Mounting structure of the detection device

Abstract

To comply with regulations regarding the mounting conditions of the detection device, and to satisfy the vibration tolerance level of the detection device, while making the mounting structure of the detection device more compact. [Solution] A mounting structure 3 for attaching a detection device 1 for detecting objects around the vehicle to a vehicle, comprising: a first member 10 that extends outward from a base end 10A attached to a mounting location on the vehicle in either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction and has a first connecting portion 10B at its outer end; a second member 11 that has a second connecting portion 11A that is rotatably connected to the first connecting portion 10B about an axis 13 that extends in either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction, and the detection device 1 is attached to a holding portion 11B connected to the second connecting portion 11A; and a stabilizer 12 built into the connection point between the first connecting portion 10B and the second connecting portion 11A, which maintains the posture of the detection device 1 in a horizontal position based on vibrations input from the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an attachment structure of a detection device for detecting objects around (such as the sides) of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, technologies have been developed to detect objects such as people and other vehicles existing on the side of a vehicle and to give warnings to the driver or perform vehicle control. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a radar device for detecting objects such as people and other vehicles existing on the side of a vehicle is attached to the side portion of the vehicle body of a truck.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When attaching a radar device to the side portion of a truck body as in the technology of Patent Document 1, in order to ensure the detectability of the radar device, it is common to install the radar device as far as possible to the outside in the vehicle width direction. In addition, as described above, the radar device should be installed on the outside in the vehicle width direction, which is stipulated in the regulations regarding the mounting conditions of in-vehicle radar devices. In addition, in order to ensure the performance of the radar device, it is necessary to mount the radar device so that the vibration input from the vehicle is lower than the vibration tolerance level. The vibration tolerance level is a reference value preset as the vibration level that can be tolerated by the radar device.

[0005] To satisfy the above regulations and vibration tolerance levels, the brackets for mounting the radar system to the truck are attached to a relatively rigid frame and are formed from elongated members that extend from the frame outward in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, these brackets tend to be larger relative to the size of the radar system in order to suppress vibration transmission to the radar system. Therefore, in mounting structures for attaching radar devices (detection devices) to vehicles, there is a need to make the mounting structure smaller and lighter (more compact) while complying with regulations and satisfying the vibration tolerance level of the detection device.

[0006] However, with conventional technology, the bracket itself is designed to comply with the above regulations based on its length and size (strength), and also to satisfy the vibration tolerance level of the detection device. Therefore, it has been structurally difficult to make the mounting structure of the detection device more compact. This invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned issues, and one of its objectives is to create a mounting structure for attaching a detection device to a vehicle that complies with regulations regarding the mounting conditions of the detection device, satisfies the vibration tolerance level of the detection device, and makes the mounting structure compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications.

[0008] This application example provides a mounting structure for a detection device for attaching a detection device for detecting objects around a vehicle to the vehicle, comprising: a first member extending outward from a base end attached to a mounting location on the vehicle in either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction, and having a first connecting portion at the outer end; a second member having a second connecting portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion about an axis extending in the other of the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction, with the detection device attached to a holding portion connected to the second connecting portion; and a stabilizer built into the connection location between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, which maintains the orientation of the detection device in a horizontal orientation based on vibrations input from the vehicle.

[0009] In this application example, the second member has a second connecting portion that is rotatably connected to a first connecting portion of the first member, which extends outward in either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction, about an axis along the other of the vehicle width direction and the vehicle length direction, and a stabilizer is built into the connection point between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. This stabilizer maintains the posture of the detection device in a horizontal position based on vibrations input from the vehicle, thereby suppressing vibrations transmitted from the vehicle to the detection device and stabilizing the detection effect of the detection device. Thus, because the stabilizer's operation makes it difficult for vibrations input from the vehicle to be transmitted to the detection device, compared to conventional technology that reduces the effect of vibration by the size (strength) of the bracket itself, the first and second components can be made smaller and lighter (more compact) while still satisfying the vibration tolerance level of the detection device.

[0010] Furthermore, conventional, relatively large brackets required sufficient strength at the mounting location and could not adequately suppress vibrations, making it impossible to set mounting locations on components mounted on the side of the vehicle, such as fuel tanks and urea tanks. In contrast, according to this application example, the stabilizer's operation makes it difficult for vehicle vibrations to be transmitted to the detection device, thus allowing for a more compact mounting structure. As a result, the mounting location on the vehicle does not need to be the vehicle frame, unlike conventional brackets which are relatively large. Therefore, the mounting location of the mounting structure can be set on components located outside the frame in the vehicle width or length direction, such as the fuel tank or urea tank. Consequently, the dimensions of the mounting structure in the vehicle width or length direction are reduced, allowing for a more compact mounting structure.

[0011] Furthermore, when the mounting location of the mounting structure is set to a component, the length from the mounting location to the outside in the vehicle width or vehicle length direction is shortened. Therefore, compared to conventional technology in which the bracket is attached to the frame, it is possible to shorten the dimensions of the mounting structure in the vehicle width or vehicle length direction while installing the detection device to the outside in the vehicle width or vehicle length direction (i.e., complying with regulations regarding the mounting conditions of the detection device). [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this invention, it is possible to make the mounting structure of the detection device more compact while complying with regulations regarding the mounting conditions of the detection device and satisfying the vibration tolerance level of the detection device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of a detection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a vehicle equipped with the mounting structure of the detection device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments (appearances, examples of application) of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly shown in these embodiments. Each configuration of the embodiments described below can be modified in various ways without departing from their spirit. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed.

[0015] In the following explanation, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are defined relative to the vehicle. That is, the vehicle length direction corresponds to the "front-rear direction." The vehicle width direction corresponds to the "left-right direction," and left and right are determined relative to the vehicle's forward-facing orientation. The vehicle height direction corresponds to the "up-down direction." In Figures 1 and 2, the "front-rear direction" is indicated by symbol D1, the "vehicle width direction" by symbol D2, and the "up-down direction" by symbol D3, while "FR" is written forward, "LH" to the left, and "UP" to the top. Furthermore, in this specification, the “surroundings” of a vehicle include the “sides” and “front and rear” of the vehicle. The “sides” of a vehicle refer to one side (e.g., the left side of the vehicle) or the other side (e.g., the right side of the vehicle) in the vehicle width direction. The “front and rear” of a vehicle refer to one side (e.g., the front of the vehicle) or the other side (e.g., the rear of the vehicle) in the vehicle length direction. In the vehicle width direction and vehicle length direction, the side of the vehicle body is referred to as the “inside,” and the side opposite the “inside” is referred to as the “outside.”

[0016] [1. Structure] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of a detection device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view showing a vehicle equipped with the mounting structure of the detection device shown in Figure 1. Note that the vehicle is omitted in Figure 1, and a portion of the vehicle is omitted in Figure 2. The detection device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an in-vehicle sensor that detects objects such as people and other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle 2. Here, as an example, the detection device 1 is assumed to detect objects located to the side of the vehicle 2. The detection signal from the detection device 1 is used, for example, in devices known as BSA (Blind Spot Assist) or BSIS (Blind Spot Information System), which issue a warning to the driver when a person or other vehicle located to the side of the vehicle 2 is detected. The detection device 1 is, for example, an SRR (in-vehicle short-range radar), and specifically, a millimeter-wave radar that emits millimeter waves towards the illumination range to the side of the vehicle 2.

[0017] The detection device 1 is mounted on the side of the vehicle 2 via a mounting structure 3. The mounting structure 3 is a structure for attaching the detection device 1 to the vehicle 2. Here, the side of the vehicle 2 refers to the parts of the vehicle 2 that make up one side (e.g., the left side) and the other side (e.g., the right side) in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle 2 shown in Figure 2 is a truck equipped with, for example, a frame 4 that forms the skeleton of the vehicle body and a cab 5 positioned above the front of the frame 4. The frame 4 has a ladder frame structure. Specifically, the frame 4 has a pair of side rails 6 (only a portion is shown in the figure) and a plurality of cross members 7 that extend in the vehicle length direction and are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, forming a ladder shape.

[0018] On the outer portion 6A of the side rail 6, various components such as a fuel tank 8 and a urea tank 9 are mounted. The fuel tank 8 is a container for storing fuel for running the vehicle 2 (e.g., light oil, etc.). The urea tank 9 is a container for storing aqueous urea used in the urea SCR system. In FIG. 2, an example is given of a configuration in which the fuel tank 8 is mounted on the outer portion 6A of the left side rail 6 and the urea tank 9 is mounted on the outer portion 6A of the right side rail 6. The outer surfaces 8A, 9A of these components 8, 9 are located outside the outer portion 6A of each side rail 6. In FIG. 2, the components 8, 9 are arranged behind the cab 5 and in front of the rear wheels 2A.

[0019] In FIG. 2, a structure in which the detection devices 1 and the mounting structures 3 are installed on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle 2 is illustrated. The mounting location of the left mounting structure 3L is set on the outer surface 8A of the fuel tank 8, and the mounting location of the right mounting structure 3R is set on the outer surface 9A of the urea tank 9. The detection device 1L attached to the left mounting structure 3L detects objects such as people and other vehicles existing on the left side of the vehicle 2. The detection device 1R attached to the right mounting structure 3R detects objects such as people and other vehicles existing on the right side of the vehicle 2. In this specification, when not distinguishing between the left and right detection devices 1L, 1R and the mounting structures 3L, 3R, they are referred to as the "detection device 1" and the "mounting structure 3".

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the left detection device 1L and the mounting structure 3L viewed from the upper left rear. In FIG. 1, the component on the vehicle 2 side (here, the fuel tank 8) that is the mounting location of the mounting structure 3L is omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting structure 3 includes a first member 10, a second member 11, and a stabilizer 12 (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1). The left and right detection devices 1L, 1R and mounting structures 3L, 3R shown in Figure 2 may have the same configuration except that they are installed symmetrically. Here, "same configuration" means that they share the same components: a first member 10, a second member 11, and a stabilizer 12. In other words, although the left and right detection devices 1L, 1R and mounting structures 3L, 3R have the same configuration, the specific mounting method and shape may differ depending on the shape of the components on the vehicle 2 side where they are mounted and the layout of the surrounding equipment. In the following section, a detailed configuration example of the detection device 1L (detection device 1) and mounting structure 3L (mounting structure 3) shown on the left side in Figure 1 will be described.

[0021] The first member 10 is a member that extends outward in the vehicle width direction (to the left in this case) from the base end 10A, and has a first connecting portion 10B at its outer (left in this case) end. The base end 10A is a portion that is attached to a mounting location on the vehicle 2 (for example, a mounting bracket located on the outer surface 8A of the fuel tank 8). The mounting location is a portion for attaching the mounting structure 3 to the vehicle 2. The mounting location may be set on various components mounted on the vehicle 2, or it may be set directly or indirectly via a bracket or the like to a part of the components of the vehicle 2. The first member 10 can be said to be a member of the mounting structure 3 that is directly attached to a mounting location on the vehicle 2.

[0022] The first member 10 shown in Figure 1 is formed as an L-shaped member in plan view. More specifically, the portion of the L-shape that extends linearly along the vehicle length direction forms the base end 10A, and an arm portion 10C is attached to the rear end of the base end 10A via a bent portion, extending outward in the vehicle width direction (either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction) (in this case, to the left). A first connecting portion 10B is provided at the outer end (in this case, to the left) in the vehicle width direction of the arm portion 10C. Two bolt holes 10D (only one of the two is shown in Figure 1) are provided through the base end 10A, aligned in the direction of the vehicle's length. The first member 10 is fixed to the mounting location (for example, the mounting bracket of the fuel tank 8) by bolts (not shown) fitted into each bolt hole 10D.

[0023] The second member 11 has a second connecting portion 11A connected to the first connecting portion 10B of the first member 10, and the detection device 1 is attached to a holding portion 11B connected to the second connecting portion 11A. The second member 11 shown in Figure 1 is formed as a Z-shaped or crank-shaped member in plan view. More specifically, the second member 11 in Figure 1 has a Z-shape or crank shape in which the holding portion 11B is connected to the second connecting portion 11A via two bent portions.

[0024] The second connecting portion 11A is a part that is rotatably connected to the first connecting portion 10B of the first member 10 around an axis 13 (shown as a dashed line in Figure 1) that extends in the vehicle length direction (either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction). Specifically, the rearward-facing surface of the second connecting portion 11A and the forward-facing surface of the first connecting portion 10B of the first member 10 are abutted together, connecting the second connecting portion 11A and the first connecting portion 10B. The axis 13 is the center of rotation between the second connecting portion 11A and the first connecting portion 10B.

[0025] The holding portion 11B is the part that holds the detection device 1, and is positioned inward and forward in the vehicle width direction relative to the second connecting portion 11A. A holder 14 for holding the detection device 1 is attached to the holding portion 11B. The holder 14 extends forward from the holding portion 11B and has a mounting surface 14A that extends in the vehicle length direction and the vehicle height direction. The detection device 1 is mounted on the outside of the mounting surface 14A of the holder 14.

[0026] The detection device 1 includes a main body 1A (shown by a dashed line in Figure 1) which contains a component that emits radar light, and a protective cover 1B that surrounds the main body 1A. The detection device 1 is mounted horizontally on the side of the vehicle 2 by the mounting structure 3. Here, "horizontal position" refers to the position of the detection device 1 when no vibration is input from the vehicle 2. "Position of the detection device 1" includes, for example, the vertical position of the detection device 1 and the inclination of the detection device 1 with respect to a plane extending in the vehicle length direction and vehicle height direction.

[0027] As described above, since the second member 11 is attached to the first connecting portion 10B (first member 10) so as to be rotatable about the axis 13, the detection device 1 supported by the second member 11 can be said to be integrally provided with the second member 11 so as to be rotatable about the axis 13 relative to the first member 10. Specifically, the detection device 1 and the second member 11 are rotatable upward and downward about the axis 13 relative to the first member 10 (i.e., rotatable along a plane extending in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle height direction).

[0028] A stabilizer 12 is built into the connection point between the first connecting section 10B and the second connecting section 11A. The stabilizer 12 is a mechanism that maintains the orientation of the detection device 1 in a horizontal position based on vibrations transmitted from the vehicle 2 to the first member 10. The power supply (not shown) that supplies power to the stabilizer 12 and the control device (not shown) that controls the stabilizer 12 are mounted on the vehicle 2, and the stabilizer 12 is connected to the power supply and control device by a harness (not shown).

[0029] The stabilizer 12 includes, for example, a sensor that detects vibrations input from the vehicle 2 and a motor that rotates around the axis 13. The stabilizer 12's sensors include, for example, a gyro sensor capable of detecting the rotation angle (attitude), angular velocity, or angular acceleration at the connection point between the first connecting portion 10B and the second connecting portion 11A. The vibrations input from the vehicle 2 include at least a vertical component (vehicle height direction). These vibrations include, for example, those caused by the operation of the vehicle 2's drive source (e.g., engine or motor) and the vertical movement of the vehicle 2 due to unevenness in the road surface. The motor of the stabilizer 12 is, for example, a rotary motor that rotates the second member 11 around the shaft 13 relative to the first connecting portion 10B of the first member 10. The stabilizer 12 drives a motor based on vibrations detected by the sensor to rotate the second member 11 around the axis 13 relative to the first connecting portion 10B of the first member 10. Note that well-known attitude control techniques can be used to maintain the horizontal orientation of an object using the above-described sensor (in this case, a gyro sensor) and motor (in this case, a rotary motor).

[0030] When vibrations are transmitted from vehicle 2 to detection device 1, detection device 1 may be displaced (vibrate) vertically due to the vibrations. Therefore, the stabilizer 12 operates to counteract vibrations from the vehicle 2, maintaining the detection device 1 in a horizontal position and making it difficult for vibrations to be transmitted to the detection device 1. Specifically, the stabilizer 12 rotates the second member 11 around the axis 13 relative to the first connecting portion 10B in the opposite direction to the vertical vibration input from the vehicle 2. For example, in response to vibrations containing an upward component input from vehicle 2, the stabilizer 12 rotates the second member 11 downward around the axis 13 relative to the first connecting portion 10B. Furthermore, in response to vibrations input from vehicle 2 that include a downward component, the stabilizer 12 causes the second member 11 to rotate upward around the axis 13 relative to the first connecting portion 10B.

[0031] In this way, the stabilizer 12 operates, adjusting the rotation angle (attitude) of the detection device 1 to cancel out vertical vibrations input from the vehicle 2, and maintaining the detection device 1 in a horizontal position. Therefore, even if vibrations including upward and downward components are input from the vehicle 2 to the mounting structure 3, these vibrations will be less likely to be transmitted to the detection device 1.

[0032] Furthermore, the materials of the first member 10 and the second member 11 are not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing weight and ensuring strength, they can be formed from solid resin materials. Even if the first member 10 and the second member 11 are solid members, the connection point between the first connecting portion 10B and the second connecting portion 11A is formed hollow in order to house the stabilizer 12. Furthermore, the detection device 1R and mounting structure 3R on the right side shown in Figure 2 can be configured in the same way as the detection device 1L and mounting structure 3L on the left side described above, except that they are provided symmetrically.

[0033] [2. Action and Effects] According to the mounting structure 3 of the detection device 1 described above, the second member 11 has a second connecting portion 11A that is rotatably connected to the first connecting portion 10B about an axis 13 along the vehicle length direction, and a stabilizer 12 is built into the connection point between the first connecting portion 10B and the second connecting portion 11A. This stabilizer 12 suppresses vibrations transmitted from the vehicle 2 to the detection device 1 by maintaining the posture of the detection device 1 in a predetermined horizontal posture based on vibrations input from the vehicle 2.

[0034] Thus, because the operation of the stabilizer 12 makes it difficult for vibrations input from the vehicle 2 to be transmitted to the detection device 1, the first member 10 and the second member 11 can be made smaller and lighter (more compact) while satisfying the vibration tolerance level of the detection device 1, compared to conventional technology that reduces the effect of vibration by the size (strength) of the bracket itself.

[0035] Furthermore, conventional, relatively large brackets required sufficient strength at the mounting points and could not adequately suppress vibrations, making it impossible to set mounting points on components mounted on the side of the vehicle 2, such as the fuel tank 8 and the urea tank 9. In contrast, the mounting structure 3 of the detection device 1 described above makes it difficult for vibrations from the vehicle 2 to be transmitted to the detection device 1 by the operation of the stabilizer 12, while also making the mounting structure 3 more compact. Therefore, unlike conventional brackets which are relatively large, the mounting location on the vehicle 2 does not need to be the frame 4 of the vehicle 2. As a result, the mounting location of the mounting structure 3 can be set on components 8 and 9 located further out than the side rails 6, such as the fuel tank 8 and urea tank 9. Consequently, the dimensions of the mounting structure 3 in the vehicle width direction are shortened, and the mounting structure 3 can be made smaller.

[0036] Furthermore, if the mounting points of the mounting structure 3 are set to components 8 and 9, the distance from the mounting points to the outside in the vehicle width direction is shortened. Therefore, compared to the conventional technique of attaching the bracket to the frame, it becomes possible to shorten the dimensions of the mounting structure 3 in the vehicle width direction while installing the detection device 1 on the outside in the vehicle width direction (i.e., complying with regulations regarding the mounting conditions of the detection device 1).

[0037] As described above, the mounting structure 3 for the detection device 1 allows for a compact mounting structure 3 while complying with regulations regarding the mounting conditions of the detection device 1 and satisfying the vibration tolerance level of the detection device 1.

[0038] [3. Others] The configuration of the mounting structure 3 described above is just one example. For example, the shapes of the first member 10 and the second member 11 are not limited to the L-shaped shape of the first member 10 or the Z-shaped shape of the second member 11 as described above. Furthermore, the mounting location of the mounting structure 3 is not limited to the fuel tank 8 or the urea tank 9, but may be any other component mounted on the side of the vehicle 2. For example, it may be the side rail 6 which has a shape that bulges outward (towards the side) of the vehicle 2, or it may be a component on the rear body side, another fuel tank (such as a hydrogen tank), or the side of the frame. Furthermore, the left and right detection devices 1L, 1R and mounting structures 3L, 3R may be installed asymmetrically. That is, the detection device 1L and mounting structure 3R installed on the left side may be the same shape as the detection device 1R and mounting structure 3R installed on the right side. Furthermore, the detection device 1 and the mounting structure 3 may be provided on at least one of the right and left sides, or multiple devices may be provided on at least one of the right and left sides.

[0039] Furthermore, although the mounting structure 3 for the detection device 1 described above is configured to detect the side of the vehicle 2, it is not limited to this, and the mounting structure 3 for the detection device 1 may be attached to the front bumper or rear bumper (not shown) to detect the front or rear of the vehicle 2. In this case, the mounting location of the mounting structure 3 is set to the front (e.g., front bumper) or rear (e.g., rear bumper) of the vehicle 2. The arm portion 10C of the first member 10 extends outward in the vehicle length direction (either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction) from the base end portion 10A (forward if the mounting location is the front of the vehicle 2, and rearward if it is the rear), and the second connecting portion 11A (second member 11) is connected to the first connecting portion 10B provided at the outer end in the vehicle length direction. The axis 13 that serves as the pivot center between the first connecting portion 10B and the second connecting portion 11A extends in the vehicle width direction (either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction).

[0040] In this specification, the devices referred to as BSA or BSIS have various names. Such devices are also called, for example, BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring). Therefore, the terms "BSA" or "BSIS" in this specification may be replaced with other well-known names such as "BSM". Furthermore, in this specification, "BSA" or "BSIS" may mean a system that issues a warning to the driver when it detects a person or other vehicle to the side of vehicle 2 (the vehicle 2), or, in place of the above warning, or in addition to the warning, a system that controls vehicle 2, such as braking control or steering control, when it detects a person or other vehicle to the side of vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 to which the mounting structure 3 of the detection device 1 is applied is not limited to trucks; it can be any type of vehicle, such as a bus or a passenger car. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1,1L,1R detection device 1A Main Unit 1B Protective Cover 2 vehicles (own vehicle) 2A rear wheel 3, 3L, 3R Mounting Structure 4 frames 5 Cab 6 Side rails 8 Fuel tanks 9 Yulia Tank 10 First component 10A proximal end 10B First connection part 10C bent part 10D arm 10E Bolt Hole 11 Second member 11A Second connection part 11B Holding part 12 Stabilizer 13 axes 14 holders 14A Mounting surface

Claims

[Claim 1] A mounting structure for a detection device to be attached to a vehicle, which is a detection device for detecting objects around the vehicle, A first member having a base end attached to the mounting location of the vehicle, extending outward in either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction, and having a first connecting portion at the outer end, A second member having a second connecting portion that is rotatably connected to the first connecting portion about an axis extending in the other direction of either the vehicle width direction or the vehicle length direction, and the detection device being attached to a holding portion connected to the second connecting portion, The device includes a stabilizer built into the connection point between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, which maintains the orientation of the detection device in a horizontal position based on vibrations input from the vehicle. A mounting structure for a detection device, characterized by the above.

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