Vehicle interior-exterior structure

Abstract

Vehicle interior-exterior structure (80) which features: a vehicle interior-exterior element comprising a main body section (60) formed from a resin and supported by a vehicle body, and a cover (62) formed from an elastic material, wherein the cover (62) adheres tightly to and covers the main body section (60), with an empty section (88) formed between the main body section (60) and the cover (62); and a pressure sensor (84) that outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section (88), wherein the vehicle interior-exterior element forms an opening and closing body (52) and has: an operating section (89) formed on the vehicle interior-exterior element on the outside of the empty section (88); and a control unit (96) which activates a locking release device (92) to release a locking state between the opening and closing body (52) and the vehicle body and / or an opening and closing device (94) to open or close the opening and closing body (52) when the control unit (96) has determined, on the basis of a signal output by the pressure sensor (84), that the operating section (89) has been pressed.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior-exterior structure. State of the art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a collision detection device comprising a chamber element located on the inside of a front bumper cover, a pressure sensor that detects the internal pressure of the chamber element, and a bumper reinforcement that supports the chamber element. State of the art documents Patent Document 1: JP 2009-023410 A Patent Document 2: JP 2007-261307 A Patent Document 3: JP 2009-220787 A Patent Document 4: JP 2009-220785 A Patent Document 5: JP 2006-232126 A

[0003] US 5,467,080 A describes a vehicle interior-exterior structure comprising: a vehicle interior-exterior element comprising a main body section supported by a vehicle body and a cover formed of an elastic material, the cover adhering tightly to and covering the main body section, with an empty section formed between the main body section and the cover; and a pressure sensor measured in and generated by pressure on the empty section, wherein the vehicle interior-exterior element forms an opening and closing body and comprises: an operating section formed on the vehicle interior-exterior element on the outside of the empty section;and a control unit that activates a locking release device to release a locking state between the opening and closing body and the vehicle body when the control unit has determined, based on a signal output by the pressure sensor, that the operating section has been pressed.

[0004] DE 10 2008 017 246 A1 describes an arrangement for impact detection for a vehicle, with a pressure body in a side door area of ​​the vehicle, wherein the pressure body is connected to a pressure sensor via a connecting line. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

[0005] In the collision detection device described in patent document 1, the chamber element must be supported from the rear by the bumper reinforcement, so that the chamber element deforms during a collision between the vehicle and a colliding body. Thus, there is a low degree of freedom for the arrangement position of the chamber element, i.e., the arrangement position of the collision detection area.

[0006] A similar problem arises when contact is detected between a vehicle and a contacting body.

[0007] Taking into account the problems mentioned above, an object of the present invention is to create a vehicle interior-exterior structure that increases the degrees of freedom for the arrangement position of a contact area or impact detection area. This object is achieved by the features of independent claims 1, 3, and 4, respectively. Dependent claim 2 is directed to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Solution to the problem

[0008] To solve the above problems, a vehicle inside-outside structure of the present invention comprises: a vehicle inside-outside element comprising a main body section formed of resin and supported by a vehicle body, and a cover formed of an elastic material, wherein the cover adheres tightly to and covers the main body section, with an empty section formed between the main body section and the cover; and a pressure sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section.

[0009] In such a vehicle interior-exterior structure, the internal pressure of the empty section increases when a detected body contacts or collides with the cover material of the vehicle interior-exterior element from the outside, causing the empty section to undergo compression deformation. A signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section is then output by the pressure sensor.

[0010] Here, according to the vehicle's interior-exterior structure, a detected body can be detected in such a way that it has contacted or collided with the cover element of the vehicle's interior-exterior element from the outside.

[0011] The empty section, used to detect contact or collision between a detected body, is formed between the main body section, which is supported by the vehicle body, and the cover. A reaction force is thus received from the main body section when the detected body contacts or collides with the location of the vehicle's interior / exterior element where the empty section is positioned. This occurs without the need for a force-supporting element, such as a vehicle frame element or a vehicle reinforcement element, on the rear side of the empty section. This allows the empty section to undergo compression deformation. Consequently, the degrees of freedom for the placement of the empty section—that is, for the placement of the contact area or impact detection area—can be increased.

[0012] The vehicle interior-exterior structure according to an embodiment of subsidiary claim 3 of the present invention is formed with several empty sections which are configured to communicate with each other, and the pressure sensor is connected to one of the empty sections.

[0013] By using such a configuration, the internal pressure of the empty sections can be detected by the common pressure sensor, regardless of which of the empty sections is subjected to compression deformation. This eliminates the need for multiple pressure sensors, thus allowing the contact area or impact detection range to be extended while avoiding increased costs.

[0014] The vehicle interior-exterior structure of the present invention is further configured such that the vehicle interior-exterior element forms an opening and closing body, an operating section or control section is formed on the outside of the empty section of the vehicle interior-exterior element, and the vehicle interior-exterior structure also includes a control unit that activates a locking release device for releasing a locking state between the opening and closing body and the vehicle body and / or an opening and closing device for opening or closing the opening and closing body when the control unit has determined, based on a signal output by the pressure sensor, that the control section is being pressed or subjected to pressure.

[0015] By using such a configuration, a locking release device or the opening and closing device can be activated when the operating section is pressed or subjected to pressure.

[0016] The vehicle interior-exterior structure of the present invention is preferably designed such that the empty section is formed in a position that is separated from an outermost section of the opening and closing body.

[0017] By using such a configuration, the activation of the locking release device or the opening and closing device can be prevented even if a contacting body has unintentionally contacted the outermost section of the opening and closing body.

[0018] The vehicle interior-exterior structure according to the embodiment of dependent claim 3 of the present invention is configured with several empty sections that are configured to communicate with each other, wherein the pressure sensor is connected to a first of the empty sections, the vehicle interior-exterior element forms a side door, and an operating section is configured in the vehicle interior-exterior element on the vehicle exterior of the first of the empty sections or of another of the empty sections, and wherein the vehicle interior-exterior structure further comprises a control unit that activates a side-impact occupant protection device installed on the vehicle when the control unit has determined, under a condition in which a pressure value expressed by a signal output by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined first threshold, that a side impact has occurred on the vehicle.and which activates a locking release device to release a locking state between the side door and the vehicle body and / or an opening and closing device to open or close the side door when the control unit has determined that the operating section has been pressed under a condition in which a pressure value expressed by the signal output by the pressure sensor is less than the first threshold but exceeds a predetermined second threshold that is less than the first threshold.

[0019] By using such a configuration, a side-impact occupant protection device fitted to the vehicle can be activated if a side impact occurs. The locking release device and / or the opening and closing device can also be activated when the operating section is pressed.

[0020] Furthermore, a general pressure sensor can be used for both the activation of the occupant protection device and the activation of the locking release device and / or the opening and closing device, which can prevent an increase in costs.

[0021] The vehicle interior-exterior structure according to an embodiment of dependent claim 4 of the present invention is configured such that the empty section comprises a first empty section and a second empty section, which are configured independently of each other; the pressure sensor comprises a first pressure sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the first empty section and a second pressure sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the second empty section; the vehicle interior-exterior element forms a side door with an operating section that is configured on the vehicle exterior of the second empty section; and the vehicle interior-exterior structure further comprises a control unit that activates a side-impact occupant protection device installed in the vehicle when the control unit has determined, based on the signal output by the first pressure sensor,that a side impact has occurred on the vehicle, and the locking release device is activated to release a locking state between the side door and the vehicle body and / or an opening and closing device is activated to open or close the side door when the control unit has determined, based on the signal output by the second pressure sensor, that the operating section has been pressed.

[0022] By using such a configuration, a side-impact occupant protection device installed in the vehicle can be activated if a side impact occurs. The locking release device and / or the opening and closing device can also be activated when the operating section is pressed. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0023] As explained in more detail above, according to the present invention, the degree of freedom for the arrangement position of a contact area or impact detection area can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle interior-exterior structure according to a first embodiment not belonging to the invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line F2-F2 of the Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line F3-F3 of the Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is the cross-sectional view of the Fig. 2 seen from the side and represents a condition in which a colliding body with a front bumper cover, which is in Fig. 1 is shown, it has collided. Fig. 5 is the cross-sectional view of the Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view and depicts a condition in which a colliding body has a front bumper cover that is in Fig. 1 is shown, it has collided. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle interior-exterior structure according to a second embodiment not belonging to the invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line F7-F7 of the Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line F8-F8 of the Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle interior-exterior structure according to a third embodiment not belonging to the invention. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line F10-F10 of the Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle interior-exterior structure according to a fourth embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line F12-F12 of the Fig. 11. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle interior-exterior structure according to a fifth embodiment according to the invention. Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle interior-exterior structure according to a sixth embodiment according to the invention. Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vehicle interior-exterior structure according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view according to the Fig. 2. View from the side, which represents a configuration of a vehicle interior-exterior structure according to a reference example. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS First embodiment

[0024] First, a first embodiment, which does not belong to the invention, is described.

[0025] In each of the drawings, the arrow TOP, the arrow FRONT and the arrow OUTSIDE indicate the top side of the vehicle's top-bottom direction, the front side of the vehicle's front-back direction and the outside of the vehicle's width direction (left side).

[0026] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle interior-exterior structure 10 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a front bumper cover 12, which serves as a vehicle interior-exterior element, a pressure sensor 14 and a control unit 16, which serves as a controller.

[0027] The front bumper cover 12 is elongated along the width of the vehicle and covers a bumper reinforcement 18 from the front of the vehicle. The front bumper cover 12 comprises a main body section 20 and a cover 22.

[0028] The main body section 20 is made of a resin foam material such as urethane and is supported by the vehicle body, for example the bumper reinforcement 18 or other vehicle body frame elements not shown in the drawings.

[0029] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a front end section 24 of the main body section 20 is formed with a convexly curved surface profile that forms a convex shape on the front of the vehicle, and a recessed section 26, which opens towards the outside of the vehicle (the front of the vehicle), is formed on a vertex section 24A, which serves as the outermost section of the front end section 24. The recessed section 26 is formed in an elongated shape that extends transversely along the longitudinal direction of the front bumper cover 12.

[0030] The cover 22 is, for example, made of an elastic material such as a painted resin film, and the cover 22 covers the main body section 20 from the front of the vehicle to close the opening of the recess section 26.

[0031] The cover 22 is formed, for example, by welding in close contact with the main body section 20 without any gaps between them. A sealed empty section 28 is formed between the main body section 20 and the cover 22 because the cover 22 closes the opening of the recessed section 26.

[0032] The pressure sensor 14, which is in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 is connected to the empty section 28 by a constriction section 30 according to a configuration which outputs a signal to the control unit 16 according to the internal pressure of the empty section 28.

[0033] The empty section 28 is designed with a substantially uniform cross-section, and the narrowing section 30 is designed with a smaller cross-section than the empty section 28.

[0034] The control unit 16 is configured, as will be described later, as a front-impact occupant protection device 34 and a pedestrian protection device 36, which is installed in the vehicle that is in Fig. 1 shown, are installed according to a signal output by the pressure sensor 14, and to activate signal(s) such as a signal output by a vehicle speed sensor 32.

[0035] The following is an explanation of the operation of the vehicle interior-exterior structure described above.

[0036] In the vehicle interior-exterior structure 10, the increase is as described in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the internal pressure of the empty section 28 when a colliding body 200 collides with the front bumper cover 12 from the front of the vehicle and the empty section 28 is subjected to compression deformation. A signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section 28 is generated by the pressure sensor 14, which is located in Fig. The value shown in 1 is output to control unit 16.

[0037] The control unit 16 determines, based on the signal output by the pressure sensor 14 and, for example, the signal output by the vehicle speed sensor 32, whether a front impact has occurred on the vehicle.

[0038] That is, the control unit 16 determines that a front impact has occurred on the vehicle if a pressure value, expressed by the signal output by the pressure sensor 14, exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a vehicle speed value, expressed by the signal output by the vehicle speed sensor 32, exceeds a predetermined threshold, and determines in other cases that no front impact has occurred on the vehicle.

[0039] When the control unit 16 determines that a front impact has occurred on the vehicle, an activation signal is issued from the control unit 16 to the occupant protection device 34 and the pedestrian protection device 36, and the occupant protection device 34 and the pedestrian protection device 36 are activated in response to the activation signal.

[0040] Note that such a configuration may be provided in which, in such cases, an activation signal is issued by the control unit 16 only to one device, i.e., the occupant protection device 34 or the pedestrian protection device 36, or in which an activation signal is issued by the control unit 16 to both the occupant protection device 34 and the pedestrian protection device 36.

[0041] The following is an explanation of the operation and the advantageous effects of the first embodiment.

[0042] The vehicle inside-outside structure 10 enables the detection of the fact that a colliding body has collided with the front bumper cover 12 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0043] The front impact occupant protection device 34 and / or the pedestrian protection device 36 installed in the vehicle can also be activated if a colliding body has collided with the front bumper cover 12 from the front of the vehicle.

[0044] The empty section 28, used to detect a collision, is formed between the cover 22 and the main body section 20, which is supported by the vehicle body through the bumper reinforcement 18 or, for example, other vehicle body frame elements not shown in the drawings. Consequently, a reaction force is received from the main body section 20, and the empty section 28 can undergo compression deformation when a collision body strikes the front bumper cover 12, without requiring a force-supporting element such as a vehicle frame element or vehicle reinforcement element on the rear side of the empty section 28. The degree of freedom for the arrangement position of the empty section 28, that is, for the arrangement position of a front impact detection area, can be increased.

[0045] Note that, while in the present embodiment the bumper reinforcement 18 is arranged by way of example on the rear side of the empty section 28, the empty section 28 need not be provided in such a position where the bumper reinforcement 18 is arranged on the rear side of the empty section 28.

[0046] In the vehicle's interior-exterior structure 10, the position of the empty section 28 can therefore be freely determined, since the main body section 20 is made of a foam material. The degree of freedom for the positioning of the front impact detection area can thus be further increased.

[0047] The empty section 28 is also designed in an elongated shape, which makes it possible to extend the front impact detection area.

[0048] The empty section 28 is also formed transversely across the longitudinal direction of the front bumper cover 12, making it possible to define the front impact detection area transversely across the longitudinal direction of the front bumper cover 12.

[0049] The connecting section that connects the empty section 28 and the pressure sensor 14 is formed by the constriction section 30, whereby the pressure is increased by the constriction section 30, which can increase the accuracy of the pressure sensing by means of the pressure sensor 14.

[0050] The empty section 28 is formed on the outermost section of the front bumper cover 12, that is, on the apex section 24A at the front end section 24 of the main body section 20, which makes it possible to detect with greater accuracy the fact that a colliding body has collided with the front bumper cover 12.

[0051] The empty section 28 is formed on a section near the cover 22, which makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the collision detection.

[0052] The empty section 28 is formed between the main body section 20 and the cover 22, which eliminates the need to provide, for example, a dedicated chamber element for collision detection, and makes it possible to reduce weight, size and cost. Second embodiment

[0053] The following is an explanation of a second embodiment, which does not belong to the invention.

[0054] A vehicle interior-exterior structure 40 according to a second embodiment, which is located in the Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 shows a modified configuration compared to the vehicle interior-exterior structure 10 according to the first embodiment described above, which is described below.

[0055] That is, in addition to the indentation section 26, which is positioned on an upper section of the front bumper cover 12 as described above, the main body section 20 is formed with an indentation section 46, which is positioned on a lower section of the front bumper cover 12.

[0056] The indentation section 46 opens towards the front of the vehicle similarly to the indentation section 26. The indentation section 46 is elongated, extending along the longitudinal direction of the front bumper cover 12 and transversely across its longitudinal direction. The indentation section 46 also extends at an outermost (frontmost) section to the lower section of the main body section 20, and two end faces of the indentation section 46 curve towards the side of the indentation section 26 and communicate with it.

[0057] The front bumper cover 12 is formed with a sealed empty section 48 which is in communication with the empty section 28 between the main body section 20 and the cover 22.

[0058] The following describes the operation of the vehicle's interior-exterior structure 40.

[0059] In the vehicle interior-exterior structure 40, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the empty section 28 or the empty section 48 is subjected to compression deformation due to the collision of the body 200 with the upper section of the front bumper cover 12, or due to the collision of a body 202 with the lower section of the front bumper cover 12, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the empty section 28, 48. A signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section 28, 48 is then output by the pressure sensor 14 to the control unit 16.

[0060] In control unit 16, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, based on the signal output by the pressure sensor 14 and signal(s) such as a signal output by the vehicle speed sensor 32, it is determined whether a frontal impact has occurred on the vehicle. The determination here is similar to that in the first embodiment described above.

[0061] If the control unit 16 determines that a front impact has occurred on the vehicle, an activation signal is issued from the control unit 16 to the occupant protection device 34 and the pedestrian protection device 36, similar to the first embodiment described above, and the occupant protection device 34 and the pedestrian protection device 36 are activated in response to the activation signal.

[0062] The operation and advantageous effects of the second embodiment, which differ from those of the first embodiment, are described below.

[0063] According to the vehicle inside-outside structure 40, the internal pressure of the empty section 28, 48 can be detected by the common pressure sensor 14 when one of the empty sections 28, 48 is subjected to compression deformation due to a colliding body striking the upper section of the front bumper cover 12 or a colliding body striking the lower section of the front bumper cover 12. Since there is no need to provide multiple individual pressure sensors 14, the front impact detection range can thus be extended while preventing an increase in cost. Third embodiment

[0064] A third embodiment, not belonging to the invention, is described below.

[0065] As it is in Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a vehicle interior-exterior structure 50 according to the third embodiment, comprising a side door 52 serving as a vehicle interior-exterior element, a pressure sensor 54, a control unit 56 serving as a control, and a hollow element 57.

[0066] The side door 52 is provided on a side surface section of the vehicle and is designed in an elongated shape along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The side door 52 comprises a main body section 60 and a cover 62.

[0067] The main body section 60 is made of a resin foam material such as urethane, and the front end of the main body section 60 is rotatably fixed to a front column 58. The main body section 60 is also fixed to a middle column 59 when the side door 52 is closed. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, an outer section 64 of the main body section 60 is formed with a convexly curved surface profile that forms a convex shape on the outside of the vehicle.

[0068] The cover 62, for example, is made of an elastic material such as a painted resin film, and the cover 62 covers the main body section 60 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0069] The hollow element 57 is made of an elastic resin material and is designed to be embedded in the main body section 60 between the main body section 60 and the cover 62. The hollow element 57 is arranged at a vertex section 64A, which serves as the outermost section of the outer section 64.

[0070] The hollow element 57, which is in Fig. Figure 9 shows a structure comprising two hollow sections 57A, 57B, which are elongated along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, and a connecting section 57C, which extends in the top-to-bottom direction of the vehicle and connects the two hollow sections 57A, 57B. The two hollow sections 57A, 57B are formed transversely across the longitudinal direction of the side door 52.

[0071] Empty sections 68A and 68B are formed within the two hollow sections 57A and 57B, and a communication path 68C is formed within the connecting section. The empty sections 68A and 68B communicate with each other via the communication path 68C.

[0072] A pressure sensor 54 is connected to the empty section 68A by a constriction section 70 and is designed to output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty sections 68A, 68B to the control unit 56.

[0073] Note that the empty sections 68A, 68B have essentially uniform cross-sections and the narrowing section 70 has a cross-section that is smaller than that of the empty sections 68A, 68B.

[0074] The control unit 56 is designed to activate a side impact occupant protection device 74 installed in the vehicle, based on the signal output by the pressure sensor 54 and, for example, a signal output by a vehicle speed sensor 32.

[0075] The following is an explanation of the operation of the vehicle's interior-exterior structure 50.

[0076] In the vehicle interior-exterior structure 50, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, when the colliding body 200 collides with the side door 52 from the outside of the vehicle, the internal pressures of the empty sections 68A, 68B increase, and the empty sections 68A, 68B are subjected to compression deformation. A signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty sections 68A, 68B is then generated by the pressure sensor 54, which is located in Fig. The value shown in 9 is output to control unit 56.

[0077] In control unit 56, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, it is determined whether the vehicle has been subjected to a side impact based on the signal output by the pressure sensor 54 and signal(s) such as a signal output by the vehicle speed sensor 32.

[0078] This means that the control unit 56 determines that the vehicle has been subjected to a side impact if a pressure value, expressed by the signal output by the pressure sensor 54, exceeds a predetermined threshold, and if a vehicle speed value, expressed by the signal output by the vehicle speed sensor 32, exceeds a predetermined threshold. In other cases, the control unit 56 determines that the vehicle has not been subjected to a side impact.

[0079] An activation signal is issued by the control unit 56 to the occupant protection device 74 when the control unit 56 has determined that the vehicle has been subjected to a side impact, and the occupant protection device 74 is activated in response.

[0080] The operation and advantageous effects of the third embodiment are described below.

[0081] According to the vehicle inside-outside structure 50, the fact that a colliding body has collided with the side door 52 from the outside of the vehicle can be recorded.

[0082] The side impact occupant protection device 74, which is installed in the vehicle, can also be activated if a colliding body has collided with the side door 52 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0083] The empty sections 68A, 68B, used to detect a collision, are formed within the hollow element 57 located between the main body section 60 and the cover 62. Accordingly, the empty sections 68A, 68B can be subjected to compression deformation because a reaction force is received from the main body section 60 when the colliding body impacts the location of the empty sections 68A, 68B in the side door 52, without requiring a force-supporting element such as a vehicle frame element or a vehicle reinforcement element on the rear side of the empty sections 68A, 68B. The degree of freedom for the arrangement position of the empty sections 68A, 68B, i.e., for the arrangement position of a side impact detection area, can therefore be increased.

[0084] The main body section 60 is formed from a foam material, thus allowing the position of the empty sections 68A and 68B to be freely adjusted or fixed. The degree of freedom for the positioning of the side impact detection area can therefore be increased.

[0085] The empty sections 68A, 68B are designed in elongated shapes, thus extending the side impact detection area.

[0086] The empty sections 68A, 68B are formed transversely across the longitudinal direction of the side door 52, so that the side impact detection area can be defined transversely across the longitudinal direction of the side door 52.

[0087] The connecting section that connects the empty section 68A and the pressure sensor 54 is formed by the constriction section 70, and thus the pressure can be increased through the constriction section 70, thereby increasing the pressure sensing accuracy of the pressure sensor 54.

[0088] The empty sections 68A, 68B are formed in the outermost section of the side door 52, that is, in the apex section 64A of the outer section 64 of the main body section 60, so that the fact that a colliding body has collided with the side door 52 can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0089] The empty sections 68A, 68B are formed in a section near the cover 62, which makes it possible to increase the collision detection accuracy.

[0090] Note that in the third embodiment, the empty sections 68A, 68B may be constructed from indentation sections, which are formed similarly to the main body section 60 and the cover 62 in the first embodiment. Fourth embodiment

[0091] A fourth embodiment according to the invention is described below.

[0092] A vehicle interior-exterior structure 80 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is located in the Fig. 11 and Fig. The configuration shown in Figure 12 differs from the vehicle interior-exterior structure 50 described above according to the third embodiment in the following way.

[0093] That is, in a main body section 60, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, a recessed section 86 is formed in an outer section 64 at a position separated from the upper side of a vertex section 64A. The recessed section 86 opens towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0094] A cover 62 is attached, for example, by welding without gaps, tightly to the main body section 60. A tightly closed, empty section 88 is formed between the main body section 60 and the cover 62, by the cover 62 covering the opening of the indentation section 86.

[0095] The section of the cover 62 that closes the opening of the recessed section 86, that is, the section on the outside of the vehicle of the empty section 88, is designed as an operating section 89. The operating section 89 is, for example, of a similar size to a conventional doorknob. The outer section of the side door 52, which contains the operating section 89, is flat without any protrusion, such as that of a conventional doorknob.

[0096] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, a pressure sensor 84 is connected via a constriction section 90 to the empty section 88 described above, and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section 88 is output to a control unit 96.

[0097] Note that the empty section 88 has a substantially uniform cross-section and the narrowing section 90 has a smaller cross-section than that of the empty section 88.

[0098] As will be described later, the control unit 96 is designed, based on the signal output by the pressure sensor 84 and signal(s) such as a signal output by a vehicle speed sensor 32, to activate a locking release device 92, which releases a locking state between the side door 52, which serves as an opening and closing element, and the vehicle body, and to activate an opening and closing device 94, which opens or closes the side door 52.

[0099] The following is an explanation of the operation of the vehicle interior-exterior structure described above (80).

[0100] In the vehicle interior-exterior structure 80, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the internal pressure of the empty section 88 increases when the operating section 89 is pressed by an operator and the empty section 88 is subjected to compression deformation. A signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section 88 is generated by the pressure sensor 84, which is located in Fig. As shown in 11, the output is sent to control unit 96.

[0101] The control unit 96 determines, based on a signal output by the pressure sensor 84 and signal(s) such as a signal output by the vehicle speed sensor 32, whether the operating section 89 is pressed by an operator.

[0102] This means that the control unit 96 determines that the operating section 89 has been pressed by an operator when the pressure value, expressed by the signal output by the pressure sensor 84, exceeds a predetermined threshold and the vehicle speed value, expressed by the signal output by the vehicle speed sensor 32, is zero. In other cases, the control unit 96 determines that the operating section 89 has not been pressed by an operator.

[0103] When the control unit 96 determines that the operating section 89 has been pressed by an operator, an activation signal is appropriately output by the control unit 96 to the locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94. The locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94 are activated in response.

[0104] More precisely, if the operating section 89 is pressed by an operator when the side door 52 is closed, the locking release device 92 is activated to open the side door 52, or the locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94 are activated to open the side door 52 automatically. However, if the operating section 89 is pressed by an operator when the side door 52 is open, the opening and closing device 94 is activated and the side door 52 closes automatically.

[0105] Note that in such cases a configuration may be provided in which an activation signal from the control unit 96 is only issued to the locking release device 92 or the opening and closing device 94 in accompaniment to the actuation of the operating section 89 by an operator.

[0106] The following is an explanation of the points of operation and the advantageous effects of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which differ from those of the third embodiment described above.

[0107] According to the vehicle interior-exterior structure 80, the fact that the operating section 89 was pressed by an operator can be recorded.

[0108] The locking release device 92 and / or the opening and closing device 94 can also be activated when the operating section 89 has been pressed.

[0109] The empty section 88 is formed at a position in the outer section 64 that is separated from the upper side of the apex section 64A, and thus activation of the locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94 can be prevented if a contacting body unintentionally contacts the outermost section (the location where the apex section 64A is arranged) of the side door 52.

[0110] The empty section 88 is formed between the main body section 60 and the cover 62, and thus there is no need to provide, for example, a dedicated chamber element to detect a contact, thereby reducing the weight, size and cost.

[0111] The outer section of the side door 52, which contains the operating section 89, is designed flat without any protrusion of a conventional doorknob, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance and wind resistance properties of the side door 52.

[0112] The operating section 89 can also be arranged at any desired position on the side door 52, thus improving the degree of freedom for the arrangement position of the operating section 89.

[0113] Note that, while in the fourth embodiment the main body section 60 is made of a foam material, the main body section 60 can also be made of a hard resin material.

[0114] Note that the vehicle interior-exterior structure 80 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be used for a vehicle interior element. Fifth embodiment

[0115] A fifth embodiment according to the invention is described below.

[0116] A vehicle interior-exterior structure 100 of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. The vehicle shown in Figure 13 is equipped with a front bumper cover 12, a side door 52, a front wheel cover (fender) 102, which serves as the vehicle's outer section, a pressure sensor 14, a pressure sensor 54, which serves as a first pressure sensor, a pressure sensor 84, which serves as a second pressure sensor, a pressure sensor 104 and a control unit 106, which serves as a controller.

[0117] The front bumper cover 12 is constructed similarly to that of the second embodiment described above, and the side door 52 is configured as a combination of the configurations of the third and fourth embodiments described above. Note that empty sections 68A, 68B correspond to a first empty section of the present invention, and that an empty section 88 corresponds to a second empty section of the present invention.

[0118] The front wheel cover 102 comprises a main body section 110 and a cover 112 and is constructed similarly to the front bumper cover 12 and the side door 52 described above. That is, an empty section 118 is formed within the front wheel cover 102.

[0119] The pressure sensor 104 is connected to the empty section 118 by a constriction section 120 and is designed to output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section 118 to the control unit 106. The pressure sensors 14, 54, and 84 are those of the second to fourth embodiments described above.

[0120] The control unit 106 is designed to activate occupant protection devices 34, 74, a pedestrian protection device 36, a locking release device 92 and an opening and closing device 94 suitablely on the basis of signals such as signals output by the pressure sensors 14, 54, 84, 104 and a signal output by a vehicle speed sensor 32, similar to that described above in the second to fourth embodiments.

[0121] The control unit 106 is designed to activate the occupant protection device 74 when it determines, on the basis of signals such as the signal output by the pressure sensor 104 and the signal output by the vehicle speed sensor 32, that a side impact has occurred on the vehicle.

[0122] According to such a configuration, the occupant protection devices 34, 74 and the pedestrian protection device 36 can be activated in response to a vehicle being subjected to a frontal and / or side impact. The locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94, as well as the operating section 89, can also be suitably activated when the operating section 89 is pressed.

[0123] The empty section 118 is also formed in the front wheel cover 102, so that the side impact detection area can be extended, thereby improving the detection accuracy of a side impact. Sixth embodiment

[0124] The following is an explanation of a sixth embodiment according to the invention.

[0125] A vehicle interior-exterior structure 130 of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. The vehicle shown in Figure 14 is equipped with a tailgate 132, which serves as an outer vehicle section and as an opening and closing element, a rear bumper cover 133, which serves as an outer vehicle section, pressure sensors 134, 135A, 135B and a control unit 136, which serves as a control system.

[0126] The tailgate 132 comprises a main body section 140 and a cover 142 and has a similar structure to that of the side door 52 of the fourth embodiment described above. An empty section 138 is formed within the tailgate 132, and the section on the vehicle exterior of the empty section 138 forms an operating section 139. The empty section 138 is located in a position that is separated from and above the outermost (rearmost) section of the tailgate 132.

[0127] The rear bumper cover 133 has a similar structure to the front bumper cover 12 described above (see Fig. 13) formed, and empty sections 148A, 148B are formed independently of each other within the rear bumper cover 133.

[0128] A pressure sensor 134 is connected to the empty section 138 by a constriction section 150, and the pressure sensor 134 is designed to output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section 138 to the control unit 136.

[0129] Pressure sensors 135A and 135B are each connected to the empty sections 148A and 148B described above via constricted sections 151A and 151B. Each pressure sensor 135A and 135B is designed to output a signal to the control unit 136 corresponding to the respective internal pressure of the empty sections 148A and 148B.

[0130] The control unit 136 is designed similarly to the fourth embodiment described above to activate a locking release device 152 and an opening and closing device 154 when it has determined, on the basis of a signal output by the pressure sensor 134 and signal(s) such as a signal output by a vehicle speed sensor 32, that an operator has pressed an operating section 139.

[0131] The locking release device 152 and the opening and closing device 154 are constructed similarly to the locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94 of the fourth embodiment described above.

[0132] The control unit 136 is designed to activate a rear-impact occupant protection device 160 when it has determined, on the basis of signals such as those output by the pressure sensors 135A, 135B and a signal output by a vehicle speed sensor 32, that a rear-impact has occurred on the vehicle.

[0133] According to such a configuration, the occupant protection device 160 can be activated in response to the vehicle being subjected to a rear-end collision. The locking release device 152 and the opening and closing device 154 can also be suitably activated when the operating section 139 is pressed. Seventh embodiment

[0134] The following is an explanation of a seventh embodiment according to the invention.

[0135] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, a vehicle interior-exterior structure 160 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention has a modified configuration compared to the vehicle interior-exterior structure 100 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0136] This means that an empty section 68A and an empty section 88 are communicating with each other. The pressure sensor 84 (see Fig. 13), which was described above, is also omitted at side door 52.

[0137] A control unit 166 is constructed as described below to activate occupant protection devices 34, 74, a pedestrian protection device 36, a locking release device 92 and an opening and closing device 94 suitablely on the basis of signals output by pressure sensors 14, 54, 104, and signal(s) such as a signal output by a vehicle speed sensor 32.

[0138] The following is an explanation of the operation of the vehicle's interior-exterior structure described above.

[0139] In the vehicle's interior-exterior structure 160, the internal pressure of the empty sections 68A, 68B increases when a colliding body impacts the side door 52 from the vehicle's exterior and the empty sections 68A, 68B are subjected to compression deformation. A signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty sections 68A, 68B is then output by the pressure sensor 54 to the control unit 166.

[0140] Furthermore, the internal pressure of the empty section 88 increases when the empty section 88 is subjected to compression deformation due to an operator pressing the operating section 89. A signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section 88 is then output by the pressure sensor 54 to the control unit 166.

[0141] In general, the impact load of a colliding body is greater than an operator's operating load, and therefore the pressure value expressed by the signal output by the pressure sensor 54 during a side impact is greater than the pressure value expressed by the signal output by the pressure sensor 54 when the operating section 89 is actuated by an operator.

[0142] In the control unit 166, based on the signal output by the pressure sensor 54 and signal(s) such as the signal output by a vehicle speed sensor 32, it is determined whether a side impact has occurred on the vehicle or whether the operating section 89 has been pressed by an operator.

[0143] This means that if the pressure value, expressed by the signal output by pressure sensor 54, exceeds a predetermined first threshold, and if a vehicle speed value, expressed by the signal output by vehicle speed sensor 32, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 166 determines that the vehicle is subject to a side impact. In other cases, it determines that the vehicle is not subject to a side impact.

[0144] Furthermore, if the pressure value expressed by the signal output by pressure sensor 54 is less than the first threshold but exceeds a predetermined second threshold that is less than the first threshold, and the vehicle speed value expressed by the signal output by vehicle speed sensor 32 is zero, the control unit 166 determines that the operating section 89 is pressed by an operator. In other cases, it determines that the operating section 89 is not pressed by an operator.

[0145] An activation signal is then issued from the control unit 166 to the occupant protection device 74 when the control unit 166 determines that a side impact has occurred on the vehicle, and the occupant protection device 74 is activated in response to the signal.

[0146] Furthermore, activation signals are appropriately output from the control unit 166 to the locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94 when the control unit 166 determines that the operating section 89 has been pressed by an operator, and the locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94 are activated in response to the signals.

[0147] The operation and advantageous effects of the seventh embodiment of the present invention, which differs from those of the embodiments explained above in the following manner, are described below.

[0148] According to the vehicle interior-exterior structure 160, the side-impact occupant protection device 74, which is installed in the vehicle, can be activated in this way if a side impact has occurred to the vehicle. The locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94 can also be suitably activated when the operating section 89 is pressed.

[0149] The common pressure sensor 54 can also be used for activating the occupant protection device 74 as well as for activating the locking release device 92 and the opening and closing device 94, thus avoiding an increase in costs.

[0150] Note that in the seventh embodiment, the empty section 88 communicates with the empty section 68A, and the pressure sensor 54 is connected to the empty section 68A. However, a configuration is also possible in which a pressure sensor is connected to the empty section 88. Reference is also made to the descriptions of the preceding embodiments. Reference example

[0151] The following is a reference example.

[0152] A vehicle interior-exterior structure 170 according to a reference example that is in Fig. The vehicle interior-exterior structure 10 shown in Figure 16 is constructed taking into account the vehicle interior-exterior structure 10 according to the first embodiment described above and forming an empty section 28 on the front of the vehicle within a main body section 20.

[0153] The use of such a configuration also allows, due to the fact that the empty section 28 is subjected to compression deformation when a colliding body impacts the front bumper cover 12 from the front of the vehicle, the detection of the fact that the colliding body has impacted the front bumper cover 12 from the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, reference is made to the explanations regarding the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 referred.

Claims

[1] Vehicle interior-exterior structure (80) which features: a vehicle interior-exterior element comprising a main body section (60) formed from a resin and supported by a vehicle body, and a cover (62) formed from an elastic material, wherein the cover (62) adheres tightly to and covers the main body section (60), with an empty section (88) formed between the main body section (60) and the cover (62); and a pressure sensor (84) that outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section (88), wherein the vehicle interior-exterior element forms an opening and closing body (52) and has: an operating section (89) formed on the vehicle interior-exterior element on the outside of the empty section (88); and a control unit (96) which activates a locking release device (92) to release a locking state between the opening and closing body (52) and the vehicle body and / or an opening and closing device (94) to open or close the opening and closing body (52) when the control unit (96) has determined, on the basis of a signal output by the pressure sensor (84), that the operating section (89) has been pressed. [2] Vehicle interior-exterior structure (80) according to claim 1, wherein the empty section (88) is formed at a position that is separated from an outermost section of the opening and closing body (52). [3] Vehicle interior-exterior structure (160) which features: a vehicle interior-exterior element comprising a main body section (60) formed from a resin and supported by a vehicle body, and a cover (62) formed from an elastic material, wherein the cover (62) adheres tightly to and covers the main body section (60), with an empty section (68A, 88) formed between the main body section (60) and the cover (62); and a pressure sensor (54) which outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section (68A, 88), wherein several empty sections (68A, 88) are formed in communication with each other; the pressure sensor (54) is connected to a first (68A) of the empty sections (68A, 88); The vehicle interior-exterior element forms a side door and features: an operating section (89) which is formed on the vehicle exterior of the first (68A) of the empty sections (68A, 88) or of another (88) of the empty sections (68A, 88); and a controller (166) that a side-impact occupant protection device (74) installed on the vehicle is activated when the controller (166) has determined that a side impact has occurred on the vehicle under a condition in which a pressure value expressed by a signal output by the pressure sensor (54) exceeds a predetermined first threshold value, and a locking release device (92) for releasing a locking state between the side door and the vehicle body and / or an opening and closing device (94) for opening or closing the side door is activated when the control (166) has determined that the operating section (89) has been pressed under a condition in which a pressure value expressed by the signal output by the pressure sensor (54) is less than the first threshold but exceeds a predetermined second threshold which is less than the first threshold. [4] Vehicle interior-exterior structure (100) which features: a vehicle interior-exterior element comprising a main body section (60) formed from a resin and supported by a vehicle body, and a cover (62) formed from an elastic material, wherein the cover (62) adheres tightly to and covers the main body section (60), with an empty section (68A, 68B, 88) formed between the main body section (60) and the cover (62); and a pressure sensor (54, 84) that outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the empty section (68A, 68B, 88), wherein the empty section (68A, 68B, 88) has a first empty section (68A, 68B) and a second empty section (88) that are formed independently of each other; the pressure sensor (54, 84) includes a first pressure sensor (54) which outputs a signal corresponding to an internal pressure of the first empty section (68A, 68B) and a second pressure sensor (84) which outputs a signal corresponding to an internal pressure of the second empty section (88); the vehicle interior-exterior element forms a side door, wherein an operating section (89) is formed on the vehicle exterior of the second empty section (88), and has a control (106) which a side-impact occupant protection device (74) installed in the vehicle is activated when the control unit (106) has determined, based on the signal output by the first pressure sensor (54), that a side impact has occurred on the vehicle, and a locking release device (92) to release a locking state between the side door and the vehicle body and / or an opening and closing device (94) to open or close the side door is activated when the control unit (106) has determined, on the basis of the signal output by the second pressure sensor (84), that the operating section (89) has been pressed.

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