Vehicle structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle structure that allows other in-vehicle components to be placed adjacent to the sensor's support while suppressing deformation of the support and stably supporting the sensor. [Solution] The vehicle structure 1 includes a sensor support member 3 that supports a sensor S mounted on the vehicle for detecting the external environment, and a capacitor 4 and a duct 5, which are different from the sensor S, are arranged adjacent to the sensor support member 3. The sensor support member 3 includes a support portion 31 that forms a housing space 31A for the sensor S and supports the sensor S, and a vehicle body connecting portion 35 that is arranged around the support portion 31 and connected to the vehicle body frame 6. The support portion 31 has a first fixing portion F1 provided in a proximal portion 31B located on the side closer to the capacitor 4 and duct 5 and to which the sensor S is fixed, and a first connecting portion 31D that connects the vehicle body connecting portion 35 and the first fixing portion F1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure provided with a member that supports a sensor for detecting an external environment of the vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, exterior members such as bumpers and grills that constitute the design surface on the outside of the vehicle are provided at the front and rear of a vehicle such as an automobile. A sensor for detecting the external environment of the vehicle may be provided on the back side of this exterior member. Examples of such sensors include a radar that uses radio waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves as detection waves, a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) that uses laser light as a detection wave, an acoustic wave sensor (ultrasonic sensor / sonar) that uses acoustic waves such as ultrasonic waves as detection waves, and a camera (imaging device) that detects the external environment by imaging. A region of the exterior member that faces the sensor is formed as a transmission portion made of a material through which the detection wave can pass, and functions as a sensor cover. And, in order to improve the detection accuracy, high accuracy is required for the relative positional relationship (relative distance and relative angle) between the transmission portion (sensor cover) of the exterior member and the sensor.

[0003] As an example of a conventional vehicle structure having a structure for arranging a sensor on the back side of an exterior member, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a radar antenna is fixed to a frame member that reinforces a panel member of a front grill. By adopting such a structure, it becomes easier to adjust the relative positional relationship between the panel member that functions as the transmission portion (sensor cover) and the radar antenna.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, as shown in Patent Document 1 above, the member (frame material) that supports the sensor (radar antenna) is usually made to have the desired rigidity on both the left and right sides around the sensor support portion by making the area around the sensor support portion roughly symmetrical. However, when it is necessary to place other in-vehicle components different from the sensor adjacent to the sensor, it may not be possible to make the shape around the sensor support portion of the sensor support member symmetrical in order to avoid interference between the in-vehicle component and the sensor support member. In this case, for example, if the rigidity of the proximal portion of the sensor support portion located closer to the in-vehicle component is lower than the rigidity of the distal portion located further away from the in-vehicle component, there was a risk that the support portion would deform due to vibrations during vehicle operation or impacts during minor collisions, causing the sensor to be displaced.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide a vehicle structure that can stably support a sensor while suppressing deformation of the support portion, while allowing other in-vehicle components to be placed adjacent to the sensor support portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle structure comprising a sensor support member for supporting a sensor mounted on a vehicle and detecting the external environment, wherein an on-board component different from the sensor is arranged adjacent to the sensor support member. In this vehicle structure, the sensor support member includes a support portion that forms a housing space for the sensor and supports the sensor, and a body connecting portion arranged around the support portion and connected to the vehicle body frame of the vehicle. The support portion has a first fixing portion provided in the proximal portion of the support portion located on the side closer to the on-board component, to which the sensor is fixed, and a first connecting portion connecting the body connecting portion and the first fixing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the vehicle structure of the present invention, other on-board components can be placed adjacent to the sensor support while suppressing deformation of the support and stably supporting the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, taken from the front left of the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the front bumper and lower grille removed. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the state with the upper grille removed. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the sensor support members and other components removed. [Figure 5] This is a rear view of the upper grille and sensor support member in the above embodiment, as seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a magnified view of the area around the sensor support member, taken from the rear left side of the vehicle. [Figure 7] This is a rear view, magnified from the rear of the vehicle, showing the area around the support portion of the sensor support member, where a vehicle-mounted component different from the sensor is positioned adjacent to it, in the above embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a rear view showing a modified example of the arrangement of the vehicle body connecting portion related to the above embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 4 are diagrams illustrating a vehicle structure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure 1 as seen from the front left of the vehicle, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the state in Figure 1 with the front bumper 21, lower grille 23, emblem base 24, horizontal decorative member 25, and vertical decorative member 26 removed. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the state in Figure 2 with the upper grille 22 removed, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the state in Figure 3 with the sensor S, sensor support member 3, capacitor 4, and duct 5 removed. In the figures described below, the direction of arrow F indicates the front in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the direction of arrow U indicates the upward in the vehicle's vertical direction, and the directions of arrows R and L indicate the right and left when viewed from inside the vehicle's interior.

[0011] In Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, an exterior member 2 provided at the front of a vehicle such as an automobile, which forms the design surface on the outside of the vehicle, and a sensor support member 3 provided on the inside (rear side) of the exterior member 2, which supports a sensor S that detects the external environment. The sensor S in this embodiment (Figure 3) is, for example, a radar (millimeter-wave radar) that uses millimeter waves as a detection wave. However, the sensor S is not limited to millimeter-wave radar, and may be various radars that use radio waves other than millimeter waves (such as microwaves) as a detection wave, LiDAR that uses laser light as a detection wave, an ultrasonic sensor (sonar) that uses sound waves such as ultrasound as a detection wave, or a camera (imaging device) that detects the external environment by imaging.

[0012] The exterior component 2 includes, for example, a front bumper 21, an upper grille 22, and a lower grille 23 (Figure 1). The sensor support member 3, which supports the sensor S, is located on the vehicle side (rear side) of the upper grille 22 in the exterior component 2 (Figures 1 to 3). In this embodiment, the upper grille 22 corresponds to the "first exterior component" of the present invention, and the lower grille 23 corresponds to the "second exterior component" of the present invention.

[0013] The front bumper 21 is a resin component positioned at the lower front of the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction. An opening 21A is formed in the center of the front bumper 21 in the vehicle width direction to guide outside air into the vehicle. Lamp mounting sections 21B for mounting auxiliary lights such as fog lamps are formed on both sides (right and left sides) of the front bumper 21 in the vehicle width direction. Although not shown in the illustration, the left and right headlights of the vehicle are positioned above both sides of the front bumper 21 in the vehicle width direction. Both ends (right and left ends) 21C of the front bumper 21 in the vehicle width direction curve toward the rear of the vehicle as they extend outward in the vehicle width direction, and each end (rear end) is connected to the front end of the fender panel (not shown) that forms the side of the vehicle. An upper grille 22 is provided above the center of the front bumper 21 in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] The upper grille 22 is a resin component positioned in the upper center of the front of the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction. A permeable section 22A is formed at the lower center of the upper grille 22 in the vehicle width direction, through which detection waves (millimeter waves) transmitted and / or received by a sensor S supported in a predetermined position by a sensor support member 3 are transmitted (Figures 1 and 2). Multiple ventilation holes 22B are provided around the permeable section 22A of the upper grille 22 to guide outside air into the vehicle. In addition, an emblem base 24 for attaching a vehicle emblem (not shown) is fixed to the upper center in the vehicle width direction on the outer side (front) of the upper grille 22 (Figure 1). Two horizontal decorative members 25 extending in the vehicle width direction are fixed at a vertical distance around the fixing point of the emblem base 24 on the outer side of the upper grille 22, and furthermore, multiple vertical decorative members 26 extending in the vertical direction are fixed at a vertical distance between the fixing points of each horizontal decorative member 25. A sensor support member 3 is connected to a predetermined position in the center of the vehicle width direction on the inner side (rear side) of the upper grille 22. The upper end of the lower grille 23 is positioned overlapping the lower end of the upper grille 22.

[0015] The lower grill 23 is a resin member disposed so as to cover the opening 21A of the front bumper 21 from the inner side (rear side) of the vehicle. A plate mounting portion 23A for attaching a vehicle number plate (not shown) is formed in the right side portion of the lower grill 23 (FIG. 1). The left side portion of the lower grill 23 and the peripheral portion of the plate mounting portion 23A are generally formed in a honeycomb-like mesh shape. On the rear side of the vehicle of the left side portion of the lower grill 23, for example, a capacitor 4 and the like used for an air conditioning device such as a car air conditioner mounted on the vehicle are disposed (FIGS. 2 and 3). The outside air that has passed through the opening 21A of the front bumper 21 and the lower grill 23 is introduced into the capacitor 4. Further, a duct 5 for an intercooler is disposed above the capacitor 4 in the vehicle (FIG. 3). The duct 5 has an air inlet located outside the vehicle (front side) connected to a duct opening 33 (to be described later) formed in the sensor support member 3. In the present embodiment, the capacitor 4 and the duct 5 correspond to "vehicle-mounted components different from the sensor" in the present invention.

[0016] The sensor support member 3 is disposed on the inner surface (rear surface) of the upper grill 22 in the exterior member 2 as described above. The sensor support member 3 generally extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle vertical direction, and a support portion 31 for supporting the sensor S is provided at the lower center in the vehicle width direction (FIG. 3). The sensor S supported by the support portion 31 is arranged such that the transmission and reception surface (front surface) of the detection wave faces the transmission portion 22A of the upper grill 22.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the portion of the lower part of the sensor support member 3 located to the left of the support portion 31 is cut into the upper side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction so as to avoid interference with the capacitor 4. Above the cut portion 32 near the lower left corner, the above-described duct opening 33 is formed adjacent to each other. That is, the capacitor 4 and the duct 5 for an intercooler, which are vehicle-mounted components different from the sensor S, are disposed adjacent to the left of the support portion 31 in the sensor support member 3. In the present embodiment, the duct opening 33 corresponds to the "opening" of the present invention.

[0018] The opening 33 for the duct penetrates in the vehicle interior-exterior direction (front-rear direction) and forms a path for communicating the duct 5 for the intercooler with the outside space of the vehicle. A plurality of flange portions 34 that project toward the rear side of the vehicle and extend in the vehicle width direction are formed at the upper end portion of the sensor support member 3. The support portion 31 and the flange portions 34 of the sensor support member 3 are connected to and supported by a high-rigidity vehicle body frame 6 that constitutes the skeleton of the vehicle (FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0019] As a component disposed at the front portion of the vehicle, the vehicle body frame 6 includes, for example, a pair of left and right front side members 61, first to third cross members 62 to 64 that extend in the vehicle width direction between the left and right front side members 61, and first to third longitudinal members 65 to 67 that extend in the vehicle vertical direction, and a connecting member 68 (FIG. 4).

[0020] The left and right front side members 61 each extend in the front-rear direction at the lower portion of the vehicle and are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The first cross member 62 and the first and second longitudinal members 65 and 66 are joined to the front end portion of each front side member 61, respectively. Both end portions of the first cross member 62 in the vehicle width direction are fixed to the front end faces of the left and right front side members 61 by welding or the like. The first cross member 62 is also called a bumper beam, and the front bumper 21 and the lower grill 23 in the exterior member 2 are connected thereto.

[0021] The lower end portion of the first longitudinal member 65 is fixed to the upper surface of each front end portion of the left and right front side members 61 by welding or the like, and the upper end portion of the second longitudinal member 66 is fixed to the lower surface of each front end portion by welding or the like. Between the left and right first longitudinal members 65, the second and third cross members 63 and 64 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0022] The second transverse member 63 is fixed at both ends in the vehicle width direction to the upper ends of the left and right first vertical members 65 by welding or the like. The second transverse member 63 is also called a hood lock member and is equipped with a lock (not shown) for opening and closing the front hood, and the flange portion 34 of the sensor support member 3 is connected to it. The third transverse member 64 is fixed at both ends in the vehicle width direction to the middle portion of the left and right first vertical members 65 in the vehicle vertical direction by welding or the like. A third vertical member 67 and a connecting member 68 are provided between the second and third transverse members 63 and 64.

[0023] The upper end of the third vertical member 67 is fixed to the center of the second horizontal member 63 in the vehicle width direction by welding or the like. The third vertical member 67 extends downward from the point of fixation with the second horizontal member 63, beyond the third horizontal member 64. The lower rear surface of the third vertical member 67 is fixed to the front surface of the center of the third horizontal member 64 in the vehicle width direction by welding or the like. A connecting member 68 is joined to the front surface of the lower part of the third vertical member 67.

[0024] The connecting member 68 is formed in a hat shape that opens towards the rear of the vehicle when viewed in the vertical direction, and the flange portion on the rear side of the vehicle is fixed to the third vertical member 67 by welding or the like. Beads 68A extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are formed on both the left and right sides of the connecting member 68. The front part of the connecting member 68 is provided with a connecting portion 68B consisting of bolt holes and positioning holes for connecting the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3.

[0025] Here, the specific structure of the sensor support member 3 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0026] Figure 5 is an enlarged rear view of the upper grille 22 and sensor support member 3 in this embodiment, viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the area around the sensor support member 3 in Figure 5, viewed from the rear left of the vehicle. However, Figures 5 and 6 show the sensor S and duct 5 removed from the sensor support member 3. Furthermore, Figure 7 is an enlarged rear view of the area around the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3, viewed from the rear of the vehicle, with the capacitor 4 and duct 5 arranged adjacent to each other.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the sensor support member 3 has a support portion 31 for supporting the sensor S located at the lower center in the vehicle width direction (roughly the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 5). The support portion 31 has an opening that penetrates in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the inside of this opening forms a housing space 31A for the sensor S. Around the housing space 31A in the support portion 31, there are a first fixing portion F1, a second fixing portion F2, and a third fixing portion F3 for fixing the sensor S to the support portion 31, and a vehicle body connecting portion 35 that is connected to a connecting member 68 of the vehicle body frame 6.

[0028] The first fixing part F1 is provided in the proximal portion 31B (the portion enclosed by the dashed line on the left side in Figure 5) of the support part 31, which is located on the side (left side) closer to the capacitor 4 and duct 5. In this embodiment, the first fixing part F1 is a fixing hole formed in the portion of the support part 31 located slightly to the upper left of the housing space 31A, for fixing the upper part of the sensor S with a screw or bolt.

[0029] The second fixing part F2 is located in the distal portion 31C (the portion enclosed by the dashed line on the right side in Figure 5) of the support part 31, on the side (right side) furthest from the capacitor 4 and duct 5. In this embodiment, the second fixing part F2 is located in the support part 31 near the vertical center on the right side of the housing space 31A, and has fixing holes and positioning projections formed therein for fixing the right side of the sensor S with screws or bolts.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a state in which the boundary between the proximal portion 31B and the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31 is located approximately in the center of the support portion 31 in the vehicle width direction; in other words, the support portion 31 is divided into a proximal portion 31B and a distal portion 31C such that the length of the proximal portion 31B in the vehicle width direction and the length of the distal portion 31C in the vehicle width direction are approximately the same. However, the boundary between the proximal portion 31B and the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31 may be set at the center of the sensor S supported by the support portion 31 in the vehicle width direction (or the center of the main body in the vehicle width direction if a fixing flange extends from the main body of the sensor S in the vehicle width direction), so that the support portion 31 is divided into a proximal portion 31B and a distal portion 31C. In other words, the boundary position between the proximal portion 31B and the distal portion 31C can be interpreted as either the center of the support portion 31 in the vehicle width direction, or the center of the sensor S in the vehicle width direction, depending on the arrangement of the sensor S within the support portion 31.

[0031] The third fixing part F3 is provided in the proximal portion 31B of the support part 31, spaced apart from the first fixing part F1. In this embodiment, the third fixing part F3 is located near the vertical center on the left side of the housing space 31A in the support part 31, and has a fixing hole and a positioning projection for fixing the left side of the sensor S with a screw or bolt. In other words, the fixing hole and positioning projection of the third fixing part F3 are located on the opposite side from the fixing hole and positioning projection of the second fixing part F2, across the housing space 31A of the sensor S. Each fixing hole of the second and third fixing parts F2 and F3 is provided with play (gap) to absorb variations in the size and shape of the sensor S and / or the support part 31.

[0032] In this embodiment, the vehicle body connecting portion 35 is located in the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31. Specifically, the vehicle body connecting portion 35 has a connecting hole and a positioning projection formed in the portion of the support portion 31 located on the lower right side of the accommodation space 31A, with a downward spacing from the second fixing portion F2. The connecting hole and positioning projection of the vehicle body connecting portion 35 are connected to the connecting portion 68B of the vehicle body connecting member 68 by bolts or the like. In this embodiment, in the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31, the vehicle body connecting portion 35 is located on the opposite side from the first fixing portion F1, with the accommodation space 31A in between.

[0033] In this embodiment, in addition to the vehicle body connection portion 35, there are also multiple fixing holes 34A provided in the flange portion 34 located at the upper end of the sensor support member 3 that connect the sensor support member 3 to the vehicle body frame 6 (Figures 3, 5, and 6). The multiple fixing holes 34A in the flange portion 34 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and are connected to the upper surface of the second transverse member 63 of the vehicle body frame 6 with bolts or the like. In other words, in this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 is stably supported by being connected to the highly rigid vehicle body frame 6 at multiple spaced-apart points, with the vehicle body connection portion 35 provided on the sensor support portion 31 functioning as the first vehicle body connection portion, and each fixing hole 34A in the flange portion 34 functioning as the second vehicle body connection portion.

[0034] The vehicle body connecting portion 35, the first fixing portion F1, and the second fixing portion F2 in the support portion 31 are connected by the first connecting portion 31D (Figures 5 to 7). The first connecting portion 31D extends generally along the periphery of the housing space 31A and has a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (Figure 6). Specifically, the first connecting portion 31D has a convex shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle from the fixing surface of the sensor S in the support portion 31, extends upward from the vehicle body connecting portion 35, passing to the right of the second fixing portion F2, and then bends to the left as it extends to the first fixing portion F1. In other words, one bent longitudinal end (lower end) of the first connecting portion 31D is connected to the vehicle body connecting portion 35, the other end (left end) is connected to the first fixing portion F1, and the longitudinal middle portion (the approximately straight portion below the bend) is connected to the second fixing portion F2.

[0035] Furthermore, the first fixing portion F1 and the third fixing portion F3 in the support portion 31 are connected by a second connecting portion 31E (Figures 5 and 6). Similar to the first connecting portion 31D, the second connecting portion 31E also extends roughly along the periphery of the accommodating space 31A and has a predetermined thickness in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (Figure 6). Specifically, the second connecting portion 31E has a convex shape similar to that of the first connecting portion 31D, which extends to the left from the first fixing portion F1, then bends downward and extends to the third fixing portion F3.

[0036] Furthermore, the first connection portion 31D and the second connection portion 31E in the support portion 31 are connected by a connecting wall 31F (Figures 5 and 6). The connecting wall 31F connects the first connection portion 31D and the second connection portion 31E to each other, straddling the first fixing portion F1. Specifically, the connecting wall 31F is connected to the upper portions of the first and second connection portions 31D and 31E, and a convex shape protruding forward from the fixing surface of the sensor S in the support portion 31 extends in the vehicle width direction (Figure 6). The proximal side (left side) of the connecting wall 31F extends to the left beyond the second connection portion 31E. The left end of the connecting wall 31F is continuous with the upper surface of the frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 33A that protrudes in the vehicle inward / outward direction (front-rear direction) of the duct opening 33. The distal side (right side) of the connecting wall 31F also extends to the right beyond the first connection portion 31D. The right end of the connecting wall 31F is continuous with the upper surface of the frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 36A that protrudes in the vehicle inward / outward direction (front-rear direction) of the middle ventilation opening 36, one of the three ventilation openings 36 formed on the right side of the sensor support member 3. Furthermore, left and right vertical wall portions 31G are provided to connect the flange portion 34, which has each fixing hole 34A that functions as the second vehicle body connecting portion as described above, with the connecting wall 31F. The vertical wall portions 31G have a predetermined width in the front-rear direction and extend in the vertical direction. In this way, the rigidity of the connecting wall 31F is increased by the connection of the connecting wall 31F to the peripheral wall portions 33A, 36A and flange portion 34 of the duct opening 33 and ventilation opening 36, and furthermore, the rigidity of the first and second connecting portions 31D and 31E connected by the connecting wall 31F is also increased.

[0037] In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 33A of the duct opening 33 has an enlarged diameter portion 33B that widens toward the flange portion 34 having each fixing hole 34A that functions as the second vehicle body connecting portion (Figures 5 and 6). The enlarged diameter portion 33B extends from a portion midway in the front-rear direction on the generally horizontal upper surface of the peripheral wall portion 33A, and slopes upward as it moves forward. The enlarged diameter portion 33B forms a step relative to the upper surface of the peripheral wall portion 33A. By forming such an enlarged diameter portion 33B on the peripheral wall portion 33A of the duct opening 33, it is possible to suppress the reduction in rigidity caused by providing the duct opening 33 in the sensor support member 3. In other words, the peripheral wall portion 33A of the duct opening 33 expands in diameter to approach the flange portion 34 connected to the vehicle body, and the expanded portion 33B and the upper surface of the peripheral wall portion 33A form a step, thereby increasing the rigidity of the peripheral wall portion 33A including the expanded portion 33B and suppressing deformation around the peripheral wall portion 33A. In addition, the opening area of ​​the duct opening 33 on the vehicle side (front side) is increased in accordance with the expanded portion 33B of the peripheral wall portion 33A, so the airflow rate guided from the outside to the inside of the vehicle through the duct opening 33 can be increased. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6, the air passing through the duct opening 33 flows backward along the slope of the expanded portion 33B, making it easier to guide air from the outside to the inside of the vehicle.

[0038] In addition, an exterior connecting portion 37A is provided in the support portion 31 on the opposite side from the first fixing portion F1, with the housing space 31A in between. A fixing hole is formed in this exterior connecting portion 37A that penetrates in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the overlapping portion of the lower end of the upper grille 22 and the upper end of the lower grille 23 is overlapped from the outside (front) of the vehicle, and the support portion 31, upper grille 22 and lower grille 23 of the sensor support member 3 are connected in a three-layer stack by screws or bolts inserted through the fixing hole. In this embodiment, the exterior connecting portion 37A is located in the support portion 31 between the vehicle body connecting portion 35 and the third fixing portion F3.

[0039] In addition to the exterior connecting portion 37A of the support portion 31, the connection points between the sensor support member 3 and the upper grille 22 are also scattered throughout the sensor support member 3. Specifically, in this embodiment, three exterior connecting portions 37A to 37C, including the exterior connecting portion 37A, are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction on the lower part (lower section) of the sensor support member 3. Furthermore, three exterior connecting portions 37D to 37F are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction on the upper middle section (middle section) of the sensor support member 3, and five exterior connecting portions 37G to 37K are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction on the upper part (upper section) of the sensor support member 3.

[0040] Of the multiple exterior connecting parts 37A to 37K described above, the first exterior connecting part 37B from the left in the lower row is located between the support part 31 and the duct opening 33 of the sensor support member 3. The exterior connecting part 37B has a fixing hole that penetrates in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the upper grille 22 is placed on top of it from the outside (front) of the vehicle. The sensor support member 3 and the upper grille 22 are connected in a double layer by screws or bolts inserted through the fixing hole. In addition, of the multiple exterior connecting parts 37A to 37K, each exterior connecting part 37C to 37K, excluding the two exterior connecting parts 37A and 37B in the lower row, is provided with a circular fixing hole and a rectangular positioning hole, respectively, for fixing the upper grille 22 with screws or bolts.

[0041] The first fixing portion F1 of the sensor S in the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3 is provided in the vehicle width direction between the second exterior connecting portion 37E and the third exterior connecting portion 37F from the left in the middle row, and between the second exterior connecting portion 37H and the fourth exterior connecting portion 37J from the left in the upper row, among the multiple exterior connecting portions 37A to 37K. This arrangement of the first fixing portion F1 increases the rigidity around the first fixing portion F1.

[0042] Furthermore, the second fixing portion F2 of the sensor S in the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3 is positioned on a virtual straight line L1 (a dashed line in Figure 5) that connects the fourth exterior connecting portion 37J from the left in the upper row and the third exterior connecting portion 37F from the left in the middle row, among the multiple exterior connecting portions 37A to 37K. The third fixing portion F3 is positioned on a virtual straight line L2 (a dashed line in Figure 5) that connects the second exterior connecting portion 37H from the left in the upper row and the second exterior connecting portion 37E from the left in the middle row, among the multiple exterior connecting portions 37A to 37K. By arranging the second and third fixing portions F2 and F3 of the sensor S in the support portion 31 in this manner, it is possible to stably maintain the relative positional relationship between the sensor S supported by the sensor support member 3 and the transparent portion 22A of the upper grille 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flange portion 34 having each fixing hole 34A that functions as the second vehicle body connecting portion is located on each virtual straight line L1, L2, which enhances the above effect.

[0043] Furthermore, at the lower end of the upper grille 22, in addition to the location corresponding to the exterior connection portion 37A of the sensor support member 3, multiple grille connection portions 22C are provided on both sides and in the center in the vehicle width direction, serving as connection points with the upper end of the lower grille 23 (Figure 5). Each grille connection portion 22C is also provided with a circular fixing hole and a rectangular positioning hole, respectively, for fixing the lower grille 23 with screws or bolts, similar to the exterior connection portions 37C to 37K.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the sensor S is brought into contact with the sensor support member 3 having the structure described above from the inside (rear side) of the vehicle at a predetermined position on the support portion 31 and fixed to the first to third fixing portions F1 to F3 with screws or bolts. As a result, the main body portion S1 of the sensor S is housed in the housing space 31A of the support portion 31. The sensor support member 3 to which the sensor S is fixed is connected to the second horizontal member 63 of the vehicle frame 6 by bolts or the like at each fixing hole 34A of the flange portion 34 provided at the upper end, and the vehicle body connecting portion 35 provided on the support portion 31 is connected to the connecting member 68 of the vehicle frame 6 by bolts or the like (Figures 3 and 7).

[0045] The upper grille 22 and lower grille 23 of the exterior member 2 are positioned and connected to the sensor support member 3, which is connected to the vehicle frame 6, using a plurality of exterior connecting parts 37A to 37K. As a result, the transmitting and receiving surface (front) of the main body of the sensor S is positioned facing the transparent part 22A of the upper grille 22. In addition, the upper part of the capacitor 4, which is connected to the vehicle frame 6 via a bracket or the like (not shown), is positioned outside the notch 32 of the sensor support member 3, with a gap that avoids interference with the sensor support member 3. Furthermore, a duct 5 for the intercooler is connected to the duct opening 33 of the sensor support member 3 from the inside (rear side) of the vehicle. The duct 5 extends from the rear end portion of the duct opening 33 toward the rear of the vehicle, and its tip (rear end) portion is positioned near the intake port (not shown) of the intercooler.

[0046] Next, the effects and advantages of the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As described above, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, when a capacitor 4 and a duct 5 are arranged adjacent to a sensor support member 3 that supports a sensor S, the sensor support member 3 includes a support portion 31 that forms a housing space 31A for the sensor S and supports the sensor S, and a vehicle body connecting portion 35 that is arranged on the support portion 31 and connected to the vehicle body frame 6. The support portion 31 has a first fixing portion F1 provided in the proximal portion 31B located on the side closer to the capacitor 4 and duct 5, to which the sensor S is fixed, and a first connecting portion 31D that connects the vehicle body connecting portion 35 and the first fixing portion F1. With such a vehicle structure 1, the rigidity around the first fixing portion F1 can be increased by connecting the first fixing portion F1, which is provided in the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3, to the vehicle body connecting portion 35 which is connected to the highly rigid vehicle body frame 6 via the first connecting portion 31D. This allows the capacitor 4 and duct 5 to be placed adjacent to the support portion 31, while suppressing deformation of the support portion 31 and stably supporting the sensor S.

[0047] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, the vehicle body connecting portion 35 of the sensor support member 3 is located in the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31. This arrangement makes it easier to secure space for the capacitor 4 and duct 5, and also makes it easier to avoid interference between the capacitor 4 and duct 5 and the sensor support member 3. Moreover, since the vehicle body connecting portion 35, which is connected to the highly rigid vehicle body frame 6, is provided in the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31, the rigidity of the distal portion 31C can be increased. And, since the vehicle body connecting portion 35 of the distal portion 31C and the first fixing portion F1 of the proximal portion 31B are connected by the first connecting portion 31D, the rigidity of the entire support portion 31 can be further increased, so that deformation of the support portion 31 can be effectively suppressed and the sensor S can be supported more stably.

[0048] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, the second fixing part F2 of the sensor S is provided on the distal portion 31C of the support part 31 of the sensor support member 3, and the first connecting part 31D connects the vehicle body connecting part 35, the first fixing part F1, and the second fixing part F2. With this structure, the rigidity of the area around the first fixing part F1 of the proximal portion 31B and the area around the second fixing part F2 of the distal portion 31C can be further increased. Moreover, because the notch 32 is formed in the sensor support member 3 in accordance with the adjacent arrangement of the capacitor 4 and the duct 5, the structure is prone to vibration in the proximal portion 31B of the support part 31. However, this vibration is released to the second fixing part F2 of the distal portion 31C via the first fixing part F1 and the first connecting part 31D of the proximal portion 31B, and further released to the vehicle body frame 6 via the first connecting part 31D and the vehicle body connecting part 35. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively suppress the deformation of the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31.

[0049] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, the third fixing part F3 of the sensor S is provided at a distance from the first fixing part F1 on the proximal portion 31B of the support part 31 of the sensor support member 3, and the first fixing part F1 and the third fixing part F3 are connected by a second connecting part 31E. With this structure, the rigidity of the first fixing part F1 and the third fixing part F3 provided on the proximal portion 31B of the support part 31 can be increased, making it possible to more effectively suppress deformation of the proximal portion 31B of the support part 31.

[0050] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3 has a connecting wall 31F that spans the first fixing portion F1 and connects the first connecting portion 31D and the second connecting portion 31E. By providing such a connecting wall 31F, the rigidity of both the proximal portion 31B and the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31 can be further increased, making it possible to more effectively suppress the deformation of the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, in the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3, the first fixing portion F1 is provided above the housing space 31A, and the third fixing portion F3 is provided to the side of the housing space 31A. In the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31, the vehicle body connecting portion 35 is positioned on the opposite side from the first fixing portion F1, with the housing space 31A in between. With this structure, the first fixing portion F1 and the third fixing portion F3 provided in the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31, and the vehicle body connecting portion 35 and the second fixing portion F2 provided in the distal portion 31C, are arranged in a balanced manner around the housing space 31A of the sensor S. As a result, vibrations of the proximal portion 31B and / or distal portion 31C of the support portion 31 are efficiently transmitted to the vehicle body frame 6 via the vehicle body connecting portion 35, thereby effectively suppressing deformation of the entire support portion 31.

[0052] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 is disposed on the inside of the vehicle of the upper grille 22, which includes the transmission portion 22A for the detection wave of the sensor S. The second fixing portion F2 of the sensor support member 3 is provided on the side of the housing space 31A at the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31, and the first connecting portion 31D extends along the periphery of the housing space 31A from the first fixing portion F1 through the second fixing portion F2 to the vehicle body connecting portion 35. In the portion of the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3 located between the third fixing portion F3 and the vehicle body connecting portion 35, an exterior connecting portion 37A is provided, to which the upper grille 22 is superimposed and connected from the outside of the vehicle. With this structure, interference between the capacitor 4 and duct 5, which are arranged adjacent to the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3, and the first connecting portion 31D of the support portion 31 can be reliably avoided, while the rigidity of the portion of the support portion 31 located on the opposite side (lower side) from the first fixing portion F1 across the housing space 31A can be increased. Furthermore, since the area around the transparent portion 22A of the upper grille 22 is connected to and supported by the vehicle frame 6 via the exterior connecting portion 37A and the vehicle body connecting portion 35 of the sensor support member 3, it becomes easier to maintain the relative positional relationship between the sensor S fixed to the sensor support member 3 and the transparent portion 22A of the upper grille 22 with high precision.

[0053] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 is disposed on the inside of the vehicle between the upper grille 22 and the lower grille 23 which is arranged overlapping the upper grille 22. In the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3, an exterior connecting portion 37A is provided on the opposite side of the housing space 31A from the first fixing portion F1, to which the upper grille 22 and the lower grille 23 are overlapped and connected from the outside of the vehicle. With this structure, the rigidity of the support portion 31 can be further increased because the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3, the upper grille 22 and the lower grille 23 are connected in a triple layer by the exterior connecting portion 37A. Moreover, since the area around the transparent portion 22A of the upper grille 22 is connected to and supported by the vehicle frame 6 via the triple layered exterior connecting portion 37A and the vehicle body connecting portion 35, it becomes possible to maintain the relative positional relationship between the sensor S fixed to the sensor support member 3 and the transparent portion 22A of the upper grille 22 with higher precision and stability.

[0054] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, a duct opening 33 is provided in the sensor support member 3 at a location closer to the duct 5 than the support portion 31, connecting the duct 5 to the space outside the vehicle. This duct opening 33 has a frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 33A that protrudes in the direction of the vehicle's interior and exterior. This frame-shaped peripheral wall portion 33A of the duct opening 33 increases the rigidity of the portion of the sensor support member 3 that is closer to the duct 5 than the support portion 31, thereby effectively suppressing deformation of the support portion 31 adjacent to that portion. In particular, if the duct 5 is connected to the duct opening 33 of the sensor support member 3, the rigidity of the duct opening 33 is further increased, making it possible to more effectively suppress deformation of the support portion 31.

[0055] Furthermore, in the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment, the sensor support member 3 is disposed on the inside of the upper grille 22, and an exterior connecting portion 37B is provided between the support portion 31 and the duct opening 33 of the sensor support member 3, to which the upper grille 22 is superimposed and connected from the outside of the vehicle. With this structure, the rigidity of the portion located between the support portion 31 and the duct opening 33 of the sensor support member 3 can be increased, while the support rigidity of the sensor S and duct 5 can be improved. This makes it possible to reliably avoid problems such as the duct 5 being displaced due to vibration and coming into contact with the sensor S.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment described above, one example was described in which the vehicle body connecting portion 35 of the sensor support member 3 is positioned at the distal portion 31C of the support portion 31. However, the vehicle body connecting portion 35 may also be positioned at the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31.

[0057] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the arrangement of the vehicle body connecting portion 35. As shown in Figure 8, the vehicle body connecting portion 35 can be placed in any of the multiple parts X1 to X6 enclosed by thick lines in the support portion 31. Specifically, part X1 is located in the center of the support portion 31 in the vehicle width direction, above the accommodation space 31A, and is close to the first fixing portion F1. By placing the vehicle body connecting portion 35 in part X1 which straddles the proximal portion 31B and distal portion 31C of the support portion 31, the rigidity is increased, especially around the first fixing portion F1. In this case, it is preferable that the vehicle body connecting portion 35 is connected to the first and second fixing portions F1 and F2 by the first connecting portion 31D, and the vehicle body connecting portion 35 is connected to the first and third fixing portions F1 and F3 by the second connecting portion 31E.

[0058] Part X2 is located to the upper right of the support part 31 and generally overlaps with the exterior connecting part 37F. By positioning the vehicle body connecting part 35 on part X2 of the support part 31, the rigidity of both the first and second fixing parts F1 and F2 is increased. In this case, as in the embodiment described above, the vehicle body connecting part 35 and the first and second fixing parts F1 and F2 are connected by the first connecting part 31D.

[0059] Part X3 is located on the right side of the support part 31, in the vertical center, and is close to the second fixing part F2. By positioning the vehicle body connecting part 35 at part X3 of the support part 31, the rigidity is increased, especially around the second fixing part F2. In this case, as in the embodiment described above, the vehicle body connecting part 35 and the first and second fixing parts F1 and F2 are connected by the first connecting part 31D.

[0060] Part X4 is located in the center of the vehicle width direction of the support part 31, below the storage space 31A, and is close to the exterior connecting part 37A. By positioning the vehicle body connecting part 35 on part X4 which straddles the proximal part 31B and distal part 31C of the support part 31, the rigidity of both the second and third fixing parts F2 and F3 is increased in particular. In this case, it is preferable that the vehicle body connecting part 35 is connected to the first and second fixing parts F1 and F2 by the first connecting part 31D, and the vehicle body connecting part 35 is connected to the first and third fixing parts F1 and F3 by the second connecting part 31E.

[0061] Part X5 is located to the lower left of the support part 31 and is close to the third fixing part F3. When positioning the vehicle body connecting part 35 at part X5, which is located in the proximal portion 31B of the support part 31, it is necessary to confirm that the vehicle body connecting part 35 does not interfere with the condenser 4 or the duct 5. By positioning the vehicle body connecting part 35 at part X5 after confirming that there is no interference, the rigidity of the third fixing part F3 is increased in particular. In this case as well, it is preferable that the vehicle body connecting part 35 is connected to the first and second fixing parts F1 and F2 by the first connecting part 31D, and the vehicle body connecting part 35 is connected to the first and third fixing parts F1 and F3 by the second connecting part 31E.

[0062] Part X6 is located in the upper left of the support part 31 and roughly overlaps with the exterior connecting part 37E. Even when the vehicle body connecting part 35 is placed on part X6, which is in the proximal part 31B of the support part 31, it is necessary to confirm that the vehicle body connecting part 35 does not interfere with the duct 5. By placing the vehicle body connecting part 35 on part X6 after confirming that there is no interference, the rigidity of both the first and third fixing parts F1 and F3 is increased in particular. In this case, it is preferable that the vehicle body connecting part 35 and the first and third fixing parts F1 and F3 are connected by the second connecting part 31E.

[0063] In all of the above-described variations in the arrangement of the vehicle body connecting portion 35 in the sensor support member 3, the vehicle body connecting portion 35 is located within the support portion 31. However, it is also possible to arrange the vehicle body connecting portion 35 in a portion located around the support portion 31. In any of the above-described arrangements of the vehicle body connecting portion 35, the first fixing portion F1 provided in the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31 and the vehicle body connecting portion 35 are connected by the first connecting portion 31D. This increases the rigidity around the first fixing portion F1, suppresses deformation of the support portion 31, and enables stable support of the sensor S.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the first fixing portion F1 provided on the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3 is positioned above the sensor housing space 31A. However, the first fixing portion F1 may also be positioned below the housing space 31A. In this case, by positioning the vehicle body connecting portion 35 of the sensor support member 3 above the housing space 31A, the same effects and advantages as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0065] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained an example in which a condenser 4 and an intercooler duct 5 are arranged adjacent to the sensor support member 3 as in-vehicle components different from the sensor S, the structure of the present invention is also effective when various in-vehicle components other than the condenser 4 and intercooler duct 5 are arranged adjacent to the sensor support member 3. In addition, although an example was described in which the sensor S and sensor support member 3 are arranged at the front of the vehicle, the structure of the present invention is also effective when the sensor S and sensor support member 3 are arranged at the rear of the vehicle or at the side in the vehicle width direction.

[0066] In addition, the above-described embodiment illustrates an example in which the rigidity of the proximal portion 31B of the support portion 31 is lower than that of the distal portion 31C, due to the placement of an in-vehicle component adjacent to the support portion 31 of the sensor support member 3. However, even when the rigidity of the distal portion of the support portion 31 and its surroundings in the sensor support member 3 is lower than that of the proximal portion, for example, when an in-vehicle component with higher rigidity than the surrounding area of ​​the sensor S is connected to or fixed to the sensor support member 3, the rigidity of the distal portion can be increased and the rigidity difference between the proximal and distal portions can be reduced by applying the vehicle structure according to the present invention. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a connecting portion in the distal portion that connects the sensor fixing portion and the vehicle body connecting portion of the sensor support member, or even if a connecting portion is provided, it is not necessary to extend the connecting portion to the sensor fixing portion on the proximal portion side.

[0067] In short, the problem of the present invention stems from the occurrence of a difference in rigidity around the sensor support portion. Therefore, even if there are no other vehicle components around the sensor support portion, if a difference in rigidity occurs around the support portion, the above problem can be solved by connecting the sensor's fixing portion and the vehicle body connection portion, which are located around the lower-rigidity portion of the sensor, with a connecting portion. In other words, according to the vehicle structure of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the difference in rigidity around the sensor support portion, even if other vehicle components are not adjacent to it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1…Vehicle structure 2… Exterior components 21…Front bumper 21A…Opening 21B... Lamp mounting section 21C...Both ends in the vehicle width direction 22… Upper grille 22A…Transparent part 22B...Ventilation hole 22C... Grill connection section 23…Lower grille 23A...Plate mounting section 24… Emblem base 25… Horizontal decorative member 26…Vertical decorative member 3... Sensor support member 31...Support part 31A... Containment space 31B...Proximal portion 31C…distal part 31D...First connection section 31E...Second connection section 31F…Connecting wall 31G…Standing wall part 32...cut section 33…Duct opening (opening) 33A…Peripheral wall part 33B…Expanded diameter part 34…Flange section 34A…Fixing hole 35...Body coupling section 36…Ventilation opening 36A…Peripheral wall part 36B… 37A~37K…Exterior connection part 4… Capacitor (automotive component) 5…Duct (vehicle component) 6…Body frame 61…Front side member 62~64...1st~3rd horizontal member 65-67...1st to 3rd vertical members 68…Connecting member 68A... Bead 68B…Connection part F1...1st fixed part F2…Second fixed part F3...Third fixed part S...Sensor

Claims

1. A vehicle structure comprising a sensor support member that supports a sensor mounted on the vehicle for detecting the external environment, wherein a vehicle-mounted component different from the sensor is arranged adjacent to the sensor support member, The sensor support member is A support portion that forms a space for housing the sensor and supports the sensor, The vehicle body connecting portion is located on or around the support portion and is connected to the vehicle body frame, The aforementioned support portion is A first fixing portion is provided in the proximal portion of the support portion, located on the side closer to the vehicle component, and the sensor is fixed to it. A vehicle structure characterized by having a first connecting portion that connects the vehicle body connecting portion and the first fixing portion.

2. A vehicle structure according to claim 1, The vehicle structure is characterized in that the vehicle body connecting portion is located in the distal portion of the support portion that is farther from the on-board components.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, The support portion has a second fixing portion provided at the distal portion to which the sensor is fixed, The vehicle structure is characterized in that the first connecting portion connects the vehicle body connecting portion, the first fixing portion, and the second fixing portion.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, The aforementioned support portion is A third fixing portion is provided in the proximal portion at a distance from the first fixing portion, and the sensor is fixed thereto. A vehicle structure characterized by having a second connecting portion that connects the first fixing portion and the third fixing portion.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, The vehicle structure is characterized in that the support portion has a connecting wall that spans the first fixing portion and connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

6. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, The first fixing portion is provided above or below the housing space in the proximal portion, The support portion has a third fixing portion provided on the side of the housing space in the proximal portion, to which the sensor is fixed. The vehicle structure is characterized in that the vehicle body connecting portion is positioned on the opposite side from the first fixing portion, with the housing space in between, at the distal portion.

7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6, The sensor support member is disposed on the inside of the vehicle of the first exterior member, which includes a transparent portion through which the detection waves transmitted and / or received by the sensor pass. The second fixing portion is provided on the side of the housing space in the distal portion, The first connecting portion extends along the periphery of the housing space from the first fixing portion through the second fixing portion to the vehicle body connecting portion. The vehicle structure is characterized in that the support portion is provided in the portion of the support portion located between the third fixing portion and the vehicle body connecting portion, and has an exterior connecting portion to which the first exterior member is overlapped and connected from the outside of the vehicle.

8. A vehicle structure according to claim 1, The sensor support member is disposed on the inside of the vehicle of a first exterior member which includes a transparent portion through which detection waves transmitted and / or received by the sensor pass, and a second exterior member which is arranged on top of the first exterior member. The vehicle structure is characterized in that the support portion is provided in a portion located on the opposite side of the housing space from the first fixing portion, and each of the first exterior member and the second exterior member is connected by overlapping them from the outside of the vehicle.

9. A vehicle structure according to claim 1, The sensor support member is provided on the vehicle component side of the support portion and includes an opening that connects the vehicle component to the space outside the vehicle. The vehicle structure is characterized in that the opening has a peripheral wall portion that protrudes in the direction inward and outward of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle structure according to claim 9, A vehicle structure characterized in that the above-mentioned in-vehicle component is connected to the above-mentioned opening.

11. The vehicle structure according to claim 9, The vehicle structure is characterized in that the sensor support member is disposed on the inside of the vehicle of a first exterior member which includes a transparent portion through which detection waves transmitted and / or received by the sensor pass, and includes an exterior connecting portion provided between the support portion and the opening, to which the first exterior member is superimposed and connected from the outside of the vehicle.

Images