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 vertical direction of the vehicle 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 vertical direction of the vehicle, is applied to the reinforcement member 20 of the vehicle structure 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 vertical direction of the vehicle. 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 front view of a reinforcing member for a vehicle structure. [Diagram 3] 4 is an enlarged plan view of a lower portion of the reinforcing member as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower portion of the reinforcing member to which the sensor device is attached. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear view of a lower portion of the reinforcing member to which the sensor device is attached. [Figure 6] 4 is a partial side view of the reinforcing member as viewed from the first side portion side. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a partial side view of the reinforcing member as viewed from the second side portion side. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reinforcing member according to a 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 is a perspective view of a vehicle structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. In the drawing, 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 top 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 "up" and "down" correspond to the top and bottom 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) 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 (see Figs. 6 and 7 described later) 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 and later-described Figures 6 and 7, in this embodiment, a vehicle structure 1 includes an outer panel 10, a reinforcing member 20, a sensor device S, and a vehicle body structural member 30. Note that the outer panel 10 is removed in Figure 1 and is shown by dashed lines in later-described Figures 6 and 7. Note that in Figure 1, the outer shape of the sensor device S and the outer shape of the vehicle body structural member 30 are shown by dashed lines, and the outer shape of an impact absorbing member 40 described later is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[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. 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, a resin front grille is provided in the center of the bumper front portion 10a, and a plurality of air vents are opened in the front grille. In other words, the outer panel 10 has a front grille that is an intake member. Although not shown, in this embodiment, a radiator is disposed behind the reinforcing member 20, and further, between the radiator and the reinforcing member 20, a wind guide member such as a shroud that holds the radiator and forms an intake path is disposed. The air that passes through the plurality of air vents in the front grille is guided to the radiator via the wind guide 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] The sensor device S has a sensor outer surface Sa that faces the outside of the vehicle (here, the front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and outputs or inputs electromagnetic waves. The sensor device S is attached to the reinforcing member 20, behind the front grille of the outer panel 10, approximately at the center lower part in the vehicle width direction, with the sensor outer surface Sa facing the front of the vehicle, via a sensor support plate P (see Figs. 4 and 5 described later) or a connector such as a bolt, and is fixed to the reinforcing 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).

[0017] 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.

[0018] The body structural member 30 is a highly rigid member that constitutes a structural member of the vehicle body. At the front of the vehicle, a first body structural member 31, a second body structural member 32, and the like are provided as the body structural member 30. In other words, each element (31, 32) constitutes a part of the body structural member 30 of the vehicle. Each element (31, 32) is made of a metal thin plate or the like.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 also 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 also be called a lower cross member or a lower bumper beam. Each end of the second body structural member 32 is joined to other members (not shown) of the body structural member 30 (for example, front side members) (not shown).

[0021] (Vehicle structure details) The vehicle structure 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Figs. 2 to 7 are views mainly for explaining the reinforcing member 20. Fig. 2 is a front view of the reinforcing member 20 as viewed from the front of the vehicle, Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower part of the reinforcing member as viewed from the front of the vehicle, and Fig. 5 is an enlarged rear view of the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. In Figs. 4 and 5, a sensor device S is attached to the reinforcing member 20. Fig. 6 is a partial side view of the reinforcing member 20 as viewed from a first side portion 23a side, which will be described later, and Fig. 7 is a partial side view of the reinforcing member 20 as viewed from a second side portion 23b side, which will be described later. In Figs. 6 and 7, the outline of the impact absorbing member 40, which will be described later, is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the sensor device S has been removed.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the reinforcing member 20 is supported by a first vehicle body structural member 31 and a second vehicle body structural member 32 which are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction at the front of the vehicle.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The reinforcing member 20 is, for example, a resin injection-molded product. The reinforcing member 20 is formed in a generally T-shape in a plan view, and in a side view, it protrudes from the first vehicle body structural member 31 toward the vehicle outer side (toward the vehicle front in this case) 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 is a member that extends from the first vehicle body structural member 31 to the second vehicle body structural member 32 and connects the first vehicle body structural member 31 and the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0025] 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 portion 22 is provided at a lower portion of the reinforcing member 20. In this embodiment, the second vehicle body connecting portion 22 corresponds to the "vehicle body connecting portion" according to the present invention.

[0026] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is provided with a lower support portion 50 (see FIG. 1) that protrudes upward from the second vehicle body structural member 32 and supports the lower portion of the reinforcing member 20 from below.

[0027] The lower support part 50 is a member formed by bending a thin metal plate. That is, in this embodiment, the lower support part 50 is a member (lower bracket) formed physically separate from the second vehicle body structural member 32. The lower support part 50 is joined to the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0028] A first vehicle body connecting portion 21 at the upper part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected (fastened) to (supported by) a first vehicle body structural member 31 by being connected (fastened) by a fastener such as a bolt, and a second vehicle body connecting portion 22 at the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected (supported by) a second vehicle body structural member 32 by being engaged with a lower support portion 50. The second vehicle body connecting portion 22 will be described in detail later.

[0029] Next, the shape and structure of the main parts of the reinforcing member 20 will be mainly described in further detail.

[0030] 1 to 7, the reinforcing member 20 is provided with a rigidity difference in the vehicle vertical 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 longitudinal direction. In the reinforcing member 20, the rigidity against the load in the vehicle longitudinal direction differs in the vehicle vertical direction. The rigidity difference in the vehicle vertical direction is provided by providing a rigidity difference between adjacent regions of the reinforcing member 20 in the vertical direction.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the reinforcing member 20 is formed in a generally T-shape in a plan view from one side of the vehicle front-rear direction, as described above. That is, the reinforcing member 20 is generally divided into a horizontal extension portion 20A extending in the vehicle width direction, a vertical extension portion 20B extending in the vehicle up-down direction, and a connection portion 20C connecting the vehicle width direction center portion of the horizontal extension portion 20A and the upper end of the vertical extension portion 20B. In the illustrated example, the horizontal extension portion 20A has a generally L-shaped cross section and extends in the vehicle width direction, and is formed to have higher rigidity than the vertical extension portion 20B. Therefore, in the reinforcing member 20, the rigidity difference in the vehicle up-down direction is imparted by imparting a rigidity difference to the horizontal extension portion 20A and the vertical extension portion 20B adjacent to each other vertically via the connection portion 20C. In the illustrated example, the horizontal extension portion 20A and the vertical extension portion 20B are made to have significantly different shapes from each other, so that the reinforcing member 20 has an overall difference in rigidity in the vehicle up-down direction.

[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 section 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. In the illustrated example, the accommodation section 23 constitutes the vertical extension portion 20B of the reinforcing member 20. In other words, the accommodation section 23 is set in the region of the vertical extension portion 20B of the reinforcing member 20.

[0034] The first side portion 23a is one side portion in the vehicle width direction of the storage portion 23, and the second side portion 23b is the other side portion in the vehicle width direction of the storage portion 23. The first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b each extend approximately in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b are portions where the sensor device S is positioned and attached, as described later.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, 6 and 7, in the illustrated example, the upper part of the first side portion 23a and the upper part 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 (vehicle front) in the vehicle longitudinal 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 a front end of the first inner wall 23a1 to a front end of the first outer wall 23a2.

[0037] 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 (vehicle front) in the vehicle longitudinal 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 and the front end of the second outer wall 23b2.

[0038] The upper connecting wall 23c connects the upper end of the first side portion 23a to the upper end of the second side portion 23b. The lower connecting wall 23d connects the lower end of the first side portion 23a to the lower end of the second side portion 23b. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 20C is formed in an inverted trapezoid shape in a plan view, and the upper connecting wall 23c extends continuously to the lower end of the connecting portion 20C.

[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] Here, in the illustrated example, the sensor device S is disposed in a lower region V, which is a region on the second body structural member side (lower side) of the accommodation space of the accommodation portion 23. The lower region V is a space surrounded by a second body structural member side portion (lower portion in the illustrated example) of the first side portion 23a, a second body structural member side portion (lower portion) of the second side portion 23b, the lower connecting wall 23d, and a second body structural member side portion (lower portion) of the bottom wall 23e. In other words, the lower region V is provided between the second body structural member side portion of the first side portion 23a and the second body structural member side portion of the second side portion.

[0041] (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, which is the difference between the stiffness of an upper portion and the stiffness of a lower portion in the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b of the accommodation portion 23. Specifically, the side stiffness difference is the difference between the stiffness of the upper portion of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b against a load in the vehicle front-rear direction and the stiffness of the lower portion of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b against a load in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b are divided into a high rigidity portion 231, which is one of the upper portion and the lower portion, and a low rigidity portion 232, which is the other of the upper portion and the lower portion and is formed with lower rigidity than the high rigidity portion 231.

[0043] In this embodiment, one of the upper portion and the lower portion is the upper portion, and the upper portion is formed to have higher rigidity than the lower portion. That is, in the illustrated example, the upper portion of the first side portion 23a is formed as a high-rigidity portion 231 to have higher rigidity than the lower portion of the first side portion 23a, and the upper portion of the second side portion 23b is formed as a high-rigidity portion 231 to have higher rigidity than the lower portion of the second side portion 23b.

[0044] In this embodiment, the sensor device S is disposed between the low-rigidity portion 232 (the lower portion) of the first side portion 23a and the low-rigidity portion 232 (the lower portion) of the second side portion 23b. That is, the low-rigidity portion 232 of the first side portion 23a forms (partitions) the lower region V, and the low-rigidity portion 232 of the second side portion 23b forms (partitions) the lower region V. More specifically, the low-rigidity portion 232 of the first side portion 23a is a portion adjacent to the lower region V (sensor device S) of the first side portion 23a, and the low-rigidity portion 232 of the second side portion 23b is a portion adjacent to the lower region V (sensor device S) of the second side portion 23b.

[0045] Specifically, in each of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b, the bulging structure bulging toward the vehicle exterior (vehicle front) is formed in the high rigidity portion 231 (upper portion). That is, in the first side portion 23a, the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 are formed in the high rigidity portion 231, but are not formed in the low rigidity portion 232. Therefore, the low rigidity portion 232 of the first side portion 23a is mainly constituted by the first end wall 23a3. Similarly, in the second side portion 23b, the second inner wall 23b1 and the second outer wall 23b2 are formed in the high rigidity portion 231, but are not formed in the low rigidity portion 232. Therefore, the low rigidity portion 232 of the second side portion 23b is mainly constituted by the second end wall 23b3. That is, the low rigidity portion 232 lacks the first inner wall 23a1, the first outer wall 23a2, the second inner wall 23b1, and the second outer wall 23b2. In both the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b, the length (thickness) of the low rigidity portion 232 in the vehicle front-rear direction is significantly shorter (thinner) than the length (thickness) of the high rigidity portion 231 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In this way, by providing a difference between the shape of the upper portion and the shape of the lower portion in the first side portion 23a, the rigidity of the lower portion of the first side portion 23a against a front-rear load is configured to be lower than the rigidity of the lower portion of the first side portion 23a against a front-rear load. Similarly, by providing a difference between the shape of the upper portion and the shape of the lower portion in the second side portion 23b, the rigidity of the lower portion of the second side portion 23b against a front-rear load is configured to be lower than the rigidity of the lower portion 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 upper portion and the rigidity of the lower portion of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b.

[0046] In this embodiment, in each of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b, the high rigidity portion 231 has a protruding portion (24a1, 24b1) that protrudes toward the outer side of the vehicle (toward the front of the vehicle in the illustrated example) relative to the low rigidity portion 232 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. That is, the high rigidity portion 231 of the first side portion 23a has a protruding portion 24a1 that protrudes forward relative to the low rigidity portion 232 of the first side portion 23a, and the high rigidity portion 231 of the second side portion 23b has a protruding portion 24b1 that protrudes forward relative to the low rigidity portion 232 of the second side portion 23b.

[0047] In this embodiment, the protruding portions (24a1, 24b1) of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b are thin plate-like ribs extending in the vehicle up-down direction. In the illustrated example, the protruding portion 24a1 of the first side portion 23a (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the first upper rib 24a1) is formed on the front surface of the first end wall 23a3 of the high rigidity portion 231 (i.e., the outer surface 23a31 facing the vehicle exterior), and the protruding portion 24b1 of the second side portion 23b (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the second upper rib 24b1) is formed on the front surface of the second end wall 23b3 of the high rigidity portion 231 (i.e., the outer surface 23b31 facing the vehicle exterior). Therefore, in the forwardly bulging portions (high rigidity portions 231) of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b, the front surface (outer surface 23a31) of the first end wall 23a3 and the front surface (outer surface 23b31) of the second end wall 23b3 form the seating surfaces of the overhanging portions (24a1, 24b1). The overhanging portions (24a1, 24b1) extend to the vicinity of the back surface of the outer panel 10, and the front ends of the overhanging portions (24a1, 24b1) are located in the vicinity of the back surface of the outer panel 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, the sensor device S is disposed inside the housing 23 so that the sensor outer surface Sa does not protrude forward from the front end of the low rigidity portion 232 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, in the low rigidity portion 232 adjacent to the sensor device S, a first lower rib 24a2 is formed on the front surface of the first end wall 23a3 of the first side portion 23a, and a second lower rib 24b2 is formed on the front surface of the second end wall 23b3 of the second side portion 23b. The first lower rib 24a2 extends downward continuously from the lower end of the overhanging portion (first upper rib) 24a1 of the first side portion 23a, and has a protruding length shorter than the protruding length of the overhanging portion 24a1 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Similarly, the second lower rib 24b2 extends downward continuously from the lower end of the overhanging portion (second upper rib) 24b1 of the second side portion 23b, and has a protruding length shorter than the protruding length of the overhanging portion 24b1 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the sensor device S is disposed inside the accommodation portion 23 such that the sensor outer surface Sa is located on the same plane as the front ends of the lower ribs (24a2, 24b2) in the low rigidity portion 232. Therefore, the sensor device S does not protrude forward of the vehicle from the front end of the low rigidity portion 232. Even when taking into consideration the protruding length of the lower ribs (24a2, 24b2) of the low rigidity portion 232, the length (thickness) in the vehicle front-rear direction of the low rigidity portion 232 is significantly shorter than the length (thickness) in the vehicle front-rear direction of the high rigidity portion 231 in both the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b.

[0049] In this embodiment, a gap is provided between the front end of the lower rib (24a2, 24b2) and the back surface of the outer panel 10. As shown in Figs. 1, 6 and 7, the vehicle structure 1 has an impact absorbing member 40 to close the gap between the front end of the lower rib (24a2, 24b2) and the back surface of the outer panel 10. The impact absorbing member 40 is a member having a thin plate-like portion that extends in the vehicle up-down direction along the low rigidity portion 232 and protrudes toward the vehicle outer side (in the illustrated example, the vehicle front) relative to the low rigidity portion 232 in the vehicle front-rear direction in each of the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b. The impact absorbing member 40 extends, for example, from a front portion of the air guide member (shroud) disposed behind the reinforcing member 20 to the vicinity of the back surface of the outer panel 10 and is provided along the side surface of the low rigidity portion 232 on the vehicle width direction outer side. The impact absorbing member 40 is omitted from Figs. 4 and 5.

[0050] (Difference in bottom wall rigidity) In this embodiment, the stiffness difference in the vehicle up-down direction imparted to the reinforcing member 20 includes a bottom wall stiffness difference, which is the difference between the stiffness of an upper part of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1, which is a part of the bottom wall 23e of the housing portion 23 that faces the sensor device S, and the stiffness of a lower part of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1. In other words, the stiffness against a load in the vehicle front-rear direction differs in the vehicle up-down direction even in the bottom wall 23e.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the first opening 25 is opened in a large, flat opening shape in the bottom wall 23e of the storage section 23, in a region located between the low rigidity portion 232 of the first side portion 23a and the low rigidity portion 232 of the second side portion 23b and toward the first side portion 23a, which is one side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the vehicle width direction inner edge of the first opening 25 is inclined so as to approach the center line X of the reinforcing member 20 in the vehicle width direction as it moves toward the upper part of the vehicle. Therefore, the wall width in the vehicle width direction of the upper part of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 is shorter than the wall width in the vehicle width direction of the lower part of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1. As a result, the rigidity of the upper part of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 is lower than the rigidity of the lower part of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1. Thus, in this embodiment, the bottom wall rigidity difference is a rigidity difference that occurs between the upper and lower portions of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 due to the first opening 25 being opened in the bottom wall 23e of the storage portion 23 so as to have an opening edge that is inclined with respect to the center line X.

[0052] Specifically, in the illustrated example, first opening 25 is opened in a region on the first side portion 23a side in a portion of bottom wall 23e corresponding to lower region V. In the illustrated example, as described above, first inner wall 23a1 and first outer wall 23a2 are missing in low rigidity portion 232 adjacent to lower region V of first side portion 23a. As a result, in the illustrated example, first opening 25 can be visually recognized as being formed as a notch cut out from an edge on the first side portion 23a side toward the second side portion 23b side in bottom wall 23e.

[0053] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has improved rigidity around the first opening 25 to ensure the support rigidity of the sensor device S during normal use. Specifically, in this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has an intermediate connection wall 26a and a first vertical connection wall 26b. The intermediate connection wall 26a is located above the sensor device S and connects the bottom wall 23e and the high rigidity portion 231 of the first side portion 23a. The intermediate connection wall 26a extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction. The intermediate connection wall 26a extends from the first side portion 23a to a position near the center line X in the vehicle width direction of the reinforcing member 20 (the storage portion 23). The first vertical connection wall 26b is located behind the sensor device S and connects the inner end of the intermediate connection wall 26a in the vehicle width direction to one end of the lower connection wall 23d. The first vertical connection wall 26b extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and is inclined in a shape that matches the opening shape of the first opening 25.

[0054] Specifically, in the illustrated example, the intermediate connecting wall 26a connects the bottom wall 23e and the first side portion 23a (first inner wall 23a1) along the upper edge of the first opening 25 formed in the bottom wall 23e. The first 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 25. In this manner, in the reinforcing member 20, the first opening 25 generates the bottom wall rigidity difference, while the intermediate connecting wall 26a and the first vertical connecting wall 26b improve the rigidity around the first opening 25.

[0055] (Sensor device peripheral structure) 2 to 7, the reinforcing member 20 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) fixing portions 27 for disposing the sensor device S at a predetermined position in the lower region V. The fixing portions 27 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 rear surface of the flange 26a1 extending downward from the intermediate connection wall 26a. The first end wall 23a, the second end wall 23b, and the flange 26a1 each form a seat surface of the fixing portion 27. A sensor support plate P is fixed to the rear surface of the sensor device S. The sensor support plate P is positioned relative to the housing portion 23 by the three fixing portions 27 and fastened to the housing portion 23 by a connector such as a bolt, so that the sensor device S is attached to the reinforcing member 20 in a predetermined position in the lower region V and in a predetermined attitude.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the second inner wall 23b1 and the second outer wall 23b2 are missing in the low rigidity portion 232 adjacent to the lower region V of the second side portion 23b as described above. The second opening 28 is formed in the portion of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 on the second side portion 23b side in a manner of being cut toward the first side portion 23a. The end portion of the sensor support plate P is configured so that the fixing portion 27 on the second end wall 23b3 side can be accessed from the lower region V through a plate insertion opening formed by the second opening 28 and the portion opened by the missing second inner wall 23b1. In the illustrated example, the second vertical connection wall 26c is formed so as to follow the edge of the second opening 28. As a result, the rigidity around the second opening 28 is improved.

[0057] In addition, a third opening 29 is opened in a portion extending from the upper connecting wall 23c to the upper portion of the bottom wall 23e in the center of the storage portion 23 (vertical extension portion 20B) in the vehicle width direction. The third opening 29 is opened with an opening area approximately equal to that of the first opening 25 and larger than that of the second opening 28. In addition, a portion of the bottom wall 23e above the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 is formed as an inclined bottom wall portion 23e2 inclined so as to move away from the outer panel 10 as it goes downward. That is, in the illustrated example, the bottom wall 23e has the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 and the inclined bottom wall portion 23e2 extending obliquely upward from the upper end of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 to the lower end of the upper connecting wall 23c. A part of the central upper portion of the inclined bottom wall portion 23e2 is cut out by the third opening 29.

[0058] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has a sensor insertion opening 26b1 (see FIG. 6) through which the sensor device S can be inserted into the interior of the storage section 23 from one side of the storage section 23 in the vehicle width direction. In the illustrated example, the sensor insertion opening 26b1 is configured to allow the sensor device S to be inserted into the lower region V inside the storage section 23 from the first side portion 23a side. Specifically, as described above, the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 are missing in the low rigidity portion 232 adjacent to the lower region V of the first side portion 23a. The sensor insertion opening 26b1 is formed as a space surrounded by the notch edge of the first vertical connecting wall 26b and the back surface of the first end wall 23a3 by cutting the first vertical connecting wall 26b largely from its front end toward the rear. The sensor device S is inserted into the lower region V through the sensor insertion opening 26b1. The end of the sensor support plate P is configured so that the fixing portion 27 on the first end wall 23a3 side can be accessed through the sensor insertion opening 26b1.

[0059] 2 to 4, the flange 26a1 forming the seat surface of the upper fixing portion 27 extends from the lower part of the first inner wall 23a1 of the first side portion 23a to the upper part of the first vertical connecting wall 26b, and is connected to the intermediate connecting wall 26a, the first inner wall 23a1, and the first vertical connecting wall 26b. As a result, the rigidity around the upper fixing portion 27 is increased, the supporting rigidity of the sensor device S is increased, and the sensor device S is appropriately held.

[0060] The fixing portion 27 provided on the flange 26a1 and the fixing portion 27 provided on the first end wall 23a3 are connected by a third vertical connecting wall 26d. The third vertical connecting wall 26d extends from the fixing portion 27 on the first end wall 23a3 along the outer surface 23a31 and the flange 26a1. The third vertical connecting wall 26d protrudes forward of the vehicle and curves in the vehicle width direction to connect the two fixing portions 27. As a result, the third vertical connecting wall 26d effectively increases the rigidity around the upper fixing portion 27 and maintains the rigidity around the fixing portion 27 of the first end wall 23a3 at an appropriate level.

[0061] In addition, the region (flange 26a1) where the upper fixing portion 27 is provided is supported by the lower connecting wall 23d via the intermediate connecting wall 26a, the inclined bottom wall portion 23e2, and the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1. As a result, the supporting rigidity of the sensor device S is increased.

[0062] Furthermore, around the fixing portion 27 of the second end wall 23b3, the second vertical connecting wall 26c is formed along the edge of the second opening 28 as described above, and the second vertical connecting wall 26c and the upper facing wall 23e1 of the second vertical connecting wall 26c are connected to the vicinity of the fixing portion 27 of the second end wall 23b3. As a result, the rigidity around the fixing portion 27 of the second end wall 23b3 is increased.

[0063] In this embodiment, the storage section 23 has a lower wall 23f extending from a lower end of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 toward the outer side of the vehicle (toward the front of the vehicle in the illustrated example) in the vehicle front-rear direction. A vehicle body coupling portion (second vehicle body coupling portion 22) that is coupled to the second vehicle body structural member 32 is set on the lower wall 23f.

[0064] In this embodiment, a connection port Sb to which an electric wiring such as a harness is connected is provided on a surface (rear surface in the illustrated example) of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 of the sensor device S, and at least a portion of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 corresponding to the connection port Sb is opened in the vehicle front-rear direction. Specifically, the sensor support plate P has a harness outlet P1 (in other words, a harness insertion hole) for drawing out an electric wiring such as a harness (cord-like body) electrically connected to the connection port Sb of the sensor device S at a position overlapping the connection port Sb of the sensor device S. Then, the portion of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 corresponding to the connection port Sb and the harness outlet P1 is opened in the vehicle front-rear direction through a large opening space formed by the first opening 25, that is, a region surrounded by the intermediate connection wall 26a, the first vertical connection wall 26b, and the first end wall 23a3. Then, the electric wiring such as a harness is drawn to the rear of the reinforcing member 20 through the large opening space.

[0065] An engagement claw 23g is formed on the lower surface of the lower wall 23f extending from the lower end of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1. The engagement claw 23g protrudes from the lower surface of the lower wall 23f. The second vehicle body connecting portion 22 set on the lower wall 23f abuts against the upper surface of the lower support portion 50 (see FIG. 1). A locking hole is opened in the lower support portion 50, and the engagement claw 23g is locked in the locking hole in a state in which the second vehicle body connecting portion 22 (lower wall 23f) abuts against the upper surface of the lower support portion 50. As a result, the second vehicle body connecting portion 22 at the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 is locked to the lower support portion 50, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 22 is connected (supported) to the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0066] (Deformation process) Next, an example of an outline of the deformation process of the reinforcing member 20 when it is subjected to an external force will be described.

[0067] 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 front end of the overhanging portion 24a1 of the first side portion 23a and the front end of the overhanging portion 24b1 of the second side portion 23b. In addition, in the illustrated example, the front ends of the overhanging portions (24a1, 24b1) are approximately aligned with the front end of the impact absorbing member 40 along the outer surface of the first side portion 23a and the front end of the impact absorbing member 40 along the outer surface of the second side portion 23b in terms of their positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the impact load is first input to the overhanging portions (24a1, 24b1) and the impact absorbing members (40, 40), and these elements (24a1, 24b1, 40, 40) begin to deform. Then, as the deformation of the overhanging portions (24a1, 24b1) and the shock absorbing member 40 progresses, the load also starts to be input to the low rigidity portion 232. At this time, first, the lower portion of the housing portion 23 including the low rigidity portion 232 is deformed so as to be displaced generally rearward, and then the load starts to concentrate on the upper portion of the housing portion 23 including the high rigidity portion 231, so that the deformation range is expanded (extended) to the high rigidity side. As a result, the vertical extension portion 20B of the reinforcing member 20 is deformed as a whole. Thus, in the illustrated example, when an impact load is input, the reinforcing member 20 is deformed mainly in three stages: deformation of the overhanging portions (24a1, 24b1) and the shock absorbing member (40, 40), local deformation of the portion of the housing portion 23 (vertical extension portion 20B) including the low rigidity portion 232, and overall deformation of the housing portion 23 (vertical extension portion 20B), and the impact energy is efficiently consumed and efficiently absorbed as deformation energy. As the deformation of the vertical extension portion 20B progresses, the load also begins to concentrate on the horizontal extension portion 20A, and the deformation range is expanded (expanded) in the vertical direction of the vehicle (upward in the illustrated example). As a result, the reinforcing member 20 is ultimately deformed as a whole, and the impact energy is more reliably consumed and absorbed.

[0068] In the illustrated example, in the lower portion of the storage section 23, the first opening 25 is opened at a position on the bottom wall 23e closer to the first side portion 23a. As a result, in the lower portion of the storage section 23, the rigidity of the portion on the first side portion 23a side is lower than the rigidity of the portion on the second side portion 23b side. That is, the lower portion of the storage section 23 is also given a rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the local deformation of the portion including the low rigidity portion 232, first, the portion on the first side portion 23a side is deformed so as to be displaced rearward, and then, the load begins to concentrate on the portion on the second side portion 23b side, so that the deformation range is effectively expanded in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the local deformation can occur as an overall torsional deformation of the lower portion of the storage section 23. Furthermore, in the lower portion of the storage section 23, a rigidity difference is given between the rigidity of the upper portion and the rigidity of the lower portion in the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1. As a result, the deformation of the lower portion of the housing portion 23 is promoted more effectively, and the overall torsional deformation can be further promoted.

[0069] In the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment configured as described above, the reinforcing member 20 is provided with a rigidity difference in the vehicle vertical direction. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the reinforcing member 20, the reinforcing member 20 is easily deformed in at least two stages, for example, local deformation on the low rigidity side and overall deformation, and the deformation range of the reinforcing member 20 is effectively expanded and increased. As a result, the impact energy is efficiently consumed and efficiently absorbed as deformation energy.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In this embodiment, the rigidity difference includes a side rigidity difference which is the difference between the rigidity of an upper portion and the rigidity of a lower portion in a first side portion 23a which is one side portion in the vehicle width direction of the accommodating portion 23, and a second side portion 23b which is the other side portion in the vehicle width direction of the accommodating portion 23. The accommodating portion 23 is a portion which is recessed toward the vehicle interior and forms an accommodating space inside thereof for accommodating the sensor device S, and is a portion which is easily deformed. Therefore, by providing a rigidity difference between the top and bottom in the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b in the accommodating portion 23 which is easily deformed, the deformation of the reinforcing member 20 is easily promoted efficiently.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first side portion 23a and the second side portion 23b are vertically divided into a high-rigidity portion 231 and a low-rigidity portion 232, the sensor device S is disposed between the low-rigidity portion 232 of the first side portion 23a and the low-rigidity portion 232 of the second side portion 23b, and the high-rigidity portion 231 has a protruding portion (24a1, 24b1) protruding toward the outside of the vehicle relative to the low-rigidity portion 232 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision or the like, an external force is first input to the protruding portion (24a1, 24b1) on the high-rigidity portion 231 side, and in the initial stage of inputting the external force, the impact load is dispersed to an area vertically distant from the sensor device S. As a result, in the initial stage, the magnitude of the load (external force) that can be transmitted to the sensor device S is reduced, and the sensor device S can be protected.

[0073] In this embodiment, the overhanging portion (24a1, 24b1) is a thin plate-like rib extending in the vehicle vertical direction. Therefore, in the initial stage, the overhanging portion (24a1, 24b1) is efficiently deformed, and part or all of the impact energy is efficiently consumed in an area away from the sensor device S. In addition, the overhanging portion (24a1, 24b1) can effectively block the gap between the storage portion 23 and the outer panel 10. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as rainwater and snow from entering the storage portion 23 from the outside of the storage portion 23 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, when the reinforcing member 20 is disposed behind the front grille (air intake member) of the outer panel 10 as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent outside air entering through the air vent of the front grille from the outside of the storage portion 23 in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the outside air is efficiently guided toward the radiator, improving the air guide efficiency.

[0074] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 includes an impact absorbing member 40 having a thin plate-like portion that extends in the vehicle up-down direction along the low rigidity portion 232 and protrudes toward the vehicle exterior relative to the low rigidity portion 232 in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, even if an external force (impact load) is directly input to a portion on the low rigidity portion 232 side, such as in the initial stage, a part or all of the impact energy is consumed as deformation energy of the impact absorbing member 40, and the sensor device S is more reliably protected. Also, the impact absorbing member 40, like the overhanging portions (24a1, 24b1), can suppress the intrusion of foreign matter into the inside of the housing portion 23 and improve the air guide efficiency.

[0075] In this embodiment, the rigidity difference includes a bottom wall rigidity difference, which is the difference between the rigidity of an upper part of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1, which is a part of the bottom wall 23e of the storage portion 23 that faces the sensor device S, and the rigidity of a lower part of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1. The bottom wall rigidity difference more effectively promotes the deformation of the opposing bottom wall portion 23e1 of the storage portion 23, and more effectively promotes the deformation of the reinforcing member 20 by utilizing the deformation of the storage portion 23.

[0076] In this embodiment, the accommodation section 23 has a lower wall 23f extending from a lower end of the opposing bottom wall section 23e1 facing the sensor device S toward the outer side of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a vehicle body connecting section (second vehicle body connecting section 22) that is connected to the second vehicle body structural member 32 is set on this lower wall 23f. Therefore, the sensor device S is attached to the accommodation section 23 near a connecting section (second vehicle body connecting section 22) with the vehicle body structural member 30 having high rigidity in the accommodation section 23. As a result, the support rigidity of the sensor device S during normal use when not subjected to external force is easily ensured.

[0077] In this embodiment, the surface of the sensor device S facing the bottom wall portion 23e1 is provided with a connection port Sb to which an electrical wiring such as a harness is connected. At least a portion of the bottom wall portion 23e1 facing the connection port Sb is open in the vehicle front-rear direction, so that the electrical wiring can be drawn out to the rear of the reinforcing member 20 or connected to the connection port Sb from the rear of the reinforcing member 20 through this open portion (the large opening space formed by the first opening 25 in the illustrated example). That is, the efficiency of the wiring work of the electrical wiring is improved. In addition, even if the reinforcing member 20 is deformed by an external force and the sensor device S moves toward the vehicle interior as a result of the deformation of the reinforcing member 20, contact between the connection port Sb and the bottom wall portion 23e1 facing the sensor device S is reliably prevented. As a result, the sensor device S is more reliably protected.

[0078] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 is provided with a sensor insertion opening 26b1 through which the sensor device S can be inserted into the accommodating portion 23 from one side in the vehicle width direction of the accommodating portion 23. This allows the sensor device S to be easily attached to the inside of the accommodating portion 23 and the maintenance of the sensor device S to be performed via the sensor insertion opening 26b1, etc. Furthermore, by providing a large sensor insertion opening 26b1 in the reinforcing member 20 (accommodating portion 23), it becomes easier to provide the accommodating portion 23 with a rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction, and deformation of the accommodating portion 23 can be further promoted.

[0079] In this embodiment, the lower portion of the accommodation portion 23 of the reinforcing member 20 is provided with a rigidity difference not only in the vertical direction of the vehicle but also in the width direction of the vehicle by forming the first opening 25 and the second opening 28. As a result, deformation of the accommodation portion 23 can be promoted more effectively in the event of a frontal collision or the like.

[0080] 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.

[0081] For example, in the present embodiment, the side stiffness difference in the vehicle up-down direction in the reinforcing member 20 is imparted by making the length (thickness) in the front-rear direction different between the upper and lower parts of both the first side part 23a and the second side part 23b, but this is not limited thereto, and may be imparted by making the size of the hole different between the upper and lower parts, or by forming a hole in either one of the upper and lower parts. That is, (1) a through hole such as a long hole penetrating the side parts (23a, 23b) in the front-rear direction may be formed in each of the upper and lower parts of the first side part 23a and the upper and lower parts of the second side part 23b, and the through hole in either one of the upper and lower parts may be opened larger than the through hole in the other of the upper and lower parts, or (2) the through hole may be formed only in either one of the upper and lower parts.

[0082] Also, inner walls (23a1, 23b1) and outer walls (23a2, 23b2) may be provided in the lower portion of the first side portion 23a, which is the low-rigidity side, and in the lower portion of the second side portion 23b, respectively. 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 lower portion of the first side portion 23a, and a through hole may be formed in at least one of the second inner wall 23b1 and the second outer wall 23b2 in the lower portion of the second side portion 23b, or (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 lower portion of the first side portion 23a is set shorter (thinner) than the length (thickness) in the front-rear direction of the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 in the upper portion of the first side portion 23a, and the length (thickness) in the front-rear direction of the second side portion 23b may be ... second side portion 23b. The length (thickness) in the front-rear direction of at least one of the second inner wall 23b1 and the second outer wall 23b2 at the lower part may be set shorter (thinner) than the length (thickness) in the front-rear direction of the second inner wall 23b1 and the second outer wall 23b2 at the upper part of the second side part 23b, (3) a weak part may be formed in at least one of the first inner wall 23a1 and the first outer wall 23a2 at the lower part of the first side part 231, and a weak part may be formed in at least one of the second inner wall 23b1 and the second outer wall 23b2 at the lower part of the second side part 23b, or (4) the above-mentioned (1) to (3) may be combined and applied to the reinforcing member 20. With these, the side rigidity difference is also imparted as the difference between the rigidity of the upper part and the rigidity of the lower part in the first side part 23a and the second side part 23b.

[0083] In this embodiment, the rigidity difference in the vehicle vertical direction includes both the side rigidity difference and the bottom rigidity difference, but is not limited thereto and may be either the side rigidity difference or the bottom rigidity difference. In addition, the reinforcing member 20 is also provided with a rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), but is not limited thereto and may not be provided with a rigidity difference in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). In addition, the rigidity difference in the vehicle vertical direction may be provided not only to the reinforcing member 20 but also to, for example, the lower support portion 50.

[0084] Further, the reinforcing member 20 is formed in a generally T-shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, which is a perspective view of the reinforcing member 20 according to a modified example, the reinforcing member 20 may be formed in an inverted trapezoidal shape with an upper base longer than a lower base, and the stiffness of the upper portion of the reinforcing member 20 may be higher than the stiffness of the lower portion. Although not shown, the reinforcing member 20 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape with an upper base shorter than a lower base, or in 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 swapped up and down, and the sensor device S is accommodated inside the accommodation portion 23 at the upper portion of the reinforcing member 20.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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]

[0088] 1. Vehicle structure 20…Reinforcing member 22...Second car body coupling section (car body coupling section) 23…Storage section 23a...first side Sensor insertion port 23b...Second side 23e…Bottom wall 23e1…Opposing bottom wall part 231…High rigidity part 232…Low rigidity part 24a1…Protruding part 24b1…Protruding part 26a...Intermediate connecting wall 23f…lower wall 30...Body structural member 31…First body structural member 32…Second body structural member 40...Shock absorbing member S: Sensor device Sb…Connection port

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, characterized in that the reinforcing member is provided with a difference in rigidity in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

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 that is the difference between the rigidity of an upper portion and the rigidity of a lower portion at a first side portion that is one side portion of the storage portion in the vehicle width direction and a second side portion that is the other side portion of the storage portion in the vehicle width direction.

3. The first side portion and the second side portion are divided into a high-rigidity portion which is one of the upper portion and the lower portion, and a low-rigidity portion which is the other of the upper portion and the lower portion and is formed to have a lower rigidity than the high-rigidity portion, the sensor device is disposed between the low stiffness portion of the first side portion and the low stiffness portion of the second side portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 2 , wherein the high rigidity portion has a protruding portion that protrudes toward an outer side of the vehicle relative to the low rigidity portion in a vehicle front-rear direction.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3 , wherein the protruding portion is a thin plate-like rib extending in a vertical direction of the vehicle.

5. 5. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, further comprising an impact absorbing member having a thin plate-like portion extending in a vehicle up-down direction along the low rigidity portion and protruding toward an outer side of the vehicle relative to the low rigidity portion in a vehicle front-rear direction.

6. 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, The storage portion has a bottom wall that forms a bottom of a recess in the vehicle front-rear direction of the storage portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the rigidity difference includes a bottom wall rigidity difference that is a difference between the rigidity of an upper portion of an opposing bottom wall portion that is a portion of the bottom wall facing the sensor device and the rigidity of a lower portion of the opposing bottom wall portion.

7. The second vehicle body structural member is provided below the first vehicle body structural member, the storage portion has a lower wall extending from a lower end of the opposing bottom wall portion toward an outer side of the vehicle in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a vehicle body connecting portion connected to the second vehicle body structural member is set on the lower wall, a connection port for connecting an electrical wire is provided on a surface of the sensor device on the side of the opposing bottom wall portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of the opposing bottom wall portion corresponding to the connection port is open in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle structure according to claim 7 , wherein the reinforcing member (20) has a sensor insertion opening through which the sensor device can be inserted into the housing portion from one side in the vehicle width direction of the housing portion.

9. The storage portion has a bottom wall that forms a bottom of a recess in the vehicle front-rear direction of the storage portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 2 , wherein the rigidity difference includes a bottom wall rigidity difference which is a difference between the rigidity of an upper part of an opposed bottom wall portion, which is a part of the bottom wall facing the sensor device, and the rigidity of a lower part of the opposed bottom wall portion.

Images