Vehicle side door structure

Abstract

Vehicle side door structure, which features: a side door body section (30) configured to open and close a side door opening (22), wherein the side door body section (30) includes an inner door panel (32) and an outer door panel (34), and a sensor (50) located inside the side door body section (30) between the inner door panel (32) and the outer door panel (34), wherein the sensor (50) includes a detection component (50A) configured to be directed outwards in the width direction of the vehicle and to detect information in the lateral direction of the vehicle (10) by using at least one of the waves, radio wave, light or ultrasonic wave, as a detection medium, wherein a permeable section (34P) is arranged on the outside of the detection component (50A) in the vehicle width direction, wherein the permeable AbSection (34P) is configured as a part of the outer door panel (34) and is configured by a material that allows the transmission of at least one of the waves, radio wave, light or ultrasonic wave, as the detection medium through the material, characterized by the fact that a reinforcing element (42), which is positioned with its longitudinal direction corresponding to the vehicle's forward and backward direction, is arranged inside the side door body section (30), and the measuring transmitter (50) is placed on the outside of the amplifying element (42) in the vehicle width direction and is secured to the amplifying element (42), wherein the reinforcing element (42) is a waistline reinforcement (70) which is placed along a waistline.

Description

Background Technical field

[0001] The present embodiments relate to a vehicle side door structure. State of the art

[0002] Structures are known in which a detection device that detects the environment in the lateral direction of a vehicle is placed in a vehicle side section (see published Japanese patent application (JP-A) No. H09-301123, JP-A No. 2009-37542 and Japanese national phase publication No. 2013-518333).

[0003] For example, JP-A No. H09-301123 discloses a structure in which an ultrasonic sensor is housed inside a side door. To briefly describe this structure, an opening is formed in an outer handling section for opening and closing the side door, and the ultrasonic sensor is attached to a sensor mounting section located in the opening. The ultrasonic sensor is positioned facing the opening in the outer handling section and detects objects moving laterally along the vehicle by sending and receiving signals through the opening in the outer handling section.

[0004] However, in the prior art disclosed in JP-A No. H09-301123, the ultrasonic sensor is positioned facing the opening, which is disadvantageous with regard to keeping the ultrasonic sensor waterproof and dustproof, and consequently there is room for improvement with regard to fully maintaining the detection precision of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0005] Furthermore, US 7 837 255 B1 and US 2008 / 0 315 619 A1 disclose that a detection component may be arranged on an inner door panel, and US 5 281 780 A discloses that a detection component may be arranged between an outer door panel and an inner door panel. Summary

[0006] In view of the circumstances described above, the present disclosure provides a vehicle side door structure with the features of the independent claims, which can fully maintain the detection precision of a sensor that detects the environment in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the revelation provides a vehicle side door structure that includes: a side door body section configured to open and close a side door opening, wherein the side door body section includes an inner door panel and an outer door panel, and a sensor located inside the side door body section, wherein the sensor includes a detection component configured to be directed outwards in the width direction of the vehicle and to detect information in the side direction of the vehicle by using a detection medium, wherein a permeable section is arranged on the vehicle width-direction outer side of the detection component, wherein the permeable section configures a part of the outer door panel and is configured by a material that allows the transmission of the detection medium through the material.

[0008] In this configuration, the sensor is located inside the side door body section and uses the detection component, which faces outwards in the width direction of the vehicle, as well as the detection medium, to detect information in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the permeable section, which forms part of the outer door panel and is made of a material that allows the transmission of the detection medium, is located on the outside of the detection component in the width direction of the vehicle. This enables the sensor to detect information in the lateral direction of the vehicle, while simultaneously ensuring that the sensor is not exposed to the outer door surface and can be kept waterproof and dustproof.

[0009] A second aspect of the revelation provides the vehicle side door structure according to the first aspect, whereby a reinforcing element, positioned with its longitudinal direction corresponding to the vehicle's forward and backward direction, is located inside the side door body section, and The measuring sensor is placed on the outside of the reinforcement element in the direction of vehicle width and is secured to the reinforcement element.

[0010] In this configuration, the amplifier, positioned longitudinally aligned with the vehicle's forward and backward orientation, is located inside the side door body section, and the sensor is positioned on the outside of the amplifier, in the vehicle's width direction. Therefore, the sensor's detection performance is not impaired, even with the amplifier in place. Furthermore, the sensor is secured to the amplifier, ensuring rigidity and controlling vibrations during vehicle movement. Consequently, the sensor's detection accuracy is prevented from being reduced by vibrations during vehicle movement.

[0011] A third aspect of the revelation provides the vehicle side door structure according to the first aspect or the second aspect, whereby a door glass is able to be housed inside the side door body section, and The sensor is located on the outside of the vehicle in the direction of width, from the position where the door glass is located inside the side door body section.

[0012] According to this configuration, the sensor is located on the outside of the vehicle width direction from the position where the door glass is housed inside the side door body section, so the detection performance or detection capability of the sensor is not affected by the door glass, even when the door glass is placed in its housed position.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the disclosure provides the vehicle side door structure according to the second aspect or the third aspect, wherein the reinforcing member is secured to the outer door sheet or door panel.

[0014] In this configuration, the reinforcing element is secured to the outer door panel, allowing the sensor to be positioned further outwards in the direction of the vehicle's width. This improves the sensor's detection accuracy.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the revelation provides the vehicle side door structure according to one of the second to fourth aspects and the fifth aspect, whereby a through-hole through which a wire has passed from a body section of the sensor in which a gain element is formed, and The section of wire that has passed through the through-hole from the side of the sensor body section is placed on the inside of the reinforcement element in the direction of vehicle width.

[0016] According to this configuration, the section of wire that has passed through the through-hole from the side of the sensor body is placed on the inside of the reinforcement element in the direction of vehicle width, thus protecting the section of wire that has passed through the through-hole from the side of the sensor body by the reinforcement element and reducing the effect that the wire has on the detection performance or detection capability of the sensor.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the revelation provides the vehicle side door structure according to one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the reinforcing member is a beltline reinforcement placed along a beltline.

[0018] According to this configuration, the reinforcement element is a beltline reinforcement, so the sensor can be placed near the upper end section of the side door body section and information can be detected in the lateral direction from that height position by the sensor.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the revelation provides the vehicle side door structure according to one of the first to sixth aspects, whereby The outer door panel or outer door sheet contains: a door outer sheet or panel body, wherein the door outer sheet or panel body configures a body of the door outer sheet or door outer panel and has a passage section formed in an area containing the section opposite the vehicle width-direction outer side of the detection component and a permeable member configured to contain the permeable section, wherein the permeable member is attached to the door outer sheet or panel body in a state in which the permeable member locks the passage section, and a vehicle width-direction outer surface of the permeable section is positioned in accordance with a vehicle width-direction outer surface of the door outer sheet metal or panel body.

[0020] According to this configuration, even when the outer door panel is equipped with the outer door panel body and the permeable section, the outer door panel is visually attractive when viewed from the outside of the vehicle.

[0021] As described above, according to the vehicle side door structure of the present disclosure, the vehicle side door structure has the superior effect of being able to fully maintain the detection precision of a sensor that detects the environment in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: Fig. 1 a side view showing a vehicle (automobile) configured to include a front door to which a vehicle side door structure belonging to a first embodiment of the present invention has been applied, Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal section view, showing along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 cut cross section shows, Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section view showing a vehicle side door structure belonging to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a vehicle side door structure belonging to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 5 is a longitudinal section view showing a vehicle side door structure belonging to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description: First embodiment

[0023] A vehicle side door structure belonging to a first embodiment of the present invention is constructed using Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. An arrow FR, appropriately seen in these drawings, indicates a vehicle-forward direction, an arrow UP indicates a vehicle-upward direction, and an arrow IN indicates an inward direction in a vehicle width direction.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 1 is a vehicle 10 (automobile) configured to include a front door 24 to which the vehicle side door structure belonging to the present embodiment has been applied, as can be seen from a side view. As shown in Figure 10, the vehicle is configured to include a front door 24 to which the vehicle side door structure belonging to the present embodiment has been applied. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, a front pillar 12, a center pillar 14, and a rear pillar 16 are arranged vertically in that order from the front of the vehicle in a vehicle side section 10A. The front pillar 12, the center pillar 14, and the rear pillar 16 are column-like vehicle body skeletal members that are arranged vertically along the essentially upward and downward direction of the vehicle.

[0025] The upper end sections of the front pillar 12 and the center pillar 14 are connected to a roof side rail 18. The roof side rail 18 is arranged along the front and rearward directions of the vehicle on both side sections of a vehicle roof section. The lower end sections of the front pillar 12 and the center pillar 14 are connected to a sill 20. The sill 20 is arranged along the front and rearward directions of the vehicle on both side sections of a vehicle floor section.

[0026] A substantially rectangular front door opening 22 is formed on the front side of the vehicle's forward- and rearward-directed central section of the vehicle's side section 10A. This opening serves as a side door and is surrounded by the front pillar 12, the center pillar 14, the roof side rail 18, and the sill 20. On the rear side of the vehicle, a rear door opening 26 is formed by the front door opening 22. The front door opening 22 is opened and closed by the front door 24, and the rear door opening 26 is opened and closed by a rear door 28.

[0027] In Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal section view of a line along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 sectioned cross-section can be seen. Directions relating to the front door 24 (hereinafter abbreviated as "the side door 24") that appear in the following description are directions in a state in which the front door opening 22 (see Fig. 1) is closed by side door 24.

[0028] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the side door 24 has a side door body section 30, which is equipped with an inner door panel 32, located on the passenger compartment side, and an outer door panel 34, located on the passenger compartment side of the inner door panel 32. The inner door panel 34H and the outer door panel 34H configure the inner door panel and the outer door panel 34H, respectively. The outer door panel 34H and the inner door panel 32 are made of a thin-plate metal material (e.g., thin steel plates). The configuration of the outer door panel 34 is described later.

[0029] The connecting section of the outer door panel 34 (of the outer door panel body 34H) and the connecting section of the inner door panel 32 are folded or folded together, and the pocket-like side door body section 30 is configured by the outer door panel 34 and the inner door panel 32. Although Fig. 2. The upward-and-downward direction center section and lower section of the side door body section 30 are not shown. The upward-and-downward direction center section and lower section of a side door body section 30 with substantially the same configuration are shown in Figure 2. Fig. 4, which shows a third embodiment described later, so that it is advised, Fig. 4 to be used. The side door body section 30, which is in Fig. 2 can be seen as an opening and closing body that opens and closes the front door opening 22 (see Fig. 1), defined.

[0030] A glass opening 38 for inserting a door glass 40 is formed in the upper end section of the side door body section 30. The door glass 40 is able to be housed inside the side door body section 30. The door glass 40 is installed along a door frame 36, which is in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the door frame is raised and lowered. The lower end section of the door frame 36 is attached to the side door body section 30.

[0031] As it is in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, there is an outer beltline reinforcement 42, which serves as a reinforcing element and as a beltline reinforcement, and an inner beltline reinforcement 44 placed inside the side door body section 30.

[0032] The outer beltline reinforcement 42 and the inner beltline reinforcement 44 are formed by pressing a thin-plate metal material (e.g., thin steel plates) into long dies. The outer beltline reinforcement 42 and the inner beltline reinforcement 44 are oriented along a beltline 46 (see figure) with their longitudinal direction, which coincides with the vehicle's forward and backward directions. Fig. 1) of the side door body section 30. The front end sections of the outer beltline reinforcement 42 and the inner beltline reinforcement 44 reach the vicinity of the front pillar 12 (see Fig. 1) and the rear end sections of the outer belt reinforcement 42 and the inner belt reinforcement 44 reach the vicinity or near surroundings of the central column 14 (see Fig. 1).

[0033] The inner beltline reinforcement 44 is located on the outer side (in the vehicle width direction) of the upper section (a part containing the upper edge or border section) of the inner door panel 32. The inner beltline reinforcement 44 is configured by an upper flange section 44A, a lower flange section 44B, and a body section 44H formed between the upper flange section 44A and the lower flange section 44B. The upper flange section 44A and the lower flange section 44B are connected to the inner door panel 32 by welds (not shown in the drawings). A bead 44H1, projecting inwards in the vehicle width direction and extending along the vehicle's forward and rearward directions, is formed in the body section 44H.

[0034] The front end section of the beltline reinforcement 44 is secured to the front end section of the inner door panel 32, and the rear end section of the beltline reinforcement 44 is secured to the rear end section of the inner door panel 32. The upper section of the inner door panel 32 is reinforced by the beltline reinforcement 44.

[0035] The beltline reinforcement 42 is positioned on the inner side (in the vehicle width direction) of the upper section (a part containing the upper edge or border section) of the outer door panel 34. The beltline reinforcement 42 is configured by an upper flange section 42A, a lower flange section 42E, and a body section 42H formed between the upper flange section 42A and the lower flange section 42E. The upper flange section 42A is positioned where the upper end section of the beltline reinforcement 42 is curved inwards in the vehicle width direction, and the upper flange section 42A is positioned inclined inwards in the vehicle width direction, leading downwards in the vehicle direction. The upper flange section 42A is folded over or folded with a connecting section 34T on the upper side of the outer door panel 34.

[0036] The body section 42H of the beltline outer reinforcement 42 is formed continuously with the base end (upper end) of the upper flange section 42A. The body section 42H has a concave-convex shaped section 42B, which configures its upper section side, and a vertical wall section 42D, which configures its lower section side. The vertical wall section 42D is positioned on the outside of the concave-convex shaped section 42B in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the concave-convex shaped section 42B and the upper end of the vertical wall section 42D are connected to each other in the vehicle width direction by a horizontal wall section 42C.The concave-convex shaped section 42B is equipped with a vertical, wall-like main section 42B1 and an upper and lower pair of beads 42B2 and 42B3, which project outwards in the vehicle width direction and extend along the vehicle forward and backward directions. The lower flange section 42E for reinforcement, which slopes inwards in the vehicle width direction and upwards in the vehicle direction, is formed continuously with the lower end of the vertical wall section 42D.

[0037] The front end section of the beltline reinforcement 42 is secured to the front end section of the door outer panel 34, and the rear end section of the beltline reinforcement 42 is secured to the rear end section of the door outer panel 34. The upper section of the door outer panel 34 is reinforced by the beltline reinforcement 42.

[0038] A sensor 50 (detection device) is located (installed) inside the side door body section 30 on the outer side of the concave-convex section 42B of the beltline reinforcement 42, in the direction of vehicle width. The drawings omit a cross-sectional view of the sensor 50 and depict it schematically. The sensor 50 is positioned on the horizontal wall section 42C of the beltline reinforcement 42. The sensor 50 has flange sections 50C on its lower end section. The flange sections 50 and 50C project forward and backward, respectively, and are secured (fastened) to the horizontal wall section 42C using screws. In the drawings, screw fastening lines are indicated by long-dashed-short-dashed lines 58 instead of the screws themselves.The measuring transmitter 50, which is secured in this way, is located on the outside of the vehicle width direction from the position where the door glass 40 is located inside the side door body section 30 (the position of the door glass 40 as shown in . Fig. 2 can be seen), placed.

[0039] A through-hole 48 is formed in the concave-convex shaped section 42B of the beltline outer reinforcement 42, and a wire 50B from a body section 50H of the sensor 50 passes through the through-hole 48. This means that a section 50X of the wire 50B from the body section 50H of the sensor 50, which passes through the through-hole 48 from the side of the body section 50H of the sensor 50, is located on the inner side of the beltline outer reinforcement 42, in the direction of the vehicle width. An end section of the wire 50B of the sensor 50 is electrically connected to a control unit, which is not shown in the drawings. The control unit is electrically connected to an electric power steering system (EPS system) and a brake electronic control unit (ECU). Although a detailed description of this is omitted, the vehicle has 10 (see Fig. 1) of the present embodiment a configuration in which driving assistance (advanced driving assistance) is carried out on the basis of information or information that is detected, for example, by the sensor 50.

[0040] The sensor 50 is equipped with a detection component 50A. The detection component 50A points outwards in the width direction of the vehicle and uses a detection medium to detect information in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, for example, a millimeter-wave radar is used for the sensor 50, the detection medium is radio waves in the millimeter-wave band, and the detection component 50A is a component that emits the radio waves in the millimeter-wave band and a component that receives them.

[0041] A passage section 52 is formed by the outer door panel body 34H in an area containing the section (radio wave scan area) opposite the detection component 50A in the vehicle width direction. The passage section 52 is locked by a permeable link 34A made of resin. That is, the permeable link 34A is configured by a link separate from the outer door panel body 34H and is configured to contain a permeable section 34P, which configures the section opposite the detection component 50A in the vehicle width direction. The circumferential edge section of the permeable link 34A is attached, for example, via an adhesive section (an adhesive not shown in the drawings) to an open circumferential edge section 52A of the passage section 52 of the outer door panel body 34H.Here, the open circumferential edge section 52A of the passage section 52 of the door outer panel body 34H is positioned on the inside of the side door body section 30 over a step with reference to a main section 34N of the door outer panel body 34H. A vehicle width-direction outer side surface 34Q of the permeable section 34P is positioned correspondingly to a vehicle width-direction outer side surface 34S of the door outer panel body 34H.

[0042] The permeable element 34A, which contains the permeable section 34P, is configured with a resin material that allows the transmission of radio waves in the millimeter-wave band (the detection medium) detected by the detection component 50A of the sensor 50. The permeable element 34A of the present embodiment is made of a resin material that is non-transparent and has the same color as the outer door panel body 34H. Function and effects

[0043] Next, the functionality and effects of the above embodiment will be described.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the sensor 50 is located inside the side door body section 30 and uses the detection component 50A, which is oriented outwards in the width direction of the vehicle, to detect radio waves in the millimeter wave band in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the permeable section 34P, which forms part of the outer door panel 34 and is made of a material that allows the transmission of radio waves in the millimeter wave band through it, is located on the outside of the detection component 50A in the width direction of the vehicle. This enables the sensor 50 to detect information in the lateral direction of the vehicle, while simultaneously ensuring that the sensor 50 is not exposed to the outer door surface and can be kept waterproof and dustproof.

[0045] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the beltline reinforcement 42, positioned with its longitudinal direction corresponding to the vehicle's forward and backward orientation, is located inside the side door body section 30, and the sensor 50 is positioned on the outside of the beltline reinforcement 42 in the vehicle's width direction. Therefore, the detection performance of the sensor 50 is not impaired, even when the beltline reinforcement 42 is in place. Moreover, the sensor 50 is secured to the beltline reinforcement, thus ensuring rigidity and controlling vibration of the sensor 50 during vehicle movement. Consequently, the detection precision of the sensor 50 is prevented from decreasing due to vibration during vehicle movement.

[0046] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the sensor 50 is positioned on the vehicle's outer side (in the direction of width) from the position where the door glass 40 is located inside the side door body section 30. Consequently, the detection performance of the sensor 50 is not affected by the door glass 40, even when the door glass 40 is in its installed position. Moreover, because the sensor 50 is positioned on the vehicle's outer side (in the direction of width) from the position where the door glass 40 is located inside the side door body section 30, and also on the vehicle's outer side from the beltline reinforcement 42, the effect of water droplets and / or dirt adhering to the sensor 50 can be reduced, even if the door glass 40 is in its installed position.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the beltline reinforcement is secured to the outer door panel 34, allowing the sensor 50 to be positioned further outwards in the direction of the vehicle's width. This improves the detection precision of the sensor 50.

[0048] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, section 50X of wire 50B, which passes through the through-hole 48 from the side of the sensor body section 50H, is positioned on the inner side of the beltline reinforcement 42 in the direction of vehicle width. As a result, section 50X of wire 50B, which passes through the through-hole 48 from the side of the sensor body section 50H, is protected by the beltline reinforcement 42, and the effect of wire 50B on the detection performance of the sensor 50 can be reduced.

[0049] As described above, according to the vehicle side door structure of the present embodiment, the detection precision of the sensor 50, which detects the environment in the lateral direction of the vehicle, can be fully maintained.

[0050] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the belt line outer reinforcement 42 is located along the belt line 46 (see Fig. 1) If the sensor 50 is placed near the upper end section of the side door body section 30, information can be detected in the lateral direction from that height position by the sensor 50.

[0051] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the permeable section 34P is configured by the permeable element 34A, which is a separate element from the outer door panel body 34H, and is attached to the outer door panel body 34H. Additionally, the vehicle width-oriented outer surface 34Q of the permeable section 34P is positioned in alignment with the vehicle width-oriented outer surface 34S of the outer door panel body 34H. Therefore, even when the outer door panel 34 is equipped with the outer door panel body 34H and the permeable element 34A, the outer door panel 34 is visually appealing when viewed from the outside of the vehicle. Second embodiment

[0052] Next, a vehicle side door structure belonging to a second embodiment of the present invention is described using Fig. 3 described. Fig. 3 is the vehicle side door structure belonging to the present embodiment, shown by means of a longitudinal section view (a view corresponding to Fig. 2 in the first embodiment) of a cross-section viewed from the front of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the vehicle side door structure belonging to the present embodiment differs from the vehicle side door structure belonging to the first embodiment in that it has a door outer panel or door outer sheet 62 configured by a link instead of the door outer sheet 34 (see Figure 3). Fig. 2), which is configured by two links. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as in the first embodiment, and a description of those identical components is omitted.

[0053] The outer door panel 62 is positioned on the passenger compartment side of the inner door panel 32 and, together with the inner door panel 32, forms a side door body section 60. The side door body section 60 has the same configuration as the side door body section 30 (see Fig. 2) of the first embodiment except that it is fitted with the outer door panel 62 instead of the outer door panel 34 (see Fig. 2) is equipped with the first embodiment. The outer door panel 62 generally has the same shape as the outer door panel 34 (see Fig. 2) of the first embodiment and is entirely made of the same resin material as the permeable section 34P (see Fig. 2) of the first embodiment configured. The part of the outer door panel 62 that is opposite the vehicle width-direction outer side from the detection component 50A is a permeable section 62P of the present embodiment.

[0054] Likewise, according to the configuration of the embodiment described above, the same functionality or action and the same effects are obtained as in the first embodiment. Third embodiment

[0055] Next, a vehicle side door structure belonging to a third embodiment of the present invention is described using Fig. 4 and with additional reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, if necessary, described. In Fig. Figure 4 shows the vehicle side door structure belonging to the present embodiment, in a longitudinal section view of a cross-section viewed from the front of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the outer beltline reinforcement 42 and the inner beltline reinforcement 44, which are located in Fig. 2 are visible, not arranged, rather a beltline reinforcement 70, which serves as a reinforcing element that is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the sensor 50 is arranged on the beltline reinforcement 70. Other configurations are essentially the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as in the first embodiment, and a description of those same components is omitted.

[0056] As it is in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, a beltline reinforcement 70 is located inside the side door body section 30 on the vehicle width-direction outer side of the upper section of the inner door panel 32. The beltline reinforcement 70 is formed by pressing a thin-plate metal material (e.g., thin steel plates) into a long die, and its longitudinal direction, which coincides with the vehicle's forward and backward directions, runs along the beltline 46 (see Figure 4). Fig. 1) of the side door body section 30. The front end section of the beltline reinforcement 70 reaches the vicinity of the front pillar 12 (see Fig. 1) and the rear end section of the beltline reinforcement 70 reaches the neighborhood or near vicinity of the central column 14 (see Fig. 1).

[0057] The beltline reinforcement 70 is formed in an essentially wave-like shape, as viewed in a sectional view perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. This means that the beltline reinforcement 70 is configured by an upper edge flange section 70A, a lower edge flange section 70B, and a body section 70H with convex and concave sections that alternate and are continuously formed between the upper edge flange section 70A and the lower edge flange section 70B. The upper edge flange section 70A and the lower edge flange section 70B are connected to the inner door panel 32 via welds (not shown in the drawings). The front end section of the beltline reinforcement 70 is secured to the front end section of the inner door panel 32 and the rear end section of the beltline reinforcement 70 is secured to the rear end section of the inner door panel 32.The upper section of the inner door panel 32 is reinforced by the beltline reinforcement 70.

[0058] The sensor 50 is located inside the side door body section 30 on the vehicle width-oriented outer side of the beltline reinforcement 70. The sensor 50 has flange sections 50D on its vehicle width-oriented inner end section. The flange sections 50D project in the vehicle-forward and vehicle-rearward directions and are secured (attached) to the beltline reinforcement 70 using screws. In the drawings, the screw fastening lines are indicated by long-dashed-short-dashed lines 58 instead of the screws themselves. In the present embodiment, the sensor 50 is located on the vehicle width-oriented inner side of the side door body section 30 at the position where the door glass 40 is located inside the side door body section 30 (the position of the door glass 40, which is shown in the drawings). Fig. 4 (can be seen) is housed, placed.

[0059] A through-hole 72 is formed in the body section 70H of the beltline reinforcement 70, and a wire 50B from the body section 50H of the sensor 50 passes through the through-hole 72. This means that a section 50Y of the wire 50B from the body section 50H of the sensor 50, which passes through the through-hole 72 from the side of the body section 50H of the sensor 50, is located on the inside of the beltline reinforcement 70 in the vehicle width direction. An end section of the wire 50B of the sensor 50 is electrically connected to a control unit, which is not shown in the drawings. The detection component 50A of the sensor 50 is oriented outwards in the vehicle width direction and is located opposite the permeable section 34P in the vehicle width direction. Function and effects

[0060] Similarly, according to the embodiment described above, the sensor 50 enables the detection of information in the lateral direction of the vehicle and simultaneously keeps the sensor 50 waterproof and dustproof. Furthermore, the sensor 50 is secured to the beltline reinforcement 70, thus ensuring rigid mounting and controlling vibration of the sensor 50 during vehicle movement. Consequently, the detection precision of the sensor 50 is prevented from being reduced by vibration during vehicle movement.

[0061] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, section 50Y of wire 50B, which passes through the through-hole 72 from the side of the sensor body section 50H, is positioned on the inside of the beltline reinforcement 70 in the direction of vehicle width. As a result, section 50Y of wire 50B, which passes through the through-hole 72 from the side of the sensor body section 50H, is protected by the beltline reinforcement 70, and the effect of wire 50B on the detection performance or capability of the sensor 50 can be reduced.

[0062] As described above, the detection precision of the sensor 50, which detects the environment in the lateral direction of the vehicle, can also be fully maintained according to the vehicle side door structure of the present embodiment.

[0063] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the beltline reinforcement 70, with its longitudinal direction corresponding to the vehicle's forward and backward direction, is along the beltline 46 (see Fig. 1) If the sensor 50 is placed near the upper end section of the side door body section 30, information can be detected in the lateral direction from that height position by the sensor 50. Fourth embodiment

[0064] Next, a vehicle side door structure belonging to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described using Fig. 5 described. Fig. Figure 5 shows the vehicle side door structure belonging to the present embodiment, by means of a longitudinal sectional view of a cross-section viewed from the front of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the vehicle side door structure belonging to the present embodiment differs from the vehicle side door structure belonging to the third embodiment in that it uses the door outer panel or door outer sheet 62, which is configured by a link, instead of the door outer sheet 34 (see Figure 5). Fig. 4), which is configured by two links. Other configurations are the same as those in the third embodiment. The outer door panel 62, which is configured by one link, has essentially the same configuration as the outer door panel 62 (see Fig. 3) of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as in the first to third embodiments, and a description of these same components is omitted. Likewise, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the same functionality or action and the same effects are obtained as in the third embodiment. Supplementary description of the embodiments

[0065] Although a case has been described in the above embodiments in which the present invention is applied to the front door 24 of the vehicle 10, which is in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the present invention can also be applied to the rear door 28 of the vehicle 10.

[0066] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a millimeter-wave radar is used for the sensor 50; however, other sensors, such as a laser radar, an ultrasonic sensor, or an optical camera, can also be used. In a case where a laser radar is used as the sensor, the detection medium is laser light, and the detection component is a laser light emitter and receiver. In a case where an ultrasonic sensor is used as the sensor, the detection medium is ultrasonic waves, and the detection component is an ultrasonic emitter and receiver. In a case where an optical camera is used as the sensor, the detection medium is visible light, and the detection component is a visible light receiver.

[0067] The “detection medium” in the present disclosure refers to a medium that is detectable by the detection component of the sensor, such as radio waves, light and ultrasound waves, as in the above embodiments and example modifications.

[0068] Furthermore, as an exemplary modification of the above embodiments, in a case where a laser radar or an optical camera is used for the sensor, the transparent section is made of a transparent resin material or the like, which allows the transmission of laser light or visible light through it. As another exemplary modification, in a case where an ultrasonic sensor is used for the sensor, the transparent section is made of a material that allows the transmission of ultrasonic waves through it.

[0069] Furthermore, as an example modification of the above embodiments, the reinforcing element to which the sensor is secured can also be another reinforcing element, such as an impact beam or impact protection, positioned inside the side door body section with its longitudinal direction corresponding to the vehicle's forward and backward orientation. Alternatively, a configuration can be used in which the sensor is secured to the inner door panel or the outer door panel by clamps or the like. Multiple sensors can also be arranged inside the side door body section, as it is relatively easy to provide space for mounting sensors within this section.

[0070] Furthermore, as an example modification of the above embodiments, a through-hole for the wire to pass through this body section of the sensor need not be formed in the reinforcing element to which the sensor is secured.

[0071] The above embodiments and example modifications can also be applied to a self-driving vehicle.

[0072] The above embodiments and the above several example modifications can be combined and implemented in a suitable manner.

[0073] Examples of the present invention have been described above; however, the present invention is not limited to what has been described above and can, of course, be modified and implemented in a variety of ways in addition to what has been described above without deviating from its meaning.

[0074] A vehicle side door structure thus comprises: a side door body section configured to open and close a side door opening, wherein the side door body section includes an inner door panel and an outer door panel, and a sensor located inside the side door body section, wherein the sensor includes a detection component configured to be oriented outwards in the vehicle width direction and to detect information in the side direction of the vehicle by using a detection medium, wherein a permeable section is arranged on the outside of the detection component in the vehicle width direction, wherein the permeable section is configured as a part of the outer door panel and is configured by a material that allows the transmission of the detection medium through the material.

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