Ultrasonic sensor mounting structure

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic sensor attachment structure capable of reducing a cost while maintaining accuracy in detecting an obstacle by an ultrasonic wave.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic sensor attachment structure includes: an ultrasonic sensor 10 having a probe 11 for vibrating and vibration-receiving an ultrasonic wave; a rear bumper 20 formed of a flexible plate-like member and to be installed to face an inner side and an outer side of a vehicle; a probe hole 22 penetrating a plate surface of the rear bumper 20 and opened to allow insertion of the probe 11 in the hole; a holder 23 erected from the inner plate surface of the rear bumper 20 and also having a cylindrical shape to allow insertion of the ultrasonic sensor 10 to the inside; and a propagation suppression section 30A set to be thinner than the other parts of the rear bumper 20 by a recess 31A formed along an opening edge of the probe hole 22 on the plate surface of the rear bumper 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for an ultrasonic sensor that transmits and receives ultrasonic pulses. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Vehicles have conventionally been equipped with ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles around the vehicle and alert the driver to reduce the driver's burden while driving. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that ultrasonic sensors are installed at a plurality of locations, such as a portion of the rear bumper facing the rear of the vehicle and both corners of the rear bumper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5262505 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the ultrasonic sensor is installed inside the rear bumper by adhering a holder to which the ultrasonic sensor is attached to the inner surface of the rear bumper using double-sided tape. In this configuration, the holder and the double-sided tape are not involved in transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, which increases costs.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic sensor mounting structure that can reduce costs while maintaining the accuracy of detecting obstacles using ultrasonic waves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the mounting structure for an ultrasonic sensor according to the present invention comprises an ultrasonic sensor having a probe that emits and receives ultrasonic waves, a base material made of a plate-like member and arranged facing the inside and outside of a vehicle, a sensor installation section in which the ultrasonic sensor is installed on the base material, a probe hole that constitutes the sensor installation section and penetrates the plate surface of the base material and opens to allow the probe to pass through the hole, a holder that constitutes the sensor installation section and is erected integrally with the base material from the inner plate surface of the base material and has a cylindrical shape into which the ultrasonic sensor can be inserted, and a step formed by the holder and the probe hole, against which the ultrasonic sensor abuts; a cylindrical wall that forms the probe hole from the step portion to the substrate-side opening edge of the probe hole; and the substrate is Plate thickness of plate-shaped part and a propagation suppression section that is thinner than the [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic sensor mounting structure that can reduce costs while maintaining the accuracy of detecting obstacles using ultrasonic waves. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a rear view of a vehicle equipped with an ultrasonic sensor mounting structure according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part showing part II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of a portion corresponding to FIG. 2 in a configuration without a propagation suppression portion. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of a portion corresponding to FIG. 2, showing the mounting structure of the ultrasonic sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a left side view of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1, showing an ultrasonic sensor mounting structure according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8]1. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1, showing an ultrasonic sensor mounting structure according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of a portion corresponding to FIG. 2, showing the mounting structure of the ultrasonic sensor according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of a portion corresponding to FIG. 9, showing the mounting structure of the ultrasonic sensor according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of a portion corresponding to FIG. 9, showing a modification of the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of a portion corresponding to FIG. 2, showing the mounting structure of the ultrasonic sensor according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] First Embodiment An ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the description, the same elements are given the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted. In addition, in the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "front," "rear," "up," "down," "inside," and "outside" refer to "front" and "rear" in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, "up" and "down" in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and "inside" and "outside" in the inner and outer directions of the vehicle.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S1 of this embodiment is a structure for installing an ultrasonic sensor 10 on the surface of a vehicle body. The ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S1 is composed of an ultrasonic sensor 10 and a rear bumper 20 (base material). In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 10 is installed on the upper left part of the rear bumper 20, facing rearward of the vehicle.

[0011] The ultrasonic sensor 10 measures the time it takes for a burst of ultrasonic waves it emits to be reflected off an obstacle around the vehicle V and return, thereby determining whether an obstacle is present and the distance to the obstacle. The burst wave is a single-frequency ultrasonic wave that lasts for a set period of time and is emitted at predetermined intervals. The burst wave has oscillation time and intervals set according to the distance to the expected obstacle. The ultrasonic sensor 10 includes a probe 11 and a sensor body 12 .

[0012] The probe 11 is configured to emit and receive ultrasonic burst waves, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The probe 11 cannot oscillate and receive vibrations at the same time, so even if an ultrasonic wave is input to the probe 11 while it is oscillating, it cannot be detected. Therefore, the system alternates between vibration generation and reception to detect obstacles.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor body 12 is configured to generate ultrasonic waves to be oscillated from the probe 11. The sensor body 12 has an engaging projection 13 on its outer circumferential surface. The engagement projection 13 is formed so as to be able to engage with an engagement receiving portion 26, which will be described later.

[0014] The rear bumper 20 (base material) is installed at the rear end of the vehicle for the purpose of preventing damage to the vehicle body in the event of a vehicle collision. The rear bumper 20 is made of a flexible and elastic resin material, and in the event of a collision, it absorbs the impact with its own elasticity and protects the vehicle body. The rear bumper 20 is provided with a sensor installation portion 21 where the ultrasonic sensor 10 is installed.

[0015] The sensor installation portion 21 is set in a plate-shaped portion on the upper left side of the rear bumper 20 facing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The sensor installation section 21 is formed with a probe hole 22, a holder 23, and a propagation suppression section 30A. The probe hole 22 is a through-hole that penetrates the plate surface of the sensor installation portion 21 and the end of the holder 23 on the sensor installation portion 21 side, and accommodates the probe 11 of the ultrasonic sensor 10 therein.

[0016] The holder 23 is formed integrally with the sensor installation section 21 on the rear surface (inner plate surface) of the sensor installation section 21 and has a cylindrical shape that communicates with the probe hole 22. The holder 23 accommodates the sensor main body 12 in a cylindrical shape. The holder 23 includes a step portion 24, an engagement piece 25, and an engagement receiving portion 26.

[0017] The step 24 is a step formed by the end of the holder 23 on the sensor installation section 21 side and the probe hole 22 . By abutting the probe-side end face of the sensor body 12 against the step portion 24, the ultrasonic sensor 10 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0018] The engagement piece 25 constitutes the cylindrical wall of the holder 23, and extends from the rear to the front of the vehicle along the cylindrical axis direction, taking on a flexible cantilever shape. The engagement receiving portion 26 is formed at the tip of the cantilever-shaped engagement piece 25 . The engagement receiving portion 26 engages with the engagement projection 13 of the sensor body 12 and abuts against the sensor body 12 due to the elastic force of the engagement piece 25, preventing it from falling off from the inside of the cylinder and rattling within the cylinder.

[0019] The propagation suppression section 30A is set so that the thickness dimension L30A is the thinnest among the plate-shaped portions of the sensor installation section 21 that make up the sensor installation section 21. In other words, the propagation suppression section 30A is set to have the highest flexibility (lowest rigidity) of all the plate-like sections of the sensor installation section 21. For this reason, a groove-shaped recess 31A having an approximately U-shaped cross section is formed in the propagation suppression section 30A, centered on the probe hole 22, and surrounding the base (substrate side end) of the holder 23 on the back surface of the sensor installation section 21 in a circular ring shape. That is, the recess 31A extends continuously around the opening edge of the probe hole 22 in an annular shape.

[0020] As a result, the thickness L30A of the groove bottom portion that becomes the propagation suppression portion 30A is set to be thinner than the thickness L21 of the other portions of the sensor installation portion 21. Furthermore, the thickness dimension L30A of the groove bottom portion is set to a dimension that satisfies two conditions. The first condition is that the dimensions must be rigid enough to maintain the probe 11 in the holder 23 facing in a predetermined direction (horizontally and toward the rear of the vehicle). The second condition is that the dimensions must be such that the flexibility of the sensor itself can absorb the vibrations of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor 10 and suppress their propagation.

[0021] In contrast to the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S1 of this embodiment, a mounting structure S0 in which the propagation suppression section 30A is not provided will be described (see FIG. 4). The ultrasonic sensor 10 itself vibrates when it emits ultrasonic waves. Therefore, vibrations of the sensor body 12 housed in the holder 23 are transmitted to the step portion 24 .

[0022] Here, since the mounting structure S0 does not include the propagation suppression portion 30A, the vibration of the sensor main body 12 propagates from the step portion 24 to the entire rear bumper 20. A part of the propagated ultrasonic vibration is reflected by the end of the rear bumper 20 and returns to the sensor installation portion 21 . Therefore, when the probe 11 detects the returned ultrasonic vibrations, it will mistakenly detect the end of the rear bumper 20 as an obstacle.

[0023] Furthermore, the ultrasonic vibration propagates throughout the entire rear bumper 20, and the ultrasonic waves emitted from the probe 11 are attenuated. Therefore, even if the ultrasonic waves emitted from the probe 11 are reflected by surrounding obstacles and returned, the ultrasonic waves may be too weak for the probe 11 to detect.

[0024] In contrast, when the propagation suppression portion 30A is provided as in this embodiment, the vibrations transmitted to the step portion 24 are absorbed by the propagation suppression portion 30A, and the propagation of ultrasonic waves to the entire rear bumper 20 is suppressed. This reduces false detection of reflected waves and attenuation of the emitted ultrasonic waves, enabling accurate obstacle detection.

[0025] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S1 of this embodiment, the thickness L30A of the propagation suppression portion 30A is set to be thinner than the thickness L21 of the other portion of the sensor installation portion 21 by the recess 31A. As a result, the propagation suppression portion 30A is set to have higher flexibility than other portions of the rear bumper 20 (base material), and is able to absorb ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, while maintaining the accuracy of detecting obstacles using ultrasonic waves, it is possible to reduce costs by reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, the accuracy of ultrasonic obstacle detection can be maintained and collisions with obstacles due to erroneous detection can be more reliably prevented, thereby contributing to improved safety for occupants and surrounding pedestrians.

[0026] In order to further improve the accuracy of detecting an obstacle, it is preferable to set the thickness dimension L30A of the propagation suppression portion 30A to a dimension that satisfies two conditions. The first condition is that the dimensions must be rigid enough to maintain the probe 11 in the holder 23 facing in a predetermined direction (horizontally and toward the rear of the vehicle). The second condition is that the dimensions must be such that the flexibility of the sensor itself can absorb the vibrations of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor 10 and suppress their propagation.

[0027] Furthermore, in the propagation suppression portion 30A of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the groove that forms the recess 31A is set to be substantially U-shaped, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 31A can be V-shaped or U-shaped, and the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0028] In addition, in the propagation suppression portion 30A of this embodiment, the recessed portion 31A is formed on the inner plate surface of the rear bumper 20 (base material). This allows the flexibility of the resin material that forms the rear bumper 20 to be exhibited, and makes it possible to suppress the propagation of ultrasonic waves, without impairing the design of the rear bumper 20.

[0029] Furthermore, in the propagation suppression portion 30A of this embodiment, the recess 31A extends continuously in an annular shape along the opening edge of the probe hole 22. That is, the recess 31A surrounds the periphery of the probe hole 22 without interruption. This makes it possible to suppress the propagation of ultrasonic waves to the rear bumper 20 surrounding the holder 23 without leakage. Furthermore, even if the ultrasonic waves propagate to the surrounding area, the propagation of the reflected waves to the probe 11 can be suppressed.

[0030] In this embodiment, the sensor installation portion 21 is set in the upper left part of the rear bumper 20, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sensor installation portion 21 can be set at the center or corner of the rear bumper 20 in the vehicle width direction, and the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, even if the sensor installation portion 21 is provided on the front bumper (not shown), the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0031] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the description, the same elements as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S2 of this embodiment, the locations where the propagation suppression portion 30B and the recessed portion 31B are formed are different.

[0032] In the first embodiment described above, the recess 31A is formed on the back surface (inner plate surface) of the sensor installation section 21, but in this embodiment, the recess 31B is formed on the front surface (outer plate surface) of the sensor installation section 21. As a result, propagation suppression section 30B is set at a corner of the L-shape formed by sensor installation section 21 and holder 23 in FIG. The cross-sectional shape and depth of the groove shape that constitutes the recess 31B are set so that the propagation suppression portion 30B exhibits flexibility similar to that of the first embodiment. As a result, the dimension L30B of the propagation suppression section 30B is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension L21 of the sensor installation section 21.

[0033] With this configuration, the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S2 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, since there is no configuration such as the holder 23 on the surface of the sensor installation section 21, the recess 31B can be set close to the edge of the opening of the probe hole 22. This allows the propagation suppression section 30B to be set without impairing the design of the sensor installation section 21.

[0034] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the description, the same elements as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S3 of this embodiment, the configuration of the propagation suppression portion 30C is different.

[0035] In the second embodiment described above, the recess 31B is formed on the surface (outer plate surface) of the sensor installation portion 21 and has a continuous groove shape in a circular ring shape surrounding the probe hole 22, thereby providing flexibility to the propagation suppression portion 30B. In contrast, in this embodiment, the recess 31C is composed of a circular depression and is scattered along the periphery of the probe hole 22 on the surface (outer plate surface) of the sensor installation portion 21, thereby enabling the propagation suppression portion 30C to exhibit flexibility. In other words, the propagation suppression section 30C is configured so that the combined flexibility of the thin-walled section in which the circular recess 31C is formed and the thick-walled section in which the circular recess 31C is not formed is higher than that of other parts of the sensor installation section 21.

[0036] Furthermore, since the propagation suppression section 30C is more flexible than other parts of the sensor installation section 21, it absorbs ultrasonic waves and suppresses their propagation to the surroundings. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the circular recess 31C, the depth of the circular recess 31C, and the spacing between the circular recesses 31C are set so that the propagation suppression portion 30C exhibits flexibility similar to that of the propagation suppression portion 30A of the first embodiment. With this configuration, the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S3 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above.

[0037] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the description, the same elements as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S4 of this embodiment, the shape of the recess 31D that constitutes the propagation suppression portion 30D is different.

[0038] In contrast to the second embodiment described above, in this embodiment, recesses 31D are curved in an arc shape along the periphery of probe hole 22 on the surface (outer plate surface) of sensor installation portion 21, and are arranged opposite each other with probe hole 22 in between. 8, recesses 31D are formed on the left and right sides of the probe hole 22, and propagation suppression sections 30D are set therein, but no propagation suppression sections 30D are set above or below the probe hole 22.

[0039] The ultrasonic waves propagate through the regions above and below the probe hole 22 where the propagation suppression portion 30D is not provided, and are reflected by the end of the rear bumper 20 before returning. However, if the probe hole 22 is installed in a position close to the end of the rear bumper 20, the reflected wave will enter the probe 11 while the probe 11 is emitting ultrasonic waves. Therefore, the probe 11 does not detect the reflected wave. That is, this configuration is effective when the top and bottom of the probe hole 22 are close to the ends of the rear bumper 20.

[0040] With this configuration, the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S4 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holder 23 and the ultrasonic sensor 10 are supported in a region where the recess 31D is not formed, so that the propagation suppression portion 30D can be set to be thinner. This allows the flexibility of the propagation suppression portion 30D to be further enhanced, and the propagation of ultrasonic waves can be further suppressed.

[0041] In this embodiment, in order to increase flexibility, the propagation suppression portion 30D is set to be thin by the recess 31D, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, instead of forming the recess 31D to thin the plate, it is also possible to employ a through-hole that penetrates the plate surface. In this configuration, the ultrasonic waves do not propagate throughout the entire rear bumper 20 but are reflected by the through-holes.

[0042] However, since the through-hole is opened at a position close to the probe hole 22, the reflected wave is input to the probe 11 while the probe 11 is emitting ultrasonic waves. Therefore, the probe 11 does not detect the reflected wave.

[0043] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the description, the same elements as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S5 of this embodiment, the location where the propagation suppression portion 30E is set is different.

[0044] In the first embodiment described above, the recess 31A is formed on the surface (outer plate surface) of the sensor installation portion 21 and has a continuous groove shape that surrounds the probe hole 22 in an annular shape. In contrast, in this embodiment, the recess 31E has a groove shape that extends continuously in a circular ring shape along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the portion through which the probe hole 22 passes at the sensor installation portion side end (substrate side end) of the holder 23. That is, the recess 31E is formed around the entire circumference of the cylindrical wall that forms the probe hole 22. The dimension L30E of the propagation suppression portion 30E is set so that the propagation suppression portion 30E exhibits flexibility similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0045] With this configuration, the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S5 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the propagation of ultrasonic waves can be suppressed at a location closer to the ultrasonic sensor 10, which is the oscillation source, than in the configuration of the first embodiment. This makes it possible to further suppress attenuation of the oscillated ultrasonic waves.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recess 31E is formed over the entire outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall that forms the probe hole 22. That is, the propagation suppression portion 30E surrounds the periphery of the probe hole 22 without interruption. This makes it possible to suppress the propagation of ultrasonic waves to the sensor installation portion 21 surrounding the periphery of the holder 23 without leakage. Furthermore, even if the ultrasonic waves propagate to the surrounding area, the propagation of the reflected waves to the probe 11 can be suppressed.

[0047] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the description, the same elements as those in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. In the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S6 of this embodiment, the shape of the recess 31F that constitutes the propagation suppression portion 30F is different from that of the fifth embodiment.

[0048] In contrast to the aforementioned fifth embodiment, in this embodiment, the recess 31F has a groove shape extending circumferentially in a portion of the outer surface of the portion through which the probe hole 22 passes at the sensor installation portion side end (substrate side end) of the holder 23. That is, in FIG. 11, recesses 31F are formed at the left and right positions of the periphery of the probe hole 22, thereby setting propagation suppression portions 30F. Further, the propagation suppression portion 30F is not set above or below the periphery of the probe hole 22. The dimension L30F of the propagation suppression portion 30F is set so that the propagation suppression portion 30F exhibits flexibility similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0049] In the areas above and below the probe hole 22 where the propagation suppression portion 30F is not provided, ultrasonic waves propagate from the ultrasonic sensor 10, are reflected by the edge of the rear bumper 20 and return. However, if the probe hole 22 is installed in a position close to the end of the rear bumper 20, the reflected wave will enter the probe 11 while the probe 11 is emitting ultrasonic waves. Therefore, the probe 11 does not detect the reflected wave. That is, this configuration is effective when the top and bottom of the probe hole 22 are close to the ends of the rear bumper 20.

[0050] With this configuration, the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S6 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the fifth embodiment described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holder 23 and the ultrasonic sensor 10 are supported at a portion of the periphery of the probe hole 22 where the recess 31F is not formed, so that the propagation suppression portion 30F can be set to be thinner. This allows the flexibility of the propagation suppression portion 30F to be further enhanced, and the propagation of ultrasonic waves can be further suppressed.

[0051] <Modification of the Sixth Embodiment> In this embodiment, in order to increase flexibility, the propagation suppression portion 30F is set to be thin by the recess 31F, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, instead of forming the recess 31F to thin the wall, it is also possible to employ a through-hole that penetrates the cylindrical wall (see FIG. 12). That is, the propagation suppression portion 30Fa can be configured as a through-hole that extends along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall at the sensor installation portion side end (substrate side end) of the holder 23 and penetrates the cylindrical wall.

[0052] In this configuration, the ultrasonic waves do not propagate throughout the entire rear bumper 20 but are reflected by the through-holes. However, since the through-hole is opened at a position close to the probe hole 22, the reflected wave is input to the probe 11 while the probe 11 is emitting ultrasonic waves. As a result, the reflected waves are not detected by the probe 11, so that the accuracy of detecting obstacles using ultrasonic waves can be maintained.

[0053] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the description, the same elements as those in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. In the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S7 of this embodiment, the location where the propagation suppression portion 30G is set is different.

[0054] In the fifth embodiment described above, the recess 31E has a groove shape formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall that forms the probe hole 22, all around the circumference. In contrast, in this embodiment, the recess 31G has a groove shape that extends continuously in a circular ring shape along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the portion through which the probe hole 22 passes at the sensor installation portion side end (substrate side end) of the holder 23. That is, the recess 31G is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall that forms the probe hole 22 over the entire circumference.

[0055] The dimension L30G of the propagation suppression portion 30G is set so that the propagation suppression portion 30G exhibits flexibility similar to that of the first embodiment. With this configuration, the ultrasonic sensor mounting structure S7 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] Mounting structure of S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 ultrasonic sensors 10 Ultrasonic Sensor 11 Probe 12 Sensor body 13 Engagement protrusion 20 Rear bumper (base material) 21 Sensor installation section 22 probe holes 23 Holder 24 Step section 25 Engagement piece 26 Engagement receiving portion 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30Fa, 30G Propagation suppression section 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D, 31E, 31F, 31G recesses L21 Thickness of sensor installation area L30A, L30B Sensor installation area thickness V vehicle

Claims

1. an ultrasonic sensor having a probe for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a base material made of a plate-like member and arranged to face the inside and outside of a vehicle; a sensor installation portion on the substrate where the ultrasonic sensor is installed; a probe hole that constitutes the sensor installation portion and penetrates the plate surface of the base material and opens so that the probe can be inserted into the hole; a holder that constitutes the sensor installation portion, that is erected integrally with the base material from the inner plate surface of the base material, and that has a cylindrical shape into which the ultrasonic sensor can be inserted; a step portion formed by the holder and the probe hole, against which the ultrasonic sensor abuts; a propagation suppression portion that is disposed on a cylindrical wall that forms the probe hole and extends from the step portion to an opening edge of the probe hole on the substrate side, and that is set to be thinner than a plate thickness of the plate-shaped portion of the substrate; Equipped with 1. An ultrasonic sensor mounting structure comprising:

2. an ultrasonic sensor having a probe for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a base material made of a plate-like member and arranged to face the inside and outside of a vehicle; a sensor installation portion on the substrate where the ultrasonic sensor is installed; a probe hole that constitutes the sensor installation portion and penetrates the plate surface of the base material and opens so that the probe can be inserted into the hole; a holder that constitutes the sensor installation portion, that is erected integrally with the base material from the inner plate surface of the base material, and that has a cylindrical shape into which the ultrasonic sensor can be inserted; a step portion formed by the holder and the probe hole, against which the ultrasonic sensor abuts; a propagation suppression portion that is set thinner than the plate-like portion of the base material by a recess extending along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall that forms the probe hole; Equipped with 1. An ultrasonic sensor mounting structure comprising:

3. The recessed portion is The cylindrical wall of the holder extends continuously in an annular shape along the circumferential direction.

3. The ultrasonic sensor mounting structure according to claim 2.

4. The recessed portion is A portion of the cylindrical wall of the holder extends in the circumferential direction.

3. The ultrasonic sensor mounting structure according to claim 2.

5. an ultrasonic sensor having a probe for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a base material made of a plate-like member and arranged to face the inside and outside of a vehicle; a sensor installation portion on the substrate where the ultrasonic sensor is installed; a probe hole that constitutes the sensor installation portion and penetrates the plate surface of the base material and opens so that the probe can be inserted into the hole; a holder that constitutes the sensor installation portion, that is erected integrally with the base material from the inner plate surface of the base material, and that has a cylindrical shape into which the ultrasonic sensor can be inserted; a step portion that is a cylindrical step formed by the holder and the probe hole and against which the ultrasonic sensor abuts; a propagation suppression portion extending along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall forming the probe hole and formed as a through hole penetrating the cylindrical wall; Equipped with 1. An ultrasonic sensor mounting structure comprising:

6. an ultrasonic sensor having a probe for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a base material made of a plate-like member and arranged to face the inside and outside of a vehicle; a probe hole that penetrates the plate surface of the base material and opens so that the probe can be inserted into the hole; a holder having a cylindrical shape that is formed integrally with the base material from an inner plate surface of the base material and into which the ultrasonic sensor can be inserted; a propagation suppression portion that is set to be thinner than the plate-like portion of the substrate by a recess formed on an outer plate surface of the substrate along an opening edge of the probe hole; Equipped with 1. An ultrasonic sensor mounting structure comprising:

7. an ultrasonic sensor having a probe for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a base material made of a plate-like member and arranged to face the inside and outside of a vehicle; a sensor installation portion on the substrate where the ultrasonic sensor is installed; a probe hole that constitutes the sensor installation portion and penetrates the plate surface of the base material and opens so that the probe can be inserted into the hole; a holder that constitutes the sensor installation portion, that is formed integrally with the base material from an inner plate surface of the base material, and that has a cylindrical shape into which the ultrasonic sensor can be inserted; a propagation suppression portion that is set to be thinner than a plate thickness of the plate-shaped portion of the substrate by a recess formed along an opening edge of the probe hole on an end surface of the cylindrical wall that forms the probe hole on the substrate side; Equipped with 1. An ultrasonic sensor mounting structure comprising:

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