Vehicle structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle structure which efficiently absorbs impact energy and improves protection performance of a sensor device.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure 1 comprises: an outer panel 10 which forms a design surface at an outside of a vehicle in a front part of the vehicle or a rear part thereof; a reinforcement member 20 which reinforces the outer panel 10 from a rear surface side of the outer panel 10; a sensor device S which is attached to the reinforcement member 20 to detect outside environment of the vehicle; a vehicle body structure 30 which is disposed at the rear surface side of the outer panel 10 and extends in a vehicle width direction; and a low rigidity member 40 arranged at a periphery of the reinforcement member 20 which has low rigidity relative to the vehicle body structure 30. The low rigidity member 40 includes an opposing part 41. The opposing part 41 is disposed while contacting or having a specified gap with a specified in-vehicle side portion 24 of the reinforcement member 20 facing an in-vehicle side in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The opposing part 41 is disposed in a position offset to the sensor device S at least in a vehicle vertical direction or in a vehicle width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 a 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. The structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 attempts to absorb the impact by causing the bracket to deform or break at the deformation inducing portion in the event of a collision. [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 deformation inducing portion is provided on the bracket near the radar device, so when an impact is applied to the bracket, the bracket moves backward around the radar device, which may cause the portion of the bracket near the radar device to come into contact with a member located behind the bracket, damaging the radar device.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle structure that can efficiently absorb impact energy and improve the protection performance of a sensor device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle structure including 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 attached to the reinforcing member and that detects the environment outside the vehicle, and a body structure that is provided on the back side of the outer panel and extends in the vehicle width direction, the vehicle structure including a low-rigidity member that is arranged around the reinforcing member and has a rigidity lower than the rigidity of the body structure, the low-rigidity member having an opposing portion that is arranged in contact with or with a predetermined gap between it and the back side of the reinforcing member, which is the surface of the reinforcing member that is on the inside side of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the opposing portion is arranged in a position offset from the sensor device in at least one of the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle structure that can efficiently absorb impact energy and improve the protection performance of the sensor device. [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; [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a main part of the vehicle structure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of a main part of the vehicle structure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure from which the outer panel and the low-rigidity member have been removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle structure with the outer panel and the low-rigidity member removed. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating a main part of the vehicle structure. [Figure 8] 4 is a perspective view of a cutaway model of a main part of a vehicle structure taken along line AA shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the vehicle structure taken along line BB shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part for explaining the relationship between the front and rear positions of each element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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. Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining essential parts of the vehicle structure 1, with Fig. 2 being a perspective view and Fig. 3 being a top view. 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.

[0011] (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.

[0012] 1 to 3, in this embodiment, a vehicle structure 1 includes an outer panel 10, a reinforcing member 20, a sensor device S, a vehicle body structure 30, and a low-rigidity member 40. Note that in Fig. 2, the outer shapes of the sensor device S and the outer panel 10 are shown by dashed lines, and in Fig. 3, the outer panel 10 is omitted from the illustration.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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).

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] (Vehicle structure details) The vehicle structure 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. Figs. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the vehicle structure 1 with the outer panel 10 and the low-rigidity member 40 removed, with Fig. 4 being a perspective view and Fig. 5 being a side view. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the body structural body 30, and Fig. 7 is another perspective view for explaining the main parts of the vehicle structure 1. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a cut model of the main parts of the vehicle structure 1 taken along line AA shown in Fig. 3, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the vehicle structure 1 taken along line BB shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 7, 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.

[0021] 2 to 5, 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 vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has an accommodation section 22 in which the sensor device S is accommodated. The accommodation section 22 is formed in a concave shape that is recessed toward the vehicle interior (rear in this case) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, the accommodation section 22 has a concave shape that is open toward the vehicle exterior (front) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and an accommodation space in which the sensor device S is accommodated is formed inside the concave shape. Furthermore, the accommodation section 22 is formed in a concave shape that bulges out generally toward the rear of the vehicle as a whole. The accommodation section 22 is provided in the vertical extension section 20A. In this embodiment, the accommodation section 22 is provided in a portion (i.e., a lower portion) on the other side (i.e., lower side) of the vertical extension section 20A in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is provided at a position offset toward the vehicle exterior (forward in this case) relative to the first vehicle body structural member 31 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is located forward and below the first vehicle body structural member 31.

[0028] 2, 4 and 5, 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 in the vehicle vertical 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.

[0029] The upper part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected to (supported by) the first vehicle body structural member 31 at multiple locations (two locations on one side in the figure) of the protruding portions 21 provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction. The lower part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected to (supported by) the second vehicle body structural member 32 at the accommodation portion 22 (more specifically, the second front and rear walls 22f described later).

[0030] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 is connected to the outer panel 10 at each of the upper wall 21a of the protruding portion 21, the front wall 21b of the protruding portion 21, the front wall 21c of the central portion in the vehicle width direction of the horizontally extending portion 20B, and the second front and rear walls 22f of the accommodating portion 22 of the vertically extending portion 20A. At each connecting point, an appropriate type of connecting structure is applied, such as bolt fastening using a connecting tool such as a bolt, engagement using an engaging hole and an engaging claw, or clip fastening.

[0031] 2 to 6, 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.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first upper cross member 311 has a generally groove-shaped cross section that protrudes upward (opens downward) and extends generally in the vehicle width direction. In the illustrated example, the first upper cross member 311 is bent so that the center portion of the first upper cross member 311 in the vehicle width direction is offset rearward relative to both side portions in the vehicle width direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first lower cross member 312 includes a vertical wall 312a that faces the vehicle exterior side in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. The vertical wall 312a has a bulging vertical wall portion 312a1 in a vehicle width central portion of the vertical wall 312a that bulges toward the vehicle exterior side in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. In the illustrated example, the first lower cross member 312 has a generally hat-shaped cross section that protrudes upward and extends in the vehicle width direction. The first lower cross member 312 is bent so that the vehicle width central portion of the first lower cross member 312 is offset forward relative to both side portions in the vehicle width direction. The forward-facing portion of the hat-shaped cross section of the first lower cross member 312 forms the vertical wall 312a, and the vehicle width central portion of the vertical wall 312a is formed to bulge rearward to form the bulging vertical wall portion 312a1.

[0034] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 has cross member connecting portions 313 that connect the first upper cross member 311 and the first lower cross member 312. The cross member connecting portions 313 extend downward from three locations on the first upper cross member 311: the vehicle width directional center portion and both vehicle width directional side portions. The cross member connecting portion 313 at the vehicle width directional center portion extends from the front wall of the first upper cross member 311 to the rear vertical wall of the vehicle width directional center portion of the first lower cross member 312 and is joined to that vertical wall. Each cross member connecting portion 313 at both vehicle width directional side portions extends from the rear wall of the first upper cross member 311 to the rear vertical wall of the vehicle width directional outer portion of the first lower cross member 312 and is joined to that vertical wall.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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, thereby being connected (supported) to the first body structural member 31, and the lower part of the reinforcing member 20 is connected to (supported) the second body structural member 32 by being engaged with a support bracket 35 at the storage portion 22 of the vertical extension portion 20A (the second front and rear walls 22f described later).

[0042] In this embodiment, the body structure 30 is provided with a panel impact absorbing portion 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 portion 36 is provided on the second body structural member 32.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is provided with a protruding bracket 37 that protrudes upward from the second vehicle body structural member 32 and is formed with lower rigidity than the second vehicle body structural member 32 .

[0045] Specifically, the protruding brackets 37 are provided at a plurality of locations (six locations in the illustrated example) spaced apart from one another in the vehicle width direction on the upper portion 32a of the second vehicle body structural member 32. The protruding brackets 37 are members made of thin metal plates. In this embodiment, the protruding brackets 37 are members formed physically separate from the second vehicle body structural member 32. The protruding brackets 37 are joined to the second vehicle body structural member 32.

[0046] Next, the shape and structure of the reinforcing member 20 will be described in more detail.

[0047] 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 22e, and a second front and rear wall 22f, and these elements define the storage space.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The first vertical side portion 22a has a first end wall 22a1 facing the outer side (front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The first end wall 22a1 extends from one end of the upper connecting wall 22c to one end of the second front / rear wall 22f.

[0051] Similarly, the second vertical side portion 22b has a second end wall 22b1 facing the outer side (front of the vehicle) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The second end wall 22b1 extends from the other end of the upper connecting wall 22c to the other end of the second front / rear wall 22f.

[0052] The upper connecting wall 22c connects the upper portion of the first vertical side portion 22a and the upper portion of the second vertical side portion 22b.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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) of the sensor device S in the vehicle front / rear direction. The bottom wall 22e is a wall (which can also be called the rear wall in the illustrated example) that forms the bottom of a recess in the vehicle front / rear direction in the accommodation 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In this embodiment, the accommodation portion 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.

[0057] The storage section 22 has a storage section end face 22h located at the tip of the storage section 22 on the outer side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, the storage section end face 22h is set on the front surface of the end wall (first end wall 22a1, second end wall 22b1) of each of the first vertical side portion 22a and the second vertical side portion 22b.

[0058] 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.

[0059] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 has protrusions (23a, 23b) that protrude from the end walls (first end wall 22a1, second end wall 22b1) 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.

[0060] 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 22a1 and the second end wall 22b1 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.

[0061] 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., upper region V2) on one side in the vehicle vertical direction (i.e., upper) of the accommodation portion 22. In this embodiment, the protrusions (23a, 23b) are disposed at positions offset from the sensor device S in at least one of the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction.

[0062] Specifically, the protrusions (23a, 23b) extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle along the end walls (first end wall 22a1, second end wall 22b1) at height positions corresponding to an upper region (upper region V2) above the lower region V1 of the sensor device S and the accommodating portion 22. 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 vertical extension portion 20A).

[0063] 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 at a height position corresponding to the intermediate height position in the up-down direction of the protruding portions (23a, 23b).

[0064] 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 from the front end of the accommodating section 22 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle (the front face of the first end wall 22a1 and the front face of the second end wall 22b1), i.e., from the accommodating section end face 22h.

[0065] The reinforcing member 20 has a plurality of (three in this example) sensor fixing portions C for disposing the sensor device S at predetermined positions in the lower region V1. The sensor fixing portions C are provided, for example, on the first end wall 22a1, the second end wall 22b1, 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 C and fastened to the accommodation portion 22 with connecting members such as bolts, thereby attaching the sensor device S to the reinforcing member 20 in the lower region V1.

[0066] In this embodiment, a harness insertion opening 22e1 is opened in a part of the bottom wall 22e (see FIG. 5). 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.

[0067] Next, the shape and structure of the low-rigidity member 40 will be described in more detail.

[0068] In the illustrated example, an air guide member for guiding air to a radiator is used as the low-rigidity member 40. In the illustrated example, the low-rigidity member 40 is divided into a first air guide section 40A and a second air guide section 40B that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and a central connection section 40C that connects the first air guide section 40A and the second air guide section 40B. Each of the first air guide section 40A and the second air guide section 40B is formed in a generally cylindrical shape (a rectangular cylindrical shape in the illustrated example) in a plan view seen from the vehicle front-rear direction. The central connection section 40C connects an upper portion of the first air guide section 40A on the inner side in the vehicle width direction to an upper portion of the second air guide section 40B on the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0069] In this embodiment, the low-rigidity member 40 is arranged so as to avoid the area corresponding to the sensor device S in a plan view seen from one side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the low-rigidity member 40 is provided with an arrangement space between the first air guide section 40A and the second air guide section 40B, in which the vertical extension section 20A of the reinforcing member 20 can be arranged. Then, by receiving the vertical extension section 20A in the arrangement space, the low-rigidity member 40 is arranged so as to avoid the area corresponding to the sensor device S in a plan view seen from one side in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0070] 7 to 9, 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. In this embodiment, the low-rigidity member 40 is connected to and supported by the first lower cross member 312 for the first vehicle-body structural member 31. The low-rigidity member 40 is connected to the upper part 32a of the second vehicle-body structural member 32 via a protruding bracket 37 for the second vehicle-body structural member 32. Specifically, the rear end of the upper part of the low-rigidity member 40 (more specifically, the rear end of a support portion 42, which will be described later) is connected to the front-facing vertical wall 312a of the first lower cross member 312 for the first vehicle-body structural member 31 (more specifically, the bulging vertical wall portion 312a1). The lower part of the low-rigidity member 40 is connected to the protruding bracket 37, thereby being connected to the upper part 32a of the second vehicle-body structural member 32.

[0071] The low-rigidity member 40 has a facing portion 41. In this embodiment, the low-rigidity member 40 has a supporting portion 42 and a deformable portion 43 in addition to the facing portion 41.

[0072] The facing portion 41 is arranged in contact with or with a predetermined gap therebetween (i.e., in close proximity to) a predetermined interior portion 24 (interior portion 24) of the reinforcing member 20 that faces the interior side of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, the facing portion 41 is a portion that abuts or is capable of abutting against the predetermined interior portion 24 on the back surface of the reinforcing member 20 from behind, in a state in which the reinforcing member 20 has previously come into contact with the reinforcing member 20 or is capable of coming into contact with the predetermined interior portion 24 in the event of a collision. The facing portion 41 is arranged at a position offset from the sensor device S in at least one of the vehicle vertical direction and vehicle width direction.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the upper part of the rear end of the first vertical side portion 22a and the upper part of the rear end of the second vertical side portion 22b of the vertical extension portion 20A are set as the predetermined interior portion 24 of the reinforcing member 20. The opposing portion 41 of the low-rigidity member 40 is formed as a wall that abuts or is abuttable against the upper part of the rear end of each vertical side portion (22a, 22b) that serves as the interior portion 24, and has a surface facing forward of the vehicle.

[0074] The support portion 42 is a portion that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and supports the opposing portion 41. The support portion 42 has one end that is connected to the opposing portion 41 and the other end that is connected to the vehicle body structure 30. In the illustrated example, the one end, or the front end, of the support portion 42 is connected to the back surface of the opposing portion 41. The other end, or the rear end, of the support portion 42 is coupled and connected to the front portion of the first vehicle body structural member 31, more specifically, to the vertical wall 312a that faces forward of the first lower cross member 312.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the projected area of ​​the support portion 42 on a vertical imaginary plane is smaller than the projected area of ​​the opposing portion 41 on the vertical imaginary plane. In other words, the support portion 42 extends mainly in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-rear direction, and the opposing portion 41 extends mainly in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction, so the area of ​​the support portion 42 as viewed from one side in the vehicle front-rear direction is smaller than the area of ​​the opposing portion 41 as viewed from one side in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0076] In this embodiment, the support portion 42 is disposed on the vehicle outer side relative to at least a portion of the cross member connecting portion 313 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, at least a portion of the cross member connecting portion 313 is disposed on the vehicle inner side relative to the support portion 42 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, of the three cross member connecting portions 313, the cross member connecting portion 313 in the center in the vehicle width direction is disposed rearward (directly behind) the support portion 42.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the other end (here, the rear end) of the support portion 42 has a recessed portion 42a that is recessed to fit along the bulging vertical wall portion 312a1 of the first lower cross member 312. The recessed portion 42a is provided in a flange portion 423 (described later) that includes the rear end of the support portion 42. The recessed portion 42a (flange portion 423) at the rear end of the support portion 42 is connected to the bulging vertical wall portion 312a1 in a state where it is fitted into the bulging vertical wall portion 312a1 of the first lower cross member 312.

[0078] In this embodiment, the support portion 42 has a support portion main body 421, an extension piece 422, a flange portion 423, and a plate-shaped connecting rib 424.

[0079] The support portion main body 421 occupies the majority of the support portion 42, and extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-rear direction. The opposing portion 41 is connected to the front end of the support portion main body 421.

[0080] The extension piece 422 is a portion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the interior portion 24 of the reinforcing member 20, and also extends toward the exterior of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the extension piece 422 is continuous with both side portions of the support portion main body 421 in the vehicle width direction, extends outward in the vehicle width direction, and extends forward. In this embodiment, the extension piece 422 extends to a position that is aligned outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the protrusions (23a, 23b) of the reinforcing member 20.

[0081] The flange portion 423 is formed at the other end (here, the rear end) of the support portion 42 and extends upward from the vehicle. In the illustrated example, the flange portion 423 extends upward from the rear end of the support portion main body 421.

[0082] The connecting rib 424 is formed on the upper surface of the support portion 42 (support portion main body 421), extends along the upper surface in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and connects the flange portion 423 and the opposing portion 41. Specifically, a plurality of (five in the figure) connecting ribs 424 are provided on the upper surface of the support portion main body 421, spaced apart from each other.

[0083] The deformed portion 43 is a portion that is located at a position that avoids the reinforcing member 20 in a plan view seen from one side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The deformed portion 43 has a tip (deformed portion tip) that is located on the vehicle outer side relative to the opposing portion 41 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, each of the first air guidance section 40A and the second air guidance section 40B constitutes the deformed portion 43.

[0084] Next, the positional relationship in the vehicle longitudinal direction will be described in detail for the sensor device S, the reinforcing member 20, the body structure 30, and the low-rigidity member 40. Fig. 10 is also an enlarged view of the lower part of Fig. 9, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part for explaining the longitudinal positional relationship of each element.

[0085] 7 to 10, the deformation portion 43 (first air guide section 40A, second air guide section 40B) of the low-rigidity member 40 has an input section 45 to which an impact load can be input. The input section 45 is located in a position corresponding to the housing section end face 22h or the sensor end face Sa of the housing section 22 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, or is located on the vehicle exterior side relative to the housing section end face 22h or the sensor end face Sa. In the illustrated example, the housing section end face 22h is forward of the sensor end face Sa. Therefore, the input section 45 is located in a position corresponding to the housing section end face 22h of the housing section 22 in the vehicle longitudinal direction (a position that coincides with or approximately coincides with the longitudinal position of the housing section end face 22h), or is located on the vehicle exterior side relative to the housing section end face 22h.

[0086] In this embodiment, the input portion 45 has a first input portion 45a and a second input portion 45b. The first input portion 45a constitutes the tip portion of the extension piece 422 on the vehicle exterior side. The second input portion 45b is located in a position aligned with the housing portion 22 of the reinforcing member 20 on the vehicle width direction exterior side. In the illustrated example, in the input portion 45, the first input portion 45a is located on the vehicle exterior side (forward) of the housing portion end face 22h in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the second input portion 45b is located in a position corresponding to (coinciding with or approximately coinciding with) the housing portion end face 22h in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0087] 5, in this embodiment, 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 small range R1 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 R1 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 front-to-rear direction, and the rear end position of the predetermined infinitesimal range R1 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 the infinitesimal range R1 that extends from the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portions (23a, 23b) on both sides in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle by the protruding length L of the protruding portions (23a, 23b). Note that the overall width of the predetermined infinitesimal range R1 in the front-to-rear 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.

[0088] In this embodiment, the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 is set on the vehicle exterior side with respect to the accommodating portion end face 22h in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the position of the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 is set between the accommodating portion end face 22h and the protruding tip X0 of the protruding portion (23a, 23b) in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0089] 10 , in this embodiment, the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 and the vehicle-outside tips (X2a, X2b) of the input portions 45 (first input portion 45a, second input portion 45b) in the vehicle longitudinal direction are located within a predetermined small range R2 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 vehicle-outside tips (X2a, X2b) that are the front ends of the input portions 45 (first input portion 45a, second input portion 45b) 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 rearward of the vehicle-outside tip X2a of the first input portion 45a and slightly forward of the vehicle-outside tip X2b of the second input portion 45b in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Although not particularly limited, the front end position of the specified infinitesimal range R2 is a position forward from the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 by the protruding length L in the fore-and-aft direction of the protruding portion (23a, 23b), and the rear end position of the specified infinitesimal range R2 is a position rearward from the protruding tip X1 by the protruding length L.

[0090] As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 , a first imaginary line W1 is an imaginary line extending inward in the vehicle width direction along the vehicle-exterior end face (front end face) of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a second imaginary line W2 is an imaginary line extending inward in the vehicle width direction along the vehicle-exterior end face (front end face) of the low-rigidity member 40 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The second imaginary line W2 is located on the vehicle interior side of the first imaginary line W1 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The storage portion 22 (more specifically, the storage portion end face 22h) is located on the vehicle interior side (rearward) of both the first imaginary line W1 and the second imaginary line W2 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, the front end face of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 is formed as a flat surface, but this is not limited thereto and may be a gently curved surface that protrudes forward. In this case, the first imaginary line W1 extends in an arc shape due to the curvature of the front end face of the panel impact absorbing portion 36, and the arc-shaped first imaginary line W1 is located forward of the second imaginary line W2.

[0091] In this embodiment, the extension piece 422 of the low-rigidity member 40 extends away from a center line W3 that passes through the center of the low-rigidity member 40 in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, the further it extends toward the vehicle exterior in the vehicle front-rear direction. In Fig. 3, the extension direction W4 of the extension piece 422 is indicated by a dashed line, and the center line W3 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0092] In this embodiment, the normal direction W5 of the vehicle-exterior end face (front end face) of the panel impact absorbing section 36 extends parallel to the extension direction W4 of the extension piece 422. Because the second vehicle body structural member 32 is gently curved in a bow shape that protrudes forward, the normal direction W5 of the front end face of the panel impact absorbing section 36 provided along the front surface of the curved second vehicle body structural member 32 is slightly inclined with respect to the center line W3 extending in the fore-and-aft direction. The inclined normal direction W5 (in other words, the attachment direction of the panel impact absorbing section 36 to the second vehicle body structural member 32) coincides with the extension direction W4 of the extension piece 422.

[0093] According to the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, a low-rigidity member 40 having lower rigidity than the vehicle body structural body 30 is disposed around the reinforcing member 20, and the low-rigidity member 40 has a facing portion 41 that is disposed in contact with or with a predetermined gap from a predetermined interior portion 24 of the reinforcing member 20 that faces the interior side of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, the facing portion 41 of the low-rigidity member 40 restricts the displacement of the reinforcing member 20 toward the interior side of the vehicle (rearward) immediately after a frontal collision or rearward collision of the vehicle (a frontal collision in this embodiment). Furthermore, the impact load input to the facing portion 41 is effectively absorbed as deformation energy around the facing portion 41 of the low-rigidity member 40, thereby enabling efficient absorption of impact energy. Furthermore, the facing portion 41 is disposed at a position offset from the sensor device S in at least one of the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction, ensuring a space for allowing deformation of the portion of the reinforcing member 20 near the sensor device toward the interior side of the vehicle (rearward). As a result, even if the portion of the reinforcing member 20 near the sensor device is deformed toward the inside (rear) of the vehicle during a collision, damage to the sensor device S caused by the deformation toward the inside of the vehicle of the reinforcing member 20 is effectively suppressed. In other words, damage to the sensor device S due to being pinched between the outer panel 10 and the opposing portion 41 during a collision is effectively suppressed.

[0094] In this way, the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment is a vehicle structure that can efficiently absorb impact energy and improve the protection performance of the sensor device S.

[0095] In this embodiment, the low-rigidity member 40 is positioned so as to avoid the area corresponding to the sensor device S in a plan view from either the front or rear direction of the vehicle, thereby preventing the sensor device S from being pinched between the outer panel 10 and the low-rigidity member 40 in the event of a collision.

[0096] In this embodiment, an impact load input to the opposing portion 41 during a collision is transmitted to the support portion 42 that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and supports the opposing portion 41. The support portion 42 has one end connected to the opposing portion 41 and the other end connected to the vehicle body structure 30, and therefore can transmit at least a portion of the impact load transmitted to the support portion 42 to the vehicle body structure 30. Therefore, the impact load can be dispersed so that the impact load can also be absorbed as deformation energy of other members different from the low-rigidity member 40.

[0097] In this embodiment, the projected area of ​​the support portion 42 on a vertical imaginary plane is smaller than the projected area of ​​the opposing portion 41 on the vertical imaginary plane, so that the impact load input to the vehicle during a collision is more likely to be input to the opposing portion 41, and the efficiently input impact load can promote deformation and fracture of the support portion 42. As a result, the impact energy can be effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the support portion 42.

[0098] In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 is connected to the first upper cross member 311 of the first body structural member 31, and the low-rigidity member 40 is connected to the first lower cross member 312 of the first body structural member 31. As a result, the impact load input to the reinforcing member 20 and the low-rigidity member 40 during a collision can be dispersed vertically in the first body structural member 31.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first upper cross member 311 and the first lower cross member 312 are connected by the cross member connection portion 313, so that the impact load is also distributed between the first upper cross member 311 and the first lower cross member 312 via the cross member connection portion 313. The rigidity of the first vehicle body structural member 31 during normal use is improved by the cross member connection portion 313. As a result, changes in the posture of the sensor device S during normal use are effectively suppressed, and the sensor detection accuracy can be effectively maintained.

[0100] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the cross member connecting portion 313 is positioned on the vehicle interior side (here, rearward) of the support portion 42 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, a transmission path for the impact load is formed that passes through the reinforcing member 20, the opposing portion 41, the support portion 42, the first lower cross member 312, the cross member connecting portion 313 and the first upper cross member 311, thereby effectively dispersing the impact load.

[0101] In this embodiment, the low-rigidity member 40 has a deformed portion 43 that is located at a position that avoids the reinforcing member 20 in a plan view seen from one side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The deformed portion 43 has a tip that is located on the vehicle outer side relative to the opposing portion 41 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, during a collision, impact energy is transmitted to the tip of the deformed portion 43 and can be effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the deformed portion 43.

[0102] In this embodiment, the deformation portion 43 has input portions 45 (first input portion 45a, second input portion 45b) located at a position corresponding to the housing end face 22h or the sensor end face Sa in the vehicle longitudinal direction, or located on the vehicle outer side relative to the housing end face 22h or the sensor end face Sa. This suppresses the transmission of impact load to the sensor device S, thereby improving protection of the sensor device S and promoting absorption of impact energy by deformation of the low-rigidity member 40.

[0103] In this embodiment, the support portion 42 has an extension piece 422 that extends outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the interior portion 24 of the reinforcing member 20. The extension piece 422 extends toward the exterior side of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the input portion 45 has a first input portion 45a that constitutes the exterior tip of the extension piece 422. As a result, the transmission path of the impact load that passes through the first input portion 45a, the support portion 42, and the body structure 30 (first lower cross member 312) is formed over a relatively short distance in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the impact load is more effectively distributed by being transmitted.

[0104] In this embodiment, the input portion 45 has a second input portion 45b that is positioned adjacent to the accommodating portion 22 on the outside in the vehicle width direction, thereby suppressing the input of impact loads to the accommodating portion 22 of the sensor device S and more effectively improving the protection of the sensor device S.

[0105] In this embodiment, if a first imaginary line W1 is defined as a virtual line extending inward in the vehicle width direction along the outer end face of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a second imaginary line W2 is defined as a virtual line extending inward in the vehicle width direction along the outer end face of the low-rigidity member 40 in the vehicle front-rear direction, the second imaginary line W2 is located on the inner side of the vehicle with respect to the first imaginary line W1 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the storage portion 22 is located on the inner side of both the first imaginary line W1 and the second imaginary line W2 in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, during a collision, part of the impact energy can be reliably absorbed as deformation energy of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 and the low-rigidity member 40 before the impact energy is transmitted to the storage portion 22, thereby reducing the impact load transmitted to the storage portion 22.

[0106] In this embodiment, the second body structural member 32 is provided with a panel impact absorbing section 36 that protrudes from the second body structural member 32 toward the outside of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is formed with a low rigidity lower than the rigidity of the second body structural member 32, so that the impact load is also transmitted to and dispersed by the panel impact absorbing section 36, thereby effectively absorbing the impact energy.

[0107] In this embodiment, the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 is set on the outside of the vehicle relative to the accommodating portion end face 22h in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, so that in the event of a collision, the panel impact absorbing portion 36 receives the impact load before the peripheral portion of the sensor device S, thereby improving the protective performance of the sensor device S.

[0108] In this embodiment, the protruding tip X1 of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 and the vehicle-outer tips (X2a, X2b) of the input portions 45 (first input portion 45a, second input portion 45b) in the vehicle longitudinal direction are located within a predetermined minute range R2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the event of a collision, the impact load is effectively dispersed by the panel impact absorbing portion 36 and the input portions 45, thereby facilitating absorption of the impact energy.

[0109] 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.

[0110] In this embodiment, the protrusions (23a, 23b) are disposed at positions offset from the sensor device S in at least one of the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction, so that the impact load transmitted to the protrusions (23a, 23b) is less likely to be transmitted to the sensor device S. As a result, the protection performance of the sensor device S is improved.

[0111] In this embodiment, the extension piece 422 extends to a position aligned outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the protrusions (23a, 23b), and the first input portion 45a forms the tip end of the extension piece 422 on the vehicle exterior side. As a result, in the impact load transmission path that passes through the above-mentioned first input portion 45a, support portion 42, and body structure 30 (first lower cross member 312), the impact load is also input via the protrusions (23a, 23b). Therefore, the impact load is transmitted to the first lower cross member 312 and dispersed more effectively.

[0112] In this embodiment, the second body structural member 32 is provided at a position offset toward the outside of the vehicle relative to the first body structural member 31 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the low-rigidity member 40 is connected to the second body structural member 32. As a result, the impact load transmitted to the low-rigidity member 40 is distributed not only to the first body structural member 31 (here, the first lower cross member 312) but also to the second body structural member 32, effectively dispersing the impact load in the vertical direction and more effectively absorbing the impact energy.

[0113] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body structural member 32 is provided with a protruding bracket 37 that protrudes upward from the second vehicle body structural member 32 and is formed with low rigidity lower than the rigidity of the second vehicle body structural member 32, and the low rigidity member 40 is connected to the second vehicle body structural member 32 via the protruding bracket 37. As a result, when an impact load is transmitted from the low rigidity member 40 to the second vehicle body structural member 32, at least a portion of the impact energy is absorbed by the deformation energy of the protruding bracket 37.

[0114] In this embodiment, the extension piece 422 extends away from the center line W3 that passes through the center of the low-rigidity member 40 in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction as it moves toward the outer side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, when an impact load is input from the outer side in the vehicle width direction, the impact load is more likely to be transmitted to the center in the vehicle width direction via the inclined extension piece 422, and ultimately the impact load is more likely to be transmitted to the body structure 30 (such as the first lower cross member 312) via the aforementioned transmission path that passes through the support part 42.

[0115] In this embodiment, the normal direction W5 of the end face (here, the front end face) of the panel impact absorbing portion 36 on the vehicle exterior side extends parallel to the extending direction W4 of the extension piece 422. As a result, the input of the impact load to the panel impact absorbing portion 36 and the input of the impact load to the extension piece 422 are transmitted in the same direction with relatively little bias.

[0116] In this embodiment, the vertical wall 312a of the first lower cross member 312, which faces the exterior side of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction and extends in the vehicle width direction, has a bulging vertical wall portion 312a1 in the vehicle width central portion of the vertical wall 312a that bulges outward in the fore-and-aft direction, and the other end (here, the rear end) of the support portion 42 has a recessed portion 42a that is recessed along the bulging vertical wall portion 312a1. As a result, the contact area between the support portion 42 and the first lower cross member 312 is increased, and the impact load from the support portion 42 to the first lower cross member 312 can be distributed more effectively.

[0117] In this embodiment, a flange portion 423 extending upward toward the vehicle is formed at the other end (rear end) of the support portion 42, and a plate-shaped connecting rib 424 is formed on the upper surface of the support portion 42, extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle along the upper surface and connecting the flange portion 423 and the opposing portion 41. As a result, the connecting rib 424 can more effectively disperse the impact load due to transmission of the impact load at the support portion 42, and when the impact load is large, the impact energy can also be absorbed by deformation of the plate-shaped connecting rib 424.

[0118] The reinforcing member 20 has a vertical extension portion 20A and a horizontal extension portion 20B having overhang portions 21 on both sides in the vehicle width direction. As a result, in the event of a frontal collision or rearward collision (in this embodiment, a frontal collision), an impact load input to the vehicle is dispersed in the vehicle width direction by the horizontal extension portion 20B having the overhang portions 21 extending in the vehicle width direction and input to the reinforcing member 20, thereby preventing the impact load from being input to the reinforcing member 20 in a locally concentrated manner. Therefore, the input impact load is effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the reinforcing member 20, etc., and impact energy can be efficiently absorbed. Furthermore, during normal use, torsional deformation of the reinforcing member 20 around the vertical extension portion 20A is effectively prevented. As a result, changes in the posture of the sensor device S during normal use are effectively prevented, and sensor detection accuracy can be effectively maintained.

[0119] 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.

[0120] For example, in the present embodiment, the other end (here, the rear end) of the support portion 42 is connected to the body structure 30, but this is not limiting and the other end may not be connected to the body structure 30. The other end of the support portion 42 only needs to be arranged so as to be able to transmit an input impact load to the body structure 30, and only needs to abut against the body structure 30 from the vehicle exterior side. Specifically, it is only necessary for a flange portion 423 including the rear end of the support portion 42 to abut against the vertical wall 312a of the first lower cross member 312 from the front. In other words, the support portion 42 has one end connected to the opposing portion 41 and the other end connected to the body structure 30 or abutting against the body structure 30 from the vehicle exterior side.

[0121] Furthermore, 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.

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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]

[0125] 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 part 21 Overhang 21a Upper wall 21b Front wall 21c front wall 22 Storage section 22a First vertical side portion (vertical side portion) 22a1 First end wall (end wall) 22b Second vertical side portion (vertical side portion) 22b1 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 22h End face of housing 23a Protrusion 23b Projection 24 Designated interior areas 30 Body structure 31 First body structural member 311 First upper cross member 312 First lower cross member 313 Cross member connection 312a vertical wall 312a1 Swelling vertical wall part 32 Second body structural member 32a upper part 33 Inner shock absorbing part (upper bracket) 33a Shock absorbing piece 34 Connecting stay 35 Support bracket (lower bracket) 36 Panel impact absorbing section 37 Protruding bracket 40 Low-rigidity members 40A First air guide section 40B 2nd wind guide section 40C central connection 41 Opposing part 42 Support part 42a Recess 421 Support body 422 Extension piece 423 Flange 424 connecting rib 43 Deformed area 45 Input section 45a First input section 45b Second input section C Sensor fixing part L: Projection length of the protrusion R1 Predetermined small range R2 Predetermined small range S sensor device Sa Sensor end face X0 Protruding tip of protrusion X1 Protruding tip of panel impact absorbing part X2a Outer end of first input section X2b Outer end of second input section V1 lower area V2 upper area W1 First virtual line W2 Second virtual line W3 Centerline W4 extension direction W5 Normal direction

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 low-rigidity member disposed around the reinforcing member and having a rigidity lower than a rigidity of the vehicle body structure; the low-rigidity member has a facing portion that is arranged in contact with or with a predetermined gap between it and a predetermined interior portion of the reinforcing member that faces the interior side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction, The vehicle structure, wherein the opposing portion is disposed at a position offset from the sensor device in at least one of a vertical direction and a width direction of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the low-rigidity member is disposed so as to avoid an area corresponding to the sensor device in a plan view seen from one side in a vehicle longitudinal direction.

3. 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the low-rigidity member has a support portion that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and supports the opposing portion, the support portion having one end connected to the opposing portion and another end connected to the body structure or abutting the body structural member from the outside of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3 , wherein a projected area of ​​the support portion onto a vertical imaginary plane is smaller than a projected area of ​​the opposing portion onto the vertical imaginary plane.

5. the vehicle body structure includes a first vehicle body structural member and a second vehicle body structural member spaced downward in the vehicle up-down direction from the first vehicle body structural member, the first vehicle body structural member includes a first upper cross member and a first lower cross member disposed below the first upper cross member in the vehicle up-down direction, The reinforcing member is connected to the first upper cross member with respect to the first vehicle body structural member, 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the low-rigidity member is connected to the first lower cross member with respect to the first vehicle body structural member.

6. The vehicle structure according to claim 5 , further comprising a cross member connection portion connecting the first upper cross member and the first lower cross member.

7. the low-rigidity member includes a support portion that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and supports the opposing portion, the support portion having one end connected to the opposing portion and the other end connected to the first lower cross member, The vehicle structure according to claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of the cross member connecting portion is disposed on an inner side of the vehicle relative to the support portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

8. 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the low-rigidity member has a deformed portion that is positioned to avoid the reinforcing member in a plan view seen from one side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and has a deformed portion having a tip that is positioned on the vehicle outer side relative to the opposing portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

9. the reinforcing member has a housing portion in which the sensor device is housed, the storage portion has a storage portion end surface located at a tip end on an outer side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction of the storage portion, the sensor device has a sensor end face located at a tip end on an outer side of the vehicle in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, 9. The vehicle structure according to claim 8, wherein the deformation portion has an input portion located at a position corresponding to the housing end face or the sensor end face in the vehicle longitudinal direction, or located on the vehicle outer side relative to the housing end face or the sensor end face.

10. the low-rigidity member includes a support portion that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction and supports the opposing portion, the support portion having one end connected to the opposing portion and the other end connected to the vehicle body structure, the support portion includes an extension piece that extends to the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle interior portion of the reinforcing member and that extends to the outer side in the vehicle front-rear direction, The vehicle structure according to claim 9 , wherein the input portion has a first input portion that constitutes a tip end portion of the extension piece on an outer side of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle structure according to claim 9 , wherein the input portion has a second input portion that is aligned with the accommodation portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

12. the reinforcing member has a housing portion in which the sensor device is housed, 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, When a virtual line extending inward in the vehicle width direction along the end surface of the panel impact absorbing portion on the vehicle outer side in the vehicle longitudinal direction is defined as a first virtual line, and a virtual line extending inward in the vehicle width direction along the end surface of the low-rigidity member on the vehicle outer side in the vehicle longitudinal direction is defined as a second virtual line, the second imaginary line is located on the vehicle interior side with respect to the first imaginary line in the vehicle front-rear direction, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the accommodation portion is located on an interior side of both the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

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