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 sensor supporting member 3 includes: a frame-like sensor support part 31 supporting the sensor device S; and a plurality of vertical plate parts 38 disposed around the sensor support part 31 and extending in a vehicle vertical direction.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 sensor support member includes a frame-shaped sensor support portion that supports the sensor device, and a plurality of vertical plate portions that are arranged around the sensor support portion and extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle. [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 plurality of 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. Details of the first to fourth connecting portions 33A to 33D will be described 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 (right connecting portion) that is connected to the right side portion of the transmission portion 22 of the exterior member 2 is formed in the longitudinal middle of the right arm portion 36 near the base end. 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 (left connecting portion) that is connected to the left side portion of the transmission portion 22 of the exterior member 2 is formed in the longitudinal middle of the left arm portion 36 near the base end.

[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 (right ventilation area) is formed in the ventilation area VA, surrounded by a lower portion of the right wall portion 31R of the sensor support portion 31 and the partition wall 32A and right-side extension portion 32C of the partition portion 32, and a left small area VAL (left ventilation area) is formed by a lower portion of the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31 and the partition wall 32A and left-side extension portion 32C of the partition portion 32. The left and right sensor fixing portions 34 of the sensor support portion 31 are disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and near upper corner portions of the left and right small areas VAR and VAL, respectively. 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 (lower connecting portions) are provided in a lower center portion in the vehicle width direction of the partition portion 32. The first and second connecting portions 33A and 33B (lower right connecting portions) 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 (lower right connecting portions) 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 (lower left connecting portions) are disposed below the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31. Each first connecting portion 33A extends in the vertical direction 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 a 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 (lower vertical plate portion) provided around the first connecting portion 33A has three vertical plates arranged 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 front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, extends in the up-down direction, and is arranged at intervals in the width direction of the vehicle. 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, vertical plate portions 38A' (exterior connecting side vertical plate portions) are provided which have one vertical plate each arranged between the upper surfaces 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 (right vertical plate portions) arranged between the right wall portion 31R of the sensor support portion 31 and the right third connecting portion 33C (right connecting portion), and three vertical plates (left vertical plate portions) arranged between the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31 and the left third connecting portion 33C (left connecting portion) ( FIG. 10 ). The vertical plates of the vertical plate portion 38C protrude rearward from the back 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 (sensor fixing side vertical plate portions) 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 have vertical plates disposed one on each side between each sensor fixing portion 34 and the convex portions 35 formed above each sensor fixing portion 34. 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 includes a frame-shaped sensor support portion 31 that supports the sensor device S, and a plurality of vertical plate portions 38 that are arranged around the sensor support portion 31 and extend in the up-down direction of the vehicle. By providing the sensor support member 3 with these vertical plate portions 38, even when external forces such as vibrations and wind pressure during vehicle travel and a minor collision act on the exterior member 2, it is possible to suppress displacement around the sensor support portion 31 that would cause the sensor device S, which is arranged on the vehicle inner side (rear side) of the exterior member 2, to swing up and down via the sensor support member 3. This makes it possible to maintain the detection accuracy of the sensor device S at a desired level.

[0050] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 31 has a right wall portion 31R and a left wall portion 31L to which the right and left sides of the sensor device S are fixed, respectively, and the multiple vertical plate portions 38 include vertical plate portions 38C (right vertical plate portion and left vertical plate portion) disposed to the right of the right wall portion 31R and to the left of the left wall portion 31L, respectively. The provision of these left and right vertical plate portions 38C can suppress displacement (vertical swing) around the right wall portion 31R and the left wall portion 31L to which the sensor device S is fixed in the sensor support member 3, thereby making it possible to reliably maintain the detection accuracy of the sensor device S at a desired level.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the right vertical plate portion 38C is disposed between the right wall portion 31R and the third connecting portion 33C connected to the exterior member 2 to the right of the right wall portion 31R, and the left vertical plate portion 38C is disposed between the left wall portion 31L and the third connecting portion 33C connected to the exterior member 2 to the left of the left wall portion 31L. Such an arrangement of the left and right vertical plate portions 38C makes it possible to effectively suppress displacement of the portions of the sensor support member 3 from the right wall portion 31R and the left wall portion 31L to which the sensor device S is fixed, to the left and right third connecting portions 33C connected to the exterior member 2.

[0052] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the multiple vertical plate portions 38 include a vertical plate portion 38A (lower vertical plate portion) disposed below the sensor support portion 31. By providing such a vertical plate portion 38A, it is possible to suppress displacement of the lower portion of the frame-shaped sensor support portion 31, and therefore it is possible to more reliably maintain the detection accuracy of the sensor device S at a desired level.

[0053] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 includes a first connecting portion 33A (lower connecting portion) that is disposed below the sensor support portion 31 and is connected to the exterior member 2, and the vertical plate portion 38A (lower vertical plate portion) is disposed around the first connecting portion 33A. Such an arrangement of the vertical plate portion 38A can effectively suppress displacement of the lower portion of the sensor support portion 31 and the peripheral portion of the first connecting portion 33A.

[0054] The vertical plate portion 38A (lower vertical plate portion) may be disposed between the right-side first connecting portion 33A (lower-right connecting portion) that is disposed below the right wall portion 31R of the sensor support portion 31 and connected to the exterior member 2, and the left-side first connecting portion 33A (lower-left connecting portion) that is disposed below the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31 and connected to the exterior member 2. By disposing the vertical plate portion 38A in this manner, it is possible to effectively suppress displacement of the right wall portion 31R, left wall portion 31L, and lower wall portion 31B of the sensor support portion 31, as well as peripheral portions of the left and right first connecting portions 33A.

[0055] Additionally, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 includes a right small area VAR (right ventilation area) formed to the right of the right wall portion 31R of the sensor support portion 31 and through which air flows, and a left small area VAL (left ventilation area) formed to the left of the left wall portion 31L of the sensor support portion 31 and through which air flows. In such a sensor support member 3, the left and right sensor fixing portions 34 to which the sensor device S is fixed are disposed in positions close to the inner and upper corner portions in the vehicle width direction of each of the left and right small areas VAR and VAL. This increases the rigidity of the sensor support member 3 around the left and right sensor fixing portions 34, thereby effectively suppressing displacement of the surrounding areas.

[0056] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support portion 31 has a convex shape that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and has a sensor fixing portion 34 to which the sensor device S is fixed, and the multiple vertical plate portions 38 include a vertical plate portion 38B (sensor fixing side vertical plate portion) that is connected to the sensor fixing portion 34. By providing such a vertical plate portion 38B, it is possible to suppress displacement of the peripheral portion of the sensor fixing portion 34, and therefore it is possible to more reliably maintain the detection accuracy of the sensor device S at a desired level.

[0057] The vertical plate portion 38B (sensor fixing side vertical plate portion) may be connected to the convex portion 35 that is arranged on the opposite side of the vertical plate portion 38B from the sensor fixing portion 34. By connecting the vertical plate portion 38B to both the sensor fixing portion 34 and the convex portion 35, the rigidity of the vertical plate portion 38B is increased, and therefore displacement of the peripheral portion of the sensor fixing portion 34 can be effectively suppressed.

[0058] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 is disposed below the sensor support portion 31, has a convex shape that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and includes a first connecting portion 33A (lower connecting portion) that is connected to the exterior member 2, and the multiple vertical plate portions 38 include a vertical plate portion 38A' (exterior connecting side vertical plate portion) that connects to the sensor support portion 31 and the first connecting portion 33A. Providing such a vertical plate portion 38A' increases the rigidity of the peripheral portions of the sensor support portion 31 and the first connecting portion 33A, making it possible to effectively suppress displacement of these peripheral portions.

[0059] 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.

[0060] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a structure has been described in which the multiple vertical plate portions 38 in the sensor support member 3 are formed to correspond to the first, third, and fourth connecting portions 33A, 33C, and 33D that are connected to the exterior member 2, and the sensor fixing portion 34 to which the sensor device S is fixed. However, the locations where the multiple vertical plate portions 38 in the sensor support member 3 are formed are not limited to the above example, and the multiple vertical plate portions 38 can be formed in any location, including the periphery of the sensor support portion 31, depending on the shape, material, and the like of the sensor support member 3. Also, although an example has been shown in which each vertical plate portion 38 has a specific number of vertical plates, the vertical plate portions 38 can be formed using any number of vertical plates, taking into consideration the area and rigidity of the locations where the vertical plate portions 38 are formed, the weight of the entire sensor support member 3, and the like.

[0061] Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, an example has been described in which the transmitting portion 22 is arranged above the plate support portion 21, but 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. In addition, an example has been described in which the plate support portion 21 and the transmitting portion 22 are integrally formed in the exterior member 2 (front bumper), but a structure may also be used in which the plate support member and / or the transmitting portion 22, each formed separately from the exterior member 2, are detachably fixed to the exterior member.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the transparent portion 22 is formed in the intermediate portion 2FI facing forward (front) in the front surface 2F of the exterior member 2, and an example has been described in which 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 transparent portion 22. However, other than the intermediate portion 2FI of the front surface 2F, the transparent 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 transparent portion 22. For example, if the transparent 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 transparent 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.

[0063] Furthermore, in addition to exterior members that form a design surface facing the front or rear of the vehicle, it is also possible to provide a sensor support member on the inside of an exterior member that forms a design surface facing outward in the vehicle width direction, and to support the sensor device S on the sensor support member so that the transmitting and receiving surface of the sensor device S faces outward in the vehicle width direction. In this case, the right and left wall portions, right and left vertical plate portions, right and left connecting portions, right and left lower connecting portions, and right and left ventilation portions of the sensor support member 3 in the above-mentioned embodiment can be replaced with the front and rear wall portions, front and rear vertical plate portions, front and rear connecting portions, front lower connecting portions, and front and rear ventilation portions, respectively, to obtain the same effects as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the right and left sides of the sensor device S are fixed to the right wall 31R and left wall 31L, respectively, of the frame-shaped sensor support part 31, and the sensor device S is disposed in the center of the sensor support part 31. However, the sensor device S may be fixed closer to the top, bottom, and / or left, right ends of the frame-shaped sensor support part 31. In this case, the right and left wall parts, right and left vertical plate parts, right and left connecting parts, lower right and lower left connecting parts, and right and left ventilation parts of the sensor support member 3 may be formed only on one side, either left or right, to correspond to the fixing position of the sensor device S to the frame-shaped sensor support part 31.

[0065] As a specific example, when the sensor device S is fixed close to the upper right portion of the sensor support portion 31, it is possible to form only the right wall portion, right vertical plate portion, right connecting portion, lower right connecting portion, and right ventilation portion of the sensor support member 3. Alternatively, when the sensor device S is fixed close to the left portion of the sensor support portion 31, it is possible to form only the left wall portion, left vertical plate portion, left connecting portion, lower left connecting portion, and left ventilation portion of the sensor support member 3. This simplifies the structure and reduces the weight of the sensor support member 3. Note that when the sensor device S is fixed close to the upper portion (or lower portion) of the sensor support portion 31 and is disposed at the upper center (or lower center) of the sensor support portion 31, the right and left wall portions, right and left vertical plate portions, right and left connecting portion, lower right and left connecting portion, and right and left ventilation portion are formed, as in the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 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...Extension 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...Multiple connections 33A, 33B... First and second connecting portions (lower connecting portion, lower right connecting portion, lower left connecting portion) 33C...Third connection part (right connection part, left connection part) 33D...Fourth connection 34...Sensor fixing part 35...Convex shape part 36...Arm section 37...Cable body holding part 38...Multiple vertical plate sections 38A, 38A'... Vertical plate portion around the first connecting portion (lower vertical plate portion, exterior connecting side vertical plate portion) 38B...Vertical plate portion around the sensor fixing portion (vertical plate portion on the sensor fixing side) 38C...Vertical plate section around the third connecting section (right vertical plate section, left vertical plate section) 38D...Vertical plate around the fourth connecting 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 VAR, VAL... Small area (right ventilation area, left 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 sensor support member a frame-shaped sensor support portion that supports the sensor device; a plurality of vertical plate portions arranged around the sensor support portion and extending in the up-down direction of the vehicle.

2. The sensor support portion is a right wall portion to which a right side portion of the sensor device is fixed; a left wall portion to which a left side portion of the sensor device is fixed, The plurality of vertical plate portions are a right vertical plate portion disposed to the right of the right wall portion; 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, further comprising: a left vertical plate portion disposed to the left of the left wall portion.

3. The sensor support member a right connecting portion disposed to the right of the right wall portion with a gap therebetween and connected to the exterior member; a left connecting portion disposed to the left of the left wall portion with a gap therebetween and connected to the exterior member, the right vertical plate portion is disposed between the right wall portion and the right connecting portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 2 , wherein the left vertical plate portion is disposed between the left wall portion and the left connecting portion.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical plate portions includes a lower vertical plate portion disposed below the sensor support portion.

5. the sensor support member includes a lower connecting portion disposed below the sensor support portion and connected to the exterior member, The vehicle structure according to claim 4, wherein the lower vertical plate portion is disposed around the lower connecting portion.

6. The sensor support member a right lower connecting portion disposed below the right wall portion of the sensor support portion and connected to the exterior member; a left lower connecting portion disposed below the left wall portion of the sensor support portion and connected to the exterior member, The vehicle structure according to claim 4, wherein the lower vertical plate portion is disposed between the right lower connecting portion and the left lower connecting portion.

7. The sensor support portion is a right wall portion to which a right side portion of the sensor device is fixed; a left wall portion to which a left side portion of the sensor device is fixed, The sensor support member a right ventilation portion formed to the right of the right wall portion and through which air flows; 5. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, further comprising: a left ventilation portion formed to the left of the left wall portion, through which air flows.

8. the sensor support portion has a convex shape that protrudes in the vehicle front-rear direction and includes a sensor fixing portion to which the sensor device is fixed, 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertical plate portions include a sensor fixing side vertical plate portion connected to the sensor fixing portion.

9. the sensor support portion is disposed on the opposite side of the sensor fixing portion with the sensor fixing-side vertical plate portion interposed therebetween and has a convex portion that protrudes in the vehicle front-rear direction, The vehicle structure according to claim 8 , wherein the sensor fixing side vertical plate portion is connected to the sensor fixing portion and the convex portion.

10. the sensor support member is disposed below the sensor support portion, has a convex shape that protrudes in the vehicle front-rear direction, and includes a lower connecting portion that is connected to the exterior member, 9. The vehicle structure according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of vertical plate portions include an exterior connecting side vertical plate portion that is connected to the sensor support portion and the lower connecting portion.

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