Vehicle structure

Abstract

To efficiently absorb impact energy.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure 1 includes: an outer panel 10 forming a design surface on a vehicle outer side in a front part or a rear part of a vehicle; a reinforcement member 20 reinforcing the outer panel 10 from a back surface side of the outer panel 10; a sensor device S attached to the reinforcement member 20 to detect a vehicle exterior environment; and a vehicle body structure 30 provided on the back surface side of the outer panel 10 and extending in a vehicle width direction. In the vehicle structure 1, the reinforcement member 20 includes: a vertical extension part 20A extending in a vehicle vertical direction; and a lateral extension part 20B having a projecting part 21 on each side in the vehicle width direction, the projecting part 21 projecting outward in the vehicle width direction from one end side in the vehicle vertical direction of the vertical extension part 20A and coupled to the vehicle body structure 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure including a structure for locating a sensor device at the front or rear of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, outer panels (also called exterior components) such as bumpers and grilles that form the exterior design surfaces of vehicles such as automobiles are provided at the front and rear of the vehicles, and sensor devices that detect the outside environment of the vehicle using cameras, radar, ultrasonic waves, etc. may be placed on the back side of the outer panels.

[0003] One example of a vehicle structure having a structure for disposing a sensor device in the front of the vehicle is the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1. The structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a bumper beam and an upper bar arranged at an interval above and below each other in the front of the vehicle, and a bracket extending from the bumper beam to the upper bar and supporting a radar device, with the bracket having a deformation inducing portion that induces deformation due to an impact received in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle. In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the bracket deforms or breaks at the deformation inducing portion and is displaced rearward in the event of a collision, thereby absorbing the impact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-215186 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the bracket connecting the bumper beam and upper bar, which constitute the vehicle body structural members, deforms or breaks locally at the deformation-inducing portion, so the input impact energy cannot be fully consumed as deformation energy or breaking energy, and there is a possibility that the impact cannot be sufficiently absorbed.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure that can efficiently absorb impact energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle structure is provided, comprising: an outer panel that forms a design surface on the outside of the vehicle at the front or rear of the vehicle; a reinforcing member that reinforces the outer panel from the back side of the outer panel; a sensor device that detects the environment outside the vehicle and is attached to the reinforcing member; and a body structure that is provided on the back side of the outer panel and extends in the vehicle width direction, wherein the reinforcing member has a vertical extension portion that extends in the vehicle's vertical direction, and a horizontal extension portion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from one end side of the vertical extension portion in the vehicle's vertical direction and has protrusion portions on both sides in the vehicle width direction that are connected to the body structure.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle structure including an outer panel that forms a design surface on the outside of a vehicle at a front or rear portion of the vehicle, a reinforcing member that reinforces the outer panel from a rear surface side of the outer panel, a sensor device that detects an environment outside the vehicle and is attached to the reinforcing member, and a vehicle body structure that is provided on the rear surface side of the outer panel and extends in a vehicle width direction, wherein the vehicle body structure has a first vehicle body structural member and a second vehicle body structural member that is spaced apart from the first vehicle body structural member to the other side in the vehicle up-down direction, the first body structural member is provided with an inner impact absorbing portion that protrudes from the first body structural member toward the outside of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is formed with a lower rigidity than the first body structural member, and the second body structural member is provided with a support bracket that protrudes from the second body structural member toward the top of the vehicle and is formed with a lower rigidity than the second body structural member, and the reinforcing member is connected to the first body structural member via the inner impact absorbing portion and connected to the second body structural member via the support bracket. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the one or another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle structure that can efficiently absorb impact energy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a main part of the vehicle structure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure from which the outer panel and the low-rigidity member have been removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle structure with the outer panel and the low-rigidity member removed. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a connection point between a low-rigidity member and a vehicle body structure. [Figure 7]10 is a view illustrating a connection point between the outer panel and the reinforcing member as viewed from the inside of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a connection point between the outer panel and the reinforcing member, as viewed from the inside of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle structure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front of the vehicle, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a main part of the vehicle structure 1. In the drawings, the arrow Fr direction indicates the front of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the arrow O direction indicates the outward side of the vehicle (outside in the vehicle width direction) in the vehicle width direction, and the arrow U direction indicates the upward side of the vehicle in the vehicle vertical direction. In the following description, "front" and "rear" correspond to the front and rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and "up" and "down" correspond to the up and down in the vehicle vertical direction. Furthermore, "left" and "right" correspond to the left and right in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0012] (Vehicle structure overview) The vehicle structure 1 includes a structure for disposing a sensor device S that detects the outside environment on the rear side of an outer panel 10 at the front or rear of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 also includes a structure for reinforcing the outer panel 10 and for attaching (fixing) the outer panel 10 to the vehicle body. In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is applied as a front structure of the vehicle.

[0013] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, a vehicle structure 1 includes an outer panel 10, a reinforcing member 20, a sensor device S, a body structure 30, and a low-rigidity member 40. In Fig. 2, the outer shapes of the sensor device S and the outer panel 10 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0014] The outer panel 10 is a so-called exterior member that forms a design surface on the outside of the vehicle at the front or rear of the vehicle and extends in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the outer panel 10 is a front bumper that forms the exterior design surface at the front of the vehicle. The outer panel 10, which is a front bumper, has, for example, a bumper front portion 11 that extends across the entire vehicle width direction. A resin front grille 11a is provided in the center of the bumper front portion 11, and the front grille 11a has multiple air vents. In other words, the outer panel 10 has the front grille 11a, which is an intake member. Although not shown, in this embodiment, a radiator is disposed behind the outer panel 10 and the reinforcing member 20.

[0015] The reinforcing member 20 is a member for reinforcing the outer panel 10 from the back surface side of the outer panel 10 (i.e., the surface side opposite the vehicle exterior design surface) and fixing the outer panel 10 to the vehicle body (vehicle body structure 30). The reinforcing member 20 is, for example, a resin injection-molded product. The reinforcing member 20 is arranged generally along the center of the back surface of the outer panel 10 in the vehicle width direction. The outer panel 10 is a thin, large member that extends over a wide area in the vehicle width direction, and therefore has relatively low rigidity. The reinforcing member 20 supports the outer panel 10 at multiple points from the back surface of the outer panel 10 to reinforce the outer panel 10, which has low rigidity. The reinforcing member 20 is connected (fixed) to the vehicle body (vehicle body structure 30) at multiple points as described below, and is supported by the vehicle body structure 30 (a first vehicle body structural member 31 and a second vehicle body structural member 32, which will be described in detail later). The reinforcing member 20 is connected (fixed) at a plurality of points to the rear surface of the outer panel 10, thereby supporting the rear surface of the outer panel 10. The structure of the reinforcing member 20 will be described later.

[0016] The sensor device S is a device attached to the reinforcing member 20 and detects the environment outside the vehicle. In this embodiment, the sensor device S is a device configured to detect obstacles (external obstacles) such as other vehicles located in front of the vehicle using electromagnetic waves. In this embodiment, the sensor device S uses millimeter waves as the electromagnetic waves. In other words, the sensor device S is a millimeter-wave radar. However, the electromagnetic waves used by the sensor device S are not limited to millimeter waves, and may be, for example, microwaves.

[0017] The sensor device S has a sensor end face Sa located at the tip of the sensor device S on the outer side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the sensor end face Sa is the front end face of the sensor device S. Specifically, the sensor end face Sa is an end face facing the outer side of the vehicle (here, the front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is an end face from which electromagnetic waves are output or input. The sensor device S is attached to the reinforcing member 20, approximately at the lower center in the vehicle width direction, behind the front grille 11a of the outer panel 10, with the sensor end face Sa facing the front of the vehicle, via connectors such as a sensor support plate and bolts (not shown), and is fixed to the reinforcing member 20. In this state, the sensor device S faces the back surface of the outer panel 10 in the longitudinal direction. A region (portion) of the outer panel 10 facing the sensor device S is made of a material (e.g., synthetic resin) that has properties that allow electromagnetic waves to pass through, and is formed into a flat, plate-like shape as a detection wave passing region 12 (electromagnetic wave passing portion).

[0018] The sensor device S outputs electromagnetic waves, which pass through the detection wave passing area 12 of the outer panel 10 and are output in front of the vehicle. If there is an obstacle in front of the vehicle, the electromagnetic waves output in front of the vehicle are reflected by the obstacle, and the sensor device S receives the electromagnetic waves that have been reflected by the obstacle and passed through the detection wave passing area 12, thereby detecting the obstacle in front of the vehicle.

[0019] The body structure 30 is provided on the rear surface side of the outer panel 10 and extends in the vehicle width direction. The body structure 30 is made up of highly rigid members that form part of the vehicle body. At the front of the vehicle, the body structure 30 includes a first body structural member 31 and a second body structural member 32. In other words, each element (31, 32) forms part of the body structure 30 of the vehicle. Each element (31, 32) is made of a metal thin plate or the like.

[0020] The low-rigidity member 40 is disposed around the reinforcing member 20 and has a rigidity lower than that of the vehicle body structure 30. The low-rigidity member 40 is, for example, a resin injection-molded product. The low-rigidity member 40 is disposed between the radiator and the reinforcing member 20. The low-rigidity member 40 is, for example, an air guide member such as a shroud that holds the radiator and forms an intake path. Air that has passed through the multiple air vents in the front grille 11a is guided to the radiator via the low-rigidity member 40, which serves as an air guide member.

[0021] (Vehicle structure details) The vehicle structure 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure 1 with the outer panel 10 and the low-rigidity member 40 removed, Fig. 4 is a side view of the vehicle structure 1 with the outer panel 10 and the low-rigidity member 40 removed, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle body structure. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the connection relationship between the low-rigidity member 40 and the vehicle body structure 30, Fig. 7 is a view from the inside of the vehicle illustrating the connection relationship between the outer panel 10 and the reinforcing member 20, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view from the inside of the vehicle illustrating the connection relationship between the outer panel 10 and the reinforcing member 20. In Fig. 6, the outline of the outer panel 10 is shown by a dashed line, and the outline of the reinforcing member 20 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0022] 2 to 4, the reinforcing member 20 is disposed on the rear surface side of the outer panel 10, and has a vertical extension portion 20A and a horizontal extension portion 20B. The reinforcing member 20 is formed in a generally T-shape in a plan view seen from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0023] The vertical extension portion 20A extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The horizontal extension portion 20B extends in the vehicle width direction. The horizontal extension portion 20B has protruding portions 21 on both sides in the vehicle width direction, which protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from one end side of the vertical extension portion 20A in the vehicle vertical direction. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 21 of the horizontal extension portion 20B protrudes from the upper end side of the vertical extension portion 20A. In other words, in this embodiment, the "one side" in the vehicle vertical direction of the vertical extension portion 20A from which the protruding portion 21 protrudes is upward, and the horizontal extension portion 20B is located above the vertical extension portion 20A. In this embodiment, the "one side" in the vehicle vertical direction is upward, and the "other side" in the vehicle vertical direction is downward.

[0024] In a side view, the reinforcing member 20 protrudes from the first vehicle body structural member 31 toward the outer side of the vehicle (forward in this case) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and then bends to extend in the other direction in the vehicle vertical direction (i.e., downward) toward the second vehicle body structural member 32. That is, in the illustrated example, the laterally extending portion 20B has a generally L-shaped cross section and extends in the vehicle width direction, while the vertically extending portion 20A forms a portion that includes the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The reinforcing member 20 is formed in the vehicle width direction central portion of the rear surface of the outer panel 10 so as to generally follow the bumper front portion 11.

[0025] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has a housing portion 22 in which the sensor device S is housed. The housing portion 22 is formed in a concave shape that is recessed toward the inside of the vehicle (rearward in this case) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, the housing portion 22 has a concave shape that is open toward the outside of the vehicle (frontward) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a housing space in which the sensor device S is housed is formed inside the concave shape. Furthermore, the housing portion 22 is formed in a concave shape that bulges out generally toward the rear of the vehicle as a whole.

[0026] In this embodiment, the storage section 22 is provided in the vertical extension section 20A. That is, the vertical extension section 20A has the storage section 22 that stores the sensor device S. In this embodiment, the storage section 22 is provided in a portion (i.e., a lower portion) on the other end side (here, the lower side) of the vertical extension section 20A in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0027] In this embodiment, as described above, the vehicle body structure 30 has the first vehicle body structural member 31 and the second vehicle body structural member 32. The first vehicle body structural member 31 and the second vehicle body structural member 32 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction at the front of the vehicle, and each of the first vehicle body structural member 31 and the second vehicle body structural member 32 extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first vehicle body structural member 31 is disposed at a distance from the second vehicle body structural member 32 on one side in the vehicle vertical direction (i.e., above), and may also be referred to as an upper cross member or an upper bumper beam. The first vehicle body structural member 31 also functions as a hood lock member, which is a structural member that supports the front portion of a front hood (not shown). Each end of the first vehicle body structural member 31 is joined to other vehicle body members (not shown). The second vehicle body structural member 32 is disposed at a distance from the first vehicle body structural member 31 on the other side in the vehicle vertical direction (i.e., below), and may also be referred to as a lower cross member or a lower bumper beam. Each end of the second vehicle body structural member 32 is joined to other vehicle body members (not shown, for example, front side members).

[0029] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is provided at a position offset toward the outer side of the vehicle (forward in this case) in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the first vehicle body structural member 31. In other words, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is located forward and below the first vehicle body structural member 31.

[0030] 2 to 4, the reinforcing member 20 is connected to and supported by a first body structural member 31 and a second body structural member 32 that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle up-down direction at the front of the vehicle. In other words, the reinforcing member 20 extends from the first body structural member 31 to the second body structural member 32 and connects the first body structural member 31 and the second body structural member 32.

[0031] The reinforcing member 20 has a first vehicle body coupling portion C1 coupled to (supported by) a first vehicle body structural member 31, and a second vehicle body coupling portion C2 coupled to (supported by) a second vehicle body structural member 32. The first vehicle body coupling portions C1 are set at multiple locations (two locations on each side in the figure) on overhanging portions 21 provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction at the upper part of the reinforcing member 20, and the second vehicle body coupling portions C2 are set in storage portions 22 (more specifically, second front and rear walls 22f, described later) provided at the lower part of the reinforcing member 20. In other words, the overhanging portions 21 of the laterally extending portions 20B are coupled to and supported by the vehicle body structure 30 (here, the first vehicle body structural member 31), and the storage portions 22 of the vertically extending portions 20A are coupled to and supported by the vehicle body structure 30 (here, the second vehicle body structural member 32).

[0032] 2 to 5, in this embodiment, the first vehicle body structural member 31 has a first upper cross member 311 and a first lower cross member 312 that is disposed below the first upper cross member 311 in the vehicle vertical direction. The first upper cross member 311 and the first lower cross member 312 are connected to each other and extend to approximately the same length in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcing member 20 is connected to and supported by the first upper cross member 311 for the first vehicle body structural member 31.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first vehicle body structural member 31 is provided with an inner impact absorbing portion 33 that protrudes from the first vehicle body structural member 31 toward the vehicle exterior in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is formed with lower rigidity than the first vehicle body structural member 31. The protruding portion 21 of the laterally extending portion 20B is connected to and supported by the first vehicle body structural member 31 via the inner impact absorbing portion 33.

[0034] The inner impact absorbing portion 33 has at least two impact absorbing pieces 33a spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, one on one side in the vehicle width direction and the other on the other side in the vehicle width direction. The at least two impact absorbing pieces 33a are connected by a connecting stay 34.

[0035] In the illustrated example, two impact absorbing pieces 33a are provided on each side in the vehicle width direction, and two impact absorbing pieces 33a are provided on each side in the vehicle width direction, and the inner impact absorbing section 33 is made up of four impact absorbing pieces 33a. The impact absorbing pieces 33a are members formed by bending a thin metal plate. The impact absorbing pieces 33a extend so as to protrude forward from a portion of the first upper cross member 311 that corresponds to the protruding portion 21. The impact absorbing pieces 33a (inner impact absorbing section 33) are members (upper brackets, or more specifically, upper support brackets) formed physically separate from the first vehicle body structural member 31. The base ends of the impact absorbing pieces 33a are joined to the front and top surfaces of the first upper cross member 311.

[0036] A connecting stay 34 is provided between each of the two impact absorbing pieces 33a on one side of the vehicle width direction and each of the two impact absorbing pieces 33a on the other side of the vehicle width direction. The connecting stay 34 is a member made of a bent thin metal plate and extends in the vehicle width direction. The connecting stay 34 extends in the vehicle width direction so as to bridge the tip ends of the two impact absorbing pieces 33a and connect the tip ends of the two impact absorbing pieces 33a together.

[0037] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is provided with a support bracket 35 that protrudes from the second vehicle body structural member 32 toward the upper side of the vehicle and is formed with lower rigidity than the second vehicle body structural member. The support bracket 35 supports the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 (here, the accommodating portion 22) from below. The accommodating portion 22 of the vertical extension portion 20A is connected to and supported by the second vehicle body structural member 32 via the support bracket 35.

[0038] The support bracket 35 is a member formed by bending a thin metal plate. That is, in this embodiment, the support bracket 35 is a member (a lower bracket, or more specifically, a lower support bracket) formed physically separate from the second vehicle body structural member 32. The support bracket 35 is joined to the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0039] The first body connection portion C1 at the upper part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected to the upper surface of the connecting stay 34 by a connecting device such as a bolt at the protruding portion 21 of the horizontal extension portion 20B, and is thereby connected (supported) to the first body structural member 31, and the second body connection portion C2 at the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected to (supported) the second body structural member 32 by being engaged with the support bracket 35 at the storage portion 22 (second front and rear walls 22f described later) of the vertical extension portion 20A.

[0040] Next, the shape and structure of the reinforcing member 20 will be mainly described in more detail.

[0041] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has a connection portion 20C that connects the vertical extension portion 20A and the horizontal extension portion 20B. As described above, the reinforcing member 20 is formed in a generally T-shape in a plan view seen from one side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, the reinforcing member 20 is generally divided into the horizontal extension portion 20B that extends in the vehicle width direction, the vertical extension portion 20A that extends in the vehicle up-down direction, and the connection portion 20C that connects the vehicle width central portion of the horizontal extension portion 20B to the upper end of the vertical extension portion 20A.

[0042] In this embodiment, the connection portion 20C is gradually increased in width in the vehicle width direction from the vertical extension portion 20A to the horizontal extension portion 20B. In the illustrated example, the connection portion 20C is formed in an inverted trapezoidal shape in a plan view seen from the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0043] The storage section 22 has a first vertical side portion 22a, a second vertical side portion 22b, an upper connecting wall 22c, a first front and rear wall 22d, a bottom wall (rear wall) 22e, and a second front and rear wall 22f, and these elements define the storage space. In this embodiment, the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b each correspond to the "vertical side portion" according to the present invention.

[0044] The first vertical side portion 22a is one side portion in the vehicle width direction of the storage portion 22, and the second vertical side portion 22b is the other side portion in the vehicle width direction of the storage portion 22. The first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b each extend generally in the up-down direction of the vehicle. As will be described later, the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b are portions where the sensor device S is positioned and attached.

[0045] The upper portion of the first vertical side portion 22a and the upper portion of the second vertical side portion 22b are each formed in a shape having a bulging portion 22g (bulging structure) that bulges outward (toward the front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0046] The first vertical side portion 22a has a first inner wall 22a1 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and a first outer wall 22a2 that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, and a first end wall 22a3 that faces the outer side of the vehicle (front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The first end wall 22a3 extends from one end of the upper connecting wall 22c to one end of the second front / rear wall 22f, and connects the front end of the first inner wall 22a1 and the front end of the first outer wall 22a2.

[0047] Similarly, the second vertical side portion 22b has a second inner wall 22b1 and a second outer wall 22b2 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and a second end wall 22b3 facing the vehicle exterior side (front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The second end wall 22b3 extends from the other end of the upper connecting wall 22c to the other end of the second front / rear wall 22f, and connects the front end of the second inner wall 22b1 and the front end of the second outer wall 22b2. In this embodiment, the first end wall 22a3 and the second end wall 22b3 each correspond to the "end wall" according to the present invention.

[0048] Thus, in this embodiment, the aforementioned bulging portion 22g of the reinforcing member 20 bulges outward in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle in the portion (first vertical side portion 22a, second vertical side portion 22b) including the end walls (first end wall 22a3, second end wall 22b3) of the reinforcing member 20.

[0049] The upper connecting wall 22c connects the upper portion of the first vertical side portion 22a to the upper portion of the second vertical side portion 22b, and extends continuously to the lower end of the connecting portion 20C.

[0050] The first front / rear wall 22d extends from the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b toward the vehicle interior (rear) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the first front / rear wall 22d is inclined downwardly in a direction away from the outer panel 10. The first front / rear wall 22d is continuous with the lower end of the upper connecting wall 22c and connects the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b.

[0051] The bottom wall 22e extends from the vehicle interior end (rear end) of the first front / rear wall 22d toward the other side (downward) in the vehicle up / down direction and faces the vehicle interior surface (rear surface) in the vehicle front / rear direction of the sensor device S. The bottom wall 22e is a rear wall (i.e., a rear wall, which can also be called a rear wall in the illustrated example) that forms the bottom of a recess in the vehicle front / rear direction of the storage section 22. The first vertical side portion 22a, the second vertical side portion 22b, the first front / rear wall 22d, and the second front / rear wall 22f are each connected to the periphery of the bottom wall 22e.

[0052] The second front / rear wall 22f extends from the other (lower) end of the bottom wall 22e in the vehicle vertical direction toward the vehicle exterior (front) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The second front / rear wall 22f connects the lower ends of the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b.

[0053] In this embodiment, the storage section 22 is connected to the vehicle body structure 30 (here, the second vehicle body structural member 32) at the second front and rear walls 22f. That is, the second vehicle body connecting portion C2 is provided on the second front and rear walls 22f.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the sensor device S is disposed in a lower region V1, which is a region on the second body structural member side (lower side) of the accommodation space of the accommodation section 22. The lower region V1 is a space surrounded by the second body structural member side portion (lower portion in the illustrated example) of the first vertical side portion 22a, the second body structural member side portion (lower portion) of the second vertical side portion 22b, the second front / rear wall 22f, and the second body structural member side portion (lower portion) of the bottom wall 22e. In other words, the lower region V1 is provided between the second body structural member side portion of the first vertical side portion 22a and the second body structural member side portion of the second vertical side portion.

[0055] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has protrusions (23a, 23b) that protrude from the end walls (first end wall 22a3, second end wall 22b3) of the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b, respectively. Each of the protrusions (23a, 23b) protrudes toward the vehicle exterior (forward) relative to the storage portion 22 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. That is, the first vertical side portion 22a has the protrusion 23a that protrudes forward relative to the storage portion 22, and the second vertical side portion 22b has the protrusion 23b that protrudes forward relative to the storage portion 22.

[0056] In this embodiment, the protrusions (23a, 23b) of each of the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b are ribs formed in the shape of thin plates extending in the vehicle up-down direction. In the bulging portions 22g that bulge forward in each of the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b, the front surfaces of the first end wall 22a3 and the second end wall 22b3 form bearing surfaces for the protrusions (23a, 23b), respectively. The protrusions (23a, 23b) extend to the vicinity of the rear surface of the outer panel 10, and the front ends of the protrusions (23a, 23b) are located in the vicinity of the rear surface of the outer panel 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, the protrusions (23a, 23b) extend continuously toward the laterally extending portion 20B at a height position corresponding to a region (i.e., an upper region V2) on one side of the storage portion 22 in the vehicle up-down direction (i.e., the upper side). Specifically, the protrusions (23a, 23b) extend in the up-down direction along the end walls (first end wall 22a3, second end wall 22b3) at a height position corresponding to a region (upper side region V2) above the lower region V1 of the sensor device S and the storage portion 22 in the vehicle up-down direction. In the illustrated example, the protrusions (23a, 23b) extend to the upper ends of the vertical side portions (first vertical side portion 22a, second vertical side portion 22b) (more specifically, the upper end of the vertically extending portion 20A).

[0058] In this embodiment, the first front-rear wall 22d extends toward the interior side (rear) of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from portions of the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b where the protruding portions (23a, 23b) are provided (i.e., portions at a height position corresponding to the upper region V2 of the storage portion 22). Specifically, the first front-rear wall 22d extends obliquely rearward and downward from the first inner wall 22a1 and the second inner wall 22b1 at a height position corresponding to the intermediate height position in the up-down direction of the protruding portions (23a, 23b).

[0059] In this embodiment, the connection portion 20C of the reinforcing member 20 is continuous with the protrusions (23a, 23b) and the bulging portion 22g. Specifically, the upper end of the connection portion 20C is connected to the lower end of the vehicle width direction center portion of the laterally extending portion 20B, and the lower end of the connection portion 20C is connected to the upper connection wall 22c of the vertically extending portion 20A, the upper ends of the left and right bulging portions 22g, and the upper ends of the left and right protrusions (23a, 23b). More specifically, the left and right inclined edge portions 24, which are the outer edges of the connection portion 20C in the vehicle width direction, are connected to the upper ends of the bulging portions 22g and the upper ends of the protrusions (23a, 23b).

[0060] 2 to 6, in this embodiment, the body structure 30 is provided with a panel impact absorbing section 36 that protrudes from the body structure 30 toward the outer side (forward) of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is formed with lower rigidity than the body structure 30. In the illustrated example, the panel impact absorbing section 36 is provided on the second body structural member 32.

[0061] Specifically, the panel impact absorbing portion 36 is a member formed by bending a thin metal plate. The second body structural member 32 is provided on each side of the front surface of the second body structural member 32 in the vehicle width direction. The panel impact absorbing portion 36 is a member formed physically separate from the second body structural member 32. The base end of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 is joined to the front surface of the second body structural member 32.

[0062] 4, the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 (i.e., the outer end of the vehicle, or more specifically, the front end) and the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) are located within a predetermined infinitesimal range R in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, the position of the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 and the position of the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) are close to each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 is located slightly rearward of the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Although not particularly limited, the front end position of the predetermined infinitesimal range R is a position forwardly spaced from the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) by the protruding length L of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the rear end position of the predetermined infinitesimal range R is a position rearwardly spaced from the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) by the protruding length L. In other words, the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 is provided at a predetermined position within an infinitesimal range R that extends from the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) to both sides in the vehicle longitudinal direction by the protruding length L of the protruding portions (23a, 23b). The entire width of the predetermined infinitesimal range R in the longitudinal direction may be a length equivalent to the protruding length L of the protruding portions (23a, 23b). Furthermore, the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 may be located slightly forward of the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, or may be coincident with the protruding tip X0.

[0063] In this embodiment, the sensor device S is positioned inside the accommodating section 22 so that the sensor end face Sa does not protrude forward relative to the front end of the accommodating section 22 (the front face of the first end wall 22a3 and the front face of the second end wall 22b3) in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0064] The reinforcing member 20 has a plurality of (three in this example) sensor fixing portions C3 for disposing the sensor device S at predetermined positions in the lower region V1. The sensor fixing portions C3 are provided, for example, on the first end wall 22a3, the second end wall 22b3, and the first front / rear wall 22d. Although not shown, a sensor support plate is fixed to the rear surface of the sensor device S. The sensor support plate is positioned relative to the accommodation portion 22 by the three sensor fixing portions C3 and fastened to the accommodation portion 22 with connectors such as bolts, thereby attaching the sensor device S to the reinforcing member 20 in the lower region V1.

[0065] In this embodiment, a harness insertion opening 22e1 is formed in a part of the bottom wall 22e. Electrical wiring such as a harness (not shown) connected to the sensor device S is drawn out to the rear of the reinforcing member 20 through the harness insertion opening 22e1.

[0066] 6, the low-rigidity member 40 is connected to and supported by the first vehicle body structural member 31 and the second vehicle body structural member 32. Specifically, the rear end of the upper part of the low-rigidity member 40 is connected to the front part 312a of the first lower cross member 312 of the first vehicle body structural member 31. The lower part of the low-rigidity member 40 is connected to the upper part 32a of the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0067] Next, the connection points between the outer panel 10 and the reinforcing member 20 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8. Figure 7 is a view from the inside of the vehicle to explain the connection points, and Figure 8 is a perspective view from the inside of the vehicle to explain the connection points. In Figures 7 and 8, the first vehicle body structural member 31 and the low-rigidity member 40 are omitted from the illustration.

[0068] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has a plurality of panel connecting portions C4 in each of the horizontally extending portion 20B and the vertically extending portion 20A, which are connected to the outer panel 10. In the illustrated example, the panel connecting portions C4 are set in the left and right protruding portions 21 and the center portion in the vehicle width direction in the horizontally extending portion 20B, and are set in the storage portion 22 in the vertically extending portion 20A. In other words, the protruding portions 21 and the storage portion 22 each have a panel connecting portion C4.

[0069] Specifically, two panel connection portions C4 are provided on each of the upper wall 21a and the front wall 21b of each protruding portion 21. One panel connection portion C4 is provided on the front wall 21c of the laterally extending portion 20B in the vehicle width direction center. Two panel connection portions C4 are provided on the front wall of the second front and rear walls 22f of the accommodation portion 22. Each panel connection portion C4 is connected by an appropriate connection structure, such as bolt fastening using fasteners such as bolts, engagement using engagement holes and engagement claws, or clip fastening. A connection structure corresponding to the connection structure of the panel connection portion C4 is applied to a portion of the outer panel 10 corresponding to each panel connection portion C4. In the illustrated example, the panel connection portion C4 provided on the upper wall 21a of the protruding portion 21 also serves as the first vehicle body connection portion C1. The panel connection portion C4 provided on the front wall 21b of the protruding portion 21 also functions as a positioning portion that determines the relative position between the outer panel 10 and the reinforcing member 20.

[0070] According to the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the reinforcing member 20 has a vertical extension portion 20A extending in the vehicle up-down direction, and a laterally extending portion 20B having protruding portions 21 on both sides in the vehicle width direction that protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from one end side of the vertical extension portion 20A in the vehicle up-down direction and are connected to the vehicle body structure 30. As a result, in the event of a frontal collision or rearward collision of the vehicle (a frontal collision in this embodiment), an impact load input to the vehicle is dispersed in the vehicle width direction by the laterally extending portion 20B having the protruding portions 21 extending in the vehicle width direction and input to the reinforcing member 20, thereby preventing the impact load from being locally concentrated and input to the reinforcing member 20. Therefore, the input impact load is effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the reinforcing member 20, etc., and impact energy can be efficiently absorbed.

[0071] In this way, the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle structure that can efficiently absorb impact energy.

[0072] Because the overhanging portion 21 of the laterally extending portion 20B is connected to the vehicle body structure 30 extending in the vehicle width direction, even if the overhanging portion 21 extends outward in the vehicle width direction, the occurrence of torsional deformation of the reinforcing member 20 around the vertically extending portion 20A during normal use is effectively suppressed. As a result, changes in the posture of the sensor device S during normal use can be effectively suppressed, and the sensor detection accuracy can be effectively maintained.

[0073] In this embodiment, the longitudinally extending portion 20A has the accommodation portion 22 for the sensor device S, so that the sensor device S is held more stably during normal use than when the sensor device S is provided on the protruding portion 21.

[0074] In this embodiment, the connection portion 20C of the reinforcing member 20 is wider in the vehicle width direction from the vertical extension portion 20A to the horizontal extension portion 20B, so that in the event of a collision, an impact load input to the horizontal extension portion 20B is efficiently transmitted to the vertical extension portion 20A, and the impact load is efficiently dispersed throughout the reinforcing member 20. This can improve the rigidity (torsional rigidity) of the reinforcing member 20 against the torsional deformation during normal use.

[0075] In this embodiment, the accommodation section 22 is provided on the other end side of the vertical extension section 20A in the vehicle up-down direction, and is connected to the vehicle body structure 30 (here, the second vehicle body structural member 32). As a result, displacement of the accommodation section 22 due to vibrations during driving and the like during normal use is suppressed, and the detection accuracy of the sensor device S is effectively maintained and improved.

[0076] In this embodiment, the accommodation portion 22 has a panel connection portion C4 that is connected to the outer panel 10. As a result, the peripheral portion of the sensor device S is connected to the outer panel 10, the supporting rigidity of the reinforcing member 20 for the sensor device S is improved, displacement of the sensor device S due to vibrations during driving and the like during normal use is suppressed, and the detection accuracy of the sensor device S is effectively maintained and improved.

[0077] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 21 is connected to the first vehicle body structural member 31, and the accommodation portion 22 is connected to (supported by) the second vehicle body structural member 32, which further improves the support rigidity of the reinforcing member 20 during normal use and reliably suppresses the occurrence of torsional deformation of the reinforcing member 20. Furthermore, because the accommodation portion 22 is connected to the second vehicle body structural member 32, the portion adjacent to the sensor device S is supported by the vehicle body structure 30. As a result, displacement of the sensor device S during normal use is further suppressed.

[0078] In this embodiment, the protrusions (23a, 23b) protrude outward relative to the accommodation portion 22 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, thereby suppressing the transmission of the impact load to the sensor device S during a collision. Then, before the impact load is input to the sensor device S, at least a part of the impact energy is absorbed by the deformation energy of the protrusions (23a, 23b). As a result, the protection performance of the sensor device S can be improved.

[0079] In this embodiment, the protrusions (23a, 23b) extend continuously toward the laterally extending portion 20B at a height position corresponding to an area of ​​the accommodation portion 22 on one side in the vehicle vertical direction, and therefore can transmit the impact load in a direction away from the sensor device S in the vertical direction. As a result, the protection of the sensor device S is improved.

[0080] In this embodiment, the accommodation portion 22 is formed in a concave shape recessed toward the vehicle interior side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is connected to the vehicle body structure 30. The accommodation portion 22 includes end walls (first end wall 22a3, second end wall 22b3) and vertical side portions (first vertical side portion 22a, second vertical side portion 22b) extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and first front and rear walls (first front and rear walls) extending toward the vehicle interior side in the vehicle longitudinal direction from portions of the vertical side portions (first vertical side portion 22a, second vertical side portion 22b) where the protrusions (23a, 23b) are provided. The housing 22 has a first front / rear wall 22d, a bottom wall 22e, and a second front / rear wall 22f, and the bottom wall 22e extends from the interior end of the first front / rear wall 22d toward the other side in the vehicle vertical direction (downward in this case) and faces the interior surface of the sensor device S in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the second front / rear wall 22f extends from the other (lower) end of the bottom wall 22e in the vehicle vertical direction toward the exterior side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the housing 22 is connected to the vehicle body structural member 30 at the second front / rear wall 22f. Therefore, an impact load input to the protrusions (23a, 23b) is easily transmitted to the vehicle body structural member 30 (here, the second vehicle body structural member 32) via the vertical side portions (first vertical side portion 22a, second vertical side portion 22b), the first front / rear wall 22d, the bottom wall 22e, and the second front / rear wall 22f. In other words, the load transmission path from the protrusions (23a, 23b) to the body structure 30 is formed so as to bypass the accommodation portion 22 and the sensor device S, which makes it easier to distribute the impact load (external force) in the vertical direction and improves the protection of the sensor device S. In addition, since the protrusions (23a, 23b) are formed in a thin plate shape, they can easily absorb impacts.

[0081] In this embodiment, the vehicle body structure 30 (here, the second vehicle body structural member 32) is provided with a panel impact absorbing portion 36 that protrudes from the vehicle body structure 30 toward the exterior of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 and a protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) are located within a predetermined minute range R in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the impact load is input in a dispersed manner to the panel impact absorbing portion 36 and the protruding portions (23a, 23b), and the impact energy is effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the reinforcing member 20 and the panel impact absorbing portion 36, allowing the impact energy to be absorbed efficiently.

[0082] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has bulging portions 22g that bulge outward in the vehicle longitudinal direction in portions (first vertical side portion 22a, second vertical side portion 22b) that include the end walls (first end wall 22a3, second end wall 22b3). Therefore, impact load that cannot be absorbed by deformation of the protrusions (23a, 23b) during a collision is received by the bulging portions 22g, thereby dispersing the load. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 20 is less likely to be torsionally deformed during normal use, thereby further improving detection accuracy.

[0083] In this embodiment, in the reinforcing member 20, the connection portion 20C connecting the vertical extension portion 20A and the horizontal extension portion 20B is increased in width in the vehicle width direction from the vertical extension portion 20A toward the horizontal extension portion 20B, and is continuous with the protrusions (23a, 23b) and the bulge portion 22g. As a result, the vertical distribution of the input load in the reinforcing member 20 is further improved, and the torsional deformation of the reinforcing member 20 during normal use is further reduced.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first vehicle body structural member 31 is provided with an inner impact absorbing portion 33 that protrudes from the first vehicle body structural member 31 toward the outer side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the protruding portion 21 of the laterally extending portion 20B is connected to the first vehicle body structural member 31 via the inner impact absorbing portion 33. Therefore, the impact load input to the reinforcing member 20 can be effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the inner impact absorbing portion 33.

[0085] In this embodiment, the inner impact absorbing portion 33 has at least two impact absorbing pieces 33a spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, on one side in the vehicle width direction and the other side in the vehicle width direction, and the at least two impact absorbing pieces 33a are connected by a connecting stay 34. Therefore, the impact load transmitted to the protruding portion 21 is efficiently dispersed in the vehicle width direction, and the laterally extending portion 20B becomes more likely to deform over the entire vehicle width direction without deforming locally, thereby achieving effective absorption of impact energy.

[0086] In this embodiment, the second body structural member 32 is provided with a support bracket 35 that protrudes from the second body structural member 32 above the vehicle, and the accommodation portion 22 is connected to the second body structural member 32 via the support bracket 35. The impact load input to the reinforcing member 20 can also be effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the support bracket 35.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and further modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0088] For example, in the description of each element in this embodiment, one side in the vehicle vertical direction is defined as the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, but this is not limited to this. The one side in the vehicle vertical direction may also be the lower side in the vehicle vertical direction. In this case, the horizontal extension portion 20B of the reinforcing member 20 is positioned lower than the vertical extension portion 20A in the vehicle vertical direction, the protruding portion 21 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end side of the vertical extension portion 20A, the reinforcing member 20 is formed in a generally inverted T shape in a plan view, the first vehicle body structural member 31 and the second vehicle body structural member 32 are swapped up and down, and the sensor device S is housed inside the housing portion 22 at the top of the reinforcing member 20.

[0089] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 distributes an impact load input to the vehicle mainly in the vehicle width direction by the laterally extending portion 20B having the protruding portion 21, thereby preventing the impact load from being locally concentrated on the reinforcing member 20. However, the main direction of distribution of the impact load is not limited to the vehicle width direction, but may be the vertical direction. In this case, the reinforcing member 20 does not need to have the protruding portion 21, that is, the reinforcing member 20 does not need to be formed in a generally T-shape. When the main direction of distribution of the impact load is the vertical direction, the vehicle structure 1 has an inner impact absorbing portion 33 and a support bracket 35, and the reinforcing member 20 is connected to the first vehicle body structural member 31 via the inner impact absorbing portion 33 and to the second vehicle body structural member 32 via the support bracket 35. In this case, the inner impact absorbing portion 33 is provided, for example, at a position on the first vehicle body structural member 31 corresponding to an upper portion of the reinforcing member 20. As a result, in the event of a frontal or rearward collision of the vehicle, the impact load input to the vehicle is dispersed in the vertical direction by the inner impact absorbing portion 33 and the support bracket 35, making it easier to transmit the impact load to the vehicle body structure 30 (first vehicle body structural member 31, second vehicle body structural member 32), and the impact load can be prevented from being input in a locally concentrated manner to the reinforcing member 20. Therefore, the input impact load is effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the reinforcing member 20, the inner impact absorbing portion 33, the support bracket 35, etc., and the impact energy can be absorbed efficiently. In this way, even if the vehicle structure 1 does not have the overhanging portion 21, by having the inner impact absorbing portion 33 and the support bracket 35, it is possible to provide a vehicle structure that can efficiently absorb impact energy.

[0090] Furthermore, although the outer panel 10 is described as a front bumper having a front grille 11a, the present invention is not limited to this. The outer panel 10 may be, for example, a front bumper without a front grille 11a, the front grille 11a alone, or a decorative member (for example, a metallic member).

[0091] The sensor device S is not limited to a radar using millimeter waves or microwaves, and may be any device that detects the environment outside the vehicle, such as an ultrasonic sensor that detects the environment outside the vehicle using ultrasonic waves, or an imaging device such as a camera that detects the environment outside the vehicle by capturing an image. Furthermore, the detection wave passing area 12 of the outer panel 10 may be a simple through-hole (opening).

[0092] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is applied as a front structure of a vehicle, but is not limited to this. The sensor device S may be attached not only to the front of the vehicle but also to the rear or side of the vehicle, and the vehicle structure 1 may be applied as a rear structure of a vehicle. In the case of a rear structure, the outer panel 10 is, for example, a rear bumper, a rear grille, a back panel, or a rear door panel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Vehicle structure 10 Outer panel 11 Front bumper 11a Front Grille 12 Detection wave passing area 20 Reinforcement member 20A vertical extension section 20B Lateral extension section 20C connection 21 Overhang 21a Upper wall 21b Front wall 21c front wall 22 Storage section 22a First vertical side portion (vertical side portion) 22a1 1st inner wall 22a2 1st outer wall 22a3 1st end wall (end wall) 22b Second vertical side portion (vertical side portion) 22b1 2nd inner wall 22b2 Second outer wall 22b3 Second end wall (end wall) 22c Upper connecting wall 22d 1st front and rear walls 22e bottom wall 22e1 Harness insertion port 22f 2nd front and rear walls 22g bulge 23a Protrusion 23b Projection 24 Sloped Edge 30 Body structure 31 First body structural member 311 First upper cross member 312 First lower cross member 312a front 32 Second body structural member 32a upper part 33 Inner impact absorbing part (upper bracket) 33a Shock absorbing piece 34 Connecting stay 35 Support bracket (lower bracket) 36 Panel impact absorbing section C1 First car body connection C2 Second car body connection C3 Sensor fixing part C4 panel connection part L: Projection length of the protrusion R Predetermined small range S sensor device Sa Sensor end face X0 Protruding tip of protrusion X1 Protruding tip of panel impact absorbing part V1 lower area V2 upper area

Claims

1. an outer panel that forms a design surface on the outside of the vehicle at the front or rear of the vehicle; a reinforcing member that reinforces the outer panel from the back surface side of the outer panel; a sensor device attached to the reinforcing member for detecting an external environment of the vehicle; a vehicle body structural body provided on a rear surface side of the outer panel and extending in a vehicle width direction; A vehicle structure comprising: A vehicle structure characterized in that the reinforcing member has a vertical extension portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a horizontal extension portion having protrusions on both sides in the vehicle width direction that protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from one end side of the vertical extension portion in the vertical direction of the vehicle and are connected to the vehicle body structure.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the longitudinally extending portion has a housing portion in which the sensor device is housed.

3. the reinforcing member has a connecting portion that connects the longitudinally extending portion and the transversely extending portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion is gradually increased in width in the vehicle width direction from the longitudinal extending portion toward the lateral extending portion.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 2 , wherein the accommodation portion is provided on the other end side of the longitudinal extension portion in the vehicle up-down direction, and is connected to the vehicle body structural body.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 2 , wherein the housing portion has a panel connecting portion connected to the outer panel.

6. The storage portion is provided on the other side of the vertical extension portion in the vehicle up-down direction, the vehicle body structure includes a first vehicle body structural member and a second vehicle body structural member spaced apart from the first vehicle body structural member to the other side in the vehicle up-down direction, the overhanging portion is connected to the first vehicle body structural member, The vehicle structure according to claim 2 , wherein the housing is connected to the second vehicle body structural member.

7. 3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcing member has an end wall facing the vehicle exterior in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a protrusion protruding from the end wall, the protrusion extending toward the vehicle exterior relative to the accommodating portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

8. The vehicle structure according to claim 7 , wherein the protruding portion extends continuously toward the laterally extending portion at a height position corresponding to a region of the accommodation portion on the one side in the vehicle up-down direction.

9. the accommodation portion is formed in a concave shape that is concave toward the vehicle interior in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is connected to the vehicle body structure; 8. The vehicle structure of claim 7, wherein the storage section has a vertical side portion including the end wall and extending in the vehicle vertical direction, a first front-rear wall extending from a portion of the vertical side portion where the protrusion is provided toward the interior side of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a bottom wall extending from the interior end of the first front-rear wall in the other direction in the vehicle vertical direction and facing the interior side surface of the sensor device in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second front-rear wall extending from the other end of the bottom wall in the vehicle vertical direction toward the exterior side of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is connected to the vehicle body structure at the second front-rear wall.

10. the vehicle body structure is provided with a panel impact absorbing portion that protrudes from the vehicle body structure toward an outer side of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is formed with a low rigidity lower than the rigidity of the vehicle body structure, 8. The vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein the protruding tip of the panel impact absorbing portion and the protruding tip of the protruding portion are positioned within a predetermined small range in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle structure according to claim 7 , wherein the reinforcing member has a bulging portion that bulges outward in the vehicle longitudinal direction at a portion including the end wall.

12. the reinforcing member has a connecting portion that connects the longitudinally extending portion and the transversely extending portion, The connection portion is increased in width in the vehicle width direction from the vertical extension portion toward the horizontal extension portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 11 , wherein the connection portion is continuous with the protrusion portion and the bulge portion.

13. an outer panel that forms a design surface on the outside of the vehicle at the front or rear of the vehicle; a reinforcing member that reinforces the outer panel from the back surface side of the outer panel; a sensor device attached to the reinforcing member for detecting an external environment of the vehicle; a vehicle body structural body provided on a rear surface side of the outer panel and extending in a vehicle width direction; A vehicle structure comprising: the vehicle body structure includes a first vehicle body structural member and a second vehicle body structural member spaced apart from the first vehicle body structural member to the other side in the vehicle up-down direction, the first vehicle body structural member is provided with an inner impact absorbing portion that protrudes from the first vehicle body structural member toward the vehicle exterior in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is formed with lower rigidity than the first vehicle body structural member, the second vehicle body structural member is provided with a support bracket that protrudes from the second vehicle body structural member toward the upper side of the vehicle and has a lower rigidity than the second vehicle body structural member, a reinforcing member connected to the first vehicle body structural member via the inner impact absorbing portion and connected to the second vehicle body structural member via the support bracket;

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