore, by providing the second recess 14B at the corner of the rear bumper cover 14, such as at the bumper ridge line 14C, the peripheral information detection sensor 20 can be mounted at the corner of the vehicle 12's exterior design, thus preventing restriction of the degree of freedom in the exterior design. Furthermore, since the cover 40 covers the second recess 14B and the peripheral information detection sensor 20 in such a way that the cover edge 40A of the cover 40 overlaps with the central axis D of the radar waves transmitted and received by the peripheral information detection sensor 20, the appearance design surfaces 40B and 40C, which are located on both sides sandwiching the cover edge 40A, are located on both sides sandwiching the central axis D of the radar waves.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the radio wave transmittance of the ambient information detection sensor 20. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, relative to the cover portion 40 of this embodiment, which has symmetrical design surfaces 40B and 40C about the central axis D of the radar wave, the cover portion 60, indicated by the double-dotted line, has an asymmetrical design surface about the central axis D of the radar wave. In other words, the cover portion 60 does not have a cover ridge line 40A that overlaps with the central axis D of the radar wave.

[0044] When the cover 40 of this embodiment is installed on the first recess 14A of the rear bumper cover 14, and when it is installed... Figure 5In the case of the shroud 60 shown, the received signal strength (dB) was measured when radar waves were emitted and received in the direction (angle; deg) from the central axis D of the radar wave. That is, the output value of the laser wave transmitted through the shroud 40 or the shroud 60 was measured. Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between the direction from the center of the radar wave (central axis D) and the signal strength.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, when the distance from the central axis D is relatively small, the cover 60 is closer to the peripheral information detection sensor 20 than the cover 40. Therefore, as Figure 6 As indicated by arrow A, the cover 60, which has an asymmetrical design surface about the central axis D of the radar wave, has a higher signal strength compared to the cover 40 of this embodiment, which has symmetrical design surfaces 40B and 40C about the central axis D of the radar wave. However, as indicated by the circle of the dotted line (arrow B), the cover 40 of this embodiment, which has symmetrical design surfaces 40B and 40C about the central axis D of the radar wave, has a higher signal strength as the distance from the central axis D of the radar wave increases, compared to the cover 60, which has an asymmetrical design surface about the central axis D of the radar wave. In other words, the higher the symmetry of the design surfaces of the covers 40 and 60 with the central axis D of the radar wave, the higher the radio wave transmittance.

[0046] In this embodiment, the cover portion 40 covers the second recess 14B and the peripheral information detection sensor 20 in such a way that the cover edge line 40A of the cover portion 40 overlaps with the central axis D of the radar waves transmitted and received by the peripheral information detection sensor 20. Therefore, the appearance design surfaces 40B and 40C, which are located on both sides sandwiching the cover edge line 40A, can be located on both sides sandwiching the central axis D of the radar waves. Thus, compared with a cover portion that does not have a cover edge line 40A that overlaps with the central axis D of the radar waves, the cover portion 40 with a cover edge line 40A that overlaps with the central axis D of the radar waves can symmetrically form appearance design surfaces through the central axis D of the radar waves, thereby improving the output of radar waves.

[0047] Furthermore, in the sensor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment, since the cover ridge line 40A that overlaps with the central axis D of the radar wave is made linearly symmetrical with the appearance design surfaces 40B and 40C located on both sides of the cover ridge line 40A, the output of the radar wave can be further improved.

[0048] Furthermore, in the sensor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment, since the cover ridge line 40A of the cover portion 40 extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle, the appearance design of the corner of the vehicle 12 can be maintained.

[0049] Furthermore, in the sensor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment, since the bumper cover on which the peripheral information detection sensor 20 is mounted is the rear bumper cover 14 mounted on the rear side of the vehicle, the output of the transmitted and received radar waves can be increased at the rear side of the vehicle, and the restriction on the degree of freedom of the appearance design surface of the rear of the vehicle 12 can be prevented.

[0050] [Additional Explanation]

[0051] Furthermore, although the second recess 14B and the cover portion 40 are configured as approximately triangular in the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any shape is acceptable as long as it can form the cover ridge line 40A.

[0052] Furthermore, although in the embodiments described above, the sensor mounting structure 10, which serves as the mounting structure for the vehicle radar device, is mounted at the corner of the rear bumper cover 14, the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be mounted at the corner of the front bumper cover.

[0053] Furthermore, although the rear bumper cover 14 has a first recess 14A and a second recess 14B in the sensor mounting structure 10 of the embodiment described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may only have a first recess 14A. In this case, a mounting hole 14E is provided on the bottom of the first recess 14A.

[0054] Furthermore, the sensor mounting structure 10 of the above-described embodiment can be adopted in multiple vehicle models by simply making the cover 40 and the bumper cover 14 of each vehicle model new.

[0055] Furthermore, the structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments; as long as the problem can be solved, the structure can be appropriately modified.

[0056] Symbol Explanation

[0057] 10. Sensor mounting structure (vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure);

[0058] 14. Rear bumper cover (bumper cover);

[0059] 14B second recess (recess);

[0060] 20 Surrounding information detection sensors (vehicle-mounted radar devices);

[0061] 30. Bracket section;

[0062] 40. Cover section;

[0063] 40A cover edge (edge);

[0064] 40B Right side exterior design panel (exterior design panel);

[0065] 40C rear exterior design (exterior design);

[0066] D-center axis.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure, comprising: The bumper cover has a recessed section on the inside. A bracket portion, which is disposed in the recess, is capable of mounting a vehicle radar device that transmits and receives radar waves on the bumper cover. The cover has a ridge line that overlaps with the central axis of the radar wave and covers the recess and the vehicle-mounted radar device.

2. The vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The ridge line extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The ridge line is a straight line that makes the exterior design surfaces located on both sides of the ridge line linearly symmetrical.

4. The vehicle-mounted radar device mounting structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The bumper cover is a rear bumper cover that is installed on the rear side of the vehicle.

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