Mounting structure for detector and detector

Abstract

To improve the layout property of a detector in a detector mounting structure.SOLUTION: A mounting structure 1 for a detector 3 which detects a surrounding situation around a vehicle 2 includes a mounting part 11 on which the detector 3 is mounted. The mounting part 11 is provided on an outer surface of the vehicle 2 at a position aligned with a direction indicator 4 which indicates a travel direction of the vehicle 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle, and the detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technology has been developed that monitors the sides of a vehicle using radar, cameras, etc. to avoid collision accidents with vehicles traveling alongside or obstacles on the side of the vehicle when changing lanes or turning at an intersection. Patent Document 1 discloses a detection device with a detection range on the side of the vehicle, which includes a radar that measures the distance to obstacles, etc. on the side of the vehicle, and a camera that monitors obstacles, etc. on the side of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-315601 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is necessary to set the layout of detection devices such as radars and cameras that detect the surrounding conditions of a vehicle, taking into consideration not only the requirements regarding the detection range but also the positional relationship with other components. Therefore, for various vehicle models with different vehicle body shapes and component layouts, it becomes necessary to re-set the layout of the detection device for each vehicle model. If the layout of the detection device differs for each vehicle model, the bracket for mounting the detection device must also be changed for each vehicle model, which may increase the number of types of brackets.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objects is to improve the layout flexibility of a detection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be realized as the following aspects or application examples.

[0007] (1) The mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example is a mounting structure for a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle, and is provided with a mounting portion on the outer surface of the vehicle that is aligned with a turn signal that indicates the direction of travel of the vehicle, and to which the detection device is attached.

[0008] According to this application example, since the mounting portion to which the detection device is attached is provided in a position alongside the turn signal, the layout flexibility of the detection device is improved compared to when the detection device is attached in a position away from the turn signal. In other words, by arranging the detection device alongside the turn signal, it becomes easy to, for example, assemble the detection device together with the turn signal to the vehicle or to arrange the detection device on the outer surface of the vehicle in the same way as the turn signal.

[0009] (2) In the mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example, the mounting portion may be provided below the direction indicator. According to this configuration, the detection device can be disposed below the direction indicator, making it easier to meet the installation requirements for the detection device.

[0010] (3) The mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example may further include a cover that covers the detection device and the direction indicator mounted on the mounting portion. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in air resistance and reduce the number of parts compared to when the detection device and the direction indicator are covered with different covers.

[0011] (4) The mounting structure for the detection device according to this application example may include a sub-mounting portion to which the direction indicator is attached and the mounting portion, and may further include a base portion attached to the outer surface. According to this configuration, the detection device and the direction indicator can be integrally (together, simultaneously) mounted on the vehicle, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the detection device and the direction indicator.

[0012] (5) The mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example may further include an elastic member that detachably fixes the base portion to the outer surface. According to this configuration, the detection device and the direction indicator can be attached and detached by elastically deforming the elastic member, thereby improving both the ease of attachment and detachment of the detection device and the direction indicator.

[0013] (6) In the mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example, the mounting portion may be provided on the outer surface, which is a side surface of a cab of the vehicle. With this configuration, the detector is disposed on the side of the cab, thereby shortening the distance to the front detector (forward detector). As a result, it becomes easy to make the detection ranges of the detector and the forward detector, which have detection ranges to the sides and front of the vehicle, respectively, continuous, which can suppress a decrease in detection performance and avoid an increase in control load. In addition, the layout flexibility of the detector can be improved by utilizing existing turn signals provided on the side of the cab.

[0014] (7) The mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example may further include a bracket that connects the detection device to a frame member of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the detection device is supported on the vehicle frame member via the bracket, so that vibration of the detection device can be reduced.

[0015] (8) The detection device according to this application example is a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle, and is provided on the outer surface of the vehicle in a position aligned with a direction indicator that indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle. According to this application example, since the detection device is provided in a position alongside the turn indicator, the layout flexibility of the detection device is improved compared to when the detection device is attached in a position away from the turn indicator. In other words, by arranging the detection device alongside the turn indicator, it becomes easy to, for example, assemble the detection device together with the turn indicator to the vehicle or to arrange the detection device on the outer surface of the vehicle in the same way as the turn indicator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the layout flexibility of the detection device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a front portion of a vehicle to which a mounting structure for a detection device according to an embodiment is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the mounting structure of FIG. 1 with the cover removed. [Figure 3] 2 is a front view of a mounting hole used in the mounting structure of FIG. 1 (a view corresponding to FIG. 2 with the base portion removed); FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the mounting structure of FIG. 1 (a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following describes embodiments (aspects, application examples) of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated in the embodiments. The configurations of the following embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed.

[0019] [1. Configuration] [1-1. Vehicles] As shown in Fig. 1, a mounting structure 1 for a detection device according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mounting structure 1") is applied to a detection device 3 that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 is, for example, a truck equipped with a cab 21 in which a driver's seat (not shown) is provided, and a cargo box 22 that is a rear body disposed behind the cab 21. In the drawing, the front of the vehicle 2 is indicated by "FR" and the top of the vehicle 2 is indicated by "UP".

[0020] The vehicle 2 is provided with a pair of side rails 23 extending in the vehicle length direction D1 (front-rear direction). In addition, a pair of front wheel tires 24 are disposed below the cab 21 and outward of each side rail 23 in the vehicle width direction D2 (left-right direction). Furthermore, the cab 21 is provided with a pair of doors 25 that can be opened and closed. The side rails 23, front wheel tires 24, and doors 25 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle 2, but FIG. 1 shows only the door on the left side.

[0021] The door 25 has a structure in which, for example, a hollow portion is formed between an outer panel and an inner panel. A frame (a skeletal member of the vehicle 2) that supports and reinforces the outer panel and inner panel of the door 25, a power window device for raising and lowering the window glass 26, etc. may be disposed in this hollow portion. In this embodiment, the door 25 forms a side surface 27 of the cab 21 (hereinafter also referred to as the "cab side surface 27"). The cab side surface 27 is an example of an outer surface of the vehicle 2.

[0022] The cab side surface 27 faces outward in the vehicle width direction D2 and is exposed to the outside of the vehicle 2. The cab side surface 27 extends along the vehicle length direction D1 and the vehicle height direction D3 (vertical direction), and is located outward in the vehicle width direction D2 than the side rails 23. The lower rear portion of the cab side surface 27 forms an arch portion 28 that is cut out in an arc shape to avoid interference with the front wheel tires 24.

[0023] In this embodiment, a turn indicator 4 that indicates the traveling direction (left turn, right turn) of the vehicle 2 is provided on the cab side surface 27. Here, an example is shown in which the turn indicator 4 is disposed forward of the arch portion 28 and at the same height as the arch portion 28 (position in the vehicle height direction D3). The turn indicator 4 is provided on the outer surface of the vehicle 2, and is a device that emits light to the outside of the vehicle 2 in conjunction with, for example, operation of a blinker lever (turn signal switch) by the driver. In general, the turn indicator 4 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the cab side surface 27.

[0024] The direction indicators 4 provided on the cab side surfaces 27 are separate devices from the main direction indicators 5 provided on the front and rear surfaces of the vehicle 2 (only one provided on the front of the vehicle 2 is shown in FIG. 1). The direction indicators 5 provided on the front and rear surfaces of the vehicle 2 indicate directions (left turn, right turn) in front of and behind the vehicle 2, respectively. Note that the direction indicators 4 provided on the cab side surfaces 27 may be formed smaller than the direction indicators 5 provided on the front and rear surfaces of the vehicle 2.

[0025] The detection device 3 is a sensor, radar, lidar, camera, etc. that detects objects such as people and other vehicles within its detection range. Information on objects detected by the detection device 3 is used, for example, in a system that monitors areas around the vehicle 2 that are likely to become blind spots and issues a warning to the driver as needed, or in a system that monitors areas around the vehicle 2 that are likely to become blind spots and automatically applies the brakes as needed. Here, a detection device 3 that is approximately the same size as a turn signal 4 provided on the side surface 27 of the cab is shown as an example.

[0026] The detection device 3 mounted on the vehicle 2 is subject to regulations regarding its detection range (e.g., irradiation range) in order to ensure its detection performance. In other words, the mounting position of the detection device 3 on the vehicle 2 (e.g., height from the road surface, protrusion amount from the vehicle body that forms the maximum dimension in the vehicle width direction D2, etc.) is limited in advance in order to ensure a certain level of detection performance. The mounting position of the detection device 3 of this embodiment is limited so that a predetermined area extending from the side to the rear of the vehicle 2 is included in the detection range.

[0027] In this embodiment, another detection device (hereinafter also referred to as a front detection device), not shown, is also provided on the front of the vehicle 2. The mounting position of the front detection device is set so that, for example, a predetermined area extending from the front to the side of the vehicle 2 is included in the detection range. The mounting positions of the above-described detection device 3 and the front detection device provided on the cab side surface 27 are preferably set so that the detection ranges of both are continuous from the front to the rear of the vehicle 2.

[0028] [1-2. Mounting structure] The mounting structure 1 is a structure for mounting a detection device 3 on the outer surface of a vehicle 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting structure 1 includes a mounting portion 11 to which the detection device 3 is mounted. The mounting portion 11 is provided in a position aligned with the turn signal 4 on the outer surface of the vehicle 2. In this embodiment, since the turn signal 4 is provided on the cab side surface 27, the mounting portion 11 is also provided on the cab side surface 27. Note that the mounting portion 11 is a portion to which the detection device 3 is mounted, and its specific structure is not particularly limited. In FIG. 2, a cover 18, which will be described later, is omitted to make it easier to see the detection device 3, the turn signal 4, etc. (The mounting structure 1 is shown with the cover 18 removed).

[0029] Specifically, the position on the outer surface of the vehicle 2 that is aligned with the turn indicator 4 refers to various positions adjacent to but not overlapping with the turn indicator 4 in a front view of the outer surface of the vehicle 2 (viewed from a direction directly facing the outer surface of the vehicle 2), including positions above, below, left, right, diagonally above, and diagonally below the turn indicator 4. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the mounting portion 11 is provided below the turn indicator 4. However, the position of the mounting portion 11 is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion 11 may be provided above the turn indicator 4 or diagonally below the turn indicator 4 (i.e., below the turn indicator 4 and offset in the vehicle length direction D1 from the turn indicator 4).

[0030] The mounting structure 1 of this embodiment further includes a base portion 13 for integrally (together, simultaneously) mounting the detection device 3 and the direction indicator 4. The base portion 13 includes the above-mentioned mounting portion 11 to which the detection device 3 is attached, and a sub-mounting portion 12 to which the direction indicator 4 is attached. In the base portion 13, the mounting portion 11 is provided in a position aligned with the sub-mounting portion 12.

[0031] The base portion 13 is formed of, for example, a single substrate (plate material) to which the detection device 3 and the turn signal 4 are each fixed. The base portion 13 is attached to the outer surface of the vehicle 2 by an appropriate method. The method for attaching the base portion 13 is not particularly limited, and the base portion 13 may be fixed permanently by welding, for example, or may be attached detachably using a fastener (e.g., a screw) not shown or an elastic member 14 described below. The sub-mounting portion 12 is a portion of the base portion 13 to which the turn signal 4 is attached, and its specific structure is not particularly limited.

[0032] 3, a mounting hole 30 that is closed by the base portion 13 is formed in the cab side surface 27 of the present embodiment. The mounting hole 30 may be, for example, a through-hole formed in the outer panel of the door 25. Here, an example of a mounting hole 30 having a rectangular shape with four corners that form arcuate convex shapes toward the center of the rectangle is shown.

[0033] Specifically, the mounting hole 30 is surrounded by a pair of vertical edges 31 extending straight in the vehicle height direction D3, a pair of horizontal edges 32 extending straight in the vehicle length direction D1, and four corner edges 33 extending in an arc shape to connect the vertical edges 31 and the horizontal edges 32. The pair of vertical edges 31 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle length direction D1, and the pair of horizontal edges 32 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle height direction D3. In a mounting hole 30 having such a shape, the length dimension L1 of each vertical edge 31 is shorter than the maximum dimension L2 (the distance between the pair of horizontal edges 32) of the mounting hole 30 in the vehicle height direction D3 (L1 <L2)。

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the mounting structure 1 of this embodiment further includes an elastic member 14 that detachably fixes the base portion 13 to the cab side surface 27, and a hook 15 that positions the base portion 13 on the cab side surface 27. The elastic member 14 and the hook 15 are provided on the side of the base portion 13 opposite to the side on which the mounting portion 11 and the sub-mounting portion 12 are provided (the surface facing inward of the vehicle 2). When the base portion 13 is attached to the cab side surface 27, the elastic member 14 and the hook 15 are not visible from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 (outside the vehicle 2). In Fig. 4, the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 is indicated by "OUT" and the inside in the vehicle width direction D2 is indicated by "IN."

[0035] The elastic member 14 is a metal fitting (clip) having a protrusion 16 that is engaged with any of the vertical edge portions 31, horizontal edge portions 32, and corner edge portions 33 of the mounting hole 30, and is formed to be elastically deformable. Here, an example is shown of the elastic member 14 having a base portion 17 that extends straight along the vehicle height direction D3, and a protrusion 16 that protrudes rearward from the base portion 17 and is engaged with the rear vertical edge portion 31. The cross section of the elastic member 14 (the cross section shown in FIG. 4, which in this embodiment is a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle height direction D3) has, for example, a uniform shape.

[0036] The hook 15 is a metal fitting (claw member) that is hooked onto one of the vertical edge portions 31, horizontal edge portions 32, and corner edge portions 33 of the mounting hole 30, which is different from the one to which the protrusion 16 of the elastic member 14 is engaged (the rear vertical edge portion 31 in this embodiment). While the elastic member 14 has an elastically deformable structure, the hook 15 has a rigid structure that does not deform. Here, the hook 15 shown as an example extends straight along the vehicle height direction D3 and has an L-shaped cross section (the cross section shown in FIG. 4, which is a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle height direction D3 in this embodiment) with its tip facing forward, and is hooked onto the front vertical edge portion 31. Such a hook 15 is provided forward of the elastic member 14.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the length dimension L3 (dimension in the vehicle height direction D3) of each of the elastic member 14 and the hook 15 is set to be slightly shorter than the length dimension L1 of the vertical edge portion 31, for example (L3 < L1). The base portion 13 is mounted so as to cover the mounting hole 30 from the outside of the vehicle 2 (outward in the vehicle width direction D2 in this embodiment).

[0038] Specifically, the base portion 13 is first positioned with respect to the mounting hole 30 by the hook 15 being hooked on the front vertical edge portion 31. Next, the elastic member 14 is pushed into the mounting hole 30. At this time, the convex portion 16 of the elastic member 14 is elastically deformed by being pressed against the rear vertical edge portion 31. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when the convex portion 16 moves inward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the rear vertical edge portion 31, it is in a state of being locked to the rear vertical edge portion 31.

[0039] Thereby, since the position of the elastic member 14 is fixed with respect to the cab side surface 27, the base portion 13 is attached to the cab side surface 27. If the detection device 3 and the direction indicator 4 are previously fixed to the attachment portion 11 and the sub-attachment portion 12 of the base portion 13, by attaching the base portion 13 to the cab side surface 27 in the above procedure, the detection device 3 and the direction indicator 4 are integrally attached to the cab side surface 27.

[0040] In the state where the base portion 13 is attached to the mounting hole 30 as described above, it overlaps the vertical edge portion 31, the horizontal edge portion 32, and the corner edge portion 33 of the mounting hole 30 from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2 and seals the mounting hole 30. In this state, the detection device 3 and the direction indicator 4 are arranged outside the base portion 13 in the vehicle width direction D2, and the elastic member 14 and the hook 15 are arranged inside the base portion 13 in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0041] To remove the base portion 13 from the cab side surface 27, the base portion 13 is pulled outward in the vehicle width direction D2 so that the elastic member 14 is pulled out of the mounting hole 30. At this time, the protrusion 16 of the elastic member 14 is pulled toward the rear vertical edge portion 31 and elastically deformed. When the protrusion 16 moves outward in the vehicle width direction D2 beyond the rear vertical edge portion 31, it is released from the rear vertical edge portion 31. Then, by moving the hook 15 away from the front vertical edge portion 31, the base portion 13 is removed from the cab side surface 27. In this way, the base portion 13 of this embodiment is detachable from the cab side surface 27 by the elastically deformable elastic member 14.

[0042] The mounting structure 1 of this embodiment further includes a cover 18 that covers the detection device 3 and the direction indicators 4 that are mounted on the mounting portion 11 and the sub-mounting portion 12, respectively. The cover 18 is formed, for example, from transparent plastic in a bowl shape that covers the detection device 3 and the direction indicators 4. Here, a cover 18 that is attached to the peripheral edge of the base portion 13 is shown as an example. If such a cover 18 is fixed to the peripheral edge of the base portion 13 in advance with bolts or the like (not shown), then by attaching the base portion 13 to the cab side surface 27 in the above-described procedure, the cover 18 can also be attached integrally to the cab side surface 27.

[0043] The mounting structure 1 may further include a bracket (not shown) that connects the detection device 3 to a frame member of the vehicle 2. The detection device 3 provided on the door 25 that forms the cab side surface 27 as in this embodiment may be connected, for example, via a bracket to a frame disposed in a hollow portion of the door 25. Furthermore, the detection device 3 provided on the outer surface of the cab 21 (for example, the front surface or the cab side surface 27) may be connected, via a bracket, to a frame (a frame member of the vehicle 2) that forms the frame of the cab 21. The frame member to which such a bracket is connected may be any of various members provided on the vehicle 2, such as the side rail 23.

[0044] [2. Actions and Effects] (1) According to the mounting structure 1 described above, the mounting portion 11 to which the detection device 3 is attached is provided in a position aligned with the turn indicator 4, thereby improving the layout flexibility of the detection device 3 compared to when the detection device 3 is attached in a position distant from the turn indicator 4. In other words, by arranging the detection device 3 alongside the turn indicator 4, it becomes easy, for example, to assemble the detection device 3 to the vehicle 2 together with the turn indicator 4 or to arrange the detection device 3 on the outer surface of the vehicle 2 in the same way as the turn indicator 4.

[0045] If the detection device 3 is mounted on the vehicle 2 via a bracket extending outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the side rail 23, the shape of the bracket may become complex in order to avoid interference with other components while satisfying the requirements for the detection range of the detection device 3. Furthermore, the layout of the detection device 3 may differ in various vehicle models with different vehicle body shapes and component arrangements, and different types of brackets may be required. Furthermore, if the detection device 3 is mounted via the bracket so as to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction D2 beyond, for example, the cab side surface 27, there is a risk of affecting air resistance.

[0046] In contrast, with the above-described mounting structure 1, the detector 3 is mounted in a position aligned with the turn signal 4 provided on the outer surface of the vehicle 2, eliminating the need for the bracket described above. As a result, there is no need to prepare different types of brackets for each vehicle model, which contributes to cost reduction. In addition, there is no need to extend the bracket from the side rail 23, which improves the layout flexibility around the side rail 23. Furthermore, if the detector 3 is mounted in a position aligned with the turn signal 4 that protrudes outward on the outer surface of the vehicle 2 (for example, the side surface 27 of the cab), air resistance can be reduced to the same extent as that caused by the existing turn signal 4, even if the detector 3 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the vehicle 2 like the turn signal 4.

[0047] (2) Generally, the installation requirements for the detection device 3 include an upper limit height from the road surface (the highest allowable position in the vehicle height direction D3, height restriction). In contrast, if the mounting portion 11 is provided below the turn signal 4, the detection device 3 can be disposed below the turn signal 4, making it easier to meet the installation requirements for the detection device 3.

[0048] (3) If the detection device 3 and the turn signal 4 are covered with different covers, there is a risk of an increase in air resistance due to the generation of steps or gaps at the boundary between these covers. In contrast, if a cover 18 is provided that covers the detection device 3 and the turn signal 4 next to it, the detection device 3 and the turn signal 4 are covered with a single cover 18, which can suppress the increase in air resistance as described above and reduce the number of parts.

[0049] (4) If the base portion 13, which includes the mounting portion 11 and the sub-mounting portion 12 to which the detection device 3 and the turn indicator 4 are respectively attached, is attached to the outer surface of the vehicle 2, the detection device 3 and the turn indicator 4 can be integrally (together, simultaneously) assembled to the vehicle 2. This increases the ease of assembly of the detection device 3 and the turn indicator 4.

[0050] (5) If an elastic member 14 is provided to detachably fix the base portion 13 to the outer surface of the vehicle 2, the detection device 3 and the turn signal 4 can be attached and detached by elastically deforming the elastic member 14. Therefore, both the attachability and detachability of the detection device 3 and the turn signal 4 can be improved.

[0051] (6) If the detection device 3, whose detection range is to the sides of the vehicle 2, were to be located behind the cab 21, the distance between the detection device 3 and the front detection device would increase, making it difficult to make the detection ranges of both devices continuous. If the detection ranges of the detection device 3 and the front detection device are discontinuous, it would be possible to predict the state of the discontinuous part outside the detection ranges of both devices by calculation using an electronic control device, but this would likely require more calculations than the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is expected to reduce the calculations required by the electronic control device.

[0052] In contrast, if the mounting portion 11 to which the detection device 3 is attached is provided on the cab side surface 27, the distance from the front detection device can be shortened by disposing the detection device 3 on the cab side surface 27. As a result, it becomes easy to make the detection ranges of the detection device 3 and the front detection device, which have detection ranges to the sides and front of the vehicle 2, respectively, continuous, which makes it possible to suppress a decrease in detection performance and avoid an increase in control load. In addition, the layout flexibility of the detection device 3 can be improved by utilizing the existing turn signal 4 provided on the cab side surface 27.

[0053] (7) If a bracket is provided to connect the detection device 3 to a frame member of the vehicle 2, the detection device 3 is supported by the frame member of the vehicle 2 via the bracket, thereby reducing vibration of the detection device 3. (8) If the hook 15 for hooking the base portion 13 onto the outer surface of the vehicle 2 is provided, it becomes easy to position the base portion 13 relative to the outer surface of the vehicle 2, and the posture of the base portion 13 can be more stabilized by the hook 15 being hooked onto the outer surface of the vehicle 2. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ease of assembling the detection device 3 and the turn signal 4, and to reduce rattling of the detection device 3 and the turn signal 4.

[0054] (9) According to the above-described detection device 3, the detection device 3 is provided in a position next to the turn indicator 4, which improves the layout flexibility of the detection device 3 compared to when the detection device 3 is attached in a position distant from the turn indicator 4. In other words, by arranging the detection device 3 next to the turn indicator 4, it becomes easy to, for example, assemble the detection device 3 to the vehicle 2 together with the turn indicator 4 or to arrange the detection device 3 on the outer surface of the vehicle 2 in the same way as the turn indicator 4.

[0055] [3. Other] The configuration of the mounting structure 1 described above is one example. The mounting structure 1 is only required to include at least the mounting portion 11, and for example, the elastic member 14, hook 15, and cover 18 described above may be omitted. The detection device 3 and the turn signal light 4 may also be attached separately from each other to the outer surface of the vehicle 2. In other words, the mounting portion 11 and the sub-mounting portion 12 may have structures independent from each other, and may not be provided on a single base portion 13.

[0056] The detection device 3 may be any device that detects the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 2, and its type and detection range are not limited to the above example. The above mounting structure 1 may be applied to a detection device whose detection range is in front or behind the vehicle 2, instead of the above detection device 3 whose detection range is the side of the vehicle 2. Therefore, the outer surface of the vehicle 2 on which the mounting portion 11 is provided is not limited to the above cab side surface 27 formed by the door 25, but may be a side surface other than the door 25, the front or rear surface of the cab 21, or the outer surface of a vehicle body or part other than the cab 21 (for example, a door mirror).

[0057] The above-described structures of the elastic member 14 and hook 15 are merely examples. The elastic member 14 may have any of various structures for detachably fixing the base portion 13 to the outer surface of the vehicle 2. The same applies to the hook 15; any of various structures for hooking the base portion 13 onto the outer surface of the vehicle 2 may be applied to the hook 15. The number of elastic members 14 and hooks 15 is not particularly limited, and for example, a plurality of elastic members 14 and hooks 15 may be provided on the base portion 13. Furthermore, the above-described mounting hole 30 may have a simpler shape or may be omitted.

[0058] The turn indicator 4 arranged next to the mounting portion 11 may be a device that indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle 2, and there are no particular limitations on its shape, size, placement, operation method, etc. For example, the turn indicator 4 may be larger than the detection device 3, or may protrude outward from the vehicle 2 beyond the detection device 3. Furthermore, in the vehicle 2 that is an autonomous vehicle, for example, the operation of the turn indicator 4 may be automatically controlled without being operated by the driver.

[0059] [4. Notes] Supplementary notes regarding the above embodiments are disclosed.

[0060] (Appendix 1) A mounting structure for a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle, a mounting portion provided on the outer surface of the vehicle at a position aligned with a direction indicator that indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle, and to which the detection device is attached; A mounting structure for a detection device, comprising:

[0061] (Appendix 2) The mounting portion is provided below the direction indicator. 2. A mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1.

[0062] (Appendix 3) The vehicle further includes a cover that covers the detection device and the direction indicator attached to the attachment portion. 3. A mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0063] (Appendix 4) The vehicle further includes a base portion that includes a sub-mounting portion to which the turn indicator is attached and the mounting portion, and is attached to the outer surface. 4. A mounting structure for a detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0064] (Appendix 5) The base portion is further provided with an elastic member for removably fixing the base portion to the outer surface. 5. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 4.

[0065] (Appendix 6) The mounting portion is provided on the outer surface, which is a side surface of the cab of the vehicle. 6. A mounting structure for a detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0066] (Appendix 7) The detecting device further includes a bracket for connecting the detecting device to a frame member of the vehicle. 7. A mounting structure for a detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0067] (Appendix 8) A detection device for detecting an ambient condition of a vehicle, The vehicle is provided with a turn signal on the outer surface of the vehicle, the turn signal being aligned with the turn signal indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle. A detection device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Mounting structure (detection device mounting structure) 2 vehicles 3. Detection equipment 4 direction indicators 5 Turn signal 11 Mounting part 12 Sub-mounting part 13 Base 14 Elastic member 15 Hook 16 Convex part 17 Base 18 Cover 21 Cab 22 Packing box 23 Side rail 24 Front tire 25 doors 26 Window Glass 27 Cab side (side of cab 21, outer surface of vehicle 2) 28 Arch 30 Mounting holes 31 Vertical edge 32 Lateral edge 33 Corner edge D1 Vehicle length direction (front / rear direction) D2 Vehicle width direction (left and right) D3 Vehicle height direction (vertical direction) L1: Length dimension of vertical edge portion 31 L2: Maximum dimension of the mounting hole 30 in the vehicle height direction D3 L3: Length of the elastic member 14 and the hook 15

Claims

1. A mounting structure for a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle, a mounting portion provided on the outer surface of the vehicle at a position aligned with a direction indicator that indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle, and on which the detection device is mounted; A mounting structure for a detection device, comprising:

2. The mounting portion is provided below the direction indicator.

2. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1.

3. The vehicle further includes a cover that covers the detection device and the direction indicator attached to the attachment portion.

2. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1.

4. The vehicle further includes a base portion that includes a sub-mounting portion to which the turn indicator is attached and the mounting portion, and is attached to the outer surface.

2. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1.

5. The base portion is further provided with an elastic member for removably fixing the base portion to the outer surface.

5. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 4.

6. The mounting portion is provided on the outer surface, which is a side surface of the cab of the vehicle.

2. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1.

7. The detecting device further includes a bracket for connecting the detecting device to a frame member of the vehicle.

2. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1.

8. A detection device for detecting an ambient condition of a vehicle, The vehicle is provided with a turn signal on the outer surface of the vehicle, the turn signal being aligned with the turn signal indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle. A detection device comprising:

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