Detector mounting structure

Abstract

To provide a mounting structure of a detector capable of securing both detectability of the detector and a turning angle of a gate.SOLUTION: A mounting structure 1 of a detector 8 having a detection range on the side of a vehicle having a gate rotatably mounted on the side of a loading platform comprises a bracket 10. The bracket 10 includes: a fixing part 11 fixed to a frame 4 of the vehicle; an extension part 12 extending outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the fixing part 11; and a mounting part 13 for mounting the detector 8 at a position which is further outward from the extension part 12 in the vehicle width direction D2 and which does not overlap the rotation locus of the gate when viewed from the side of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This invention relates to a mounting structure for a detector whose detection range is the side of a vehicle having a sidegate. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technologies for improving safety have been used that use detectors (sensors, radar, lidar, etc.) provided on the sides of a vehicle to detect other vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc. that are present on the sides of the vehicle, and output an alarm to the driver of the vehicle or automatically brake the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a surrounding information detection sensor is fixed to a mounting bracket fixed to the fender panel of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-082922 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to ensure detection, the above-mentioned detector may be regulated by regulations to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the vehicle body within a predetermined dimension. On the other hand, in vehicles such as trucks and trailers with a loading platform, a plate-shaped gate may be provided on the sides (left and right) of the loading platform in a rotatable (raised and lowered) manner to prevent the load from falling. In vehicles with such gates, if the detector is installed in a state where it protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the loading platform, there is a risk of interference with the tilted (opened) gate.

[0005] In order to avoid interference between the detector and the gate, it is possible to limit the rotation angle of the gate. However, if the gate cannot be fully tilted due to a large restriction on the rotation angle of the gate, this may lead to a decrease in workability such as loading and unloading. As described above, the conventional technology does not take into account the interference between the detector and the gate, so there is room for improvement in terms of ensuring both the detectability of the detector and the rotation angle of the gate when avoiding interference between the detector and the gate.

[0006] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objects is to provide a detector mounting structure that can ensure both the detectability of the detector and the rotation angle of the tilt. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples. The detector mounting structure of this application example is a detector mounting structure whose detection range is the side of a vehicle having a tailgate rotatably attached to the side of the cargo bed, and is characterized by having a bracket having a fixed portion fixed to the frame of the vehicle, an extension portion extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the fixed portion, and a mounting portion for mounting the detector at a position that is outward in the vehicle width direction from the extension portion and does not overlap with the rotation trajectory of the tailgate when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0008] According to this application example, since the mounting portion for mounting the detector is provided further outward in the vehicle width direction than the extension portion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the fixed portion fixed to the frame, it becomes easy to mount the detector by protruding it outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle body, and the detectability of the detector can be ensured. In addition, since the mounting portion mounts the detector at a position that does not overlap with the rotation trajectory of the swingarm, interference between the swingarm and the detector that rotates can be avoided. This allows the rotation angle of the swingarm to be ensured.

[0009] In the detector mounting structure according to this application example, the mounting portion may be provided at a position overlapping a tire of the vehicle when viewed from a vehicle length direction of the vehicle.

[0010] If the detector were installed above the tires and immediately behind the cab, there would be a risk of it interfering with the cab. In contrast, if the mounting portion is provided at a position overlapping with the tires as viewed from the vehicle length direction as described above, interference between the cab and the detector can be avoided.

[0011] In the detector mounting structure according to this application example, the extension portion may have a curved shape so as to avoid surrounding members.

[0012] In this case, it is possible to avoid interference between the bracket and peripheral members arranged around the vehicle frame, such as an exhaust pipe or a steering linkage.

[0013] The detector mounting structure according to this application example may include a cover that covers a part of the detector mounted on the mounting portion.

[0014] In this case, the detector can be protected from flying stones and the like. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a detector mounting structure that can ensure both the detectability of the detector and the rotation angle of the tilt. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of a front part of a vehicle to which a detector mounting structure according to an application example is applied. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the rotation angle of the swingarm of the vehicle in FIG. 1, showing the left swingarm as viewed from behind. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of the mounting structure for a detector provided on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1, as viewed obliquely from behind. [Figure 4]2 is a top view of a mounting structure for a detector provided on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a rear view of the detector mounting structure provided on the right side of the vehicle in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified in the embodiments. The configurations of the following embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. In addition, they can be selected or combined as necessary.

[0018] In the drawings, "FR" indicates the front of the vehicle, "UP" indicates the top of the vehicle, and "LH" indicates the left when facing the front of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle will be referred to as the "vehicle length direction," the left-to-right direction of the vehicle will be referred to as the "vehicle width direction," and the up-down direction of the vehicle will be referred to as the "vehicle height direction."

[0019] [1. Configuration] [1-1. Vehicle] As shown in FIG. 1, a detector mounting structure 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "mounting structure 1") according to this embodiment (application example) is applied to a vehicle 3 having a tailgate 2. The vehicle 3 is, for example, a flatbed truck having a cab 31 in which a driver's seat (not shown) is provided, and a loading platform 32 arranged behind the cab 31. The cab 31 is configured to be tiltable forward. In this embodiment, a truck that is a front twin axle vehicle is shown as the vehicle 3. However, the vehicle 3 to which this mounting structure 1 is applied is not limited to such a truck, and may be, for example, a trailer with a tailgate.

[0020] The vehicle 3, which is a front twin-axle vehicle, has front tire 5 (vehicle tire) arranged on both the left and right sides of the first axle, and front and rear tire 6 arranged on both the left and right sides of the second axle. FIG. 1 shows the left front tire 5 and the left front and rear tire 6. The front tire 5 is located below the cab 31. Meanwhile, the front and rear tire 6 are located rearward of the front tire 5 and below the front part of the cargo bed 32. The front tire 5 and the front and rear tire 6 are arranged at a distance from each other in the vehicle length direction D1. In this embodiment, a front tire 5 without a mudguard (mudguard member) arranged around it is illustrated.

[0021] The mounting structure 1 is a structure for mounting a detector 8, whose detection range is the side of the vehicle 3, on a vehicle 3 having a sidegate 2. The detector 8 is a sensor, radar, lidar, or the like that detects objects such as people and other vehicles present within the detection range. Information on objects detected by the detector 8 is used, for example, in a system (BSA; Blind Spot Assist) that monitors the sides of the vehicle 3, which are prone to blind spots, and issues a warning to the driver as necessary, or a system (Active Side Guard Assist) that monitors the entire vehicle 3.

[0022] In order to ensure detectability, the detector 8 mounted on the vehicle 3 is regulated with respect to a detection range (e.g., an irradiation range). In other words, in order to ensure a certain level of detectability, the mounting position of the detector 8 on the vehicle 3 (e.g., height from the road surface, protrusion from the vehicle body forming the maximum dimension in the vehicle width direction D2, etc.) is limited in advance. In this embodiment, since there is a restriction on the distance from a front sensor (not shown) provided at the front end of the vehicle 3 to the detector 8, the detector 8 is disposed in the area between the front front tire 5 and the front and rear tires 6.

[0023] The vehicle 3 is provided with various frames 4 as framework members. The frame 4 of the vehicle 3 includes a pair of side rails 41 extending in the vehicle length direction D1, and a cab bridge 42 supporting the rear end of the cab 31 from below. Each side rail 41 is, for example, channel-shaped. The pair of side rails 41 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction D2. Only the left side rail 41 is shown in FIG. 1. Various devices (not shown) are fixed to each side rail 41 via brackets as appropriate. In particular, the exhaust pipe 7 and the steering linkage 9 (see FIG. 5) are arranged adjacent to the outer side of the right side rail 41 in the vehicle width direction D2. The cab bridge 42 is provided in an inverted U-shape or an arch shape, and is arranged across the pair of side rails 41.

[0024] The gate 2 is a plate-like member for preventing the fall of cargo placed on the loading platform 32, and is rotatably attached to each side (left and right) of the loading platform 32. The gate 2 can be moved between a closed position P1 where it stands up from the side of the loading platform 32 and an open position P2 where it folds down from the side of the loading platform 32 by rotating about a rotation axis C that extends in the vehicle length direction D1 along the side of the loading platform 32.

[0025] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, when viewed from the vehicle length direction D1, the tailgate 2 extends above the loading platform 32 and is oriented along the vehicle height direction D3 (vertical direction) in the closed position P1 shown by the dashed line, and extends below the loading platform 32 and is oriented along the vehicle height direction D3 in the open position P2 shown by the solid line. When viewed from the vehicle length direction D1, the rotation angle θ that the tailgate 2 in the open position P2 makes with respect to the tailgate 2 in the closed position P1 is ensured to be as large as possible (maximum 180°) from the viewpoint of workability such as loading and unloading. Note that Fig. 2 shows only the main components.

[0026] The swingarm 2 moves from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 by rotating downward and outward in the vehicle width direction D2, and moves from the open position P2 to the closed position P1 by rotating upward and outward in the vehicle width direction D2. The trace (three-dimensional area) that the swingarm 2 follows when moving between the closed position P1 and the open position P2 in this manner is called the "rotation trajectory T of the swingarm 2." The swingarm 2 can be fixed to each of the closed position P1 and the open position P2 by a fixing mechanism (not shown).

[0027] [1-2. Mounting structure] The mounting structures 1 are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle 3, and have substantially the same (symmetrical) configuration on the left and right sides. In this embodiment, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the left mounting structure 1, and Fig. 5 shows the right mounting structure 1. Note that Figs. 3 to 5 show only the main components in a schematic manner.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the mounting structure 1 includes a bracket 10 for supporting the detector 8 on the frame 4. The bracket 10 is a member for mounting the detector 8, and therefore can be called a sensor bracket, or a BSA bracket when the detector 8 is used for a BSA. The bracket 10 has a fixed portion 11 fixed to the frame 4, an extension portion 12 extending outward from the fixed portion 11 in the vehicle width direction D2, and a mounting portion 13 for mounting the detector 8 at a predetermined position. The mounting structure 1 of this embodiment further includes a cover 20 for covering a portion of the detector 8 mounted on the mounting portion 13 of the bracket 10. The cover 20 of this embodiment is made of, for example, sheet metal, and covers the side surface (part) of the detector 8 together with the mounting portion 13.

[0029] The fixing part 11 of this embodiment is fixed to a side rail 41 as the frame 4. The fixing part 11 has an inner side part 14 arranged in contact with the web surface of the side rail 41, and an inclined part 15 extending obliquely downward from the inner side part 14 and outward in the vehicle width direction D2, and has a closed cross-sectional structure. A bolt hole (not shown) through which a bolt 21 is inserted is formed in each of the inner side part 14 and the corresponding part of the web surface of the side rail 41. Meanwhile, an access hole 16 for accessing the bolt hole is formed in a region of the inclined part 15 that overlaps with the inner side part 14 when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2. The fixing part 11 is fixed to the side rail 41 by inserting a plurality of bolts 21 (only one of which is indicated by a reference symbol in FIG. 3) through the access hole 16 and then fastening the bolt with a nut 22 (see FIG. 5).

[0030] The extension portion 12 is formed of, for example, a pipe, and is provided in a curved shape so as to avoid various devices (peripheral members) arranged near the side rail 41. The extension portion 12 has an inner end in the vehicle width direction D2 connected to the fixed portion 11, and an outer end in the vehicle width direction D2 connected to the mounting portion 13. In this embodiment, the extension portion 12 extends obliquely from a lower portion of the inclined portion 15 of the fixed portion 11 toward the outside and upward in the vehicle width direction D2, and then extends approximately horizontally toward the outside and forward in the vehicle width direction D2. By providing such an extension portion 12 between the fixed portion 11 and the mounting portion 13, the mounting portion 13 is arranged above and forward of the fixed portion 11.

[0031] The mounting portion 13 is a portion where the detector 8 is attached, and is formed of, for example, a plate bent into an L shape. The predetermined position for mounting the detector 8 is a position that is further outboard in the vehicle width direction D2 than the extension portion 12 and does not overlap with the rotation locus T of the swingarm 2 in a side view of the vehicle 3 (as viewed from the vehicle width direction D2). This predetermined position is set so as to satisfy regulations regarding the detection range of the detector 8 and to ensure a gap between the detector 8 and peripheral members such as the front wheel tires 5 and the swingarm 2. In this embodiment, the predetermined position is set forward of the rotation locus T of the swingarm 2 so as not to overlap with the rotation locus T of the swingarm 2.

[0032] 4, the mounting portion 13 of this embodiment is positioned in the vehicle length direction D1 so that the detector 8 is mounted at the same position as the rear end portion 51 of the front tire 5 in the vehicle length direction D1. In other words, the mounting portion 13 is disposed so that the detector 8 and the rear end portion 51 of the front tire 5 are aligned in the vehicle width direction D2 in a top view. By disposing the mounting portion 13 in this manner, interference between the detector 8 and the tilted (opened) tailgate 2 is avoided.

[0033] Further, the mounting portion 13 in this embodiment is positioned in the vehicle width direction D2 so that the detector 8 is mounted on the outer side of the front tires 5 in the vehicle width direction D2. By arranging the mounting portion 13 in this manner, the front tires 5 are prevented from entering the detection range of the detector 8. The mounting portion 13 and the detector 8 are disposed with a gap between them.

[0034] 5, the mounting portion 13 of this embodiment is provided at a position overlapping the front tire 5 when viewed from the vehicle length direction D1 (e.g., rearward). More specifically, the height position (position in the vehicle height direction D3) of the mounting portion 13 is set so that the detector 8 is mounted at the same height as the upper end 52 of the front tire 5. In other words, the mounting portion 13 is arranged so that the detector 8 and the upper end 52 of the front tire 5 are aligned in the vehicle width direction D2 when viewed from the vehicle length direction D1 (e.g., rearward). In this way, the mounting portion 13 is arranged so that the entire detector 8 is not positioned above the front tire 5, but at least a part of the detector 8 is positioned below the upper end 52 of the front tire 5, thereby avoiding interference between the tiltable cab 31 and the detector 8.

[0035] [2. Actions and Effects] In the bracket 10 of the mounting structure 1, the mounting portion 13 for mounting the detector 8 is provided further outward in the vehicle width direction D2 than the extension portion 12 extending outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the fixing portion 11 fixed to the frame 4. This makes it easy to mount the detector 8 protruding outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the vehicle body, and for example, the detector 8 can be easily mounted outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the front tire 5. This ensures the detectability of the detector 8. In addition, since the mounting portion 13 mounts the detector 8 at a position that does not overlap with the rotation trajectory T of the swingarm 2, interference between the swingarm 2 and the detector 8 that rotates can be avoided. This ensures the rotation angle θ of the swingarm 2. This ensures both the detectability of the detector 8 and the rotation angle θ of the swingarm 2.

[0036] 1, a position forward of the swingarm 2 and above the front tire 5 is also conceivable. However, in a comparative example in which the detector 8' is mounted at this position, the entire detector 8' is disposed above the front tire 5, which may make it difficult to avoid interference between the cab 31 and the detector 8'.

[0037] In contrast, in the above mounting structure 1, the mounting portion 13 is provided at a position overlapping the front tires 5 when viewed from the vehicle length direction D1. More specifically, the height position of the mounting portion 13 is set so that the detector 8 is mounted at the same height as the upper end portions 52 of the front tires 5. In this way, if the height position of the mounting portion 13 is set so that at least a portion of the detector 8 is located lower than the upper end portions 52 of the front tires 5, it becomes easier to avoid interference between the cab 31 and the detector 8, which contributes to protecting the detector 8.

[0038] 5, in the above mounting structure 1, an inclined portion 15 is provided in the fixing portion 11 of the bracket 10, which extends diagonally downward and outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the inner surface portion 14 arranged in contact with the side rail 41. The fixing portion 11 having such an inclined portion 15 makes it possible to fix the bracket 10 to the side rail 41 while avoiding interference with peripheral members such as the exhaust pipe 7 and steering linkage 9 arranged adjacent to the outside of the side rail 41 in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0039] If the extension portion 12 of the bracket 10 has a curved shape so as to avoid peripheral components, it is easy to arrange the mounting portion 13 at a predetermined position while avoiding interference with peripheral components. In this embodiment, the extension portion 12 extends not only outwardly in the vehicle width direction D2 but also upwardly, so that the mounting portion 13 can be arranged above the fixed portion 11. As a result, interference between the detector 8 mounted on the mounting portion 13 and the front tire 5 can be avoided. Also, in this embodiment, the extension portion 12 extends not only outwardly in the vehicle width direction D2 but also forwardly, so that the mounting portion 13 can be arranged forwardly of the fixed portion 11. As a result, interference between the detector 8 mounted on the mounting portion 13 and the pivoting tailgate 2 can be avoided. According to the mounting structure 1 further comprising the cover 20 that covers the side surface of the detector 8, the detector 8 can be protected from flying stones and the like.

[0040] [3.Other] The bracket 10 and cover 20 shown in the above embodiment are merely examples. In the bracket 10, the fixing portion 11 does not need to have the inclined portion 15, and does not need to have a closed cross-sectional structure. In addition, the fixing portion 11 may be fixed to the frame 4 other than the side rail 41, and may be fixed to the frame 4 by a means other than the bolts 21 and nuts 22 described above.

[0041] The extension portion 12 of the bracket 10 does not have to be formed of a pipe as described above, and may extend, for example, linearly from the fixed portion 11 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction D2. The mounting portion 13 may have any structure capable of mounting the detector 8, and is not limited to the L-shaped plate as described above. There is also no particular limitation on the method of fixing the detector 8 to the mounting portion 13. In addition, the cover 20 may be omitted from the mounting structure 1.

[0042] The mounting structure 1 can be applied to various vehicles 3 having tailgates 2, and may be applied to, for example, a truck having a wing-type van body (luggage compartment). When a mudguard is attached behind the front tires 5, a notch may be provided in part of the mudguard to prevent interference with the detector 8.

[0043] In this specification, the device referred to as BSA (Blind Spot Assist) is called by various names. In addition to BSA, such a device is also called, for example, BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring). Therefore, the term "BSA" in this specification may be replaced with other well-known names such as "BSM." In addition, in this specification, "BSA" may be a device that issues an alarm to the driver when a person, another vehicle, etc. is detected to the side of the vehicle, or, instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned alarm, may be a device that performs control such as braking control or steering control on the vehicle when a person, another vehicle, etc. is detected to the side of the vehicle.

[0044] [4. Notes] Regarding the above embodiment, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0045] (Appendix 1) A mounting structure for a detector having a detection range on the side of a vehicle having a side gate rotatably attached to the side of a loading platform, The bracket includes a fixing portion fixed to a frame of the vehicle, an extension portion extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the fixing portion, and a mounting portion for mounting the detector at a position that is outward in the vehicle width direction from the extension portion and does not overlap with a rotation locus of the swingarm in a side view of the vehicle. A detector mounting structure comprising:

[0046] (Appendix 2) The mounting portion is provided at a position overlapping a tire of the vehicle when viewed from the vehicle length direction. 2. A detector mounting structure as described in claim 1.

[0047] (Appendix 3) The extension is curved to avoid surrounding components. 3. A detector mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2.

[0048] (Appendix 4) A cover for covering a part of the detector mounted on the mounting part is provided. 4. A detector mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Mounting structure (detector mounting structure) 2. Aori 3. Vehicle 4 Frames 5 Front tires (vehicle tires) 6 Front and rear tires 7. Exhaust pipe 8. Detector 9 Steering linkage 10 Bracket 11 Fixed part 12 Extension 13 Mounting section 14 Inner side 15 Slope 16 Access hole 20 Cover 21 Volts 22 Nut 51 Rear end 52 Upper end C Rotation axis D1 Vehicle length direction (front / rear direction) D2 Vehicle width direction (left and right) D3 Vehicle height direction (up and down) P1 closed position P2 open position T Rotation trajectory θ Rotation angle

Claims

1. A mounting structure for a detector having a detection range on the side of a vehicle having a side gate rotatably attached to the side of a loading platform, The bracket includes a fixing portion fixed to a frame of the vehicle, an extension portion extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the fixing portion, and a mounting portion for mounting the detector at a position that is outward in the vehicle width direction from the extension portion and does not overlap with a rotation locus of the swingarm in a side view of the vehicle. A detector mounting structure comprising:

2. The mounting portion is provided at a position overlapping a tire of the vehicle when viewed from the vehicle length direction.

2. The detector mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the detector mounting structure is a mounting structure for a detector.

3. The extension is curved to avoid surrounding components.

2. The detector mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the detector mounting structure is a mounting structure for a detector.

4. A cover for covering a part of the detector mounted on the mounting part is provided.

2. The detector mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the detector mounting structure is a mounting structure for a detector.

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