Attachment structure of detection device

Abstract

To secure strength and rigidity with a simple structure in an attachment structure of a detection device.SOLUTION: An attachment structure 1 of a detection device 2 for detecting a state of a surrounding area of a vehicle, includes: a first member 10 extending from a frame 4; a second member 20 extending from the first member 10 at least in a downward direction; and a reinforcement member 50 attached to the first member 10 and the second member 20. The second member 20 is attached with the detection device 2. The reinforcement member 50 extends along a part of the second member 20 and has a cross section forming a U shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle. [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, a mounting structure for attaching a detection device such as a radar or a camera to a vehicle is required to have strength and rigidity in order to suppress vibration of the detection device while the vehicle is traveling. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing increases in cost and weight, it is desirable for the mounting structure for the detection device to have a simple configuration.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objects is to ensure strength and rigidity with a simple configuration in a mounting structure for 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 includes a first member extending from a frame of the vehicle, a second member extending at least downward from the first member and to which the detection device is attached, and a reinforcing member that extends along a portion of the second member, has a U-shaped cross section, and is attached to each of the first member and the second member.

[0008] According to this application example, the second member to which the detection device is attached can be reinforced simply by attaching the reinforcing member having a U-shaped cross section to each of the first member and the second member. Therefore, strength and rigidity can be ensured with a simple configuration.

[0009] (2) In the mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example, the cross section of the reinforcing member may become smaller as it extends downward. With this configuration, the reinforcing effect (vibration suppression effect) of the second member increases upward. Therefore, the upper end of the second member, where stress is likely to be greatest, can be efficiently reinforced with the reinforcing member while the size of the reinforcing member can be reduced. Therefore, cost and weight can be reduced while maintaining strength and rigidity.

[0010] (3) The mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example may further include a mounting component that mounts the reinforcing member to the second member so that the reinforcing member can swing relative to the second member. With this configuration, relative movement between the second member and the reinforcing member can be tolerated while the reinforcing member is attached to the second member, and therefore, even if the second member vibrates due to vibration of the detection device while the vehicle is running, it is possible to reduce stress that may occur at the attachment point between the reinforcing member and the second member.

[0011] (4) In the mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example, the reinforcing member may be disposed in a state of not contacting the second member except for a location where the mounting component is attached. With this configuration, even though the reinforcing member is attached to the second member with the attachment part, friction between the second member and the reinforcing member can be avoided at areas other than the attachment part of the attachment part, thereby suppressing stress that may be generated in the reinforcing member when the second member vibrates.

[0012] (5) In the mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example, the reinforcing member may be attached by welding to the first member or a bracket fixed to the first member. According to this configuration, the reinforcing member can be securely fixed to the first member, and the second member is thereby securely reinforced by the reinforcing member, thereby effectively suppressing vibrations of the detection device.

[0013] (6) In the mounting structure for the detection device according to this application example, the second member may extend from the first member in a predetermined direction different from the vertical direction, and the reinforcing member may have a horizontal wall portion positioned further in the predetermined direction than the second member, and a pair of vertical wall portions extending from both edges of the horizontal wall portion and facing each other, and the horizontal wall portion and the vertical wall portions may form a U-shape in cross section. With this configuration, the pair of vertical walls effectively increase the strength and rigidity (second moment of area) against vibrations in the predetermined direction. Therefore, the reinforcing member can effectively suppress vibrations of the second member in the predetermined direction. As a result, vibrations of the detection device can be effectively suppressed.

[0014] (7) In the mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example, the second member may be a pipe whose upper end connected to the first member has a double structure. With this configuration, for example, simply stacking two pipes with different outer diameters can increase the rigidity and strength of the upper end of the second member, thereby reinforcing the upper end of the second member, where stress is likely to be greatest, with a simple configuration.

[0015] (8) In the mounting structure for a detection device according to this application example, a vehicle part other than the detection device may also be mounted to the second member. With this configuration, the second member can function not only as a detection device but also as a bracket for other vehicle components, thereby reducing the number of brackets used to attach vehicle components and improving the layout performance of vehicle components. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the strength and rigidity of the mounting structure for the detection device can be ensured with a simple configuration. [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] 2 is a perspective view of the mounting structure and its periphery in FIG. 1 as viewed from the upper right rear. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the mounting structure and its periphery in FIG. 1 as viewed from the lower right front. 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] 1, a mounting structure 1 for a detection device according to this embodiment (application example) (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mounting structure 1") is applied to a detection device 2 that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle 3. The vehicle 3 is, for example, a flatbed truck having a cab 31 with a driver's seat (not shown) and a loading platform 32 arranged behind the cab 31.

[0020] In this embodiment, the vehicle 3 is shown as a short-cab type truck, which is a front single-axle vehicle with a cab 31 that is shorter in the vehicle length direction D1 (front-rear direction) than a typical full-cab type. However, the vehicle 3 to which this mounting structure 1 is applied is not limited to such trucks, and may be, for example, a full-cab type truck or a front twin-axle vehicle. In the drawings, the front of the vehicle 3 is indicated by "FR," the top of the vehicle 3 is indicated by "UP," and the right side of the vehicle 3 is indicated by "RH."

[0021] The detection device 2 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 2 is used, for example, in a system that monitors areas that tend to be blind spots around the vehicle 3. Such a system may issue a warning to the driver or automatically brake the vehicle 3 as necessary.

[0022] The detection device 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 is subject to regulations regarding its detection range (e.g., illumination range) in order to ensure its detection performance. In other words, the mounting position of the detection device 2 on the vehicle 3 (e.g., height from the road surface, protrusion amount from the vehicle body, etc.) is limited in advance in order to ensure a certain level of detection performance. The detection devices 2 of this embodiment are provided on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle 3, and their mounting positions are regulated so that a predetermined area extending from the side (left or right) to the rear of the vehicle 3 is included in the detection range.

[0023] A pair of front tires 9 (wheels, only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) are disposed below the cab 31. Additionally, mudguards 6, which are curved mudguard members that fit the surfaces of the front tires 9, are disposed diagonally above and behind each front tire 9. Furthermore, flaps 7 made of thin rubber plates hang down from the mudguards 6 like an apron.

[0024] The vehicle 3 is provided with various frames 4 as skeletal members. The frame 4 of the vehicle 3 includes a pair of side rails 41 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) extending in the vehicle length direction D1, and a cab bridge 42 that supports the rear end of the cab 31 from below. Each side rail 41 has, for example, a channel shape. The pair of side rails 41 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction D2 (left-right direction). The cab bridge 42 is provided in an inverted U-shape or an arch shape, and is arranged to straddle the pair of side rails 41.

[0025] Various devices of the vehicle 3 are arranged around each side rail 41. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, an exhaust pipe 33 for discharging exhaust gas from an engine (not shown) to the outside of the vehicle 3 is arranged between the right side rail 41 and the mudguard 6 of the right front tire 9. Note that in Fig. 2, the downstream side of the exhaust pipe 33 is omitted, and the cross section of the exhaust pipe 33 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0026] [1-2. Mounting structure] The mounting structure 1 is a structure for mounting the detection device 2 to the frame 4 of the vehicle 3. In this embodiment, the mounting structure 1 applied to the detection device 2 provided on the right side of the vehicle 3 will be described in detail. However, the mounting structure 1 is similarly applicable to the detection device 2 provided on the left side of the vehicle 3. Furthermore, the mounting structure 1 is not limited to being applied to the left or right side of the vehicle 3, and may also be applied to a detection device provided in another location on the vehicle 3 (for example, the front or rear of the vehicle 3).

[0027] The mounting structure 1 includes an outrigger 10 (first member) extending from the frame 4 of the vehicle 3, a stay 20 (second member) extending at least downward from the outrigger 10 and to which the detection device 2 is attached, and a reinforcing member 50 extending along a portion of the stay 20. The reinforcing member 50 is a member that reinforces a portion of the stay 20 that is prone to stress (for example, a portion connected to the outrigger 10), and can be retrofitted to existing outriggers 10 and stays 20.

[0028] The mounting structure 1 is positioned in accordance with the mounting position of the detection device 2 while avoiding interference with other devices. The mounting structure 1 of this embodiment is positioned taking into consideration not only the mounting position of the detection device 2 but also the positions of the mudguard 6 and the exhaust pipe 33, and is supported by a cab bridge 42. In detail, although the mounting structure 1 is positioned near the mudguard 6 to support the mudguard 6, it is attached to the cab bridge 42 rather than the side rail 41 to avoid interference with the exhaust pipe 33.

[0029] The outrigger 10 is a member that extends outward from the cab bridge 42 in the vehicle width direction D2. In this embodiment, the outrigger 10 extends from a position on the cab bridge 42 that is higher than the side rail 41, and is disposed higher than the front tire 9 and mudguard 6. A bracket 11 having a closed cross section and made up of two U-shaped members is fixed to a lower surface 15 of the outrigger 10. The bracket 11 is disposed higher than the mudguard 6 and in a non-contact state with the mudguard 6. In addition, a rear surface 13 of the bracket 11 extends upward from the closed cross section and is attached to a rear surface 14 of the outrigger 10.

[0030] The stay 20 is a linear member for installing the detection device 2 at a predetermined mounting position. In addition to its original function of supporting the detection device 2, the stay 20 of this embodiment also functions as a mudguard stay for supporting the mudguard 6. The mudguard 6 is an example of a vehicle part different from the detection device 2.

[0031] The stay 20 has an upper end portion 21 extending straight downward from the outrigger 10, an intermediate portion 22 extending diagonally downward and rearward from the upper end portion 21, and a support portion 23 extending straight outward from the intermediate portion 22 in the vehicle width direction D2. The upper end portion 21 is a portion that connects to the outrigger 10. In this embodiment, the upper end portion 21 is provided in a state where it penetrates the bracket 11, and at least a portion of it is disposed inside the bracket 11. The upper end portion 21 is fixed to the bracket 11 and the outrigger 10 by, for example, welding.

[0032] The stay 20 of this embodiment is a pipe (hollow member) having a double-layered upper end 21 connected to the outrigger 10. That is, the stay 20 is formed, for example, of an outer pipe 25 and an inner pipe 26 having different outer diameters. The outer pipe 25 is disposed over the entire stay 20, whereas the inner pipe 26 is disposed only at the upper end 21 of the stay 20.

[0033] The outer pipe 25 is a round pipe that is larger in diameter and longer than the inner pipe 26. On the other hand, the inner pipe 26 is a round pipe that is disposed inside the outer pipe 25 and reinforces the outer pipe 25 by making a portion of the outer pipe 25 that corresponds to the upper end portion 21 a double-layered structure. The outer pipe 25 and the inner pipe 26 are fixed to each other by, for example, welding.

[0034] The intermediate portion 22 extends from a position below the bracket 11 to the height of the lower portion 62 of the mudguard 6, and extends along the mudguard 6. Here, the intermediate portion 22 is illustrated as being arranged along the inner edge 63 of the mudguard 6 in the vehicle width direction D2. Note that the lower portion 62 of the mudguard 6 here refers to a portion of the lower half of the mudguard 6 that includes the lower end portion 61 of the mudguard 6. The lower portion 62 of the mudguard 6 is provided in a planar shape that extends along the vehicle height direction D3 (vertical direction).

[0035] As described above, the intermediate portion 22 does not extend straight downward from the upper end portion 21, but extends diagonally downward and rearward. Therefore, the stay 20 also extends rearward (in a predetermined direction different from the up-down direction) from the outrigger 10. The intermediate portion 22 of this embodiment has a bent portion 24 that is bent at an obtuse angle to form a convex rearward shape between the upper end portion 21 and the support portion 23 so as to fit along the curved surface of the mudguard 6.

[0036] The support portion 23 is a portion that supports the detection device 2, is bent at a substantially right angle from the intermediate portion 22, and extends along the vehicle width direction D2. In this embodiment, the detection device 2 is attached to the support portion 23 via a sensor bracket 38, and the lower portion 62 of the mudguard 6 is also attached to the support portion 23 via a pair of mudguard brackets 35, 36. In other words, not only the detection device 2 but also the mudguard 6 is attached to the stay 20.

[0037] The pair of mudguard brackets 35, 36 are, for example, triangular and spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction D2. Each of the mudguard brackets 35, 36 is fixed to the center of the support portion 23 in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0038] On the other hand, the sensor bracket 38 is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from each of the mudguard brackets 35, 36, and is fixed near the outer end 28 of the support portion 23 in the vehicle width direction D2. The shape and arrangement of the sensor bracket 38 may be set appropriately depending on the mounting position of the detection device 2. The mounting position of the detection device 2 is set, for example, so as to ensure a gap between the detection device 2 and peripheral components such as the front tire 9 and mudguard 6 while satisfying the above regulations. Here, an example is shown in which the detection device 2 is disposed in a mounting position lower than the outer end 28 of the support portion 23 in the vehicle width direction D2 and outward in the vehicle width direction D2.

[0039] The reinforcing member 50 is made of, for example, sheet metal and has a U-shaped cross section. The cross section here refers to a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the reinforcing member 50 extends. Because the reinforcing member 50 extends along a portion of the stay 20, the cross section here refers to a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the portion of the stay 20 extends. Furthermore, the U-shape here includes not only a U-shape but also shapes similar to a U-shape, such as a C-shape. The reinforcing member 50 of this embodiment is provided so as to cover the range from the upper end portion 21 of the stay 20 to the bent portion 24 of the middle portion 22.

[0040] Hereinafter, the portion of the stay 20 that is reinforced by the reinforcing member 50 (in this embodiment, the range from the upper end portion 21 to the bent portion 24 of the middle portion 22) will also be referred to as the "reinforced portion." The "reinforced portion" referred to here can also be said to be a part of the stay 20 that is covered with the reinforcing member 50 that has a U-shaped cross section.

[0041] Specifically, the reinforcing member 50 has a horizontal wall portion 51 disposed rearward of the reinforced portion of the stay 20 (in a predetermined direction different from the up-down direction), and a pair of vertical wall portions 52 extending from both edges 55 of the horizontal wall portion 51 and facing each other. The both edges 55 of the horizontal wall portion 51 here refer to edge portions extending at least in the vehicle height direction D3 on both sides of the horizontal wall portion 51 in the vehicle width direction D2. Each vertical wall portion 52 forms a substantially right angle with the horizontal wall portion 51. The horizontal wall portion 51 and the pair of vertical wall portions 52 form a U-shape in cross section of the reinforcing member 50. The horizontal wall portion 51 and each vertical wall portion 52 are disposed with a gap (out of contact) with the stay 20.

[0042] The reinforcing member 50 is attached to each of the outrigger 10 and the stay 20. The reinforcing member 50 of this embodiment further includes an upper mounting portion 53 extending upward from an upper edge 56 of the side wall portion 51, and a lower mounting portion 54 connected downward from a lower edge 57 of the side wall portion 51. The reinforcing member 50 is formed, for example, by bending a single plate member, and each of the portions 51 to 54 is flat. In FIG. 2, the lower edge 57 of the side wall portion 51 is shown by a two-dot chain line for convenience.

[0043] More specifically, the lateral wall portion 51 is formed in a trapezoidal shape that is upside down in a plan view. That is, an upper edge 56 and a lower edge 57 of the lateral wall portion 51 correspond to the upper and lower bases of the trapezoid, and the upper edge 56 is parallel to and longer than the lower edge 57. The width dimension of such a lateral wall portion 51 in a plan view (the dimension in the vehicle width direction D2 in this embodiment) is greatest at the upper edge 56 and decreases downward.

[0044] 3, each vertical wall portion 52 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a dimension in the vehicle length direction D1 decreasing downward. In each vertical wall portion 52, the width dimension in a plan view (the dimension in the vehicle length direction D1 in this embodiment) is greatest at its upper edge 58 and decreases downward.

[0045] As described above, in this embodiment, the width dimensions of the horizontal wall portion 51 and the vertical wall portion 52 in a plan view become smaller toward the bottom. Therefore, the cross section of the reinforcing member 50 becomes smaller toward the bottom. In other words, the U-shape formed by the cross section of the reinforcing member 50 becomes smaller in size toward the bottom.

[0046] The reinforcing member 50 is attached by welding to the outrigger 10 or to a bracket 11 fixed to the outrigger 10. Specifically, the reinforcing member 50 is attached to the bracket 11 by fixing the upper edge 58 of each vertical wall portion 52 to the lower surface 12 of the bracket 11 by welding. In this case, a fixing margin of the reinforcing member 50 to the bracket 11 in the vehicle length direction D1 is ensured to be equal to the length of the upper edge 58 of each vertical wall portion 52.

[0047] 2, the reinforcing member 50 of this embodiment is also attached to the outrigger 10 by overlapping the upper mounting portion 53 on the rear surface 13 of the bracket 11 and then fastening it to the rear surface 14 of the outrigger 10 with bolts 37. Here, an example is shown of a reinforcing member 50 in which the upper mounting portion 53 is fixed to the outrigger 10 together with the rear surface 13 of the bracket 11 with two bolts 37.

[0048] 2 and 3, the mounting structure 1 further includes a clamp 40 (mounting component) that mounts the reinforcing member 50 to the stay 20 so that the reinforcing member 50 can swing relative to the stay 20. The clamp 40 is shaped, for example, to overlap the lower mounting portion 54 and to fit along the outer surface of the stay 20. The clamp 40 is fastened to the lower mounting portion 54 by, for example, bolts 39, with the stay 20 sandwiched between the clamp 40 and the lower mounting portion 54. Here, an example is shown in which the clamp 40 is fastened to the lower mounting portion 54 by two bolts 39 on both sides of the stay 20 in the vehicle width direction D2. Note that the bolts 39 are omitted from FIG. 3.

[0049] In the mounting structure 1 equipped with the clamp 40, the reinforcing member 50 is attached to the stay 20 by the clamp 40, but the reinforcing member 50 is not directly fixed to the stay 20. Therefore, a certain degree of relative displacement (escape of the stay 20 from the reinforcing member 50) is permitted between the reinforcing member 50 and the stay 20. Therefore, the reinforcing member 50 is swingable with respect to the stay 20.

[0050] The reinforcing member 50 is arranged in a non-contact state with the stay 20 except for the portion where the clamp 40 is attached (the lower attachment portion 54 in this embodiment). More specifically, the portions of the reinforcing member 50 other than the lower attachment portion 54 are arranged with a gap between them and the stay 20. In this embodiment, an attachment structure 1 is exemplified in which the lower attachment portion 54 of the reinforcing member 50 and the clamp 40 are arranged below the bent portion 24 of the stay 20.

[0051] [2. Actions and Effects] (1) The mounting structure 1 includes a reinforcing member 50 that extends along at least a portion of the stay 20 that extends downward from the outrigger 10 and has a U-shaped cross section. According to the mounting structure 1, the stay 20 to which the detection device 2 is attached can be reinforced simply by attaching the reinforcing member 50 with a U-shaped cross section to each of the outrigger 10 and the stay 20. Therefore, strength and rigidity can be ensured with a simple configuration.

[0052] In particular, since the reinforcing member 50 reinforces a portion of the stay 20 at a pinpoint, it is possible to reduce costs and weight compared to reinforcing the entire stay 20. Furthermore, with the mounting structure 1 having ensured strength and rigidity, vibration of the detection device 2 is suppressed, and therefore the detection performance of the detection device 2 can be ensured.

[0053] (2) In the stay 20 extending at least downward from the outrigger 10, stress tends to be greatest at the upper end 21 connected to the outrigger 10 due to vibration of the detection device 2 when the vehicle 3 is traveling, for example. In contrast, if the cross section of the reinforcing member 50 becomes smaller toward the bottom, the reinforcing effect on the stay 20 (the effect of suppressing vibration) can be increased toward the top. Therefore, the upper end 21 of the stay 20, where stress tends to be greatest, can be efficiently reinforced with the reinforcing member 50, while the size of the reinforcing member 50 can be reduced. Therefore, cost and weight can be reduced while maintaining strength and rigidity.

[0054] Furthermore, the reinforcing effect of the reinforcing member 50 increases as the dimension in the same direction as the vibration to be suppressed increases. For example, if it is desired to suppress vibration of the stay 20 in the vehicle length direction D1, a high reinforcing effect can be achieved by increasing the dimension of the reinforcing member 50 in the vehicle length direction D1. Therefore, for a stay 20 that is prone to vibrate in a specific direction, the size of the reinforcing member 50 can be reduced while effectively suppressing vibration of the stay 20 by decreasing the dimension of the reinforcing member 50 in the specific direction downward. In this embodiment, for a stay 20 that is prone to vibrate in the vehicle length direction D1, the size of the reinforcing member 50 can be reduced while effectively suppressing vibration of the stay 20 by decreasing the dimension of each vertical wall portion 52 of the reinforcing member 50 in the vehicle length direction D1 downward (maximum at the upper edge 58).

[0055] (3) If the clamp 40 that attaches the reinforcing member 50 to the stay 20 so that it can swing relative to the stay 20 is further provided, relative movement between the stay 20 and the reinforcing member 50 can be permitted while the reinforcing member 50 is attached to the stay 20. In other words, by attaching the reinforcing member 50 to the stay 20 using the clamp 40, it is possible to ensure more clearance of the stay 20 from the reinforcing member 50 than when the reinforcing member 50 is fixed to the stay 20 by, for example, welding. Therefore, even if the stay 20 vibrates due to vibration of the detection device 2 while the vehicle 3 is traveling, it is possible to reduce stress that may occur at the attachment point between the reinforcing member 50 and the stay 20.

[0056] (4) If the reinforcing member 50 is arranged in a non-contact state with the stay 20 at locations other than where the clamp 40 is attached, it is possible to attach the reinforcing member 50 to the stay 20 with the clamp 40, while avoiding friction between the stay 20 and the reinforcing member 50 at locations other than where the clamp 40 is attached. Therefore, it is possible to suppress stress that may occur in the reinforcing member 50 when the stay 20 vibrates.

[0057] (5) If the reinforcing member 50 is attached by welding to the outrigger 10 or the bracket 11 fixed to the outrigger 10, the reinforcing member 50 can be securely fixed to the outrigger 10. As a result, the stay 20 is securely reinforced by the reinforcing member 50, and vibration of the detection device 2 can be effectively suppressed.

[0058] (6) If the attachment point of the stay 20 is offset in a predetermined direction, the stay 20 is likely to vibrate in the predetermined direction, for example, when the vehicle 3 is traveling. In this embodiment, the stay 20 extends not only downward but also rearward (in the predetermined direction) from the outrigger 10, and the upper end 21 connected to the outrigger 10 and the support portion 23 to which the mudguard 6 is attached are offset in the vehicle length direction D1. For this reason, for example, if the outrigger 10 and the mudguard 6 move relative to each other when the vehicle 3 is traveling, the stay 20 may vibrate in the vehicle length direction D1.

[0059] In contrast, if the reinforcing member 50 has a U-shaped cross section formed by the horizontal wall portion 51 arranged rearward (in a predetermined direction) of the stay 20 and the pair of vertical wall portions 52, the pair of vertical wall portions 52 can effectively increase the strength and rigidity (second moment of area) against vibration in the vehicle length direction D1. Therefore, the reinforcing member 50 can effectively suppress vibration of the stay 20 in the vehicle length direction D1. As a result, vibration of the detection device 2 can be effectively suppressed.

[0060] (7) As described above, in the stay 20 extending at least downward from the outrigger 10, stress tends to be greatest at the upper end 21 connected to the outrigger 10 due to, for example, vibration of the detection device 2 when the vehicle 3 is traveling. In contrast, with the stay 20 in which the upper end 21 is a pipe with a double structure, the rigidity and strength of the upper end 21 can be increased, for example, by simply stacking two pipes with different outer diameters. Therefore, the upper end 21, where stress tends to be greatest in the stay 20, can be reinforced with a simple structure. Furthermore, by making the stay 20 have a single structure other than the upper end 21, it is possible to reduce material and weight compared to when the entire stay 20 has a double structure.

[0061] (8) If a vehicle component other than the detection device 2 is attached to the stay 20, the stay 20 can function as a bracket for not only the detection device 2 but also the other vehicle component. This reduces the number of brackets for attaching vehicle components. This improves the layout performance of vehicle components. In particular, the stay 20 disposed near a wheel such as the front tire 9 is suitable as a support bracket (mudguard stay) for the mudguard 6. Furthermore, according to the mounting structure 1, even if other vehicle components in addition to the detection device 2 are attached to the stay 20, the stay 20 is reinforced with the reinforcing member 50 as described above, so that vibration of the detection device 2 and other vehicle components can be suppressed.

[0062] [3. Other] The above-described configuration of the mounting structure 1 is one example. The mounting structure 1 is only required to include at least the components corresponding to the outriggers 10, the stays 20, and the reinforcing members 50, and the clamps 40 may be omitted. Furthermore, the method of attaching the reinforcing members 50 to the outriggers 10 and the stays 20 is not particularly limited. Therefore, the upper mounting portion 53 and the lower mounting portion 54 may be omitted from the reinforcing member 50.

[0063] The outrigger 10 may extend from the frame 4 of the vehicle 3, and may extend from the side rail 41 instead of the cab bridge 42, for example. The specific shape of the outrigger 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the outrigger 10 may be modified as appropriate so that each vertical wall portion 52 of the reinforcing member 50 is fixed directly to the outrigger 10 (without the bracket 11). In this case, the bracket 11 can be omitted.

[0064] The stay 20 only needs to extend downward from the outrigger 10, and may, for example, extend straight along the vehicle height direction D3. The specific shape of the stay 20 is not particularly limited, and it may be a solid shape (rod shape) instead of the hollow shape (pipe) as described above, or may have a shape other than a circle in cross section (for example, a polygon). Furthermore, the stay 20 may have a single structure as a whole, or may have a double or more multiple structure at least partially or as a whole.

[0065] It is sufficient that at least the detection device 2 is attached to the stay 20, and the mudguard 6 does not have to be attached. Furthermore, the attachment position of the detection device 2 and other vehicle components on the stay 20 is not particularly limited, and for example, the detection device 2 may be attached inward in the vehicle width direction D2 relative to the other vehicle components. The attachment method of the detection device 2 and other vehicle components to the stay 20 is also not particularly limited, and for example, the above-mentioned various brackets 35, 36, 38 may be omitted.

[0066] The above-described configuration of the reinforcing member 50 is also one example. The orientation of each wall portion forming the U-shaped cross section of the reinforcing member 50 may be set as appropriate depending on the extension direction of the stay 20, the direction in which the stay 20 is likely to vibrate (the direction of vibration to be suppressed), etc. The size of the cross section of the reinforcing member 50 may also be uniform. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 50 may be formed to a length that extends along the entire middle portion 22 of the stay 20, for example. The longer the reinforcing member 50 (i.e., the longer the portion to be reinforced of the stay 20), the greater the reinforcing effect of the reinforcing member 50, and therefore the more effectively vibration of the detection device 2 can be suppressed.

[0067] The above-described configuration of the clamp 40 is also one example. Various components that attach the reinforcing member 50 to the stay 20 so that the reinforcing member 50 can swing can be used as the clamp 40, and the specific structure is not particularly limited. In addition, the position at which the clamp 40 is attached to the reinforcing member 50 is also not particularly limited.

[0068] The mounting structure 1 is applicable to various vehicles 3 equipped with a detection device 2. Furthermore, the detection device 2 to which the mounting structure 1 is applied may be one that detects the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 3, and may be one that detects the surrounding conditions in front, behind, above, or below the vehicle 3, for example.

[0069] [4. Notes] The following supplementary notes are disclosed regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0070] (Appendix 1) A mounting structure for a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle, a first member extending from a frame of the vehicle; a second member extending at least downwardly from the first member, the second member having the detection device mounted thereon; a reinforcing member that extends along a portion of the second member, has a U-shaped cross section, and is attached to each of the first member and the second member. A mounting structure for a detection device, comprising:

[0071] (Appendix 2) The cross section of the reinforcing member decreases downward. 2. A mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1.

[0072] (Appendix 3) The reinforcing member may further include a mounting part that pivotally mounts the reinforcing member to the second member. 3. A mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0073] (Appendix 4) The reinforcing member is disposed in a non-contact state with the second member except for the portion where the mounting part is attached. 4. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 3.

[0074] (Appendix 5) The reinforcing member is attached by welding to the first member or to a bracket fixed to the first member. 5. A mounting structure for a detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0075] (Appendix 6) The second member also extends from the first member in a predetermined direction different from the up-down direction, The reinforcing member has a horizontal wall portion disposed in the predetermined direction relative to the second member, and a pair of vertical wall portions extending from both edges of the horizontal wall portion and facing each other, and the horizontal wall portion and the vertical wall portions form a U-shape in cross section. 6. A mounting structure for a detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0076] (Appendix 7) The second member is a pipe having a double-layered upper end connected to the first member. 7. A mounting structure for a detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0077] (Appendix 8) A vehicle component other than the detection device is also attached to the second member. 8. A mounting structure for a detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 Mounting structure (detection device mounting structure) 2. Detection device 3 vehicles 4 frames 6 Mudguards 7 Flap 9 Front tire 10 Outrigger (first member) 11 Bracket 12 Underside of bracket 11 13 Rear of bracket 11 14 Rear of Outrigger 10 15 Underside of outrigger 10 20 Stay (second member) 21 Upper end 22 Middle section 23 Support part 24 Bend 25 outer pipe 26 Inner pipe 28 Outer end 31 Cab 32 Cargo bed 33 Exhaust pipe 35 Mudguard bracket 36 Mudguard bracket 37 volts 38 Sensor bracket 39 volts 40 Clamp (mounting part) 41 Side rail 42 Cab Bridge 50 Reinforcement member 51 Side wall 52 Vertical wall section 53 Upper mounting part 54 Lower mounting part 55 Both edges 56 Upper edge of side wall portion 51 57 Lower edge of side wall portion 51 58 Upper edge of vertical wall portion 52 61 Lower end 62 Lower 63 Inner edge D1 Vehicle length direction (front / rear direction) D2 Vehicle width direction (left and right) D3 Vehicle height direction (vertical direction)

Claims

1. A mounting structure for a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of a vehicle, a first member extending from a frame of the vehicle; a second member extending at least downwardly from the first member, the second member having the detection device mounted thereon; a reinforcing member extending along a portion of the second member, having a U-shaped cross section, and attached to each of the first member and the second member. A mounting structure for a detection device, comprising:

2. The cross section of the reinforcing member decreases downward.

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

3. The reinforcing member may further include a mounting part that pivotally mounts the reinforcing member to the second member.

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

4. The reinforcing member is disposed in a non-contact state with the second member except for the portion where the mounting part is attached.

4. The mounting structure for a detection device according to claim 3.

5. The reinforcing member is attached by welding to the first member or to a bracket fixed to the first member.

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

6. The second member also extends from the first member in a predetermined direction different from the up-down direction, The reinforcing member has a horizontal wall portion disposed in the predetermined direction relative to the second member, and a pair of vertical wall portions extending from both edges of the horizontal wall portion and facing each other, and the horizontal wall portion and the vertical wall portions form a U-shaped cross section.

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

7. The second member is a pipe having a double-layered upper end connected to the first member.

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

8. A vehicle component other than the detection device is also attached to the second member.

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

Images