Attachment structure of detector

Abstract

To provide an attachment structure of a detector which can inhibit resonance with a simple structure.SOLUTION: An attachment structure 1 of a detector having a detection range set on a side of a vehicle, includes: a fixed part 11 to be fixed to a frame 4 of the vehicle; an extension part 12 extending from the fixed part 11 to the outer side in a vehicle width direction; a mounting part 13 which is fixed to a tip of the extension part 12 and mounted with a detector 8; and a weight 40 attached to the mounting part 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, technologies for improving safety have been used that use detectors (sensors, radar, lidar, etc.) installed on the sides of a vehicle to detect other vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc. that are present on the side 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 a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-082922 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to ensure detectability, it is preferable to install the above-mentioned detector near the edge of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and a bracket may be extended from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the detector may be attached to the end of this bracket.

[0005] In order to ensure the detection accuracy of the detector, it is necessary to suppress vibrations transmitted from the vehicle to the detector. However, depending on the shape and material of the bracket, there is a risk that the frequency of vibrations transmitted from the vehicle may match the natural frequency of the bracket, causing resonance. In particular, in a structure in which a detector is attached to an extended bracket, the detector is located at the swing end of the bracket, so if resonance occurs, the detector's vibration may become large and the detection performance may be reduced. In this case, it is possible to avoid resonance by significantly changing the shape of the bracket, but this may result in a complex structure and increased costs.

[0006] The present invention has been devised in light of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objects is to provide a detector mounting structure that can suppress resonance with a simple configuration. [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 as 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 the vehicle, and comprises a fixed portion fixed to the frame of the vehicle, an extension portion extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the fixed portion, a mounting portion attached to the tip of the extension portion and on which the detector is mounted, and a weight attached to the mounting portion.

[0008] According to this application example, the detector is mounted on a mounting portion attached to the tip of the extension portion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the fixed portion of the vehicle frame, so that the detection device can be provided near the edge of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, making it easier to detect the detection range on the side of the vehicle. Meanwhile, when vibrations are applied to the extension portion from the vehicle frame, the tip of the extension portion becomes a swinging end, and the mounting portion at the tip of the extension portion is prone to vibrate. In particular, if the frequency of the vibrations transmitted from the vehicle frame matches the natural frequency of the mounting structure, resonance occurs and the mounting portion vibrates significantly. However, since a weight is attached to the mounting portion, the natural frequency of the mounting structure can be controlled by the weight, making it possible to avoid resonance.

[0009] In the detector mounting structure according to this application example, the weight may be detachably mounted by a fastening member. In this case, since the weight can be easily replaced, a plurality of weights can be prepared and the weight that is most effective in avoiding resonance can be selected and attached.

[0010] The weight may be located above the extension. Since the detector is usually placed at a height a certain distance from the road surface, depending on the placement situation, there may be vehicle components such as wheels below the part where the weight is attached, and depending on the position of the weight, there is a risk of interference with the vehicle components. In this regard, if the weight is positioned above the extension part, the risk of interference with the vehicle components can be avoided.

[0011] The weight may have a recessed portion on its underside, and the weight may be arranged so that an upper portion of the extension is located within the recessed portion. This allows the center of gravity of the weight to be closer to the extension while avoiding interference with the extension, even when the weight has a relatively large volume (weight).The farther the center of gravity of the weight is away from the extension, the more complex the vibrations become, which can hinder avoidance of resonance points, but this can be avoided.

[0012] The weight may be disposed at a position overlapping with a wheel of the vehicle when viewed from the front-rear or up-down direction of the vehicle. According to this configuration, it is possible to mount a detector whose detection range covers the sides of the vehicle by effectively utilizing the space around the wheels while avoiding interference with the wheels.

[0013] The vehicle may be a low-floor two-axle vehicle having two axles, one in front and one in rear, in the front wheel section, and the detector may be disposed at a position in the fore-and-aft direction corresponding to the space between the two axles. In the case of a low-floor two-axle vehicle, the wheel diameter is small and the underfloor space is narrow, limiting the locations where the detector can be placed. However, if the detector is placed in a longitudinal position corresponding to the space between the two axles, the detector can be placed without interfering with other vehicle components.

[0014] Another detector mounting structure related to this application example is a detector mounting structure whose detection range is the side of the vehicle, and includes 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 attached to the tip of the extension portion on which the detector is mounted, and includes a weight attached to the extension portion.

[0015] According to this application example, the detector is mounted on a mounting portion attached to the tip of the extension portion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the fixed portion of the vehicle frame, so that the detection device can be provided near the edge of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, making it easier to detect the detection range on the side of the vehicle. Meanwhile, when vibrations are applied to the extension portion from the vehicle frame, the tip of the extension portion becomes a swinging end, and the mounting portion at the tip of the extension portion is prone to vibrate. In particular, if the frequency of the vibrations transmitted from the vehicle frame matches the natural frequency of the mounting structure, resonance occurs and the mounting portion vibrates significantly. However, since a weight is attached to the extension portion, the natural frequency of the mounting structure can be controlled by the weight, making it possible to avoid resonance.

[0016] The extension may be rod-shaped, and the weight may be attached to an upper surface of the extension. Since the detector is usually placed at a height a certain distance from the road surface, depending on the placement situation, there may be vehicle components such as wheels below the part where the weight is attached, and depending on the position of the weight, there is a risk of interference with the vehicle components. In this regard, if the weight is attached to the upper surface of the extension part, the risk of interference with the vehicle components can be avoided.

[0017] The weight may be disposed at a position overlapping with a wheel of the vehicle when viewed from the front-rear or up-down direction of the vehicle. According to this configuration, it is possible to mount a detector whose detection range covers the sides of the vehicle by effectively utilizing the space around the wheels while avoiding interference with the wheels.

[0018] The weight may be attached to the extension by welding. With this configuration, the weight can be reliably fixed to the extension portion.

[0019] The vehicle may be a low-floor two-axle vehicle having two axles, one in front and one in rear, in the front wheel section, and the detector may be disposed at a position in the fore-and-aft direction corresponding to the space between the two axles. In the case of a low-floor two-axle vehicle, the wheel diameter is small and the underfloor space is narrow, so the location for placing the detector is limited, but if the detector is placed in a position in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the space between the two axles, the detector can be placed without interfering with other vehicle components. In this case, depending on the position of the weight, there is a risk that the weight will interfere with the front wheels, but if the weight is attached to the upper surface of the extension part as described above, this risk of interference with the front wheels can be avoided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a detector mounting structure that can suppress resonance with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of the front part of a vehicle to which a detector mounting structure according to an application example is applied. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the detector mounting structure provided on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1, as viewed obliquely from behind. [Figure 3] 2 is a top view of the detector mounting structure provided on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view showing a sensor cover applied to the detector mounting structure provided on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5]2A and 2B are perspective views of the main part of the detector mounting structure provided on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1, as viewed from diagonally behind, where FIG. 2A shows the state during mounting, and FIG. 2B shows the state after mounting is completed. [Figure 6] 2A and 2B are top views of the main parts illustrating the sensor cover and weight mounting structure applied to the detector mounting structure provided on the left side of the vehicle in FIG. 1, where FIG. 2A shows the state during mounting, and FIG. 2B shows the state after mounting is completed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The following embodiments will be described 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 described 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.

[0023] 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 also be referred to as the "vehicle length direction," the left-to-right direction of the vehicle will also be referred to as the "vehicle width direction," and the up-to-down direction of the vehicle will also be referred to as the "vehicle height direction."

[0024] [1. Configuration] [1-1. Vehicles] 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 3A with a driver's seat (not shown) and a bed 3B arranged behind the cab 3A. The cab 3A is configured to be tiltable forward. In this embodiment, the vehicle 3 is shown as a low-floor, two-axle truck with two front axles and two front and rear axles in the front wheel area. 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.

[0025] The vehicle 3 has front tire 5 (vehicle wheels) arranged on both the left and right sides of the first axle of the front two axles, and front and rear tire 6 arranged on both the left and right sides of the second axle of the front two axles. 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 3A. Meanwhile, the front and rear tire 6 are located rearward of the front tire 5 and below the front part of the cargo bed 3B. 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.

[0026] The mounting structure 1 is a structure for mounting a detector 8 whose detection range covers the sides of the vehicle 3. The detector 8 is a sensor, radar, lidar, or the like that detects objects such as people or other vehicles within the detection range. Information about 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 in a system (Active Side Guard Assist) that monitors the entire vehicle 3.

[0027] In order to ensure detectability, regulations are established regarding the detection range (e.g., irradiation range) of the detector 8 mounted on the vehicle 3. 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 amount from the vehicle body that forms 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 tire 5 and the front and rear tire 6 (a position in the front-rear direction corresponding to the space between the two front and rear axles).

[0028] 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 4A extending in the vehicle length direction D1 and a cab bridge 4B that supports the rear end of the cab 3A from below. Each side rail 4A has, for example, a channel-shaped cross section. The pair of side rails 4A are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction D2. Only the left side rail 4A is shown in FIG. 1. Various equipment (mounted parts) not shown are fixed to each side rail 4A via appropriate brackets. In this embodiment, the gate 2 is attached to each side (left and right) of the loading platform 3B so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis C in order to prevent the load placed on the loading platform 3B from falling. In Fig. 1, the gate 2 is shown by a solid line (symbol P1) when closed for use, and by a two-dot chain line (symbol P2) when the gate 2 is rotated open.

[0029] [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) configurations on the left and right sides. In this embodiment, Figs. 2 and 3 show an overview of the left mounting structure 1, Fig. 4 shows a cover (sensor cover) 30 of the mounting structure 1, and Fig. 5 shows a main part of the left mounting structure 1. Note that Figs. 2 and 3 only show the main components schematically. Also, the detector 8 is omitted from Fig. 5.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 , 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 also 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 30 that covers a portion of the detector 8 mounted on the mounting portion 13 of the bracket 10. The cover 30 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.

[0031] The fixing portion 11 of this embodiment is fixed to a side rail 4A serving as the frame 4. The fixing portion 11 has an inner surface portion 14 that is disposed in contact with the web surface of the side rail 4A and an inclined portion 15 that extends obliquely downward from the inner surface portion 14 and outward in the vehicle width direction D2, forming a closed cross-sectional structure. A bolt hole (not shown) through which a bolt 21 is inserted is formed in each of the inner surface portion 14 and a corresponding portion of the web surface of the side rail 4A. Meanwhile, an access hole 16 is formed in the inclined portion 15 in a region that overlaps with the inner surface portion 14 as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction D2, allowing access to the bolt hole. The fixing portion 11 is fixed to the side rail 4A by inserting multiple bolts 21 (only one bolt 21 is indicated by a reference numeral in FIG. 2 ) through the access hole 16 and then fastening the bolts to nuts (not shown) on the back surface of the side rail 4A.

[0032] 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 components) arranged near the side rail 4A. 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, for example, by welding. 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 positioned above and forward of the fixed portion 11.

[0033] The mounting portion 13 is a portion where the detector 8 is attached, and in this embodiment is composed of an L-shaped bent plate. The mounting portion 13 includes a base surface portion 17 facing substantially in the vehicle width direction, and an attachment surface portion 18 that is bent from the rear end edge of the base surface portion 17 in substantially the vehicle width direction. The outer end of the extension portion 12 is joined to the back surface of the base surface portion 17, and the detector 8 is attached to the attachment surface portion 18.

[0034] The predetermined position for mounting the detector 8 is further outward in the vehicle width direction D2 than the extension portion 12, and is a position that does not overlap with the rotation locus of the swing-up 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 components such as the front tire 5 and the swing-up 2. In this embodiment, the predetermined position is set forward of the rotation locus of the swing-up 2, so that it does not overlap with the rotation locus of the swing-up 2.

[0035] The detector 8 includes a base 8a attached to the mounting surface 18 of the mounting portion 13, and a sensor portion 8b protruding from the base 8a. The sensor portion 8b is covered with a sensor cover, but a portion of the base 8a is exposed. That is, the back surface of the base 8a is covered by the base surface 17 of the mounting portion 13, and one side surface (the side surface facing rearward of the vehicle 3 when mounted) is covered by the mounting surface 18 of the mounting portion 13, but the top, bottom, and another side surface (the side surface facing forward of the vehicle 3 when mounted) are exposed. In this mounting structure 1, a cover 30 is attached to cover and protect the exposed top, bottom, and side surfaces of the base 8a. The cover 30 will be described later.

[0036] 3, 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 portions 51 of the front tires 5 in the vehicle length direction D1. In other words, the mounting portion 13 is arranged so that the detector 8 and the rear end portions 51 of the front tires 5 are aligned in the vehicle width direction D2 in a top view. By arranging the mounting portion 13 in this way, interference between the detector 8 and a tilted (opened) swing arm is avoided.

[0037] Furthermore, the mounting portion 13 of this embodiment is positioned in the vehicle width direction D2 so that the detector 8 is mounted further outward in the vehicle width direction D2 than the front tires 5. Such an arrangement of the mounting portion 13 prevents the front tires 5 from entering the detection range of the detector 8. The mounting portion 13 and the detector 8 are positioned with a gap between them.

[0038] 1 and 2, the mounting portion 13 of this embodiment is provided at a position overlapping the front tires 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 ends 52 of the front tires 5. In other words, the mounting portion 13 is arranged so that the detector 8 and the upper ends 52 of the front tires 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 tires 5, but at least a portion of the detector 8 is positioned below the upper ends 52 of the front tires 5, thereby avoiding interference between the tiltable cab 3A and the detector 8.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 30 includes a rear portion 31 attached to the base surface portion 17 of the mounting portion 13, and an upper surface portion 32, a lower surface portion 33, and a side surface portion 34, all of which are bent and formed from the rear portion 31. The rear portion 31 has a recess 38 for mounting the extension portion 12 across the extension portion 12, and bolt holes 31a to 31d formed at its four corners. Weld nuts 35 are welded to the inner surface of the rear portion 31 (the surface facing outward in the vehicle width direction) at locations corresponding to the bolt holes 31a to 31d. The base surface portion 17 of the mounting portion 13 also has bolt holes 17a to 17d formed therein corresponding to the bolt holes 31a to 31d. The inner surface of the recess 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is slightly larger than the cylindrical surface of the extension portion 12 so as to be close to the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the extension portion 12 without interfering with it.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 6(a), the cover 30 is fixed to the base surface portion 17 of the mounting portion 13 as shown in Figures 5(b) and 6(b) by inserting mounting bolts (fastening members) 36, 37 into the bolt holes 31a to 31d and the bolt holes 17a to 17d and screwing them into weld nuts (fastening members) 35. As a result, the upper surface portion 32 of the cover 30 covers the upper surface of the base 8a of the detector 8, the lower surface portion 33 of the cover 30 covers the lower surface of the base 8a of the detector 8, and the side surface portion 34 of the cover 30 covers the side surface of the base 8a of the detector 8. Note that Figures 2, 3, 5(a), (b), and 6(a), (b) show a weight 40, which will be described later.

[0041] However, if vibrations caused by the vehicle 3 traveling are transmitted to the detector 8 and cause the detector 8 to vibrate, there is a risk of the detection performance being reduced. In particular, the bracket 10 is structured so that the detector 8 is mounted on the outer end of the extension portion 12 that extends outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the fixed portion 11 fixed to the frame 4, and the detector 8 is located at the swing end of the cantilever support, so it is prone to vibration. For this reason, if resonance occurs in the bracket 10, there is a risk that the vibration of the detector will become even greater.

[0042] When the vibration of the detectors 8 of this vehicle 3 was inspected while the vehicle 3 was running, it was found that the magnitude of the vibration of the detector 8 installed on the right side of the vehicle 3 was below the allowable standard, but the magnitude of the vibration of the detector 8 installed on the left side of the vehicle 3 exceeded the allowable standard. It was also found that the cause of this was a resonance phenomenon in the mounting structure 1 installed on the left side of the vehicle 3.

[0043] The magnitude of the vibration inspected is the acceleration value of the vertical vibration of the detector 8. When the vehicle 3 is traveling, road surface reaction forces cause vibrations that are primarily vertical on the vehicle 3, and forced vibrations in the vertical direction are input to the mounting structure 1. Therefore, the vibration of the detector 8 is also primarily vertical. The allowable standard is set in advance as a predetermined acceleration value. The vibration values ​​differ between the left and right sides of the vehicle 3 because the vehicle's mounting parts, etc. are asymmetrical left and right, and the vibration characteristics of the vehicle 3 are also asymmetrical left and right.

[0044] In this mounting structure 1, by attaching a weight 40 to the mounting portion 13, the natural frequency f of the mounting structure 1 can be changed to avoid the resonance point. In other words, if the mass of the mounting structure 1 is w and the stiffness is k, the natural frequency f of the mounting structure 1 is roughly inversely proportional to √w and roughly proportional to √k. Therefore, the natural frequency f can be changed by changing the mass w or the stiffness k. While it is not easy to change the stiffness k of the mounting structure 1, changing (especially increasing) the mass w is relatively easy, as it only requires adding weight 40.

[0045] Since the mounting structure 1 is cantilevered, the closer to its tip (i.e., the mounting portion 13 side) the greater the effect of changing the mass w. Therefore, by attaching the weight 40 to the mounting portion 13, even a relatively light (i.e., small) weight 40 can effectively reduce the natural frequency of the mounting structure 1.

[0046] 5(a) and 6(a), the weight 40 of this embodiment is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped block, and has a recessed portion 41 in the portion that will be located on the lower side when attached. The weight 40 is disposed above the extension portion 12 so that the upper portion of the tip of the extension portion 12 is located within this recessed portion 41. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the weight 40 is disposed in a position that overlaps with the front tire 5 (vehicle wheel) when viewed in the front-rear direction D1 or the up-down direction D3.

[0047] Furthermore, bolt holes 42a and 42b corresponding to bolt holes 31a and 31b and bolt holes 17a and 17b are formed in weight 40. By inserting mounting bolts 36 into bolt holes 31a and 31b, bolt holes 17a and 17b, and bolt holes 42a and 42b and screwing them into weld nuts 35, weight 40 is fastened together with back surface portion 31 of cover 30 to base surface portion 17 of mounting portion 13.

[0048] [2. Actions and Effects] According to this embodiment, a weight 40 is attached to the mounting portion 13 of the mounting structure 1 of the detector 8 provided on the left side of the vehicle 3 where the magnitude of vibration exceeds the allowable standard, thereby suppressing the vibration of the detector 8 and ensuring detection performance.

[0049] In other words, forced vibrations in the vertical direction are input from the vehicle 3 to the mounting structure 1 on the left side of the vehicle 3 when the vehicle 3 is traveling, and without the weight 40 attached, the frequency of these forced vibrations matches the natural frequency of the mounting structure 1, causing resonance and amplifying the vibration of the detector 8 at the tip. In contrast, by attaching the weight 40, the natural frequency of the mounting structure 1 is lowered, and the occurrence of the resonance phenomenon is suppressed. This suppresses the vibration of the detector 8, ensuring the detection performance of the detector 8.

[0050] In particular, the mounting structure 1 is cantilever-shaped, and the closer to the tip, the greater the effect of changing the mass w, and in this embodiment, the weight 40 is attached to the mounting portion 13 at the tip of the mounting structure 1, so even a relatively light (i.e., small) weight 40 can effectively lower the natural frequency of the mounting structure 1. Therefore, it is even easier to keep the magnitude of vibration of the target detector 8 below the allowable standard.

[0051] Furthermore, the weight 40 can be detachably attached by fastening the fastening members, the mounting bolt 36 and the weld nut 35, so the weight 40 can be easily replaced. Therefore, for example, a plurality of weights 40 can be prepared and the weight 40 that is most effective in avoiding the resonance point can be selected and attached. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the weight 40 is attached by fastening it together with the cover 30, which simplifies the attachment structure. Note that the attachment bolt 36 that fastens the cover 30 and the weight 40 together is a longer bolt than the attachment bolt 37 that attaches only the cover 30.

[0052] Furthermore, because the weight 40 is positioned above the extension portion 12, the risk of interference with vehicle components is avoided. That is, since the detector 8 is normally positioned at a height that is a certain distance from the road surface, depending on the placement situation, vehicle components may be present below the portion where the weight 40 is attached. In the present embodiment, the front tire 5 (vehicle wheel) is located directly below the vicinity of the tip of the extension portion 12 where the weight 40 is positioned. If the weight 40 were positioned below the extension portion 12, there is a risk that the weight 40 would interfere with the front tire 5 when the front tire 5 bumps. This can be avoided by positioning the weight 40 above the extension portion 12.

[0053] Furthermore, if the weight 40 is disposed to the side (front side or rear side) of the extension portion 12, torsional vibration occurs in which the weight 40 vibrates in a twisting manner on the extension portion 12, which may complicate the vibration and hinder avoidance of the resonance point. In this regard, too, such a risk can be avoided by disposing the weight 40 above the extension portion 12.

[0054] Furthermore, weight 40 has a recess 41 on its underside, and is positioned so that the upper portion of extension 12 is located within this recess 41. Therefore, even if weight 40 has a relatively large volume (weight), the center of gravity of weight 40 can be brought closer to extension 12 while avoiding interference between weight 40 and extension 12. The further the center of gravity of weight 40 is away from extension 12, the more complex the vibrations become, which could hinder avoidance of resonance points, but this can be avoided.

[0055] Since the vehicle 3 is a low-floor two-axle vehicle with two axles, front and rear, and has front tires 5 and front and rear tires 6 at the front wheel section, the wheel diameter is small, and the underfloor space is narrow, limiting the location where the detector can be placed. In this regard, the detector 8 is placed in a longitudinal position corresponding to the space between the two axles, so the detector 8 can be placed without interfering with other vehicle components. In this case, depending on the position of the weight 40, there is a risk that the weight 40 will interfere with the front tire 5, but because the weight 40 is located above the extension portion 12 as described above, the risk of interference with the front tire 5 can be avoided.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, weight 40 is disposed in a position overlapping front tire 5 (vehicle wheel) when viewed from the front-to-rear direction D1 or the up-down direction D3, so that detector 8 can be attached whose detection range is on the side of the vehicle by effectively utilizing the space around front tire 5 while avoiding interference with front tire 5. In this case, depending on the position of weight 40, there is a risk that weight 40 may interfere with front tire 5, but since weight 40 is positioned above extension portion 12 as described above, this risk can be avoided.

[0057] Furthermore, the detector 8 is provided with a cover 30 that covers the side surface thereof, thereby protecting the detector 8 from flying stones, etc. In addition, in this embodiment, the weight 40 and the cover 30 are attached by fastening together, which simplifies the attachment structure of both components.

[0058] [3. Modifications] In the above embodiment, the natural frequency f of the mounting structure 1 is changed and the resonance point is avoided by attaching the weight 40 to the mounting portion 13, but the natural frequency f of the mounting structure 1 may also be changed and the resonance point avoided by attaching the weight 40 to the extension portion 12 (hereinafter referred to as a "variant"). As described above, since the mounting structure 1 is cantilever-shaped, the effect of changing the mass w is greater in the portion closer to its tip (i.e., the mounting portion 13 side). Even in the configuration of this modified example, if the weight 40 is attached near the tip of the extension portion 12, even a relatively light (i.e., small) weight 40 can effectively reduce the natural frequency of the mounting structure 1.

[0059] In this modified example, a weight 40 may be attached to the upper surface of the rod-shaped extension 12 . As described above, the detector 8 is disposed at a height a certain distance from the road surface, and therefore, depending on the arrangement, a vehicle component may be present below the portion where the weight 40 is attached. In the present embodiment, the front tire 5 (vehicle wheel) is located directly below the tip of the extension portion 12 where the weight 40 is disposed. If the weight 40 is disposed below the extension portion 12, there is a risk that the weight 40 will interfere with the front tire 5 when the front tire 5 bumps. This can be avoided by attaching the weight 40 to the upper surface side of the extension portion 12. Furthermore, as described above, if the weight 40 is placed on the side of the extension portion 12 (on the front side or rear side), torsional vibrations may occur, making the vibrations more complex and hindering the avoidance of resonance points. However, by attaching the weight 40 to the top side of the extension portion 12, such a risk can be avoided.

[0060] Also in this modified example, the weight 40 is disposed at a position overlapping the front tire 5 (vehicle wheel) when viewed in the front-rear direction D1 or the up-down direction D3. Therefore, it is possible to mount detector 8 whose detection range is on the side of the vehicle by effectively utilizing the space around front tire 5 while avoiding interference with front tire 5. In this case, depending on the positioning of weight 40, there is a risk that weight 40 may interfere with front tire 5, but since weight 40 is attached to the upper surface side of extension portion 12 as described above, this risk can be avoided.

[0061] In this modified example, the weight 40 may be attached to the extension 12 by welding. According to this configuration, the weight 40 can be reliably fixed to the extension portion 12.

[0062] In this modified example, the weight 40 may also be disposed at a position overlapping the front tire 5 (vehicle wheel) when viewed in the front-rear direction D1 or the up-down direction D3. This makes it possible to mount detector 8 with a detection range that covers the sides of the vehicle by effectively utilizing the space around front tires 5 while avoiding interference with front tires 5. In this case, depending on the positioning of weight 40, there is a risk that weight 40 may interfere with front tires 5, but since weight 40 is attached to the upper surface side of extension portion 12 as described above, this risk can be avoided.

[0063] In this modified example, the detector 8 is also disposed in a longitudinal position corresponding to the space between the two front and rear axles, and the detector 8 can be disposed without interfering with other vehicle components. In this case, depending on the position of the weight 40, there is a risk that the weight 40 will interfere with the front tire 5, but because the weight 40 is attached to the upper surface side of the extension portion 12 as described above, the risk of interference with the front tire 5 can be avoided.

[0064] [3. Other] The bracket 10, cover 30, weight 40, and mounting structure 1 thereof shown in the above embodiment and modified examples are merely examples. In the bracket 10, the fixing portion 11 does not have to have the inclined portion 15, and does not have to have a closed cross-sectional structure. Furthermore, the fixing portion 11 may be fixed to the frame 4 other than the side rail 4A, or may be fixed to the frame 4 by means other than the bolts 21 and nuts described above.

[0065] Even when the weight 40 is attached to the mounting portion 13 as in the embodiment, the weight 40 may be attached to the mounting portion 13 by means other than the bolts 36 and 37 and the nuts 35 . As in the modified example, when the weight 40 is attached to the rod-shaped extension portion 12, it may be attached to the mounting portion 13 by means other than welding.

[0066] 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 outward in the vehicle width direction D2. The mounting portion 13 may have any structure that can mount 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. Furthermore, the cover 30 may be omitted from the mounting structure 1. In this case, when attaching the weight 40 to the mounting portion 13 as in the embodiment, for example, only the weight 40 is attached to the base surface portion 17 of the mounting portion 13.

[0067] Note that the device referred to in this specification as BSA (Blind Spot Assist) is known by various names. In addition to BSA, such a device may also be 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." Furthermore, in this specification, "BSA" may be a device that issues an alarm to the driver when a person or other vehicle is detected to the side of the vehicle, or, instead of or in addition to the above alarm, may be a device that performs control such as braking or steering on the vehicle when a person or other vehicle is detected to the side of the vehicle.

[0068] [4. Notes] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0069] (Appendix 1) A detector mounting structure having a detection range on the side of a vehicle, a fixed portion fixed to a frame of the vehicle; an extension portion extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the fixed portion; and a mounting portion fixed to a tip end of the extension portion and on which the detector is mounted, A weight is attached to the mounting portion. A detector mounting structure comprising:

[0070] (Appendix 2) The weight is detachably attached by a fastening member. 2. A detector mounting structure according to claim 1,

[0071] (Appendix 3) The weight is positioned above the extension. 3. The detector mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2.

[0072] (Appendix 4) The weight has a recess on the underside, and the weight is arranged so that an upper portion of the extension is located within the recess. 4. The detector mounting structure according to claim 3,

[0073] (Appendix 5) The weight is disposed at a position overlapping with a wheel of the vehicle when viewed from the front-rear or up-down direction of the vehicle. 5. The detector mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0074] (Appendix 6) The vehicle is a low-floor two-axle vehicle having two axles at the front wheels, one in front and one in back, and the detector is disposed at a position in the front-rear direction corresponding to the position between the two axles. 6. The detector mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0075] (Appendix 7) A detector mounting structure having a detection range on the side of a vehicle, a fixed portion fixed to a frame of the vehicle; an extension portion extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the fixed portion; and a mounting portion fixed to a tip end of the extension portion and on which the detector is mounted, A weight is attached to the extension. A detector mounting structure comprising:

[0076] (Appendix 8) The extension portion is rod-shaped, and the weight is attached to the upper surface side of the extension portion. 8. The detector mounting structure according to claim 7,

[0077] (Appendix 9) The weight is disposed at a position overlapping with a wheel of the vehicle when viewed from the front-rear or up-down direction of the vehicle. 9. The detector mounting structure according to claim 7 or 8.

[0078] (Appendix 10) The weight is attached to the extension by welding. 10. The detector mounting structure according to any one of appendices 7 to 9, wherein:

[0079] (Appendix 11) The vehicle is a low-floor two-axle vehicle having two axles at the front wheels, one in front and one in back, and the detector is disposed at a position in the front-rear direction corresponding to the position between the two axles. 11. The detector mounting structure according to any one of appendices 7 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 Mounting structure (detector mounting structure) 2. Aori 3 vehicles 3A Cab 3B loading platform 4 frames 4A Side Rail 4B Cab Bridge 5 Front tires (vehicle wheels) 6 Front and rear tires 8 Detectors 8a base 8b Sensor section 10 Bracket 11 Fixed part 12 Extension 13 Mounting section 14 Inner side 15 Slope 16 Access Hole 17 Base part 17a~17d Bolt holes 18 Mounting surface 20 Cover 21 volts 30 Cover (sensor cover) 31 Back part 31a~31d Bolt holes 32 Top part 33 Bottom part 34 Side part 35 Weld nut (fastening material) 36, 37 Mounting bolt (fastening member) 38 Recess 40 weight 41 Recessed part 42a, 42b bolt holes 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 (vertical direction)

Claims

1. A detector mounting structure having a detection range on the side of a vehicle, a fixed portion fixed to a frame of the vehicle; an extension portion extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the fixed portion; and a mounting portion fixed to a tip end of the extension portion and on which the detector is mounted, A weight is provided which is attached to the mounting portion. A detector mounting structure comprising:

2. The weight is detachably attached by a fastening member.

2. The detector mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein:

3. 2. The detector mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the weight is located above the extension.

4. The weight has a recess on the underside, and the weight is arranged so that an upper portion of the extension is located within the recess.

4. The detector mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein:

5. The weight is disposed at a position overlapping with a wheel of the vehicle when viewed from the front-rear or up-down direction of the vehicle.

2. The detector mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The vehicle is a low-floor two-axle vehicle having two axles at the front wheels, one in front and one in back, and the detector is disposed at a position in the front-rear direction corresponding to the position between the two axles.

6. The detector mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein:

7. A detector mounting structure having a detection range on the side of a vehicle, a fixed portion fixed to a frame of the vehicle; an extension portion extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the fixed portion; and a mounting portion fixed to a tip end of the extension portion and on which the detector is mounted, A weight is attached to the extension. A detector mounting structure comprising:

8. The extension portion is rod-shaped, and the weight is attached to the upper surface side of the extension portion.

8. The detector mounting structure according to claim 7, wherein:

9. The weight is disposed at a position overlapping with a wheel of the vehicle when viewed from the front-rear or up-down direction of the vehicle.

8. The detector mounting structure according to claim 7, wherein:

10. The weight is attached to the extension by welding.

8. The detector mounting structure according to claim 7, wherein:

11. The vehicle is a low-floor two-axle vehicle having two axles at the front wheels, one in front and one in back, and the detector is disposed at a position in the front-rear direction corresponding to the position between the two axles. The detector mounting structure according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that

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