Vehicle structure

Abstract

This suppresses displacement around the sensor support portion of the sensor support member. [Solution] The vehicle structure 10 comprises a vehicle body structural member 2 and a sensor support member 1 positioned on the outside of the vehicle body structural member 2, supported by the vehicle body structural member 2, and extending in the vertical direction. The sensor support member 1 has a sensor support portion 11 that supports a sensor device. The vehicle body structural member 2 comprises a horizontal member 21 extending in a width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and a vertical member 25 extending in the vertical direction. One end 25a of the vertical member 25 in the vertical direction is connected to the inside of the vehicle on the horizontal member 21. The sensor support portion 11 or its periphery is supported by the vertical member 25. A space is provided between the sensor support member 1 and the end 25a of the vertical member 25 in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Sensor devices for detecting the external environment of a vehicle such as an automobile are provided at the front and rear of the vehicle. Examples of the sensor device include a millimeter-wave radar that uses electromagnetic waves in the millimeter-wave band as detection waves, a sound wave sensor (ultrasonic sensor / sonar) that uses sound waves as detection waves, a camera (imaging device), and the like.

[0003] The sensor device is disposed on the back side of an exterior panel such as a bumper or a grill that constitutes the design surface outside the vehicle.

[0004] As an example of a conventional vehicle structure having a structure for disposing the sensor device on the back side of the exterior panel, Patent Document 1 discloses a front grill including a panel material, a frame material that is adhered to the back side of the panel material to reinforce the panel material, and a radar antenna that is fixed to the frame material.

[0005] The panel material is formed of a resin having high radio wave permeability and is covered with a coating film made of a radio wave transmitting paint so that radio waves as reflected waves transmitted from the radar antenna and reflected by an object can pass through.

[0006] The front grill is fixed to the vehicle body side member by locking a plurality of fixing brackets provided at the outer edge portion in the vehicle width direction of the frame material to the vehicle body side member or by fastening with a fastener.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0008] If a sensor support member, such as the frame material described in Patent Document 1, is positioned on the back side of an exterior panel and is made of, for example, resin or sheet metal, and is configured to have a rigidity lower than that of the vehicle body structural member so that it deforms or breaks when subjected to external forces, then when vibrations during driving or other external forces act on the sensor support member, the area around the sensor support may deform and displace. If the area around the sensor support is displaced, the sensor device may be displaced from its predetermined position, which may reduce the detection accuracy of the sensor device.

[0009] In particular, when a sensor support member is provided with ventilation holes such as air guides, as in the frame material of Patent Document 1, the rigidity around the ventilation holes in the sensor support member tends to decrease, and especially when the sensor support member is formed thinly in the direction of the vehicle's interior and exterior, it tends to deform in that direction. As a result, there is a risk that the sensor device may be displaced in the direction of the vehicle's interior and exterior.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle structure that can suppress displacement around the sensor support portion of the sensor support member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle structure comprising a vehicle body structural member and a sensor support member disposed on the outside of the vehicle of the vehicle body structural member, supported by the vehicle body structural member, and extending in the vertical direction, wherein the sensor support member has a sensor support portion for supporting a sensor device for detecting the external environment. In this vehicle structure, the vehicle body structural member comprises a horizontal member extending in a width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and a vertical member extending in the vertical direction. One end of the vertical member in the vertical direction is connected to the inside of the vehicle on the horizontal member. The sensor support portion or its periphery is supported by the vertical member. A space is provided between the sensor support member and the end of the vertical member in the inward and outward directions of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above aspect of the present invention, a vehicle structure capable of suppressing displacement of the sensor support portion of the sensor support member can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is an exploded perspective view of the front part of a vehicle to which the vehicle structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the vehicle structure seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the vehicle structure seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 4] It is a rear view of the vehicle structure seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the sensor support member seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 6] It is a front view of the vehicle body structure member seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 7] It is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vehicle structure along the line A-A in FIGS. 3 and 4. [Figure 8] It is a rear view of a modified example of the sensor support member seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 9] It is a partial front view of a modified example of the vehicle body structure member seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 10] It is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vehicle structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] In the drawings, the direction of arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0016] In the drawings, the direction of arrow L indicates the left side in the vehicle width direction when the vehicle is viewed from the rear to the front.

[0017] In the drawings, the direction of arrow R indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction when the vehicle is viewed from the rear to the front.

[0018] In the drawings, the direction of arrow U indicates the upper side of the vehicle in the vehicle up-and-down direction (hereinafter referred to as the up-and-down direction).

[0019] In the following description, "front" and "rear" respectively correspond to the front and rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, and "upper" and "lower" respectively correspond to the upper and lower in the vehicle up-and-down direction.

[0020] In the following description, "left" and "right" respectively correspond to the left and right in the vehicle width direction when the vehicle is viewed from the rear to the front.

[0021] (First Embodiment) In the present embodiment, the upper side corresponds to "one of the up-and-down directions" according to the present invention, and the rear side of the vehicle corresponds to "the inner side of the vehicle" according to the present invention.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the vehicle front-rear direction corresponds to "the vehicle inner-outer direction" according to the present invention, and the vehicle inner-outer direction is the direction connecting the inner side of the vehicle of the sensor support member 1 and the outer side of the vehicle of the sensor support member 1. In other words, it is the normal direction of a sensor surface (not shown) of the sensor body Sa (described later) that faces the outside of the vehicle and faces the detection wave passing portion 31 (described later).

[0023] In the present embodiment, the vehicle structure 10 is applied to the front portion of a vehicle such as an automobile, and in the front portion of the vehicle, a sensor support member 1 that supports a sensor device S for detecting the vehicle external environment, a vehicle body structure member 2, and an exterior panel 3 are arranged.

[0024] [[ID=三十]]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle structure 10 according to the present embodiment includes a sensor support member 1 and a vehicle body structure member 2.

[0025] The sensor support member 1 has a sensor support portion 11 that supports the sensor device S and is supported by the vehicle body structure member 2.

[0026] (Sensor device) Sensor device S is a sensor device that receives (detects) detection waves for detecting the external environment of the vehicle, and is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar that uses electromagnetic waves in the millimeter-wave band as detection waves.

[0027] The sensor device S includes a sensor body Sa that receives detection waves, and a sensor bracket Sb that supports the sensor body Sa and is attached to the sensor support member 1 (see Figure 8).

[0028] The sensor unit Sa is capable of transmitting (irradiating) detection waves, and receives (detects) detection waves transmitted from the sensor unit Sa and reflected from the object to be detected.

[0029] The sensor body Sa may be an ultrasonic sensor (sonar) that uses sound waves as the detection wave, or a camera (imaging device) that uses electromagnetic waves in the visible light band or the infrared band as the detection wave.

[0030] The detected wave may be sunlight, or it may be transmitted from a detection wave transmitting device provided separately from the sensor device S. In this case, the sensor device S does not need to transmit the detection wave.

[0031] The sensor bracket Sb is made of metal such as sheet metal, thereby increasing the support rigidity and heat dissipation of the sensor body Sa.

[0032] The sensor support member 1 and the exterior panel 3 are positioned on the front side (outside of the vehicle) of the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0033] The sensor support member 1 is connected (fixed) to the vehicle body structural member 2 at the vehicle body connecting portion 12, which will be described later, and is supported by the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0034] (Vehicle body structural components) The vehicle body structural member 2 is a highly rigid member made of steel plates or the like that constitutes the vehicle's frame.

[0035] The vehicle body structural member 2 includes three horizontal members 21, 22, 23, left and right first vertical members 24, 24, a second vertical member 25, and left and right side members 26, 26.

[0036] Note that the third transverse member 23 and the left and right side members 26, 26 are not shown in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6.

[0037] The three horizontal members 21, 22, and 23 each extend in the vehicle width direction and are arranged with a gap between them in the vertical direction.

[0038] The left and right first vertical members 24, 24 and the second vertical member 25 each extend in the vertical direction and are arranged with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] In the following explanation, the upper horizontal member 21 of the three horizontal members 21, 22, and 23 will also be referred to as the "first horizontal member 21," the lower horizontal member 23 of the three horizontal members 21, 22, and 23 will also be referred to as the "third horizontal member 23," and the horizontal member 22 located between the upper horizontal member 21 and the lower horizontal member 23 will also be referred to as the "second horizontal member."

[0040] The first horizontal member 21 is also called a hood lock member if it is provided with a hood lock mechanism that locks the opening and closing of a hood panel (not shown).

[0041] The second transverse member 22 is also called a radiator support member when, for example, a radiator located at the rear of the vehicle body structural member 2 is connected to it.

[0042] The third transverse member 23 is a member that connects the left and right side members 26, 26 to each other in the vehicle width direction, and is also called a bumper beam, for example.

[0043] The left and right side members 26, 26 are connected to the third transverse member 23 and floor side members (not shown) that form the body structure below the floor, and are also called, for example, front side members.

[0044] The ends of the first transverse member 21, the second transverse member 22, and the third transverse member 23 in the vehicle width direction are fixed to the left and right first longitudinal members 24, 24 by welding or the like.

[0045] The second vertical member 25 is positioned between the left and right first vertical members 24, 24 and connects the first horizontal member 21 and the second horizontal member 22 in the vertical direction.

[0046] Specifically, the second vertical member 25 extends downward from the center of the first horizontal member 21 in the vehicle width direction, beyond the second horizontal member 22, and is fixed to the center of the first horizontal member 21 in the vehicle width direction and the center of the second horizontal member 22 in the vehicle width direction by welding or the like.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first horizontal member 21 corresponds to the "horizontal member" according to the present invention, and the second horizontal member 22 corresponds to the "another horizontal member" according to the present invention.

[0048] (Exterior panels) The exterior panel 3 is a component that constitutes the design surface on the outside of the vehicle at the front of the vehicle, extends in the width direction and vertical direction, and has a detection wave passing section 31 through which detection waves transmitted and received by the sensor device S can pass.

[0049] The exterior panel 3 is directly or indirectly connected (fixed) to the vehicle body structural member 2 and supported by the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0050] The detection wave passing section 31 is, for example, a thin, plate-like portion that generally faces forward of the vehicle, and is formed from a material that has properties that allow detection waves to pass through, such as synthetic resin.

[0051] When a camera (imaging device) that uses electromagnetic waves in the visible light band or infrared band as detection waves is used as the sensor body Sa, the detection wave passage section 31 may have a through hole (opening) or a transparent part formed of acrylic, glass, or the like.

[0052] (Sensor support member) The sensor support member 1 is a member for positioning the sensor device S in a predetermined location relative to the exterior panel 3, and is positioned adjacent to the rear side (inside the vehicle) of the exterior panel 3.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the sensor support member 1 has a sensor support portion 11 that supports the sensor device S and a vehicle body connecting portion 12 that is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0054] The sensor support member 1 extends in the vehicle width direction, vertical direction, and horizontal direction, and is positioned to face the front of the vehicle.

[0055] Furthermore, as will be described later, the upper edge of the sensor support member 1 extends horizontally.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the sensor support member 1 is roughly rectangular in shape, elongated in the vehicle width direction when viewed from one of the vehicle's front-to-rear directions in a plan view.

[0057] The sensor support member 1 may be connected to the exterior panel 3 at multiple panel connecting sections (not shown).

[0058] The sensor support member 1 is, for example, an injection-molded resin product, and the elements constituting the sensor support member 1, including the sensor support portion 11 and the vehicle body connecting portion 12, are integrally formed.

[0059] The sensor support member 1 and the exterior panel 3 are positioned on the front side (outside of the vehicle) of the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0060] The sensor support member 1 is connected (fixed) to the vehicle body structural member 2 at the vehicle body connecting portion 12 and is supported by the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0061] (Sensor support part) The sensor support section 11 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle relative to the detection wave transmission section 31.

[0062] In this embodiment, the sensor support portion 11 is provided on the lower side of the sensor support member 1 and in the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0063] The sensor support section 11 has one or more sensor fixing sections (111, 112, 113) to which the sensor device S is fixed.

[0064] The sensor support portion 11 has a projection 17 that protrudes outward from the vehicle and supports the sensor device S, in order to position the sensor device S further outward from the vehicle.

[0065] The protruding portion 17 has a frame-shaped or annular peripheral wall portion 17a formed to surround the sensor body Sa, and the support rigidity of the sensor device S is increased by providing each sensor fixing portion (111, 112, 113) on the peripheral wall portion 17a.

[0066] The sensor support section 11 supports the sensor device S such that the sensor body Sa faces the detection wave transmission section 31 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, by fixing the sensor bracket Sb to the sensor fixing section (111, 112, 113).

[0067] In this embodiment, a sensor opening V1 is formed in the sensor support portion 11 (specifically, on the inside of the peripheral wall portion 17a) where the sensor body Sa is placed.

[0068] The sensor opening V1 penetrates the sensor support member 1 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the sensor body Sa.

[0069] In the illustrated example, in a plan view from one end of the vehicle (front or rear), the sensor body Sa and the sensor opening V1 (i.e., the peripheral wall portion 17a) are generally rectangular in shape.

[0070] Around the sensor opening V1, the first sensor fixing part 111, the second sensor fixing part 112, and the third sensor fixing part 113 are arranged to the right, above, and left of the sensor opening V1, respectively.

[0071] Positioning protrusions 114 (see Figure 8) that project toward the rear of the vehicle are provided near the left and right sensor fixing portions 111 and 113. The sensor device S is positioned relative to the sensor support portion 11 by inserting the positioning protrusions 114 into the positioning holes of the sensor bracket Sb.

[0072] The sensor support portion 11 includes a sensor opening V1, a protruding portion 17 having a peripheral wall portion 17a surrounding the sensor opening V1, and a portion on which the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B, which will be described later, is formed.

[0073] In this embodiment, the sensor opening V1 serves both as a housing for the sensor body Sa and as an outlet for harnesses connected to the sensor body Sa.

[0074] The sensor support section 11 may have a front wall that closes the front side of the sensor opening V1 of the vehicle, and the sensor device S may be fixed to the front surface of the front wall. If necessary, an outlet may be provided in the front wall through which harnesses connected to the sensor body Sa are inserted.

[0075] Furthermore, the sensor support portion 11 is not limited to the structure described above; any structure capable of supporting (fixing) the sensor device S can be adopted, and it is not necessarily required that a protruding portion 17 or a peripheral wall portion 17a be provided.

[0076] Furthermore, the sensor support member 1 has a ventilation hole V2 for intake or exhaust.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the ventilation hole V2 is for intake, and cylindrical ventilation sections 13 protruding toward the rear of the vehicle are provided on the left and right sides of the sensor support section 11, and a ventilation hole V2 is formed inside the ventilation section 13, penetrating the sensor support member 1 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0078] In the area of ​​the exterior panel 3 corresponding to the ventilation hole V2, an opening 32 (see Figure 1) is provided to allow air to pass in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0079] The exterior and interior of the vehicle are in communication in the longitudinal direction through the opening 32 and the ventilation holes V2.

[0080] If the sensor support member 1 is formed to be thin in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, which is its thickness direction, it is prone to deformation in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0081] In particular, if ventilation holes V2 are provided around the sensor support portion 11, the rigidity around the sensor support portion 11 may decrease.

[0082] (Body coupling section) The vehicle body connecting section 12 includes a first vehicle body connecting section 12A and a second vehicle body connecting section 12B, which are connected to the vehicle body structural member 2, respectively.

[0083] The first vehicle body coupling section 12A is positioned above the sensor support section 11.

[0084] The second vehicle body connecting section 12B is located on the rear side (inside the vehicle) of the sensor support section 11 and is positioned below the first vehicle body connecting section 12A in the vertical direction.

[0085] Specifically, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is provided on the upper edge of the sensor support member 1 and is connected (fixed) to the vehicle body structural member 2 by a connecting member such as a bolt or clip.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is provided on one side (left) and the other side (right) of the sensor support portion 11 in the width direction.

[0087] The width direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction and the vehicle's longitudinal direction (inside-outside direction), and in this embodiment, it coincides with the vehicle width direction. In the following description, the width direction of the vehicle structure 10 is also referred to as the "vehicle width direction".

[0088] The second vehicle body coupling section 12B is located around the sensor opening V1.

[0089] The second body coupling section 12B is positioned below the first body coupling section 12A and between the left and right first body coupling sections 12A in the vehicle width direction.

[0090] As a result, the sensor support member 1 is fixed to the vehicle body structural member 2 at the left and right first vehicle body connecting parts 12A and second vehicle body connecting parts 12B, which form the vertices of a virtual triangle when viewed from outside the vehicle (front of the vehicle). This allows the vehicle body structural member 2 to stably support the sensor support member 1 without unnecessarily increasing the number of fixing points of the sensor support member 1 to the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is positioned at a location offset to one side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle width direction center of the sensor body Sa or the sensor opening V1.

[0092] In the illustrated example, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is provided in the lower right portion of the sensor support portion 11, and the rear vehicle side of the lower right portion of the sensor support portion 11 is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 by a connecting member such as a bolt or clip.

[0093] As a result, the sensor support portion 11 is directly supported from the rear side of the vehicle by the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0094] Furthermore, the position of the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is not limited to the lower left portion of the sensor support portion 11; the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B may be provided in the peripheral region of the sensor support portion 11.

[0095] For example, it is preferable that the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B be positioned in a location that avoids the sensor fixing portions 111, 112, and 113, such as the lower left, upper left, or upper right portion of the sensor support portion 11.

[0096] As described above, according to the vehicle structure 10 of this embodiment, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is provided on the upper side of the sensor support member 1, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is provided on the lower side of the sensor support member 1. As a result, the sensor support member 1 is connected to the vehicle body structure member 2 at the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B, which are positioned apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0097] As a result, the rigidity around the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B of the sensor support member 1 is increased, and the displacement of the sensor support member 1 relative to the vehicle body structural member 2, and consequently the displacement of the sensor support portion 11, is suppressed.

[0098] Furthermore, the sensor support portion 11 is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 at the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0099] As a result, the rigidity around the sensor support portion 11 is increased, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the displacement of the sensor support portion 11 relative to the vehicle body structural member 2 is suppressed.

[0100] In this way, the displacement of the sensor support portion 11 of the sensor support member 1 relative to the vehicle body structural member 2, particularly the vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle, can be suppressed.

[0101] Furthermore, by suppressing the displacement of the sensor support portion 11, the displacement of the sensor device S relative to the vehicle body structural member 2 is suppressed.

[0102] This suppresses the decrease in detection accuracy of the sensor device S due to displacement, and makes it possible to maintain the desired detection accuracy.

[0103] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the sensor support portion 11 is positioned between the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B in the vertical direction, displacement around the sensor support portion 11 can be effectively suppressed.

[0104] The sensor support member 1 may also be provided with a bulge (not shown) that extends downward from the sensor support portion 11, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B may be provided on this bulge.

[0105] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is provided on one side (left) and the other side (right) in the vehicle width direction relative to the sensor support member 1.

[0106] This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the sensor support member 1 that causes the sensor support portion 11 to twist horizontally, thereby more reliably maintaining the detection accuracy of the sensor device S.

[0107] Furthermore, if the first transverse member 21 is a hood lock member and the third transverse member 23 is a bumper beam connected to the left and right side members, in a vehicle with a large vertical width in the compartment, such as a box-type vehicle, if the sensor support member 1 is to be supported by the first transverse member 21 and the third transverse member 23, the vertical dimension of the sensor support member 1 becomes longer. As a result, the sensor support portion 11 is positioned further vertically from the first transverse member 21 or the third transverse member 23, and the further the sensor support portion 11 is from the first transverse member 21 or the third transverse member 23, the more easily the area around the sensor support portion 11 supported by the bumper beam (23) is displaced by vibrations during driving.

[0108] Therefore, in this embodiment, a second horizontal member 22 is provided between the first horizontal member 21 and the third horizontal member 23, and a structure is adopted in which the sensor support member 1 is supported by the first horizontal member 21 and the second horizontal member 22.

[0109] This makes it possible to shorten the distance between the support positions of the sensor support member 1 by the vehicle body structural member 2, thereby suppressing displacement around the sensor support portion 11.

[0110] (Vehicle structure) Next, the vehicle structure 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0111] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure 10 includes a vehicle body structural member 2, which, as described above, has at least two horizontal members (21, 22) and a second vertical member 25 that connects the at least two horizontal members (21, 22) in the vertical direction.

[0112] The first vehicle body connecting section 12A is connected to the first horizontal member 21 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the second vehicle body connecting section 12B is connected to the second vertical member 25 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0113] In this embodiment, the second vertical member 25 corresponds to the "vertical member" according to the present invention.

[0114] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is flange-shaped, protruding from the rear surface of the sensor support member 1 toward the rear of the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction, and has a fixing hole 12A1 that penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0115] In the illustrated example, each first vehicle body connecting portion 12A has two fixing holes 12A1 that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. On the first transverse member 21, fixing holes 21d (see Figure 1) are formed at positions corresponding to the fixing holes 12A1.

[0116] The first vehicle body connecting section 12A is superimposed on the vehicle body structural member 2 from above and is connected vertically to the first transverse member 21 by connecting members inserted vertically into fixing holes 12A1 and 21d.

[0117] In other words, the direction in which the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is connected to the first transverse member 21 (vehicle body structural member 2) is the vertical direction.

[0118] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B has a fixing hole 12B1 that penetrates the sensor support portion 11 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and also has a positioning projection 12B2 that protrudes from the rear surface of the sensor support portion 11 toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0119] In the second vertical member 25, fixing holes 251a and positioning holes 251b (see Figures 5 and 6) are formed at positions corresponding to the fixing holes 12B1 and positioning projections 12B2, respectively.

[0120] The second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is superimposed on the second longitudinal member 25 from the front of the vehicle and is positioned relative to the second longitudinal member 25 by a positioning projection 12B2 (see Figure 5) inserted into a positioning hole 251b in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is connected to the second longitudinal member 25 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by connecting members such as bolts, nuts or clips inserted into fixing holes 12B1 and 251a in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0121] In other words, the direction in which the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected to the second longitudinal member 25 (vehicle body structural member 2) is the vehicle's longitudinal direction (vehicle's inward and outward direction).

[0122] Thus, according to this embodiment, the connection direction of the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A to the vehicle body structural member 2 is the vertical direction, and the connection direction of the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B to the vehicle body structural member 2 is the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0123] By having the connection direction of the first vehicle body connecting section 12A and the connection direction of the second vehicle body connecting section 12B be different from each other, the displacement of the sensor support section 11 in two different directions (i.e., the vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction) can be suppressed more effectively.

[0124] Furthermore, "the connection direction of the first vehicle body connecting section 12A and the connection direction of the second vehicle body connecting section 12B are different from each other" includes not only the case where the connection direction of the first vehicle body connecting section 12A and the connection direction of the second vehicle body connecting section 12B are perpendicular to each other, but also the case where one of the connection directions of the first vehicle body connecting section 12A and the connection direction of the second vehicle body connecting section 12B intersects with respect to the other.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected to the second vertical member 25, which is connected to the first horizontal member 21 and the second horizontal member 22. As a result, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is supported not only by the second vertical member 25 but also by the first horizontal member 21 and the second horizontal member 22.

[0126] In this way, the support rigidity of the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B by the vehicle body structural member 2 is increased, thereby further increasing the support rigidity of the sensor support member 1, and consequently the support rigidity of the sensor support portion 11 and the sensor device S. At the same time, it becomes easier to adjust the connection position on the vehicle body structural member 2 side to which the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected (for example, the protruding portion 251) to be located around the sensor support portion 11 within the range where the second vertical member 25 exists, in accordance with the position of the sensor support portion 11 of the sensor support member 1.

[0127] As shown in Figures 1, 6, and 7, in this embodiment, the second vertical member 25 has a projection 251 that protrudes forward (outward from the vehicle) and supports the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B from the rear (inward) side of the vehicle.

[0128] Specifically, the upper end portion 25a of the second vertical member 25 is fixed to the center of the first horizontal member 21 in the vehicle width direction, and the lower part of the second vertical member 25 is fixed to the center of the second horizontal member 22 in the vehicle width direction.

[0129] The second vertical member 25 has an extension 25b located below the second horizontal member 22.

[0130] The protruding portion 251 is provided on the extension portion 25b and protrudes forward from the front of the extension portion 25b toward the front of the vehicle.

[0131] The protruding portion 251 is provided with the aforementioned fixing hole 251a and positioning hole 251b, and supports the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B by being connected to it from the front side of the vehicle.

[0132] Thus, according to this embodiment, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is supported from the rear side of the vehicle by the protruding portion 251 that protrudes forward of the vehicle.

[0133] This structure allows for increased support rigidity of the sensor support portion 11 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0134] Furthermore, the protruding portion 251 provides a space in the vehicle's longitudinal direction between the sensor support portion 11 and the second longitudinal member 25.

[0135] This space can be used to easily perform tasks such as attaching the sensor device S to the sensor support section 11 and routing the harness.

[0136] Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the front of the vehicle from the rear due to contact with an object or the like, an external load (impact load) due to the external force acts on the sensor support member 1 via the exterior panel 3.

[0137] When an impact load is applied, the sensor support member 1 can deform such that the sensor support portion 11 moves to the rear of the vehicle by the amount of space available, thereby absorbing the impact energy as deformation energy.

[0138] Furthermore, because the protrusion 251 is provided on the extension 25b of the second vertical member 25, when subjected to an impact load from the front of the vehicle, deformation of the second vertical member 25 is promoted such that the extension 25b tilts toward the rear of the vehicle below the second horizontal member 22.

[0139] This allows the impact energy to be absorbed more effectively as deformation energy of the second longitudinal member 25.

[0140] In the illustrated example, the second vertical member 25 connects only the first horizontal member 21 and the second horizontal member 22 of the three horizontal members (21, 22, 23). However, the second vertical member 25 may extend downward to at least the third horizontal member 23 and be connected to the third horizontal member 23 as well. In this case, the three horizontal members (21, 22, 23) correspond to the "multiple horizontal members" according to the present invention.

[0141] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle structure 10 as seen from the left side in the vehicle width direction.

[0142] In this embodiment, as described above, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is connected to the upper first horizontal member 21, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected to the second vertical member 25.

[0143] As a result, when viewed from one side in the vehicle width direction, a closed structure (see the rectangular dashed line in Figure 7) is formed by the sensor support member 1, the first horizontal member 21, and the second vertical member.

[0144] With this structure, the rigidity of the sensor support member 1 is increased, and the displacement of the sensor support portion 11 is suppressed even more reliably.

[0145] Specifically, in a side view, the sensor support member 1 and the second vertical member 25 face each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The upper part of the sensor support member 1 is connected to the upper end 25a of the second vertical member 25 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction via the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A and the first horizontal member 21. The lower part of the sensor support member 1 is connected to the lower part (specifically, the protruding portion 251) of the second vertical member 25 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction via the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B.

[0146] In this way, the sensor support member 1, the first horizontal member 21, and the second vertical member 25 cooperate with each other to form a closed structure.

[0147] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this embodiment, a harness connection port Sc to which a harness is connected is provided on the rear side (inside the vehicle) of the sensor device S.

[0148] The sensor support portion 11 supports the sensor device S such that the harness connection port Sc is located outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the second vertical member 25 (in other words, the harness connection port Sc is positioned so that it does not overlap with the second vertical member 25 in the vehicle front-rear direction).

[0149] Specifically, the second vertical member 25, which supports the sensor support 11 from the rear of the vehicle, is located behind the sensor support 11.

[0150] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the sensor body Sa is positioned in the sensor opening V1 that penetrates in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in a plan view from one of the longitudinal directions of the vehicle, at least a portion of the sensor opening V1 in the vehicle width direction is positioned outward with respect to the second longitudinal member 25 in the vehicle width direction.

[0151] In the illustrated example, approximately the left half of the sensor opening V1 is positioned outward relative to the second vertical member 25 in the vehicle width direction and does not overlap with the second vertical member 25 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The sensor support portion 11 supports the sensor device S such that the harness connection port Sc is positioned in the portion of the sensor opening V1 that is positioned outward relative to the second vertical member 25.

[0152] With this structure, when the sensor support member 1 is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2, the worker can easily install the sensor device S to the sensor support part 11 from the rear side (inside the vehicle).

[0153] Furthermore, since the harness connection port Sc of the sensor device S can be easily accessed from the rear (inside) of the vehicle, tasks such as wiring the sensor device S can be easily performed.

[0154] Furthermore, when the sensor support member 1 deforms due to an impact load from the front of the vehicle, causing the sensor device S to be displaced towards the rear of the vehicle, contact with the second vertical member 25 of the harness connection port Sc is suppressed.

[0155] This helps to suppress damage to the harness connection port Sc and its surrounding area.

[0156] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the sensor support member 1 has a first connection portion 14, a second connection portion 15, and a third connection portion 16 as a structure to increase the support rigidity of the sensor device S.

[0157] The provision of these connection parts 14, 15, and 16 further ensures the suppression of displacement of the sensor device S and further ensures the maintenance of detection accuracy of the sensor device S.

[0158] In the illustrated example, the sensor support member 1 has all of the first connection portion 14, the second connection portion 15, and the third connection portion 16, but the sensor support member 1 may have at least one of the first connection portion 14, the second connection portion 15, and the third connection portion 16.

[0159] In this embodiment, the first connection part 14 corresponds to the "sensor-side connection part" according to the present invention, and the second connection part 15 corresponds to the "vehicle body-side connection part" according to the present invention.

[0160] The first connection portion 14 bulges outward in the direction of the vehicle's interior and exterior, and extends from the second vehicle body connection portion 12B along the arrangement of the first sensor fixing portion 111 and the second sensor fixing portion 112.

[0161] As a result, the first connection part 14 connects the second vehicle body connection part 12B to the first sensor fixing part 111 and the second sensor fixing part 112, or their vicinity.

[0162] Specifically, the first sensor fixing portion 111 and the second sensor fixing portion 112 are arranged circumferentially around the sensor opening V1.

[0163] In the illustrated example, the first connecting portion 14 is convex, bulging out towards the rear of the vehicle. The first connecting portion 14 extends upward from the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B, passing near the first sensor fixing portion 111, and then extends to the left, passing the second sensor fixing portion 112, to a position beyond the second sensor fixing portion 112.

[0164] In this embodiment, the first sensor fixing part 111 and the second sensor fixing part 112 correspond to the "multiple sensor fixing parts" according to the present invention.

[0165] With this structure, the rigidity of the sensor support portion 11, particularly the rigidity around the first sensor fixing portion 111 and the second sensor fixing portion 112, is increased, and the support rigidity of the sensor device S is further enhanced.

[0166] The second connecting section 15 bulges outward and inward from the vehicle, connecting the first vehicle body connecting section 12A and the second vehicle body connecting section 12B in the vertical direction.

[0167] Specifically, the second connection portion 15 is convex in shape, bulging out towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0168] The second connecting portion 15 extends vertically between the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B and the upper edge of the sensor support member 1. The upper end of the second connecting portion 15 is connected to the left end of the right first vehicle body connecting portion 12A, and the lower end of the second connecting portion 15 is connected to the upper and right ends of the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B.

[0169] With this structure, the sensor support portion 11 is connected vertically to the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A via the second connecting portion 15. This increases the rigidity of the sensor support portion 11 and the support rigidity of the sensor device S.

[0170] The third connection section 16 connects the second sensor fixing section 112 to the left and right first vehicle body connecting sections 12A. Specifically, the third connection section 16 includes a horizontal connection section 161 and a vertical connection section 162.

[0171] The lateral connection section 161 connects one (left) first vehicle body connection section 12A in the vehicle width direction with the other (right) first vehicle body connection section 12A in the vehicle width direction.

[0172] The vertical connection portion 162 bulges outward in the direction of the vehicle's interior and exterior, and connects the horizontal connection portion 161 and the second sensor fixing portion 112, which is provided on the upper side of the sensor support portion 11, in the vertical direction.

[0173] In this embodiment, the second sensor fixing portion 112 corresponds to the "sensor fixing portion provided on one side in the vertical direction of the sensor support portion to which the sensor device is fixed" according to the present invention.

[0174] Specifically, the lateral connection portion 161 is provided between the left and right first vehicle body connecting portions 12A on the upper edge of the sensor support member 1.

[0175] The lateral connection portion 161 is flange-shaped, protruding to the rear of the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction. Both ends of the lateral connection portion 161 in the vehicle width direction are connected to the inner ends in the vehicle width direction of the left and right first vehicle body connecting portions 12A. The longitudinal connection portion 162 is convex, bulging out to the rear of the vehicle.

[0176] The vertical connection portion 162 extends vertically between the horizontal connection portion 161 and the sensor support portion 11. The upper end of the vertical connection portion 162 is connected to the horizontal connection portion 161, and the lower end of the vertical connection portion 162 is connected to the second sensor fixing portion 112.

[0177] In the illustrated example, the vertical connection portion 162 has an inverted T-shape, with its lower end extending in the vehicle width direction along the upper edge of the opening edge of the sensor opening V1, and this lower end extends outward in both directions in the vehicle width direction relative to the second sensor fixing portion 112.

[0178] With this structure, the rigidity of the sensor support portion 11, particularly around the second sensor fixing portion 112, is increased, and the support rigidity of the sensor device S is further enhanced.

[0179] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the portion of the upper edge of the sensor support member 1 between the left and right first vehicle body connecting portions 12A protrudes upward relative to the left and right first vehicle body connecting portions 12A. This increases the rigidity of the portion between the left and right first vehicle body connecting portions 12A.

[0180] Next, the vehicle body structural member 2 will be described in detail.

[0181] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the upper end portion 25a of the second vertical member 25 is connected to the rear side (inside the vehicle) of the first horizontal member 21.

[0182] Furthermore, the sensor support portion 11 is supported by the second vertical member 25, as described above.

[0183] A space is provided between the sensor support member 1 and the upper end portion 25a in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (vehicle's inward and outward direction).

[0184] In this embodiment, the upper end portion 25a corresponds to "one end portion in the vertical direction of the vertical member" according to the present invention, and the first horizontal member 21 corresponds to "one horizontal member in the vertical direction" according to the present invention.

[0185] Specifically, the first transverse member 21 is formed in a U-shape or C-shape that is open downwards when viewed from one side in the vehicle width direction, and has a rear wall 21a, a front wall 21b, and an upper wall 21c arranged on the rear, front, and upper sides, respectively.

[0186] The rear wall 21a and the front wall 21b are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the upper wall 21c connects the upper end of the rear wall 21a and the upper end of the front wall 21b in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0187] The upper end portion 25a of the second vertical member 25 is positioned on the front surface of the rear wall 21a, which is the front surface of the vehicle, and is connected (joined) to that front surface.

[0188] As a result, the upper end portion 25a is positioned away from the sensor support member 1 located at the front of the vehicle on the first horizontal member 21, and a space in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is provided between the upper part of the sensor support member 1 and the upper part of the second vertical member 25, including the upper end portion 25a.

[0189] The second vertical member 25 may be positioned on the rear surface of the rear wall 21a, which is the rear side of the rear wall 21a, rather than on the front surface of the rear wall 21a, and connected (joined) to the rear surface.

[0190] In Patent Document 1, the frame material supporting the radar antenna is fixed to the vehicle body side member by a fixing bracket provided on the outer edge in the vehicle width direction.

[0191] Thus, when the sensor support member is fixed (connected) to the vehicle body structural member, it is desirable that there be space behind the sensor support member for routing the sensor device harness and other related tasks.

[0192] According to this embodiment, by connecting the upper end portion 25a of the second vertical member 25 to the rear side of the vehicle on the first horizontal member 21, it is possible to easily secure space in the front-rear direction of the vehicle between at least the upper part of the sensor support member 1 and the upper part of the second vertical member 25.

[0193] Furthermore, this space can be used to easily route the harness H of the sensor device S (see Figure 10).

[0194] In particular, when other sensor devices S' (for example, a camera or other imaging device) that detect electrical components or the external environment are installed above the sensor support portion 11 of the sensor support member 1, the wiring of the harness H' for the other sensor device S' can be easily performed (see Figure 10).

[0195] If other sensor devices S' are provided, an opening is provided above the sensor support portion 11 of the sensor support member 1 that penetrates in the direction of the vehicle inward and outward. The sensor body of the other sensor device S' may be inserted through this opening, or the harness H' of the other sensor device S', which is positioned in front of the opening, may be inserted through the opening to the rear of the vehicle.

[0196] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower sensor support portion 11 of the sensor support member 1 is supported by a protruding portion 251 that protrudes forward of the vehicle.

[0197] As a result, a space is provided between the sensor support member 11 and the second vertical member 25 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and consequently, a space extending vertically can be secured between the sensor support member 1 and the second vertical member 25.

[0198] Furthermore, when an impact load from the front of the vehicle acts on the sensor support member 1, deformation of the sensor support member 1 is permitted by the amount of space available. This promotes the deformation of the sensor support member 1, allowing the impact energy to be absorbed as deformation energy of the sensor support member 1.

[0199] In this embodiment, the joint between the first horizontal member 21 and the second vertical member 25 is inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it extends from top to bottom.

[0200] Specifically, the joint is formed from the rear wall 21a of the first horizontal member 21 and the upper end portion 25a of the second vertical member 25, which are joined together, and the rear wall 21a and the upper end portion 25a are inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as they extend from top to bottom.

[0201] With this structure, the distance in the vehicle's longitudinal direction between the upper part of the sensor support member 1 and the upper part of the second vertical member 25 increases from top to bottom, making it easy to secure a wider space in the vehicle's longitudinal direction between the sensor support member 1 and the second vertical member 25.

[0202] Furthermore, compared to the case where the rear wall 21a is parallel in the vertical direction, the length between the lower and upper ends of the inclined rear wall 21a increases, so the contact area between the rear wall 21a and the second vertical member 25 increases, and the support rigidity of the second vertical member 25 by the first horizontal member 21 increases. This makes it possible to further increase the support rigidity of the sensor support member 1.

[0203] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the second vertical member 25 has a bent portion 252 that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle, and a bead 253 is formed that extends vertically through the bent portion 252.

[0204] Specifically, the second vertical member 25 is bent forward (outward from the vehicle) below its upper end portion 25a, thereby forming a bent portion 252 below the upper end portion 25a.

[0205] The second vertical member 25 includes a first portion 25A1 above the bent portion 252 and a second portion 25A2 below the bent portion 252.

[0206] The first portion 25A1 includes an upper end portion 25a that forms the aforementioned joint, and is inclined towards the rear of the vehicle as it extends from top to bottom.

[0207] In the illustrated example, the second part 25A2 extends parallel or substantially parallel in the vertical direction.

[0208] The bead 253 is convex, bulging towards the front (or rear) of the vehicle, and is formed spanning the first portion 25A1 and the second portion 25A2, passing through the bent portion 252.

[0209] With this structure, in a structure where the joint is inclined, by providing the bent portion 252, an appropriate distance can be secured between the sensor support member 1 and the second vertical member 25 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, so that the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is properly connected to the second vertical member 25.

[0210] Furthermore, the rigidity of the second vertical member 25 is increased by providing a bead 253 in the area including the bent portion 252 of the second vertical member 25.

[0211] This makes it possible to further increase the support rigidity of the sensor support member 1 and the sensor device S.

[0212] In this embodiment, the second vertical member 25 includes a vertical member body 25A that extends in the vertical direction and is connected to two horizontal members (21, 22), and a connecting member 25B that is connected to the vertical member body 25A.

[0213] In the illustrated example, in a plan view from one end of the vehicle's front-rear direction, the vertical member body 25A is a roughly rectangular member that is long in the vertical direction and includes the aforementioned upper end portion 25a, extension portion 25b, first portion 25A1, second portion 25A2, bent portion 252, and bead 253. The connecting member 25B is a member that forms the protruding portion 251.

[0214] Therefore, the connecting member 25B has the aforementioned fixing hole 251a and positioning hole 251b formed therein, and the sensor support portion 11 (specifically, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B) is connected to the connecting member 25B.

[0215] The connecting member 25B is connected to the bead 253, which has high rigidity, of the vertical member body 25A.

[0216] With this structure, the support rigidity of the sensor support section 11 by the second vertical member 25, and consequently the support rigidity of the sensor device S, is further increased.

[0217] In particular, the rigidity of the vertical member body 25A is increased in the vertical direction, which is the direction of extension of the bead 253. As a result, the support rigidity of the sensor support section 11 and the sensor device S is increased in the vertical direction, making it possible to realize a support structure for the sensor device S that is particularly resistant to vibrations in the vertical direction.

[0218] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the connecting member 25B has a hat shape that is convex towards the front (outside the vehicle) of the vehicle when viewed from one side in the vertical direction.

[0219] Specifically, the connecting member 25B includes a pair of flange portions 25B1 arranged at intervals from each other in the vehicle width direction, a pair of side walls 25B2 projecting forward from the inner ends of the pair of flange portions 25B1 in the vehicle width direction, and a front wall 25B3 connecting the front ends of the pair of side walls 25B2 in the vehicle width direction.

[0220] The bead 253 is arranged in the vehicle width direction with a gap between them, and includes a first bead 253a and a second bead 253b to which a pair of flange portions 25B1 are connected (fixed).

[0221] The first bead 253a and the second bead 253b are formed on the vertical member body 25A, at least on the portion to which the connecting member 25B is connected.

[0222] In the illustrated example, the bead 253 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the vertical member body 25A and is bifurcated at an intermediate position in the vertical direction.

[0223] In other words, the bead 253 includes a third bead 253c that extends downward from the upper end of the vertical member body 25A to a position beyond the bent portion 252, and a first bead 253a and a second bead 253b that extend continuously from the lower end of the third bead 253c to the lower end of the vertical member body 25A, respectively. The first bead 253a and the second bead 253b are formed in the lower part of the vertical member body 25A, including the extended portion 25b.

[0224] With this structure, the pair of flange portions 25B1 are connected to the first bead 253a and the second bead 253b, respectively, which have increased rigidity, thereby increasing the support rigidity of the connecting member 25B by the vertical member body 25A.

[0225] This further increases the support rigidity of the sensor support section 11 and the sensor device S.

[0226] In particular, the support rigidity of the sensor support section 11 and the sensor device S is increased in the vertical direction, making it possible to achieve a support structure for the sensor device S that is resistant to vertical vibrations.

[0227] Furthermore, because the bead 253 is formed on the vertical member body 25A over its entire vertical range, the overall rigidity of the vertical member body 25A is increased, and the support rigidity of the sensor support section 11 and the sensor device S is further enhanced.

[0228] Furthermore, the connection of the first bead 253a and the second bead 253b to the third bead 253c increases the rigidity of the first bead 253a and the second bead 253b, thereby further increasing the support rigidity of the sensor support section 11 and the sensor device S.

[0229] Furthermore, because the connecting member 25B that forms the protruding portion 251 is hat-shaped, it promotes the deformation of the connecting member 25B due to impact loads from the front of the vehicle, and the impact energy can be absorbed as deformation energy of the connecting member 25B.

[0230] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the second vertical member 25 is connected to the front side (outside of the vehicle) of the second horizontal member 22.

[0231] In the illustrated example, the second transverse member 22 is formed in a U-shape or C-shape that is open downwards when viewed from one side in the vehicle width direction, and has a rear wall 22a, a front wall 22b, and an upper wall 22c arranged on the rear, front, and upper sides, respectively.

[0232] The rear wall 22a and the front wall 22b are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the upper wall 22c connects the upper end of the rear wall 22a and the upper end of the front wall 22b in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0233] The lower part of the second vertical member 25 is connected (fixed) to the front surface of the front wall 22b, which is the front side of the vehicle, by welding or the like from the front of the vehicle.

[0234] With this structure, the support rigidity of the sensor support member 1 in the vehicle longitudinal direction (vehicle inward / outward direction) by the second transverse member 22 is increased, and as a result, the support rigidity of the sensor device S is further increased, especially in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0235] The front wall 22b of the second transverse member 22, which is the outer wall on the outside of the vehicle, is curved such that the area to which the second vertical member 25 is connected is recessed towards the rear (inward) of the vehicle (see Figure 1).

[0236] In the illustrated example, the front wall 22b is curved such that the central part in the vehicle width direction to which the second longitudinal member 25 is connected is recessed towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0237] With this structure, as shown in Figure 7, the second portion 25A2 can be made into a straight or substantially straight shape extending straight in the vertical direction when viewed from the side, making it easier to ensure the rigidity of the second vertical member 25.

[0238] In the illustrated example, the left end of the first transverse member 21 and the left end of the second transverse member are located at the same or approximately the same position in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the right end of the first transverse member 21 and the right end of the second transverse member are located at the same or approximately the same position in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0239] Furthermore, the first transverse member 21 is curved such that its central portion in the vehicle width direction protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle, and the second transverse member 22 is curved such that its central portion in the vehicle width direction protrudes toward the front of the vehicle.

[0240] This allows the second vertical member 25, whose second portion 25A2 is linear or substantially linear in shape, to be easily connected to the rear side of the vehicle on the first horizontal member 21 and the front side of the vehicle on the second horizontal member 22.

[0241] Furthermore, since the first horizontal member 21 and the second horizontal member 22 are arranged to overlap each other in the vertical direction, the overall length of the sensor support member 1 (vertical dimension and vehicle front-to-rear dimension) can be shortened, thereby suppressing displacement of the sensor support member 1 and, consequently, the sensor support portion 11.

[0242] Figure 6 illustrates the preferred relative positional relationship between the sensor support member 1 and the second vertical member 25. X1 and X2 indicate the vehicle width direction positions of the right and left ends of the right first vehicle body connecting portion 12A, respectively, and X3 and X4 indicate the vehicle width direction positions of the right and left ends of the left first vehicle body connecting portion 12A, respectively.

[0243] Y1 and Y2 indicate the vehicle width direction positions of the right and left ends of the second vertical member 25, respectively. S1, S2, and S3 indicate the vehicle width direction positions of the first sensor fixing part 111, the second sensor fixing part 112, and the third sensor fixing part 113, respectively.

[0244] B1 and B2 indicate the vehicle width directions of the right and left ends of the protruding portion 251 (connecting member 25B), respectively, while B3 and B4 indicate the vehicle width directions of the positioning hole 251b and the fixing hole 251a, respectively.

[0245] The second vertical member 25 is positioned so as to partially overlap with the first body connecting portion 12A in the vehicle width direction, and is connected to the first horizontal member 21 below the first body connecting portion 12A.

[0246] Specifically, the right portion of the upper end of the second vertical member 25 is connected to the first horizontal member 21 below the left end of the right first vehicle body connecting portion 12A (see X1, X2, Y1 in Figure 6 and Figure 4). The joint between the first horizontal member 21 and the second vertical member 25 has particularly high rigidity.

[0247] The positioning of the right first vehicle body connecting portion 12A adjacent to this joint increases the support rigidity of the sensor support member 1 by the vehicle body structural member 2 via the right first vehicle body connecting portion 12A.

[0248] The connecting member 25B that forms the protruding portion 251 is connected to the vertical member body 25A below the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A.

[0249] Specifically, the right flange portion 25B1 is located below the left end of the right first vehicle body coupling portion 12A (see X1, X2, and B1).

[0250] This arrangement increases the support rigidity of the sensor support member 1 by the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0251] The first sensor fixing portion 111 is positioned in a range that overlaps with the protruding portion 251 in the vehicle width direction (see S1, B1, and B2).

[0252] With this arrangement, the distance from the first sensor fixing part 111 to the protruding part 251 becomes shorter, which increases the rigidity around the first sensor fixing part 111 and thus increases the support rigidity of the sensor device S.

[0253] Preferably, the first sensor fixing portion 111 is positioned in the vehicle width direction in a range that overlaps with the area to which the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B of the protruding portion 251 is connected (i.e., the area between the fixing hole 251a and the positioning hole 251b) (see S1, B3 and B4).

[0254] This arrangement further increases the rigidity around the first sensor fixing part 111.

[0255] The third sensor fixing part 113 is located below the left first vehicle body connecting part 12A (see S3, X3 and X4), and in particular, it is located below the fixing hole 12A1 into which a connecting member such as a bolt is inserted.

[0256] With this arrangement, the highly rigid first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is located above the third sensor fixing portion 113, thus increasing the support rigidity of the sensor device S.

[0257] 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.

[0258] For example, in the embodiment described above, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 from above in the vertical direction, but the direction in which the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 is not limited to this, and may be in other directions.

[0259] For example, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A may be connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 from below in the vertical direction, or it may be connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 from the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0260] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is provided on the upper edge of the sensor support member 1, but the arrangement of the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is not limited to this, and the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A may be arranged at other positions on the sensor support member 1.

[0261] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the sensor support member 1.

[0262] In this modified example, the first vehicle body connecting portion 121A is positioned between the upper edge of the sensor support member 1 and the sensor support portion 11 in the vertical direction.

[0263] In this case, the first vehicle body connecting portion 121A may be connected to a portion of the vehicle body structural member 2 other than the first transverse member 21.

[0264] The first vehicle body coupling section 121A, like the first vehicle body coupling section 12A, is provided to the left and right of the sensor support section 11 in the vehicle width direction.

[0265] The first vehicle body connecting portion 121A bulges out towards the rear of the vehicle, and the bottom of the first vehicle body connecting portion 121A abuts against the vehicle body structural member 2 from the front of the vehicle, connecting it to the vehicle body structural member 2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0266] Thus, the direction in which the first vehicle body connecting portion 121A is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 is the vehicle's longitudinal direction (vehicle's inward and outward direction).

[0267] The vehicle body coupling section 12 may include both the first vehicle body coupling section 12A and the first vehicle body coupling section 121A, or it may include only one of them.

[0268] In the embodiment described above, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction (vehicle inward / outward direction). However, the direction in which the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected to the vehicle body structural member 2 is not limited to this, and other directions may be used.

[0269] For example, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B may be configured to be connected vertically to the vehicle body structural member 2.

[0270] Thus, in the above-described embodiment, the connection direction of the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A may be set to the front-rear direction, and the connection direction of the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B may be set to the up-down direction.

[0271] Furthermore, as in the embodiment described above, it is preferable that the connection direction of the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A to the vehicle body structural member 2 and the connection direction of the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B to the vehicle body structural member 2 are different from each other, but they may also be the same.

[0272] In the above-described embodiment, the protruding portion 251 (connecting member 25B) is positioned below the second horizontal member 22 in the vertical direction, but the arrangement of the protruding portion 251 is not limited to this.

[0273] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the protrusion 251 may be provided on the portion of the second vertical member 25 between the first horizontal member 21 and the second horizontal member 22 in the vertical direction.

[0274] In this case, the second vertical member 25 does not need to have an extension portion 25b.

[0275] With this structure, the second vertical member 25 is connected (fixed) to the first horizontal member 21 and the second horizontal member 22 on both the vertical and horizontal sides with respect to the protrusion 251. As a result, the rigidity of the area around the protrusion 251 of the second vertical member 25 is increased, and deformation around the protrusion 251 can be suppressed.

[0276] Furthermore, this increases the support rigidity of the sensor support section 11.

[0277] In the embodiment described above, the second vertical member 25 is composed of a vertical member body 25A and a connecting member 25B which is a separate member from the vertical member body 25A, and the protruding portion 251 is formed from the connecting member 25B, but the specific form of the second vertical member 25 is not limited to this.

[0278] For example, the second vertical member 25 may be composed of a single member, and the protruding portion 251 may be formed by processing a part of the member constituting the second vertical member 25 into a convex shape that bulges out toward the front of the vehicle.

[0279] In the above-described embodiment, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected to the protruding portion 251 of the second vertical member 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B may be connected to other parts of the vehicle body structure member 2.

[0280] For example, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B may be configured to be connected to the extending portion 25b of the second vertical member 25 or the second horizontal member 22.

[0281] In the above-described embodiment, a single second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is provided. However, a plurality of second vehicle body connecting portions 12B may be provided at positions sandwiching the sensor device S in the vertical direction of the second vertical member 25.

[0282] In addition to or instead of being connected to the second vertical member 25, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B may be connected to the second horizontal member 22.

[0283] When the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected to the second horizontal member 22, it is preferable that a plurality of second vehicle body connecting portions 12B are arranged on both sides of the sensor device S in the vehicle width direction.

[0284] When connecting the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B to the second horizontal member 22 instead of the second vertical member 25, the second vertical member 25 may be arranged at a position that does not overlap with the sensor device S in the vehicle longitudinal direction. When the necessary rigidity of the sensor support portion 11 is ensured, the second vertical member 25 may be omitted.

[0285] In the above-described embodiment, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is provided above the sensor support portion 11. However, instead of this, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A may be provided below the sensor support portion 11.

[0286] That is, "one of the up and down directions" according to the present invention may be downward. In this case, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A may be connected to the second horizontal member 22, which is the lower horizontal member of the two horizontal members (21, 22).

[0287] For example, the sensor support portion 11 may be provided on the upper side of the sensor support member 1, and the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A may be provided on the lower edge of the sensor support member 1 and connected to the second lateral member 22.

[0288] In the above-described embodiment, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is provided above the sensor device S, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is provided below the sensor device S. However, the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B may be provided above the sensor device S in the vertical direction. In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is provided on the sensor support portion 11.

[0289] In the embodiment described above, the sensor support member 1 is configured to be supported by the first transverse member 21 and the second transverse member 22. Alternatively, the sensor support member 1 may be configured not to be supported by the first transverse member 21, but to be supported by the second transverse member 22 and the third transverse member 23 (i.e., the "multiple transverse members" according to the present invention may be the second transverse member 22 and the third transverse member 23).

[0290] In the above-described embodiment, the sensor support member 1 is positioned in the center of the vehicle width direction, facing forward, at the front of the vehicle. However, it is not limited to this position and may be positioned at the front, diagonally to the side.

[0291] In other words, in the embodiment described above, the front of the vehicle includes not only the central part in the width direction facing forward, but also the front side part facing diagonally to the front.

[0292] In the embodiment described above, the sensor support member 1 is located at the front of the vehicle, but the location of the sensor support member 1 in the vehicle is not limited to this, and it may be located at other locations such as the rear or side of the vehicle.

[0293] When the sensor support member 1 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, the "inside-outside direction of the vehicle" according to the present invention refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the "outside of the vehicle" according to the present invention refers to the rear of the vehicle, the "inside of the vehicle" according to the present invention refers to the front of the vehicle, and the "width direction" according to the present invention refers to the width direction of the vehicle.

[0294] When the sensor support member 1 is positioned on the side of the vehicle, the "inside-outside direction of the vehicle" according to the present invention is the vehicle width direction, the "outside of the vehicle" according to the present invention is the outside in the vehicle width direction, the "inside of the vehicle" according to the present invention is the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the "width direction" according to the present invention is the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0295] (Second Embodiment) Figure 10 shows a vehicle structure 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0296] Vehicle structure 100 differs from the above-described vehicle structure 10 in that the sensor support portion 11 or its surrounding area is supported from below by the second vertical member 25.

[0297] Specifically, the vehicle structure 100 comprises a sensor support member 101 and a vehicle body structure member 2.

[0298] The sensor support member 101 has the same configuration as the sensor support member 1, except that the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B, which is connected to the second vertical member 25, is provided at the lower end of the sensor support portion 11, rather than on the vehicle side.

[0299] In the vehicle structure 100 shown in Figure 10, elements identical to those in the vehicle structure 10 are given the same reference numerals.

[0300] In this embodiment, the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is provided on or around the sensor support portion 11 and is positioned below the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A in the vertical direction.

[0301] The lower end of the sensor support member 101 abuts against the protruding portion 251 (connecting member 25B) from above, and the second vehicle body connecting portion 12B is connected to the protruding portion 251.

[0302] Thus, even in a structure where the sensor support portion 11 or its periphery is supported from below by the second vertical member 25, a space can be provided in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the sensor support member 1 and the second vertical member 25, similar to the vehicle structure 10.

[0303] In addition, the support rigidity of the sensor support member 1 in the vertical direction by the vehicle body structure member 2 is increased, and a support structure for the sensor device S that is particularly resistant to vertical vibration can be realized.

[0304] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the upper end portion of the sensor support member 101 may be connected in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the first horizontal member 21 via the connecting portion 18. In that case, the vertical connection to the first horizontal member 21 by the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A is not necessarily required (in this case, the connecting portion 18 may function as the "first vehicle body connecting portion" according to the present invention). When there is no vertical connection by the first vehicle body connecting portion 12A, the protruding portion 251 may be vertically connected to the lower portion of the sensor support portion 11.

[0305] That is, the following technical matters are described in this specification as reference examples of the present invention. [Appendix 1] A vehicle body structure member (2) of a vehicle, A sensor support member (1, 101) disposed outside the vehicle of the vehicle body structure member (2), supported by the vehicle body structure member (2), and extending in the vertical direction, The sensor support member (1, 101) has a sensor support portion (11) that supports a sensor device (S) for detecting an external vehicle environment, and is a vehicle structure (10, 100), The vehicle body structure member (2) A plurality of horizontal members (21, 22) arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, A vertical member (25) that connects the plurality of horizontal members (21, 22) in the vertical direction, One end (25a) of the vertical member (25) in the vertical direction is connected to the vehicle side of the horizontal member (21) on the vertical side of the plurality of horizontal members (21, 22). The sensor support portion (11) or its surrounding area is supported by the vertical member (25). A vehicle structure (10,100) characterized in that a space is provided in the inward and outward direction of the vehicle between the sensor support member (1,101) and the end portion (25a) of the vertical member (25). [Note 2] The vehicle structure (10,100) according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the joint between the end portion (25a) of the vertical member (25) and the horizontal member (21) on one side in the vertical direction is inclined inward towards the vehicle as it moves from one side to the other in the vertical direction. [Note 3] The aforementioned vertical member (25) is The other end (25a) is provided in the vertical direction and has a bent portion (252) that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle, The vehicle structure (10,100) according to Appendix 2, characterized in that a bead (253) extending vertically through the bent portion (252) is formed. [Note 4] The aforementioned vertical member (25) is A vertical member body (25A) extending in the vertical direction and connected to the plurality of horizontal members (21, 22), The sensor support member (1,101) includes a connecting member (25B) to which the sensor support portion (11) or its periphery is connected, The vehicle structure (10,100) according to Appendix 3, characterized in that the connecting member (25B) is connected to the bead (253) of the vertical member body (25A). [Note 5] The connecting member (25B) has a hat shape that protrudes outward from the vehicle when viewed from one side in the vertical direction. The vehicle structure (10,100) according to Appendix 4, characterized in that the bead (253) is arranged in a width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and includes a first bead (253a) and a second bead (253b) to which the flange portions (25B1) on both sides in the width direction of the connecting member (25B) are connected, respectively. [Note 6] The vehicle structure (10,100) according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the vertical member (25) is connected to the outside of the vehicle on the other horizontal member (22) in the vertical direction among the plurality of horizontal members (21,22). [Note 7] The vehicle structure (10,100) according to Appendix 6, characterized in that the outer wall (22b) of the other side of the transverse member (22) in the vertical direction is curved such that the area to which the vertical member (25) is connected is recessed inward into the vehicle.

[0306] The claims of the original application at the time of filing are as follows: [Claim 1] The vehicle's body structure member is positioned on the outside of the vehicle and includes a sensor support member that extends vertically. The sensor support member is A vehicle body connecting portion connected to the aforementioned vehicle body structural member, A vehicle structure having a sensor support portion that supports a sensor device for detecting the external environment of the vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle body connecting section is A first vehicle body connecting portion is provided on one side in the vertical direction relative to the sensor support portion and is connected to the vehicle body structural member, A vehicle structure characterized by including a second vehicle body connecting portion provided on the inside of the vehicle in the sensor support portion and connected to the vehicle body structural member. [Claim 2] The direction in which the first vehicle body connecting portion is connected to the vehicle body structural member is vertical. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the direction of connection of the second vehicle body connecting portion to the vehicle body structural member is in the direction of inward and outward movement of the vehicle. [Claim 3] The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first vehicle body connecting portion is provided on one side and the other side of the sensor support portion in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. [Claim 4] The vehicle structure comprises the vehicle body structural members, The aforementioned vehicle body structural member is Multiple horizontal members arranged with spacing between them in the vertical direction, It has vertical members that connect the plurality of horizontal members in the vertical direction, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second vehicle body connecting portion is connected to the vertical member. [Claim 5] One end of the vertical member in the vertical direction is connected to the vehicle side of one of the horizontal members in the vertical direction among the plurality of horizontal members. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, characterized in that a space in the inward and outward direction of the vehicle is provided between the sensor support member and the end of the vertical member. [Claim 6] The vehicle structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the vertical member has a projection that protrudes outward from the vehicle and supports the second vehicle body connecting portion from the inside of the vehicle. [Claim 7] The first vehicle body connecting portion is connected to one of the horizontal members in the vertical direction among the plurality of horizontal members, The vehicle structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, in a side view from one of the width directions perpendicular to the vertical direction, a closed structure is formed by the sensor support member, the horizontal member on one of the vertical directions, and the vertical member. [Claim 8] The sensor device is provided with a harness connection port on the inside of the vehicle to which the harness is connected. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor support portion supports the sensor device such that the harness connection port is located outside the vertical member in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. [Claim 9] The sensor support portion has a plurality of sensor fixing portions to which the sensor device is fixed. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor support member bulges outward in the direction inward and outward of the vehicle and has a sensor-side connection portion that extends from the second vehicle body connecting portion along the arrangement of the plurality of sensor fixing portions. [Claim 10] The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor support member bulges outward in the direction of the inward and outward movement of the vehicle and has a vehicle body side connecting portion that connects the first vehicle body connecting portion and the second vehicle body connecting portion. [Claim 11] The sensor support portion has a sensor fixing portion provided on one of the vertical sides of the sensor support portion to which the sensor device is fixed. The sensor support member is A lateral connecting portion that connects one of the first vehicle body connecting portions in the width direction and the other of the first vehicle body connecting portions in the width direction, A vertical connection portion that protrudes in the direction of the vehicle's interior and exterior, and connects the lateral connection portion and the sensor fixing portion, The vehicle structure according to claim 3, characterized by having the following: [Claim 12] Vehicle body structural members, The vehicle body structural member comprises a sensor support member that is positioned on the outside of the vehicle and extends in the vertical direction, The aforementioned vehicle body structural member is Multiple horizontal members arranged with spacing between them in the vertical direction, It has vertical members that connect the plurality of horizontal members in the vertical direction, The sensor support member is A vehicle body connecting portion connected to the aforementioned vehicle body structural member, A vehicle structure having a sensor support portion that supports a sensor device for detecting the external environment of the vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle body connecting section is A first vehicle body connecting portion connected to the aforementioned vehicle body structural member, It includes a second vehicle body connecting portion which is positioned at a distance from the first vehicle body connecting portion in the vertical direction and is connected to the vehicle body structural member, A vehicle structure characterized in that the second vehicle body connecting portion is connected to the vertical member. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0307] 10. Vehicle Structure 1. Sensor support member 11 Sensor support section 111 First sensor fixing part 112 Second sensor fixing part 113 Third sensor fixing part 114 Positioning protrusion 12. Body coupling section 12A, 121A First car body coupling section 12A1 Fixing hole 12B Second car body coupling section 12B1 Fixing hole 12B2 Positioning protrusion 13 Ventilation section 14. First connection part (sensor side connection part) 15. Second connection point (vehicle body side connection point) 16. Third connection section 161 Lateral connection section 162 Vertical connection section 17 Protrusion 17a Peripheral wall 18 Connection part 2. Body structural members 21 1st horizontal member 21a Back wall 21b Front wall 21c upper wall 21d fixing hole 22 Second horizontal member 22a Back wall 22b Front wall 22c upper wall 23 Third horizontal member 24 First vertical member 25. Second vertical member (vertical member) 25a Upper end (end) 25b Extension 251 Protrusion 251a Fixing hole 251b Positioning hole 252 Bending section 253 Bead 253a First bead 253b Second bead 253c Third bead 25A Vertical Member Body 25A1 Part 1 25A2 2nd part 25B Connecting member 25B1 Tsubabe 25B2 side wall 25B3 Front wall 3. Exterior Panels 31 Detection wave passage section 32 openings 100 Vehicle Structure 101 Sensor support member S Sensor Device Sa Sensor Unit Sb Sensor Bracket Sc harness connection port V1 Sensor Aperture V2 ventilation holes

Claims

1. Vehicle body structural members, The vehicle comprises a sensor support member positioned on the outside of the vehicle body structural member, supported by the vehicle body structural member, and extending in the vertical direction, The aforementioned sensor support member is a vehicle structure having a sensor support portion that supports a sensor device for detecting the external environment of the vehicle, The vehicle body structural member comprises a transverse member extending in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a vertical member extending in the vertical direction. One end of the vertical member in the vertical direction is connected to the vehicle side of the horizontal member. The sensor support portion or its surrounding area is supported by the vertical member. A vehicle structure characterized in that a space is provided between the sensor support member and the end of the vertical member in the direction of inward and outward of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint between the end of the vertical member and the horizontal member is inclined inward towards the vehicle as it moves from one side to the other in the vertical direction.

3. The aforementioned vertical member is The other end is provided in the vertical direction and has a bent portion that protrudes inward from the vehicle, The vehicle structure according to claim 2, characterized in that a bead extending vertically through the bent portion is formed.

4. The aforementioned vertical member is A vertical member body extending in the vertical direction and connected to the horizontal member, The sensor support member comprises a connecting member to which the sensor support portion or its periphery is connected, The vehicle structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting member is connected to the bead of the vertical member body.

5. The aforementioned connecting member, in a plan view from one side in the vertical direction, is hat-shaped, convex outward from the vehicle. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the bead is arranged in the width direction and includes a first bead and a second bead which connect to the flange portions on both sides in the width direction of the connecting member, respectively.

6. The vehicle body structural member extends in the width direction and includes another transverse member that is spaced apart from the transverse member on the other side in the vertical direction. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vertical member is connected to the outside of the vehicle on the other horizontal member.

7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer wall of the other horizontal member on the outside of the vehicle is curved such that the area to which the vertical member is connected is recessed inward.

8. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that another sensor device is arranged on one side in the vertical direction relative to the aforementioned sensor device.

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