Vehicle sensor protection structure

Abstract

To provide a sensor protection structure for a vehicle that can protect a sensor even when a large distance cannot be secured between the sensor and an on-board component, while suppressing a decrease in the sensor's detection accuracy due to displacement of the sensor's position. [Solution] The sensor protection structure 100 for a vehicle comprises a lower grill 120 that constitutes the vehicle's design surface, a specified sensor 130 fixed to the lower grill 120, a specified capacitor arranged inside the lower grill 120 and the sensor 130, and a sensor cover 150 that is fixed to the lower grill 120 around the sensor 130 and covers the inside of the sensor 130, and the sensor cover 150 is arranged close to the capacitor so that it displaces within a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the capacitor due to vibrations when the vehicle is driven.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor protection structure for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle front body structure that includes a parking sensor attached to a front bumper, a sensor protection member disposed behind the parking sensor, and a grill shutter disposed behind the sensor protection member. According to Patent Document 1, the sensor can be protected in the event of a collision by ensuring a large gap between the sensor and the grill shutter and designing the sensor so that it does not come into contact with the grill shutter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-147434 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is not always possible to ensure a large distance between the sensor and an on-board component such as a grille shutter located behind it, as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the sensor even when such a large distance cannot be ensured. It is also necessary to prevent the sensor from being displaced due to vibrations in the area around the sensor on the front bumper to which the sensor is fixed while the vehicle is traveling, which could result in a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor.

[0005] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a sensor protection structure for a vehicle that can protect the sensor even when it is not possible to ensure a large distance between the sensor and on-board components, while also preventing the sensor's detection accuracy from decreasing due to displacement of the sensor's position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the present invention comprises an exterior panel that forms the design surface of the vehicle, a specified sensor fixed to the exterior panel, a specified on-board component arranged inside the exterior panel and the sensor, and a sensor cover that is fixed to the exterior panel around the sensor and covers the inside of the sensor, and is characterized in that the sensor cover is arranged close to the on-board component so that it displaces within a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the on-board component due to vehicle vibrations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sensor protection structure for a vehicle that protects the sensor even when it is not possible to ensure a large distance between the sensor and an on-board component, while also preventing the sensor's detection accuracy from decreasing due to displacement of the sensor's position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a sensor protection structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the sensor protection structure for a vehicle of FIG. 1, as seen obliquely from the rear. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle sensor protection structure of FIG. 2, with a sensor cover and a capacitor not shown in the figure added. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the sensor protection structure for a vehicle of FIG. 3 with a capacitor removed, seen obliquely from the rear. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor protection structure for a vehicle shown in FIG. 3 along the line AA. [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view of the sensor protection structure for a vehicle of FIG. 3 with a capacitor removed, seen obliquely from the rear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention comprises an exterior panel that constitutes the design surface of a vehicle, a specified sensor fixed to the exterior panel, a specified on-board component arranged inside the exterior panel and the sensor, and a sensor cover that is fixed to the exterior panel around the sensor and covers the inside of the sensor, and is characterized in that the sensor cover is arranged close to the on-board component so that it displaces within a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the on-board component due to vehicle vibrations.

[0010] With this configuration, even if the area around the sensor on the exterior panel is displaced due to vibrations during vehicle operation, the sensor cover directly contacts the on-board components, preventing contact between the sensor and the on-board components and protecting the sensor from contact with the on-board components. Furthermore, because the sensor cover is fixed to the exterior panel around the sensor, contact with the on-board components minimizes sensor cover displacement, and therefore sensor displacement and the vibration phase difference between the sensor and the on-board components. In other words, sensor displacement due to vibrations around the sensor on the exterior panel caused by vehicle operation vibrations can be minimized, thereby minimizing degradation of the sensor's detection accuracy due to displacement of the sensor's position. This is achieved by intentionally not ensuring a large distance (clearance) between the sensor and the on-board components. Therefore, the present invention is an effective means for protecting the sensor and preventing degradation of its detection accuracy when such clearance cannot be ensured.

[0011] The vehicle sensor protection structure may further include a buffer material disposed between the sensor cover and the vehicle-mounted component.

[0012] According to this configuration, the cushioning material fills the space between the sensor cover and the on-board component, and vibrations from the sensor cover are transmitted to the on-board component more efficiently than when there is no cushioning material, making it easier to reduce vibrations by the on-board component.

[0013] The sensor cover preferably indirectly contacts the on-board component via a cushioning material. With this configuration, even if the area around the sensor on the exterior panel is displaced due to vibrations during vehicle operation, the sensor cover indirectly contacts the on-board component via the cushioning material, preventing contact between the sensor and the on-board component and protecting the sensor from contact with the on-board component. Furthermore, since the sensor cover is fixed to the exterior panel around the sensor, indirect contact with the on-board component via the cushioning material minimizes sensor cover displacement, and thus sensor displacement and the vibration phase difference between the sensor and the on-board component. In other words, sensor displacement due to vibrations around the sensor on the exterior panel caused by vehicle operation vibrations can be minimized, thereby minimizing degradation of sensor detection accuracy due to displacement of the sensor position. This is achieved by intentionally not ensuring a large clearance between the sensor and the on-board component. Therefore, the present invention is an effective means for protecting the sensor and preventing degradation of its detection accuracy when such clearance cannot be ensured.

[0014] Furthermore, because the sensor cover is indirectly in contact with the on-board component via the cushioning material, energy (e.g., vibration energy) that acts on the periphery of the sensor and changes its position can be transmitted from the sensor cover side or the on-board component side to the cushioning material, and the energy can be consumed as deformation energy of the cushioning material. Furthermore, the cushioning material can absorb the energy and further reduce the vibration phase difference of the sensor relative to the on-board component when the sensor cover is in contact with the on-board component. Furthermore, the cushioning material can also absorb impact energy that occurs when the sensor cover comes into contact with the on-board component, thereby protecting the sensor from the impact.

[0015] The sensor cover preferably has a sensor covering portion that covers the inside of the sensor and is arranged close to the vehicle-mounted component, and a sensor surrounding portion that extends around the sensor covering portion.

[0016] According to this configuration, the area that can come into contact with vehicle-mounted components is increased by the area surrounding the sensor, so that the detection accuracy of the sensor can be further prevented from decreasing.

[0017] The sensor cover may further have a mounting portion disposed around the sensor periphery and attached to the exterior panel, and the mounting portion may be connected to the exterior panel on both sides in the vehicle width direction that sandwich the sensor periphery.

[0018] With this configuration, the rigidity around the area where the mounting portion is connected to the exterior panel is set high, vibration of the sensor and sensor cover is suppressed, and a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor can be further suppressed.

[0019] The mounting portion of the sensor cover may be recessed so as to be closer to the exterior panel than the sensor covering portion and the sensor surrounding portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, the rigidity of the entire mounting portion is set high, vibration of the sensor and sensor cover is further suppressed, and a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor can be suppressed.

[0021] The exterior panel may have a bumper connection portion connected to the bumper around the sensor, and the bumper connection portion may be adjacent to the position where the sensor cover is fixed to the exterior panel.

[0022] With this configuration, the position of the bumper connection portion where the exterior panel is connected to the bumper is close to the position where the exterior panel is fixed to the sensor cover, so vibration of the exterior panel is weakened. Therefore, even if a large distance cannot be secured between the sensor and the on-board component, a decrease in the sensor's detection accuracy can be further suppressed. [Example]

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor protection structure 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen obliquely from the front. In Fig. 1 and all other drawings, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Backward), the left and right directions in the vehicle width direction are indicated by arrows L (Leftward) and R (Rightward), and the up-down direction is indicated by arrows U (Upward) and D (Downward).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 includes a bumper face 110 which is a part of the bumper, a lower grille 120 which is an exterior panel arranged on the bumper face 110, and a sensor 130 fixed to the lower grille 120.

[0026] The lower grille 120 has a hole forming frame 120a that forms multiple hexagonal holes, a bumper beam covering portion 120b that covers the bumper beam at the rear of the vehicle (not shown), and a hole forming frame 120c that forms a round hole located on top of the bumper beam covering portion 120b. The lower grille 120 forms part of the vehicle's design surface. The lower grille 120 is molded from resin. The hole forming frame 120a introduces air from the front of the vehicle. A sensor 130 is fixed to the hole forming frame 120c.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 of Fig. 1, seen obliquely from the rear. As shown in Fig. 2, the hole forming frame 120c is disposed at a corner of the lower grille 120 (sometimes called a lower net). Therefore, the hole forming frame 120c has high rigidity. Therefore, the sensor 130 fixed to the hole 120d of the hole forming frame 120c is unlikely to be displaced.

[0028] A connecting rib 129 is formed on the rear surface 120p of the lower grille 120. The connecting rib 129 extends in the vehicle width direction and bulges out toward the rear of the vehicle. The connecting rib 129 connects the bulging wall 122, the protruding plate 124, the bulging wall 126, and the protrusion 128.

[0029] Holes 129a that can engage with the claws 116 of the bumper face 110 are formed in parts of the connecting ribs 129. By engaging the claws 116 of the bumper face 110 with the holes 129a of the connecting ribs 129, the rigidity of the bulging wall 122, the protruding plate 124, the bulging wall 126, and the protrusion 128 that are connected by the connecting ribs 129 is set to be high.

[0030] The protruding wall 122 protrudes rearward and has a hole 122a formed in a rear surface 122x as a cover connecting portion. The hole 122a is a portion for connecting to a sensor cover 150 (see FIG. 4) described below.

[0031] The protruding plate 124 has a plate 124a extending rearward and a protrusion 124b protruding rearward from the plate 124a. Because the plate 124a extends downward to the vicinity of the hole forming frame 120c, the rigidity of the hole forming frame 120c is set high. As a result, the support rigidity of the sensor 130 is set high. The protrusion 124b is used to position the sensor cover 150 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later.

[0032] The bulging wall 126 bulges rearward and has a hole 126a formed in a rear surface 126x as a bumper connecting portion and a hole 126b as a cover connecting portion. The hole 126a is a hole for connecting the sensor 130 to the bumper face 110 around the sensor 130. The hole 126b is a hole for connecting the sensor cover 150 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. The hole 126a is adjacent to the positions of the holes 122a and 126b where the sensor cover 150 is fixed to the lower grille 120.

[0033] The protrusion 128 is formed to extend rearward from the bulging wall 126 and has a shape similar to the above-described protrusion 124b. The protrusion 128 is used to position a sensor cover 150 (see FIG. 4) described below.

[0034] Additionally, the lower grille 120 has a protrusion 132 formed at its upper end and a hole 134 formed adjacent to the protrusion 132. The protrusion 132 and the hole 134 are located above the hole 126a of the bulging wall 126. A bead 136 is formed in a rearward convex shape, extending vertically from below the protrusion 132 and the hole 134 to the upper end of the bulging wall 126. The presence of the bead 136 increases the rigidity of the lower grille 120, thereby preventing misalignment of the sensor cover 150 (described below) fixed to the lower grille 120.

[0035] Furthermore, an inclined plate 138 is formed on the rear surface 120p of the lower grille 120. The inclined plate 138 slopes downward toward the rear. The inclined plate 138 is used to secure a harness. The inclined plate 138 is connected to the bulging wall 126. For this reason, the rigidity of the bulging wall 126 is set to be high.

[0036] 2 has high rigidity because the lower grille 120 and the bumper face 110 overlap in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, the rigidity of the hole forming frame 120c in the vicinity thereof is also set high.

[0037] The lower grille 120 also has a rib 139 formed below the hole forming frame 120c and extending rearward from the rear surface 120p. The rib 139 extends horizontally. The lower grille 120 also has an edge plate 120e of the hole forming frame 120a adjacent to the hole forming frame 120c. The rib 139, together with the edge plate 120e of the hole forming frame 120a, abuts against the sensor cover 150, thereby suppressing displacement of the sensor cover 150.

[0038] In this embodiment, the lower grille 120 arranged at the front of the vehicle is used as an example of an exterior panel, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the exterior panel may be configured in the same manner as the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 using a panel arranged at the side or rear of the vehicle.

[0039] The sensor 130 is a sensor that detects the environment around the vehicle. The sensor 130 is fixed in a hole 120d in a hole forming frame 120c of the lower grille 120. The sensor 130 is, for example, a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle body and an obstacle using ultrasonic waves or the like. In this embodiment, the sensor 130 is a sonar that measures the gap between the vehicle and an object in front, but is not limited to this embodiment and may be a sonar that measures the gap between the vehicle and an object in the rear, or a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle and the four corners. Based on the information measured by the sensor 130, a warning sound or the like is issued when the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle falls below a certain distance.

[0040] In this embodiment, sensor 130 is an acoustic wave sensor that uses acoustic waves as detection waves, and includes, for example, a transmitter that emits ultrasonic waves and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from obstacles or the like. However, without being limited to this, sensor 130 may be an electromagnetic wave sensor that uses electromagnetic waves as detection waves, such as a millimeter-wave radar that emits detection waves, such as millimeter waves, from a transmitter and receives reflected waves reflected from obstacles or the like, or an imaging device, such as a camera, that receives external electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight reflected from an object, as detection waves. The receiver and transmitter of sensor 130 are configured as an integrated unit, but may also be configured as separate units and disposed in different positions on an exterior member, such as lower grille 120.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the sensor protection structure 100 for a vehicle in Fig. 2, with the addition of a sensor cover 150 and a condenser 140, which are not shown. As shown in Fig. 3, the sensor protection structure 100 for a vehicle includes a condenser 140 as a predetermined on-board component, which is located inside (rearward of) the lower grille 120 and the sensor 130. The condenser 140 is a device that forcibly cools and liquefies a gaseous refrigerant that has been made high-temperature and high-pressure by a compressor, using outside air taken in by a condenser fan that takes outside air into the engine compartment.

[0042] The condenser 140 is provided with metal heat dissipation fins and a support member for supporting them on its front surface, or is fixed to a vehicle body frame member such as a radiator support member that supports a radiator (not shown). Therefore, the condenser 140 is more rigid than the lower grille 120 around the sensor 130, and is less likely to vibrate when subjected to an external force than the sensor periphery of the lower grille 120. The sensor periphery may include the hole forming frame 120c and rear surface 120p in FIG. 2, but may also include the surrounding areas (this also applies to the following description).

[0043] In this embodiment, the capacitor 140 has been described as an example of an on-board component, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the on-board component may be an electrical component such as a controller for control, a battery, or a resin air guide, etc. It is desirable that these on-board components also have higher rigidity than the sensor periphery of the lower grille 120, or are fixed to a vehicle frame member and set to be less likely to swing than the sensor periphery of the lower grille 120.

[0044] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the sensor protection structure 100 for a vehicle shown in Figure 3 with the capacitor 140 removed, viewed from a different diagonal rear direction. As shown in Figure 4, the sensor protection structure 100 for a vehicle includes a sensor cover 150. The sensor cover 150 is fixed to the inner surface of the lower grille 120 around the sensor 130, and covers the inner (rear) portion of the sensor 130.

[0045] 4, the sensor cover 150 has a sensor covering portion 152 and a sensor surrounding portion 154 extending above the sensor covering portion 152. The sensor covering portion 152 covers the rear side of the sensor 130.

[0046] The sensor cover 152 has a recess 152a at its lower end. The recess 152a extends in the vertical direction and is recessed toward the front of the vehicle. The presence of this recess 152a increases the rigidity of the sensor cover 152 in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the sensor cover 152 protrudes rearward from the surface 153x (see FIG. 6) to form a step, which increases the rigidity of the sensor cover 152.

[0048] Furthermore, a rib 153a that convexes rearward is formed on the left side of the sensor covering portion 152 in the vehicle width direction, and a rib 153b that convex rearward is formed on the right side of the sensor covering portion 152 in the vehicle width direction. The rib 153a is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward. The presence of this rib 153a makes it easier to route the harness connected to the sensor 130. The presence of this rib 153a also increases the rigidity of the sensor covering portion 152.

[0049] Sensor covering portion 152 also has legs 159. Legs 159 are bent from sensor covering portion 152 toward the front of the vehicle. Lower grille 120 is formed with ribs 139 that protrude toward the rear of the vehicle, and legs 159 rest on top of these ribs 139. The lower end of sensor covering portion 152 is positioned by these legs 159 and ribs 139.

[0050] The sensor surrounding portion 154 is formed so as to extend around the sensor covering portion 152. The sensor surrounding portion 154 is a portion formed flush with the sensor covering portion 152. The sensor surrounding portion 154 is a portion that extends around the sensor covering portion 152, and in this embodiment, is a portion that is formed so as to extend upward.

[0051] In this embodiment, the sensor surrounding portion 154 extends upward from the sensor covering portion 152, but this is not limited to this and may extend from the sensor covering portion 152 to the left side in the vehicle width direction, to the right side in the vehicle width direction, or downward.

[0052] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the sensor protection structure 100 for a vehicle in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the sensor cover 150 is disposed close to the capacitor 140 so that it is displaced within a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the capacitor 140 due to vibrations caused by the driving of the vehicle (when the vehicle is running or when the engine is running before the vehicle starts).

[0053] 5, sensor cover 150 vibrates in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle within vibration range S (see the dotted line indicating the vibration of sensor cover 150). Capacitor 140 vibrates in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle within vibration range C (see the dotted line indicating the vibration of capacitor 140). Vibration range S of sensor cover 150 and vibration range C of capacitor 140 are set in a positional relationship such that they overlap within range X when cushioning material 160, which will be described later, is not present.

[0054] In this embodiment, the sensor covering portion 152 and the sensor surrounding portion 154 are arranged close to the capacitor 140, but this configuration is not limited thereto and they may be arranged close to other on-board components, such as the battery or the controller.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a perspective view, seen obliquely from the rear, of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 of Fig. 3 with the capacitor 140 removed. As shown in Fig. 6, the sensor cover 150 further has mounting portions 156 and 158.

[0056] The mounting portions 156, 158 are disposed around the sensor surrounding portion 154 and are attached to the lower grille 120. The mounting portions 156, 158 form part of the sensor cover 150 on both sides of the sensor surrounding portion 154 in the vehicle width direction.

[0057] Mounting portions 156, 158 are recessed so as to be closer to lower grille 120 than sensor covering portion 152 and sensor surrounding portion 154. Mounting plates 156a, 158a are formed as recessed innermost plates, and ribs 156b, 158b are formed along the edges of mounting plates 156a, 158a, protruding rearward. Sensor surrounding portion 154 and rib 156b are formed in an annular shape, and sensor surrounding portion 154 and rib 158b are also formed in an annular shape. Holes 172, 174 are formed in mounting plate 156a of mounting portion 156, and holes 176, 178 are formed in mounting plate 158a of mounting portion 158.

[0058] Holes 172 and 174 are disposed on the left side of sensor peripheral portion 154 in the vehicle width direction. Hole 172 is disposed on the side farther from sensor peripheral portion 154, and hole 174 is disposed on the side closer to sensor peripheral portion 154. Protrusion 124b (see FIG. 2) of lower grille 120 is inserted into hole 174. Hole 172 is aligned with hole portion 122a (see FIG. 2) of bulging wall 122 of lower grille 120 and fastened with a bolt (not shown). Note that a clip may be used instead of the bolt.

[0059] Holes 176 and 178 are disposed on the right side of sensor peripheral portion 154 in the vehicle width direction. Hole 176 is disposed on the side closer to sensor peripheral portion 154, and hole 178 is disposed on the side farther from sensor peripheral portion 154. Protrusion 128 (see FIG. 2) of lower grille 120 is inserted into hole 178. Hole 176 is aligned with hole portion 126b (see FIG. 2) of bulging wall 126 of lower grille 120 and fastened with a bolt (not shown). Note that a clip may be used instead of the bolt.

[0060] A hole 180 is formed in the mounting portion 158 around the sensor surrounding portion 154. The hole 126a of the lower grille 120 is aligned with the hole 114 of the bumper face 110 and fixed with a bolt (not shown). The hole 180 is formed larger than the hole 126a, the hole 114, and the bolt. Therefore, after the sensor cover 150 is fixed to the lower grille 120, the bolt can be inserted into the hole 126a and the hole 114 and fastened. Note that a clip may be used instead of the bolt.

[0061] The holes 172, 174, 176, and 178 are arranged on the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction, sandwiching the sensor peripheral portion 154 and the hole 180. Therefore, the sensor cover 150 is stably supported.

[0062] Note that the bolt is inserted into hole 172, protrusion 124b is inserted into hole 174, the bolt is inserted into hole 176, and protrusion 128 is inserted into hole 178, so the order of inserting the bolts and protrusions is not symmetrical between holes 172, 174 and holes 176, 178. If the order of inserting the bolts and protrusions were symmetrical, it could be difficult to insert the bolts and protrusions if there was an error in the positions of holes 172, 174, 176, 178, and this is to avoid this.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 5, the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 also includes a buffer material 160. The buffer material 160 is disposed between the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140. The buffer material 160 is attached to the front end of the capacitor 140 in the vehicle width direction, and extends in the vertical direction (see Fig. 3). As a result, the sensor cover 150 comes into indirect contact with the capacitor 140 via the buffer material 160.

[0064] In this embodiment, the cushioning material 160 is a sponge-like member, but rubber or the like may also be used. Also, in this embodiment, the sensor cover 150 abuts against the capacitor 140 via the cushioning material 160 attached to the capacitor 140. However, this is not limitative, and the sensor cover 150 may abut against the capacitor 140 directly.

[0065] In this embodiment, the buffer material 160 is attached to the front end of the capacitor 140 in the vehicle width direction, but is not limited to this and may be attached to the sensor cover 150. Alternatively, the buffer material 160 may be disposed separately from the capacitor 140 and the sensor cover 150. In this case, the buffer material 160 may be sandwiched between the capacitor 140 and the sensor cover 150.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the buffer material 160 is attached to the capacitor 140, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the buffer material 160 may not be attached to the capacitor 140, and the sensor cover 150 may be arranged so that it can come into direct contact with the capacitor 140 when the vehicle vibrates. With this configuration, the sensor cover 150 may not come into contact with the capacitor 140 when the vehicle is not vibrating, and may come into direct contact with the capacitor 140 when the vehicle is vibrating.

[0067] Next, returning to Figure 2, the upper grill 190 will be described. The upper grill 190 has a hole 192 and a hole 194. A protrusion 132 formed at the upper end of the lower grill 120 is inserted into the hole 192 for positioning, and the hole 194 is aligned with a hole 134 formed at the upper end of the lower grill 120 and fastened with a bolt (not shown). Note that a clip may be used instead of the bolt.

[0068] The upper grille 190 also has a bulging wall 196. A hole 196a is formed in the bulging wall 196. The hole 196a is aligned with a hole 112 formed in the bumper face 110 and fastened with a bolt (not shown). The hole 196a is adjacent to the holes 192 and 194, thereby increasing the rigidity of the lower grille 120 in this vicinity. Note that clips may be used instead of the bolts.

[0069] Next, a manufacturing process for the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the lower grille 120 is fixed to the bumper face 110. At this time, the hole 114 in the bumper face 110 and the hole 126a in the lower grille 120 are aligned, and the two are fixed with bolts (not shown). In addition, the protrusion 132 of the upper grille 190 is inserted into the hole 192 in the lower grille 120. The hole 196a in the upper grille 190 is aligned with the hole 112 in the bumper face 110, and the hole 194 in the upper grille 190 is aligned with the hole 134 in the lower grille 120, and the two are fixed with bolts (not shown).

[0070] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, the sensor cover 150 is fixed to the lower grill 120. At this time, the protrusions 124b of the lower grill 120 are inserted into the holes 174 of the sensor cover 150, and the protrusions 128 of the lower grill 120 are inserted into the holes 178 of the sensor cover 150. Clips may be used instead of the bolts.

[0071] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor protection structure 100 will be described. Before the vehicle starts traveling, the sensor cover 150 and the condenser 140 are spaced apart. Then, due to vibrations caused by traveling of the vehicle, the condenser 140 and the lower grille 120 vibrate. At this time, the sensor covering portion 152 and the sensor surrounding portion 154 of the sensor cover 150 fixed to the lower grille 120 come into contact with the condenser 140, which is less susceptible to vibration than the sensor surrounding portion of the lower grille 120, via the buffer material 160, and therefore the vibration energy of the sensor cover 150 can be released to the condenser 140. As a result, the vibration of the sensor cover 150 can be reduced.

[0072] According to the configuration of the present embodiment, even if the sensor periphery of lower grille 120 is displaced due to vibrations or the like while the vehicle is traveling, sensor cover 150 indirectly contacts capacitor 140 via buffer material 160, preventing contact between sensor 130 and capacitor 140 and protecting sensor 130 from contact with capacitor 140. Moreover, because sensor cover 150 is fixed to the periphery of sensor 130 in lower grille 120, contact of sensor cover 150 with capacitor 140 can minimize displacement of sensor cover 150, and therefore displacement of sensor 130 and the vibration phase difference of sensor 130 relative to capacitor 140. In other words, displacement of sensor 130 caused by vibrations of the sensor periphery of lower grille 120 due to vibrations or the like while the vehicle is traveling can be minimized, thereby minimizing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor due to displacement of sensor 130.

[0073] This is achieved by not ensuring a large gap (clearance) between the sensor 130 and the capacitor 140. Therefore, the configuration of this embodiment is an effective means for preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor 130 when such a gap cannot be ensured.

[0074] Furthermore, since the buffer material 160 is placed between the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140, the space between the sensor cover 150 and the capacitor 140 is filled by the buffer material 160, and the vibration of the sensor cover 150 is transmitted to the capacitor 140 more efficiently than if the buffer material 160 were not present, making it easier for the capacitor 140 to reduce the vibration.

[0075] Because sensor cover 150 is in indirect contact with capacitor 140 via buffer material 160, energy (e.g., vibration energy) that acts on the periphery of sensor 130 and changes the position of sensor 130 can be transmitted from sensor cover 150 or capacitor 140 to buffer material 160, and the energy can be consumed as deformation energy of buffer material 160. Furthermore, buffer material 160 can absorb the energy and further reduce the vibration phase difference of sensor 130 relative to capacitor 140 when sensor cover 150 is in contact with capacitor 140. Furthermore, it can absorb impact energy that occurs when sensor cover 150 and capacitor 140 are in indirect contact via buffer material 160, and can protect sensor 130 from the impact.

[0076] The presence of the sensor surrounding portion 154 in addition to the sensor covering portion 152 increases the area that can come into contact with the capacitor 140, i.e., the area that can transmit vibration energy to the capacitor 140, by the amount of the sensor surrounding portion 154, thereby more effectively preventing the position of the sensor 130 from being displaced due to vibration of the sensor surrounding portion of the lower grille 120, thereby preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor 130.

[0077] Additionally, mounting portions 156, 158 of sensor cover 150 are connected to lower grille 120 on both sides in the vehicle width direction that sandwich sensor peripheral portion 154. This configuration increases the rigidity of the area around lower grille 120 where mounting portions 156, 158 are connected, thereby suppressing vibration of sensor 130 and sensor cover 150. As a result, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of sensor 130.

[0078] Mounting portions 156, 158 of sensor cover 150 are recessed so as to be closer to lower grille 120 than sensor covering portion 152 and sensor surrounding portion 154, thereby increasing the rigidity of mounting portions 156, 158 as a whole and further suppressing vibration of sensor 130 and sensor cover 150. As a result, a decrease in the detection accuracy of sensor 130 can be suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, hole 126a is adjacent to holes 122a and 126b. With this configuration, the position of hole 126a, through which lower grille 120 is connected to bumper face 110, is close to the positions of holes 122a and 126b, through which lower grille 120 is fixed to sensor cover 150, thereby weakening the vibration of lower grille 120. Therefore, even if a large gap cannot be secured between sensor 130 and capacitor 140, a decrease in the detection accuracy of sensor 130 can be further suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, the protruding walls 122 and 126 protruding from the rear surface of the lower grille 120 are integrated with the connecting rib 129, so that the rigidity is set to be high.

[0081] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention can be practiced by freely combining inventions described in claims and examples, regardless of the dependent relationships of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The present invention can be used in a sensor protection structure for a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100... Vehicle sensor protection structure, 110...Bumper Face (Bumper), 112, 114...hole, 116...nails, 120...Lower grill (exterior panel), 120a...hole forming frame, 120b...bumper beam covering part, 120c...Hole forming frame, 120d...hole, 120e...edge, 120p…back side, 122...bulging wall, 122a...hole portion (cover connecting portion), 122x…rear surface, 124...Protruding plate, 124a...board, 124b...protrusion, 126...bulging wall, 126a...hole portion (bumper connection portion), 126b...hole portion (cover connecting portion), 126x…rear surface, 128...protrusion, 129...Connecting rib, 129a...hole, 130...sensor, 132...protrusion, 134...hole, 136...Bead, 138...slanted plate, 139...ribs, 140...Capacitor, 150...sensor cover, 152...sensor covering part, 153a...rib, 153b...rib, 153x...plane, 154...sensor periphery, 156...mounting part, 156a...mounting plate, 156b...rib, 158...mounting part, 158a...Rib, 159...legs, 160...Cushioning material, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180...hole, 190...Upper grill, 192, 194...hole, 196...bulging wall, 196a...hole,

Claims

1. an exterior panel that constitutes the design surface of the vehicle; a predetermined sensor fixed to the exterior panel; a predetermined on-vehicle component disposed inside the exterior panel and the sensor; a sensor cover fixed to the exterior panel around the sensor and covering the inside of the sensor, The sensor cover is positioned close to the vehicle-mounted component so that it displaces within a range that overlaps with the range of displacement of the vehicle-mounted component due to vibration of the vehicle.

2. An exterior panel that constitutes the design surface of a vehicle; a predetermined sensor fixed to the exterior panel; a predetermined on-vehicle component disposed inside the exterior panel and the sensor; a sensor cover fixed to the exterior panel around the sensor and covering the inside of the sensor; a buffer material disposed between the sensor cover and the on-vehicle component, 2. The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 1, wherein the sensor cover is in indirect contact with the vehicle-mounted component via the buffer material.

3. The sensor cover a sensor cover portion that covers the inside of the sensor and is disposed in the vicinity of the on-vehicle component; 3. The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor surrounding portion extending around the sensor covering portion.

4. the sensor cover further includes a mounting portion disposed around the sensor periphery and attached to the exterior panel; The sensor protection structure for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the mounting portion is connected to the exterior panel on both sides of the sensor periphery in the vehicle width direction.

5. 5. The vehicle sensor protection structure according to claim 4, wherein the mounting portion of the sensor cover is recessed so as to be closer to the exterior panel than the sensor covering portion and the sensor surrounding portion.

6. the exterior panel has a bumper connecting portion connected to a bumper around the sensor, 3. The sensor protection structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the bumper connection portion is adjacent to a position where the sensor cover is fixed to the exterior panel.

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