Vehicle structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle structure having a mounting structure of a sensor device that can improve detection accuracy of the sensor device.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure 1 includes: a cross member 43 constituting a portion of a vehicle body structure member 40 of a vehicle and extending in a vehicle width direction; an outer panel 10 supported by the cross member 43 and constituting a design surface outside the vehicle; reinforcement members 30 reinforcing the outer panel 10 from a rear side 10e thereof; and a sensor device S, mounted on the reinforcement member 30, which detects a vehicle outer environment. The reinforcement member 30 has a vehicle body connection part 31 that is connected to the cross member 43 and a panel connection part 32 that is connected to the outer panel 10. The panel connection part 32 has a circumference connection part 32a that is connected to a predetermined position of a surrounding region 10f surrounding a region 10d3 opposing to a sensor main body S1 of the sensor device S in the outer panel 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure including a structure for disposing a sensor device for detecting an external environment of a vehicle on an outer panel. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, outer panels such as bumpers and grills that constitute the design surface of the outside of the vehicle are provided at the front and rear of a vehicle such as an automobile, and a sensor device that detects the environment outside the vehicle may be provided on the back side of the outer panel. Examples of the sensor device include radars that use electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves as detection waves, sonic wave sensors (ultrasonic sensors / sonars) that use sound waves such as ultrasonic waves as detection waves, and cameras (imaging devices) that detect the environment outside the vehicle by imaging. In the case of radars, the area of ​​the outer panel facing the sensor device is formed as a detection wave passing portion made of a material that is permeable to electromagnetic waves. In order to improve the detection accuracy, high accuracy is required for the relative positional relationship (relative distance and relative angle) between the detection wave passing portion of the outer panel and the sensor device. In addition, a certain level of accuracy is also required for the relative positional relationship (relative angle, etc.) between the vehicle body and the sensor device.

[0003] One example of a vehicle structure having a structure for disposing a sensor device on an outer panel is the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this structure, a radar antenna is attached to a frame material that reinforces the panel material of the front grille from the back side, and the front grille is engaged or fastened to a vehicle body member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-59268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the frame material on which the radar antenna is attached is adhesively fixed to the rear surface of the front grille. Therefore, for example, during assembly, in order to set the relative positional relationship between the detection wave passing portion of the front grille and the radar antenna within the required accuracy, there is no choice but to rely on fine adjustments at the attachment portion between the radar antenna and the frame material. Even if the relative positional relationship between the detection wave passing portion and the radar antenna can be set within the required accuracy, depending on the attachment (locking or fastening) state of the front grille to the vehicle body, the relative angle of the radar antenna to the vehicle body (vehicle mounting angle) may be significantly deviated from the ideal angle, which may lead to a decrease in detection accuracy by the sensor.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure having a mounting structure for a sensor device that can improve the detection accuracy of the sensor device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle structure is provided that includes a cross member that forms part of the vehicle's body structural members and extends in the vehicle width direction, an outer panel that is supported by the cross member and forms a design surface on the outside of the vehicle, a reinforcing member that reinforces the outer panel from its back side, and a sensor device that is attached to the reinforcing member and detects the outside environment, wherein the reinforcing member has a body connecting portion connected to the cross member and a panel connecting portion connected to the outer panel, and the panel connecting portion has a peripheral connecting portion that is connected to a predetermined position in a peripheral area surrounding an area of ​​the outer panel that faces the sensor main body of the sensor device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle structure having a mounting structure for a sensor device that can improve the detection accuracy of a sensor device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle structure with the outer panel removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the vehicle structure with the outer panel and lamp assembly removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of the rear surface of the outer panel. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the vehicle structure as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle structure as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of part A shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion B shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining connection positions between elements in a vehicle structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 are diagrams for explaining a vehicle structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure 1 seen from the front of the vehicle, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle structure 1, Fig. 3 is a front view, Fig. 4 is a rear view, and Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the rear surface of an outer panel 10 described later. In Figs. 3 and 4, the outer panel 10 described later has been removed, and in Fig. 4, a lamp device 20 described later has been removed. In the drawings, the arrow Fr direction indicates the front of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the arrow O direction indicates the outside of the vehicle (outside in the vehicle width direction) in the vehicle width direction (vehicle width direction), and the arrow U direction indicates the upper side of the vehicle in the vehicle vertical direction. In the following description, "front" and "rear" correspond to the front and rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and "upper" and "lower" correspond to the upper and lower in the vehicle vertical direction. In addition, "left" and "right" correspond to the left and right in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side.

[0011] (Vehicle structure overview) 1 to 4, the vehicle structure 1 is a structure including a panel mounting structure for mounting (fixing) an outer panel 10 of a vehicle to a vehicle body. In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is applied as a front structure of a vehicle, and in the vehicle structure 1, a pair of lamp devices 20, 20 spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction are disposed adjacent to the outer panel 10 at the front of the vehicle.

[0012] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 includes an outer panel 10, a lamp device 20, a reinforcing member 30, a sensor device S, and a vehicle body structural member 40. The vehicle structure 1 is configured symmetrically in the vehicle width direction. In the following, the structure of the left side of the vehicle structure 1 will be mainly described, and the description of the structure of the right side will be omitted or simplified.

[0013] The outer panel 10 is a member that constitutes the design surface on the outside of the vehicle and extends in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the outer panel 10 is a front bumper that constitutes the design surface at the front of the vehicle. In the illustrated example, the outer panel 10, which is a front bumper, has a bumper front surface portion 10a that extends over the entire vehicle width direction, a bumper inclined surface portion 10b that extends from the upper portion of the bumper front surface portion 10a to the front portion of the front hood (not shown) at an upward incline toward the rear, and a bumper side portion 10c that extends rearward from both ends of the bumper front surface portion 10a in the vehicle width direction. A large bumper opening is opened in the center of the bumper front surface portion 10a. The outer panel 10 has a resin front grille 10d that closes the bumper opening.

[0014] 5, the front grille 10d has a plurality of ventilation holes 10d1, and in the illustrated example, the front grille 10d is an intake member. The front grille 10d has grill claws 10d2 formed on its periphery, which protrude rearward. The grill claws 10d2 are inserted into and engaged with connecting holes formed on the periphery of the bumper opening of the outer panel 10.

[0015] In this embodiment, the lamp device 20 is a front lamp (also called a headlight) that mainly illuminates an area in front of the vehicle. The lamp device 20 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle.

[0016] The reinforcing member 30 is a member for reinforcing the outer panel 10 from its back surface 10e side and fixing the outer panel 10 to the vehicle body (vehicle body structural member 40), and is a main element of the panel mounting structure. The outer panel 10 is a large panel that is thin and spreads over a wide area in the vehicle width direction, and therefore has a relatively low rigidity. The reinforcing member 30 supports the outer panel 10 at a plurality of points from the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10 in order to reinforce the outer panel 10 having low rigidity. The reinforcing member 30 is connected to and supported by the vehicle body (vehicle body structural member 40) at a plurality of points via brackets as described later. The reinforcing member 30 supports the outer panel 10 by being connected to the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10 at a plurality of points. In other words, the outer panel 10 is supported by the vehicle body (in this embodiment, a cross member 43 described later) via the reinforcing member 30 and the bracket, and is fixed to the vehicle body. The structure of the reinforcing member 30 will be described later.

[0017] The body structural member 40 is a highly rigid member constituting a structural member of the vehicle body. At the front of the vehicle, a pair of front side members 41, 41, a pair of vertical braces 42, 42, a cross member 43 extending in the vehicle width direction, and the like are provided as the body structural member 40. In other words, each element (41, 42, 43) constitutes a part of the body structural member 40 of the vehicle.

[0018] The cross member 43 has a first cross member 43a and a second cross member 43b spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the pair of front side members 41, 41 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction at the bottom of the vehicle, and each front side member 41 extends in the front-rear direction. Each vertical brace 42 is joined to an upper surface of the front side member 41 and extends upward. The first cross member 43a and the second cross member 43b are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and each cross member 43a, 43b extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first cross member 43a is located above the second cross member 43b in the vehicle vertical direction, and may be called an upper cross member or an upper bumper beam. One end of the first cross member 43a is joined to the upper end of one vertical brace 42, and the other end of the first cross member 43a is joined to the upper end of the other vertical brace 42. One end of the second cross member 43b (also called a lower cross member or a lower bumper beam) is joined to the front end of one front side member 41, and the other end of the second cross member 43b is joined to the front end of the other front side member 41.

[0020] The sensor device S is a device attached to the reinforcing member 30 and detects the environment outside the vehicle. In this embodiment, the sensor device S is a device configured to detect obstacles (obstacles outside the vehicle), such as other vehicles located in front of the vehicle, by using electromagnetic waves. In this embodiment, the sensor device S uses millimeter waves as the electromagnetic waves. In other words, the sensor device S is a millimeter wave radar. However, the electromagnetic waves used by the sensor device S are not limited to millimeter waves, and may be, for example, microwaves.

[0021] The sensor device S includes a sensor body S1 configured to output and receive a detection wave, and a sensor bracket S2 supporting the sensor body S1. In the illustrated example, the sensor body S1 has a rectangular outer shape and is disposed with its sensor front surface S1a facing the front of the vehicle. The sensor bracket S2 is made of a metal plate. The sensor bracket S2 includes a rear plate S21 that is rectangular in rear view and is fixed to the rear surface of the sensor body S1 by rivets or bolts, an upper flange S22 that extends from the middle of the upper edge of the rear plate S21 in the vehicle width direction, a right flange S23 that extends from the right edge of the rear plate S21, and a left flange S24 that extends from the left edge of the rear plate S21.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the sensor device S is attached to the reinforcing member 30 at the center in the vehicle width direction and the center in the vehicle vertical direction by a fastener such as a bolt, with the sensor front surface S1a facing the front of the vehicle, behind the front grille 10d, and fixed to the reinforcing member 30. In this state, the sensor device S faces the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10 (the front grille 10d in the illustrated example) with a gap therebetween. A region 10d3 (portion) of the outer panel 10 (front grille 10d) facing the sensor body S1 of the sensor device S is made of a material (e.g., synthetic resin, etc.) having properties that allow electromagnetic waves to pass through, and is formed in a flat plate shape as a detection wave passing region (electromagnetic wave passing portion). Hereinafter, the region 10d3 is appropriately referred to as the detection wave passing region 10d3.

[0023] The sensor device S outputs electromagnetic waves, which pass through the detection wave passing area 10d3 of the front grille 10d and are output in front of the vehicle. If there is an obstacle in front of the vehicle, the electromagnetic waves output in front of the vehicle are reflected by the obstacle, and the sensor device S receives the electromagnetic waves reflected by the obstacle and passed through the detection wave passing area 10d3, thereby detecting the obstacle in front of the vehicle.

[0024] (Vehicle structure details) The vehicle structure 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10, Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged plan view of the vehicle structure 1 viewed from the back surface 10e side of the outer panel 10, and Fig. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle structure 1 viewed from the back surface 10e side of the outer panel 10. However, in Figs. 6 and 7, the first cross member 43a and the second cross member 43b are omitted from the illustration. Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of part A shown in Fig. 5, and Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of part B shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the connection positions between elements in the vehicle structure 1.

[0025] 1 to 4, the reinforcing member 30 functions as a bumper holder that supports the front bumper as the outer panel 10 from the back surface 10e side thereof, and also functions as a sensor holder that holds the sensor device S. The reinforcing member 30 extends in the vehicle width direction between the pair of lamp devices 20, 20. The reinforcing member 30 is, for example, a resin injection molded product. The reinforcing member 30 is formed on the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10 so as to extend in the vehicle width direction and generally follow the bumper front surface portion 10a and the bumper inclined surface portion 10b.

[0026] The reinforcing member 30 has a vehicle body connecting portion 31 connected to the cross member 43, and a panel connecting portion 32 connected to the outer panel 10. The vehicle body connecting portion 31 and the panel connecting portion 32 are each provided at a plurality of locations. Each connecting portion (31, 32) is configured so that the relative position with respect to the object to be connected can be adjusted.

[0027] In this embodiment, the vehicle body connecting portion 31 has a first vehicle body connecting portion 31a connected to the first cross member 43a and a second vehicle body connecting portion 31b connected to the second cross member 43b. The reinforcing member 30 is connected to and supported by both the upper first cross member 43a and the lower second cross member 43b. The first cross member 43a is also a hood lock member as a structural member that receives the front part of the front hood (not shown). The reinforcing member 30 has a length in the vehicle width direction that is approximately the same as that of each of the cross members 43a and 43b. In the illustrated example, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is provided at two locations in the vehicle width direction center, one location on the vehicle width direction right side, and one location on the vehicle width direction left side in the upper part of the reinforcing member 30. The second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is provided at the lower part of the vehicle width direction center of the reinforcing member 30.

[0028] Specifically, the reinforcing member 30 is supported by the first cross member 43a via a first upper bracket 47a and a second upper bracket 47b joined to the upper first cross member 43a, and is supported by the second cross member 43b via a lower bracket 48 joined to the lower second cross member 43b. The first upper bracket 47a is provided at two locations near the center in the vehicle width direction of the first cross member 43a, and the second upper bracket 47b is provided at each of both ends in the vehicle width direction of the first cross member 43a.

[0029] The first vehicle body connecting portion 31a at the upper part of the reinforcing member 30 is connected (fastened) to each of the first upper bracket 47a and the second upper bracket 47b by fasteners such as bolts, thereby connecting to the first cross member 43a, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b at the lower part of the center of the vehicle width direction of the reinforcing member 30 is connected to the second cross member 43b by being engaged with the lower bracket 48.

[0030] The panel connecting portions 32 are provided at a plurality of locations, such as the upper and lower portions of the outer portion in the vehicle width direction of the reinforcing member 30, the upper portion in the vehicle up-down direction, and the center portion in the vehicle width direction. Although not particularly limited, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a, which is connected to the first cross member 43a among the vehicle body connecting portions 31, is also connected to the outer panel 10 and functions as the panel connecting portion 32.

[0031] The panel connecting portion 32 has a peripheral connecting portion 32a that is connected to a predetermined position of a peripheral region 10f (see the hatched portion shown in FIG. 5) that surrounds a region 10d3 (in other words, a detection wave passing region 10d3) that faces the sensor body S1 of the sensor device S in the outer panel 10. The structure of the peripheral connecting portion 32a will be described in detail later.

[0032] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 30 is divided into an intermediate reinforcing member 30M to which the sensor device S is attached and a side reinforcing member 30S connected to the outer end of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M in the vehicle width direction, and the intermediate reinforcing member 30M and the side reinforcing member 30S are connected (fastened) to each other by a fastener such as a bolt. That is, the reinforcing member 30 has a left side reinforcing member 30S, a right side reinforcing member 30S, and an intermediate reinforcing member 30M between the left side reinforcing member 30S and the right side reinforcing member 30S, and the left and right side reinforcing members 30S are connected to the intermediate reinforcing member 30M to form the reinforcing member 30. In other words, the reinforcing member 30 is a reinforcing assembly or a reinforcing body formed by combining a plurality of members.

[0033] In relation to the vehicle body (cross member 43), the upper part of each side reinforcement member 30S is connected to the second upper bracket 47b, the upper part of the intermediate reinforcement member 30M is connected to the first upper bracket 47a, and the lower part of the intermediate reinforcement member 30M is connected to the lower bracket 48.

[0034] Next, the position of the sensor device S, and the shape and structure of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M of the reinforcing member 30 will be mainly described in detail.

[0035] 3 and 4, as described above, the sensor device S is attached to the intermediate reinforcing member 30M of the reinforcing member 30. In this embodiment, when the sensor device S is attached to the reinforcing member 30, the sensor device S is disposed in a position between the first cross member 43a and the second cross member 43b in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0036] Specifically, referring to Fig. 3 to Fig. 7, the detection wave passing area 10d3 in the front grille 10d as a part of the outer panel 10 is located at a position corresponding to the intermediate reinforcing member 30M of the reinforcing member 30 in the vehicle width direction, and is disposed at a position between the first cross member 43a and the second cross member 43b in the vehicle up-down direction. In this embodiment, the intermediate reinforcing member 30M has a sensor opening 33 that is opened so that the sensor main body S1 can be housed therein. The sensor device S is attached to the intermediate reinforcing member 30M from the rear via the sensor bracket S2 with the sensor main body S1 housed in the sensor opening 33. In this state, a predetermined interval is provided between the sensor front surface S1a of the sensor device S and the detection wave passing area 10d3 of the outer panel 10. The sensor opening 33 is opened in a rectangular shape larger than the outer shape of the sensor main body S1.

[0037] (Intermediate reinforcement member and its body connection part) In this embodiment, in the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is provided on each of both sides in the vehicle width direction at a position separated from the sensor device S of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M on one side in the vehicle up-down direction (upward in the illustrated example), and the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is provided at a position separated from the sensor device S of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M on the other side in the vehicle up-down direction (downward in the illustrated example). The configurations of the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a and the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b will be described in detail later.

[0038] In this embodiment, the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is formed so as to narrow in the vehicle width direction from one end side (upper end side in the illustrated example) where the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is provided to the other end side (lower end side in the illustrated example) where the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is provided. In the illustrated example, the intermediate reinforcing member 30M has a generally inverted trapezoidal shape with an upper base longer than a lower base in a plan view, and is bent so as to generally follow the front grille 10d and the bumper inclined surface portion 10b of the outer panel 10 in a side view.

[0039] In this embodiment, each of both sides in the vehicle width direction of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M has a first side portion 34 extending at a first inclination degree with respect to an imaginary line X extending in the up-down direction passing through the sensor device S, and a second side portion 35 continuing with the first side portion 34 and extending at a second inclination degree with respect to the imaginary line X that is gentler than the first inclination degree (see Figs. 6 and 7). In the illustrated intermediate reinforcing member 30M, the first side portion 34 is inclined so as to approach the imaginary line X from the upper portion of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M downward. The second side portion 35 is continuous with the lower end of the first side portion 34 and is located to the side of the sensor opening 33, and is inclined so as to approach the imaginary line X downward. The interior angle between the first side portion 34 and the imaginary line X is set to be larger than the interior angle between the second side portion 35 and the imaginary line X.

[0040] In this embodiment, a back surface rib 36 is formed on the back surface of the reinforcing member 30 so as to extend so as to surround the periphery of the sensor body S1 of the sensor device S. In the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, the back surface rib 36 is composed of an inner vertical rib 36a extending in the up-down direction along the opening edge of the sensor opening 33, and an inner horizontal rib 36b extending in the vehicle width direction along the opening edge of the sensor opening 33. Although not particularly limited, in the illustrated example, a part of one of the inner vertical ribs 36a (the left inner vertical rib 36a in Figs. 7 and 8) extends upward with respect to the sensor opening 33 in the up-down direction and is cut out to avoid interference with the left flange S24 of the sensor bracket S2. The other inner vertical rib 36a (the right inner vertical rib 36a in Figs. 7 and 8) extends upward and downward with respect to the sensor opening 33.

[0041] In the illustrated example, in addition to the back surface rib 36, an outer vertical rib 36c extending along the first side portion 34 and the second side portion 35, and an outer horizontal rib 36d spaced apart in the up-down direction from the inner horizontal rib 36b are provided on the back surface of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. The outer vertical rib 36c is provided on the outer side of the inner vertical rib 36a in the vehicle width direction, and the outer vertical rib 36c and the inner vertical rib 36a are connected to each other by the outer horizontal rib 36d and a step portion, thereby improving the rigidity of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M.

[0042] In this embodiment, the intermediate reinforcing member 30M has a bulging portion 37 that continues from the opening edge of the sensor opening 33 and bulges toward the second cross member 43b. In the illustrated example, the bulging portion 37 is located below the sensor opening 33 and bulges toward the rear of the vehicle. A lower wall 37a of the bulging portion 37 is provided at the lower part of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M and faces downward.

[0043] An upper portion of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is placed on a rear surface 10e of a bumper flange portion that constitutes an upper portion of the bumper inclined surface portion 10b and extends rearward, and is sandwiched between the bumper flange portion and an upper surface of the first upper bracket 47a. A lower portion of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M (a lower wall of the bulging portion 37) is supported by abutting against an upper wall of the lower bracket 48. In addition, an outer horizontal rib 36d provided on the back surface of the bulging portion 37 improves the rigidity of the bulging portion 37.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is located at each of both ends in the vehicle width direction of the upper portion of the intermediate reinforcement member 30M, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is located at the lower portion of the intermediate reinforcement member 30M. In this embodiment, the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is provided in a bulging portion 37 located at the lower portion of the intermediate reinforcement member 30M. Specifically, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is provided in a lower wall 37a of the bulging portion 37. Two vehicle body connecting holes 31a1 are opened in the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a, and a protrusion 31b1 is formed in the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b. The protrusion 31b1 protrudes downward from the lower wall 37a of the bulging portion 37.

[0045] In the first vehicle body coupling portion 31a, a clip (not shown) is inserted from above the outer panel 10 into a clip hole formed in the outer panel 10, one vehicle body coupling hole 31a1 of the reinforcing member 30, and a clip hole 47a1 (see FIG. 2) formed in the first upper bracket 47a. As a result, the first vehicle body coupling portion 31a is coupled to the vehicle body (upper cross member 43) via the first upper bracket 47a by the clip. Furthermore, a bolt (not shown) is inserted from above the outer panel 10 into a bolt hole formed in the outer panel 10, the other vehicle body coupling hole 31a1 of the reinforcing member 30, and a bolt hole 47a2 (see FIG. 2) formed in the upper wall of the first upper bracket 47a, and is screwed into a weld nut on the back side of the bolt hole 47a2, so that the first vehicle body coupling portion 31a is coupled (fastened) to the vehicle body (upper cross member 43) via the first upper bracket 47a by the bolt. At this time, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is also connected to the outer panel 10, and functions as a panel connecting portion 32. Each vehicle body connecting hole 31a1 is opened to have a predetermined position adjustment play (adjustment allowance) so that the relative position between the intermediate reinforcing member 30M and the first upper bracket 47a can be finely adjusted.

[0046] The second vehicle-body coupling portion 31b is coupled to and supported by the vehicle body (the lower cross member 43) via the lower bracket 48 by engaging the protrusion 31b1 of the second vehicle-body coupling portion 31b with an engaging hole 48a (see FIGS. 2, 6 and 7) formed in the upper wall of the lower bracket 48. The engaging hole 48a is formed to have a size that provides a predetermined position adjustment play (adjustment allowance) so that the relative position between the intermediate reinforcing member 30M and the lower bracket 48 (vehicle-body structural member 40) can be finely adjusted.

[0047] (Panel connection part) In this embodiment, in the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, the panel connecting portion 32 is provided at the upper portion of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M and at the center portion of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. As described above, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a also serves as the panel connecting portion 32 at the upper portion of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. The panel connecting portion 32 at the center portion of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is formed by the peripheral connecting portion 32a described above.

[0048] The peripheral connecting portion 32a of the panel connecting portion 32 is connected to a predetermined position of the peripheral region 10f (see FIGS. 5 to 7) that surrounds the detection wave passing region 10d3.

[0049] In this embodiment, the peripheral connection portion 32a has a first peripheral connection portion 32a1 and a second peripheral connection portion 32a2 that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and a third peripheral connection portion 32a3 that is provided at a position spaced apart from the first peripheral connection portion 32a1 and the second peripheral connection portion 32a2 in one direction in the vehicle vertical direction (downward in the illustrated example).

[0050] In the illustrated example, the first peripheral connection portion 32a1 and the second peripheral connection portion 32a2 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction in the vicinity of the upper edge of the sensor opening 33 in the intermediate reinforcement member 30M. The first peripheral connection portion 32a1 is provided at the upper right corner of the edge of the sensor opening 33 in a rear view, and the second peripheral connection portion 32a2 is provided at the upper left corner of the edge of the sensor opening 33 in a rear view. The third peripheral connection portion 32a3 is provided near the lower edge of the edge of the sensor opening 33. A panel connection hole 32a4 is opened in each peripheral connection portion (32a1, 32a2, 32a3). Each panel connection hole 32a4 is opened to a size having a predetermined position adjustment play (adjustment allowance) so that the relative position between the intermediate reinforcement member 30M and the outer panel 10 (front grille 10d) can be finely adjusted.

[0051] 5, boss portions 10g are formed in the peripheral region 10f of the outer panel 10 at positions corresponding to the peripheral connecting portions (32a1, 32a2, 32a3). Screw holes are formed in the boss portions 10g. The two upper boss portions 10g are formed on the upper edge of the front grille 10d, and the lower boss portion 10g is located below the detection wave passing region 10d3 of the front grille 10d.

[0052] 5 and 6, a first seating surface 10h1 against which the first peripheral connecting portion 32a1 of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M abuts, and a second seating surface 10h2 against which the second peripheral connecting portion 32a2 abuts are formed on the upper edge of the bumper opening of the outer panel 10. In other words, the outer panel 10 has the first seating surface 10h1 and the second seating surface 10h2.

[0053] 5 and 8, each of the upper boss portions 10g is inserted into a boss hole 10i formed in the corresponding seat surface (10h1, 10h2) of the outer panel 10 at the upper edge of the bumper opening.

[0054] 6 and 7, the portion of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M where the third peripheral connecting portion 32a3 is formed is surrounded by the extension of the inner vertical rib 36a, the inner horizontal rib 36b, the outer horizontal rib 36d, and the vertical wall 37b of the bulging portion 37. As a result, the support rigidity of the third peripheral connecting portion 32a3 is improved.

[0055] 6 to 9, in the first peripheral connection portion 32a1, a bolt (not shown) inserted into the panel connection hole 32a4 from the back side of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is screwed into a screw hole formed in the boss portion 10g of the first seating surface 10h1, so that the first peripheral connection portion 32a1 is connected (fastened) to the right corner portion of the peripheral region 10f surrounding the detection wave passing region 10d3 of the outer panel 10. In the second peripheral connection portion 32a2, a bolt (not shown) inserted into the panel connection hole 32a4 is screwed into a screw hole of the boss portion 10g of the first seating surface 10h1, so that the second peripheral connection portion 32a2 is connected (fastened) to the left corner portion of the peripheral region 10f surrounding the detection wave passing region 10d3. At this time, the boss portion 10g of the front grille 10d is inserted into the boss hole 10i formed in the outer panel 10 from the front side (design surface side) of the outer panel 10. In the third peripheral connection portion 32a3, a bolt (not shown) inserted into the panel connection hole 32a4 is screwed into a screw hole formed in the boss portion 10g, thereby connecting (fastening) the third peripheral connection portion 32a3 to a lower corner of the peripheral region 10f surrounding the detection wave passing region 10d3.

[0056] (positioning part) 5 to 9, in this embodiment, the first seating surface 10h1 and the second seating surface 10h2 of the outer panel 10 are each provided with a positioning portion 10j that determines the position of the reinforcing member 30 (middle reinforcing member 30M) relative to the outer panel 10. The positioning portion 10j is formed as a positioning hole (fitting hole) or a positioning protrusion that is an element that restricts relative movement with respect to the middle reinforcing member 30M. The positioning portion 10j comes into contact with the restriction object, thereby determining a relative position in a predetermined direction with respect to the restriction object.

[0057] In this embodiment, the positioning portion 10j has a first panel positioning portion 10j1 and a second panel positioning portion 10j2. Each panel positioning portion (10j1, 10j2) is formed as a positioning protrusion. The first panel positioning portion 10j1 is located on the first seating surface 10h1 of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, and the second panel positioning portion 10j2 is located on the second seating surface 10h2. In the illustrated example, each panel positioning portion (10j1, 10j2) is formed as a columnar protrusion having a plus (+) shaped cross section. The first panel positioning portion 10j1 fits into a first restricting hole 38a opened in the first peripheral connecting portion 32a1 of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, and the second panel positioning portion 10j2 fits into a second restricting hole 38b opened in the second peripheral connecting portion 32a2 of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. At this time, the peripheral surface of the first restricting hole 38a of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is abutted against and supported by the first seating surface 10h1 of the outer panel 10, and the peripheral surface of the second restricting hole 38b of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is abutted against and supported by the second seating surface 10h2 of the outer panel 10.

[0058] Each of the restriction holes (38a, 38b) is opened in a rectangular shape so as to restrict the relative movement between the intermediate reinforcing member 30M and the outer panel 10 in the up-down and left-right directions. The adjustment margin of the first restriction hole 38a in the left-right and up-down directions and the adjustment margin of the second restriction hole 38b in the up-down direction are set to be extremely small. The second restriction hole 38b is opened in an elongated shape with a predetermined position adjustment play (adjustment margin) so that the relative position between the intermediate reinforcing member 30M and the outer panel 10 can be finely adjusted mainly in the left-right direction.

[0059] (sensor fixed point) In this embodiment, the fixing points of the sensor device S to the reinforcing member 30 (hereinafter, referred to as sensor fixing points as appropriate) are set at a plurality of locations along the opening edge of the sensor opening 33 on the back surface of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. In the illustrated example, the sensor fixing points are set at three locations along the opening edge of the sensor opening 33. Specifically, the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is provided with the following sensor fixing points in the rear view: a first sensor fixing point P1 provided on the second side portion 35 on the right side of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, a second sensor fixing point P2 provided on the second side portion 35 on the left side of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, and a third sensor fixing point P3 provided on the opening upper edge of the sensor opening 33 of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. The third sensor fixing point P3 is a fixing point that passes through the middle portion of the sensor device S in the vehicle width direction, and is set at a position between the first sensor fixing point P1 and the second sensor fixing point P2 in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] That is, in this embodiment, some of the fixing points of the sensor device S to the intermediate reinforcing member 30M (the first sensor fixing point P1 and the second sensor fixing point P2) are set on the second side portion 35. In this embodiment, the third sensor fixing point P3, which is the fixing point of the intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction of the sensor device S to the reinforcing member 30 (the intermediate reinforcing member 30M), is set between the first peripheral connecting portion 32a1 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32a2. That is, the third sensor fixing point P3 is disposed between the first peripheral connecting portion 32a1 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32a2 so as to be aligned substantially in a line with the first peripheral connecting portion 32a1 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32a2.

[0061] The first sensor fixing point P1 and the second sensor fixing point P2 are provided near the inner longitudinal rib 36a, and the third sensor fixing point P3 is provided on the inner transverse rib 36b.

[0062] Around the first sensor fixing point P1 and the second sensor fixing point P2, a sensor support surface 39a against which the sensor bracket S1 (right flange S23, left flange S24) of the sensor device S abuts is formed. Each sensor support surface 39a is provided between the inner longitudinal rib 36a and the outer longitudinal rib 36c. In other words, the first sensor fixing point P1 is provided in a high-rigidity portion between the right inner longitudinal rib 36a and the right outer longitudinal rib 36c, and the second sensor fixing point P2 is provided in a high-rigidity portion between the left inner longitudinal rib 36a and the left outer longitudinal rib 36c.

[0063] 6 and 7, a nut guide groove 39b for mounting a plate-shaped square nut N (see dashed line in FIG. 7) is formed on the outer panel 10 side (i.e., the outside or front side) of each of the first sensor fixing point P1 and the second sensor fixing point P2, and a bolt insertion recess 39c for screwing a bolt into the plate-shaped square nut from the inside (i.e., the back side) of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is opened on each sensor support surface 39a. The nut guide groove 39b is formed as a groove having an adjustment margin in the vehicle width direction to allow relative movement between the sensor device S and the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, and similarly, the bolt insertion recess 39c is formed as a recess (notch) having an adjustment margin in the vehicle width direction to allow relative movement between the sensor device S and the intermediate reinforcing member 30M.

[0064] In this embodiment, the sensor support surface 39a is formed with a bracket positioning protrusion 39d that fits into a bracket positioning hole S2a opened in the sensor bracket S2 (right flange S23, left flange S24).

[0065] At the third sensor fixing point P3, a sensor receiving boss portion 39e (see FIG. 7) is formed integrally with the inner horizontal rib 36b.

[0066] At the first sensor fixing point P1, a bolt (not shown) inserted from the rear surface side of the flange into a flange insertion hole S2b formed in the right flange S23 is screwed into the plate-shaped square nut N through the bolt insertion recess 39c, thereby connecting (fastening) the right flange S23 of the sensor device S to the first sensor fixing point P1 of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. At the second sensor fixing point P2, a bolt (not shown) inserted from the rear surface side of the flange into a flange insertion hole S2b formed in the left flange S24 is screwed into the plate-shaped square nut N through the bolt insertion recess 39c, thereby connecting (fastening) the left flange S24 of the sensor device S to the second sensor fixing point P2 of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. At the third sensor fixing point P3, a bolt (not shown) inserted from the back side of the flange into the flange insertion hole S2b formed in the upper flange S22 is screwed into a screw hole formed in the sensor receiving boss portion 39e, thereby connecting (fastening) the upper flange S22 of the sensor device S to the third sensor fixing point P3 of the intermediate reinforcement member 30M.

[0067] In this embodiment, in the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, the vehicle body connecting portion 31 is provided with two first vehicle body connecting portions 31a and one second vehicle body connecting portion 31b, and the panel connecting portion 32 is provided with a first peripheral connecting portion 32a1, a second peripheral connecting portion 32a2, and a third peripheral connecting portion 32a3. In other words, three or more vehicle body connecting portions and panel connecting portions are formed.

[0068] 10, a virtual polygon T2 (inverted triangle in the illustrated example) connecting the peripheral connecting parts (32a1, 32a2, 32a3) is formed so as to follow a virtual polygon T1 (inverted triangle in the illustrated example) connecting the vehicle body connecting parts (31a, 31a, 31b). That is, the peripheral connecting parts (32a1, 32a2, 32a3) are arranged so that the virtual polygon T2 formed by the peripheral connecting parts (32a1, 32a2, 32a3) follows the virtual polygon T1. In addition, the fixing points of the sensor device S to the reinforcing member 30 are set at three or more locations (three locations in the illustrated example). A virtual polygon T3 (upward convex triangle in the illustrated example) connecting the fixing points (P1, P2, P3) is arranged approximately inside the virtual polygon T1 connecting the vehicle body connecting parts (31a, 31a, 31b). Referring to FIG. 10, the fixing points (P1, P2, P3) are arranged between two adjacent body connection portions (31a-31a, 31a-31b, 31b-31a) or between two adjacent peripheral connection portions (32a1-32a2, 32a2-32a3, 32a3-32a1).

[0069] According to the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the reinforcing member 30 has a vehicle body connecting portion 31 connected to the cross member 43 and a panel connecting portion 32 connected to the outer panel 10, and the panel connecting portion 32 has a peripheral connecting portion 32a connected to a predetermined position of a peripheral region 10f surrounding a region 10d3 (detection wave passing region 10d3) facing the sensor body S1 of the sensor device S in the outer panel 10. In other words, the reinforcing member 30 to which the sensor device S is fixed and which reinforces the outer panel 10 is fixed to the peripheral region 10f of the detection wave passing region 10d3 of the outer panel 10. As a result, both the relative position between the outer panel 10 and the sensor device S, and the relative position (including the relative angle) between the sensor device S and the cross member 43 (body structural member 40) can be easily adjusted individually, and further, by connecting the reinforcing member 30 to the peripheral region 10f surrounding the detection wave passing region 10d3 via the peripheral connecting portion 32a, vibration of the sensor device S is effectively suppressed and the detection accuracy of the sensor device S is improved.

[0070] In this manner, the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle structure having a mounting structure for a sensor device that can improve the detection accuracy of the sensor device.

[0071] In this embodiment, the vehicle body coupling portion 31 has a first vehicle body coupling portion 31a coupled to the first cross member 43a and a second vehicle body coupling portion 31b coupled to the second cross member 43b. As a result, the reinforcing member 30 supporting the sensor device S is supported by two vertically arranged cross members (43a, 43b), suppressing vibration of the reinforcing member 30 and maintaining the relative positional relationship (particularly the vertical position) between the sensor device S and the vehicle body structural member 40. As a result, when the vehicle body vibrates, the sensor device S and the vehicle body structural member 40 are displaced together, maintaining the relative position and relative angle (vehicle mounting angle) of the sensor device S to the vehicle body structural member 40, and effectively suppressing or preventing positional deviation of the sensor device S with respect to the vehicle body.

[0072] The sensor device S is disposed between the first cross member 43a and the second cross member 43b in the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, the upper and lower parts of the sensor device S are supported by the vehicle body structural members 40, increasing the support rigidity of the sensor device S and suppressing vibration and displacement of the sensor device S. In addition, even if an impact force from outside the vehicle acts on the outer panel 10 and displaces the sensor device S toward the inside of the vehicle, the sensor device S is prevented from colliding with the cross member 43 and being damaged.

[0073] The first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is provided on each side in the vehicle width direction at a position of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M spaced apart from the sensor device S on one side in the vehicle up-down direction, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is provided on the intermediate reinforcing member 30M at a position of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M spaced apart from the sensor device S on the other side in the vehicle up-down direction. This suppresses rocking of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M in the vehicle width direction, and the sensor device S is stably supported by the reinforcing member 30M.

[0074] The intermediate reinforcing member 30M is formed so as to narrow in the vehicle width direction from one end side (upper end side in the illustrated example) where the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is provided to the other end side (lower end side in the illustrated example) where the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is provided. This prevents the reinforcing member 30 from blocking air taken in from one side in the vehicle front-rear direction (front of the vehicle in the illustrated example).

[0075] The intermediate reinforcing member 30M has a sensor opening 33 that is opened so that the sensor main body S1 can be housed therein, and a bulging portion 37 that continues from the opening edge of the sensor opening 33 and bulges toward the second cross member 43b, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is provided on the bulging portion 37 of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M. This significantly increases the rigidity around the fixing point of the sensor device S to the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, and provides extremely effective stable support for the sensor device S.

[0076] In this embodiment, each of both side portions in the vehicle width direction of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M has a first side portion 34 extending at a first inclination degree with respect to an imaginary line X extending in the vertical direction passing through the sensor device S, and a second side portion 35 continuing from the first side portion 34 and extending at a second inclination degree with respect to the imaginary line X that is gentler than the first inclination degree, and a part of a fixing point of the sensor device S to the intermediate reinforcing member 30M is set on the second side portion 35. This suppresses swinging of the intermediate reinforcing member 30M in the vehicle width direction and suppresses air intake blocking by the reinforcing member 30, while increasing rigidity around the fixing point of the sensor device S to the intermediate reinforcing member 30M, and more effectively stably supporting the sensor device S.

[0077] In this embodiment, a back surface rib 36 is formed on the back surface of the reinforcing member 30 so as to extend so as to surround the periphery of the sensor body S1 of the sensor device S. This increases the surface rigidity around the fixing point of the sensor device S to the reinforcing member 30 (intermediate reinforcing member 30M), thereby increasing the support rigidity of the sensor device S. As a result, the positional deviation and vibration of the sensor device S are suppressed, and the detection accuracy of the sensor device S is further improved.

[0078] In this embodiment, the perimeter connection portion 32a has a first perimeter connection portion 32a1 and a second perimeter connection portion 32a2 spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and a third sensor fixing point P3, which is a fixing point of the vehicle width direction intermediate portion of the sensor device S to the reinforcing member 30 (intermediate reinforcing member 30M), is set between the first perimeter connection portion 32a1 and the second perimeter connection portion 32a2. As a result, the third sensor fixing point P3 that defines the intermediate position (e.g., center position) in the vehicle width direction of the sensor device S is disposed between the first perimeter connection portion 32a1 and the second perimeter connection portion 32a2 of the panel connection portion 32. As a result, the intermediate position (center position) in the vehicle width direction of the sensor device S with respect to the outer panel 10 can be easily adjusted (center positioning).

[0079] In this embodiment, the first seating surface 10h1 and the second seating surface 10h2 of the outer panel 10 are each provided with a positioning portion 10j that determines the position of the reinforcing member 30 (middle reinforcing member 30M) relative to the outer panel 10. This makes it even easier to position the sensor device S relative to the outer panel 10.

[0080] Also, as shown in Figure 10, the first sensor fixing point P1 and the second sensor fixing point P2 are each located approximately along a straight line connecting the first vehicle body connection portion 31a and the second vehicle body connection portion 31b, so that the relative positional relationship of the sensor device S with respect to the vehicle body is easily maintained.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the first peripheral connection portion 32a1 and the second peripheral connection portion 32a2 are each located approximately along a straight line connecting the first vehicle body connection portion 31a and the second vehicle body connection portion 31b, thereby preventing the outer panel 10 from shifting in position.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, since the third sensor fixing point P3 is positioned between the first peripheral connecting portion 32a1 and the second peripheral connecting portion 32a2, the relative positional relationship between the front grille 10d (outer panel 10) having the detection wave passing area 10d3 and the sensor device S is easily maintained.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 10, the imaginary polygon T3 connecting the fixing points (P1, P2, P3) is an upwardly convex triangle, and the imaginary polygon T2 connecting the peripheral connecting parts (32a1, 32a2, 32a3) is an inverted triangle convex downward. The first sensor fixing point P1 is disposed between the first peripheral connecting part 32a1 and the third peripheral connecting part 32a3, the second sensor fixing point P2 is disposed between the second peripheral connecting part 32a2 and the third peripheral connecting part 32a3, and the third sensor fixing point P3 is disposed between the first peripheral connecting part 32a1 and the second peripheral connecting part 32a2. As a result, even if the number of fixing points (P1, P2, P3) is small, the relative positional relationship between the front grille 10d (outer panel 10) having the detection wave passing area 10d3 and the sensor device S is easily maintained.

[0084] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and further modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0085] For example, the reinforcing member 30 supporting the sensor device S is supported by two cross members (43a, 43b) arranged vertically, but is not limited to this. When the detection accuracy of the sensor device S is maintained within a desired range, the reinforcing member 30 may be supported by either the first cross member 43a or the second cross member 43b. The configuration (relationship) in which the imaginary polygon T3 formed by the fixing points (P1, P2, P3) is a triangle and the imaginary polygon T2 formed by the peripheral connecting parts (32a1, 32a2, 32a3) is an inverted triangle is also applicable when the reinforcing member 30 is supported by either the first cross member 43a or the second cross member 43b, and even if the number of fixing points (P1, P2, P3) is small, the relative positional relationship between the sensor device S and the front grille 10d (outer panel 10) having the detection wave passing area 10d3 is easily maintained.

[0086] The outer panel 10 is a front bumper having a front grille 10d, but is not limited to this. The outer panel 10 only needs to have a surrounding area 10f surrounding a detection wave passing area 10d3 facing the sensor body S1 of the sensor device S, and may be, for example, a front bumper without a front grille 10d, a single front grille 10d, or a decorative member (for example, a metallic member).

[0087] The detection wave passing region 10d3 of the outer panel 10 is formed integrally with the front grille 10d constituting the outer panel 10, but is not limited to this. The detection wave passing region 10d3 may be formed as a separate part from the outer panel 10 (front grille 10d). In addition, the detection wave passing region 10d3 is formed using a material having properties that allow electromagnetic waves to pass therethrough, and is physically present, but is not limited to this, and may be a through-hole that passes through the outer panel 10.

[0088] The sensor device S is not limited to a radar using millimeter waves or microwaves, but may be any device that detects the environment outside the vehicle, and may be an ultrasonic sensor that detects the environment outside the vehicle using ultrasonic waves, or an imaging device such as a camera that detects the environment outside the vehicle by capturing images.

[0089] Each bracket (first upper bracket 47a, second upper bracket 47b, and lower bracket 48) is formed separately from the vehicle body structural member 40, but this is not limited thereto, and the brackets may be formed integrally with the vehicle body structural member 40 by welding or the like and constitute part of the vehicle body structural member 40.

[0090] The intermediate reinforcing member 30M is generally formed in an inverted trapezoid shape with the upper base longer than the lower base, but is not limited thereto, and may be a trapezoid shape with the upper base shorter than the lower base, or an upwardly convex triangular shape. In these cases, for example, the first cross member 43a and the second cross member 43b are switched up and down. The intermediate reinforcing member 30M may also be in an inverted triangular shape with a downwardly convex shape.

[0091] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is applied as a front structure of a vehicle, but is not limited thereto, and may be applied as a rear structure of a vehicle. In this case, the outer panel 10 is, for example, a rear bumper or a rear grille. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Vehicle structure 10…Outer panel 10d3…detection wave passing area (area) 10e…Back 10f…Surrounding area 10h1…1st seat 10h2…Second seat 10j... Positioning part 30…Reinforcing member 30M: Intermediate reinforcement member 30S…Side reinforcement member 31…Car body connection section 31a…First car body connection 31b…Second car body connection 32…Panel connection part 32a...Peripheral joint 32a1...First peripheral connection part 32a2...Second peripheral connection part 33…Sensor opening 34…First side 35…Second side 36…Ribbed back 37…bulge 40...Body structural members 43…Cross member 43a…First cross member 43b…Second cross member P1…1st fixed point (fixed point) P2…Second fixed point (fixed point) P3: Third fixing point (fixing point in the middle of the vehicle width direction) S: Sensor device S1: Sensor body X: Virtual line

Claims

1. A cross member that constitutes a part of a body structural member of a vehicle and extends in a vehicle width direction; an outer panel supported by the cross member and constituting a design surface on the outer side of the vehicle; a reinforcing member for reinforcing the outer panel from its rear surface side; A vehicle structure including a sensor device attached to the reinforcing member and detecting an external environment of the vehicle, The reinforcing member has a vehicle body connecting portion connected to the cross member and a panel connecting portion connected to the outer panel, A vehicle structure, characterized in that the panel connection portion has a peripheral connection portion that is connected to a predetermined position of a peripheral region surrounding an area of ​​the outer panel that faces a sensor body of the sensor device.

2. The cross member includes a first cross member and a second cross member spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction, 2. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the body coupling comprises a first body coupling connected to the first cross member and a second body coupling connected to the second cross member.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2 , wherein the sensor device is disposed at a position between the first cross member and the second cross member in a vertical direction of the vehicle.

4. The reinforcing member is divided into an intermediate reinforcing member to which the sensor device is attached and a side reinforcing member connected to an outer end of the intermediate reinforcing member in a vehicle width direction, the first vehicle body coupling portion is provided on each of both sides in a vehicle width direction at a position of the intermediate reinforcing member spaced apart from the sensor device in a vehicle up-down direction, the second vehicle body coupling portion is provided at a position of the intermediate reinforcing member spaced apart from the sensor device in the other vehicle up-down direction, 4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate reinforcing member is formed so as to narrow in the vehicle width direction from one end side where the first vehicle body connecting portion is provided to the other end side where the second vehicle body connecting portion is provided.

5. the intermediate reinforcing member has a sensor opening that is opened so as to be able to accommodate the sensor main body therein, and a bulging portion that is continuous with an opening edge of the sensor opening and bulges toward the second cross member, The vehicle structure according to claim 4 , wherein the second vehicle body coupling portion is provided in the bulging portion.

6. Each of the two side portions in the vehicle width direction of the intermediate reinforcing member has a first side portion extending at a first inclination degree with respect to an imaginary line extending in a vertical direction passing through the sensor device, and a second side portion continuing from the first side portion and extending at a second inclination degree with respect to the imaginary line that is gentler than the first inclination degree, The vehicle structure according to claim 4 , wherein a part of the fixing points of the sensor device to the intermediate reinforcing member is set on the second side portion.

7. 7. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein a rear rib is formed on a rear surface of the reinforcing member so as to extend so as to surround a periphery of the sensor body of the sensor device.

8. The peripheral connection portion includes a first peripheral connection portion and a second peripheral connection portion spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction, 7. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein a fixing point of a vehicle width direction intermediate portion of the sensor device to the reinforcing member is set between the first peripheral connecting portion and the second peripheral connecting portion.

9. 9. The vehicle structure described in claim 8, wherein the outer panel has a first seating surface against which the first peripheral connection portion abuts and a second seating surface against which the second peripheral connection portion abuts, and each of the first seating surface and the second seating surface is provided with a positioning portion that determines the position of the reinforcing member relative to the outer panel.

Images