Vehicle structure

Abstract

The design suppresses the oscillation of the sensor device while facilitating the transmission of external loads to the vehicle body structural members at the sensor support member when subjected to external forces. [Solution] The vehicle structure 1 includes a sensor support member 2 that supports a sensor device for detecting the external environment. The sensor support member 2 includes a base portion 3 fixed to a vehicle body structural member 20 and having a base bulge portion 31 that bulges outward from the vehicle, and an overhanging bulge portion 4 that extends outward from the base portion 3 in one direction in the vertical direction, continuous with the base bulge portion 31. The overhanging bulge portion 4 has a sensor support portion 41 that supports the sensor device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure including a structure for arranging sensors at the front, rear or side of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Sensor devices for detecting the external environment are provided at the front and rear of vehicles such as automobiles. Examples of sensor devices include millimeter-wave radars that use electromagnetic waves in the millimeter-wave band as detection waves, acoustic sensors (ultrasonic sensors / sonars) that use sound waves as detection waves, cameras (imaging devices), and the like.

[0003] As an example of a conventional vehicle structure having a structure for supporting a sensor device on a vehicle body structure member, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first absorption mechanism that holds a sensor bracket for holding a sensor device so as to be retractable along the front-rear direction, and a second absorption mechanism that holds the sensor bracket so as to be swingable. According to this structure, when an external load is applied from the front of the vehicle near the sensor device, the impact energy due to the external load is absorbed by the backward swing of the sensor bracket by the second absorption mechanism, and the sensor device is protected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the sensor device is supported by being suspended downward from a vehicle body structural member via a sensor support member such as the sensor bracket described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the sensor support member may swing due to vibrations of the vehicle while driving, which may reduce the detection accuracy of the sensor device, or that external loads may not be easily transmitted from the sensor support member to the vehicle body structural member.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle structure that suppresses the oscillation of the sensor device while facilitating the transmission of external loads to the vehicle body structure member at the sensor support member when subjected to external force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle structure comprising a sensor support member that supports a sensor device for detecting the external environment of a vehicle and extends in the vertical direction. In this vehicle structure, the sensor support member comprises a base portion that has a base bulge portion that bulges outward from the vehicle and is fixed to a vehicle body structural member, and an overhanging bulge portion that extends outward from the base portion to one side in the vertical direction so as to be continuous with the base bulge portion. The overhanging bulge portion has a sensor support portion that supports the sensor device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, while suppressing the oscillation of the sensor device, it is possible to facilitate the transmission of external loads to the vehicle body structural member side of the sensor support member when subjected to an external force. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the front of a vehicle to which a vehicle structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the vehicle with the second exterior panel removed. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the sensor support member and the vehicle body structural member. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view of the sensor support member and vehicle body structural member as seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the sensor support member. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor support member and the vehicle body structural member along line AA. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the sensor support member and the vehicle body structural member along line BB. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged view of region C in Figure 5. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the adjacent portion of the second exterior panel, which is attached to the outside of the frame. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the direction of arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. The direction of arrow L indicates the left side in the vehicle width direction when the vehicle is viewed from the rear towards the front, and the direction of arrow R indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction when the vehicle is viewed from the rear towards the front. The direction of arrow U indicates the top of the vehicle in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as the vertical direction). In the following description, "front" and "rear" correspond to the front and rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, respectively, and "up" and "down" correspond to the top and bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle, respectively. "Left" and "right" correspond to the left and right in the vehicle width direction when the vehicle is viewed from the rear towards the front.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a sensor support member 2 that supports a sensor device S (see Figures 5 and 7) for detecting the external environment, which is arranged in the front, rear, or side of a vehicle such as an automobile. In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 1 is applied to the front of the vehicle, and the sensor support member 2 is arranged in the front of the vehicle. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front of the vehicle as seen from the front of the vehicle. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the front of the vehicle as seen from the front of the vehicle, with the second exterior panel 12 (described later) removed. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor support member 2 and the vehicle body structure member 20 as seen from the front of the vehicle. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the sensor support member 2 and the vehicle body structure member 20 as seen from the rear of the vehicle, and the illustration of the side members 25L, 25R (described later) is omitted. Note that the front of the vehicle includes not only the central part in the width direction of the vehicle facing forward, but also the side ends on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle facing diagonally to the front, such as the side parts 111, 111 of the first exterior panel 11, which will be described later.

[0012] The front of the vehicle is provided with an exterior member 10 that constitutes the design surface on the outside of the vehicle, and a vehicle body structural member 20 which is a highly rigid member made of steel plate or the like that constitutes the vehicle's frame. The sensor support member 2 is a member for positioning the sensor device S in an intended position relative to the vehicle body structural member 20. The sensor support member 2 is positioned adjacent to the inside (rear side) of the exterior member 10 and connected to the exterior member 10, and is fixed and supported by the vehicle body structural member 20. The sensor device S is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar that uses millimeter-wave electromagnetic waves as detection waves, and transmits (irradiates) and receives (detects) detection waves. The second exterior panel 12 of the exterior member 10 is provided with a detection wave passing region 12a through which detection waves can pass.

[0013] The sensor device S may be an ultrasonic sensor (sonar) that uses sound waves as detection waves, or a camera (imaging device) that uses electromagnetic waves in the visible light band or the infrared band as detection waves, in which case the detection wave passage region 12a may have through holes (openings). The detection wave may be sunlight, or transmitted from a detection wave transmitting device provided separately from the sensor device S, in which case the sensor device S does not need to transmit the detection wave.

[0014] The exterior member 10 is a bumper panel and extends in the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the exterior member 10 has a first exterior panel 11, a second exterior panel 12, and a third exterior panel 13, and the three exterior panels 11, 12, and 13 are connected to each other. The first exterior panel 11 is also called a side panel and mainly constitutes the design surfaces on both sides in the width direction of the front of the vehicle. The second exterior panel 12 is also called an upper panel and constitutes the design surface of the upper part of the central part in the width direction of the front of the vehicle. The third exterior panel 13 is a grille having a plurality of ventilation holes that penetrate in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is located below the second exterior panel 12 and constitutes the design surface of the lower part of the central part in the width direction of the front of the vehicle.

[0015] The vehicle body structural member 20 is positioned on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the exterior member 10 and supports the exterior member 10 and the sensor support member 2 from the rear. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the vehicle body structural member 20 includes a first cross member 21, a second cross member 22, a pair of left and right column members 24L, 24R, and a pair of left and right side members 25L, 25R, etc. The first and second cross members 21, 22 extend in the vehicle width direction, respectively, and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The left and right column members 24L, 24R extend in the vertical direction, respectively, and are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. Both ends of the first and second cross members 21, 22 in the vehicle width direction are joined to the left and right column members 24L, 24R. The first cross member 21 is positioned between the upper ends of the left and right column members 24L, 24R. The first cross member 21 is also called a hood lock member when a hood lock mechanism for locking the opening and closing of a hood panel (not shown) is provided. The second cross member 22 is positioned below the first cross member 21. The left and right side members 25L and 25R are joined to the left and right column members 24L and 24R, respectively, and extend towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of the sensor support member 2 as viewed from the front (outside the vehicle) of the vehicle. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor support member 2 and the vehicle body structure member 20 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the sensor support member 2 and the vehicle body structure member 20 taken along the line B-B in FIG. 4. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the state in which the sensor support member 2 is fixed to the vehicle body structure member 20. In FIG. 6, the third cross member 23 and the side member 25R shown in FIG. 3 are omitted.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sensor support member 2 includes a base portion 3 that extends in the vertical direction and the width direction and is fixed to the vehicle body structure member 20 of the vehicle, and a protruding bulging portion 4 that protrudes downward with respect to the base portion 3. The width direction is a direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the vehicle front-rear direction, and coincides with the vehicle width direction. The sensor support member 2 is, for example, an injection molded product made of resin, and the base portion 3 and the protruding bulging portion 4 are integrally formed.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor support member 2 is generally arranged to face the front of the vehicle and is generally T-shaped in plan view as viewed from one side in the vehicle front-rear direction. The base portion 3 is generally rectangular and long in the width direction in the plan view, and the protruding bulging portion 4 protrudes downward from the lower end of the central portion in the width direction of the base portion 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in a side view as viewed from one side in the width direction, the base portion 3 is generally L-shaped in reverse, extending upward from the vehicle and then bending rearward after extending upward from its lower end. The base portion 3 is fixed to the first cross member 21 and the second cross member 22, which are part of the vehicle body structure member 20, at the upper vehicle body fixing portion 33 and the outer vehicle body fixing portion 34 described later. The protruding bulging portion 4 is suspended forward and downward from the first cross member 21 and the second cross member 22 via the base portion 3.

[0019] The base portion 3 has a base bulging portion 31 that extends in the vertical direction and bulges forward (outward of the vehicle) of the vehicle, and a pair of side portions 32, 32 on both sides in the width direction of the base bulging portion 31. The base bulging portion 31 is provided at the center in the width direction of the base portion 3 and extends upward from the lower end of the base portion 3. The pair of side portions 32, 32 each extend outward in the width direction from both side ends in the width direction of the base bulging portion 31. Note that the outward direction of the vehicle is the direction from the inner side of the vehicle of the sensor support member 2 toward the outer side of the vehicle of the sensor support member 2, and in this embodiment, it is the front of the vehicle.

[0020] Specifically, the base bulging portion 31 has a vertical wall 31a that extends in the vertical and width directions and faces forward of the vehicle, and a pair of side walls 31b that extend in the vertical direction along the respective side edges on both sides in the width direction of the vertical wall 31a. Each side wall 31b protrudes rearward of the vehicle from the side edge of the vertical wall 31a and connects the vertical wall 31a to the side portion 32. In the illustrated example, each side portion 32 has a flat portion 32a that extends in the vertical direction at a portion adjacent to the base bulging portion 31 in the width direction. The base bulging portion 31 continuously bulges forward from the flat portion 32a, and the vertical wall 31a is disposed at a position offset forward of the vehicle with respect to the flat portion 32a.

[0021] The protruding bulging portion 4 protrudes downward with respect to the base portion 3 so as to be continuous with the base bulging portion 31 and bulges outward of the vehicle with respect to the base portion 3. Specifically, the protruding bulging portion 4 continuously extends downward from the lower end of the base bulging portion 31 and protrudes downward with respect to the lower end of the base portion 3. In the illustrated example, the protruding bulging portion 4 is generally quadrilateral in a plan view seen from the front of the vehicle.

[0022] Specifically, the protruding bulge 4 has a vertical wall 4a that extends vertically and horizontally and faces the front of the vehicle, and a pair of side walls 4b that extend vertically along the respective side edges on both sides of the vertical wall 4a in the width direction. Each side wall 4b protrudes rearward from the side edge of the vertical wall 4a. The vertical wall 4a extends downward continuously from the lower end of the vertical wall 31a and is positioned offset forward relative to the flat portion 32a. The side walls 4b extend downward continuously from the lower end of the side wall 31b. In this way, the base bulge 31 and the protruding bulge 4 form a bulge 5 that protrudes forward (outward from the vehicle) from the reference surface 3s of the base portion 3. The reference surface 3s is the surface facing forward (outward from the vehicle) among the portions adjacent to the base bulge 31 in the width direction, and in this embodiment, it is the front surface of the flat portion 32a that extends vertically along the dashed line R1 in Figure 6.

[0023] The protruding bulge 4 of the bulging portion 5 has a sensor support portion 41 that supports the sensor device S. In this embodiment, the sensor support portion 41 has a plurality of sensor fixing points P. The sensor device S is positioned on the sensor support portion 41 in a orientation facing the front of the vehicle (outside the vehicle), and is attached to the sensor support portion 41 by fixing a plurality (three in this case) of brackets (not shown) to the sensor fixing points P. The sensor support portion 41 has a sensor opening that exposes the sensor device S to the front of the vehicle, and the sensor device S faces the detection wave passage region 12a of the second exterior panel 12 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle through the sensor opening.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the sensor support member 2 is provided with a bulge portion 5 (31,4) that bulges out toward the front of the vehicle, thereby increasing the rigidity of the sensor support portion 41 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and suppressing the oscillation and displacement of the sensor device S due to vibrations during driving. More specifically, the protruding bulge portion 4 bulges out from the base bulge portion 31, which has increased rigidity (particularly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle) toward the front of the vehicle, thereby increasing the support rigidity of the protruding bulge portion 4 and, consequently, the sensor support portion 41. With this sensor support portion 41, the sensor device S is supported at a position away from the vehicle body structural member 20 toward the front of the vehicle, so that the displacement of the sensor device S due to vibrations during driving can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the protruding bulge portion 4 itself also bulges toward the front of the vehicle, the rigidity of the protruding bulge portion 4 and the sensor support portion 41 is increased, and the oscillation and displacement of the sensor device S can be suppressed more reliably.

[0025] Furthermore, when an external force (impact) from the rear of the vehicle is applied to the front of the vehicle due to contact with an object or the like, the external load (impact load) due to the external force acts on the sensor support member 2 via the exterior member 10. At this time, the impact load from the front of the vehicle can be distributed around the base bulge 31 of the base member 3 via the bulge 5 (31,4), thereby promoting the deformation of the base member 3 of the sensor support member 2. For example, the deformation of the vertical wall 31a that forms the shell of the base bulge 31 and the area around the side wall 31b of the base bulge 31, to which the impact load is easily transmitted, can be promoted. In this way, by distributing the impact load to the base member 3, the impact energy is effectively absorbed as deformation energy of the area around the base bulge 31 and the protruding bulge 4 of the base member 3. Also, if the impact energy is not absorbed as deformation energy, the remaining impact load is efficiently transmitted via the base member 3 to the vehicle body structural member 20 to which the sensor support member 2 is fixed.

[0026] Furthermore, the sensor support portion 41 is provided on an overhanging bulge portion 4 that extends downward relative to the base portion 3, continuous with the base bulge portion 31 that extends forward of the vehicle, and is positioned offset from the vehicle body fixing portions 33 and 34 of the base portion 3. This ensures a long impact transmission path between the sensor support portion 41 and the vehicle body fixing portions 33 and 34. Therefore, it promotes widespread deformation of the sensor support member 2 due to impact loads, and effectively absorbs impact energy as deformation energy of the sensor support member 2. Specifically, when an impact load acts near the sensor support portion 41, the impact load is distributed towards the base bulge portion 31, promoting deformation of the base portion 3, while the sensor support portion 41 can be moved (oscillated) toward the rear of the vehicle, accompanied by deformation of at least the peripheral portion of the sensor support member 2. More specifically, the deformation of the vertical walls 5a (31a, 4a) that form the bellies of the bulge 5 and the side walls 31b of the base bulge 31 can be promoted while distributing the impact load around the base bulge 31 to widen the deformation range of the base 3. If the impact load is not sufficiently distributed from the sensor support 41 to the base 3, a local deformation of the sensor support member 2 will occur in which only the overhanging bulge 4 swings backward relative to the base bulge 31, and further deformation of the sensor support member 2 (especially the base 3) may not progress, potentially resulting in insufficient absorption of impact energy.

[0027] Furthermore, the sensor support portion 41 is provided on a protruding bulge portion 4 that extends downward from the base portion 3. Since the protruding bulge portion 4 extends in a manner continuous with the base bulge portion 31, the sensor support portion 41 can be supported in cooperation with the base bulge portion 31, thereby supporting the sensor support portion 41 on the base portion 3. This increases the support rigidity of the sensor device S, and more reliably suppresses the oscillation and displacement of the sensor device S.

[0028] Thus, according to this embodiment, while suppressing the displacement of the sensor device S due to vibrations during vehicle operation such as driving, it is possible to easily transmit and distribute the external load to the vehicle body structural member 20 side of the sensor support member 2 (specifically, the base portion 3 side fixed to the vehicle body structural member 20) when subjected to an external force. Furthermore, this promotes the deformation of the sensor support member 2 and enables effective absorption of impact energy.

[0029] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the sensor support portion 41 is provided on the protruding bulge portion 4, it becomes easier to position the sensor device S at a location further away from the vehicle body structural member 20 and outward from the vehicle. By positioning the sensor device S further outward from the vehicle (i.e., positioning the sensor device S closer to the exterior member 10), the detection accuracy of the external environment by the sensor device S can be improved.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the sensor device S is positioned on the inside of the vehicle rather than on the outer surface (i.e., the front) of the frame portion 411, the sensor device S is more easily protected from impact. In particular, since the sensor device S is housed within the frame portion 411 provided on the sensor support portion 41, the sensor device S is even easier to protect.

[0031] As shown by the dashed line R1 in Figure 6, it is preferable that the base portion 3 inclins toward the front of the vehicle (outside the vehicle) as it extends downwards. With this configuration, the impact load transmitted to the overhang portion 4 is more easily transmitted to the base overhang portion 31 along the inclination direction of the base portion 3, thereby distributing the impact load to the base portion 3 via the base overhang portion 31 and promoting deformation around the vertical wall 31a and side wall 31b of the base overhang portion 31, for example. Specifically, the impact load is applied to the overhang portion 4 and then transmitted from the overhang portion 4 to the base portion 3. This promotes deformation of the sensor support member 2 such that the sensor support portion 41 moves (oscillates) toward the rear of the vehicle, and the impact energy can be absorbed more effectively as deformation energy. In addition, when an impact load from the front of the vehicle is applied to the overhang portion 4, an upward force component is generated along the inclination of the base portion 3. Therefore, the impact load transmitted to the protruding bulge 4 is distributed to the base 3 via the base bulge 31, promoting deformation around the vertical wall 31a and side wall 31b of the base bulge 31, while more efficiently transmitting the impact load to the vehicle body structural member 20.

[0032] Next, the vehicle structure 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the sensor support portion 41 has a frame portion (protruding portion) 411 that supports the sensor device S. The frame portion 411 protrudes forward (outside the vehicle) from the vertical wall 4a of the overhanging bulge portion 4 that faces the front (outside the vehicle). With this configuration, since the frame portion 411 protrudes further forward from the vertical wall 4a which is offset forward relative to the base portion 3, the sensor device S can be positioned further outside the vehicle, and the detection accuracy of the sensor device S can be improved. In addition, impact loads due to external forces from the front of the vehicle are easily applied to the frame portion 411, which further promotes deformation of the sensor support member 2 such that the sensor support portion 41 moves (oscillates) to the rear of the vehicle, and impact energy can be absorbed more effectively. Furthermore, since the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 41 is increased by the frame portion 411 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the displacement of the sensor device S is suppressed under normal conditions when no external force is being applied. In this embodiment, the frame portion 411 corresponds to the "protruding portion" according to the present invention.

[0033] The frame portion 411 is generally annular or cylindrical, enclosing the sensor device S at least partially, and has a shape corresponding to the external shape of the sensor device S. In the illustrated example, the sensor device S is generally a rectangular parallelepiped, and the frame portion 411, in a plan view from one side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, is generally a partially annular or partially cylindrical C-shape or U-shape, with one side of the rectangle missing. The sensor opening is opened on the front end surface of the frame portion 411. A portion of the upper side of the frame portion 411 is positioned on the base portion 3. The frame portion 411 has frame bulge portions 411a on the upper, left, and right sides, each bulging outward in the wall thickness direction. The wall thickness direction is the thickness direction of the generally annular or cylindrical wall constituting the frame portion 411. A sensor fixing point P is provided on the front end wall of each frame bulge portion 411a.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, in this embodiment, the bulge portion 5 has a connecting wall 5b that extends in the vehicle width direction. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of area C in Figure 5. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the vertical wall 5a of the bulge portion 5 that faces outward from the vehicle has a first portion 5a1 on the base portion 3 side and a second portion 5a2 on the sensor support portion 41 side. The vertical wall 5a consists of vertical wall 31a and vertical wall 4a. The second portion 5a2 is positioned offset forward (outward from the vehicle) relative to the first portion 5a1, and the connecting wall 5b connects the first portion 5a1 and the second portion 5a2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction (vehicle inward / outward direction). The vehicle inward / outward direction is the direction connecting the inside of the vehicle side of the sensor support member 2 and the outside of the vehicle side of the sensor support member 2, and in this embodiment, it is the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0035] During normal use, when the sensor device S is not subjected to external forces from outside the vehicle, such as contact with an object, it is necessary for the sensor device S to be maintained in its intended position relative to the vehicle body structural member 20 in order to maintain the desired detection accuracy of the sensor device S. By providing the connecting wall 5b, the torsional rigidity of the sensor support portion 41 is increased. This suppresses displacement of the sensor device S from its intended position due to vibrations during normal use, and maintains the detection accuracy of the sensor device S. In addition, the connecting wall 5b causes the second portion 5a2 of the vertical wall 5a to be positioned further forward relative to the base portion 3. This promotes the deformation of the bulging portion 5, and allows impact energy to be absorbed more effectively as deformation energy.

[0036] In the illustrated example, the connecting wall 5b passes through or near the upper end of the sensor support portion 41 (frame portion 411) and extends in the width direction across the entire width of the vertical wall 5a. Therefore, the first portion 5a1 is the part above or near the upper end of the sensor support portion 41 (frame portion 411), and the second portion 5a2 is the part below or near the upper end of the sensor support portion 41 (frame portion 411). The connecting wall 5b protrudes forward of the vehicle from the lower end of the first portion 5a1 to the upper end of the second portion 5a2. The widthwise central portion of the connecting wall 5b is located in the recess portion 314b, which will be described later. In this way, the connecting wall 5b is provided in the connection area between the sensor support portion 41 and the base portion 3. This effectively increases the rigidity of the sensor support portion 41 and its surrounding area.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the vertical wall 4a of the overhanging bulge 4 facing outwards from the vehicle has a widened section 42 whose width increases from the bottom to the top. The width is the widthwise dimension of the vertical wall 4a. With this configuration, the deformation range of the overhanging bulge 4 is increased, so that impact energy can be absorbed more effectively as deformation energy in the overhanging bulge 4. In addition, the impact load applied to the overhanging bulge 4 is transmitted towards the base section 3 while expanding in the widthwise direction in the widened section 42. This allows the impact load to be transmitted from the overhanging bulge 4 to a wider area of ​​the base section 3, promoting deformation over a wider area of ​​the base section 3.

[0038] Specifically, the widened section 42 is at least a portion of the vertical wall 4a in the vertical direction. As shown by the dashed line R3 in Figure 8, the side edges on both sides of the widened section 42 in the width direction are inclined to move away from each other in the width direction as you move from the bottom to the top. Along the side edges of the widened section 42, the side wall 4b is also inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the widened portion 42 extends upward from the lower end or vicinity of the sensor support portion 41 (frame portion 411), beyond the lower end of the base portion 3, to the upper end or vicinity of the sensor support portion 41 (frame portion 411). The upper end of the widened portion 42 is formed from the lower end of the vertical wall 31a of the base bulge portion 31 and is continuous in the width direction with the side portions 32, 32 of the base portion 3. Therefore, impact loads can be transmitted more effectively from the widened portion 42 to the base portion 3.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, in this embodiment, the base portion 3 has an upper body fixing portion 33 at its upper end, which is the upper end in the vertical direction, and is fixed to the vehicle body structural member 20. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the base bulge portion 31 has a narrow portion 311 whose width decreases from the bottom to the top, and an extended portion 312 that extends vertically upward from the narrow portion 311. The extended portion 312 is positioned offset in the width direction from the upper body fixing portion 33. In this embodiment, the upper body fixing portion 33 corresponds to the "upper and lower body fixing portion" according to the present invention.

[0041] The upper body fixing portion 33, which is fixed to the vehicle body structural member 20, extends from the upper edge of the base portion 3 toward the rear of the vehicle (inward towards the vehicle), as will be described later. The peripheral wall 33b is formed in a frame shape together with the upper edge (upper end wall 3a), and has high rigidity (see Figure 7). On the other hand, the portion of the upper end of the base portion 3 other than the upper body fixing portion 33 has lower rigidity and is more easily deformed compared to the upper body fixing portion 33. The impact load from the protruding bulge portion 4 is transmitted in the narrow portion 311, converging in the width direction as it moves upward, and then transmitted by the extending portion 312 toward a position offset in the width direction from the upper body fixing portion 33. This promotes the deformation of the base bulge portion 31 and also promotes the deformation of the portion of the upper end of the base portion 3 other than the upper body fixing portion 33, thereby more effectively absorbing impact energy.

[0042] Furthermore, the presence of the narrow section 311 causes the side wall 31b of the base bulge 31 to curve in the width direction. This increases the overall length of the side wall 31b and increases the deformation range of the base bulge 31. Therefore, the base bulge 31 can absorb impact energy more effectively.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the base portion 3 has two upper vehicle body fixing portions 33, 33 positioned above the base bulge portion 31, spaced apart from each other in the width direction. Each upper vehicle body fixing portion 33 protrudes from the upper end of the side portion 32 toward the rear of the vehicle (inward towards the vehicle). An insertion hole is formed at the rear end of each upper vehicle body fixing portion 33 into which a connecting member such as a bolt is inserted. Each upper vehicle body fixing portion 33 is connected (fixed) to the first cross member 21 using a fastening member. Inward towards the vehicle refers to the direction from the outside of the sensor support member 2 toward the inside of the sensor support member 2, and in this embodiment, it is the rear of the vehicle.

[0044] The narrow section 311 is provided above the widened section 42, adjacent to the widened section 42, and extends upward to approximately the center in the vertical direction of the base section 3. As shown by the dashed line R4 in Figure 8, in a plan view from the front of the vehicle, the side edges on both sides of the narrow section 311 in the width direction are inclined to approach each other in the width direction as you move from the bottom to the top. A part of the side wall 31b is also inclined along the side edge of the narrow section 311.

[0045] The extension portion 312 extends vertically from the upper end of the narrow portion 311 to the upper end of the base portion 3, and the upper end of the extension portion 312 is positioned between the two upper body fixing portions 33, 33. In the illustrated example, the extension portion 312 has a certain width. The upper end of the base portion 3 may be further provided with a body fixing portion that is positioned on the widthwise outer side of the two upper body fixing portions 33 and fixed to the body structural member 20 (first cross member 21).

[0046] In the illustrated example, the side wall 31b of the base bulge 31 curves inward in the width direction at the same position as or near the outer vehicle body fixing part 34 (described later) in the vertical direction. In other words, the boundary between the narrow section 311 and the widened section 42 (or the lower end of the narrow section 311) is located at the same position as or near the outer vehicle body fixing part 34 in the vertical direction. This allows the impact load from the sensor support section 41 to be efficiently transmitted to the outer vehicle body fixing part 34 by the widened section 42, while the deformation of the base bulge 31 is promoted by the narrow section 311.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the base bulge 31 is formed in a continuous manner with the upper vehicle body fixing portion 33. With this configuration, since the protruding bulge 4 is continuous with the upper vehicle body fixing portion 33 via the base bulge 31, the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 41 by the vehicle body structural member 20 is increased, and the displacement of the sensor device S during normal use due to vehicle vibrations, etc., can be suppressed.

[0048] Specifically, each upper body fixing portion 33 has a bottom wall 33a that protrudes from the upper end of the side portion 32 toward the rear of the vehicle and faces upward, and a circumferential wall 33b that protrudes upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 33a and extends along the periphery. The side wall 31b of the base bulge portion 31 is formed in continuous with the circumferential wall 33b of the upper body fixing portion 33, and as a result, the side wall 4b of the overhanging bulge portion 4 is continuous with the circumferential wall 33b of the upper body fixing portion 33 via the side wall 31b of the base bulge portion 31.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that the side wall 31b of the base bulge 31 extends downward from the inner end (base bulge 31 side) in the width direction of the upper vehicle body fixing part 33 toward the sensor fixing point P of the sensor support part 41. This configuration increases the support rigidity of the sensor device S. Specifically, the inner ends in the width direction of the left and right upper vehicle body fixing parts 33 are located above the left and right sensor fixing points P, respectively. In a plan view from one side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the portion of the side wall 31b along the side edge of the extension part 312 extends downward from the upper end of the base part 3 so as to be roughly along the imaginary line R5. The imaginary line R5 is a hypothetical straight line connecting the inner end in the width direction of the upper vehicle body fixing part 33 and the sensor fixing point P in the vertical direction.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, in this embodiment, the base bulge 31 has an opening 313 that penetrates the base bulge 31 in the vehicle longitudinal direction (vehicle inward / outward direction). The opening 313 promotes the deformation of the base bulge 31 due to impact loads, and allows for more effective absorption of impact energy. Specifically, the opening 313 is formed in the vertical wall 31a. In the illustrated example, the opening 313 is generally rectangular and is located in the vertical and widthwise center of the vertical wall 31a, positioned at an upward spacing from the frame 411 and the connecting wall 5b. The opening 313 may have other shapes.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, it is preferable that the vertical wall 31a of the base bulge 31 has recesses 314a and 314b that are recessed toward the rear (inward) of the vehicle near the opening 313. In the illustrated example, the two recesses 314a and 314b are provided adjacent to the opening 313, on the upper and lower sides of the opening 313. Providing the opening 313 reduces the rigidity of the base bulge 31, making it easier for deformation of the base bulge 31 and displacement of the sensor device S to occur due to vehicle vibrations during normal use. By providing the recesses 314a and 314b, the rigidity of the base bulge 31 can be increased, and deformation of the base bulge 31 and displacement of the sensor device S during normal use can be suppressed. In other words, the base bulge 31 can be deformed by impact loads due to external forces such as contact with an object, while maintaining the rigidity necessary to suppress deformation due to vehicle vibrations during normal use.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, in this embodiment, the base portion 3 has an outer body fixing portion 34 located on the outside in the width direction relative to the base bulge portion 31, which is fixed to the second cross member 22, which is part of the vehicle body structural member 20. Specifically, the outer body fixing portion 34 is provided on the side portion 32 of the base portion 3, and the base bulge portion 31 does not have a body fixing portion fixed to the vehicle body structural member 20. Therefore, the base bulge portion 31 is indirectly connected to the second cross member 22 via the side portion 32. In this way, by providing the outer body fixing portion 34 on the portion of the base portion 3 other than the base bulge portion 31, the deformation of the base bulge portion 31 due to impact load can be promoted.

[0053] In the illustrated example, outer body fixing parts 34 are provided on each of the widthwise sides of the base bulge 31. Each outer body fixing part 34 is positioned midway in the vertical direction of the side part 32. Preferably, the outer body fixing parts 34 are positioned at a distance from the base bulge 31 in the widthwise direction, and more preferably, they are positioned outward relative to the upper body fixing part 33 in the widthwise direction. With this configuration, the deformation of the base bulge 31 and its surrounding parts is suppressed by the high rigidity of the outer body fixing parts 34, and deformation of the base bulge 31 and its surrounding parts due to impact load can be reliably caused.

[0054] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the outer body fixing portion 34 protrudes toward the rear (inward) of the vehicle and abuts against the second cross member 22, which is part of the body structural member 20, from the front (outside) of the vehicle. As a result, a space is secured in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the portion of the base portion 3 other than the outer body fixing portion 34 and the second cross member 22 on the rear side (inward) of the base portion 3 that allows deformation of the base portion 3. When an impact load is applied from the front of the vehicle, the base portion 3 deforms so that the outer body fixing portion 34 buckles in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while the protruding bulge portion 4 swings toward the rear of the vehicle. In this way, the deformation of the base portion 3 due to an impact load from the front of the vehicle can be promoted.

[0055] The outer body fixing portion 34 is a bottomed recess that bulges toward the rear of the vehicle and has a cylindrical peripheral wall 34a extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a bottom wall 34b provided at the rear end of the peripheral wall 34a and facing toward the rear of the vehicle. The bottom wall 34b abuts against the front surface of the second cross member 22, which is part of the vehicle body structural member 20. The bottom wall 34b has an insertion hole into which a connecting member such as a bolt or clip is inserted, and the outer body fixing portion 34 is fixed to the second cross member 22 using the connecting member at the bottom wall 34b.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the lower wall 34a1 of the outer body fixing part 34 is inclined upward as it is directed towards the rear of the vehicle. Specifically, the peripheral wall 34a of the outer body fixing part 34 is roughly frustoconical in shape, tapering toward the rear of the vehicle, and in the illustrated example, it is roughly frustoconical in shape. The lower wall 34a1 is the lower part of the peripheral wall 34a. The upper part of the frame part 411 of the sensor support part 41 and the upper frame bulge part 411a are located on a virtual extension plane R2 which is a virtual extension of the lower wall 34a1 of the outer body fixing part 34 towards the front of the vehicle. With this configuration, impact loads are transmitted more efficiently from the sensor support part 41 to the outer body fixing part 34, and as a result, the transmission of impact loads to the vehicle body structural members 20 via the outer body fixing part 34 can be improved.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the base portion 3 has an upper body fixing portion 33 at its upper end, which is fixed to the first cross member 21, which is part of the vehicle body structural member 20. The base bulge portion 31 extends vertically to the upper end of the base portion 3. With this configuration, the deformation range of the base bulge portion 31 is increased, and impact energy due to impact loads can be absorbed more effectively. In addition, impact loads that were not absorbed by the deformation of the base bulge portion 31 can be efficiently transmitted from the base bulge portion 31 to the vehicle body structural member 20 via the upper body fixing portion 33.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the peripheral wall 33b of the upper body fixing portion 33 forms a closed cross section together with the upper end wall 3a provided at the upper end of the base portion 3. The upper end wall 3a protrudes upward from the front end of the bottom wall 33a and extends in the width direction, connecting both ends of the peripheral wall 33b in the width direction. With this configuration, the rigidity of the upper body fixing portion 33 is increased, and impact loads can be transmitted more efficiently from the base bulge portion 31 to the vehicle body structural member 20 via the upper body fixing portion 33.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, the vehicle structure 1 further comprises the above-mentioned first exterior panel 11, which is positioned on the front side (outside of the vehicle) of the sensor support member 2 and constitutes the design surface on the outside of the vehicle. The first exterior panel 11 may have adjacent parts 113 positioned around the frame portion 411 and adjacent to the outer circumferential surface of the frame portion 411. In this embodiment, the first exterior panel 11 corresponds to the "exterior panel" according to the present invention. With this configuration, when an impact load is applied from the front of the vehicle, the adjacent parts 113 and their surrounding parts are deformed together with the frame portion 411, and the impact energy is absorbed by the deformation of the adjacent parts 113 and their surrounding parts as well. This makes it possible to absorb impact energy even more effectively.

[0060] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the first exterior panel 11, which is a side panel, has a pair of side portions 111, 111 that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and a mounting portion 112 provided between the pair of side portions 111, 111. The mounting portion 112 extends in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side portions 111, 111 and also extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The lower portion of the second exterior panel 12 is attached to the mounting portion 112 from the front of the vehicle, and the lower end of the base portion 3 and the protruding bulge portion 4 are located behind the mounting portion 112. The upper portion of the second exterior panel 12 covers the portion of the base portion 3 that protrudes upward from the mounting portion 112 from the front of the vehicle.

[0061] The adjacent portion 113 is provided on the mounting portion 112. The adjacent portion 113 is frame-shaped, having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the frame portion 411. In the illustrated example, it is a roughly rectangular annular or cylindrical shape that protrudes forward of the vehicle and is closed in the circumferential direction. The frame portion 411 is inserted into the adjacent portion 113 from the rear side of the vehicle, and the front end of the frame portion 411 is positioned at the same position as the front end of the adjacent portion 113 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or at a position that extends beyond the front end of the adjacent portion 113 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the lower end of the base portion 3 has an intermediate width portion 35 that extends across the overhang portion 4 in the width direction. The intermediate width portion 35 is narrower in the width direction than the portion of the base portion 3 above the intermediate width portion 35, and wider in the width direction than the overhang portion 4. The provision of such an intermediate width portion 35 makes it easier for external loads to be transmitted from the overhang portion 4 to the base portion 3 side (vehicle body structural member 20 side). The intermediate width portion 35 extends to a position that overlaps with or below the outer vehicle body fixing portion 34 in the width direction, thereby increasing the support rigidity of the overhang portion 4 and, consequently, the sensor support portion 41. Furthermore, the connecting wall 5b is provided in the intermediate width portion 35, which further increases the rigidity of the intermediate width portion 35.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the base portion 3 has a component connecting portion 36 to which the on-board component 6 is connected. In the illustrated example, the component connecting portion 36 is provided at the lower end of the base portion 3 (specifically the intermediate width portion 35) and is arranged on both sides of the base bulge portion 31 in the vehicle width direction. The on-board component 6 is a component arranged around the sensor support member 2, and in the illustrated example, it is an air guide member called a shroud that guides air to the condenser and evaporator side and suppresses the circulation of hot air from the power source side to these components. With such a structure, the rigidity of the component connecting portion 36 and its surroundings is increased by the connection of the on-board component 6, and as a result, the rigidity of the sensor support portion 41 is increased. In Figure 5, the air guide member as the on-board component 6 is shown as a linear member, but the shape of the air guide member is not limited to this. For example, the air guide member may be a frame-shaped member, in which case the function of the air guide member in guiding air and suppressing the circulation of hot air, and the effect of improving the rigidity of the sensor support portion 41 are further enhanced.

[0064] The component connecting portion 36 is located below each of the left and right outer vehicle body fixing portions 34, thereby increasing the rigidity of the component connecting portion 36 and its surrounding area, which is the connection point between the sensor support member 2 and the vehicle-mounted component 6. In addition, the three sensor fixing points P are located between the two component connecting portions 36 in the vehicle width direction, thereby increasing the rigidity of each sensor fixing point P. In particular, the upper sensor fixing point P is arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction with the two component connecting portions 36, which effectively increases the rigidity of the upper sensor fixing point P and its surrounding area, and as a result, the support rigidity of the sensor device S is effectively increased.

[0065] In the embodiments described above, the "one side in the vertical direction" according to the present invention is the lower side, and the "other side in the vertical direction" according to the present invention is the upper side. However, alternatively, the "one side in the vertical direction" may be the upper side and the "other side in the vertical direction" may be the lower side. That is, the "sensor support member" according to the present invention may have a structure that is the same as the sensor support member 2 described above but inverted vertically. In this case, the base portion 3 has a lower vehicle body fixing portion (not shown) provided at the lower end of the base portion 3 instead of the upper vehicle body fixing portion 33, and this lower vehicle body fixing portion corresponds to the "upper and lower vehicle body fixing portion" according to the present invention. The lower vehicle body fixing portion is fixed, for example, to a third cross member 23 that is located below the second cross member 22 and extends in the vehicle width direction between column members 24L and 24R.

[0066] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and further modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0067] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sensor support member 2 has both an upper vehicle body fixing portion 33 and an outer vehicle body fixing portion 34, but is not limited to this, and the sensor support member 2 may have only one of the upper vehicle body fixing portion 33 and the outer vehicle body fixing portion 34. For example, the sensor support member 2 may not have an outer vehicle body fixing portion 34, and the upper vehicle body fixing portion 33 may be fixed to the first cross member 21 or the second cross member 22.

[0068] In the embodiments described above, the vehicle structure 1 includes a first exterior panel 11 which is a side panel, but it is not limited to this, and the vehicle structure 1 may include other exterior panels. That is, the vehicle structure 1 of the present invention may be applied to the front of a vehicle that has an exterior member having a different structure from the exterior member 10 described above, and the "exterior panel" according to the present invention may be any other exterior panel that is located on the front of the vehicle.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the protrusion is configured as a frame portion 411 that houses the sensor device S inside in order to protect the sensor device S, but the shape of the protrusion is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion may be configured so that the sensor device S is fixed to the protrusion from the outside of the vehicle in order to position the sensor device S further outside the vehicle, in which case the protrusion may have a shape other than a frame. Also, although the frame portion 411 penetrates to the inside of the vehicle to facilitate wiring work for the sensor device S, the protrusion does not have to penetrate to the inside of the vehicle. Furthermore, if the rigidity of the sensor support member 2 is high, the sensor support portion 41 does not have to have a protrusion (frame portion 411).

[0070] In the embodiments described above, the vehicle structure is applied to the front of the vehicle, but it is not limited to this, and the vehicle structure may also be applied to the rear or side of the vehicle. That is, the sensor support member may be located at the rear or side of the vehicle. When the vehicle structure is applied to the rear of the vehicle, the sensor support member is located on the inside (front side of the vehicle) of an exterior panel located at the rear of the vehicle, such as a rear bumper or rear grille. In this case, the "width direction" according to the present invention is the vehicle width direction, the "outside of the vehicle" according to the present invention is the rear of the vehicle, and the "inside of the vehicle" according to the present invention is the front of the vehicle. When the vehicle structure is applied to the side of the vehicle, the sensor support member is located on the inside (inside in the vehicle width direction) of an exterior panel located on the side of the vehicle. In this case, the "width direction" according to the present invention is the vehicle longitudinal direction, the "outside of the vehicle" according to the present invention is the outside in the vehicle width direction (right or left), and the "inside of the vehicle" according to the present invention is the inside in the vehicle width direction (left or right). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Vehicle structure 2 Sensor support member 3. Base section 3a Top wall 3s reference plane 31 Base bulge 31a vertical wall 31b side wall 311 Narrow section 312 Extension section 313 Opening 314a, 314b Recessed area 32,32 Side 33 Upper body fixing part (upper and lower body fixing parts) 33a bottom wall 33b Peripheral wall 34 Outer body fixing part 34a Peripheral wall 34a1 Lower wall 34b Bottom wall 35 Middle width section 36. Parts connecting section 4. Protruding bulge 4a Vertical wall 4b side wall 41 Sensor support section 411 Frame (protrusion) 411a Frame bulge 42 Widening section 5 Bulge 5a vertical wall 5a1 Part 1 5a2 2nd part 5b Connecting wall 6. Automotive parts 10 Exterior components 11. First exterior panel (exterior panel) 111 Side 112 Mounting part 113 Adjacent section 12. Second exterior panel 12a Detection wave pass region 13. Third exterior panel 20. Body structural components 21. First Crossmember 22. Second Crossmember 23 Third Crossmember 24L, 24R Column Members 25L, 25R Side Member P sensor fixed point S Sensor Device

Claims

1. A vehicle structure comprising a sensor support member that extends vertically and supports a sensor device for detecting the external environment, The sensor support member is A base portion having a base bulge that protrudes outward from the vehicle and fixed to a structural member of the vehicle body, A protruding bulge portion extends outwards from the base portion in one direction in the vertical direction, continuous with the base bulge portion, Equipped with, The vehicle structure is characterized in that the protruding bulge portion has a sensor support portion that supports the sensor device.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor support portion has a projection that protrudes outward from the vehicle from the vertical wall of the overhanging bulge portion facing outward from the vehicle and supports the sensor device.

3. The base bulge and the protruding bulge form bulges that extend outward from the reference plane of the base portion. The vertical wall of the bulging portion facing outward from the vehicle has a first portion on the base portion side and a second portion on the sensor support portion side which is positioned offset outward from the first portion. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the bulging portion has a connecting wall that connects the first portion and the second portion in the direction of inward and outward movement of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vertical wall of the protruding bulge facing outwards from the vehicle has a widening section whose width increases as it moves from one side to the other side in the vertical direction.

5. The base portion has upper and lower body fixing portions at the other end in the vertical direction, which are fixed to the vehicle body structural member. The vertical wall of the base bulge facing outward from the vehicle has a narrow section whose width decreases as it moves from one side to the other, and an extended section that extends vertically from the narrow section toward the other side. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the extension portion is positioned at a widthwise offset that is perpendicular to the vertical direction with respect to the upper and lower body fixing portions.

6. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base bulge portion has an opening that penetrates the base bulge portion in the direction of the inward and outward direction of the vehicle.

7. The base portion has an outer vehicle body fixing portion fixed to the vehicle body structural member on the outside in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction with respect to the base bulge portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer body fixing portion protrudes inward from the vehicle and abuts against the body structural member from the outside of the vehicle.

8. The base portion has upper and lower body fixing portions at the other end in the vertical direction, which are fixed to the vehicle body structural member. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base bulge extends in the vertical direction to the other end of the base portion.

9. The vehicle structure further comprises an exterior panel positioned on the outside of the vehicle of the sensor support member and constituting the design surface on the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the exterior panel has an adjacent portion that is arranged adjacent to the outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion.

Images