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 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 partition part 32 which partitions a ventilation area in a ventilation part 23 of the exterior member 2 into a plurality of small areas. The partition part 32 has: partition walls 32A disposed at borders of the respective small areas; and a partition frame 32B supporting the partition walls 32A. The sensor support part 31 is connected to the partition frame 32B.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 outer panel. [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 that forms a design surface on the exterior of the vehicle, and a sensor support member that is provided on the interior side of the exterior member and supports a sensor device that detects the exterior environment. In this vehicle structure, the exterior member includes a ventilation section through which air flows in and out of the vehicle. The sensor support member includes a frame-shaped sensor support section that supports the sensor device, and a partition section that divides the ventilation area within the ventilation section into multiple small areas. The partition section has partition walls arranged at the boundaries of each small area and a partition frame that supports the partition walls, and the sensor support member is connected to the partition frame. [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 an exploded perspective view of the vehicle structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure including a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 1, as seen obliquely from the rear side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of a transmission portion and a ventilation portion of the exterior member in the embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the rear side. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the sensor support member in the embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front side. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of the sensor support member of FIG. 5, seen obliquely from the rear side. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified example of the sensor support member related to the embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the modified example of FIG. 7, seen obliquely from the rear side. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing another modified example of the sensor support member related to the above embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing another modified example of the sensor support member related to the above embodiment. 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 3 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 an oblique front side, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle structure 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure 1 as seen from an oblique rear side, including a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 1. In each of the drawings described below, the arrow F direction indicates the front in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, the arrow U direction indicates the upward direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the arrow R direction and the arrow L direction indicate the right and left when looking at the front of the vehicle from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0011] 1 to 3, 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 a dashed line in FIG. 3) 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 radars 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. In this embodiment, the exterior member 2 (front bumper) is connected to and supported by a bumper beam (not shown), which is a highly rigid body structural member that constitutes the vehicle frame.

[0013] Both side portions 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. The 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 toward the rear of the vehicle from the upper end portion of the front portion 2F. The lower portion 2B of the exterior member 2 extends while curving rearward as the portion located in the middle in the vehicle width direction points downward.

[0014] In the middle portion 2FI of the front surface portion 2F of the exterior member 2, a plate attachment portion 21, a transmission portion 22, a ventilation portion 23, and an extension portion 24 are integrally formed (FIG. 2). The plate mounting portion 21 is configured so that a plate support member 4 that supports a vehicle license plate (not shown) can be attached from the outside (front) of the vehicle. The plate support member 4 has a substantially rectangular shape in a front view that corresponds to the outline of a license plate. A license plate is a plate-like member that displays information used to identify a vehicle and its owner. In Japan, license plates are called "automobile registration plates" or "vehicle number plates" depending on the vehicle classification, and in the United States and other countries, they are called "license plates." A pair of plate fixing portions 41 for fixing the license plate are provided on the upper portion of the plate support member 4, spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Note that this embodiment illustrates an example in which the plate support member 4, which is separate from the exterior member 2, is attached to the plate mounting portion 21 of the exterior member 2; however, the exterior member 2 and the plate support member 4 may be integrally formed.

[0015] The transparent portion 22 of the exterior member 2 has a transparent surface 22A through which detection waves (millimeter waves) transmitted and received by the sensor device S (millimeter wave radar) supported at a predetermined position by the sensor support member 3 pass, and a peripheral wall 22B extending from the periphery of the transparent surface 22A in the normal direction of the transparent surface 22A (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0016] The transmission surface 22A is formed using a material (e.g., synthetic resin) that allows the detection wave to pass through, and has a substantially rectangular shape in a front view seen from the front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the transmission surface 22A is an inclined surface that extends slightly rearward as it extends downward. In other words, the transmission surface 22A for the detection wave faces generally forward (front) although it is slightly inclined downward toward the front. The lower part of the transmission surface 22A is formed to protrude toward the inside (lower side) of the ventilation section 23. The peripheral wall 22B of the transmission section 22 extends generally rearward from both left and right side edges and the lower edge of the periphery of the transmission surface 22A. Note that when a camera (imaging device) is used as the sensor device S instead of a millimeter-wave radar, the transmission 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 transmission surface 22A.

[0017] The ventilation section 23 penetrates the exterior member 2 in the vehicle interior / exterior direction (front / rear direction) and forms a ventilation area VA through which air flows in the vehicle interior / exterior direction. In this embodiment, the ventilation section 23 has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front. A plate attachment section 21 is arranged below the ventilation section 23 in the exterior member 2. Furthermore, an upper portion of the transmission section 22 is arranged above the ventilation section 23 in the exterior member 2, and a lower portion of the transmission section 22 protrudes inside the ventilation section 23 (toward the ventilation area VA). In other words, the plate attachment section 21 and the transmission section 22 in the exterior member 2 are arranged at a distance in the vertical direction, with the ventilation area VA sandwiched between them. An extension section 24 is formed on the periphery of the ventilation section 23.

[0018] The extension portion 24 extends from the periphery of the ventilation portion 23 toward the inside (rear) of the vehicle. The extension portion 24 extends along the periphery of the ventilation portion 23 excluding the portion where the transmission portion 22 protrudes. The peripheral wall 22B of the transmission portion 22 is connected to the portion of the extension portion 24 adjacent to the transmission portion 22.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the transmissive portion 22 and the vent portion 23 (extending portion 24) of the exterior member 2, as viewed obliquely from the rear side. As shown in Fig. 4, the peripheral wall 22B of the transmitting portion 22 has a pair of side wall portions extending from both vehicle width direction edge portions of the peripheral edge of the transmitting surface 22A toward the rear of the vehicle, and a lower wall portion extending from a lower edge portion of the peripheral edge of the transmitting surface 22A toward the rear of the vehicle. The lower end portions of the side wall portions are connected by the lower wall portion. In a rear view seen from the rear of the vehicle, the peripheral wall 22B has a substantially U-shaped shape that opens upward toward the vehicle. The upper end portions of the side wall portions are connected to the extending portion 24. In other words, the peripheral wall 22B is formed continuously with the transmitting surface 22A and the extending portion 24.

[0020] A plurality of (here, two) notches 25 are formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction in the rear end portion of the lower wall portion of the peripheral wall 22B of the transmitting section 22. A partition wall 32A (described later) of the sensor support member 3 abuts against each notch 25. In addition, a pair of left and right first connecting portions 26 to which the sensor support member 3 is connected are provided in the lower wall portion of the peripheral wall 22B. Each first connecting portion 26 protrudes toward the inside (rear side) of the vehicle from both ends of the lower wall portion in the vehicle width direction as its base end. A screw hole is formed in the tip portion of each first connecting portion 26, and each first connected portion 33 (described later) of the sensor support member 3 is fastened to the first connecting portion 26 using a screw or the like.

[0021] A pair of left and right second connecting portions 27 to which the sensor support member 3 is connected are formed on the outer sides of the transmitting portion 22 of the exterior member 2 in the vehicle width direction. The right second connecting portion 27 is spaced to the right from the transmitting portion 22 and is disposed between the upper surface portion 2T of the exterior member 2 and the extending portion 24. The left second connecting portion 27 is spaced to the left from the transmitting portion 22 and is disposed between the upper surface portion 2T of the exterior member 2 and the extending portion 24.

[0022] Each second connecting portion 27 has a base portion 27A and a protruding portion 27B. The base portion 27A extends from the back surface side of the middle portion 2FI of the front portion 2F of the exterior member 2 toward the vehicle interior (rear side) and then bends and extends toward the vehicle width direction interior (toward the outward wall 223). The upper end of the base portion 27A is connected to the back surface of the top surface portion 2T of the exterior member 2, and the lower end of the base portion 27A is connected to the upper surface of the upper portion of the extension portion 24. The protruding portion 27B protrudes toward the vehicle interior (rear side) from the rear wall of the base portion 27A. A screw hole is formed in the front-rear direction in the protruding portion 27B, and a second connected portion 35 (described later) of the sensor support member 3 is fastened to the protruding portion 27B using a screw or the like.

[0023] A plurality of third connecting portions 28 to which the sensor support member 3 is connected are provided at the rear end portion of the extension portion 24 of the exterior member 2. In this embodiment, the third connecting portions 28 are configured by engagement claws that protrude from the rear end portion of the extension portion 24 toward the inside (rear) of the vehicle. Each third connecting portion 28 (engagement claw) is engageable with each third connected portion 36 (engagement hole) of the sensor support member 3, which will be described later.

[0024] 1 to 3, 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.

[0025] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the sensor support member 3 as seen obliquely from the front side, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the sensor support member 3 as seen obliquely from the rear side. 5 and 6, the frame-shaped sensor support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3 is formed into a substantially rectangular frame shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the sensor device S (indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 6) to be attached to the sensor support member 3. However, the shape of the sensor support portion 31 is not limited to a substantially rectangular frame shape, and may be, for example, a substantially U-shaped or circular frame shape in which any of the top, bottom, left, or right wall portions is omitted.

[0026] The sensor support member 31 in this embodiment has a pair of sensor fixing portions 31A to which the left and right side portions of the sensor device S are fixed. Each sensor fixing portion 31A has a screw hole formed in the vertical center of the left and right side walls of the frame-shaped sensor support member 31, and the sensor device S is fixed to each sensor fixing portion 31A from the rear side of the vehicle with a screw or the like. In other words, the sensor support member 31 has an opening formed in a portion that overlaps in the longitudinal direction with the outer surface (front surface) of the main body of the sensor device S fixed to each sensor fixing portion 31A. When the sensor support member 3 is connected to the exterior member 2, the sensor device S fixed to each sensor fixing portion 31A is arranged so as to face the transmission surface 22A of the transmission portion 22 of the exterior member 2 through the opening of the sensor support member 31 (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0027] The sensor support part 31 has the first connected parts 33, which are connected to the first connecting parts 26 of the exterior member 2, provided at the lower end parts of the left and right side walls (both ends of the lower wall in the vehicle width direction) (FIGS. 5 and 6). Each first connected part 33 has a through hole that passes through the sensor support part 31 in the front-rear direction, and a screw or the like is inserted into the through hole. The sensor support part 31 also has a pair of left and right arm parts 34 that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the periphery of each sensor fixing part 31A.

[0028] The right arm 34 extends rightward from an upper portion of the right wall of the sensor support part 31 as a base end, with its tip end located midway between the right wall and the right end part of the partition part 32. The left arm 34 extends leftward from an upper portion of the left wall of the sensor support part 31 as a base end, with its tip end located midway between the left wall and the left end part of the partition part 32. The tip side of each arm 34 is provided with the aforementioned second connected part 35 which is connected to the second connecting part 27 of the exterior member 2. Each second connected part 35 is also formed with a through hole which penetrates the arm 34 in the front-to-rear direction, and a screw or the like is inserted into the through hole.

[0029] Each arm portion 34 is formed with a plurality of ribs 34A that protrude forward from its front surface and extend in the vehicle width direction (FIG. 5). The vehicle width direction ends of each rib 34A are connected to the left and right side walls of the sensor support portion 31. The provision of these ribs 34A increases the rigidity of the sensor support portion 31 and each arm portion 34.

[0030] The partition section 32 of the sensor support member 3 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, and 6). 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.

[0031] A lower portion of the sensor support portion 31 protrudes from the upper center of the partition portion 32 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the partition frame 32B is formed with extension portions 32C that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the right and left walls of the sensor support portion 31. The lower surfaces of the arm portions 34 provided on the sensor support portion 31 side are connected to the outer surfaces (upper surfaces) of the extension portions 32C. In other words, the pair of left and right arm portions 34 of the sensor support portion 31 serve as connection portions that connect the outer surfaces of the extension portions 32C, which form part of the outer peripheral surface of the partition frame 32B, to the sensor fixing portions 31A of the sensor support portion 31.

[0032] In the sensor support member 3 having the above-described structure, the sensor support portion 31 is connected to inner end portions in the vehicle width direction of the left and right extension portions 32C of the partition frame 32B, and is disposed so as to protrude in a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction (here, the vehicle up-down direction) relative to each extension portion 32C. In other words, the up-down central portions of the left and right side walls of the sensor support portion 31 are connected to the left and right extension portions 32C of the partition frame 32B, and the upper portions and upper wall of the right and left side walls of the sensor support portion 31 protrude upward toward the vehicle relative to each extension portion 32C, and the lower portions and lower wall of the right and left side walls of the sensor support portion 31 protrude downward toward the vehicle relative to the extension portions 32C.

[0033] The partition frame 32B of the partition section 32 is provided with the aforementioned third connected portions 36 at positions corresponding to the third connecting portions 28 (engagement claws) of the exterior member 2 (FIGS. 5 and 6). The third connected portions 36 are arranged at the top and bottom of the partition frame 32B at required intervals in the vehicle width direction, and are formed as engagement holes that penetrate the partition frame 32B in the front-to-rear direction. The third connected portions 36 (engagement holes) have a shape that allows them to engage with the third connecting portions 28 (engagement claws) of the exterior member 2 that are inserted therein.

[0034] A plurality of fourth connected portions 37 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. Each fourth connected portion 37 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 each fourth connecting portion (not shown) provided around 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 connected portions 37 are connected to each other by the flange portions 32D. Each fourth connected portion 37 may be provided with a portion for holding a cord-like object such as a wire harness.

[0035] A plurality of ribs are disposed between the partition frame 32B and each of the fourth connectable portions 37 (FIG. 5). Each rib protrudes forward from the front surface of the flange portion 32D of the partition frame 32B, extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface of the partition frame 32B, and is disposed at intervals along the outer periphery of the partition frame 32B. The provision of such a plurality of ribs between the partition frame 32B and each of the fourth connectable portions 37 together with the flange portion 32D increases the rigidity of both the partition frame 32B and each of the fourth connectable portions 37. In particular, the flange portion 32D and the ribs are formed so as to include the lower corner portions of the partition frame 32B, thereby effectively increasing the rigidity of the partition frame 32B.

[0036] Cushion materials 32E are provided at multiple locations on the rear surface of flange portion 32D of partition frame 32B (FIGS. 3 and 6). Each cushion material 32E is disposed in a position abutting the peripheral edge of an air inlet port in an air guide member (not shown) disposed on the rear side of sensor support member 3. The air guide member is a member that introduces air that has circulated through ventilation section 23 of exterior member 2 and partition portion 32 of sensor support member 3 toward the inside (rear side) of the vehicle into the inlet port, narrows the flow of air, and discharges it from the outlet port. Each cushion material 32E functions to absorb and reduce the load acting on partition portion 32 from the air guide member.

[0037] A plurality of cord-like body holding portions 38 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 wall of the sensor support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3, the upper portions of the arms 34, and both sides in the vehicle width direction of the upper portion of the partition portion 32 (FIGS. 5 and 6). A common cord-like body is held by these cord-like body holding portions 38, thereby increasing the rigidity of the sensor support portion 31, the left and right arms 34, and the partition portion 32.

[0038] 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 31A of the sensor support portion 31 in the sensor support member 3 using screws or the like. Then, the sensor support member 3 to which the sensor device S is fixed has first and second connected portions 33, 35 formed around the sensor support portion 31 connected to first and second connecting portions 26, 27 formed around the transparent portion 22 of the exterior member 2, respectively. At this time, the vehicle inner end (rear end) of the peripheral wall 22B of the transparent portion 22 of the exterior member 2 abuts against the lower portion of the sensor support portion 31 in the sensor support member 3, and against the partition frame 32B and partition wall 32A adjacent to the lower portion (upper ends of two vertical walls located at the center in the vehicle width direction).

[0039] Additionally, third connecting portions 28 (engaging claws) formed around the extending portions 24 of the exterior member 2 engage with third connected portions 36 (engaging holes) formed in the partition frame 32B of the sensor support member 3. Furthermore, fourth connected portions 37 formed around the partition portions 32 of the sensor support member 3 are connected to fourth connecting portions formed around the ventilation portions 23 of the exterior member 2. As a result, the sensor device S supported by the sensor support member 3 is disposed opposite the transmitting surface 22A of the transmitting portion 22 in the exterior member 2.

[0040] The exterior member 2 to which the sensor support member 3 is connected is fixed to a vehicle body structural member (such as a bumper beam) together with the air guide member. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 is indirectly connected to the vehicle body structural member via the exterior member 2. The air guide member fixed to the vehicle body structural member is arranged so as to cover the partition section 32 of the sensor support member 3 from the rear side. Once the exterior member 2 and the air guide member are fixed to the vehicle body structural member, the plate support member 4 is attached to the plate mounting section 21 of the exterior member 2, and then the license plate is fixed to the plate fixing section 41 of the plate support member 4. Note that the plate support member 4 may be attached to the exterior member 2 before the sensor support member 3 is connected to the exterior member 2.

[0041] 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 partition portion 32 having partition walls 32A and partition frames 32B that divide the ventilation area VA in the ventilation portion 23 of the exterior member 2 into multiple small areas, and the sensor support portion 31 is connected to the partition frame 32B. By connecting the sensor support portion 31 to the relatively rigid partition frame 32B that supports the partition wall 32A of the partition portion 32 in this manner, the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 31 can be increased while preventing the ventilation area VA from being restricted by the sensor support portion 31. As a result, even when vibrations, wind pressure, external forces due to a minor collision, and the like act on the exterior member 2 while the vehicle is traveling, displacement of the sensor device S located on the vehicle inner side (rear side) of the exterior member 2 can be prevented via the sensor support member 3 connected to the exterior member 2, thereby maintaining the detection accuracy of the sensor device S at a desired level.

[0042] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support portion 31 is connected to each extension portion 32C of the partition frame 32B extending in the vehicle width direction, and is disposed so as to protrude from each extension portion 32C in a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction (vehicle up-down direction). With this structure, both side portions (right side wall and left side wall) of the sensor support portion 31 in the vehicle width direction are supported by the extension portions 32C of the partition frame 32B, thereby further increasing the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 31. This effectively suppresses displacement of the sensor device S, thereby reliably maintaining the desired detection accuracy.

[0043] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support portion 31 is connected to the partition wall 32A in addition to the extension portions 32C of the partition frame 32B. This structure further increases the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 31. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress displacement of the sensor device S and more reliably maintain the desired detection accuracy.

[0044] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the portion of the sensor support part 31 that is located below the vehicle, of the sensor fixing part 31A, is connected to the partition wall 32A. With this structure, the rigidity around the sensor fixing part 31A is increased, so that the displacement of the sensor device S can be more effectively suppressed.

[0045] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support portion 31 includes a pair of arms 34 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from each of a pair of side walls (right side wall and left side wall) to which both side portions in the vehicle width direction of the sensor device S are fixed, and each arm 34 is connected to the extension portion 32C of the partition frame 32B. With this structure, the load acting on the periphery of each side wall to which the sensor device S is fixed in the sensor support portion 31 can be more easily supported by the partition frame 32B via the arms 34, so that displacement of the sensor device S can be more effectively suppressed.

[0046] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 includes a connection portion that connects the sensor support portion 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the partition frame 32B. This increases the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 31, and since the connection portion is located outside the sensor support portion 31, it is possible to prevent the ventilation area VA from being restricted by the connection portion.

[0047] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the connecting portions are provided as arm portions 34 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the periphery of each sensor fixing portion 31A in the sensor support portion 31, and each arm portion 34 is connected to the outer surface of the extension portion 32C in the partition frame 32B. By providing each arm portion 34 in this manner, the joint area between the partition frame 32B and the connecting portion can be increased, thereby further increasing the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 31. Furthermore, by forming the rib 34A on each arm portion 34, the rigidity of each arm portion 34 is increased, thereby effectively suppressing vibration and displacement of the sensor device S caused by air flowing through the ventilation area VA while the vehicle is traveling.

[0048] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment, the partition frame 32B and the connection portions (each arm portion 34) each have a cord-like body holding portion 38 and are connected to each other via a cord-like body. By providing such a cord-like body holding portion 38, it is possible to stably hold the cord-like body routed inside the vehicle while increasing the rigidity of the partition frame 32B and the connection portions (each arm portion 34).

[0049] 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 alterations are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the tip portions of the left and right arm portions 34 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the left and right side walls of the sensor support portion 31 are positioned midway between the left and right side walls and the left and right end portions of the partition portion 32, but various modifications are possible, such as extending the tip portions to the left and right end portions of the partition portion 32.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a modified example of the sensor support member 3 related to the embodiment described above, seen from a diagonal front side. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the modified example of Fig. 7, seen from a diagonal rear side. In the various modified examples described below, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment described above indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0051] In the sensor support member 3 according to the modification shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the right arm portion 34 extends rightward from an upper portion of the right side wall of the sensor support portion 31 as a base end, with its tip reaching the right end portion of the partition portion 32. Similarly, the left arm portion 34 extends leftward from an upper portion of the left side wall of the sensor support portion 31 as a base end, with its tip reaching the left end portion of the partition portion 32. Each arm portion 34 has a plurality of ribs 34A that protrude rearward from its rear surface and extend in the vehicle up-down direction, formed between the side wall of the sensor support portion 31 and the second connected portion 35 (FIG. 8). By extending each arm portion 34 outward in the vehicle width direction in this manner, the joint area between each arm portion 34 and each extension portion 32C of the partition frame 32B is increased, thereby further increasing the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 31.

[0052] Furthermore, in the sensor support member 3 according to the above modification, instead of the first right-side connected portion 33 in the above-described embodiment, two connected portions 33A and 33B are arranged below the right wall of the sensor support member 31 at a distance in the vehicle width direction, and instead of the first left-side connected portion 33 in the above-described embodiment, two connected portions 33A and 33B are arranged below the left wall of the sensor support member 31 at a distance in the vehicle width direction (FIGS. 7 and 8). The left and right connected portions 33A and 33B are respectively connected to plate mounting portions 21 or plate support members 4 (not shown) that are provided so as to protrude inside the ventilation portion 23 of the exterior member 2 (toward the ventilation area VA), thereby increasing the support rigidity of the sensor support member 31. A vertical plate portion 33C having multiple vertical plates is formed between the left and right connected portions 33A (below the lower wall of the sensor support member 31). Each vertical plate of the vertical plate portion 33C has a predetermined width in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, extends in the up-down direction, and is spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle. Such vertical plate portions 33C increase the rigidity of the peripheral portions of the sensor support portion 31 and the connected portion 33A.

[0053] Furthermore, in the sensor support member 3 according to the above-described modification, the left and right upper end portions of the flange portions 32D formed on the left and right side portions and the rear surface of the lower portion of the partition frame 32B are connected to the outer end portions in the vehicle width direction of the left and right arm portions 34. This increases the rigidity of the left and right arm portions 34 and the partition frame 32B. Note that the structure of the sensor support member 3 according to the other modifications is basically the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0054] In the sensor support member 3 according to the above modification, the partition wall 32A has side walls (areas surrounded by dashed lines in FIG. 8) that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower part of the sensor support portion 31 and are connected to both left and right side portions of the partition frame 32B. Such side walls increase the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 31 and can suppress deformation of the sensor support portion 31 in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0055] Furthermore, sensor support part 31 in the above-described modified example is designed so that its vertical middle position (the intersection of the dashed dotted lines shown in FIG. 8) is located inside partition frame 32B. By designing sensor support part 31 in this way, the upper end portion, which is the free end of sensor support part 31, becomes shorter, which makes it possible to promote deformation of sensor support part 31 in the direction indicated by the dashed dotted line arrow, more effectively.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, an example has been described in which the lower portion of the sensor support portion 31 protrudes from the upper center of the partition portion 32 in the vehicle width direction. However, for example, as in another modified example of a sensor support member shown in the schematic front view in the upper part of FIG. 9, the entire sensor support portion 31 may be disposed outside the partition portion 32. In this case, the arm portion 34 extends from the lower end of the side wall of the sensor support portion 31 outward in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the upper side of the outer peripheral surface of the partition frame 32B. Alternatively, as in another modified example of a sensor support member shown in the schematic view in the lower part of FIG. 9, the entire sensor support portion 31 may be disposed inside the partition portion 32. In this case, the arm portion 34 extends from the upper end of the side wall of the sensor support portion 31 outward in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the upper side of the inner peripheral surface of the partition frame 32B.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the sensor support portion 31 is connected to the left and right extension portions 32C of the partition frame 32B and is disposed so as to protrude in the vehicle vertical direction relative to the extension portions 32C. However, the protruding direction of the sensor support portion 31 relative to the extension portions 32C of the partition frame 32B is not limited to the vehicle vertical direction. For example, as in another modified example of the sensor support member shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 10, the protruding direction of the sensor support portion 31 can be a direction intersecting the extension direction of the partition frame 32B (the vehicle width direction) (in the illustrated example, the vehicle front-rear direction). If the portion of the sensor support portion 31 located inside the partition portion 32 is designed to slope downward toward the inside of the vehicle, the area of ​​the ventilation region VA can be increased. Furthermore, although the example in which the sensor support portion 31 is connected to the upper portion of the partition frame 32B has been described, it is of course also possible for the sensor support portion 31 to be connected to the lower portion or a side portion of the partition frame 32B in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified example, an example has been described in which the ventilation section 23 is formed by a single exterior member 2, but it is also possible to combine a plurality of exterior members to form the ventilation section 23. Furthermore, an example has been described in which the right and left sides of the sensor device S are fixed to the right and left walls of the sensor support section 31, respectively, but other than this, the sensor device S may also be fixed close to the top, bottom, left, or right end portions of the sensor support section 31, for example, at the upper right or upper left portion.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, a structure has been described in which the sensor support member 3 is connected to the exterior member 2. However, the sensor support member may not be connected to the exterior member, but may be connected to and supported by a vehicle body structural member that supports the exterior member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Vehicle structure 2...Exterior material 21...Plate mounting part 22…Transparent part 22A…Transparent surface 22B…Peripheral wall 23...Ventilation section 24...Extending part 25...Notch 26~28...1st~3rd connection part 2B…Bottom surface (design surface) 2F: Front section (design surface) 2T...Top surface (design surface) 3...Sensor support member 31...Sensor support part 31A: Sensor fixing part 32...Partition 32A...Partition wall 32B...Partition frame 32C…Extension part 33,35~37...1st~4th connected part 34...Arm part (connection part) 38...Cable body holding part S: Sensor device VA: Ventilation area

Claims

1. an exterior member that forms 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 ventilation portion through which air flows in and out of the vehicle, The sensor support member a frame-shaped sensor support portion that supports the sensor device; a partition portion that divides the ventilation area in the ventilation portion into a plurality of small areas, The partition portion is Partition walls are arranged at the boundaries of each small area; a partition frame supporting the partition wall, A vehicle structure, characterized in that the sensor support portion is connected to the partition frame.

2. The exterior member is provided at the front or rear of the vehicle, the partition frame has an extension portion extending in the vehicle width direction, 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor support portion is connected to the extension portion and is disposed so as to protrude from the extension portion in a direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction.

3. 3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, wherein the sensor support portion is connected to the partition wall in addition to the extension portion.

4. 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor support portion has a sensor fixing portion to which the sensor device is fixed, and a portion of the sensor fixing portion located below the vehicle is connected to the partition wall.

5. The exterior member is provided at the front or rear of the vehicle, the partition frame has an extension portion extending in the vehicle width direction, the sensor support portion has a pair of side walls to which both side portions of the sensor device in the vehicle width direction are fixed, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor support member includes a pair of arm portions that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from each of the pair of side walls and are connected to the extension portions.

6. The exterior member is provided at the front or rear of the vehicle, 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor support member includes a connection portion that connects the sensor support portion and an outer peripheral surface of the partition frame.

7. the partition frame has an extension portion extending in the vehicle width direction, the sensor support portion has a sensor fixing portion to which the sensor device is fixed, The connection portion is an arm portion extending outward in the vehicle width direction from a periphery of the sensor fixing portion and connected to an outer surface of the extension portion; 7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6, further comprising a rib formed on the arm portion.

8. 7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6, wherein the partition frame and the connecting portion each have a cord-like body holding portion that holds a cord-like body, and are connected to each other via the cord-like body.

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