Vehicle sensor protection structure

Abstract

This invention provides a vehicle sensor protection structure that protects the sensor even when it is not possible to secure a large gap between the sensor and the vehicle component, while also suppressing a decrease in the sensor's detection accuracy due to displacement of the sensor's position. [Solution] The vehicle sensor protection structure 100 comprises a lower grille 120 that constitutes the design surface of the vehicle, a predetermined sensor 130 fixed to the lower grille 120, a predetermined capacitor positioned inside the lower grille 120 and the sensor 130, and a sensor cover 150 fixed to the lower grille 120 around the sensor 130 and covering the inside of the sensor 130. The sensor cover 150 is positioned close to the capacitor so as to be displaced in a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the capacitor due to vibrations when the vehicle is driven.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor protection structure for vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle front structure including a parking sensor attached to a front bumper, a sensor protection member disposed behind the parking sensor, and a grill shutter disposed behind the sensor protection member. According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to protect the sensor during a collision by ensuring a large distance between the sensor and the grill shutter and designing so that the sensor does not contact the grill shutter.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003] [[ID=*23]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it is not always possible to ensure a large distance such as that in Patent Document 1 between the sensor and in-vehicle parts such as a grill shutter disposed behind the sensor. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the sensor even when such a large distance cannot be ensured. Further, it is also necessary to prevent the detection accuracy of the sensor from decreasing due to displacement of the position of the sensor caused by vibration of the portion around the sensor in the front bumper to which the sensor is fixed during vehicle travel or the like.

[0005] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor protection structure for a vehicle that can protect the sensor even when a large distance between the sensor and in-vehicle parts cannot be ensured and can also suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor due to displacement of the position of the sensor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the present invention comprises an exterior panel constituting the design surface of a vehicle, a predetermined sensor fixed to the exterior panel, a predetermined on-board component positioned inside the exterior panel and the sensor, and a sensor cover fixed to the periphery of the sensor within the exterior panel and covering the inside of the sensor, wherein the sensor cover is positioned close to the on-board component so as to be displaced within a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the on-board component due to vehicle vibration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle sensor protection structure that protects the sensor even when it is not possible to secure a large gap between the sensor and the vehicle component, while also suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor due to displacement of the sensor's position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle sensor protection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a diagonal front angle. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle sensor protection structure, seen from the rear at an oblique angle. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the vehicle sensor protection structure, with the sensor cover and capacitor, which were not shown in the illustration, added. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view taken from the rear at an oblique angle, showing the vehicle sensor protection structure with the capacitor removed. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view AA of the vehicle sensor protection structure. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a perspective view from the rear at an angle, showing the vehicle sensor protection structure with the capacitor removed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention comprises an exterior panel constituting the design surface of a vehicle, a predetermined sensor fixed to the exterior panel, a predetermined on-board component positioned inside the exterior panel and the sensor, and a sensor cover fixed to the periphery of the sensor within the exterior panel and covering the inside of the sensor, wherein the sensor cover is positioned close to the on-board component so as to be displaced within a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the on-board component due to vehicle vibration.

[0010] With this configuration, even if the area around the sensor on the exterior panel is displaced due to vibrations during vehicle operation, the sensor cover makes direct contact with the vehicle component, thus preventing contact between the sensor and the vehicle component and protecting the sensor from contact. Moreover, since the sensor cover is fixed to the area around the sensor on the exterior panel, the contact between the sensor cover and the vehicle component minimizes the displacement of the sensor cover, and consequently the displacement of the sensor and the vibration phase difference of the sensor relative to the vehicle component. In other words, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the sensor caused by vibrations around the sensor on the exterior panel due to vibrations during vehicle operation, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor due to the displacement of the sensor's position. This is achieved by deliberately not ensuring a large gap (clearance) between the sensor and the vehicle component. Therefore, the present invention is an effective means of protecting the sensor and preventing a decrease in its detection accuracy when such a gap cannot be ensured.

[0011] Vehicle sensor protection structures may further include cushioning material placed between the sensor cover and the vehicle components.

[0012] With this configuration, the presence of cushioning material fills the space between the sensor cover and the vehicle components, allowing vibrations from the sensor cover to be transmitted more efficiently by the vehicle components compared to the case without cushioning material, making it easier for the vehicle components to reduce vibrations.

[0013] The sensor cover is preferably indirectly in contact with the vehicle components via a cushioning material. With this configuration, even if the area around the sensor on the exterior panel is displaced due to vibrations during vehicle operation, the sensor cover is indirectly in contact with the vehicle components via the cushioning material, thus preventing contact between the sensor and the vehicle components and protecting the sensor from contact with them. Moreover, since the sensor cover is fixed to the area around the sensor on the exterior panel, the indirect contact between the sensor cover and the vehicle components via the cushioning material minimizes the displacement of the sensor cover, and consequently the displacement of the sensor and the vibration phase difference of the sensor relative to the vehicle components. In other words, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the sensor caused by vibrations around the sensor on the exterior panel due to vibrations during vehicle operation, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor due to the displacement of the sensor's position. This is achieved by deliberately not ensuring a large gap (clearance) between the sensor and the vehicle components. Therefore, the present invention is an effective means of protecting the sensor and preventing a decrease in its detection accuracy when such a gap cannot be ensured.

[0014] Furthermore, because the sensor cover is indirectly in contact with the vehicle component via a cushioning material, energy acting around the sensor and changing its position (e.g., vibration energy) can be transmitted from the sensor cover side or the vehicle component side to the cushioning material, and this energy can be consumed as deformation energy of the cushioning material. In addition, the cushioning material can absorb this energy and further reduce the vibration phase difference of the sensor relative to the vehicle component when the sensor cover is in contact with the vehicle component. It can also absorb the impact energy generated when the sensor cover and the vehicle component come into contact, protecting the sensor from such impact.

[0015] The sensor cover preferably has a sensor covering portion that covers the inside of the sensor and is positioned close to the vehicle component, and a sensor surrounding portion that extends around the sensor covering portion.

[0016] With this configuration, the area that can contact the vehicle components increases by the amount of the area surrounding the sensor, so the decrease in the sensor's detection accuracy can be further suppressed.

[0017] The sensor cover further has a mounting portion disposed around the periphery of the sensor peripheral portion and attached to the exterior panel, and the mounting portion may be connected to the exterior panel on both sides in the vehicle width direction sandwiching the sensor peripheral portion.

[0018] According to this configuration, the rigidity around the location where the mounting portion is connected to the exterior panel is set to be high, vibrations of the sensor and the sensor cover are suppressed, and it is possible to further suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor.

[0019] The mounting portion of the sensor cover may be recessed so as to approach the exterior panel more than the sensor covering portion and the sensor peripheral portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, the rigidity of the entire mounting portion is set to be high, vibrations of the sensor and the sensor cover are further suppressed, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor.

[0021] The exterior panel has a bumper connection portion connected to the bumper around the sensor, and the bumper connection portion may be adjacent to the position where the sensor cover is fixed to the exterior panel.

[0022] According to this configuration, since the position of the bumper connection portion where the exterior panel is connected to the bumper and the position where the exterior panel is fixed to the sensor cover are close, vibrations of the exterior panel are weakened. Therefore, even when it is not possible to secure a large distance between the sensor and the in-vehicle components, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor.

Example

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle sensor protection structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front at an oblique angle. In Figure 1 and all other drawings, the front-rear direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Backward), respectively; the left and right directions in the vehicle width direction are indicated by arrows L (Leftward) and R (Rightward), respectively; and the up and down directions are indicated by arrows U (Upward) and D (Downward), respectively.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 includes a bumper face 110 which is part of the bumper, a lower grille 120 which is an exterior panel positioned on the bumper face 110, and a sensor 130 which is fixed to the lower grille 120.

[0026] The lower grille 120 has a hole-forming frame 120a that forms a plurality of hexagonal holes, a bumper beam covering portion 120b that covers the rear bumper beam of the vehicle (not shown), and a hole-forming frame 120c that forms a round hole and is positioned on the bumper beam covering portion 120b. The lower grille 120 constitutes part of the design surface of the vehicle. The lower grille 120 is molded from resin. The hole-forming frame 120a introduces air from the front of the vehicle. A sensor 130 is fixed to the hole-forming frame 120c.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the rear at an oblique angle. As shown in Figure 2, the hole-forming frame 120c is positioned at the corner of the lower grille 120 (sometimes called the lower net). Therefore, the rigidity of the hole-forming frame 120c is high. Consequently, the sensor 130 fixed to the hole 120d of the hole-forming frame 120c is not easily displaced.

[0028] Furthermore, a connecting rib 129 is formed on the rear surface 120p of the lower grille 120. The connecting rib 129 extends in the vehicle width direction and bulges outwards towards the rear of the vehicle. A bulging wall 122, a protruding plate 124, a bulging wall 126, and a projection 128 are connected to this connecting rib 129.

[0029] A hole 129a is formed in a portion of the connecting rib 129, which can engage with the claw 116 of the bumper face 110. By engaging the claw 116 of the bumper face 110 with the hole 129a of the connecting rib 129, the rigidity of the bulging wall 122, protruding plate 124, bulging wall 126, and projection 128 connected by the connecting rib 129 is set to be high.

[0030] The bulging wall 122 bulges outwards and has a hole 122a formed on its rear surface 122x, which serves as a cover connecting portion. The hole 122a is a portion for connecting to the sensor cover 150 (see Figure 4), which will be described later.

[0031] The protruding plate 124 has a plate 124a that extends rearward and a projection 124b that protrudes rearward from the plate 124a. Since the plate 124a extends downward to the vicinity of the hole-forming frame 120c, the rigidity of the hole-forming frame 120c is set to be high. For this reason, the support rigidity of the sensor 130 is set to be high. The projection 124b is for positioning the sensor cover 150 (see Figure 4), which will be described later.

[0032] The bulging wall 126 bulges rearward and has a hole 126a as a bumper connection part and a hole 126b as a cover connection part formed on the rear surface 126x. Hole 126a is a hole for connecting to the bumper face 110 around the sensor 130. Hole 126b is a hole for connecting to the sensor cover 150 (see Figure 4), which will be described later. Hole 126a is adjacent to the positions of holes 122a and 126b, to which the sensor cover 150 is fixed to the lower grille 120.

[0033] The projection 128 extends rearward from the bulging wall 126 and is formed in a similar shape to the projection 124b described above. The projection 128 is for positioning the sensor cover 150 (see Figure 4), which will be described later.

[0034] In addition, the lower grille 120 has a projection 132 formed at its upper end and a hole 134 formed next to the projection 132. The projection 132 and the hole 134 are positioned above the hole 126a of the bulging wall 126. Furthermore, a bead 136 is formed that extends vertically from below the projection 132 and the hole 134 to the upper end of the bulging wall 126 and is convex to the rear. Due to the presence of the bead 136, the rigidity of the lower grille 120 is set high, and displacement of the sensor cover 150, which will be fixed to the lower grille 120 (described later), is suppressed.

[0035] Furthermore, an inclined plate 138 is formed on the rear surface 120p of the lower grille 120. The inclined plate 138 slopes downwards towards the rear. The inclined plate 138 is used to secure the harness. The inclined plate 138 is connected to the bulging wall 126. For this reason, the rigidity of the bulging wall 126 is set to be high.

[0036] In Figure 2, the left portion of the hole-forming frame 120c in the lower grille 120 has high rigidity because the lower grille 120 and the bumper face 110 overlap in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Therefore, the rigidity of the hole-forming frame 120c in that vicinity is also set to be high.

[0037] Furthermore, the lower grille 120 is formed below the hole-forming frame 120c and has a rib 139 that extends rearward from the rear surface 120p. The rib 139 spreads horizontally. The lower grille 120 also has an edge plate 120e of the hole-forming frame 120a next to the hole-forming frame 120c. The rib 139, together with the edge plate 120e of the hole-forming frame 120a, contacts the sensor cover 150, thereby suppressing the displacement of the sensor cover 150.

[0038] In this embodiment, a lower grille 120 located at the front of the vehicle was used as an example of an exterior panel, but the configuration is not limited to this. A panel located at the side or rear of the vehicle may be used as an exterior panel and configured in the same way as the vehicle sensor protection structure 100.

[0039] Sensor 130 is a sensor that detects the surrounding environment of the vehicle. Sensor 130 is fixed in the hole 120d of the hole-forming frame 120c of the lower grille 120. Sensor 130 is a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle body and obstacles using ultrasound, for example. In this embodiment, sensor 130 is a sonar that measures the gap with an object in front, but it is not limited to this embodiment and may be a sonar that measures the gap with an object behind, or a sonar that measures the distance to the four corners. Based on the information measured by sensor 130, a warning sound or the like is made when the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle falls below a certain distance.

[0040] In this embodiment, the sensor 130 is an acoustic wave sensor that uses sound waves as detection waves, and for example, comprises a transmitting unit that emits ultrasonic waves and a receiving unit that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from obstacles, etc. However, it is not limited to this, and the sensor 130 may also be an electromagnetic wave sensor that uses electromagnetic waves as detection waves, such as millimeter waves, which are emitted from the transmitting unit and reflected waves are received by the receiving unit, such as a millimeter wave radar, or an imaging device that receives external electromagnetic waves such as sunlight reflected from an object as detection waves, such as a camera, with the receiving unit. The receiving unit and transmitting unit of the sensor 130 are configured as one unit, but they may be configured as separate units and placed at different positions on an exterior member such as the lower grille 120.

[0041] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 in Figure 2, with the addition of the sensor cover 150 and capacitor 140, which were not shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 includes a capacitor 140 as a predetermined on-board component, positioned inside (rearward) of the lower grille 120 and sensor 130. The capacitor 140 is a device that forcibly cools and liquefies gaseous refrigerant, which has become high temperature and high pressure in the compressor, by outside air drawn in by a capacitor fan that draws outside air into the engine compartment.

[0042] The capacitor 140 is provided with metal heat dissipation fins on its front surface and retaining members to hold them, or it is fixed to a vehicle frame member such as a radiator support member that holds a radiator (not shown). For this reason, the capacitor 140 has higher rigidity than the lower grille 120 around the sensor 130, and is less prone to vibration when subjected to external forces than the sensor-periphery portion of the lower grille 120. The sensor-periphery portion includes the hole-forming frame 120c and rear surface 120p in Figure 2, but may also include the surrounding areas (the same applies in the following description).

[0043] In this embodiment, a capacitor 140 was used as an example of an in-vehicle component, but the configuration is not limited to this, and other components such as control controllers, batteries, and resin air guides may be used as in-vehicle components. It is desirable that these in-vehicle components have higher rigidity than the sensor area of ​​the lower grille 120, or that they are fixed to the vehicle frame member and are less prone to oscillating than the sensor area of ​​the lower grille 120.

[0044] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 from Figure 3 with the capacitor 140 removed, viewed from a different angle diagonally rearward. As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 includes a sensor cover 150. The sensor cover 150 is fixed to the inner surface of the lower grille 120 around the sensor 130 and covers the inner (rear) portion of the sensor 130.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the sensor cover 150 has a sensor covering portion 152 and a sensor peripheral portion 154 that extends above the sensor covering portion 152. The sensor covering portion 152 covers the rear side of the sensor 130.

[0046] The sensor covering portion 152 has a recess 152a at its lower end. The recess 152a extends vertically and is recessed toward the front of the vehicle. Due to the presence of this recess 152a, the rigidity of the sensor covering portion 152 in the vehicle width direction is set to be high.

[0047] Furthermore, the sensor covering portion 152 protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle relative to the surface 153x (see Figure 6), forming a step. For this reason, the rigidity of the sensor covering portion 152 is set to be high.

[0048] Furthermore, a rib 153a that protrudes rearward is formed on the left side of the sensor covering portion 152 in the vehicle width direction, and a rib 153b that protrudes rearward is formed on the right side of the sensor covering portion 152 in the vehicle width direction. The rib 153a slopes inward in the vehicle width direction as it goes downward. The presence of this rib 153a makes it easier to route the harness connected to the sensor 130. In addition, the rigidity of the sensor covering portion 152 is set high due to the formation of this rib 153a.

[0049] Furthermore, the sensor covering portion 152 has legs 159. The legs 159 are bent forward from the sensor covering portion 152. The lower grille 120 has ribs 139 that protrude toward the rear of the vehicle, and the legs 159 rest on these ribs 139. The lower end of the sensor covering portion 152 is positioned by these legs 159 and ribs 139.

[0050] The sensor peripheral portion 154 is formed to extend around the sensor covering portion 152. The sensor peripheral portion 154 is a portion formed flush with the sensor covering portion 152. The sensor peripheral portion 154 is a portion that extends around the sensor covering portion 152, and in this embodiment, it is a portion formed to extend upward.

[0051] In this embodiment, the sensor peripheral portion 154 extends upward from the sensor covering portion 152, but it is not limited to this and may extend to the left side in the vehicle width direction, the right side in the vehicle width direction, or downward from the sensor covering portion 152.

[0052] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view AA of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 5, the sensor cover 150 is positioned close to the capacitor 140 so as to be displaced in a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the capacitor 140 due to vibrations caused by the vehicle's operation (driving state or the state before driving when the engine is running).

[0053] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the sensor cover 150 vibrates in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle within vibration range S (see dotted line indicating vibration of sensor cover 150). The capacitor 140 also vibrates in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle within vibration range C (see dotted line indicating vibration of capacitor 140). The vibration range S of the sensor cover 150 and the vibration range C of the capacitor 140 are positioned such that they overlap within range X without the intervention of the cushioning material 160 described later.

[0054] In this embodiment, the sensor covering portion 152 and the sensor surrounding portion 154 are positioned close to the capacitor 140, but the configuration is not limited to this, and they may be positioned close to other in-vehicle components, such as the battery or controller.

[0055] Figure 6 is a perspective view from the rear at an angle, showing the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 from Figure 3 with the capacitor 140 removed. As shown in Figure 6, the sensor cover 150 further has mounting portions 156 and 158.

[0056] Mounting portions 156 and 158 are positioned around the sensor surrounding portion 154 and attached to the lower grille 120. Mounting portions 156 and 158 form part of the sensor cover 150 on both sides in the vehicle width direction, flanking the sensor surrounding portion 154.

[0057] Mounting portions 156 and 158 are recessed so as to be closer to the lower grille 120 than the sensor covering portion 152 and the sensor surrounding portion 154. Mounting plates 156a and 158a are formed as plates at the back of the recess, and ribs 156b and 158b are formed to project rearward along the edges of the mounting plates 156a and 158a. The sensor surrounding portion 154 and the ribs 156b are formed in an annular shape, and the sensor surrounding portion 154 and the ribs 158b are also formed in an annular shape. Holes 172 and 174 are formed in the mounting plate 156a of mounting portion 156, and holes 176 and 178 are formed in the mounting plate 158a of mounting portion 158.

[0058] Holes 172 and 174 are located on the left side in the vehicle width direction of the sensor perimeter 154. Hole 172 is located on the side furthest from the sensor perimeter 154, and hole 174 is located on the side closer to the sensor perimeter 154. The projection 124b (see Figure 2) of the lower grille 120 is inserted through hole 174. Hole 172 is aligned with the hole 122a (see Figure 2) of the bulging wall 122 of the lower grille 120 and fastened with a bolt (not shown). A clip may be used instead of a bolt.

[0059] Holes 176 and 178 are located on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the sensor perimeter 154. Hole 176 is located closer to the sensor perimeter 154, and hole 178 is located further away from the sensor perimeter 154. The projection 128 (see Figure 2) of the lower grille 120 is inserted through hole 178. Hole 176 is aligned with the hole 126b (see Figure 2) in the bulging wall 126 of the lower grille 120 and fastened with a bolt (not shown). A clip may be used instead of a bolt.

[0060] A hole 180 is formed in the mounting portion 158 surrounding the sensor peripheral portion 154. The hole 126a in the lower grille 120 is aligned with the hole 114 in the bumper face 110 and fixed with a bolt (not shown). The hole 180 is formed larger than these holes 126a, 114, and the bolt. Therefore, after the sensor cover 150 is fixed to the lower grille 120, the bolt can be inserted into the holes 126a and 114 and fastened. Note that a clip may be used instead of a bolt.

[0061] Holes 172, 174, 176, and 178 are positioned on the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction, flanking the sensor perimeter 154 and hole 180. This ensures stable support for the sensor cover 150.

[0062] Furthermore, a bolt is inserted into hole 172, projection 124b into hole 174, a bolt is inserted into hole 176, and projection 128 is inserted into hole 178. The insertion order of the bolts and projections into holes 172, 174 and holes 176, 178 is not symmetrical. This is to avoid the possibility that if the insertion order of the bolts and projections were symmetrical, it might be difficult to insert the bolts and projections if there were errors in the positions of holes 172, 174, 176, and 178.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 is equipped with a cushioning material 160. The cushioning material 160 is positioned between the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140. The cushioning material 160 is attached to the front end of the capacitor 140 in the vehicle width direction and extends vertically (see Figure 3). As a result, the sensor cover 150 indirectly contacts the capacitor 140 via the cushioning material 160.

[0064] In this embodiment, the cushioning material 160 is a sponge-like material, but rubber or the like may also be used. In this embodiment, the sensor cover 150 contacts the capacitor 140 via the cushioning material 160 attached to the capacitor 140. However, it is not limited to this, and the sensor cover 150 may contact the capacitor 140 directly.

[0065] In this embodiment, the cushioning material 160 is attached to the front end of the vehicle width direction of the capacitor 140, but it is not limited to this and may be attached to the sensor cover 150. Alternatively, the cushioning material 160 may be arranged separately from both the capacitor 140 and the sensor cover 150. In this case, the cushioning material 160 may be provided sandwiched between the capacitor 140 and the sensor cover 150.

[0066] Furthermore, although the cushioning material 160 was attached to the capacitor 140 in this embodiment, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The cushioning material 160 may not be attached to the capacitor 140, and the sensor cover 150 may be positioned to directly contact the capacitor 140 when the vehicle vibrates. With this configuration, the sensor cover 150 may not contact the capacitor 140 when the vehicle is not vibrating, and the sensor cover 150 may directly contact the capacitor 140 when the vehicle is vibrating.

[0067] Next, returning to Figure 2, the upper grille 190 will be described. The upper grille 190 has holes 192 and 194. The projection 132 formed at the upper end of the lower grille 120 is inserted into hole 192 for positioning, and the upper grille 190 is fastened with a bolt (not shown) aligned with the hole 134 formed at the upper end of the lower grille 120 in hole 194. Note that a clip may be used instead of a bolt.

[0068] Furthermore, the upper grille 190 has a bulging wall 196. A hole 196a is formed in the bulging wall 196. The hole 196a is aligned with a hole 112 formed in the bumper face 110 and fastened with a bolt (not shown). This hole 196a is adjacent to holes 192 and 194, which increases the rigidity of the lower grille 120 in this vicinity. Note that clips may be used instead of bolts.

[0069] Next, the manufacturing process of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the lower grille 120 is fixed to the bumper face 110. At this time, the hole 114 of the bumper face 110 and the hole 126a of the lower grille 120 are aligned and fixed with bolts (not shown). Also, the projection 132 of the upper grille 190 is inserted into the hole 192 of the lower grille 120. The hole 196a of the upper grille 190 and the hole 112 of the bumper face 110 are aligned, and the hole 194 of the upper grille 190 and the hole 134 of the lower grille 120 are aligned and fixed with bolts (not shown).

[0070] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the sensor cover 150 is fixed to the lower grille 120. At this time, the projection 124b of the lower grille 120 is inserted into the hole 174 of the sensor cover 150, and the projection 128 of the lower grille 120 is inserted into the hole 178 of the sensor cover 150. Note that clips may be used instead of bolts.

[0071] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 will be explained. Before the vehicle is running, the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140 are separated. Then, the capacitor 140 and the lower grille 120 vibrate due to vibrations during vehicle operation. At this time, the sensor covering portion 152 and the sensor surrounding portion 154 of the sensor cover 150, which is fixed to the lower grille 120, come into contact with the capacitor 140, which vibrates less than the sensor surrounding portion of the lower grille 120, via the cushioning material 160. As a result, the vibration energy of the sensor cover 150 can be dissipated to the capacitor 140. Therefore, the vibration of the sensor cover 150 can be reduced.

[0072] According to the configuration of this embodiment described above, even if the area around the sensor of the lower grille 120 is displaced due to vibrations during vehicle operation, the sensor cover 150 indirectly contacts the capacitor 140 via the cushioning material 160, thereby preventing the sensor 130 from coming into contact with the capacitor 140 and protecting the sensor 130 from contact with the capacitor 140. Moreover, since the sensor cover 150 is fixed to the area around the sensor 130 within the lower grille 120, the contact between the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140 can minimize the displacement of the sensor cover 150, and consequently the displacement of the sensor 130, as well as the vibration phase difference of the sensor 130 relative to the capacitor 140. In other words, since the displacement of the sensor 130 caused by vibrations in the area around the sensor of the lower grille 120 due to vibrations during vehicle operation can be suppressed, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor due to the displacement of the position of the sensor 130 can be suppressed.

[0073] This is achieved by deliberately not ensuring a large gap (clearance) between the sensor 130 and the capacitor 140. Therefore, the configuration of this embodiment is an effective means of preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor 130 when such a gap cannot be ensured.

[0074] Furthermore, because of the cushioning material 160 placed between the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140, the space between the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140 is filled by the cushioning material 160. Compared to the case without the cushioning material 160, vibrations from the sensor cover 150 are transmitted more efficiently by the capacitor 140, making it easier for the capacitor 140 to reduce vibrations.

[0075] Since the sensor cover 150 is indirectly in contact with the capacitor 140 via the cushioning material 160, energy (e.g., vibration energy) that acts on the periphery of the sensor 130 and changes the position of the sensor 130 can be transmitted from the sensor cover 150 side or the capacitor 140 side to the cushioning material 160, and this energy can be consumed as deformation energy of the cushioning material 160. Furthermore, the cushioning material 160 can absorb this energy and suppress the vibration phase difference of the sensor 130 relative to the capacitor 140 when the sensor cover 150 is in contact with the capacitor 140. In addition, it can absorb the shock energy generated when the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140 come into indirect contact via the cushioning material 160, and protect the sensor 130 from this shock.

[0076] In addition to the sensor covering portion 152, the presence of the sensor surrounding portion 154 increases the area that can contact the capacitor 140, i.e., the area that can transmit vibration energy to the capacitor 140. This further suppresses the decrease in detection accuracy of the sensor 130 caused by the displacement of the sensor's position due to vibration of the sensor surrounding portion of the lower grille 120.

[0077] Furthermore, the mounting portions 156 and 158 of the sensor cover 150 are connected to the lower grille 120 on both sides in the vehicle width direction, flanking the sensor surrounding portion 154. This configuration allows for high rigidity around the points where the mounting portions 156 and 158 are connected to the lower grille 120, thereby suppressing vibrations of the sensor 130 and sensor cover 150. As a result, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor 130 can be further suppressed.

[0078] The mounting portions 156 and 158 of the sensor cover 150 are recessed so as to be closer to the lower grille 120 than the sensor covering portion 152 and the sensor surrounding portion 154. This increases the overall rigidity of the mounting portions 156 and 158, further suppressing vibrations of the sensor 130 and sensor cover 150. As a result, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor 130 can be suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, hole 126a is adjacent to holes 122a and 126b. With this configuration, the position of hole 126a, where the lower grille 120 is connected to the bumper face 110, is close to the positions of holes 122a and 126b, where the lower grille 120 is fixed to the sensor cover 150, thus reducing vibration of the lower grille 120. Therefore, even if a large gap cannot be secured between the sensor 130 and the capacitor 140, the decrease in detection accuracy of the sensor 130 can be further suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, since the bulging walls 122 and 126 that protrude from the back surface of the lower grille 120 are integrated with the connecting rib 129, the rigidity is set to be high.

[0081] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented by freely combining the inventions described in the claims and examples, regardless of the dependency relationships of the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0083] This invention can be used in vehicle sensor protection structures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100... Vehicle sensor protection structure, 110... Bumper face (bumper), 112, 114...hole, 116... Nails, 120... Lower grille (exterior panel), 120a... Hole forming frame, 120b... Bumper beam covering section, 120c... Hole forming frame, 120d...hole, 120e...edge, 120p…back side, 122...bulging wall, 122a... Hole (cover connecting part), 122x…rear surface, 124...Protruding plate, 124a...board, 124b...protrusion, 126...bulging wall, 126a... Hole (bumper connection part), 126b... Hole (cover connecting part), 126x…rear surface, 128...protrusion, 129... Connecting ribs, 129a...hole, 130... Sensor, 132...protrusion, 134...hole, 136...bead, 138...slanted plate, 139... Rib, 140... Capacitor, 150... Sensor cover, 152...Sensor covering part, 153a... Rib, 153b... Rib, 153x...plane, 154...Sensor surrounding area, 156... Mounting part, 156a... Mounting plate, 156b... Rib, 158... Mounting part, 158a... Rib, 159...legs, 160...Cushioning material, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180...hole, 190... Upper Grill, 192, 194...hole, 196...bulging wall, 196a...hole,

Claims

1. The exterior panels that make up the design surface of the vehicle, A predetermined sensor fixed to the exterior panel, A predetermined in-vehicle component positioned inside the exterior panel and sensor, The exterior panel includes a sensor cover which is fixed around the sensor and covers the inside of the sensor, The vehicle sensor protection structure is characterized in that the sensor cover is positioned close to the vehicle-mounted component so as to be displaced within a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the vehicle-mounted component due to vibrations of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 1, further comprising a cushioning material disposed between the sensor cover and the vehicle component.

3. The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor cover is indirectly in contact with the vehicle component via the cushioning material.

4. The aforementioned sensor cover is The sensor covering portion covers the inside of the sensor and is positioned close to the vehicle component, The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 1, characterized by having a sensor peripheral portion that extends around the sensor covering portion.

5. The sensor cover further has a mounting portion that is arranged around the sensor periphery and attached to the exterior panel, The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the mounting portion is connected to the exterior panel on both sides in the vehicle width direction that sandwich the portion surrounding the sensor.

6. The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the mounting portion of the sensor cover is recessed so as to be closer to the exterior panel than the sensor covering portion and the sensor surrounding portion.

7. The exterior panel has a bumper connecting portion connected to the bumper around the sensor, The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the bumper connecting portion is adjacent to the position where the sensor cover is fixed to the exterior panel.

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