Bracket for kick sensor

Abstract

To provide a kick sensor bracket to which a kick sensor can be easily and accurately mounted.SOLUTION: A resin kick sensor bracket 2 holds a kick sensor and has a base part 2a, a facing part 2d disposed opposite to a wall surface of the base part 2a so as to form a kick sensor storage space K between the facing part and the wall surface of the base part 2a, and a resin hinge part 2e for connecting the base part 2a and the facing part 2d. The resin hinge part 2e has an opening 2e1 that is partially formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracket for a kick sensor. Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a kick sensor may be attached to a vehicle. The kick sensor detects the movement of an operator's leg that operates a sliding door or a back door. When the movement of the leg based on the detection signal output from the kick sensor is an operation indicating opening and closing of the sliding door or the back door, the sliding door or the back door is automatically opened and closed. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-126961 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, such a kick sensor is arranged at an inconspicuous position of a vehicle so as not to affect the appearance of the vehicle. Therefore, the kick sensor is arranged inside an exterior component while being held by, for example, a resin bracket. However, the arrangement position of the kick sensor on the bracket affects the detection accuracy of the kick sensor. Therefore, it is preferable that the kick sensor can be easily and accurately attached to the bracket.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bracket for a kick sensor that allows a kick sensor to be easily and accurately attached thereto. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means to solve the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a resin kick sensor bracket for holding a kick sensor, comprising a base, an opposing portion positioned opposite the wall surface of the base so as to form a kick sensor housing space between the base and the wall surface of the base, and a resin hinge portion connecting the base and the opposing portion, wherein the resin hinge portion has a partially formed opening.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the first aspect described above, the resin hinge portion is provided in a linearly extending manner, and the openings are provided discretely in the direction of extension of the resin hinge portion.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the second aspect, the opposing portion has a rivet insertion hole, and the rivet insertion hole is provided at a different position from the opening in the extending direction of the resin hinge portion.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the third aspect described above, the opposing portion is provided protruding around the rivet insertion hole and has a base portion that contacts the kick sensor.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in any of the first to fourth aspects described above, the base is provided at a position exposed through the opening and has a temporary holding claw portion for temporarily holding the kick sensor.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the fifth aspect described above, the temporary holding claw portion has a shape that is smaller than the opening when viewed from the opening side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a kick sensor housing space is formed between the base and the opposing part. Therefore, by housing the kick sensor in the kick sensor housing space, the position of the kick sensor can be accurately positioned. Furthermore, the base and the opposing part are connected via a resin hinge part having an opening. Therefore, by rotating the opposing part relative to the base around the resin hinge part, the kick sensor housing space can be opened and closed. Moreover, since the resin hinge part has an opening, the resin hinge part can be easily deformed, and the force required for the relative rotation of the opposing part with respect to the base can be reduced. Thus, according to the present invention, the kick sensor can be easily and accurately mounted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with a kick sensor bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view including the side spoiler, as seen from the vehicle body. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the kick sensor unit as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the kick sensor unit as seen from the outside of the vehicle. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 3. [Figure 6] (a) is a view of the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor through the opening 2e1, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of BB in (a). [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of how a kick sensor bracket in one embodiment of the present invention is formed by injection molding. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of how a kick sensor bracket in one embodiment of the present invention is formed by injection molding. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the kick sensor bracket according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating the schematic configuration of a vehicle 100 provided with the kick sensor bracket 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, in the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a hinged door 101 provided at a front portion of the vehicle 100, and a sliding door 102 provided at a rear portion of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 further includes a side spoiler 103 positioned below the hinged door 101 and the sliding door 102. The side spoiler 103 is a resin exterior component that extends linearly in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100.

[0017] The side spoiler 103 is disposed on a side portion of the vehicle 100 by being fixed to a vehicle body frame (not shown). Fig. 2 is a perspective view including the side spoiler 103 as viewed from the vehicle body side. As shown in Fig. 2, the side spoiler 103 has a bottom wall 103a and a side wall 103b.

[0018] The bottom wall 103a is a plate-shaped portion forming the bottom of the side spoiler 103, and is disposed such that the front and back surfaces thereof face in the vertical direction. An upper surface 103c of the bottom wall 103a is a mounting surface for the kick sensor unit 1 described later. The side wall 103b is disposed to extend upward from an end portion of the bottom wall 103a on the vehicle outer side. Further, the side wall 103b is inclined toward the vehicle body side as it extends upward.

[0019] Such a side spoiler 103 forms a space between the side wall 103b and the vehicle body. The kick sensor unit 1 is disposed in this space. That is, the side spoiler 103 is a resin exterior component that forms an accommodation space for the kick sensor unit 1 between the side spoiler 103 and the vehicle body.

[0020] The kick sensor unit 1 is a sensor unit that detects the movement of the operator's leg when opening and closing the sliding door 102 and outputs the detection result. As described above, the kick sensor unit 1 is positioned to be mounted on the bottom wall 103a of the side spoiler 103. The kick sensor unit 1 can detect the movement of the operator's leg via the side spoiler 103 and has, for example, a capacitive or ultrasonic sensor. In the vehicle 100, when the movement of the operator's leg based on the detection result of the kick sensor unit 1 indicates opening or closing the sliding door 102, the sliding door 102 is opened or closed by a drive unit (not shown).

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the kick sensor unit 1 as seen from inside the vehicle. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the kick sensor unit 1 as seen from outside the vehicle. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 3. As shown in these figures, the kick sensor unit 1 comprises a kick sensor bracket 2, a bottom sensor 3 (kick sensor), a side sensor 4, a sealing member 5, and a cushioning sheet 6.

[0022] The kick sensor bracket 2 is a component integrally formed by resin injection molding. This kick sensor bracket 2 has a base portion 2a, an inclined wall portion 2b, an end wall portion 2c, an opposing portion 2d, a resin hinge portion 2e, a temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor, and a temporary holding claw portion 2g for the side sensor.

[0023] The base portion 2a is the part that is directly or indirectly supported by the inclined wall portion 2b, the end wall portion 2c, the opposing portion 2d, the resin hinge portion 2e, the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor, and the temporary holding claw portion 2g for the side sensor. The base portion 2a is formed in a plate shape and is positioned with its front and back surfaces facing vertically. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the base portion 2a is formed such that the length dimension in the extension direction of the side spoiler 103 (the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100) is longer than the length dimension in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the side spoiler 103 (the width direction of the vehicle 100).

[0024] Furthermore, the base portion 2a has rivet insertion holes 2a3 that penetrate from the upper surface 2a1 to the lower surface 2a2. The rivet insertion holes 2a3 are holes through which rivets 7 are inserted. In this embodiment, three rivet insertion holes 2a3 are provided. These rivet insertion holes 2a3 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 2a. Note that the number of rivet insertion holes 2a3 can be changed.

[0025] The inclined wall portion 2b is a part erected so as to protrude diagonally upward from the outer end of the base portion 2a of the vehicle. The inclined wall portion 2b is inclined toward the inside of the vehicle body as it extends upward. The surface of the inclined wall portion 2b that faces the base portion 2a is referred to as the inner surface 2b1, and the surface of the inclined wall portion 2b that is opposite to the base portion 2a is referred to as the outer surface 2b2.

[0026] Furthermore, the inclined wall portion 2b has rivet insertion holes 2b3 that penetrate from the inner surface 2b1 to the outer surface 2b2. The rivet insertion holes 2b3 are holes through which rivets 7 are inserted. In this embodiment, three rivet insertion holes 2b3 are provided. These rivet insertion holes 2b3 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the inclined wall portion 2b. Note that the number of rivet insertion holes 2b3 can be changed.

[0027] The angle of inclination between the base portion 2a and the inclined wall portion 2b is set to be approximately the same as the angle of inclination between the bottom wall 103a and the side wall 103b of the side spoiler 103. Therefore, by positioning the base portion 2a of the kick sensor bracket 2 parallel to the upper surface 103c of the bottom wall 103a of the side spoiler 103, the inclined wall portion 2b of the kick sensor bracket 2 becomes approximately parallel to the side wall 103b of the side spoiler 103.

[0028] The end wall portions 2c are provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the base portion 2a. Each end wall portion 2c connects the longitudinal end of the base portion 2a to the longitudinal end of the inclined wall portion 2b. Each end wall portion 2c is also provided with a mounting portion for attachment to the side spoiler 103. The kick sensor bracket 2 is fixed to the side spoiler 103 by, for example, screwing the mounting portion of the end wall portion 2c to the side wall 103b of the side spoiler 103.

[0029] The opposing portion 2d is located below the base portion 2a and is positioned opposite the base portion 2a. In this embodiment, the opposing portion 2d is formed in a plate shape that is substantially the same as the base portion 2a. The opposing portion 2d is positioned so that its upper surface 2d1 faces the lower surface 2a2 of the base portion 2a, forming a kick sensor housing space K between it and the base portion 2a. The kick sensor housing space K is a space for housing the bottom sensor 3.

[0030] Furthermore, the opposing portion 2d has a rivet insertion hole 2d3 that penetrates from the upper surface 2d1 to the lower surface 2d2. The rivet insertion hole 2d3 is a hole through which the rivet 7 is inserted. In this embodiment, three rivet insertion holes 2d3 are provided. These rivet insertion holes 2d3 are arranged to overlap with the rivet insertion holes 2d3 provided in the base portion 2a when viewed from the direction in which the rivet 7 is inserted.

[0031] Furthermore, the opposing portion 2d has a base portion 2d4 that protrudes around each rivet insertion hole 2d3. Each base portion 2d4 is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface 2d1 of the opposing portion 2d. These base portions 2d4 are the parts that contact the bottom sensor 3 from below.

[0032] Such an opposing part 2d supports the bottom sensor 3 from below. The bottom sensor 3 is positioned at least above the opposing part 2d by being supported by it. The opposing part 2d is positioned above the upper surface 103c of the bottom wall 103a of the side spoiler 103, as shown in Figure 5, for example. Therefore, the bottom sensor 3 supported by the opposing part 2d is positioned above the upper surface 103c of the bottom wall 103a of the side spoiler 103.

[0033] Furthermore, the opposing part 2d is connected to the vehicle body side end of the base part 2a via the resin hinge part 2e. Therefore, the opposing part 2d is rotatable relative to the base part 2a around the resin hinge part 2e. The opposing part 2d is rotatable relative to the base part 2a around the resin hinge part 2e as long as it is not fixed by the rivet 7 and the kick sensor bracket 2 is not fixed to the side spoiler 103. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the posture can be changed by the above-described rotational movement between an opposing posture (indicated by a solid line) where it is facing the base part 2a and an open posture (indicated by a dashed line) where it hangs down from the base part 2a.

[0034] The resin hinge portion 2e rotatably connects the base portion 2a and the opposing portion 2d. The resin hinge portion 2e is thinner than the base portion 2a and the opposing portion 2d, and is easily deformable. In this embodiment, the resin hinge portion 2e is provided extending linearly along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 2a. Such a resin hinge portion 2e is easily deformable in the circumferential direction centered on the longitudinal direction, thereby rotatably connecting the base portion 2a and the opposing portion 2d.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the resin hinge portion 2e has an opening 2e1. This opening 2e1 is provided so as to penetrate the resin hinge portion 2e. In addition, multiple (two in this embodiment) openings 2e1 are provided in the extension direction of the resin hinge portion 2e. In other words, multiple openings 2e1 are provided discretely in the extension direction of the resin hinge portion 2e. Note that the number of openings 2e1 can be changed. Also, each opening 2e1 is formed to the size of a notch in the edge of the opposing portion 2d on the resin hinge portion 2e side.

[0036] The provision of such an opening 2e1 reduces the resistance force required to deform the resin hinge portion 2e. As a result, the resin hinge portion 2e can be deformed with less force, and the relative rotation of the opposing portion 2d with respect to the base portion 2a can be easily performed.

[0037] Each opening 2e1 is positioned between the rivet insertion holes 2d3 provided in the opposing portion 2d, in the direction of extension of the resin hinge portion 2e. In other words, each opening 2e1 is positioned at a different location from the rivet insertion holes 2d3 provided in the opposing portion 2d, in the direction of extension of the resin hinge portion 2e. This prevents interference between the rivet insertion holes 2d3 and the openings 2e1, allowing for a larger opening 2e1. It also prevents interference between the base portion 2d4 provided around the rivet insertion holes 2d3 and the openings 2e1.

[0038] The temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor is a claw portion for temporarily holding the bottom sensor 3 during the installation process of the bottom sensor 3 to the kick sensor bracket 2. In this embodiment, the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor temporarily holds the bottom sensor 3 before it is fixed to the kick sensor bracket 2 with rivets 7.

[0039] The temporary holding claws 2f for the bottom sensors are provided to match each of the openings 2e1. In other words, in this embodiment, there are two temporary holding claws 2f for the bottom sensors, the same number as the openings 2e1.

[0040] Figure 6(a) is a view of the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor, seen through the opening 2e1. Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 6(a). As shown in Figure 6, each temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor is located in the kick sensor housing space K and is positioned to be exposed to the kick sensor housing space K through the opening 2e1. The base of each temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor is connected to the lower surface 2a2 of the base portion 2a, and is bent so that it protrudes downward and then its tip faces away from the opening 2e1. These temporary holding claw portions 2f for the bottom sensor hold the bottom sensor 3 which is inserted between the tip and the base portion 2a.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(a), the shape of each temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor, when viewed from the side of the opening 2e1, is smaller than the opening 2e1. Therefore, when molding the kick sensor bracket 2 by injection molding, the opening 2e1 side of the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor can be molded using a part of the mold that is inserted through the opening 2e1.

[0042] The temporary holding claw portion 2g for the side sensor shown in Figure 4 is a claw portion for temporarily holding the side sensor 4 during the installation work of the side sensor 4 to the kick sensor bracket 2. In this embodiment, the temporary holding claw portion 2g for the side sensor temporarily holds the side sensor 4 before it is fixed to the kick sensor bracket 2 with rivets 7.

[0043] Two temporary retaining claws 2g for the side sensor are provided. However, the number of temporary retaining claws 2g for the side sensor can be changed. Each temporary retaining claw 2g for the side sensor is provided on the outer surface 2b2 of the inclined wall 2b. The base of each temporary retaining claw 2g for the side sensor is connected to the outer surface 2b2, and after protruding in the direction normal to the outer surface 2b2, it is bent so that the tip points diagonally upward along the outer surface 2b2. These temporary retaining claws 2g for the side sensor hold the side sensor 4 inserted between the tip and the inclined wall 2b.

[0044] The bottom sensor 3 and the side sensor 4 are sensor elements that detect the position of the operator's legs. For example, the bottom sensor 3 and the side sensor 4 are capacitive or ultrasonic sensor elements. In this embodiment, each of the bottom sensor 3 and the side sensor 4 is formed in a plate shape.

[0045] The bottom sensor 3 is located in the kick sensor housing space K. In other words, the bottom sensor 3 is located between the lower surface 2a2 of the base 2a and the upper surface 2d1 of the opposing part 2d. The bottom sensor 3 has a rivet insertion hole 3a that overlaps with the rivet insertion holes 2a3 and 2d3 when viewed from the direction in which the rivet 7 is inserted. The base 2a, the opposing part 2d, and the bottom sensor 3 are fastened together by rivets 7 inserted through the rivet insertion holes 2a3, 2d3 and 3a. In this way, the bottom sensor 3 is fixed to the kick sensor bracket 2.

[0046] The side sensor 4 is fixed to the outer surface 2b2 of the inclined wall portion 2b. The side sensor 4 is provided with a rivet insertion hole 4a that overlaps with the rivet insertion hole 2b3 when viewed from the direction in which the rivet 7 is inserted. The inclined wall portion 2b and the side sensor 4 are fastened together by rivets 7 inserted through the rivet insertion hole 2b3 and the rivet insertion hole 4a. In this way, the side sensor 4 is fixed to the kick sensor bracket 2.

[0047] The sealing member 5 is positioned between the base portion 2a and the opposing portion 2d. The sealing member 5 is located in the kick sensor housing space K and is positioned outside the vehicle body compared to the bottom sensor 3. This sealing member 5 prevents moisture from reaching the bottom sensor 3. The sealing member 5 also functions as a spacer that restricts the position of the opposing portion 2d relative to the base portion 2a, preventing them from getting too close together. The sealing member 5 restricts the movement of the opposing portion 2d, which rotates around the resin hinge portion 2e relative to the base portion 2a, and prevents the kick sensor housing space K from collapsing.

[0048] The cushioning sheet 6 is located between the kick sensor bracket 2 and the bottom wall 103a of the side spoiler 103. The cushioning sheet 6 prevents the kick sensor bracket 2 and the side spoiler 103 from coming into direct contact due to vehicle vibrations during driving. The cushioning sheet 6 also suppresses the transmission of vibrations, such as vehicle vibrations during driving, to the kick sensor bracket 2 via the side spoiler 103.

[0049] When forming such a kick sensor unit 1, the kick sensor bracket 2 is formed by injection molding of resin. Figures 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing an example of how the kick sensor bracket 2 is formed by injection molding.

[0050] The kick sensor bracket 2 is formed using a mold 10. The mold 10 has a core mold 11 and a cavity mold 12. Molten resin is poured into the space formed between the core mold 11 and the cavity mold 12, and the kick sensor bracket 2 is molded by cooling the resin. After that, as shown in Figure 8, the core mold 11 is moved and the kick sensor bracket 2 attached to the core mold 11 is removed. The temporary holding claw portion 2g for the side sensor provided on the inclined wall portion 2b is molded using, for example, a slide mold (not shown).

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the opposing portion 2d of the kick sensor bracket 2 is formed in the open position described above. Also, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the core mold 11 is provided with a projection 11a for forming the opening 2e1 and the surface of the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor on the opening 2e1 side. The cavity mold 12 is provided with a recess 12a for forming the surface of the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor on the base 2a side.

[0052] Thus, in this embodiment, a kick sensor bracket 2 having an opening 2e1 and a temporary holding claw portion 2f for a bottom sensor can be molded using a core mold 11 and a cavity mold 12. Therefore, the kick sensor bracket 2 can be molded without providing a complex mold structure.

[0053] When attaching the bottom sensor 3 to the kick sensor bracket 2 formed in this manner, the bottom sensor 3 is temporarily held in place by the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor. Next, with the sealing member 5 attached to either the base portion 2a or the opposing portion 2d, the opposing portion 2d is rotated so that the resin hinge portion 2e is at the center to achieve the opposing position. Furthermore, the base portion 2a, the opposing portion 2d, and the bottom sensor 3 are fastened together using rivets 7.

[0054] Furthermore, when attaching the side sensor 4 to the kick sensor bracket 2 formed in this manner, the side sensor 4 is temporarily held in place by the temporary holding claw portion 2g for the side sensor. Subsequently, the side sensor 4 and the inclined wall portion 2b are fastened together using rivets 7.

[0055] Furthermore, the kick sensor bracket 2, to which the bottom sensor 3 and side sensor 4 are attached, is placed on the bottom wall 103a of the side spoiler 103 via a cushioning sheet 6. In addition, the end wall portion 2c is screwed to the side wall 103b of the side spoiler 103. This fixes the kick sensor unit 1 to the side spoiler 103.

[0056] The kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment, as described above, holds the bottom sensor 3 (kick sensor) and the side sensor 4. The kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment is made of resin. The kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment has a base portion 2a, an opposing portion 2d, and a resin hinge portion 2e. The opposing portion 2d is positioned opposite the wall surface of the base portion 2a so as to form a kick sensor housing space K between itself and the wall surface of the base portion 2a. The resin hinge portion 2e connects the base portion 2a and the opposing portion 2d. The resin hinge portion 2e also has a partially formed opening 2e1.

[0057] In this embodiment of the kick sensor bracket 2, a kick sensor housing space K is formed between the base portion 2a and the opposing portion 2d. Therefore, by housing the bottom sensor 3 in the kick sensor housing space K, the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment can accurately position the bottom sensor 3.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the kick sensor bracket 2 is connected to its base portion 2a and opposing portion 2d via a resin hinge portion 2e having an opening 2e1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the kick sensor bracket 2 can open and close the kick sensor housing space K by rotating the opposing portion 2d relative to the base portion 2a around the resin hinge portion 2e.

[0059] Furthermore, since the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment has an opening 2e1 in the resin hinge portion 2e, the resin hinge portion 2e can be easily deformed, and the force required for the relative rotation of the opposing portion 2d with respect to the base portion 2a can be reduced. Therefore, the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment allows for easy and accurate mounting of the bottom sensor 3.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the kick sensor bracket 2 has a resin hinge portion 2e that extends in a straight line, and multiple openings 2e1 are provided discretely in the direction of extension of the resin hinge portion 2e.

[0061] By providing multiple openings 2e1 discretely in the extension direction, even a linearly long resin hinge portion 2e can have a reduced relative rotational force required for the opposing portion 2d relative to the base portion 2a. Therefore, the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment allows for easy and accurate mounting of the bottom sensor 3.

[0062] Furthermore, in the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment, the opposing portion 2d has a rivet insertion hole 2d3. The rivet insertion hole 2d3 is located at a different position from the opening 2e1 in the extending direction of the resin hinge portion 2e.

[0063] In this embodiment, the kick sensor bracket 2 prevents interference between the rivet insertion hole 2d3 and the opening 2e1, allowing the opening 2e1 to be made larger. It also prevents interference between the base portion 2d4 provided around the rivet insertion hole 2d3 and the opening 2e1.

[0064] Furthermore, in the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment, the opposing portion 2d has a base portion 2d4. The base portion 2d4 is provided protruding around the rivet insertion hole 2d3 and in contact with the bottom sensor 3.

[0065] In this embodiment, the kick sensor bracket 2 can hold the bottom sensor 3 with its base portion 2d4. Therefore, the kick sensor bracket 2 in this embodiment can support the bottom sensor 3 during the stabilization phase.

[0066] Furthermore, the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment has a temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor. The temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor is provided on the base portion 2a at a position exposed through the opening 2e1, and temporarily holds the bottom sensor 3.

[0067] In this embodiment, the kick sensor bracket 2 allows the bottom sensor 3 to be temporarily held in place by the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor when the bottom sensor 3 is being installed. Therefore, the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment facilitates the installation of the bottom sensor 3.

[0068] Furthermore, in the kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment, the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor has a shape smaller than the opening 2e1 when viewed from the opening 2e1 side. With this kick sensor bracket 2 of this embodiment, the opening 2e1 and the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor can be easily formed using the core mold 11 and the cavity mold 12.

[0069] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the constituent members shown in the above embodiments are examples, and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0070] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the kick sensor bracket 2 has a temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor and a temporary holding claw portion 2g for the side sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the kick sensor bracket 2 does not have either or both of the temporary holding claw portion 2f for the bottom sensor and the temporary holding claw portion 2g for the side sensor.

[0071] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a configuration in which the kick sensor bracket 2 holds a kick sensor for opening and closing the sliding door 102. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be applied to a kick sensor bracket that holds a kick sensor for opening and closing the back door. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1...Kick sensor unit, 2...Bracket for kick sensor, 2a...Base, 2a1...Top surface, 2a2...Bottom surface (wall surface), 2a3...Rivet insertion hole, 2b...Inclined wall section, 2b1...Inner surface, 2b2...Outer surface, 2b3...Rivet insertion hole, 2c...End wall section, 2d...Opposite section, 2d1...Top surface, 2d2...Bottom surface, 2d3...Rivet insertion hole, 2d4...Base section, 2e...Resin hinge section, 2e1...Opening, 2f...Temporary holding claw section for bottom sensor (temporary holding claw section), 2g...Side section Temporary holding claw for sensor, 3...Bottom sensor (kick sensor), 3a...Rivet insertion hole, 4...Side sensor, 4a...Rivet insertion hole, 5...Sealing member, 6...Cushioning sheet, 7...Rivet, 10...Mold, 11...Core mold, 11a...Protrusion, 12...Cavity mold, 12a...Recess, 100...Vehicle, 101...Hinged door, 102...Sliding door, 103...Side spoiler, 103a...Bottom wall, 103b...Side wall, 103c...Top surface, K...Kick sensor housing space

Claims

1. A resin kick sensor bracket for holding the kick sensor, The base and, An opposing portion is positioned opposite the wall surface of the base so as to form a kick sensor housing space between it and the wall surface of the base, A resin hinge portion connecting the base portion and the opposing portion. Equipped with, The resin hinge portion has a partially formed opening, The aforementioned resin hinge portion is provided in a linearly extended shape. The aforementioned openings are provided discretely in the extending direction of the resin hinge portion, The opposing portion has a rivet insertion hole, The rivet insertion hole is provided at a different position from the opening in the extending direction of the resin hinge portion. A kick sensor bracket characterized by the following features.

2. The opposing portion is provided protruding around the rivet insertion hole and has a base portion that contacts the kick sensor. Bracket for kick sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a kick sensor bracket as described in claim 1.

3. A resin kick sensor bracket for holding the kick sensor, The base and, An opposing portion is positioned opposite the wall surface of the base so as to form a kick sensor housing space between it and the wall surface of the base, A resin hinge portion connecting the base portion and the opposing portion. Equipped with, The resin hinge portion has a partially formed opening, The base is provided at a position exposed through the opening and includes a temporary holding claw portion for temporarily holding the kick sensor. A kick sensor bracket characterized by the following features.

4. The kick sensor bracket according to claim 3, characterized in that the shape of the temporary holding claw portion, as viewed from the opening side, is smaller than the opening.

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