Electromagnetic wave transmission cover and sensor module

Abstract

To suppress water and dust from sticking on an electromagnetic wave transmission part of a sensor device.SOLUTION: A sensor device 25 of a sensor module 20 is fitted to a body 11 of a vehicle 10. An electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 is fitted to a front grille 12 of the vehicle 10. The sensor device 25 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves through the electromagnetic wave transmission part 26a. The electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 has a cover body part 31 which covers the sensor device 25 from before in the transmission direction of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 further comprises a seal member 40 which seals a gap G1 between the sensor device 25 and cover body part 31. The seal member 40 comprises a fitting base part 41 which is fitted to the cover body part 31 while surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part 26a and an annular hollow seal part 45 which is coupled to the fitting base part 41 and comes into contact with the sensor device 25 while surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part 26a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic wave transmission cover that covers a sensor device from the front in the electromagnetic wave transmission direction, and a sensor module including such a sensor device and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover.

Background Art

[0002] A sensor module including a sensor device and an electromagnetic wave transmission cover is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. The sensor device is attached to a vehicle and transmits electromagnetic waves such as near-infrared rays toward the outside of the vehicle. The sensor device receives the electromagnetic waves reflected by an object outside the vehicle. Based on the transmitted and received electromagnetic waves, the sensor device performs recognition of the object outside the vehicle, detection of the distance between the vehicle and the object, detection of the relative speed between the vehicle and the object, and the like. An electromagnetic wave transmission portion is formed at the front end portion of the case constituting the outer shell portion of the sensor device. In the sensor device, transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves are performed through this electromagnetic wave transmission portion.

[0003] The skeleton portion of the electromagnetic wave transmission cover is constituted by a cover main body portion. The cover main body portion covers the sensor device from the front in the electromagnetic wave transmission direction. Furthermore, in the sensor module described in Patent Document 1, the sensor device and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover are separately attached to the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the sensor module described in Patent Document 1 above, water and dust enter through the gap between the sensor device and the cover main body. When water and dust adhere to the electromagnetic wave transmission part, the electromagnetic waves are absorbed by the water and dust. Therefore, there is a risk that the detection performance of the sensor device will deteriorate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Each aspect of the electromagnetic wave transmission cover and the sensor module for solving the above problems is described. [Aspect 1] It is applied to a vehicle to which a sensor device having an electromagnetic wave transmission part and transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through the electromagnetic wave transmission part is attached, and is an electromagnetic wave transmission cover having a cover main body part attached to the vehicle and covering the sensor device from the front in the transmission direction of the electromagnetic waves, further comprising a sealing member for sealing the gap between the sensor device and the cover main body part, the sealing member comprising a mounting base attached to the cover main body part in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part, and an annular hollow sealing part coupled to the mounting base and contacting the sensor device in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the sensor device and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover are each attached to the vehicle, a gap is generated between the sensor device and the cover main body part. However, in this gap, at the location surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part, a sealing member having a mounting base and an annular hollow sealing part is disposed. The mounting base is attached to the cover main body part in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part. The hollow sealing part is coupled to the mounting base and contacts the sensor device in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part.

[0008] The above sealing member restricts water and dust from entering through between the sealing member and the sensor device into the region surrounded by the sealing member among the above gaps. Therefore, it becomes difficult for water and dust to adhere to the electromagnetic wave transmission part located in the above region.

[0009] [Aspect 2] In the projection plane that is orthogonal to the transmission direction and on which the sensor device and the hollow seal portion are projected, when the direction approaching the center portion of each of the sensor device and the hollow seal portion is defined as the inward direction with reference to the center portions of the sensor device and the hollow seal portion, the entire hollow seal portion in contact with the sensor device is disposed more inward than the outer surface of the sensor device. The electromagnetic wave transmission cover according to [Aspect 1].

[0010] Here, in order to remove dirt adhering to the sensor device and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover, high-pressure washing water may be sprayed from the rear in the above transmission direction onto the sensor device and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover. When the washing water is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion, there is a risk that the hollow seal portion may elastically deform toward the side away from the sensor device due to the water pressure of the washing water. In this case, there is a concern that the washing water may enter the region surrounded by the seal member among the above gaps through between the hollow seal portion and the sensor device and adhere to the electromagnetic wave transmission portion.

[0011] In this regard, when the sensor device and the hollow seal portion have the above positional relationship, since the outer surface of the sensor device is located more outward than the hollow seal portion, at least a part of the high-pressure washing water is blocked by the sensor device. The phenomenon that the washing water is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion is less likely to occur. Therefore, elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion due to spraying of the washing water is less likely to occur, and intrusion of the washing water into the above region is less likely to occur.

[0012] [Aspect 3] The cover main body portion has a plate-shaped portion disposed in front of the sensor device in the transmission direction and a cylindrical wall portion extending rearward in the transmission direction while surrounding the seal member from the plate-shaped portion, and a portion of the hollow seal portion different from the portion in contact with the sensor device is brought into contact with the inner wall surface of the cylindrical wall portion. The electromagnetic wave transmission cover according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2].

[0013] According to the above configuration, when high-pressure washing water is sprayed from the rear in the above transmission direction onto the sensor device and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover, at least a part of the washing water is blocked by the cylindrical wall portion. Compared with the case where the cylindrical wall portion is not provided, the phenomenon that the washing water is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion is less likely to occur. Further, when the washing water hits the cylindrical wall portion, the water pressure of the washing water decreases. Therefore, the phenomenon that the high-pressure washing water is sprayed and the hollow seal portion elastically deforms to the side away from the sensor device is less likely to occur.

[0014] In addition, the hollow seal portion not only contacts the sensor device but also contacts the inner wall surface of the cylindrical wall portion at a location different from the location where it contacts the sensor device. Therefore, even if the washing water is sprayed onto the hollow seal portion, the water pressure of the washing water is received by the sensor device and the cylindrical wall portion via the hollow seal portion. Due to the receiving at two locations, the hollow seal portion becomes less likely to elastically deform.

[0015] In particular, even if the hollow seal portion attempts to elastically deform to the side away from the sensor device, the elastic deformation is received by the cylindrical wall portion surrounding the hollow seal portion. By this receiving, the elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion to the side away from the sensor device is restricted. The hollow seal portion is held in a state of contacting the sensor device, and more stable sealing performance can be obtained.

[0016] [Aspect 4] The cylindrical wall portion is the electromagnetic wave transmission cover according to [Aspect 3], which surrounds at least the front portion of the sensor device in the transmission direction. According to the above configuration, when high-pressure washing water is sprayed from the rear in the above transmission direction onto the sensor device and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover, the washing water cannot reach the hollow seal portion unless it passes between the sensor device and the portion of the cylindrical wall portion that surrounds the sensor device. Therefore, the performance of the cylindrical wall portion that restricts the direct spraying of the washing water onto the hollow seal portion is enhanced. The elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion caused by the spraying of the washing water is even less likely to occur.

[0017] [Aspect 5] A sensor module including a sensor device attached to a vehicle, having an electromagnetic wave transmission part, and transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through the electromagnetic wave transmission part, and an electromagnetic wave transmission cover attached to the vehicle and having a cover main body part that covers the sensor device from the front in the transmission direction of the electromagnetic wave, further including a sealing member that seals a gap between the sensor device and the cover main body part, the sealing member having one of the cover main body part and the sensor device as an attachment target and the other as a contact target, the sealing member including an attachment base part attached to the attachment target in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part, and an annular hollow sealing part coupled to the attachment base part and contacting the contact target in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part.

[0018] According to the above configuration, when the sensor device and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover are each attached to the vehicle, a gap is generated between the sensor device and the cover main body part. However, in this gap, at a location surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part, a sealing member having an attachment base part and an annular hollow sealing part is disposed. One of the cover main body part and the sensor device is the attachment target of the sealing member, and the other is the contact target of the sealing member. The attachment base part is attached to the attachment target in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part. The hollow sealing part is coupled to the attachment base part and contacts the contact target in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission part.

[0019] The above sealing member restricts water and dust from entering, through between the sealing member and the contact target, into the region surrounded by the sealing member among the above gaps. Therefore, it becomes difficult for water and dust to adhere to the electromagnetic wave transmission part located in the above region.

[0020] [Aspect 6] The sensor module according to [Aspect 5], wherein, on a projection plane where the sensor device and the hollow sealing part are projected, orthogonal to the transmission direction, when the direction approaching the center part is defined as the inner direction with reference to the center parts of the sensor device and the hollow sealing part, the entire hollow sealing part in a state of contacting the contact target is disposed more inward than the outer surface of the sensor device.

[0021] Here, in order to remove dirt adhering to the sensor module, high-pressure washing water may be sprayed onto the sensor module from the rear in the above transmission direction. If the washing water is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal part, there is a risk that the hollow seal part will elastically deform away from the contact target due to the water pressure of the washing water. In this case, there is a concern that the washing water will enter the region surrounded by the seal member among the above gaps through between the hollow seal part and the contact target.

[0022] In this regard, when the sensor device and the hollow seal part have the above positional relationship, since the outer surface of the sensor device is located outside the hollow seal part, at least a part of the high-pressure washing water is blocked by the sensor device. The phenomenon that the washing water is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal part is less likely to occur. Therefore, elastic deformation of the hollow seal part due to spraying of the washing water is less likely to occur, and intrusion of the washing water into the above region is less likely to occur.

[0023] [Aspect 7] The cover main body portion has a plate-shaped portion disposed in front of the sensor device in the transmission direction and a cylindrical wall portion extending rearward in the transmission direction from the plate-shaped portion in a state of surrounding the seal member. On the inner wall surface of the cylindrical wall portion, a portion different from the portion in contact with the contact target of the hollow seal part is brought into contact with the sensor module according to [Aspect 5] or [Aspect 6].

[0024] According to the above configuration, when high-pressure washing water is sprayed onto the sensor module from the rear in the transmission direction, at least a part of the washing water is blocked by the cylindrical wall portion. Compared with the case where the cylindrical wall portion is not provided, the phenomenon that the washing water is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal part is less likely to occur. Also, when the washing water hits the cylindrical wall portion, the water pressure of the washing water decreases. Therefore, the phenomenon that the high-pressure washing water is sprayed and the hollow seal part elastically deforms away from the contact target is less likely to occur.

[0025] In addition, the hollow seal portion not only contacts the contact target, but also contacts the cylindrical wall portion at a location different from the location where it contacts the contact target. Therefore, even if washing water is sprayed onto the hollow seal portion, the water pressure of the washing water is received by the contact target and the cylindrical wall portion via the hollow seal portion. Due to the reception at two locations, it becomes more difficult for the hollow seal portion to elastically deform.

[0026] In particular, even if the hollow seal portion attempts to elastically deform toward the side away from the contact target, the elastic deformation is received by the cylindrical wall portion surrounding the seal member. By this reception, the elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion toward the side away from the contact target is restricted. The hollow seal portion is held in a state of contacting the contact target, and more stable sealing performance is obtained.

[0027] [Aspect 8] The sensor module according to [Aspect 7], wherein the cylindrical wall portion surrounds at least the front portion of the sensor device in the transmission direction. According to the above configuration, when high-pressure washing water is sprayed from the rear in the transmission direction onto the sensor module, the washing water cannot reach the hollow seal portion unless it passes between the sensor device and the portion of the cylindrical wall portion that surrounds the sensor device. Therefore, the performance of the cylindrical wall portion that restricts the direct spraying of washing water onto the hollow seal portion is enhanced. Elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion caused by the spraying of washing water becomes even more difficult to occur.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the electromagnetic wave transmission cover and the sensor module, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of water and dust to the electromagnetic wave transmission portion of the sensor device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment embodied in a sensor module for a vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0031] Regarding the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle 10 will be described as the front, and the reverse direction as the rear. Also, the vertical direction means the vertical direction of the vehicle 10, and the left-right direction is the vehicle width direction and coincides with the left-right direction when the vehicle 10 is moving forward.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a sensor module 20 including a sensor device 25 and an electromagnetic wave transmitting cover 30. Next, each part constituting the sensor module 20 will be described.

[0033] <Sensor Device 25> As shown in FIG. 2, a front grille 12 is disposed at the front end of the body 11 of the vehicle 10. The sensor device 25 is attached to a position on the body 11 behind the front grille 12. In the first embodiment, the sensor device 25 is constituted by a near-infrared sensor for forward monitoring. The near-infrared sensor transmits near-infrared rays having a wavelength of 700 nm to 2500 nm among electromagnetic waves toward the front of the vehicle 10, and receives the near-infrared rays reflected by an object outside the vehicle including a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, etc. The sensor device 25 recognizes the object outside the vehicle based on the transmitted and received electromagnetic waves, and detects the distance, relative speed, etc. between the vehicle 10 and the object.

[0034] As described above, since the sensor device 25 transmits electromagnetic waves (near-infrared rays) toward the front of the vehicle 10, the transmission direction of the electromagnetic waves by the sensor device 25 is a direction from the rear to the front of the vehicle 10. The front in the transmission direction of the electromagnetic waves generally coincides with the front of the vehicle 10, and the rear in the transmission direction generally coincides with the rear of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the following description, the front in the transmission direction of the electromagnetic waves will be simply referred to as "front", "forward", etc., and the rear in the transmission direction will be simply referred to as "rear", "backward", etc.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer shell portion of the sensor device 25 is constituted by a case 26. In the first embodiment, the case 26 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the dimensions in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) are larger than the dimension in the vertical direction. Inside the case 26, a transmission unit that transmits electromagnetic waves and a reception unit that receives electromagnetic waves are disposed. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustration of the internal structure of the sensor device 25 is omitted. This also applies to FIGS. 5 showing the second embodiment, FIGS. 6 and 7 showing the third embodiment. Furthermore, the same applies to FIGS. 8 to 10 showing modification examples.

[0036] As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, an electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a having permeability to electromagnetic waves (near-infrared rays) is formed at the front end of the case 26. The above transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves are performed through this electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a.

[0037] <Electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30> As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the skeleton portion of the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 is constituted by a cover main body portion 31. The cover main body portion 31 includes a plate-shaped portion 32 disposed in front of the sensor device 25. The plate-shaped portion 32 has a rectangular plate shape with dimensions in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction) larger than those in the vertical direction. The cover main body portion 31 having the plate-shaped portion 32 not only has a function of covering the sensor device 25 from the front, but also has a function as a garnish for decorating the front end portion of the vehicle 10.

[0038] The plate-shaped portion 32 may be constituted by a single layer having electromagnetic wave transmissibility. In this case, the plate-shaped portion 32 may be formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC) resin. Note that the plate-shaped portion 32 may have a layer structure in which a plurality of layers each having electromagnetic wave transmissibility are laminated in the front-rear direction. In this case, the plurality of layers may include a decorative layer.

[0039] The electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 is attached to the front grille 12 by screw fastening, claw fitting, or the like in the cover main body portion 31. <Seal structure> As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor module 20 is provided with a seal structure for restricting the intrusion of water and dust into the gap G1 (see FIG. 2) between the sensor device 25 and the cover main body portion 31.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the seal structure includes a seal member 40 for sealing the gap G1. The seal member 40 has one of the cover main body portion 31 and the sensor device 25 as an attachment target to which the seal member 40 is attached, and the other as a contact target with which the seal member 40 comes into contact. In the first embodiment, the cover main body portion 31 is the attachment target and the sensor device 25 is the contact target.

[0041] In order to attach the seal member 40 to the cover main body 31, an adherend portion 35 is formed on the peripheral edge of the rear surface of the plate-like portion 32 by a resin molding method such as a two-color molding method. The adherend portion 35 includes a plate-like base portion 36 joined in a state of being overlapped with the peripheral edge of the rear surface of the plate-like portion 32, and a square annular hook portion 37 protruding rearward from the base portion 36.

[0042] The seal member 40 includes a mounting base 41 and a hollow seal portion 45. The mounting base 41 has a square annular shape and is attached to the cover main body 31 while surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a.

[0043] Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a virtual plane that is orthogonal to the transmission direction of electromagnetic waves (near-infrared rays) from the sensor device 25 and on which the sensor device 25 and the hollow seal portion 45 are projected is defined as a projection plane 50. In this projection plane 50, the center portions CP of the sensor device 25 and the hollow seal portion 45 are used as references. In the projection plane 50, the direction, side, etc. approaching the center portion CP are referred to as inward, inner, inside, etc., and the direction, side, etc. moving away from the center portion CP are referred to as outward, outer, outside, etc.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the first embodiment, a part of the peripheral edge of the plate-like portion 32 protrudes outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25. The outer surface 27 here is the upper surface, lower surface, left side surface, and right side surface of the case 26, and does not include the front surface and the rear surface. Therefore, a part of the adherend portion 35, particularly a part of the base portion 36, formed on the peripheral edge of the cover main body 31 protrudes outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25.

[0045] The shape of the hook portion 37 has an uneven shape (undercut shape) in the inner and outer directions. Also, the boundary portion of the base portion 36 with the hook portion 37 has an uneven shape in the inner and outer directions. The mounting base 41 includes an inner portion 42, an outer portion 43, and a connecting portion 44. The inner portion 42 has a square ring shape and is disposed inside the hook portion 37. The outer portion 43 has a square ring shape and is disposed outside the hook portion 37. The shapes of the inner portion 42 and the outer portion 43 each have an uneven shape (undercut shape) in the inner and outer directions corresponding to the shape of the adhering portion 35. The connecting portion 44 is located behind the hook portion 37 and connects the rear end portion of the inner portion 42 and the rear end portion of the outer portion 43. And the inner portion 42 and the outer portion 43 sandwich the hook portion 37 from both the inner and outer directions and are locked to the hook portion 37. By this locking, the mounting base 41 is restricted from moving in the front-rear direction, vehicle width direction (left-right direction), and up-down direction with respect to the adhering portion 35. The dimension of the mounting base 41 in the front-rear direction is about half of the dimension of the gap G1 in the same direction.

[0046] The hollow seal portion 45 is formed at the rear portion of the mounting base 41 and has a square ring shape. The hollow seal portion 45 has a hollow portion 46 between it and the mounting base 41. The mounting base 41 and the hollow seal portion 45 are integrally formed by an extrusion molding method using a soft material such as urethane resin or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), for example. Before the sensor device 25 is attached to the body 11 and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 is attached to the front grille 12, the hollow seal portion 45 is not elastically deformed and protrudes straight backward from the mounting base 41. The dimension of the hollow seal portion 45 in the front-rear direction is larger than half of the dimension of the gap G1 in the same direction.

[0047] The dimension of the seal member 40 (mounting base 41 and hollow seal portion 45) in the front-rear direction in the state before the above attachment is larger than the dimension of the gap G1 in the same direction. As shown in FIG. 2, in the state where the sensor device 25 is attached to the body 11 and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 is attached to the front grille 12, the hollow seal portion 45 is in elastic deformation and in contact with the sensor device 25 surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a.

[0048] Here, the shape in which the hollow seal portion 45 is elastically deformed by contact with the sensor device 25 is not particularly limited. FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the outer portion of the hollow seal portion 45 is elastically deformed so as to fall outward from the mounting base portion 41, but the hollow seal portion 45 may be elastically deformed in other directions. Further, the hollow seal portion 45 may be elastically deformed so as to have a symmetric shape between the inner portion and the outer portion, that is, in a state where it does not fall in the inner and outer directions.

[0049] Furthermore, FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which a part of the hollow seal portion 45 that contacts the sensor device 25 in an elastically deformed state protrudes outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25.

[0050] Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a gap G1 is generated between the sensor device 25 attached to the body 11 and the cover main body portion 31 attached to the front grille 12. However, in this gap G1, a seal member 40 is disposed at a location surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a. The cover main body portion 31 is the attachment target of the seal member 40, and the sensor device 25 is the contact target of the seal member 40. The attachment base portion 41 of the seal member 40 is attached to the cover main body portion 31 while surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a. The hollow seal portion 45 of the seal member 40 is coupled to the attachment base portion 41 and contacts the sensor device 25 while surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a.

[0051] Therefore, the seal member 40 restricts water and dust from entering the above-described gap G1, that is, the region surrounded by the seal member 40. Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] (1-1) In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a seal member 40 having an annular mounting base portion 41 and an annular hollow seal portion 45 is disposed between the cover main body portion 31 and the sensor device 25. The mounting base portion 41 is attached to the cover main body portion 31, and the hollow seal portion 45 surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a is brought into contact with the sensor device 25.

[0053] Therefore, the gap G1 can be sealed by the seal member 40. It is possible to restrict water and dust from adhering to the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a and suppress a decrease in the detection performance of the sensor device 25 caused by the adhesion.

[0054] (1-2) As a water stop structure between two members, a seal structure using a seal material made of a foamed sheet, a seal material having a lip shape, etc. is known. Any of the seal materials is attached to one member and pressed against the other member. By elastically deforming the seal material, the gap between the two members is sealed. However, the amount of elastic deformation of the seal material is small. Therefore, the situation where the seal can be achieved by the seal material is limited to the case where the gap between the two members is small.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the objects to be sealed are the sensor device 25 and the cover main body portion 31. The sensor device 25 is attached to the body 11, and the cover main body portion 31 is attached to the front grill 12. Therefore, the gap G1 is large and the tolerance is also large. Therefore, it is difficult to seal the gap G1 with a general seal material as described above.

[0056] In this regard, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a sealing member 40 having a mounting base portion 41 and a hollow sealing portion 45 is used for sealing. These mounting base portion 41 and hollow sealing portion 45 are arranged in a state of being arranged side by side in the arrangement direction of the sensor device 25 and the cover main body portion 31. Moreover, the dimension of the mounting base portion 41 in the front-rear direction is about half of the dimension of the gap G1 in the same direction. The dimension of the hollow sealing portion 45 in the front-rear direction before elastic deformation is larger than half of the dimension of the gap G1 in the same direction. Therefore, among the gap G1, a square annular region surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a can be filled by the mounting base portion 41 and the hollow sealing portion 45.

[0057] In addition, since the sealing member 40 has a hollow portion 46, the amount by which the hollow sealing portion 45 can elastically deform is larger than the amount by which each of the sealing material made of the above-described foamed sheet and the sealing material having a lip shape can elastically deform.

[0058] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even a large gap G1 as described above can be sealed, and the effect of (1-1) above can be suitably obtained. (1-3) In order to remove dirt adhering to the sensor module 20, high-pressure washing water W1 may be sprayed from the rear onto the sensor module 20 during car washing.

[0059] On the other hand, the peripheral edge portion of the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 protrudes outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25. Therefore, it is possible that the water pressure of the sprayed washing water W1 is applied to the protruding portion.

[0060] In this regard, in the first embodiment, the base portion 36 of the adhered portion 35 is overlapped with the peripheral edge portion of the plate-shaped portion 32. At the location where the base portion 36 is overlapped, the thickness of the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 in the front-rear direction increases by the amount of the base portion 36, and the rigidity increases. This is effective in suppressing the deformation of the protruding portion in the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 when high-pressure washing water W1 is sprayed.

[0061] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the sensor module 20 for a vehicle will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the entire hollow seal portion 45 that is elastically deformed by contact with the sensor device 25 is located inward of the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25 while surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a. In this regard, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in which a part of the hollow seal portion 45 is located outward of the outer surface 27.

[0063] Configurations other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted. In the second embodiment, among the matters common to the first embodiment, it is included that the hollow seal portion 45 is elastically deformed so as to fall outward by contact with the sensor device 25. Further included is that a part of the peripheral edge portions of the plate-like portion 32 and the base portion 36 protrudes outward of the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25.

[0064] Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. During the car wash described in (1-3) above, if the high-pressure washing water W1 is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion 45, the hollow seal portion 45 is elastically deformed away from the sensor device 25 by the pressure of the washing water W1. There is a possibility that the high-pressure washing water W1 passes between the elastically deformed hollow seal portion 45 and the sensor device 25 and enters the region surrounded by the seal member 40 in the gap G1.

[0065] In this regard, in the second embodiment where the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25 is located outward of the hollow seal portion 45, at least a part of the washing water W1 is blocked by the sensor device 25. The phenomenon that the washing water W1 sprayed from the rear of the sensor module 20 is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion 45 hardly occurs.

[0066] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as those in (1-1) to (1-3) above, the following effects can also be obtained. (2-1) In the second embodiment, due to contact with the sensor device 25, the entire hollow seal portion 45 that is elastically deformed to fall outward is located inward of the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the high-pressure washing water W1 from being directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion 45 and the hollow seal portion 45 from elastically deforming to move away from the sensor device 25. It is possible to suppress the washing water W1 from passing between the elastically deformed hollow seal portion 45 and the sensor device 25 and entering the region surrounded by the seal member 40 in the gap G1.

[0067] (2-2) In the second embodiment, a part of the peripheral edge of the plate-like portion 32 and a part of the base portion 36 in the adhered portion 35 are located outward of the outer surfaces 27 of the seal member 40 and the case 26. Therefore, when the high-pressure washing water W1 is sprayed onto the base portion 36 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5 during car washing, the washing water W1 hits the base portion 36 and bounces back, hitting the hollow seal portion 45 obliquely from the front outer side. The hollow seal portion 45 is elastically deformed toward the side approaching the sensor device 25 by the bounced-back washing water W1. Therefore, the hollow seal portion 45 comes into stronger contact with the sensor device 25, and the sealing performance is improved.

[0068] (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment embodied in the vehicle sensor module 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0069] Here, in the vehicle 10 to which the sensor device 25 that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves is attached, in order to properly operate the sensor device 25, an adjustment operation called aiming is performed. In this aiming, the inclination, mounting position, etc. of the sensor device 25 are adjusted. Therefore, due to aiming, at least a part (outer portion) of the hollow seal portion 45 may come into contact with the sensor device 25 in a state of being elastically deformed to fall outward as shown in FIG. 6.

[0070] If a portion of the hollow seal portion 45 that has undergone elastic deformation protrudes outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25, there is a risk that the high-pressure cleaning water W1 will be sprayed onto the protruding portion of the hollow seal portion 45 during the above-described car wash. In this case, due to the water pressure of the sprayed cleaning water W1, the protruding portion of the hollow seal portion 45 may be elastically deformed to move away from the sensor device 25, leading to concerns about a decrease in sealing performance.

[0071] Therefore, in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is premised that a portion of the hollow seal portion 45 that is elastically deformed to fall outward due to contact with the sensor device 25 protrudes outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25. Moreover, in the third embodiment, the cover main body portion 31 has a cylindrical wall portion 33. In this regard, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in which the cover main body portion 31 does not have a cylindrical wall portion 33.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical wall portion 33 is formed, for example, using the same resin material (PC resin) as the plate-like portion 32. The cylindrical wall portion 33 extends rearward from the plate-like portion 32 while surrounding the seal member 40. The cylindrical wall portion 33 is spaced apart outward from the attachment base portion 41. The cylindrical wall portion 33 may be in contact with the base portion 36 of the adhered portion 35 or may be separated outward from the base portion 36. Before the sensor device 25 is attached to the body 11 and the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 is attached to the front grille 12, the inner wall surface 33a of the cylindrical wall portion 33 is spaced apart outward from the hollow seal portion 45 before elastic deformation. The cylindrical wall portion 33 has a square cylindrical shape with an open rear end. The cylindrical wall portion 33 may be integrally formed with the plate-like portion 32 or may be formed separately from the plate-like portion 32.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical wall portion 33 extends rearward of the hollow seal portion 45 after elastic deformation and surrounds at least the front portion 25f of the sensor device 25. In the third embodiment, the rear end of the cylindrical wall portion 33 is located rearward of the rear end of the hollow seal portion 45 before elastic deformation (see FIG. 7). Among the inner wall surfaces 33a of the cylindrical wall portion 33, the portion surrounding the sensor device 25 is spaced outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25.

[0074] Then, a portion (a part of the outer portion) different from the contact portion with the sensor device 25 of the hollow seal portion 45 elastically deformed to fall outward by aiming is brought into contact with the inner wall surface 33a of the cylindrical wall portion 33.

[0075] The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0076] Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. When washing the car, when the high-pressure washing water W1 is sprayed from the rear onto the sensor module 20, at least a part of the washing water W1 is blocked by the cylindrical wall portion 33. Compared with the case where the cylindrical wall portion 33 is not provided, the phenomenon that the washing water W1 is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion 45 is less likely to occur. Also, the water pressure of the washing water W1 decreases by hitting the cylindrical wall portion 33. It is less likely that the high-pressure washing water W1 is sprayed and the hollow seal portion 45 elastically deforms to move away from the sensor device 25.

[0077] In particular, in the third embodiment, the high-pressure washing water W1 cannot reach the hollow seal portion 45 unless it passes between the front portion 25f of the sensor device 25 and the portion of the cylindrical wall portion 33 surrounding the front portion 25f.

[0078] In addition, the hollow seal portion 45 not only contacts the sensor device 25 but also contacts the inner wall surface 33a of the cylindrical wall portion 33. Therefore, even if the washing water W1 is sprayed, the water pressure of the washing water W1 is received by the sensor device 25 and the cylindrical wall portion 33 via the hollow seal portion 45. Due to the reception at these two locations, it becomes more difficult for the hollow seal portion 45 to elastically deform.

[0079] In particular, even if the hollow seal portion 45 attempts to elastically deform toward the side away from the sensor device 25, the elastic deformation is received by the cylindrical wall portion 33 surrounding the hollow seal portion 45. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion 45 toward the side away from the sensor device 25 is restricted by the cylindrical wall portion 33.

[0080] Therefore, according to the third embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as those in the above (1-1) and (1-2), the following effects can also be obtained. (3-1) In the third embodiment, the cylindrical wall portion 33 extending rearward from the plate-like portion 32 surrounds the seal member 40.

[0081] Therefore, during car washing, the cylindrical wall portion 33 can restrict the high-pressure washing water W1 from being directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion 45. It is possible to suppress the elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion 45 toward the side away from the sensor device 25 due to the spraying of the high-pressure washing water W1 and the resulting decrease in sealing performance.

[0082] In addition, the elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion 45 can be restricted at two locations, namely the sensor device 25 and the cylindrical wall portion 33. The hollow seal portion 45 can be held in a state of contacting the sensor device 25, and more stable sealing performance can be obtained. Therefore, it is effective in obtaining the effects of the above (1-1) and (1-2).

[0083] (3-2) In the third embodiment, the cylindrical wall portion 33 extends rearward of the hollow seal portion 45 and surrounds the front portion 25f of the sensor device 25. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the performance of the cylindrical wall portion 33 that restricts the high-pressure cleaning water W1 from directly impinging on the hollow seal portion 45. It is possible to further prevent the elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion 45 caused by the impingement of the cleaning water W1. As a result, the effect of the above (3-1) can be enhanced.

[0084] In addition, according to the third embodiment, the following effect of (1-3') related to the above (1-3) can be obtained. (1-3') In the third embodiment, the base portion 36 of the adhered portion 35 is overlapped with the plate-like portion 32. Due to the overlapped base portion 36, the thickness of the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 in the front-rear direction is increased. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the rigidity of the location where the seal member 40 is attached in the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30 and suppress the deformation of the same location.

[0085] In addition, the above embodiment can also be implemented as a modification example in which it is changed as follows. The above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non-conflicting range.

[0086] <Regarding the attachment object and contact object of the seal member 40> · The seal member 40 may have one of the cover main body portion 31 and the sensor device 25 as the attachment object and the other as the contact object. Therefore, contrary to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor device 25 may be the attachment object and the cover main body portion 31 may be the contact object.

[0087] In addition, in the modification example of FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described in the first embodiment, and the overlapping description is omitted. In the modification example of FIG. 8, the annular attachment base portion 41 of the seal member 40 is attached to the case 26 of the sensor device 25 in a state surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a. Further, the annular hollow seal portion 45 of the seal member 40 is coupled to the attachment base portion 41 and brought into contact with the plate-like portion 32 in a state surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a.

[0088] In this modified example, the relationship between the attachment target and the contact target of the seal member 40 is reversed from that of the first embodiment. However, this modified example is common to the first embodiment in that the seal member 40 is disposed in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 26a in the gap G1 between the sensor device 25 and the cover main body portion 31. Therefore, the seal member 40 regulates the intrusion of water and dust into the region surrounded by the seal member 40 in the gap G1.

[0089] Therefore, also according to this modified example, the same effects as those of (1-1) to (1-3) described in the first embodiment can be obtained. · In the modified example of FIG. 8, the positional relationship between the sensor device 25 and the seal member 40 may be set such that the entire hollow seal portion 45 elastically deformed by contact with the plate-like portion 32 is located inward of the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25.

[0090] According to this modified example, the outer surface 27 of the case 26 is located outward of the hollow seal portion 45. Therefore, when high-pressure washing water W1 is sprayed onto the sensor module 20 from the rear, at least a part of the washing water W1 is blocked by the sensor device 25. The phenomenon that the washing water W1 is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion 45 is less likely to occur.

[0091] Therefore, also according to this modified example, the same effect as that of (2-1) described in the second embodiment can be obtained. · On the premise that the sensor device 25 is the attachment target of the seal member 40 and the cover main body portion 31 is the contact target of the seal member 40. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, a portion (outer portion) elastically deformed so as to fall outward in the hollow seal portion 45 may protrude outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25. Further, a cylindrical wall portion 33 may be provided on the cover main body portion 31 in addition to the plate-like portion 32.

[0092] The cylindrical wall portion 33 may extend rearward in a state of surrounding the seal member 40 from the plate-like portion 32 and may have a rectangular cylindrical shape with an open rear end. The cylindrical wall portion 33 may be integrally formed with the plate-like portion 32 or may be formed separately from the plate-like portion 32.

[0093] Furthermore, the cylindrical wall portion 33 may extend rearward from the mounting base portion 41 and surround at least the front portion 25f of the sensor device 25. Among the inner wall surfaces 33a of the cylindrical wall portion 33, the portion surrounding the sensor device 25 may be spaced outward from the outer surface 27 of the sensor device 25.

[0094] And, on the inner wall surface 33a of the cylindrical wall portion 33, a portion different from the portion in contact with the plate-like portion 32 of the hollow seal portion 45 may be brought into contact. In the modification example of FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described in the third embodiment, and the overlapping description is omitted.

[0095] According to the modification example of FIG. 9 above, when high-pressure washing water W1 is sprayed from the rear onto the sensor module 20 during car washing, at least a part of the washing water W1 is blocked by the cylindrical wall portion 33. Compared with the case where the cylindrical wall portion 33 is not provided, the phenomenon that the washing water W1 is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion 45 is less likely to occur. Further, when the washing water W1 hits the cylindrical wall portion 33, the water pressure of the washing water W1 decreases. The phenomenon that the washing water W1 is directly sprayed and the hollow seal portion 45 is elastically deformed is less likely to occur.

[0096] In particular, in the modification example of FIG. 9, the cylindrical wall portion 33 surrounds the front portion 25f of the sensor device 25. Therefore, the high-pressure washing water W1 cannot reach the hollow seal portion 45 unless it passes between the front portion 25f and the mounting base portion 41 and the portion of the cylindrical wall portion 33 surrounding the front portion 25f and the mounting base portion 41. The phenomenon that the washing water W1 is directly sprayed onto the hollow seal portion 45 is even less likely to occur. The elastic deformation of the hollow seal portion 45 caused by the spraying of the washing water W1 is even less likely to occur.

[0097] In addition, the hollow seal portion 45 contacts the plate-like portion 32 and contacts the inner wall surface 33a of the cylindrical wall portion 33 at a location different from the contact location. Therefore, even when the cleaning water W1 is sprayed, the water pressure of the cleaning water W1 is received by the plate-like portion 32 and the cylindrical wall portion 33 via the hollow seal portion 45. Due to the receiving at these two locations, it becomes more difficult for the hollow seal portion 45 to elastically deform.

[0098] Therefore, according to the modification example of FIG. 9, the same effects as those described in (3-1) and (3-2) in the third embodiment can be obtained. · As shown in FIG. 10, on the premise that the cylindrical wall portion 33 extends rearward from the plate-like portion 32 in a state surrounding the seal member 40, the mounting base portion 41 of the seal member 40 may be attached to the cylindrical wall portion 33.

[0099] In this case, for example, the base portion 36 in the adhering portion 35 is formed on the cylindrical wall portion 33 instead of the plate-like portion 32. The base portion 36 may be formed separately from the cylindrical wall portion 33 as shown in FIG. 10, or may be integrally formed with the cylindrical wall portion 33. In this way, although the formation target of the adhering portion 35 changes from the plate-like portion 32 to the cylindrical wall portion 33, it is common with the third embodiment in that the attachment target of the seal member 40 is the cover main body portion 31. Therefore, according to the modification example of FIG. 10, the same effects as those described in (3-1) and (3-2) in the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0100] <Matters related to the electromagnetic wave transmission cover 30> · A cylindrical wall portion 33 similar to that in the third embodiment may be provided on the cover main body portion 31 (see FIG. 5) in the second embodiment. Also, a cylindrical wall portion 33 similar to the modification example of FIG. 9 may be provided on the cover main body portion 31 in the modification example of FIG. 8. The cylindrical wall portion 33 may surround at least the front portion 25f of the sensor device 25 as in the third embodiment and the modification example of FIG. 9, or may not surround the sensor device 25 (not shown). In the latter case, the rear end of the cylindrical wall portion 33 may be located in front of the front surface of the sensor device 25.

[0101] · In the third embodiment, the modified example of FIG. 9, and the modified example of FIG. 10, the cylindrical wall portion 33 may extend from the plate-like portion 32 to a position behind the front portion 25f of the sensor device 25. <Matters related to the sealing member 40> · The mounting base portion 41 and the hollow sealing portion 45 may be formed in an annular shape having a shape different from a square annular shape, on the condition that they can surround the electromagnetic wave transmitting portion 26a. Examples of this shape include an elliptical annular shape and a circular annular shape, and in addition, an annular shape of a polygon different from a quadrilateral, such as a triangle and a pentagon, can also be mentioned.

[0102] · The hollow sealing portion 45 may be formed separately from the mounting base portion 41, on the condition that it is joined to the mounting base portion 41. · The cross-sectional shape of the mounting base portion 41 may be changed.

[0103] <Other matters> · The mounting positions of the sensor device 25 and the electromagnetic wave transmitting cover 30 with respect to the vehicle 10 may be changed to positions different from those in the above-described embodiments. For example, the sensor device 25 may be mounted on the front grille 12 in the same manner as the electromagnetic wave transmitting cover 30.

[0104] · The above-described electromagnetic wave transmitting cover 30 is applicable to any vehicle 10 equipped with a sensor device 25 that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves for detecting an object outside the vehicle. In this case, the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the sensor device 25 include millimeter waves in addition to near-infrared rays. When the electromagnetic wave is a millimeter wave, a millimeter wave radar device functions as the sensor device 25.

[0105] · The sensor device 25 that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves for detecting an object outside the vehicle may be a device for rearward monitoring, front side monitoring, or rear side monitoring in addition to forward monitoring. In this case, the electromagnetic wave transmitting cover 30 is disposed in front of the sensor device 25 in the electromagnetic wave transmission direction.

[0106] · The above-described electromagnetic wave transmitting cover 30 may also serve as an exterior part for a vehicle, such as an emblem, an ornament, or a mark. · The sensor module 20 can also be mounted on vehicles of a different type from the vehicle 10, for example, vehicles such as airplanes and ships.

Explanation of Signs

[0107] 10… Vehicle 20… Sensor module 25… Sensor device 25f… Front part 26a… Electromagnetic wave transmission part 27… Outer surface 30… Electromagnetic wave transmission cover 31… Cover main body part 32… Plate-like part 33… Cylindrical wall part 33a… Inner wall surface 40… Sealing member 41… Mounting base part 45… Hollow sealing part 50… Projection plane CP… Central part G1… Gap

Claims

1. It is applied to a vehicle having an electromagnetic wave transmission part and to which a sensor device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through the electromagnetic wave transmission part is attached. An electromagnetic wave transmission cover having a cover main body part attached to the vehicle and covering the sensor device from the front in the transmission direction of the electromagnetic wave, further comprising a seal member for sealing a gap between the sensor device and the cover main body part, wherein the seal member includes a mounting base portion attached to the cover main body portion in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion, and an annular hollow seal portion coupled to the mounting base portion and contacting the sensor device in a state of surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion.

2. In a projection plane orthogonal to the transmission direction and on which the sensor device and the hollow seal portion are projected, when the direction approaching the center portion is defined as the inner direction with reference to the center portions of the sensor device and the hollow seal portion, the entire hollow seal portion in contact with the sensor device is disposed more inward than the outer surface of the sensor device. The electromagnetic wave transmission cover according to claim 1.

3. The cover main body portion has a plate-shaped portion disposed in front of the sensor device in the transmission direction, and a cylindrical wall portion extending rearward in the transmission direction from the plate-shaped portion while surrounding the seal member. The electromagnetic wave transmission cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion of the hollow seal portion different from the portion in contact with the sensor device is brought into contact with the inner wall surface of the cylindrical wall portion.

4. The electromagnetic wave transmission cover according to claim 3, wherein the cylindrical wall portion surrounds at least the front portion of the sensor device in the transmission direction.

5. A sensor module comprising a sensor device attached to a vehicle, having an electromagnetic wave transmission part, and transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through the electromagnetic wave transmission part, and an electromagnetic wave transmission cover attached to the vehicle and having a cover main body part covering the sensor device from the front in the transmission direction of the electromagnetic wave, further comprising a seal member for sealing a gap between the sensor device and the cover main body part, wherein the seal member targets one of the cover main body portion and the sensor device for mounting and the other for contact, ​ The seal member is a sensor module including a mounting base portion mounted on the mounting target while surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion, and an annular hollow seal portion coupled to the mounting base portion and contacting the contact target while surrounding the electromagnetic wave transmission portion.

6. In a projection plane orthogonal to the transmission direction and on which the sensor device and the hollow seal portion are projected, when the direction approaching the center portion is defined as the inner direction with reference to the center portions of the sensor device and the hollow seal portion, the entire hollow seal portion in a state of contacting the contact target is disposed more inward than the outer surface of the sensor device. The sensor module according to claim 5.

7. The cover main body portion has a plate-like portion disposed in front of the sensor device in the transmission direction, and a cylindrical wall portion extending rearward in the transmission direction while surrounding the seal member from the plate-like portion. On the inner wall surface of the cylindrical wall portion, a portion different from the portion contacting the contact target of the hollow seal portion is contacted. The sensor module according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The cylindrical wall portion surrounds at least the front portion of the sensor device in the transmission direction. The sensor module according to claim 7.

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