Vehicle structure

Abstract

To restrain liquid such as rainwater from being reached to a sensor device.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure 1 contains a structure for disposing a sensor device S on rear surface side of an outer panel 10 which composes design surface of vehicle outside. The vehicle structure 1 is situated to upward direction against the sensor device S in the rear surface side of the outer panel 10 and contains an introduction water part 33 for introducing liquid to position away from the sensor device S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure including a structure for disposing a sensor device on the back side of an outer panel that constitutes the exterior design surface of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, outer panels such as bumpers and grilles that constitute the exterior design surface of the vehicle are provided at the front and rear of vehicles such as automobiles, and sensor devices that detect the outside environment of the vehicle using cameras, radar, ultrasound, etc. may be located on the back side of the outer panels.

[0003] One example of a vehicle structure having a structure for disposing a sensor device on the back side of an outer panel is the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, a panel material that constitutes the design surface of the front grille and a plate-shaped frame material that reinforces the panel material from the back side are provided in the front part of the vehicle, and a radar antenna is attached to the frame material. [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] Incidentally, the upper part of the outer panel provided at the front of the vehicle is supported by a vehicle body structural member such as a hood lock member, and a gap is provided between the upper part of the outer panel and the vehicle body structural member. Therefore, if liquid such as rainwater enters the area on the rear side of the outer panel through the gap and reaches a sensor device such as a radar antenna, problems such as a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor device may occur. In addition, the sensor device may be attached not only to the front of the vehicle, but also to the rear or side of the vehicle, and in this case, similar problems may occur.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure capable of preventing liquids such as rainwater from reaching a sensor device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle structure including a structure for arranging a sensor device on the back side of an outer panel that constitutes the exterior design surface of the vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle structure includes a water-guiding section that is located above the sensor device on the back side of the outer panel and for guiding liquid to a position away from 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 structure capable of preventing liquid such as rainwater from reaching 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 partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle structure as viewed from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 4] 4 is a partial enlarged view for explaining a gap between an upper portion of an outer panel and an upper portion of a reinforcing member as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating a gap between an upper portion of an outer panel and an upper portion of a reinforcing member as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an intermediate reinforcing portion of the reinforcing member. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate reinforcing part taken along line AA shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9]11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the flow of liquid along an intermediate reinforcing portion. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a reinforcing member (middle reinforcing portion) according to a first modified example. [Figure 10B] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a reinforcing member (middle reinforcing portion) according to a second modified example. [Figure 10C] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a reinforcing member (middle reinforcing portion) according to a third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a reinforcing member (middle reinforcing portion) according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a reinforcing member (middle reinforcing portion) according to a fifth modified example. 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. 3 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 as viewed from the front of the vehicle, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle structure 1, and Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view. An outer panel 10, which will be described later, is removed in Fig. 2, and its outline is shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 3. 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, 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 front side of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle.

[0011] (Vehicle structure overview) 1 to 3, the vehicle structure 1 includes a structure for disposing a sensor device S for detecting the outside environment on the back side of an outer panel 10 of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 also includes a structure for reinforcing the outer panel 10 and attaching (fixing) the outer panel 10 to the vehicle body. In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is applied as a front structure of the 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, and a vehicle body structural member 40. The vehicle structure 1 is configured to be approximately symmetrical in the vehicle width direction.

[0013] The outer panel 10 is a member that constitutes a 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 an outer 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 entirely in the 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 incline upward toward the rear (in other words, extends diagonally upward toward the inside of the vehicle), 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 front grille 10d made of resin that closes the bumper opening. A plurality of air vents are opened in the front grille 10d, and in the illustrated example, the front grille 10d is an intake member.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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). The reinforcing member 30 generally extends along the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10 over the entire vehicle width direction of the outer panel 10. The outer panel 10 is a thin, large-sized panel that 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 (fixed) to the vehicle body (vehicle body structural member 40) at a plurality of points as described later. The reinforcing member 30 supports the outer panel 10 from the back surface 10e side by being connected (fixed) to the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10 at a plurality of points. The structure of the reinforcing member 30 will be described later.

[0016] In this embodiment, the sensor device S is attached to the reinforcing member 30. 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 an obstacle (obstacle outside the vehicle) such as another vehicle located in front of the vehicle by using electromagnetic waves. In this embodiment, the sensor device S uses millimeter waves as electromagnetic waves. That is, the sensor device S is a millimeter wave radar. However, the electromagnetic waves (detection waves) used in the sensor device S are not limited to millimeter waves, and may be, for example, microwaves. Note that if liquid such as rainwater reaches a receiving section such as the sensor front surface Sa of the detection wave in the sensor device S and the liquid adheres to or enters the receiving section (sensor front surface S), it may affect the detection accuracy of the sensor device S. In the following, the sensor device S will be described by taking as an example a case where the sensor device S is a radar using millimeter waves or microwaves, but the sensor device S is not limited to these. As the center device S, other sensors whose detection accuracy may be affected by adhesion of liquid to the receiving section may be adopted. As the other sensor, for example, an infrared camera that captures an image by receiving infrared light or an optical camera that captures an image by receiving visible light may be used.

[0017] The sensor device S has a sensor front surface Sa through which electromagnetic waves are output or input. In the illustrated example, the sensor device S is attached to the reinforcement member 30 at approximately the center in the vehicle width direction and the center in the vehicle vertical direction via a connector such as a sensor support plate or a bolt (not shown) behind the front grille 10d with the sensor front surface Sa facing the front of the vehicle, and is fixed to the reinforcement 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 10f (portion) of the outer panel 10 (front grille 10d) facing 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 10f will be appropriately referred to as the detection wave passing region 10f.

[0018] The sensor device S outputs electromagnetic waves, which pass through a detection wave passing area 10f 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 10f, thereby detecting the obstacle in front of the vehicle.

[0019] The body structural member 40 is a highly rigid member that constitutes 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 first cross member 43, a second cross member 44, etc. are provided as the body structural member 40. In other words, each element (41, 42, 43, 44) constitutes a part of the body structural member 40 of the vehicle.

[0020] A pair of front side members 41, 41 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction under the vehicle, and each front side member 41 extends in the front-rear direction. Each vertical brace 42 is joined to the upper surface of the front side member 41 and extends upward. A first cross member 43 and a second cross member 44 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction, and each cross member 43, 44 extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0021] The first cross member 43 is located above the second cross member 44 in the vehicle vertical direction, and may be called an upper cross member or an upper bumper beam. The first cross member 43 also serves as a hood lock member as a structural member that receives the front part of the front hood (not shown). One end of the first cross member 43 is joined to the upper end of one vertical brace 42, and the other end of the first cross member 43 is joined to the upper end of the other vertical brace 42. One end of the second cross member 44 (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 44 is joined to the front end of the other front side member 41.

[0022] (Vehicle structure details) The vehicle structure 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams for explaining a gap G between an upper part of the outer panel 10 and an upper part 30a of the reinforcing member 30 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view, and Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an intermediate reinforcing part 30M of the reinforcing member 30, which will be described later, Fig. 7 is a front view of the intermediate reinforcing part 30M, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate reinforcing part 30M taken along line AA shown in Fig. 7. However, in Figs. 4 and 5, the vehicle body structural member 40 and a first upper bracket 45a, which will be described later, have been removed.

[0023] 1 to 3, the reinforcing member 30 extends in the vehicle width direction between the pair of lamp devices 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.

[0024] The reinforcing member 30 has a vehicle body connecting portion 31 connected to the cross members (43, 44) 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.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the vehicle body connecting portion 31 has a first vehicle body connecting portion 31a connected to the first cross member 43 and a second vehicle body connecting portion 31b connected to the second cross member 44. The reinforcing member 30 is connected to and supported by both the upper first cross member 43 and the lower second cross member 44. The reinforcing member 30 has a length in the vehicle width direction that is approximately the same as that of each cross member (43, 44). In the illustrated example, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a is provided in the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 at two locations in the vehicle width direction center, one location on the right side in the vehicle width direction, and one location on the left side in the vehicle width direction. The second vehicle body connecting portion 31b is provided in the lower portion of the vehicle width direction center of the reinforcing member 30.

[0026] Specifically, the reinforcing member 30 is supported by the first cross member 43 via a first upper bracket 45a and a second upper bracket 45b joined to the upper first cross member 43, and is also supported by the second cross member 44 via a lower bracket 46 joined to the lower second cross member 44. The first upper bracket 45a is provided at two locations near the center of the first cross member 43 in the vehicle width direction, and the second upper bracket 45b is provided at each of both ends of the first cross member 43 in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] The first vehicle body connecting portion 31a at the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 is connected (fastened) to each of the first upper bracket 45a and the second upper bracket 45b by fasteners such as bolts, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 31b at the lower portion of the vehicle width center of the reinforcing member 30 is connected to the second cross member 44 by being engaged with the lower bracket 46.

[0028] 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 30a in the vehicle vertical 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 43 among the vehicle body connecting portions 31, is also connected to the outer panel 10 and functions as the panel connecting portion 32.

[0029] In the illustrated example, the reinforcing member 30 is divided into an intermediate reinforcing portion 30M to which the sensor device S is attached and a side reinforcing portion 30S connected to the outer end of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M in the vehicle width direction, and the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M and the side reinforcing portion 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 portion 30S, a right side reinforcing portion 30S, and an intermediate reinforcing portion 30M between the left side reinforcing portion 30S and the right side reinforcing portion 30S, and the left and right side reinforcing portions 30S are connected to the intermediate reinforcing portion 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.

[0030] In relation to the vehicle body structural member 40, the upper portion 30a of each side reinforcement portion 30S is connected to the second upper bracket 45b, the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M is connected to the first upper bracket 45a, and the lower portion of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M is connected to the lower bracket 46.

[0031] Next, the shape and structure of the main parts of the reinforcing member 30 will be mainly described in detail.

[0032] 3 to 5, the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 is overlapped with the back surface 10e (upper back surface) of the upper portion of the outer panel 10. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a and the panel connecting portion 32 are provided on the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M to which the sensor device S is attached. The upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M abuts against the back surface 10e of the upper portion of the outer panel 10 mainly at the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a and the panel connecting portion 32. The upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M is slightly separated from the back surface 10e of the upper portion of the outer panel 10 mainly at a portion other than the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a and the panel connecting portion 32, and a small gap G is provided between the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M and the back surface 10e of the upper portion of the outer panel 10.

[0033] Specifically, in the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M, vehicle body connecting portions 31 (first vehicle body connecting portion 31a) are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction, and a panel connecting portion 32 is provided in the center in the vehicle width direction. As described above, the first vehicle body connecting portion 31a in the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M also functions as the panel connecting portion 32. Therefore, in the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M, the panel connecting portions 32 are provided at the center in the vehicle width direction and on both sides in the vehicle width direction. Then, in the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M, a first groove 301 and a second groove 302 each extending in the front-rear direction are formed in a portion adjacent to the center panel connecting portion 32 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, in the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M, a third groove 303 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in a portion including the vehicle body connecting portion 31 (panel connecting portion 32) on one side in the vehicle width direction, and a fourth groove 304 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in a portion including the vehicle body connecting portion 31 (panel connecting portion 32) on the other side in the vehicle width direction. Each groove (301, 302, 303, 304) is recessed downward relative to other portions of the vehicle. In the illustrated example, in the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M, a portion between the first groove 301 and the third groove 303 and a portion between the second groove 302 and the fourth groove 304 each form a raised portion 305 that is raised upward.

[0034] The back surface 10e of the upper portion of the outer panel 10 has an uneven shape that mainly abuts against the third groove 303, the fourth groove 304, the central panel connecting portion 32, the left and right raised portions 305, and the left and right ends at the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M. A gap G between the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M and the back surface 10e of the upper portion of the outer panel 10 occurs mainly in the portions corresponding to the first groove 301 and the second groove 302 on the center side in the vehicle width direction. Small gaps G also occur in the portions corresponding to the third groove 303 and the fourth groove 304.

[0035] Here, liquid such as rainwater may infiltrate into the area on the back surface 10e side of the outer panel 10 through the gap G. To prevent liquid infiltration through the gap G, the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M of the reinforcing member 30 has the following structure from the viewpoints of protecting the sensor device S and maintaining detection accuracy.

[0036] The reinforcing member 30 is located above the sensor device S on the back surface 10e side of the outer panel 10, and includes a water guide portion 33 for guiding liquid to a position away from the sensor device S. In the illustrated example, the water guide portion 33 is provided in an intermediate reinforcing portion 30M to which the sensor device S to be protected (subject to be prevented from being exposed to water) is attached.

[0037] In this embodiment, the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M of the reinforcing member 30 has a mounting portion 30b to which the sensor device S is attached, and an upper reinforcing wall 30c located above the mounting portion 30b and having a portion extending diagonally upward toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the mounting portion 30b is provided approximately at the center of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M in the vehicle width direction and the center in the vehicle up-down direction. Referring to FIG. 7, the mounting portion 30b has an accommodation hole 30b1 that is opened in a generally rectangular shape and penetrates the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M in the front-rear direction. The sensor device S is fixed and attached to the surrounding wall of the accommodation hole 30b1 via a connector such as a sensor support plate or a bolt (not shown) in a position in which the sensor front surface Sa faces the front of the vehicle in the accommodation hole 30b1. The fixing points (F1, F2, F3) of the sensor device S to the surrounding wall of the accommodation hole 30b1 of the mounting portion 30b are provided on the upper wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall of the surrounding wall. The fixing point F1 on the upper wall is set at a position shifted to one side in the vehicle width direction (right side in the illustrated example) with respect to the center line X in the vehicle width direction of the sensor device S and the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M. The fixing point F2 on the left side wall and the fixing point F3 on the right side wall are each set at a height position that is approximately at the center of the receiving hole 30b1 in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0039] The upper reinforcing wall 30c is a portion of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M of the reinforcing member 30 that occupies a region between the upper portion 30a and the mounting portion 30b. The portion of the upper reinforcing wall 30c extending obliquely upward toward the inside of the vehicle extends obliquely downward from the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 (intermediate reinforcing portion 30M) toward the mounting portion 30b. In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is applied as a front structure of a vehicle, and the "obliquely upward toward the inside of the vehicle" for the upper reinforcing wall 30c is a direction toward the rear and obliquely upward of the vehicle in the front part of the vehicle. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the upper reinforcing wall 30c has a surface that is inclined downward toward the front side (in other words, upward toward the rear side) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and this surface faces the back surface 10e of the bumper inclined surface portion 10b of the outer panel 10.

[0040] The lower part of the upper reinforcing wall 30c extends in the vehicle vertical direction and is continuous with the upper part of the mounting part 30b. Specifically, the upper reinforcing wall 30c is bent at a bending part in the vertical center so that roughly the upper half is bent toward the rear of the vehicle (inner side of the vehicle). The upper half (upper part) of the upper reinforcing wall 30c constitutes the part extending obliquely upward toward the inner side of the vehicle, and the lower half (lower part) of the upper reinforcing wall 30c constitutes a part extending in the vehicle vertical direction and continuous with the upper part of the mounting part 30b.

[0041] The water guide portion 33 is provided on the surface of the upper reinforcing wall 30c facing the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10. In other words, the water guide portion 33 is formed on the surface of the upper reinforcing wall 30c facing the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 extends from the upper end of the upper reinforcing wall 30c toward the inside of the vehicle, and is overlapped with the back surface 10e (upper back surface) of the upper portion of the outer panel 10 as described above. Specifically, the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 is overlapped with the upper portion of the bumper inclined surface portion 10b of the outer panel 10. The water guide portion 33 is disposed between the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 (middle reinforcing portion 30M) and the mounting portion 30b.

[0043] In this embodiment, the water guide portion 33 has an inclined portion 34 extending in a direction obliquely intersecting the vehicle vertical direction. In other words, the upper surface of the inclined portion 34 forms an inclined surface extending in a direction obliquely intersecting the vehicle vertical direction, and when liquid that has entered through the gap G between the reinforcing member 30 (middle reinforcing portion 30M) and the outer panel 10 reaches the upper surface (inclined surface) of the inclined portion 34 due to gravity, vibration, or the like, the liquid is gently guided downward along the upper surface of the inclined portion 34.

[0044] In this embodiment, the inclined portion 34 has a central inclined portion 341 extending obliquely upward toward the inside of the vehicle, at least one upper inclined portion 342 inclined downward to the outside in the sensor width direction below the central inclined portion 341 and above the sensor device S, and a lateral inclined portion 343 extending obliquely upward toward the inside of the vehicle in a region to the side of the central inclined portion 341. Each of the central inclined portion 341, the upper inclined portion 342, and the lateral inclined portion 343 extends in a direction obliquely intersecting the vehicle up-down direction.

[0045] Specifically, the vehicle structure 1 is applied as a front structure of a vehicle, and the "inner diagonal upward direction of the vehicle" in the extending direction of the central inclined portion 341 and the lateral inclined portions 343 is a direction toward the rear and diagonal upward direction of the vehicle in the front part of the vehicle. The sensor width direction in the inclination direction of the upper inclined portion 342 is the width direction of the sensor front surface Sa of the sensor device S (in other words, the vehicle width direction). Therefore, in the illustrated example, each of the central inclined portion 341 and the lateral inclined portions 343 has an upper surface inclined downward toward the front side (in other words, upward toward the rear side) in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the upper inclined portion 342 has an upper surface inclined downward toward the outside (in other words, upward toward the inside) in the vehicle width direction (sensor width direction). In the illustrated example, the lateral inclined portions 343 are provided continuously with the central inclined portion 341 on both the right and left sides of the central inclined portion 341.

[0046] In this embodiment, the at least one upper inclined portion 342 is composed of a plurality of upper inclined portions 342 (342a, 342b) that are vertically spaced from each other and disposed directly above the sensor device S. That is, in this embodiment, each upper inclined portion 342 (342a, 342b) is disposed above the sensor device S at a position that is substantially the same as the position of the sensor device S in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the vehicle, and may be called a straight-up inclined portion. In the illustrated example, the upper inclined portions 342 (in other words, straight-up inclined portions 342) are provided in two stages, that is, two in number, one above the other. Hereinafter, the lower upper inclined portion 342 will be referred to as the first upper inclined portion 342a, and the upper upper inclined portion 342 will be referred to as the second upper inclined portion 342b, as appropriate.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the first upper inclined portion 342a has an inclined surface of a mountain shape that is convex upward, and the second upper inclined portion 342b has an inclined surface that slopes downward to the left. That is, each upper inclined portion (342a, 342b) is inclined downward toward the outside in the sensor width direction. The top of the first upper inclined portion 342a and the top of the second upper inclined portion 342b are located on the center line X of the sensor device S and the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M in the vehicle width direction. The inclined surface of the first upper inclined portion 342a and the inclined surface of the second upper inclined portion 342b face upward. The first upper inclined portion 342a protrudes slightly forward in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the second upper inclined portion 342b. In other words, the second upper inclined portion 342b is set back in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the front of the first upper inclined portion 342a. The first upper inclined portion 342a is positioned above the sensor device S and extends in the sensor width direction (vehicle width direction) to a predetermined position outside an outer edge of the sensor device S. The second upper inclined portion 342b is positioned above the sensor device S and extends in the sensor width direction (vehicle width direction) to a predetermined position outside one outer edge of the sensor device S. The width (depth) of the right inclined surface of the first upper inclined portion 342a in the vehicle front-rear direction is longer than the width (depth) of the left inclined surface of the first upper inclined portion 342a in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the inclined portion 34 has a first extended inclined portion 344a and a second extended inclined portion 344b in addition to the above elements (341, 342, 343). The first extended inclined portion 344a is continuous with the right inclined surface of the first upper inclined portion 342a (the inclined surface located on the opposite side to the second upper inclined portion 342b in the sensor width direction) and is formed as an inclined surface extending so as to be extended toward the inside of the vehicle (rear of the vehicle). The second extended inclined portion 344b is continuous with the inclined surface of the second upper inclined portion 342b and is formed as an inclined surface extending so as to be extended toward the inside of the vehicle (rear of the vehicle). In the illustrated example, the first extended inclined portion 344a has a stepped shape and is formed so as to extend upward from the rear end of the right inclined surface of the first upper inclined portion 342a and then extend rearward. In the illustrated example, the first upper inclined portion 342a, the second upper inclined portion 342b, the first extended inclined portion 344a, and the second extended inclined portion 344b are inclined downward toward the front in the vehicle interior / exterior direction (here, the vehicle front-rear direction).

[0049] In the illustrated example, a recessed portion 345 recessed toward the rear of the vehicle is formed in a portion between the upper wall of the surrounding wall of the accommodation hole 30b1 of the mounting portion 30b and the first upper inclined portion 342a. The fixing point F1 of the sensor device S is set below the recessed portion 345. In other words, the recessed portion 345 is provided between the fixing point F1 above the sensor device S and the first upper inclined portion 342a. In order to increase the rigidity at the fixing point F1, a pillar rib 345a extending in the vertical direction is provided so as to divide the recessed portion 345 into two in the vehicle width direction at a position corresponding to the fixing point F1.

[0050] 4 to 6, in this embodiment, the water guide portion 33 has a discharge portion 35 that penetrates the upper reinforcing wall 30c in the vertical direction and discharges the liquid downward. The discharge portion 35 has a function of receiving a part or all of the liquid that has reached the inclined portion 34 and discharging a part or all of the received liquid downward. The discharge portion 35 is located between the upper portion 30a and the mounting portion 30b of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M in the vehicle front-rear direction. The discharge portion 35 mainly discharges the liquid that has entered from the upper portion 30a side of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M to a region on the back side of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M before it reaches the sensor device S. In this way, the discharge portion 35 is configured to discharge the liquid to a rear region that is distant rearward from the sensor device S.

[0051] The discharge portions 35 are provided at a plurality of locations on the upper reinforcing wall 30c. Specifically, the discharge portions 35 are provided in an area of ​​the inclined portion 34 that is closer to the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M and an area of ​​the inclined portion 34 that is closer to the mounting portion 30b of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M. In other words, the discharge portions 35 are provided near the gap G that can be an inlet for liquids such as rainwater, and near the sensor device S.

[0052] The discharge portion 35 is formed so as to be recessed downward of the vehicle as a whole. The discharge portion 35 has a bottom wall 35a that faces upward of the vehicle and receives liquid. The bottom wall 35a is formed with a discharge hole 35b.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the water guide section 33 has a first discharge section 351, a second discharge section 352, a third discharge section 353, a fourth discharge section 354, a fifth discharge section 355, a sixth discharge section 356, a seventh discharge section 357, and an eighth discharge section 358 as the discharge section 35. The first discharge section 351, the second discharge section 352, the third discharge section 353, and the fourth discharge section 354 are provided in the central inclined section 341, the fifth discharge section 355 and the sixth discharge section 356 are provided in the left side inclined section 343 (the third groove 303 side), and the seventh discharge section 357 and the eighth discharge section 358 are provided in the right side inclined section 343 (the fourth groove 304 side). The first discharge section 351 is located above the second discharge section 352 and is disposed between the first groove 301 and the second discharge section 352. The third discharge portion 353 is located above the fourth discharge portion 354 and is disposed between the second groove 302 and the fourth discharge portion 354. The fifth discharge portion 355 is located above the sixth discharge portion 356 and is disposed between the vehicle body connecting portion 31 (panel connecting portion 32) on the third groove 303 side and the sixth discharge portion 356. The seventh discharge portion 357 is located above the eighth discharge portion 358 and is disposed between the vehicle body connecting portion 31 (panel connecting portion 32) on the fourth groove 304 side and the eighth discharge portion 358. In the left side inclined portion 343, the opening width in the vehicle width direction of the lower sixth discharge portion 356 is wider (longer) than the opening width in the vehicle width direction of the upper fifth discharge portion 355, and in the right side inclined portion 343, similarly, the opening width in the vehicle width direction of the lower eighth discharge portion 358 is wider (longer) than the opening width in the vehicle width direction of the upper seventh discharge portion 357. The lower region of the central inclined portion 341 is divided into three regions in the vehicle width direction by the second discharge portion 352 and the fourth discharge portion 354.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the water guide section 33 has a drain groove 359, which is a groove for draining downward the liquid that has not been drained through the discharge sections (355, 356, 357, 358) in the left and right side inclined sections 343. The drain groove 359 is provided in the lower part of the sixth discharge section 356 of the left side inclined section 343 and in the lower part of the eighth discharge section 358 of the right side inclined section 343. In the illustrated example, the upper reinforcing wall 30c on which the water guide section 33 is provided is bent at the bent section in the vertical center as described above. The lower part of the bent section is slightly recessed backward. The drain groove 359 has a groove bottom that is convex backward when viewed from above, and extends in the vertical direction, and the groove bottom is formed in an eyebrow shape (arc shape) that is convex upward when viewed from the front.

[0055] 5 and 7, in each discharge portion (351-358), the discharge hole 35b is formed on the vehicle rear side of the bottom wall 35a (i.e., closer to the gap G, which is the inlet for liquid). The discharge hole 35b is opened at a position away from the sensor device S in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a plan view seen from one side in the vehicle vertical direction. Also, the discharge hole 35b is opened so as to penetrate in the vehicle longitudinal direction as well, as shown in FIG. 6. The bottom wall 35a of the second discharge portion 352 is constituted by a second extended inclined portion 344b extended rearward from the second upper inclined portion 342b, and the bottom wall 35a of the fourth discharge portion 354 is constituted by a first extended inclined portion 344a extended rearward from the first upper inclined portion 342a.

[0056] In this embodiment, in relation to the panel connecting portion 32 and the mounting portion 30b, the discharge portion 35 is provided in a region adjacent in the sensor width direction to a portion of the upper reinforcing wall 30c extending from the panel connecting portion 32 (including the vehicle body connecting portion 31 in this embodiment) and in a region on the mounting portion 30b side of the upper reinforcing wall 30c. That is, the first discharge portion 351 and the third discharge portion 353 are provided in a region adjacent in the sensor width direction (vehicle width direction) to a portion of the upper reinforcing wall 30c extending downwardly in continuity with the central panel connecting portion 32, and the second discharge portion 352 and the fourth discharge portion 354 are provided in a region on the mounting portion 30b side of the upper reinforcing wall 30c. The fifth discharge portion 355 is provided in a region adjacent in the sensor width direction to a portion of the upper reinforcing wall 30c that extends downwardly and continues to the panel connecting portion 32 (vehicle body connecting portion 31) on the third groove 303 side, and the sixth discharge portion 356 is provided in a region of the upper reinforcing wall 30c on the mounting portion 30b side below the fifth discharge portion 355. The seventh discharge portion 357 is provided in a region adjacent in the sensor width direction to a portion of the upper reinforcing wall 30c that extends downwardly and continues to the panel connecting portion 32 (vehicle body connecting portion 31) on the fourth groove 304 side, and the eighth discharge portion 358 is provided in a region of the upper reinforcing wall 30c on the mounting portion 30b side below the seventh discharge portion 357.

[0057] Next, an example of the flow of liquid along the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. As described above, the gap G between the upper portion 30a of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M and the outer panel 10 occurs mainly in the portion corresponding to the first groove 301 and the second groove 302. The first groove 301 and the second groove 302 can be the main intrusion ports for liquid such as rainwater. In the following, a case where liquid intrudes from the first groove 301 and the second groove 302 will be described as an example. In Fig. 9, an example of a path (drainage path) of liquid flowing along the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0058] The liquid that has entered the first groove 301 and the second groove 302 reaches the central inclined portion 341 of the water-guiding portion 33. However, a small amount of the liquid that has entered the first groove 301 and the second groove 302 may penetrate into the interface between the central panel connecting portion 32 and the outer panel 10 or the interface between the raised portion 305 and the outer panel 10, and may reach the central inclined portion 341 or the side inclined portions 343 through these interfaces.

[0059] 8, the discharge holes 35b of each discharge section (351, 352, 353, 354) are located rearward of the sensor device S in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the discharge holes 35b of the other discharge sections (351, 352, 354) except for the discharge hole 35b of the upper third discharge section 35 are located outward of the sensor device S in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even if liquid guided to the discharge holes 35b is discharged, it is difficult for it to fall to a position directly above the sensor device S. Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, the liquid that reaches the central inclined section 341 is gently guided downward along the upper surface (inclined surface) of the central inclined section 341. Most of the liquid that reaches the central inclined section 341 falls into the upper discharge section 35 (the first discharge section 351 and the third discharge section 353) and the lower discharge section 35 (the second discharge section 352 and the fourth discharge section 354) and is received. Most of the liquid received in the discharge section 35 of each stage is discharged downward through the discharge hole 35b and guided to a position away from the sensor device S. A part of the liquid received in the upper stage discharge section 35 is not discharged from the discharge hole 35b of the upper stage discharge section 35, but is received in the lower stage discharge section 35 or guided downward along the inclined surface of the central inclined section 341. A part of the liquid received in the lower stage discharge section 35 is not discharged from the discharge hole 35b of the lower stage discharge section 35, but is guided further downward along the inclined surface of the central inclined section 341. Then, all or most of the liquid that is not discharged through the discharge section 35 of each stage in the central inclined section 341 is guided to the outside in the sensor width direction along the second upper inclined section 342b and the first upper inclined section 342a in the region directly above the sensor device S, and then is guided to a position away from the sensor device S by being discharged downward through a region away to the right side of the sensor device S or a region away to the left side of the sensor device S.

[0060] The liquid that has reached the side inclined portion 343 is gently guided downward along the upper surface (inclined surface) of the side inclined portion 343. In the illustrated example, the liquid that has reached the side inclined portion 343 is guided downward directly along a portion of the inclined surface of the side inclined portion 343 that is closer to the central inclined portion 341, and is discharged downward from the lower edge of the side inclined portion 343, so that the liquid is guided to a position that is largely separated from the sensor device S on the left and right.

[0061] As described above, small gaps G that can be an inlet for liquid are also formed in the portions corresponding to the third groove 303 and the fourth groove 304. Therefore, liquid may infiltrate into the third groove 303 and the fourth groove 304. In this case, the liquid that has infiltrated into the third groove 303 is guided (discharged) to a position far away from the sensor device S on the left and right sides via the inclined surfaces of the lateral inclined portions 343, the fifth discharge portion 355, and the sixth discharge portion 356.

[0062] The vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment configured as described above has a water guiding section 33 located above the sensor device S on the back surface 10e side of the outer panel 10 for guiding liquid to a position away from the sensor device S. Therefore, even if liquid such as rainwater infiltrates through the gap G between the upper part 30a of the reinforcing member 30 and the upper part of the outer panel 10, the infiltrating liquid is efficiently guided to a position away from the sensor device S by the water guiding section 33, and the liquid is effectively prevented from reaching the sensor device S.

[0063] In this manner, the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle structure capable of preventing liquid such as rainwater from reaching the sensor device S.

[0064] In this embodiment, the water guide portion 33 has an inclined portion 34 extending in a direction obliquely intersecting the vehicle vertical direction, so that the infiltrating liquid can be easily guided to a position (area) away from the sensor device S. Furthermore, the flow speed of the infiltrating liquid is reduced by the inclined portion 34, and the infiltrating liquid is gently guided by the inclined portion 34, so that the time it takes for the infiltrating liquid to reach the sensor device S, which is the object to be protected (object to be prevented from being exposed to water), is increased. Therefore, a small amount of infiltrating liquid is evaporated in the flow process, and the liquid is effectively prevented from reaching the sensor device S.

[0065] In this embodiment, the inclined portion 34 has at least one upper inclined portion 342 that is inclined downward outward in the sensor width direction above the sensor device S, thereby more reliably preventing liquid from reaching the upper portion of the sensor device S.

[0066] In this embodiment, at least one upper inclined portion 342 is composed of a plurality of upper inclined portions (342a, 342b) that are vertically spaced apart from each other and disposed directly above the sensor device S. Therefore, even if a part of the liquid reaches the area directly above the sensor device S, the upper inclined portions (342a, 342b) provided in a plurality of stages vertically more reliably prevent the liquid from reaching the sensor device S. That is, in the illustrated example, even if the liquid that has reached the upper upper inclined portion (second upper inclined portion 342b) flows downward from the upper upper inclined portion (second upper inclined portion 342b) without being guided to a position away from the sensor device S, the liquid can be more reliably guided to a position away from the sensor device S by the lower upper inclined portion (first upper inclined portion 342a).

[0067] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 includes a reinforcing member 30 that is connected to a vehicle body structural member 40 of the vehicle and reinforces the outer panel 10 from its back surface 10e side, and the reinforcing member 30 has an attachment portion 30b for the sensor device S and an upper reinforcing wall 30c that is located above the attachment portion 30b and has a portion that extends obliquely upward toward the inside of the vehicle, and the water guide portion 33 is formed on a surface of the upper reinforcing wall 30c that faces the back surface 10e of the outer panel 10. As a result, the upper surface of the upper reinforcing wall 30c constitutes a central inclined portion 341 and a side inclined portion 343 that are part of the inclined portion 34 of the water guide portion 33, and the inclined surfaces of the central inclined portion 341 and the side inclined portions 343 reduce the flow speed of the liquid guided downward. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid guided downward along the inclined surfaces from reaching the sensor device S.

[0068] In this embodiment, the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 extends from the upper end of the upper reinforcing wall 30c toward the inside of the vehicle and is overlapped with the back surface 10e of the upper portion of the outer panel 10, and the water guide portion 33 is disposed between the upper portion 30a and the mounting portion 30b of the reinforcing member 30. As a result, even if liquid infiltrates from the gap G between the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 and the back surface 10e of the upper portion of the outer panel 10, the infiltrating liquid is reliably guided to a position away from the sensor device S by the water guide portion 33 disposed between the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 and the mounting portion 30b.

[0069] In this embodiment, the water guide section 33 has a discharge section 35 that penetrates the upper reinforcing wall 30c from top to bottom and discharges liquid downward. As a result, the discharge section 35 is formed in the central inclined section 341 and the side inclined sections 343 of the upper reinforcing wall 30c, and the liquid flowing downward along the upper reinforcing wall 30c (the central inclined section 341 and the side inclined sections 343) is reliably and efficiently discharged by the discharge section 35 to a position away from the sensor device S.

[0070] In this embodiment, the upper portion 30a of the reinforcing member 30 is provided with a panel connecting portion 32 (in the illustrated example, the vehicle body connecting portion 31 also serves as the panel connecting portion 32) that is connected to the outer panel 10, and the discharge portion 35 of the water guide portion 33 is provided in an area adjacent to the portion of the upper reinforcing wall 30c that extends from the panel connecting portion 32 in the sensor width direction, and in an area of ​​the upper reinforcing wall 30c on the mounting portion 30b side. Therefore, the portion of the upper reinforcing wall 30c that extends from the panel connecting portion 32 extends to the upper portion of the mounting portion 30b, and is arranged in a manner that makes it easy to connect the panel connecting portion 32 and the mounting portion 30b. As a result, the sensor device S is stably supported. And, since the discharge portion 35 is also provided in the area on the mounting portion 30b side, the arrival of liquid to the sensor device S is more reliably suppressed. In the illustrated example, in the central inclined portion 341, the discharge portions 35 (the first discharge portion 351 and the third discharge portion 353) are provided at positions shifted in the sensor width direction with respect to the panel connecting portion 32, and are disposed directly below the first groove 301 and the second groove 302 which can be the main entry points. This extremely reliably prevents liquid from reaching the sensor device S (water damage).

[0071] In this embodiment, the inclined portion 34 of the water guiding portion 33 has a central inclined portion 341 extending obliquely upward toward the inside of the vehicle, and at least one upper inclined portion 342 inclined downward to the outside in the sensor width direction below the central inclined portion 341 and above the sensor device S. As a result, the water guiding portion 33 can reduce the flow speed of the liquid along the water guiding portion 33 by the central inclined portion 341, while discharging the liquid by the upper inclined portion 342 to a position away from the sensor device S in the sensor width direction, thereby effectively ensuring the arrival (wetting) of the liquid at the sensor device S.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the width (depth) of the right inclined surface of the first upper inclined portion 342a in the vehicle front-rear direction is longer (wider) than the width (depth) of the left inclined surface of the first upper inclined portion 342a in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, even if the liquid received on the inclined surface of the first extended inclined portion 344a flows to the right inclined surface of the front first upper inclined portion 342a without being guided to the outside in the vehicle width direction, all or most of the liquid flowing on the right inclined surface can be guided in a direction away from the sensor device S with respect to the outside in the vehicle width direction. In addition, since the recessed portion 345 is provided between the fixing point F1 above the sensor device S and the first upper inclined portion 342a, it becomes difficult for the liquid to reach the fixing point F1. As a result, the liquid is prevented from reaching the sensor device S along the fixing point F1.

[0073] In the illustrated example, in the left and right lateral inclined portions 343, the opening width in the vehicle width direction of the lower discharge portions (356, 358) is wider than the opening width in the vehicle width direction of the upper discharge portions (355, 357), so that liquid that cannot be completely discharged by the upper discharge portions and is guided downward is easily discharged by the lower discharge portions.

[0074] Here, the upper inclined portion 342 is provided on the front surface of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M. Therefore, for example, when an external force is transmitted from the front to the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M during a frontal collision, the transmitted external force is easily transmitted outward in the vehicle width direction by the upper inclined portion 342. As a result, local deformation of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M is suppressed, and damage to the sensor device S due to the local deformation is also suppressed.

[0075] Furthermore, since the first upper inclined portion 342a and the second upper inclined portion 342b are arranged with a shift in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, in the event of a frontal collision, gradual compressive deformation of the first upper inclined portion 342a and the second upper inclined portion 342b is promoted, and impact energy due to external force is efficiently absorbed as deformation energy of the upper inclined portion 342.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the apex of the upper inclined portion 342 is located on the center line X of the sensor device S in a front view seen from the front. The majority of the central inclined portion 341 is located above and behind the apex of the upper inclined portion 342. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, an external force transmitted from the front to the upper inclined portion 342 is received via the central inclined portion 341, and the impact energy can then be absorbed as deformation energy of the central inclined portion 341. However, in the lower portion of the central inclined portion 341, recesses (i.e., the second discharge portion 352 and the fourth discharge portion 354) are formed on both sides in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the side walls extending in the front-rear and up-down directions (i.e., the right side wall forming the second discharge portion 352 and the left side wall forming the fourth discharge portion 354) are disposed in the vicinity of the center line X of the central inclined portion 341. As a result, in the event of a frontal collision, excessive deformation of the central inclined portion 341 is suppressed, and external forces are less likely to be transmitted to the sensor device S.

[0077] Furthermore, at the rear (in other words, upper) part of the central inclined part 341, the first discharge part 351 and the third discharge part 353 are provided side by side, and the opening width of the discharge hole 35b of the third discharge part 352 is larger than the opening width of the discharge hole 35b of the first discharge part 351. As a result, torsional deformation of the central inclined part 341 is promoted in the event of a frontal collision or the like. Also, at the central inclined part 341, a portion between the first discharge part 351 and the third discharge part 353 is provided at a position offset to one side (left side in the illustrated example) in the vehicle width direction with respect to the center line X. As a result, torsional deformation of the central inclined part 341 can be effectively promoted.

[0078] In addition, a part of the rear end of the central inclined portion 341 (in the illustrated example, the rear end of the portion between the first discharge portion 351 and the third discharge portion 353) is connected to the panel connecting portion 32, which is highly rigid due to being connected to the outer panel 10. As a result, in the event of a frontal collision, part of the external force is also received by the panel connecting portion 32. In addition, since the right side wall forming the first discharge portion 351 and the left side wall forming the third discharge portion 353 are located in front of the panel connecting portion 32, the rigidity of the periphery of the panel connecting portion 32 is improved.

[0079] Further, a fixing point F1 of the sensor device S is provided below the upper inclined portion 342 and above the sensor device S. In the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M, a portion between the fixing point F1 and the panel connecting portion 32 is formed so as to be continuous via a portion between the first discharge portion 351 and the third discharge portion 353 in the central inclined portion 341, a portion between the second discharge portion 352 and the fourth discharge portion 354 in the central inclined portion 341, and the apex of the upper inclined portion 342. As a result, the sensor device S is stably supported during normal use, etc.

[0080] In addition, in the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M, a portion between the left fixing point F2 of the sensor device S and the left first vehicle body coupling portion 31a is formed so as to be continuous via the vehicle width direction inner portion of the left side inclined portion 343 and the left side portion of the mounting portion 30b. Similarly, in the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M, a portion between the right fixing point F3 of the sensor device S and the right first vehicle body coupling portion 31a is formed so as to be continuous via the vehicle width direction inner portion of the left side inclined portion 343 and the left side portion of the mounting portion 30b. As a result, the sensor device S is more effectively supported stably during normal use.

[0081] The front surface facing forward below the inclined surface of the first upper inclined portion 342a is provided on the same plane as or connected to the front surface facing forward at the lower part of the lateral inclined portion 343. As a result, in the event of a frontal collision, an external force transmitted to the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M is easily received by the first vehicle-body connecting portion 31a and the first cross member 43, which have high rigidity.

[0082] 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.

[0083] For example, as shown in Fig. 10A (first modified example), Fig. 10B (second modified example), and Fig. 10C (third modified example), various modified examples can be applied to the upper inclined portion 342. Fig. 10A to Fig. 10C are schematic front views of the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M according to the modified examples. The number of steps of the upper inclined portion 342 is not limited to two steps from top to bottom, but may be three steps (see Fig. 10A), four or more steps, or even one step.

[0084] In the case where the upper inclined portion 342 is provided in a plurality of steps spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, (1) each upper inclined portion 342 may be formed in a shape having an inclined surface of an upwardly convex mountain shape, such as the first upper inclined portion 342a (see FIG. 10A). (2) Each upper inclined portion 342 may be formed in a shape having an inclined surface inclined downward outward on one side in the sensor width direction, such as the second upper inclined portion 342b (see FIG. 10B). In this case, the direction of the inclined surface of each step may be reversed to the left and right as shown in FIG. 10B. (3) Furthermore, each upper inclined portion 342 may be formed in a shape in which one end side in the sensor width direction is inclined downward outward in the sensor width direction and the other end side in the sensor width direction extends horizontally (see FIG. 10C). In this case, the inclined surfaces of each step may be arranged on the same side in the sensor width direction as shown in FIG. 10C, or may be arranged on opposite sides to each other, although not shown. Although not shown in the drawings, the inclined surface of the upper inclined portion 342 may be formed in an upwardly convex arc shape.

[0085] Also, instead of the upper inclined portion 342, the middle reinforcement portion 30M may have an upper straight eaves portion 346 that extends linearly in the sensor width direction above the sensor device S (directly above in the illustrated example) as shown in FIG. 11 (fourth modified example). The front edge of the upper straight eaves portion 346 protrudes upward, for example, and liquid is guided in the sensor width direction. In this case, the upper straight eaves portion 346 may be provided in one stage as shown in FIG. 11, or may be provided in multiple stages above and below, although not shown. Although not shown, a water absorbing member formed in a sponge-like shape using urethane or the like may be provided below the upper straight eaves portion 346. Also, the middle reinforcement portion 30M may have an upper straight eaves portion 346 in addition to the upper inclined portion 342. In this case, the upper straight eaves portion 346 is, for example, disposed below the upper inclined portion 342 and above the sensor device S.

[0086] In addition, instead of the upper inclined portion 342, the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M may have an upper beak-shaped portion 347 having a generally triangular left side surface 347a (in other words, a left pyramidal surface 347a) facing diagonally forward and upward to the left and a generally triangular right side surface 347b (in other words, a right pyramidal surface 347b) facing diagonally forward and upward to the right, as shown in FIG. 12 (fifth modified example), above the sensor device S (directly above in the illustrated example). The right edge of the left side surface 347b is connected to the left edge of the right side surface 347b on the center line X of the intermediate reinforcement portion 30M in a front view, for example. The upper beak-shaped portion 347 is located below the central inclined portion 341 and forward of the central inclined portion 341 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the liquid guided to the upper beak-shaped portion 347 is guided outward and forward in the vehicle width direction at each of the left side surface 347a and the right side surface 347b. The beak-shaped portion 347 may be located forward of the sensor device S in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0087] Each of the upper inclined portion 342, the upper straight eaves portion 346, and the upper beak-shaped portion 347 is not limited to being located in the area directly above the sensor device S (i.e., in the same area as both the fore-aft and furthest-width positions of the sensor device S in the vehicle fore-aft and furthest-width directions and above the sensor device S), but may be located in a position shifted in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle from the area directly above the sensor device S (e.g., rearward).

[0088] In the illustrated example, the discharge holes 35b are provided so as to avoid the area directly above the sensor device S (i.e., the area that is the same as the front-rear and vehicle width positions of the sensor device S in the vehicle front-rear and vehicle width directions). In the illustrated example, most of the discharge holes 35b are arranged in a position rearward and outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the sensor device S so as to avoid the area directly above the sensor device S, but this is not limited thereto. When the discharge holes 35b are located outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the sensor device S, they may be arranged in the same front-rear position as the sensor device S in the front-rear direction. Also, when the discharge holes 35b are located forward or rearward of the sensor device S, they may be arranged in the same vehicle width position as the sensor device S in the vehicle width direction.

[0089] Furthermore, in cases where the inclined portion 34 (central inclined portion 341, upper inclined portion 342) can completely prevent liquid from reaching the sensor front surface Sa of the sensor device S, some of the multiple drain holes 35b may be positioned in the area directly above the sensor device S, some of the multiple drain holes 35b may be absent, or drain holes 35b may not be provided in all drain portions 35 (351-358).

[0090] Furthermore, it is preferable that the drain hole 35b is provided at a position that avoids the area directly above the sensor wiring (not shown) that is connected to the sensor device S. This can prevent liquid from adhering to the sensor wiring and liquid from running down the sensor wiring to reach the connection portion with the sensor device S.

[0091] Although not shown, the bottom of the drain groove 359 may be formed in a V-shape that protrudes rearward when viewed from above, and in a mountain shape (triangle shape) that protrudes upward when viewed from the front.

[0092] In addition, the outer panel 10 is a front bumper having the front grille 10d, but is not limited to this. The outer panel 10 may be, for example, a front bumper without the front grille 10d, the front grille 10d alone, or a decorative member (for example, a metallic member).

[0093] Each bracket (first upper bracket 45a, second upper bracket 45b, and lower bracket 46) 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 may constitute part of the vehicle body structural member 40.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the intermediate reinforcing portion 30M, the left side reinforcing portion 30S, and the right side reinforcing portion 30S of the reinforcing member 30 are made of physically separate members, but are not limited to this. The intermediate reinforcing portion 30M and each side reinforcing portion 30S of the reinforcing member 30 may be integrally formed with each other by injection molding or the like.

[0095] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is applied as a front structure of a vehicle, but is not limited thereto. The sensor device S may be attached not only to the front of the vehicle, but also to the rear or side of the vehicle, and the vehicle structure 1 may be applied as a rear structure of a vehicle or as a side structure of a vehicle. In the case of a rear structure, the outer panel 10 is, for example, a rear bumper, a rear grille, a back panel, or a rear door panel, and in the case of a side structure, the outer panel 10 is, for example, a side panel or a side door panel.

[0096] In this embodiment, the water guiding section 33 is formed integrally with the reinforcing member 30, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed of a member physically separated from the reinforcing member 30 and attached to the reinforcing member 30. In this case, the water guiding section 33 may be formed, for example, by a part of a sensor support plate that supports the sensor device S. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Vehicle structure 10…Outer panel 10e…Back 30…Reinforcing member 30a…Upper 30b…Mounting part 30c…Top reinforcement wall 32…Panel connection part 33…Water conveyance section 34…Slope part 341...Central slope part 342…Upper inclined section 342a...First upper slope part (upper slope part) 342b…Second upper slope part (upper slope part) 343...Side slope 35...Discharge section 351...1st discharge section (discharge section) 352...Second discharge section (discharge section) 353...Third discharge section (discharge section) 354...4th discharge section (discharge section) 355...5th discharge section (discharge section) 356...6th discharge section (discharge section) 357...7th discharge section (discharge section) 358...8th discharge section (discharge section) 40...Body structural members G…Gap S: Sensor device

Claims

1. A vehicle structure including a structure for disposing a sensor device on a back side of an outer panel that constitutes a design surface on the outside of the vehicle, A vehicle structure comprising: a water guide portion located above the sensor device on a rear surface side of the outer panel for guiding liquid to a position away from the sensor device.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the water guide portion has an inclined portion extending in a direction obliquely intersecting with a vertical direction of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2 , wherein the inclined portion has at least one upper inclined portion inclined downwardly outwardly in the sensor width direction above the sensor device.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one upper inclined portion comprises a plurality of upper inclined portions that are vertically spaced apart from one another and disposed directly above the sensor device.

5. a reinforcing member that is connected to a body structural member of the vehicle and reinforces the outer panel from a back surface side thereof, the reinforcing member has a mounting portion to which the sensor device is attached, and an upper reinforcing wall that is located above the mounting portion and has a portion that extends obliquely upward toward the inside of the vehicle, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the water guide portion is formed on a surface of the upper reinforcing wall facing the rear surface of the outer panel.

6. an upper portion of the reinforcing member extends from an upper end of the upper reinforcing wall toward an inner side of the vehicle and is overlapped with an upper back surface of the outer panel, The vehicle structure according to claim 5 , wherein the water guide portion is disposed between the upper portion of the reinforcing member and the mounting portion.

7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6 , wherein the water guide portion has a discharge portion that penetrates the upper reinforcing wall in the vertical direction and discharges the liquid downward.

8. A panel connecting portion that is connected to the outer panel is provided on the upper portion of the reinforcing member, The vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein the discharge portion is provided in an area adjacent in the sensor width direction to a portion of the upper reinforcing wall extending from the panel connection portion, and in an area of ​​the upper reinforcing wall on the mounting portion side.

9. 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the inclined portion of the water guide portion has a central inclined portion extending diagonally upward toward the inside of the vehicle, and at least one upper inclined portion inclined downward toward the outside in the sensor width direction below the central inclined portion and above the sensor device.

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