Vehicle structure

Abstract

To efficiently absorb impact energy.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure 1 includes a reinforcement member 20 supported by a first vehicle body structure member 31 and a second vehicle body structure member 32 separated in a vertically direction from each other at a front part or at a rear part of the vehicle, and a sensor device S mounted on the reinforcement member 20. A rigidity difference, in the vehicle width direction, is applied to the reinforcement member 20 of the vehicle structure 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure including a structure for arranging a sensor device at the front or rear 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] As an example of a vehicle structure having a structure for disposing a sensor device at the front or rear of the vehicle, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a bridging member that vertically connects between a bumper beam and an upper bar that are disposed at different heights at the front of the vehicle, a first bracket that is fixed to a radar device, and a second bracket that has an arm that connects between the first bracket and the bridging member and fixes the first bracket to the bridging member. In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an external force is applied, the arm undergoes buckling deformation, thereby mitigating the impact of the external force. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Republished Patent Publication WO2020 / 162201 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the impact is softened by localized deformation of the leg of the second bracket, which is fixed to the bridging member that connects the bumper beam and upper bar that constitute the body structural members of the vehicle, and there is a possibility that the impact energy cannot be completely consumed as deformation energy and the impact cannot be sufficiently absorbed.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure having a structure capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy. [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 reinforcing member supported by a first body structural member and a second body structural member spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle at the front or rear of the vehicle, and a sensor device attached to the reinforcing member, wherein the reinforcing member has a rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle structure having a structure capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy. [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. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle structure as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle structure taken along line AA shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of a reinforcing member for a vehicle structure. [Diagram 5] 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower portion of the reinforcing member as viewed from the front of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member taken along line BB shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7]4 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower portion of the reinforcing member as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is another enlarged perspective view of the lower part of the reinforcing member as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower support portion (lower bracket) of the vehicle structure. [Figure 10] 4 is a plan view of the lower support portion (lower bracket) as viewed from the front of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part C shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is an enlarged perspective view including a lower support portion (lower bracket) according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view of a reinforcing member according to a modified example, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. 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 a plan view (rear view) of the vehicle structure 1 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle structure 1 taken along line AA shown in Fig. 2. 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 for 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.

[0012] 1 to 3, in this embodiment, a vehicle structure 1 includes an outer panel 10 (see FIG. 3), a reinforcing member 20, a sensor device S, and a vehicle body structural member 30. Note that the outer panel 10 is removed in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[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 exterior design surface at the front of the vehicle. The outer panel 10, which is a front bumper, has, for example, a bumper front portion 10a that extends entirely in the vehicle width direction. Although not shown in the figure, a resin front grille is provided in the center of the bumper front portion 10a, and the front grille has multiple air vents. In other words, the outer panel 10 has a front grille that is an intake member.

[0014] The reinforcing member 20 is a member for reinforcing the outer panel 10 from its back surface and fixing the outer panel 10 to the vehicle body (vehicle body structural member 30). The reinforcing member 20 extends in the vehicle up-down direction so as to generally follow the vehicle widthwise center of the back surface of the outer panel 10. 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 20 supports the outer panel 10 at a plurality of points from the back surface of the outer panel 10 in order to reinforce the outer panel 10, which has a low rigidity. The reinforcing member 20 is connected (fixed) to the vehicle body (vehicle body structural member 30) at a plurality of points as described later, and is supported by the vehicle body structural member 30 (a first vehicle body structural member 31 and a second vehicle body structural member 32, which will be described in detail later). The reinforcing member 20 is connected (fixed) to the back surface of the outer panel 10 at a plurality of points, thereby supporting the outer panel 10 from the back surface side. The structure of the reinforcing member 20 will be described later.

[0015] A sensor device S is attached to the reinforcing member 20. The sensor device S is a device that is attached to the reinforcing member 20 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 in the sensor device S are not limited to millimeter waves, and may be, for example, microwaves.

[0016] In this embodiment, a plurality of (e.g., two) sensor devices are attached to the reinforcing member 20 as the sensor device S. In the illustrated example, the outline of a target sensor device S1, which is one of the plurality of sensor devices, is indicated by a dashed line, and the other sensor devices are omitted from the illustration.

[0017] The sensor device S including the target sensor device S1 has a sensor outer surface Sa facing the outside of the vehicle (here, the front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and through which electromagnetic waves are output or input. The sensor device S is attached to the reinforcement member 20 at approximately the center in the vehicle width direction via a sensor support plate, bolts, or other connectors (not shown) behind the front grille of the outer panel 10 with the sensor outer surface Sa facing the front of the vehicle, and is fixed to the reinforcement member 20. In this state, the sensor device S faces the back surface of the outer panel 10. The area (portion) of the outer panel 10 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 area (electromagnetic wave passing portion).

[0018] The sensor device S outputs electromagnetic waves, which pass through the detection wave passing area of ​​the outer panel 10 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 is configured to detect the obstacle in front of the vehicle by receiving the electromagnetic waves that have been reflected by the obstacle and passed through the detection wave passing area.

[0019] The vehicle body structural member 30 is a highly rigid member constituting a structural member of the vehicle body. At the front of the vehicle, a first vehicle body structural member 31, a second vehicle body structural member 32, and a pair of front side members 33, 33, etc. are provided as the vehicle body structural member 30. In other words, each element (31, 32, 33) constitutes a part of the vehicle body structural member 30 of the vehicle. Each element (31, 32, 33) is made of a metal thin plate, etc.

[0020] The first body structural member 31 and the second body structural member 32 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction at the front of the vehicle, and each of the first body structural member 31 and the second body structural member 32 extends in the vehicle width direction. A pair of front side members 33, 33 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction at the bottom of the vehicle, and each front side member 33 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first body structural member 31 is provided above the second body structural member 32 in the vehicle vertical direction, and may be called an upper cross member or an upper bumper beam. The first body structural member 31 is also a hood lock member as a structural member that receives the front part of a front hood (not shown). Each end of the first body structural member 31 is joined to other members (not shown) of the body structural member 30. The second body structural member 32 is provided below the first body structural member 31 in the vehicle vertical direction, and may be called a lower cross member or a lower bumper beam. One end of the second body structural member 32 is joined to a front end of one front side member 33, and the other end of the second body structural member 32 is joined to a front end of the other front side member 33.

[0022] (Vehicle structure details) The vehicle structure 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8. Fig. 4 to Fig. 8 are views for explaining the reinforcing member 20, with Fig. 4 being a front view of the reinforcing member 20 as viewed from the front of the vehicle, Fig. 5 being an enlarged perspective view of the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 as viewed from the front of the vehicle, Fig. 6 being a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member 20 taken along line BB shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 7 being an enlarged perspective view of the lower part of the reinforcing member as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, and Fig. 8 being an enlarged perspective view of the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle at an angle different from that in Fig. 7.

[0023] 1 to 3, the reinforcing member 20 is supported by a first vehicle body structural member 31 and a second vehicle body structural member 32 that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction at the front of the vehicle.

[0024] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is located below the first vehicle body structural member 31 in the vehicle up-down direction as described above. Also, in this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is provided at a position offset toward the outer side of the vehicle (toward the front of the vehicle in this case) in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the first vehicle body structural member 31. In other words, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is located forward and below the first vehicle body structural member 31.

[0025] The reinforcing member 20 is, for example, a resin injection molded product. In a front view, the reinforcing member 20 has a generally inverted trapezoidal shape with an upper base longer than a lower base, and in a side view, the reinforcing member 20 protrudes from the first vehicle body structural member 31 toward the vehicle outer side (here, toward the front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and then bends so as to extend downward toward the second vehicle body structural member 32. The reinforcing member 20 is formed in the vehicle width direction center portion of the rear surface of the outer panel 10 so as to generally follow the bumper front portion 10a. In other words, the reinforcing member 20 extends from the first vehicle body structural member 31 to the second vehicle body structural member 32, and is a member that connects the first vehicle body structural member 31 and the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0026] The reinforcing member 20 has a first vehicle body connecting portion 21 connected (supported) to a first vehicle body structural member 31, and a second vehicle body connecting portion 22 connected (supported) to a second vehicle body structural member 32. The first vehicle body connecting portions 21 are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction at an upper portion of the reinforcing member 20, and the second vehicle body connecting portions 22 are provided at a lower portion of the reinforcing member 20.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first body structural member 31 is provided with a plurality of (here, two) upper support parts 40 that protrude upward from the first body structural member 31 and support an upper part of the reinforcing member 20 from below. The second body structural member 32 is provided with a lower support part 50 that protrudes upward from the second body structural member 32 and supports a lower part of the reinforcing member 20 from below.

[0028] The two upper support parts 40 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction on the first vehicle body structural member 31. Each of the upper support part 40 and the lower support part 50 is a member formed by bending a thin metal plate. That is, in this embodiment, each upper support part 40 is a member (upper bracket) formed physically separate from the first vehicle body structural member 31, and the lower support part 50 is a member (lower bracket) formed physically separate from the second vehicle body structural member 32. The upper support part 40 is joined to the first vehicle body structural member 31, and the lower support part 50 is joined to the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0029] The first vehicle body connecting portion 21 at the upper part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected (fastened) to the upper support portion 40 by a connecting device such as a bolt, and is thereby connected (supported) to the first vehicle body structural member 31, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 22 at the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected (supported) to the second vehicle body structural member 32 by being engaged with the lower support portion 50. The shape of the lower support portion 50 (lower bracket) and the structure of the second vehicle body connecting portion 22 will be described in detail later.

[0030] Next, the shape and structure of the main parts of the reinforcing member 20 will be mainly described in further detail.

[0031] 1 to 8, the reinforcing member 20 is provided with a rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction. In the event of a frontal collision or the like, a load (impact load) due to an external force acting on the outer panel 10 is likely to be input to the reinforcing member 20 mainly from the front of the reinforcing member 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the reinforcing member 20, the rigidity against the load in the vehicle front-rear direction differs in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction is provided to a part of the range of the reinforcing member 20 in the vehicle up-down direction, that is, in the illustrated example, a lower part occupying a predetermined range upward from the lower end.

[0032] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has an accommodation portion 23 that is recessed toward the vehicle interior side in the vehicle front-rear direction and that accommodates the sensor device S. The accommodation portion 23 has a concave shape that is recessed toward the vehicle interior side (here, the rear of the vehicle) and is open toward the vehicle exterior side (the front of the vehicle), and an accommodation space that accommodates the sensor device S is formed inside the concave shape. In other words, the accommodation portion 23 is formed as a whole in a concave shape that is generally open toward the front of the vehicle (or, more specifically, bulges toward the rear of the vehicle).

[0033] The accommodation portion 23 has a first side portion 23a, a second side portion 23b, an upper connecting wall 23c, a lower connecting wall 23d, and a bottom wall 23e, and these elements define the accommodation space. The first side portion 23a, the second side portion 23b, the upper connecting wall 23c, and the lower connecting wall 23d form the outer edge of the reinforcing member 20 in a plan view seen from one side in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0034] The first side 23a is one side of the storage section 23 in the vehicle width direction, and the second side 23b is the other side of the storage section 23 in the vehicle width direction. The first side 23a and the second side 23b each extend generally in the vehicle up-down direction. In the illustrated example, the first side 23a extends from one first vehicle body connecting part 21 of the upper part of the reinforcing member 20 to the lower end of the reinforcing member 20, and the second side 23b extends from the other first vehicle body connecting part 21 of the upper part of the reinforcing member 20 to the lower end of the reinforcing member 20. These first side 23a and second side 23b are parts where the target sensor device S1 is positioned and attached, as described later. The first side 23a and second side 23b, which are the positioning (attachment) parts of the target sensor device S1, extend from the first vehicle body connecting part 21, thereby ensuring the support rigidity of the target sensor device S1 during normal use when no external force is applied.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 4, etc., in the illustrated example, most of the first side portion 23a and most of the second side portion 23b are each formed in a shape having a bulging structure that bulges out toward the outside of the vehicle (toward the front of the vehicle).

[0036] The first side portion 23a has a first inner wall 23a1 and a first outer wall 23a2 spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and a first end wall 23a3 having an outer surface 23a31 facing the vehicle exterior side (vehicle front) in the vehicle front-rear direction. The first end wall 23a3 extends from one end of the upper connecting wall 23c to one end of the lower connecting wall 23d, and connects the front end of the first inner wall 23a1 to the front end of the first outer wall 23a2. Similarly, the second side portion 23b has a second inner wall 23b1 and a second outer wall 23b2 spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and a second end wall 23b3 having an outer surface 23b31 facing the vehicle exterior side (vehicle front) in the vehicle front-rear direction. The second end wall 23b3 extends from the other end of the upper connecting wall 23c to the other end of the lower connecting wall 23d, and connects the front end of the second inner wall 23b1 to the front end of the second outer wall 23b2. That is, in this embodiment, the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b each have an outer surface (23a31, 23b31) facing the outer side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0037] The upper connecting wall 23c connects the upper end of the first side portion 23a and the upper end of the second side portion 23b. With reference to Fig. 1, the connecting portion of the upper connecting wall 23c with the upper end of the first side portion 23a is recessed toward the inside of the vehicle (toward the rear of the vehicle in this case), and similarly, the connecting portion of the upper connecting wall 23c with the upper end of the second side portion 23b is also recessed toward the inside of the vehicle (toward the rear of the vehicle in this case). In this manner, by forming the recess 23c1 in the upper connecting wall 23c, the storage portion 23 is easily displaced relative to the first vehicle body connecting portion 21 at the upper portion of the first side portion 23a and the first vehicle body connecting portion 21 at the upper portion of the second side portion 23b. However, a rib 23c2 is formed in each recess 23c1, and the upper end of the first side portion 23a is connected to the upper connecting wall 23c by the rib 23c2, and the upper end of the second side portion 23b is connected to the upper connecting wall 23c by the rib 23c2, so that displacement (such as sagging) of the outer panel 10 from the intended position is suppressed, and the installation accuracy of the sensor device S is also easily maintained.

[0038] The lower connecting wall 23d connects the lower end of the first side portion 23a and the lower end of the second side portion 23b.

[0039] The bottom wall 23e is a wall (which may be referred to as a rear wall in the illustrated example) that forms the bottom of a recess in the vehicle front-rear direction in the storage portion 23. The first side portion 23a, the second side portion 23b, the upper connecting wall 23c, and the lower connecting wall 23d are each connected to the periphery of the bottom wall 23e.

[0040] 4, the storage space of the storage unit 23 is composed of an upper storage space V1 having a generally inverted trapezoidal shape with an upper base longer than a lower base in a plan view seen from the front of the vehicle, and a lower storage space V2 having a generally rectangular shape in a plan view seen from the front of the vehicle. The lower storage space V2 communicates with the upper storage space V1 from below.

[0041] In a plan view seen from the front of the vehicle, the first side portion 23a extends linearly downward from one of the first vehicle body coupling portions 21 (one end of the upper connection wall 23c) in a portion corresponding to the upper storage space V1, then inclines so as to approach the inside in the vehicle width direction, and extends linearly downward to one end of the lower connection wall 23d in a portion corresponding to the lower storage space V2. Similarly, the second side portion 23b extends linearly downward from the other first vehicle body coupling portion 21 (the other end of the upper connection wall 23c) in a portion corresponding to the upper storage space V1, then inclines so as to approach the inside in the vehicle width direction, and extends linearly downward to the other end of the lower connection wall 23d in a portion corresponding to the lower storage space V2. In other words, the storage portion 23 has an inclined widening portion that is wider in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward at an upper position relative to the target sensor device S1.

[0042] The lower storage space V2 is a space surrounded by a portion of the first side portion 23a facing the second body structural member (the lower portion in the illustrated example), a portion of the second side portion 23b facing the second body structural member (the lower portion), the lower connecting wall 23d, and a portion of the bottom wall 23e facing the second body structural member (the lower portion). In other words, the lower storage space V2 is provided between the portion of the first side portion 23a facing the second body structural member and the portion of the second side portion facing the second body structural member.

[0043] The portion of the first side portion 23a facing the second vehicle body structural member is the portion of the first side portion 23a that defines (demarcates) the lower storage space V2, and will hereinafter be referred to as a first lower portion 231 as appropriate. Similarly, the portion of the second side portion 23b facing the second vehicle body structural member is the portion of the second side portion 23b that defines (demarcates) the lower storage space V2, and will hereinafter be referred to as a second lower portion 232 as appropriate. More specifically, the first lower portion 231 is the portion of the first side portion 23a that is adjacent to the lower storage space V2, and the second lower portion 232 is the portion of the second side portion 23b that is adjacent to the lower storage space V2.

[0044] The upper accommodation space V1 is provided with the other sensor device (not shown), which is one of the sensor devices S, and the lower accommodation space V2 is provided with the target sensor device S1, which is one of the sensor devices S. Thus, in this embodiment, the sensor device S includes the target sensor device S1, which is provided between a portion (first lower portion 231) of the first side portion 23a that faces the second vehicle body structural member and a portion (second lower portion 232) of the second side portion 23b that faces the second vehicle body structural member. The first lower portion 231 faces one side of the target sensor device S1, and the second lower portion 232 faces the other side of the target sensor device S1.

[0045] (Difference in lateral rigidity) In this embodiment, the stiffness difference in the vehicle width direction imparted to the reinforcing member 20 includes a side stiffness difference that is the difference between the stiffness of the first side portion 23a of the accommodation portion 23 and the stiffness of the second side portion 23b of the accommodation portion 23. In this embodiment, the side stiffness difference is imparted between the stiffness of the portion of the first side portion 23a on the second vehicle body structural member side (the first lower portion 231 in the illustrated example) and the stiffness of the portion of the second side portion 23b on the second vehicle body structural member side (the second lower portion 232 in the illustrated example). Specifically, the side stiffness difference is the difference between the stiffness of the first lower portion 231 against a load in the vehicle front-rear direction and the stiffness of the second lower portion 232 against a load in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the portion of the first side portion 23a facing the second vehicle body structural member (first lower portion 231) is formed to have lower rigidity than the portion of the second side portion 23b facing the second vehicle body structural member (second lower portion 232).

[0047] Specifically, referring to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8, in the first side portion 23a, the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 are formed in a portion corresponding to the upper storage space V1, but are not formed in a portion corresponding to the lower storage space V2 (i.e., the first lower portion 231). Therefore, the first lower portion 231 is mainly composed of the first end wall 23a3. In the second side portion 23b, the second inner wall 23b1 is formed in a portion corresponding to the upper storage space V1 and a portion corresponding to the lower storage space V2 (i.e., the second lower portion 232), and extends continuously from the other end of the upper connecting wall 23c to the other end of the lower connecting wall 23d, and the second outer wall 23b2 is formed in a portion corresponding to the upper storage space V1, but is not formed in the second lower portion 232. Therefore, the second lower portion 232 is mainly composed of the second end wall 23b3 and the second inner wall 23b1. That is, the first lower portion 231 lacks the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 corresponding to the second inner wall 23b1 in the second lower portion 232, and the second outer wall 23b2 is lacking in the second lower portion 232. In this embodiment, the length (thickness) of the first lower portion 231 in the vehicle front-rear direction is significantly shorter (thinner) than the length (thickness) of the second lower portion 232 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In this manner, by providing a difference between the shape of the first lower portion 231 of the first side portion 23a and the shape of the second lower portion 232 of the second side portion 23b, the rigidity of the first lower portion 231 of the first side portion 23a against a front-rear load is configured to be lower than the rigidity of the second lower portion 232 of the second side portion 23b against a front-rear load. In other words, the side rigidity difference is provided between the rigidity of the first lower side portion 231 of the first side portion 23a and the rigidity of the second lower side portion 232 of the second side portion 23b.

[0048] 2 and 4, the first side portion 23a has a first flange 23a4 that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower portion of the first outer wall 23a2, and the second side portion 23b has a second flange 23b4 that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower portion of the second outer wall 23b2. Each flange (23a4, 23b4) is connected to the outer panel 10 via an appropriate connector or the like. The size (area) of the first flange 23a4 of the first side portion 23a on the low rigidity side is smaller than the size (area) of the second flange 23b4 of the second side portion 23b on the high rigidity side. In other words, in the illustrated example, the side rigidity difference is also imparted by the difference in the size of the flanges of the panel connecting portions (the first flange 23a4 and the second flange 23b4) that are connecting portions to the outer panel 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, the target sensor device S1 is disposed inside the accommodation section 23 so that the sensor outer surface Sa is located on the same plane as the outer surfaces (23a31, 23b31) of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, both vehicle width direction edge portions of the first end wall 23a3 of the first side portion 23a slightly protrude forward of the vehicle in the first lower portion 231 and extend in the vehicle vertical direction, and similarly, both vehicle width direction edge portions of the second end wall 23b3 of the second side portion 23b slightly protrude forward of the vehicle in the second lower portion 232 and extend in the vehicle vertical direction. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the outer surfaces (23a31, 23b31) facing the front of the vehicle include the tip surfaces of the protruding portions protruding forward from both edges of the end walls (23a3, 23b3) in the lower portions (231, 232). In this embodiment, for example, the target sensor device S1 is disposed inside the housing 23 so that the tip surface, which is a part of the outer surface (23a31, 23b31), and the sensor outer surface Sa of the target sensor device S1 are positioned on the same plane. Therefore, the target sensor device S1 does not protrude forward from the front surface of the reinforcing member 20 to the front of the vehicle.

[0050] In this embodiment, a vertically long hole 24 is formed in at least one of the outer surface 23a31 of the first side portion 23a and the outer surface 23b31 of the second side portion 23b at a position offset from the target sensor device S1 in the vehicle vertical direction. In this embodiment, the long hole 24 is open to both the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b. In other words, the long hole 24 is open to the front surface of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b in the inclined widening portion of the storage portion 23.

[0051] Specifically, in the illustrated example, in the portion of the first side portion 23a corresponding to the upper storage space V1, the long holes 24 are opened at three spaced apart positions in the first end wall 23a3, and in the portion of the second side portion 23b corresponding to the upper storage space V1, the long holes 24 are opened at three spaced apart positions in the second end wall 23b3. In the illustrated example, the long holes 24 in the first end wall 23a3 are formed to have the same size, shape, and intervals as the long holes 24 in the second end wall 23b3.

[0052] (Difference in bottom wall rigidity) In this embodiment, an opening 25a (hereinafter, referred to as the first opening 25a as appropriate) is formed in a region of the bottom wall 23e of the storage section 23 between a second body structural member side portion of the first side portion 23a (in the illustrated example, the first lower side portion 231) and a second body structural member side portion of the second side portion 23b (in the illustrated example, the second lower side portion 232) in the vehicle vertical direction and close to the first side portion 23a side, which is the low rigidity side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction given to the reinforcing member 20 includes a bottom wall rigidity difference caused by the formation of the first opening 25a in the bottom wall 23e of the storage section 23. In other words, the rigidity against the load in the vehicle front-rear direction is different in the vehicle width direction even in the bottom wall 23e.

[0053] Specifically, in the illustrated example, the first opening 25a is opened in a region on the low rigidity side (first side portion 23a side) in a portion of the bottom wall 23e corresponding to the lower storage space V2. In the illustrated example, the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 are missing from the first lower side portion 231 of the first side portion 23a in order to reduce the rigidity of the first lower side portion 231 of the first side portion 23a as described above. As a result, in the illustrated example, the first opening 25a can be visually recognized as being formed as a notch cut out from the edge of the low rigidity side (first side portion 23a side) toward the high rigidity side (second side portion 23b side) in the bottom wall 23e.

[0054] In the illustrated example, a second opening 25b is formed in the bottom wall 23e in addition to the first opening 25a. The second opening 25b is opened in the center in the vehicle width direction in a portion of the bottom wall 23e corresponding to the upper storage space V1. By forming the second opening 25b in the bottom wall 23e, deformation of the storage portion 23 in the event of a frontal collision or the like can be more effectively promoted.

[0055] In this embodiment, the stiffness of the reinforcing member 20 around the first opening 25a is improved in order to ensure the stiffness of supporting the target sensor device S1 during normal use. Specifically, in this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has an intermediate connecting wall 26a and a vertical connecting wall 26b.

[0056] The intermediate connection wall 26a is located above the target sensor device S1 and connects the bottom wall 23e and the upper part of the second body structural member side portion (first lower side portion 231) of the first side portion 23a. The intermediate connection wall 26a extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and vehicle width direction. The vertical connection wall 26b is located behind the target sensor device S1 and connects the vehicle width direction inner end of the intermediate connection wall 26a and one end of the lower connection wall 23d. The vertical connection wall 26b extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and is curved so as to approach the high rigidity side as it goes upward in a region corresponding to the opening edge of the first opening 25a. As a result, the lower part of the bottom wall 23e (rear wall) extends to the low rigidity side and is connected to the lower connection wall 23d. With this configuration, the reinforcing member 20 promotes deformation and displacement on the low rigidity side during a frontal collision, etc., while making it easier for the weight of the outer panel 10, etc. to be received by the lower connecting wall 23d via the vertical connecting wall 26 extending toward the low rigidity side and the lower part of the bottom wall 23e.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the intermediate connecting wall 26a connects the bottom wall 23e and the first side portion 23a (first end wall 23a3) along the upper edge of the first opening 25a formed as a notch in the bottom wall 23e. The vertical connecting wall 26b connects the bottom wall 23e, the intermediate connecting wall 26a, and the lower connecting wall 23d along the side edge of the second side portion 23b side of the first opening 25a. In this way, in the reinforcing member 20, the first opening 25a generates the bottom wall rigidity difference, while the intermediate connecting wall 26a and the vertical connecting wall 26b improve the rigidity around the first opening 25a.

[0058] (Sensor device peripheral structure) 5, the bottom wall 23e of the reinforcing member 20 is formed with a plurality of (here, two) bridging ribs 27a and a lattice structure portion 27b. The bridging rib 27a extends in the vehicle width direction so as to connect the vertical connecting wall 26b and the second inner wall 23b1 of the second side portion 23b. In the illustrated example, it can be said that the upper bridging rib 27a of the two bridging ribs 27a connects the end of the intermediate connecting wall 26a and the second inner wall 23b1. The lattice structure portion 27b is connected along the lower part of the inner wall of the vertical connecting wall 26b. The lattice structure portion 27b is made up of a plurality of ribs extending vertically and horizontally in a lattice pattern, and constitutes a plurality of closed cross-sectional structures.

[0059] 5 to 8, the reinforcing member 20 has a plurality of (three in this example) positioning protrusions 28 for disposing the target sensor device S1 at a predetermined position in the lower housing space V2. The positioning protrusions 28 are provided, for example, on the rear surface of the first end wall 23a3, the rear surface of the second end wall 23b3, and the front surface of the flange extending downward from the intermediate connection wall 26a. A sensor support plate (not shown) is fixed to the rear surface of the target sensor device S1. The sensor support plate is positioned relative to the housing section 23 by the three positioning protrusions 28 and fixed (fastened) to the housing section 23 by a connector such as a bolt, so that the target sensor device S1 is attached to the reinforcing member 20 in a predetermined position in the lower housing space V2 with a predetermined attitude.

[0060] 4 and 5, the fixing points (F1, F2) of the sensor support plate (target sensor device S1) to the housing section 23 are provided on the first end wall 23a3 and the second end wall 23b3. The fixing point F1 of the first end wall 23a3 is located near the positioning protrusion 28 of the first end wall 23a3, and the fixing point F2 of the second end wall 23b3 is located near the positioning protrusion 28 of the second end wall 23b3. In this way, the target sensor device S1 is fixed to the first end wall 23a3 and the second end wall 23b3 via the sensor support plate, and the target sensor device S1 and the sensor support plate also function as a beam connecting the first end wall 23a3 and the second end wall 23b3. The positioning protrusion 28 may be used as a fixing point (fixing location) to which the target sensor device S1 is fixed.

[0061] In addition, since the rigidity of the vertical connecting wall 26b is increased by the lattice structure 27b, the supporting rigidity of the intermediate connecting wall 26a supported by the vertical connecting wall 26b is also increased. As a result, the mounting position accuracy of the target sensor device S1 by the positioning protrusion 28 provided on the flange near the intermediate connecting wall 26a is improved, and the supporting rigidity of the target sensor device S1 is improved.

[0062] In addition, since the intermediate connection wall 26a and the second inner wall 23b1 are connected by the upper bridging rib 27a, the rigidity around the intermediate connection wall 26a is increased, and the mounting position accuracy and supporting rigidity of the target sensor device S1 are more effectively improved. And, since the vertical connection wall 26b and the second inner wall 23b1 are connected by a plurality of bridging ribs 27a, the rigidity of the vertical connection wall 26b is increased, and the supporting rigidity of the intermediate connection wall 26a is increased, and thus the mounting position accuracy of the target sensor device S1 is improved.

[0063] The positioning protrusion 28 near the intermediate connection wall 26a is provided between the upper bridging rib 27a and the lower bridging rib 27a in the vehicle vertical direction. As a result, deformation and displacement of the positioning protrusion 28 near the intermediate connection wall 26a are suppressed. Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 28 near the intermediate connection wall 26a is connected to the first end wall 23a3 by the lateral rib 27c extending in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the rigidity of the positioning protrusion 28 is further increased, and the mounting position accuracy of the target sensor device S1 is further improved.

[0064] In addition, the lower bridging rib 27a is connected to the apex of the curved portion of the upper portion of the vertical connecting wall 26b that is curved toward the high rigidity side (the left side in the illustrated example). The apex and the second vehicle body connecting portion 22 are connected by a pillar rib 27d extending in the vertical direction, so that the rigidity of the vertical connecting portion 26b is further effectively increased.

[0065] A plate insertion hole 23b5 is formed in the second inner wall 23b1 of the second side portion 23b near the positioning protrusion 28 (see FIGS. 5 and 7). An end of the sensor support plate is configured to be accessible from the lower accommodating space V2 to the positioning protrusion 28 on the second end wall 23b3 side through the plate insertion hole 23b5.

[0066] Further, a plate cutout portion 26b1 is formed in the front portion of the vertical connecting wall 26b. The plate cutout portion 26b1 is formed so as to be largely cut out from the front end of the vertical connecting wall 26b toward the rear. The end portion of the sensor support plate is configured to be able to access the positioning protrusion 28 on the first end wall 23a3 side through the plate cutout portion 26b1.

[0067] The sensor support plate is provided with a harness outlet (in other words, a harness insertion hole) for pulling out wiring material such as a harness (cord-like body) electrically connected to the target sensor device S1. The wiring material (harness) is pulled out to the rear of the reinforcing member 20 through the large opening space formed by the first opening 25a, that is, the area surrounded by the intermediate connection wall 26a, the vertical connection wall 26b, and the first end wall 23a3, so that the wiring work can be smoothly performed.

[0068] (Difference in rigidity between the second body connection and the lower support) 5 to 8, in a portion of the bottom wall 23e corresponding to the lower storage space V2, the bottom wall 23e is formed in a stepped shape that is bent in a staircase shape in a side view. More specifically, the bottom wall 23e is formed in a stepped shape in which the lower part of the bottom wall 23e is offset toward the vehicle exterior (vehicle front) in the vehicle front-rear direction from the upper part of the bottom wall 23e. In the stepped bottom wall 23e, the upper part of the bottom wall 23e and the lower part of the bottom wall 23e are connected by a lower wall facing downward. An engagement claw 29 is formed on the lower surface of the lower wall. The engagement claw 29 protrudes from the lower surface of the lower wall.

[0069] In the illustrated example, the lower wall of the step-shaped bottom wall 23e constitutes the second vehicle-body coupling portion 22. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the lower wall of the bottom wall 23e as the second vehicle-body coupling portion 22 abuts against the upper surface of the lower support portion 50. An engagement hole 51a (see Fig. 9 described later) is opened in an upper wall 51 of the lower support portion 50 described later, and the engagement claw 29 is engaged with the engagement hole 51a in a state in which the second vehicle-body coupling portion 22 (the lower wall) abuts against the upper surface of the upper wall 51. As a result, the second vehicle-body coupling portion 22 at the bottom of the reinforcing member 20 is engaged with the lower support portion 50, and the second vehicle-body coupling portion 22 is coupled (supported) to the second vehicle-body structural member 32.

[0070] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of lower support part 50, Fig. 10 is a plan view of lower support part 50 seen from the front of the vehicle, and Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part C shown in Fig. 3. Lower support part 50 (lower bracket) supports second vehicle body connecting part 22 (the lower wall) at the bottom of reinforcing member 20 from below, and is a part that connects to second vehicle body connecting part 22.

[0071] 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11, the lower support part 50 has an upper wall 51, a first leg part 52 and a second leg part 53, and is a member formed by bending a thin metal plate as described above. In this embodiment, the lower support part 50 is joined to the rear surface (rear surface) of the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0072] The upper wall 51 is connected to the second vehicle body connecting part 22 in a state of contacting the lower surface of the second vehicle body connecting part 22 (the lower wall) at the bottom of the reinforcing member 20. The upper wall 51 is formed as a rectangular wall having approximately the same size as the second vehicle body connecting part 22 in a plan view. The upper wall 51 is formed with a locking hole 51a for locking the engaging claw 29.

[0073] The first leg 52 and the second leg 53 are joined to the upper part of the back surface of the second body structural member 32. The first leg 52 extends obliquely downward from one end of the upper wall 51 in the vehicle width direction, and the second leg 53 extends obliquely downward from the other end of the upper wall 51 in the vehicle width direction. The first leg 52 and the second leg 53 are inclined so as to move away from each other as they go downward. The upper part of the first leg 52 and the upper part of the second leg 53 each have a width approximately the same as that of the upper wall 51 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The front edge of the lower part of the first leg 52 is set back from the front edge of the upper part of the first leg 52. Similarly, the front edge of the lower part of the second leg 53 is set back from the front edge of the upper part of the second leg 53. A first cutout part 52a is formed in the upper part of the front edge of the lower part of the first leg 52. Similarly, a second cutout portion 53a is formed in the upper portion of the front edge of the lower portion of the second leg portion 53.

[0074] A first upper flange 52b and a first lower flange 52c are provided at the front edge of the first leg 52, and a second upper flange 53b and a second lower flange 53c are provided at the front edge of the second leg 53. The first upper flange 52b and the first lower flange 52c each extend from the front edge of the first leg 52 outward in the vehicle width direction, and the second upper flange 53b and the second lower flange 53c each extend from the front edge of the second leg 53 outward in the vehicle width direction. The first upper flange 52b is provided at the upper part of the first leg 52, the first lower flange 52c is provided at the lower part of the first leg 52, the second upper flange 53b is provided at the upper part of the second leg 53, and the second lower flange 53c is provided at the lower part of the second leg 53. Each flange (52b, 52c, 53b, 53c) is joined to the upper part of the back surface of the second body structural member 32. 11, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is composed of two panels joined together, and has two closed cross-sectional portions 32a spaced apart from each other in a cross-sectional view cut in the vertical direction. The first upper flange 52b and the second upper flange 53b are each joined to the back surface of the upper edge of the second vehicle body structural member 32, and the first lower flange 52c and the second lower flange 53c are each joined to the back surface of the upper closed cross-sectional portion 32a.

[0075] In this embodiment, a rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction is imparted to the lower support portion 50. That is, in this embodiment, in the vehicle structure 1, the rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction is imparted not only to the reinforcing member 20 but also to the lower support portion 50.

[0076] Specifically, in the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the lower support portion 50, the interior angle θ1 between the first leg portion 52 and the upper wall 51 (in other words, the inclination angle θ1 of the first leg portion 52) is larger than the interior angle θ2 between the second leg portion 53 and the upper wall 51 (in other words, the inclination angle θ2 of the second leg portion 53) (θ1>θ2). Therefore, in the illustrated example, for example, in terms of the support rigidity in the vertical direction of the lower support portion 50, the support rigidity on the side of the first leg portion 52 which is greatly inclined is lower than the support rigidity on the side of the second leg portion 53 which extends in the substantially vertical direction. In other words, the rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction of the lower support portion 50 is imparted by providing a difference between the support rigidity in the vertical direction on the first leg portion 52 side (one side in the vehicle width direction) and the support rigidity in the vertical direction on the second leg portion 53 side (the other side in the vehicle width direction). More specifically, the difference in rigidity in the vehicle width direction of the lower support part 50 is imparted by making the inclination angles (θ1, θ2) different between the first leg part 52 and the second leg part 53. In this manner, in the lower support part 50, the rigidity against the load mainly in the vertical direction of the vehicle differs in the vehicle width direction. As a result, when a downward and rearward external force acts on the lower support part 50 via the second vehicle body connecting part 22 of the reinforcing member 20 in the event of a frontal collision or the like, deformation of the part of the lower support part 50 on the side of the first leg part 52 is promoted, and deformation such that the lower support part 50 is twisted is promoted.

[0077] In this embodiment, the lower support portion 50 is disposed on the high rigidity side of the reinforcement member 20 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the lower support portion 50 is disposed on the side of the reinforcement member 20 in the vehicle width direction that has a higher rigidity against a load in the vehicle front-rear direction. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the lower support portion 50 is disposed on the high rigidity side (the second side portion 23b side) of the reinforcement member 20 with respect to the center line X of the reinforcement member 20 in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 2). In the lower storage space V2, the bottom wall 23e is biased toward the second side portion 23b side, which is the high rigidity side. The end portion of the second vehicle body connecting portion 22 (the lower wall) on the first side portion 23a side extends to a position slightly beyond the center line X toward the first side portion 23a side (low rigidity side), and the lower portion of the vertical connecting wall 26b and the center line X also extend to a position slightly beyond the first side portion 23a side (low rigidity side). When viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the first leg portion 52 is disposed on the first side portion 23a side (low rigidity side) with respect to the center line X. In the illustrated example, when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the first leg portion 52 is disposed so as to smoothly continue with the lower portion of the vertical connecting wall 26b.

[0078] Part of the external force (load) acting on the reinforcing member 20 during a frontal collision or the like is transmitted to the lower support part 50 through the second vehicle body connecting part 22 which is eccentric to the high rigidity side. At this time, part of the external force (load) input to the lower support part 50 can be dispersed to the left and right by the first leg part 52 on the low rigidity side and the second leg part 53 on the high rigidity side and released.

[0079] 11, the target sensor device S1 is disposed above the upper end of the second vehicle body structural member 32. A gap G1 is provided between the rear surface of the target sensor device S1 and the reinforcing member 20. A reinforcing rib 23d1 is provided on the rear surface of the lower connecting wall 23d of the reinforcing member 20. The rear edge of the reinforcing rib 23d1 is inclined downward so as to move away from the second vehicle body structural member 32. A gap G2 is provided between the upper end of the second vehicle body structural member 32 and the rear edge of the reinforcing rib 23d1.

[0080] (Deformation process) Next, an example of an outline of the deformation process of the reinforcing member 20 and the lower support portion 50 (lower bracket) when subjected to an external force will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 11, etc.

[0081] For example, in the event of a frontal collision, a load (impact load) due to an external force acting on the outer panel 10 is likely to be input to the reinforcing member 20 from the front end of the reinforcing member 20. In the illustrated example, the front end region of the reinforcing member 20 is the first lower portion 231 of the first side portion 23a, the second lower portion 232 of the second side portion 23b, and the lower connecting wall 23d. Therefore, when the impact load is input to the first lower portion 231, the second lower portion 232, and the lower connecting wall 23d, the portion on the first lower portion 231 side, which has low rigidity, is first deformed so as to be displaced rearward, and then the load begins to concentrate on the portion on the second lower portion 232 side, which has high rigidity, so that the deformation range is expanded (extended) to the high rigidity side. As a result, the reinforcing member 20 begins to twist overall. In this way, when an impact load is input, the reinforcing member 20 deforms in two stages, that is, local deformation on the low rigidity side and overall torsional deformation, and the impact energy is efficiently consumed and absorbed as deformation energy. Note that when the portion on the first lower-side portion 231 side, which has low rigidity, is displaced rearward at first, other portions of the accommodation portion 23, which have low rigidity against the load in the front-rear direction, deform to follow the displacement of the first lower-side portion 231, thereby further promoting the displacement of the first lower-side portion 231.

[0082] Then, the load that has begun to concentrate on the high rigidity side of the reinforcing member 20 is concentrated on the lower support part 50 (lower bracket) through the second vehicle body connecting part 22 that is also disposed close to the high rigidity side of the reinforcing member 20. As a result, deformation of the lower support part 50 is effectively promoted.

[0083] The rearward deformation margin of the lower support part 50 is effectively expanded by the gap G2 between the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 (the rear edge of the reinforcing rib 23d1) and the upper end of the second vehicle body structural member 32, so that the impact energy is also effectively absorbed by the deformation of the lower support part 50. In addition, the torsional deformation of the lower support part 50 is promoted by the difference in rigidity between the left and right sides of the lower support part 50 itself. Furthermore, since the upper flanges (52b, 53b) of the lower support part 50 are located forward of the lower flanges (52c, 53c), the load is first concentrated on the upper flanges (52b, 53b). As a result, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11, the upper flanges (52b, 53b) peel off from the second vehicle body structural member 32, promoting the deformation of the lower support part 50. Thereafter, when the upper portion of the lower support part 50 is further deformed rearward, the lower flanges (52c, 53c) also further deform while peeling off from the second vehicle body structural member 32, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 11, and the impact energy is absorbed more effectively. Note that the lower support part 50 is also prone to rearward bending deformation starting from the cutout parts (52a, 53a).

[0084] In the vehicle structure 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the stiffness of the reinforcing member 20 against a load in the vehicle front-rear direction differs in the vehicle width direction, and the reinforcing member 20 is provided with a stiffness difference mainly in the vehicle width direction (a difference in stiffness in the vehicle width direction against a load in the front-rear direction). Therefore, when an external force is applied to the reinforcing member 20, the reinforcing member 20 becomes more likely to deform in two stages, for example, a local deformation on the low stiffness side and an overall torsional deformation, and the deformation range of the reinforcing member 20 is effectively expanded and increased. As a result, the impact energy is efficiently consumed as the deformation energy of the reinforcing member 20, and the impact energy is efficiently absorbed.

[0085] In this manner, the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle structure that has a structure capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy.

[0086] In this embodiment, the rigidity difference includes a side rigidity difference that is the difference between the rigidity of a first side 23a, which is one side of the accommodating portion 23 in the vehicle width direction, and the rigidity of a second side 23b, which is the other side of the accommodating portion 23 in the vehicle width direction. An accommodating space for accommodating the sensor device S is formed inside the accommodating portion 23, and the accommodating portion 23 is formed in a concave shape that is concave inward, and is a portion that is easily deformed. Therefore, by providing a rigidity difference between the first side 23a and the second side 23b in the accommodating portion 23 that is easily deformed, deformation and displacement of the reinforcing member 20 are easily and efficiently promoted.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is provided at a position offset toward the vehicle exterior side in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the first vehicle body structural member 31, and the side rigidity difference is provided between the rigidity of the portion of the first side portion 23a facing the second vehicle body structural member (first lower portion 231 in the illustrated example) and the rigidity of the portion of the second side portion 23b facing the second vehicle body structural member (second lower portion 232 in the illustrated example). Therefore, in the region of the reinforcing member 20 where an impact load is likely to be input (first lower portion 231 and second lower portion 232 in the illustrated example, in other words, the front end lower region of the reinforcing member 20), the deformation range of the reinforcing member 20 is easily expanded, and the absorption of impact energy is effectively promoted.

[0088] In this embodiment, the target sensor device S1 is disposed inside the accommodation section 23 such that the sensor outer surface Sa is located on the same plane as the outer surfaces (23a31, 23b31) of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This protects the target sensor device S1. Specifically, when an external force is applied, the external force is effectively prevented from being locally transmitted to the target sensor device S1. The reinforcing member 20 deforms in such a manner that the target sensor device S1 retreats to the inside of the vehicle (toward the rear of the vehicle in the illustrated example) so as to follow the deformation of the side portion on the low rigidity side (the first side portion 23a in the illustrated example), thereby protecting the target sensor device S1.

[0089] In this embodiment, the long hole 24 is formed in both the outer surface 23a31 of the first side portion 23a and the outer surface 23b31 of the second side portion 23b at a position offset from the target sensor device S1 in the vehicle vertical direction. As a result, during normal use, the support rigidity of the sensor device S including the target sensor device S1 is ensured, and when an external force is input, deformation of the parts of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b that are vertically distant from the target sensor device S1 can be promoted. In the illustrated example, the long hole 24 is opened in the front surface (outer surface 23a31, outer surface 23b31) of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b in the inclined widening portion of the storage portion 23. Therefore, the projection area (i.e., external force input area) of the front surface (outer surface 23a31, outer surface 23b31) onto the outer panel 10 is increased, and when an external force is applied, deformation in the front-rear direction of the reinforcing member 20 can be easily performed. Furthermore, by forming the vertically long slots 24, torsional deformation is easily promoted.

[0090] In this embodiment, an opening 25a (first opening 25a) is formed in a region of the bottom wall 23e of the storage section 23 located between the second vehicle body structural member side portion (first lower side portion 231) of the first side portion 23a and the second vehicle body structural member side portion (second lower side portion 232) of the second side portion 23b in the vehicle up-down direction and toward the first side portion 23a, which is the low rigidity side in the vehicle width direction, and the rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction imparted to the reinforcing member 20 includes a bottom wall rigidity difference caused by the formation of the first opening 25a in the bottom wall 23e of the storage section 23. The bottom wall rigidity difference more effectively promotes deformation of the portion of the reinforcing member 20 on the first side portion 23a side, and prevents the sensor device S, such as the target sensor device S1, from coming into contact with the bottom wall 23e and being damaged when the reinforcing member 20 is deformed, so that the sensor device S can be more effectively protected. In the illustrated example, the second opening 25b is opened in the center in the vehicle width direction in a portion of the bottom wall 23e that corresponds to the upper accommodation space V1, so that deformation and displacement of the reinforcing member 20 are promoted more effectively.

[0091] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 is located above the target sensor device S1 and has an intermediate connection wall 26a that connects the bottom wall 23e and the upper part of the first side portion 23a on the second vehicle body structural member side. This improves the rigidity around the first opening 25a, and the support rigidity of the target sensor device S1 during normal use is easily ensured. In the illustrated example, the bridging rib 27a connects (connects) the vertical connection wall 26b continuing to the intermediate connection wall 26a and the second side portion 23b on the high rigidity side, so that the support rigidity of the target sensor device S1 during normal use is improved. The lattice structure portion 27b connected to the vertical connection wall 26b also improves the support rigidity of the target sensor device S1 during normal use.

[0092] In this embodiment, the second body structural member 32 is provided below the first body structural member 31, and the second body structural member 32 is provided with a lower support portion 50 that protrudes upward from the second body structural member 32 and supports the lower portion of the reinforcing member 20 from below, and a rigidity difference is imparted to the lower support portion 50 in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the deformation of the lower support portion 50 itself due to the rigidity difference is promoted, and the deformation of the lower support portion 50 also absorbs impact energy. Note that when an external force is applied, the lower support portion 50 deforms, making it difficult for the lower support portion 50 to brace against the external force. As a result, the external force is more likely to be concentrated on the reinforcing member 20, and the deformation of the reinforcing member 20 is promoted.

[0093] In this embodiment, since the lower support portion 50 is disposed on the high rigidity side of the reinforcing member 20 in the vehicle width direction, when an external force is applied, the load that starts to concentrate on the high rigidity side of the reinforcing member 20 is effectively concentrated on the lower support portion 50 (lower bracket). As a result, the deformation of the lower support portion 50 is effectively promoted.

[0094] In this embodiment, in a predetermined range in the vehicle up-down direction of the accommodating portion 23 (first lower portion 231 and second lower portion 232 in the illustrated example), the length (thickness) in the vehicle front-rear direction of the first side portion 23a of the accommodating portion 23 is shorter than the length in the vehicle front-rear direction of the second side portion 23b of the accommodating portion 23. As a result, in the event of a frontal collision, the reinforcing member 20 becomes more likely to deform so as to follow the deformation of the low rigidity side (first lower portion 231 side), and deformation and displacement of the reinforcing member 20 is effectively promoted.

[0095] In this embodiment, the rigidity difference is imparted not only to the reinforcing member 20 but also to the lower support portion 50. During a frontal collision or the like, the torsional deformation of the lower support portion 50 promotes the torsional deformation of the reinforcing member 20 more effectively.

[0096] 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.

[0097] For example, in the present embodiment, in the reinforcing member 20, the side rigidity difference is imparted by making the length (thickness) in the front-rear direction different between the first lower portion 231 and the second lower portion 232, but this is not limiting and the difference may be imparted by making the size of the hole different. That is, in a predetermined range (e.g., the first lower portion 231 and the second lower portion 232) in the vehicle up-down direction of the accommodation portion 23 of the reinforcing member 20, a through hole such as the long hole 24 is formed in each of the first side portion 23a (first lower portion 231) and the second side portion 23b (second lower portion 232), and the through hole of the first side portion 23a is opened widely with respect to the through hole of the second side portion 23b.

[0098] Also, the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 may be provided in the first lower portion 231, which is the low-rigidity side, and the second outer wall 23b2 may be provided in the second lower portion 232. In this case, in the reinforcing member 20, for example, (1) a through hole may be formed in at least one of the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 in the first lower portion 231, (2) the length (thickness) in the front-rear direction of at least one of the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 in the first side portion 231 may be set shorter (thinner) than the length (thickness) in the front-rear direction of the second inner side 23a2 and the second outer side 23a2 in the second side portion 232, (3) a fragile portion may be formed in at least one of the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 in the first side portion 231, or (4) the above-mentioned (1) to (3) may be applied to the reinforcing member 20 in combination. This also creates a side rigidity difference between the rigidity of the first lower portion 231 of the first side portion 23a and the rigidity of the second lower portion 232 of the second side portion 23b.

[0099] In the reinforcing member 20, the rigidity difference includes a side rigidity difference and a bottom wall rigidity difference, but is not limited thereto. The rigidity difference may include either one of the side rigidity difference and the bottom wall rigidity difference. The rigidity difference is imparted to both the reinforcing member 20 and the lower support portion 50, but is not limited thereto. The rigidity difference may be imparted only to the reinforcing member 20, or may be imparted only to the lower support portion 50. Even if the rigidity difference is imparted only to the lower support portion 50, the torsional deformation and displacement of the reinforcing member 20 are promoted by the torsional deformation and displacement of the lower support portion 50 during a frontal collision or the like. In other words, if the rigidity difference is not imparted to the lower support portion 50, the reinforcing member 20 is less likely to twist, but by imparting the rigidity difference to the lower support portion 50, the reinforcing member 20 to which no rigidity difference is imparted in the vehicle width direction is more likely to twist due to the torsional deformation of the lower support portion 50, and the deformation range of the reinforcing member 20 can be expanded.

[0100] Furthermore, the rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction of the lower support portion 50 is imparted by making the inclination angles (inner angles θ1, θ2) different between the first leg portion 52 and the second leg portion 53, but is not limited to this. Although not shown in the drawings, for example, (1) a through hole may be formed in each of the first leg portion 52 and the second leg portion 53, and the through hole of the first leg portion 52, which is the low rigidity side, may be formed smaller than the through hole of the second leg portion 53, which is the high rigidity side, or (2) a through hole may be formed only in the first leg portion 52, which is the low rigidity side.

[0101] In the present embodiment, in a state where the reinforcing member 20 is viewed from the front side of the vehicle toward the rear side of the vehicle (front view), the first side portion 23a having a lower rigidity than the second side portion 23b is provided on the right side, and the second side portion 23b having a higher rigidity than the first side portion 23a is provided on the left side, but this is not limited thereto. The first side portion 23a having a lower rigidity may be provided on the left side, and the second side portion 23b having a higher rigidity may be provided on the right side. In this case, in the front view, in the bottom wall 23e, the first opening 25a is shifted to the left side, and in the lower support portion 50, the first leg portion 52 is provided on the left side, and the second leg portion 53 is provided on the right side.

[0102] In this embodiment, the lower support portion 50 is joined to the rear surface (rear surface) of the second vehicle body structural member 32, but is not limited thereto, and may be joined to the front surface (front surface) of the second vehicle body structural member 32 as shown in Fig. 12. This facilitates the promotion of compressive deformation of the lower support portion 50 during a frontal collision or the like. Also, referring to Fig. 12, in the lower support portion 50 according to the modified example, the first leg portion 52 and the second leg portion 53 extend downward without inclining and are joined to the upper portion of the front surface of the second vehicle body structural member 32, and each flange (52b, 52c, 53b, 53c) is provided at the rear edge of the corresponding leg portion (52, 53), the upper flange (52b, 53b) is joined to the front surface of the upper edge of the second vehicle body structural member 32, and the lower flange (52c, 53c) is joined to the front surface of the upper closed cross-sectional portion 32a. In the lower support part 50 shown in Fig. 12, the first leg part 52 and the second leg part 53 extend downward without inclining, and the through hole 52d is formed only in the first leg part 52. As a result, the rigidity of the first leg part 52 against loads in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction is lower than the rigidity of the second leg part 53 against loads in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. In other words, in the lower support part 50 shown in Fig. 12, the rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction of the lower support part 50 is imparted by the through hole 52d being formed only in the first leg part 52.

[0103] In this embodiment, the predetermined range in the vehicle vertical direction of the reinforcing member 20 to which the stiffness difference is imparted is set to the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 (in the illustrated example, the part corresponding to the first lower part 231 and the second lower part 232, and the part corresponding to the lower accommodation space V2), but is not limited thereto. The range to which the stiffness difference is imparted is set to an appropriate range in the vehicle vertical direction, and the stiffness difference may be imparted to, for example, the upper part of the reinforcing member 20. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the stiffness difference is imparted to the upper part of the reinforcing member 20. Specifically, in the reinforcing member 20 shown in FIG. 13, the accommodation part 23 that accommodates the sensor device S is concentrated in the lower part of the reinforcing member 20, and most of the upper part (generally the upper half) of the reinforcing member 20 is formed as a sloping part 20a rising upward toward the rear, and the stiffness difference is imparted to this sloping part 20a. 13, the first opening 25a penetrates the reinforcing member 20 as a rectangular hole with a size slightly larger than the outer shape of the sensor device S in the housing portion 23, and the sensor device S is disposed inside the first opening 25a. In the example of FIG. 13, in the upper part of the central inclined portion located on the vehicle width direction center side (center line X side) of the inclined portion 20a, the first upper through hole 20b is formed on the first side portion 23a side, and the second upper through hole 20c is formed on the second side portion 23b side. Each of the first upper through hole 20b and the second upper through hole 20c penetrates the reinforcing member 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The opening width of the first upper through hole 20b in the vehicle width direction is set to be significantly wider (larger) than the opening width of the second upper through hole 20c in the vehicle width direction. As a result, in the upper part of the reinforcing member 20, the rigidity of the portion of the inclined portion 20a on the side of the first side portion 23a against a load in the vehicle longitudinal direction is lower than the rigidity of the portion of the inclined portion 20a on the side of the second side portion 23b against a load in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In this manner, in the reinforcing member 20 shown in FIG. 13, the rigidity difference is imparted to the upper part of the reinforcing member 20.

[0104] The reinforcing member 20 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 a triangular shape with an upward convex shape. In these cases, for example, the first vehicle body structural member 31 and the second vehicle body structural member 32 are switched up and down. The target sensor device S1 is accommodated inside the accommodation section 23 at the upper part of the reinforcing member 20. The widening section of the accommodation section 23 is wider in the vehicle width direction at a lower position relative to the target sensor device S1 and goes upward. The long hole 24 is provided on both the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b in the widening section, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided on one side. In addition, a plurality of square holes or a plurality of round holes may be formed instead of the long hole 24 on the outer surface 23a31 of the first side portion 23a and the outer surface 23b31 of the second side portion 23b.

[0105] The target sensor device S1 is disposed inside the accommodation section 23 so that the sensor outer surface Sa is located on the same plane as the outer surfaces (23a31, 23b31) of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b in the vehicle longitudinal direction, but is not limited to this. The target sensor device S1 may be disposed inside the accommodation section 23 so that the sensor outer surface Sa is located on the vehicle inner side (rear of the vehicle) with respect to the outer surfaces (23a31, 23b31) in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0106] Furthermore, although the outer panel 10 is a front bumper having a front grille, the present invention is not limited to this. The outer panel 10 may be, for example, a front bumper without a front grille, a front grille alone, or a decorative member (for example, a metallic member).

[0107] Each bracket (upper support portion 40, lower support portion 50) is formed separately from the vehicle body structural member 30, but this is not limited thereto, and the brackets may be molded integrally with the vehicle body structural member 30 and constitute part of the vehicle body structural member 30.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. Vehicle structure 20…Reinforcing member 23…Storage section 23a...first side 23a31…External surface 23b...Second side 23b31…External surface 231...First lower side portion (a portion of the first side portion on the second body structural member side) 232...Second lower side portion (a portion of the second side portion on the second body structural member side) 23e…Bottom wall 24…Long hole 25a...First opening (opening) 26a...Intermediate connecting wall 30...Body structural member 31…First body structural member 32…Second body structural member 50…Lower support part S: Sensor device Sa: Sensor outer surface S1: Target sensor device

Claims

1. A vehicle structure including: a reinforcing member supported by a first vehicle body structural member and a second vehicle body structural member spaced apart from each other in a vehicle up-down direction at a front or rear portion of the vehicle; and a sensor device attached to the reinforcing member, A vehicle structure, wherein the reinforcing member has a difference in rigidity in a vehicle width direction.

2. the reinforcing member has an accommodation portion that is recessed toward the vehicle interior in the vehicle front-rear direction and accommodates the sensor device, 2. The vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the rigidity difference includes a side rigidity difference which is the difference between the rigidity of a first side portion which is one side portion of the storage portion in the vehicle width direction and the rigidity of a second side portion which is the other side portion of the storage portion in the vehicle width direction.

3. the second vehicle body structural member is provided at a position offset toward an outer side of the vehicle in a vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the first vehicle body structural member, 3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, wherein the side rigidity difference is imparted between a rigidity of a portion of the first side portion facing the second vehicle body structural member and a rigidity of a portion of the second side portion facing the second vehicle body structural member.

4. Each of the first side portion and the second side portion has an outer surface facing an outer side of the vehicle in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, the sensor device includes a target sensor device disposed between the second vehicle body structural member side portion of the first side portion and the second vehicle body structural member side portion of the second side portion, the target sensor device has a sensor outer surface facing the vehicle exterior in the vehicle front-rear direction, The vehicle structure according to claim 3 , wherein the target sensor device is arranged inside the accommodating portion so that the sensor outer surface is positioned on the same plane as the outer surface in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction or is positioned on the vehicle interior side relative to the outer surface in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.

5. 5. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, wherein a vertically long hole is formed in at least one of the outer surface of the first side portion and the outer surface of the second side portion at a position offset from the target sensor device in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

6. The storage portion has a bottom wall that forms a bottom of a recess in the vehicle front-rear direction of the storage portion, a portion of the first side portion close to the second vehicle body structural member is formed to have lower rigidity than a portion of the second side portion close to the second vehicle body structural member, an opening is formed in the bottom wall in a region located between the second vehicle body structural member side portion of the first side portion and the second vehicle body structural member side portion of the second side portion in the vehicle vertical direction and toward the first side portion in the vehicle width direction; The vehicle structure according to claim 3 , wherein the stiffness difference includes a bottom wall stiffness difference caused by forming the opening in the bottom wall.

7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6 , wherein the reinforcing member has an intermediate connecting wall located above the target sensor device and connecting the bottom wall and an upper portion of the second vehicle body structural member side portion of the first side portion.

8. the second vehicle body structural member is provided below the first vehicle body structural member, the second vehicle body structural member is provided with a lower support portion that protrudes upward from the second vehicle body structural member and supports a lower portion of the reinforcing member from below, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein a difference in rigidity is imparted to the lower support portion in a vehicle width direction.

9. The vehicle structure according to claim 8 , wherein the lower support portion is disposed on a higher rigidity side of the reinforcing member in a vehicle width direction.

10. A vehicle structure including: a reinforcing member supported by a first vehicle body structural member and a second vehicle body structural member spaced apart from each other in a vehicle up-down direction at a front or rear portion of the vehicle; and a sensor device attached to the reinforcing member, the reinforcing member has an accommodation portion that is recessed toward the vehicle interior in the vehicle front-rear direction and accommodates the sensor device, A vehicle structure characterized in that, within a predetermined range in the vehicle up-down direction of the storage section, the length in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction of a first side portion which is one side portion in the vehicle width direction of the storage section is shorter than the length in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction of a second side portion which is the other side portion in the vehicle width direction of the storage section.

11. A vehicle structure including: a reinforcing member supported by a first vehicle body structural member and a second vehicle body structural member spaced apart from each other in a vehicle up-down direction at a front or rear portion of the vehicle; and a sensor device attached to the reinforcing member, the reinforcing member has an accommodation portion that is recessed toward the vehicle interior in the vehicle front-rear direction and accommodates the sensor device, a through hole is formed in each of a first side portion, which is one side portion of the storage portion in the vehicle width direction, and a second side portion, which is the other side portion of the storage portion in the vehicle width direction, within a predetermined range in the vehicle up-down direction of the storage portion, A vehicle structure, characterized in that the through hole of the first side portion is opened larger than the through hole of the second side portion.

12. A vehicle structure including: a reinforcing member supported by a first vehicle body structural member and a second vehicle body structural member spaced apart from each other in a vehicle up-down direction at a front or rear portion of the vehicle; and a sensor device attached to the reinforcing member, the second vehicle body structural member is provided below the first vehicle body structural member, the second vehicle body structural member is provided with a lower support portion that protrudes upward from the second vehicle body structural member and supports a lower portion of the reinforcing member from below, A vehicle structure, wherein a difference in rigidity is imparted to the lower support portion in a vehicle width direction.

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