Vehicle structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle structure capable of inhibiting displacement of a sensor device provided on a vehicle inner side of an exterior member to maintain desired detection accuracy.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure 1 includes: an exterior member 2 provided at a front part or a rear part of a vehicle and forming a design surface on a vehicle outer side; and a sensor supporting member 3 provided on a vehicle inner side of the exterior member 2 and supporting a sensor device S for detecting a vehicle external environment. The exterior member 2 includes a plate supporting part 21 supporting a license plate P of the vehicle, and the sensor supporting member 3 is coupled to the plate supporting part 21 of the exterior member 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure including a structure for arranging a sensor device for detecting an external environment of a vehicle on an exterior member. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, the front and rear of vehicles such as automobiles are provided with exterior components such as bumpers and grilles that form the exterior design of the vehicle. A sensor device that detects the environment outside the vehicle may be provided on the back surface of the exterior component. Examples of sensor devices include radar that uses radio waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves as detection waves, LiDAR (light detection and ranging) that uses laser light as detection waves, sonic sensors (ultrasonic sensors / sonar) that use sound waves such as ultrasound as detection waves, and cameras (imaging devices) that capture images to detect the environment outside the vehicle. The area of ​​the exterior component facing the sensor device is formed as a detection wave transmitting portion made of a material that can transmit the detection wave, and functions as a sensor cover. To improve detection accuracy, high precision is required for the relative positional relationship (relative distance and relative angle) between the detection wave transmitting portion (sensor cover) of the exterior component and the sensor device.

[0003] As an example of a conventional vehicle structure having a structure for disposing a sensor device on an exterior member, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a radar antenna is fixed to a frame material that reinforces a panel material of a front grille. This structure makes it easier to adjust the relative positional relationship between the panel material that functions as a detection wave transmission portion (sensor cover) and the radar antenna. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-59268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, when an exterior member (panel material) has a ventilation portion that allows air to flow inside and outside the vehicle, as in the front grille disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a ventilation portion on the side of the sensor support member (frame material) that supports the sensor device (radar antenna), or to design the layout or shape of the sensor support member so as to avoid the ventilation portion of the exterior member. In this case, depending on the shape and material of the sensor support member, it may be impossible to ensure sufficient rigidity of the support portion around the sensor device. If the rigidity of the support portion is insufficient, the position of the sensor device may be displaced due to vibrations and wind pressure during vehicle operation, external forces such as minor collisions, and the like, which may reduce the detection accuracy of the sensor device. This problem is particularly likely to occur when a ventilation portion with a large opening area is provided in the exterior member, and there is room for improvement in terms of suppressing displacement of the sensor device and maintaining the desired detection accuracy.

[0006] The present invention has been made in light of the above points, and aims to provide a vehicle structure that can suppress displacement of a sensor device installed on the vehicle inside of an exterior member, thereby maintaining the desired detection accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle structure including an exterior member provided at the front or rear of a vehicle to form a design surface on the exterior of the vehicle, and a sensor support member provided on the interior side of the exterior member to support a sensor device that detects the exterior environment. In this vehicle structure, the exterior member includes a plate support portion that supports the license plate of the vehicle, and the sensor support member is connected to the plate support portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the vehicle structure of the present invention, it is possible to suppress displacement of the sensor device provided on the vehicle inner side of the exterior member, thereby maintaining a desired detection accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from the front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an exterior member and a grill support member are removed from FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the main part of the vehicle structure of FIG. 1, as seen from the front. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the main part of the vehicle structure of FIG. 1, as seen from the rear. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view showing a state in which the air guide member in FIG. 4 has been removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the plate support portion as viewed from diagonally below the front. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the plate support portion as viewed from diagonally above and rearward. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for fixing a license plate. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sensor support member as seen from the front oblique side. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sensor support member as seen from a rear oblique side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 5 are diagrams illustrating a vehicle structure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure 1 as seen from the front diagonally to the side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an exterior member 2 and a lower frame portion 44 of a grille support member in FIG. 1 have been removed. FIG. 3 is a front view of the vehicle structure 1 as seen from the front, FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vehicle structure 1 as seen from the rear, and FIG. 5 is a rear view showing a state in which an air guide member 5 has been removed in FIG. 4. In the drawings described below, the direction of arrow F indicates the front in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, the direction of arrow U indicates the upward direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the directions of arrow R and arrow L indicate the right and left when looking at the front of the vehicle from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0011] 1 to 5, a vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, an exterior member 2 that is provided at the front of a vehicle such as an automobile and forms a design surface on the exterior of the vehicle, and a sensor support member 3 that is provided on the interior side of the exterior member 2 and supports a sensor device S that detects the environment outside the vehicle. The sensor device S (indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 5) in this embodiment is, for example, a radar that uses millimeter waves as detection waves (millimeter-wave radar). However, the sensor device S is not limited to millimeter-wave radar, and may be various types of radar that use radio waves other than millimeter waves (such as microwaves) as detection waves, LiDAR that uses laser light as detection waves, an acoustic wave sensor (ultrasonic sensor / sonar) that uses sound waves such as ultrasound as detection waves, a camera (imaging device) that captures images to detect the environment outside the vehicle, or the like.

[0012] The exterior member 2 is, for example, a front bumper that is disposed at the lower front of the vehicle and extends in the vehicle width direction. However, the exterior member 2 is not limited to a front bumper, and may be a front grille disposed at the front of the vehicle, or a rear bumper or rear grille disposed at the rear of the vehicle. The exterior member 2 (front bumper) in this embodiment is supported by a highly rigid body structural member 4 that constitutes the framework of the vehicle (FIG. 1). A pair of left and right front side members 41, a lower cross member 42, and an upper cross member 43 are provided at the front of the vehicle as parts that constitute part of the body structural member 4 (FIG. 2).

[0013] The left and right front side members 41 each extend in the front-rear direction under the vehicle and are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The lower cross member 42 extends in the vehicle width direction, and both ends in the vehicle width direction are joined to the front ends of the left and right front side members 41, respectively. The upper cross member 43 is spaced apart above the lower cross member 42 and extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] The lower portion of the exterior member 2 is fixed to the lower cross member 42 (FIGS. 1 and 2). That is, the exterior member 2 is supported by the highly rigid lower cross member 42, which constitutes part of the body structural member 4. A lower frame portion 44 of a grille support member that supports a front grille (not shown) is fixed to the upper cross member 43 (FIG. 1). The front grille is disposed between the left and right headlights (not shown), extends in the vehicle width direction, and is a resin member (exterior member separate from the front bumper) with multiple air vents formed therein. An upper surface portion 2T of the exterior member 2 (front bumper) is disposed adjacent to the lower frame portion 44 of the grille support member.

[0015] Both sides of the exterior member 2 in the vehicle width direction extend at an incline toward the rear of the vehicle as they move outward in the vehicle width direction (Figure 1). The exterior design surface of the exterior member 2 on the vehicle exterior side has a front portion 2F, an upper portion 2T, and a lower portion 2B. Therefore, the right portion 2FR of the front portion 2F of the exterior member 2 faces diagonally forward to the right, the left portion 2FL faces diagonally forward to the left, and the middle portion 2FI in the vehicle width direction faces forward (front). The upper portion 2T of the exterior member 2 extends from the upper end portion of the front portion 2F toward the rear of the vehicle. The front portion 2F and the upper portion 2T of the exterior member 2 each have a convex portion 2C that protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle at each boundary position between the middle portion in the vehicle width direction and the right portion and the left portion. The lower portion 2B of the exterior member 2 extends while curving rearward as the portion located in the middle of the vehicle width direction approaches downward.

[0016] In the intermediate portion 2FI of the front surface portion 2F of the exterior member 2, a plate support portion 21 that supports the vehicle license plate P (shown by the dashed line in FIGS. 1 and 3 ), a transmission portion 22 through which the detection wave (millimeter wave) transmitted and received by the sensor device S passes, a ventilation portion 23 through which air flows in the vehicle interior / exterior direction (here, the vehicle front-rear direction), and an extension portion 24 that extends from the periphery of the ventilation portion 23 toward the vehicle interior (rear side) and along the periphery. In this embodiment, convex portions 2C are provided on both the left and right sides of the ventilation portion 23 of the front surface portion 2F, thereby increasing the rigidity of the periphery of the ventilation portion 23. In addition, a lower surface portion 2B disposed below the ventilation portion 23 and the plate support portion 21 is formed in a convex shape that convex downward, thereby increasing the rigidity of the periphery of the ventilation portion 23 and the plate support portion 21.

[0017] The plate support portion 21 is disposed on the exterior member 2 near the lower center in the vehicle width direction (FIGS. 1 and 3). When viewed from the front, the plate support portion 21 has a substantially rectangular shape that corresponds to the outline of the license plate P (FIG. 3). The license plate P is a plate-like member that displays information used to identify the vehicle and specify the owner. In Japan, the license plate P is called, for example, a "motor vehicle registration plate" or a "vehicle number plate" depending on the vehicle classification, and in the United States and other countries, it is called a "license plate." A pair of plate fixing portions 21A for fixing the license plate P are provided on the upper portion of the plate support portion 21 with a gap in the vehicle width direction. The method for fixing the license plate P to the pair of plate fixing portions 21A will be described later.

[0018] The upper portion of the plate support portion 21 protrudes inside the ventilation portion 23, which is formed in a generally rectangular shape that is long in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front. In other words, the lower portion of the plate support portion 21 is formed in a portion of the front surface 2F of the exterior member 2 that is located outside (below) the ventilation portion 23, and the upper portion of the plate support portion 21 is formed so as to protrude from the lower portion to the inside (upper) of the ventilation portion 23. Both left and right side portions of the plate support portion 21 are connected to lower portions of extension portions 24 that follow the periphery of the ventilation portion 23. The transmission portion 22 is arranged on the opposite side of the ventilation portion 23 from the plate support portion 21, i.e., above the plate support portion 21.

[0019] The transmitting portion 22 has a substantially rectangular transmitting surface 22A through which a detection wave (millimeter wave) transmitted and received by the sensor device S (millimeter wave radar) supported at a predetermined position by the sensor support member 3 passes, and a peripheral wall 22B extending from the periphery of the transmitting surface 22A in a normal direction to the transmitting surface 22A (FIGS. 1 and 3). The portion of the exterior member 2 corresponding to the transmitting surface 22A is formed in a substantially flat plate shape using a material (e.g., synthetic resin) that allows the detection wave to pass therethrough. In this embodiment, the transmitting surface 22A is an inclined surface that extends slightly rearward as it extends downward. In other words, the transmitting surface 22A for the detection wave faces generally forward (front) although it is slightly inclined downward. Note that when a camera (imaging device) is used as the sensor device S instead of a millimeter wave radar, the transmitting surface 22A is formed using a substantially transparent material, or a through-hole corresponding to the angle of view of the camera is formed in the transmitting surface 22A.

[0020] In front view, the lower portion of the transmission section 22 protrudes inside the ventilation section 23. In other words, the upper portion of the transmission section 22 is formed in a portion of the front surface 2F of the exterior member 2 that is located outside (above) the ventilation section 23, and the lower portion of the transmission section 22 is formed so as to protrude from the upper portion to the inside (below) of the ventilation section 23.

[0021] The peripheral wall 22B of the transparent portion 22 extends generally rearward from both left and right side edges and the lower edge of the peripheral edge of the transparent surface 22A. The right and left wall portions of the peripheral wall 22B are connected to upper portions of the extension portions 24 that extend along the peripheral edge of the ventilation portion 23. This connection between the peripheral wall 22B and the extension portions 24 increases the rigidity of the peripheral portion of the exterior member 2 around the transparent portion 22. The lower wall portion of the peripheral wall 22B is connected to the rear portion of the upper surface of the plate support portion 21 at the center in the vehicle width direction (the portion indicated by the thick line in FIG. 1). That is, in this embodiment, the lower end portion of the transparent portion 22 is directly connected to the upper end portion of the plate support portion 21 and indirectly connected to the plate support portion 21 via the extension portions 24 that extend along the peripheral edge of the ventilation portion 23. This connection between the plate support portion 21, the transparent portion 22, and the extension portions 24 increases the rigidity of the peripheral portion of the exterior member 2 around the plate support portion 21.

[0022] Here, the method of fixing the license plate P to the plate fixing portion 21A of the plate support portion 21 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the plate support portion 21 as seen obliquely from below and from the front. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the plate support portion 21 as seen obliquely from above and from the rear. Furthermore, Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of fixing the license plate P.

[0023] As mentioned above, the upper portion of the plate support portion 21 is provided with a pair of plate fixing portions 21A for fixing the license plate P. Each plate fixing portion 21A is formed with a through hole 21A1 through which a screw 61 is inserted (lower right in Figures 6, 7, and 8). Rectangular openings 21B for attaching speed nuts 62 (upper left in Figure 8) to the plate fixing portion 21A are formed adjacent to each plate fixing portion 21A on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of each plate fixing portion 21A. The speed nuts 62 attached to the plate fixing portion 21A using the openings 21B are used as double-sided washers for fixing the license plate P (lower right in Figure 8). That is, the worker positions the license plate P from the outside (front) of the vehicle against each plate fixing portion 21A equipped with a speed nut 62, and fixes the license plate P to the plate fixing portion 21A by inserting a screw 61 through the mounting hole P1 formed in the license plate P and the through hole 21A1 of the plate support portion 21 and screwing it into the screw hole 62A of the speed nut 62.

[0024] A first protrusion 21C and a second protrusion 21D are formed around each plate fixing portion 21A to which the license plate P is fixed as described above. The first and second protrusions 21C and 21D are connected to the first and second connecting portions 33A and 33B (described later) of the sensor support member 3, respectively (FIG. 7). The first and second protrusions 21C and 21D protrude rearward from the rear surface of the plate support portion 21, and each has a screw hole at its tip. The front side of the plate support portion 21 has first and second recesses 21C' and 21D' formed at positions corresponding to the first and second protrusions 21C and 21D (FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the first protrusions 21C are located on the inner side of the openings 21B corresponding to the plate fixing portions 21A in the vehicle width direction, and the second protrusions 21D are located on the outer side of the plate fixing portions 21A in the vehicle width direction. In the plate support portion 21, the plate fixing portion 21A and the first and second protrusions 21C, 21D are formed continuously and are connected to each other at a short distance, thereby increasing the rigidity around the first and second protrusions 21C, 21D.

[0025] Furthermore, a concave-convex portion 25 (shown by the thick line in FIG. 6) protruding in the vehicle longitudinal direction is formed at a portion of the exterior member 2 that connects to the lower end portion of the plate support portion 21. The formation of such a concave-convex portion 25 increases the connection area between the main body of the exterior member 2 and the plate support portion 21, thereby increasing the rigidity of the exterior member 2 around the plate support portion 21. Furthermore, first and second protrusions 21C, 21D formed on the plate support portion 21 are each disposed above the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the concave-convex portion 25 (shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 6). This arrangement increases the support rigidity of the sensor support member 3 that is connected to the first and second protrusions 21C, 21D via the first and second connecting portions 33A, 33B.

[0026] 1 to 5, the sensor support member 3 includes a frame-shaped sensor support section 31 that supports the sensor device S, and partition sections 32 that divide the ventilation area VA formed in the ventilation section 23 of the exterior member 2 into multiple small areas. In this embodiment, the sensor support section 31 and the partition sections 32 are integrally formed by, for example, injection molding using a resin material. However, the sensor support member 3 may also be configured by connecting the sensor support section 31 and the partition sections 32 that are formed separately. The sensor support member 3 may also be called a net front bumper, etc.

[0027] The sensor support member 3 is formed with a plurality of connecting portions 33 that are connected to the exterior member 2. In this embodiment, the multiple connecting portions 33 formed on the sensor support member 3 can be classified according to the connecting portions of the exterior member 2, broadly into the above-mentioned first and second connecting portions 33A, 33B that are connected to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2, a third connecting portion 33C that is connected to the periphery of the transmission portion 22 of the exterior member 2, and a fourth connecting portion 33D that is connected to the periphery of the ventilation portion 23 of the exterior member 2. The first to fourth connecting portions 33A to 33D will be described in detail later.

[0028] An air guide member 5 is also disposed rearward of the sensor support member 3 (FIGS. 2 to 4). The air guide member 5 has an air inlet 51 and an outlet 52, and is configured so that air that has circulated toward the inside (rear) of the vehicle through the ventilation section 23 of the exterior member 2 and the partition section 32 of the sensor support member 3 is introduced into the inlet 51, and the air flow is narrowed within the air guide member 5 before being discharged from the outlet 52. The air guide member 5 has a plurality of vehicle body fixing portions 53 formed thereon that are fixed to the lower cross member 42 of the vehicle body structural member 4 (FIGS. 2 and 4). In other words, the air guide member 5 is disposed so that the vehicle body fixing portions 53 are fixed to the lower cross member 42, thereby covering the partition sections 32 of the sensor support member 3, which is connected to the exterior member 2, from the rearward.

[0029] The configuration of each part of the sensor support member 3 will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the sensor support member 3 as seen from the diagonal front side. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the sensor support member 3 as seen from the diagonal rear side.

[0030] The sensor support portion 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape corresponding to the outer shape of the sensor device S attached to the sensor support member 3 (FIGS. 5, 9, and 10). The sensor support portion 31 in this embodiment has a right wall portion 31R to which the right side of the sensor device S is fixed, a left wall portion 31L to which the left side of the sensor device S is fixed, an upper wall portion 31T connecting the upper ends of the right wall portion 31R and the left wall portion 31L, and a lower wall portion 31B connecting the lower ends of the right wall portion 31R and the left wall portion 31L (FIGS. 9 and 10). However, the shape of the sensor support portion 31 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and may be, for example, a substantially U-shaped or circular frame shape in which any of the top, bottom, left, or right walls is omitted.

[0031] A sensor fixing portion 34 protruding forward from the front surface is provided in the vertical center portion of each of the right wall portion 31R and the left wall portion 31L. A screw hole is formed in each sensor fixing portion 34, and a sensor device S is fixed to each sensor fixing portion 34 from the rear side of the vehicle with a screw or the like. In other words, an opening is formed in the sensor support portion 31 at a portion that overlaps in the front-rear direction with the outer surface (front surface) of the main body of the sensor device S fixed to each sensor fixing portion 34. When the sensor support member 3 is connected to the exterior member 2, the sensor device S fixed to each sensor fixing portion 34 is positioned so as to face the transmission surface 22A of the transmission portion 22 of the exterior member 2 through the opening in the sensor support portion 31.

[0032] The sensor support portion 31 is also provided with a pair of left and right arm portions 36 that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the peripheries of the respective sensor fixing portions 34 (FIGS. 9 and 10). Specifically, the right arm portion 36 extends rightward from an upper portion of the right wall portion 31R of the sensor support portion 31 as a base end, with its tip portion reaching near the right end portion of the partition portion 32. A third connecting portion 33C is formed in the longitudinal middle of the right arm portion 36 near the base end, and is connected to the right side portion of the transmission portion 22 of the exterior member 2. The left arm portion 36 extends leftward from an upper portion of the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31 as a base end, with its tip portion reaching near the left end portion of the partition portion 32. A third connecting portion 33C is formed in the longitudinal middle of the left arm portion 36 near the base end, and is connected to the left side portion of the transmission portion 22 of the exterior member 2.

[0033] Each third connecting portion 33C is formed in a concave shape by recessing the front surface of each arm portion 36 rearward, and is connected to the tip portion of a third protrusion 26 that protrudes rearward from the back surface of the exterior member 2 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). In this embodiment, the third protrusion 26 of the exterior member 2 is disposed on the outer side of the transparent portion 22 in the vehicle width direction, and is provided in a position that does not overlap with the transparent portion 22. This arrangement of the third protrusion 26 prevents sink marks and the like from occurring on the vehicle outer surface (design surface) of the transparent portion 22, which would detract from the appearance of the exterior member 2. In addition, the third protrusion 26 is connected to an upper portion of the extension portion 24 that follows the periphery of the ventilation portion 23, thereby increasing the rigidity around the third protrusion 26.

[0034] A plurality of cord-like body holding portions 37 for holding cord-like bodies (not shown) such as wire harnesses to be routed inside the vehicle are formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction on the upper portion of each arm portion 36 and on the upper wall portion 31T of the sensor support portion 31 (FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 9, and 10). A common cord-like body is held by these cord-like body holding portions 37, thereby increasing the rigidity of the sensor support portion 31 and the left and right arm portions 36.

[0035] The partition section 32 has lattice-shaped partition walls 32A that serve as boundary walls for each small area formed within the ventilation area VA, and a partition frame 32B that supports the partition walls 32A (FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 9, and 10). In this embodiment, the partition wall 32A is composed of one horizontal wall that extends in the vehicle width direction and multiple vertical walls that extend up and down and are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The longitudinal ends of the horizontal and vertical walls of the partition wall 32A are connected to the inner surfaces of the partition frame 32B, and the horizontal and vertical walls are supported in predetermined positions by the partition frame 32B.

[0036] A lower portion of the sensor support part 31 protrudes from the upper center in the vehicle width direction of the partition part 32. For this reason, the partition frame 32B is formed with extension parts 32C that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the right wall part 31R and the left wall part 31L of the sensor support part 31 (FIGS. 9 and 10). The outer surfaces (upper surfaces) of the extension parts 32C are connected to the lower surfaces of the arms 36 provided on the sensor support part 31 side.

[0037] With this positional relationship between the sensor support portion 31 and the partition portion 32, a right small area VAR is defined within the ventilation area VA, surrounded by the lower portion of the right wall portion 31R of the sensor support portion 31 and the partition wall 32A and right-side extension 32C of the partition portion 32, and a left small area VAL is defined by the lower portion of the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31 and the partition wall 32A and left-side extension 32C of the partition portion 32. The left and right sensor fixing portions 34 of the sensor support portion 31 are disposed in positions close to the inner and upper corners of each of the left and right small areas VAR and VAL in the vehicle width direction. This arrangement increases the rigidity of the sensor support member 3 around the left and right sensor fixing portions 34.

[0038] First and second connecting portions 33A and 33B are provided in a lower center portion of the partition portion 32 in the vehicle width direction. The first and second connecting portions 33A and 33B are connected to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2. In this embodiment, the right first and second connecting portions 33A and 33B are disposed below the right wall portion 31R of the sensor support portion 31, and the left first and second connecting portions 33A and 33B are disposed below the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31. Each first connecting portion 33A extends vertically from the side wall of the partition wall 32A to the partition frame 32B. An upper portion of each first connecting portion 33A protrudes forward from the front end of the side wall and is connected to a first protrusion 21C of the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2. A protrusion 33A1 protruding forward and extending in the vehicle width direction is provided on the connecting surface of the upper portion of each first connecting portion 33A with the exterior member 2. The protrusion 33A1 prevents the exterior member 2 and the sensor support member 3 from shifting positions, and also increases the rigidity of the first connecting portion 33A.

[0039] Each second connecting portion 33B is provided at a required interval on the outer side of each first connecting portion 33A in the vehicle width direction. Each second connecting portion 33B also extends in the vertical direction from the side wall of the partition wall 32A to the partition frame 32B, and an upper portion protruding forward from the front end of the side wall is connected to the second protrusion 21D of the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2. The first and second connecting portions 33A, 33B are connected to each other via the side wall of the partition wall 32A and the lower part of the partition frame 32B, thereby increasing the rigidity.

[0040] A plurality of fourth connecting portions 33D are provided at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the partition frame 32B on both left and right side portions and the lower portion of the partition frame 32B of the partition portion 32. Each fourth connecting portion 33D extends from the partition frame 32B in the direction opposite the partition wall 32A (away from the ventilation area VA), and its forward-protruding convex portion is connected to the periphery of the ventilation portion 23 of the exterior member 2. Flange portions 32D are formed on the rear surface of both left and right side portions and the lower portion of the partition frame 32B, protruding in the direction opposite the partition wall 32A and extending along the outer periphery of the partition frame 32B. Adjacent fourth connecting portions 33D are connected to each other by the flange portions 32D. Each fourth connecting portion 33D may be provided with a portion for holding a cord-like object such as a wire harness.

[0041] Cushion materials 32E are provided at multiple locations on the rear surface of flange portion 32D of partition frame 32B as described above (FIGS. 5 and 10). Each cushion material 32E is disposed in a position where it abuts against the peripheral edge of inlet port 51 in air guide member 5 fixed to lower cross member 42. Each cushion material 32E has the function of absorbing and reducing the load acting on partition section 32 from air guide member 5.

[0042] In addition, around the multiple connecting portions 33 that are connected to the exterior member 2 in the sensor support member 3, multiple vertical plate portions 38 are provided, each extending in a direction that intersects the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle (mainly in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle in this embodiment) (Figures 5, 9 and 10).

[0043] Specifically, the vertical plate portion 38A provided around the first connecting portion 33A has three vertical plates disposed below the sensor support portion 31 and between the left and right first connecting portions 33A. Each vertical plate of the vertical plate portion 38A has a predetermined width in the vehicle front-rear direction, extends in the up-down direction, and is disposed at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The upper end of each vertical plate is connected to the lower wall portion 31B of the sensor support portion 31, and the lower end of each vertical plate is connected to the lower inner surface of the partition frame 32B. In this embodiment, when the sensor support member 3 is viewed from the front side of the vehicle (FIG. 9), the upper end of each vertical plate of the vertical plate portion 38A penetrates the lateral wall of the partition wall 32A and extends to the lower edge of the opening formed in the center of the sensor support portion 31. Furthermore, in addition to the three vertical plates of the vertical plate portion 38A, a vertical plate portion 38A' is provided, which has one vertical plate disposed between each upper surface of the left and right first connecting portions 33A and the lower edge of the opening of the sensor support portion 31. These five vertical plate portions 38A, 38A' in total increase the rigidity of the peripheral portions of the sensor support portion 31 and the first connecting portion 33A.

[0044] The vertical plate portion 38C provided around the third connecting portion 33C has three vertical plates arranged between the right wall portion 31R of the sensor support portion 31 and the right-side third connecting portion 33C, and three vertical plates arranged between the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31 and the left-side third connecting portion 33C (FIG. 10). The vertical plates of the vertical plate portion 38C protrude rearward from the rear surfaces of the left and right arm portions 36, extend in the vertical direction, and are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] Vertical plate portion 38D provided around fourth connecting portion 33D has three vertical plates arranged between partition frame 32B and each fourth connecting portion 33D (FIG. 9). Each vertical plate of vertical plate portion 38D protrudes forward from the front surface of flange portion 32D of partition frame 32B, extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface of partition frame 32B, and is arranged at intervals in a direction along the outer periphery of partition frame 32B.

[0046] By providing the sensor support member 3 with the above-described multiple vertical plate portions 38A, 38C, and 38D, the rigidity of the peripheral portions of the first, third, and fourth connecting portions 33A, 33C, and 33D in the sensor support member 3 is increased. In this embodiment, in addition to the vertical plate portions 38A, 38C, and 38D, vertical plate portions 38B are also provided around the left and right sensor fixing portions 34 in the sensor support member 31 ( FIG. 9 ). The vertical plate portions 38B each have a vertical plate disposed between each sensor fixing portion 34 and the convex portion 35 formed above it. Each vertical plate of the vertical plate portion 38B protrudes forward from the front surface of the right wall portion 31R and the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support member 31 and extends in the up-down direction. By providing such vertical plate portions 38B, the rigidity of the peripheral portions of each sensor fixing portion 34 is also increased.

[0047] When assembling the various components in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment as described above, first, the sensor device S is fixed to each sensor fixing portion 34 of the sensor support portion 31 in the sensor support member 3 using screws or the like. Then, in the sensor support member 3 to which the sensor device S is fixed, the first and second connecting portions 33A, 33B are connected to the plate support portion 21 (first and second protrusions 21C, 21D) of the exterior member 2, the third connecting portion 33C is connected to the periphery of the transmission portion 22 of the exterior member 2 (third protrusion 26), and the fourth connecting portion 33D is connected to the periphery of the ventilation portion 23 of the exterior member 2. As a result, the sensor device S supported by the sensor support member 3 is disposed opposite the transmission surface 22A of the transmission portion 22 in the exterior member 2.

[0048] The exterior member 2 to which the sensor support member 3 is connected is fixed to the lower cross member 42 of the vehicle body structural member 4 together with the air guide member 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 is indirectly connected to the vehicle body structural member 4 via the exterior member 2. The air guide member 5 fixed to the lower cross member 42 is arranged so as to cover the partition section 32 of the sensor support member 3 from the rear side. At this time, the peripheral edge of the inlet 51 of the air guide member 5 abuts against the cushion material 32E provided on the rear surface of the flange portion 32D of the partition section 32. Once the exterior member 2 and the air guide member 5 are fixed to the vehicle body structural member 4, the license plate P is fixed to the plate fixing portion 21A of the plate support section 21 of the exterior member 2.

[0049] As described above, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 that supports the sensor device S is connected to the plate support portion 21 that supports the license plate P in the exterior member 2. The rigidity of the plate support portion 21 is increased by the license plate P being attached. Therefore, even if vibrations and wind pressure while the vehicle is traveling, external forces such as a minor collision act on the exterior member 2, displacement of the sensor device S located on the vehicle inner side (rear side) of the exterior member 2 can be suppressed via the sensor support member 3 connected to the plate support portion 21. This makes it possible to maintain the detection accuracy of the sensor device S at a desired level. In particular, if the sensor support member 3 is connected to the periphery of the plate fixing portion 21A to which the license plate P is fixed, the rigidity around the connection point is further increased, thereby effectively suppressing displacement of the sensor device S.

[0050] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the exterior member 2 includes a transparent portion 22 through which the detection wave transmitted and received by the sensor device S passes, and the transparent portion 22 is connected to the plate support portion 21. The rigidity of the plate support portion 21 is further increased by attaching the license plate P and connecting the transparent portion 22, so that the displacement of the sensor device S can be more effectively suppressed. In particular, if the transparent portion 22 is connected to the plate support portion 21 via an extension portion 24 along the periphery of the ventilation portion 23, and the transparent portion 22 is disposed on the opposite side of the ventilation portion 23 from the plate support portion 21, with the lower portion of the transparent portion 22 extending inward from the ventilation portion 23 and connected to the plate support portion 21, the rigidity of the peripheries of the plate support portion 21 and the transparent portion 22 is further increased, so that the displacement of the sensor device S can be more effectively suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 is connected not only to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2 but also to the periphery of the transparent portion 22. By connecting the sensor support member 3 not only to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2 but also to the periphery of the transparent portion 22 in this way, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the portion of the sensor support member 3 surrounding the sensor support portion 31. This makes it possible to accurately and easily maintain the relative positional relationship between the sensor device S and the transparent portion 22 of the exterior member 2 while reliably suppressing displacement of the sensor device S.

[0052] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 includes a frame-shaped sensor support portion 31 that supports the sensor device S, and a first connecting portion 33A that is arranged around the sensor support portion 31 and connected to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2. By providing such a first connecting portion 33A, the peripheral portion of the sensor support portion 31 in the sensor support member 3 is connected to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2, so that the rigidity of the peripheral portion of the sensor support portion 31 can be further increased.

[0053] Additionally, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 includes a second connecting portion 33B that is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction from the first connecting portion 33A and that is connected to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2. By providing such a second connecting portion 33B, the sensor support member 3 is connected to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2 even on the outer side in the vehicle width direction around the sensor support portion 31, thereby further increasing the rigidity of the area around the sensor support portion 31. In particular, if the sensor support member 3 is connected to the plate support portion 21 of the exterior member 2 so that the plate fixing portion that fixes the license plate P on the exterior member 2 is disposed between the first and second connecting portions 33A, 33B, the first and second connecting portions 33A, 33B can reinforce both sides of the plate fixing portion 21A of the plate support portion 21 in the vehicle width direction, thereby further increasing the rigidity of the area around the sensor support portion 31.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0055] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a structure has been described in which the upper end portion of the plate support portion 21 and the lower end portion of the transmitting portion 22 in the exterior member 2 are directly connected, but the plate support portion 21 and the transmitting portion 22 may be formed separately. Also, although an example has been shown in which the transmitting portion 22 is arranged above the plate support portion 21, the transmitting portion 22 may be arranged below the plate support portion 21, or the plate support portion 21 and the transmitting portion 22 may be arranged side by side on the left and right.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the plate support portion 21 and the transparent portion 22 are integrally formed on the exterior member 2 (front bumper), but the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can also be obtained in a structure in which the plate support member and / or the transparent portion 22, each formed separately from the exterior member 2, are detachably fixed to the exterior member.

[0057] Additionally, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the transmitting portion 22 is formed in the intermediate portion 2FI facing forward (front) in the front surface 2F of the exterior member 2, and the detection wave transmitted and received by the sensor device S supported by the sensor support member 3 propagates in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle via the transmitting portion 22. However, other than the intermediate portion 2FI of the front surface 2F, the transmitting portion 22 may be formed in the right surface 2FR or left surface 2FL of the front surface 2F, or in the lower surface 2B or upper surface 2T of the exterior member 2, and the sensor device S may be supported on the vehicle inner side of the transmitting portion 22. For example, if the transmitting portion 22 is formed in the right surface 2FR of the front surface 2F of the exterior member 2, the detection wave transmitted from the sensor device S propagates diagonally forward and to the right after transmitting through the transmitting portion 22. In this case, the sensor device S can detect other vehicles traveling in a lane to the right of the lane in which the host vehicle is traveling. Such modifications regarding the arrangement of the transmission portion 22 and the sensor device S can also be made to exterior members other than the front bumper (for example, a front grille, a rear bumper, a rear grille, etc.) in the same manner as in the case of the front bumper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Vehicle structure 2...Exterior material 21...Plate support part 21A...Plate fixing part 21B…Opening 21C, 21D, 26...1st to 3rd protrusion 22…Transparent part 22A…Transparent surface 22B…Peripheral wall 23...Ventilation section 24...Extending part 25...Uneven shape part 2B…Bottom surface (design surface) 2F: Front section (design surface) 2T...Top surface (design surface) 3...Sensor support member 31...Sensor support part 31L…Left wall section 31R…Right wall section 32...Partition 32A...Partition wall 32B...Partition frame 32C…Extension part 33,33A~33D...1st~4th connection part 34...Sensor fixing part 35...Convex shape part 36...Arm section 37...Cable body holding part 38A~38D…Vertical plate part 4... Body structural members 41...Front side member 42...Lower cross member 43...Upper cross member 44...Lower frame of grill support member 5...Air guide member P...license plate S: Sensor device VA: Ventilation area

Claims

1. An exterior member provided at the front or rear of the vehicle and forming a design surface on the outside of the vehicle; a sensor support member provided on the vehicle inner side of the exterior member and supporting a sensor device that detects an outside environment, the exterior member includes a plate support portion that supports a license plate of the vehicle, The vehicle structure, wherein the sensor support member is connected to the plate support portion.

2. The plate support portion has a plate fixing portion to which the license plate is fixed, 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor support member is connected to a periphery of the plate fixing portion.

3. the exterior member includes a transmission portion through which a detection wave transmitted and received by the sensor device passes, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission portion is connected to the plate support portion.

4. The exterior member is a ventilation section through which air flows in and out of the vehicle; an extension portion extending from a periphery of the ventilation portion toward the inside of the vehicle and extending along the periphery, The vehicle structure according to claim 3 , wherein the transmission portion is connected to the plate support portion via the extension portion.

5. the exterior member includes a ventilation portion through which air flows in and out of the vehicle, The vehicle structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmission portion is arranged on the opposite side of the ventilation portion from the plate support portion, and at least a portion of the transmission portion protrudes inside the ventilation portion and is connected to the plate support portion.

6. the exterior member includes a transmission portion through which a detection wave transmitted and received by the sensor device passes, 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor support member is connected to the periphery of the transmission portion in addition to the plate support portion.

7. The sensor support member a frame-shaped sensor support portion that supports the sensor device; 7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6, further comprising: a first connecting portion disposed around the sensor support portion and connected to the plate support portion of the exterior member.

8. 8. The vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein the sensor support member includes a second connecting portion that is spaced apart from the first connecting portion and is connected to the plate support portion of the exterior member in the vehicle width direction.

9. The plate support portion has a plate fixing portion to which the license plate is fixed, 9. The vehicle structure according to claim 8, wherein the sensor support member is connected to the plate support portion such that the plate fixing portion is disposed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

10. The plate support portion has a plate fixing portion to which the license plate is fixed, 7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6, wherein the sensor support member is connected to the plate support portion around the periphery of the plate fixing portion.

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