Vehicle lateral-part structure

Abstract

This vehicle lateral-part structure has: a recess (16A) that is formed in an outer panel (16) provided to a vehicle lateral-part and that has a shape which is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction; and a camera unit (18) that is accommodated in the recess (16A) and that is configured to include a front-side camera (22) capable of imaging a side of the vehicle and the front of the vehicle, and a rear-side camera (24) capable of imaging a side of the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle.

Description

Vehicle side structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle side structure.

[0002] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0100144 discloses a structure in which a right camera is attached to the right side surface of a vehicle and a left camera is attached to the left side surface of the vehicle. The right camera and the left camera protrude in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle body and are configured to image the side of the vehicle.

[0003] By providing cameras on the side surfaces of a vehicle as in the structure disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0100144, peripheral information of the vehicle can be effectively detected. Here, although the imaging ranges of the right camera and the left camera disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0100144 are set to 180 degrees, when imaging a wide range with one camera, the video may be distorted and the detection accuracy of the peripheral information of the vehicle may decrease. As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to attach a plurality of cameras to one side surface, but since a plurality of cameras protrude from the side surface of the vehicle, the design quality may decrease.

[0004] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a vehicle side structure that can improve the detection accuracy of peripheral information of a vehicle while suppressing a decrease in design quality.

[0005] The vehicle side structure according to the first aspect is formed in an outer plate disposed on the vehicle side portion, and includes a concave portion having a shape recessed inward in the vehicle width direction, a front camera that is accommodated in the concave portion and can image the side and the front of the vehicle, and a rear camera that can image the side and the rear of the vehicle, and a camera unit configured to include the rear camera.

[0006] In the vehicle side structure according to the first aspect, a concave portion is formed in the outer plate disposed on the vehicle side portion, and this concave portion has a shape recessed inward in the vehicle width direction. Further, a camera unit is accommodated in the concave portion. Here, the camera unit is configured to include a front camera that can image the side and the front of the vehicle and a rear camera that can image the side and the rear of the vehicle. Thus, by accommodating the camera unit in the concave portion, the camera unit becomes difficult to be visually recognized from the outside of the vehicle, and a decrease in design quality can be suppressed.

[0007] Furthermore, since a single camera unit includes both a front camera and a rear camera, image distortion is suppressed compared to a structure that captures a wide area with a single camera, allowing for better detection of information surrounding the vehicle. Note that "exterior panel" here refers to the parts that constitute the design surface of the vehicle, and broadly includes the front fender panel, rear quarter panel, and side door panel.

[0008] In the second embodiment, the vehicle side structure is provided with a vertically protruding portion that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, projecting outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle side, in at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera and the rear camera.

[0009] In the vehicle side structure according to the second embodiment, a vertical convex portion is provided that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle side and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. This vertical convex portion is located in the imaging range of at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera and the rear camera. As a result, the vertical optical axis misalignment of at least one of the cameras in the imaging range of the front camera and the rear camera can be determined using the vertical convex portion as a reference. This makes it possible to detect early if the front camera or the rear camera is tilted.

[0010] In the third embodiment of the vehicle side structure, the vertical convex portion is formed on the rear side of the recess, and the distance from the front end of the recess to the front camera is longer than the distance from the vertical convex portion to the rear camera.

[0011] In the vehicle side structure according to the third embodiment, since the vertical convex portion is formed on the rear side of the recess, the vertical optical axis misalignment of the rear camera can be determined by detecting the vertical convex portion with the rear camera. Furthermore, since the distance from the front end of the recess to the front camera is longer than the distance from the vertical convex portion to the rear camera, a wide imaging range on the front side of the vehicle can be secured by the front camera. As a result, obstacles in front of the vehicle can be detected over a wide area.

[0012] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle side structure, in the second embodiment, the vertical convex portion is formed on the front side of the recess, and the distance from the rear end of the recess to the rear camera is longer than the distance from the vertical convex portion to the front camera.

[0013] In the vehicle side structure according to the fourth embodiment, since the vertical convex portion is formed on the front side of the recess, the vertical optical axis misalignment of the front camera can be determined by detecting the vertical convex portion with the front camera. Furthermore, since the distance from the rear end of the recess to the rear camera is longer than the distance from the vertical convex portion to the front camera, a wide imaging range on the rear side of the vehicle can be secured by the rear camera. As a result, obstacles behind the vehicle can be detected over a wide area.

[0014] In the fifth embodiment of the vehicle side structure, in the second embodiment, the recess is formed in the front fender panel, and the vertical convex portion is formed by causing the rear end of the front fender panel to protrude.

[0015] In the vehicle side structure according to the fifth embodiment, the camera unit is positioned at the front of the vehicle because a recess is formed in the front fender panel. Furthermore, a vertical convex portion is formed by making the rear end of the front fender panel protrude. This prevents the imaging range in front of the vehicle from being narrowed by the vertical convex portion, and enables detection of obstacles in front of the vehicle over a wide area. In addition, by forming the vertical convex portion at the rear end of the front fender panel, i.e., at the edge of the front fender panel, the impact on the vehicle's design can be minimized.

[0016] In the sixth embodiment of the vehicle side structure, in the fifth embodiment, the vertical convex portion is formed on the rear side of the recess, and the vertical convex portion and the recess are connected by a concave curved surface when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0017] In the vehicle side structure according to the sixth embodiment, a vertical convex portion is formed at the rear end of a recess, and the vertical convex portion and the recess are connected by a concave curved surface. As a result, when the vehicle is in motion, the air that enters the recess flows outward along the curved surface in the vehicle width direction. This prevents the air that enters the recess from accumulating inside the recess, and good aerodynamic performance can be maintained.

[0018] In the seventh embodiment, the vehicle side structure is provided with a lateral convex portion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, in at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera and the rear camera.

[0019] In the vehicle side structure according to the seventh embodiment, a lateral convex portion is provided that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle side and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This lateral convex portion is located within the imaging range of at least one of the front camera and the rear camera. As a result, the horizontal optical axis misalignment of at least one of the cameras in the imaging range of the front camera and the rear camera can be determined using the lateral convex portion as a reference. This makes it possible to detect early on if the front camera or the rear camera is tilted.

[0020] In the eighth aspect of the vehicle side structure, in the seventh aspect, the lateral convex portion is formed at the upper end of the recess, and the distance from the lower end of the recess to the closer of the front camera and the rear camera is longer than the distance from the lateral convex portion to the closer of the front camera and the rear camera.

[0021] In the vehicle side structure according to the eighth embodiment, a lateral convex portion is formed at the upper end of the recess, and the distance from the lower end of the recess to the closer of the front and rear cameras is longer than the distance from the lateral convex portion to the closer of the front and rear cameras. This ensures a wide imaging range, especially on the lower side which is prone to blind spots. On the other hand, because the distance from the lateral convex portion to the front and rear cameras is relatively short, the lateral convex portion is closer to the front and rear cameras, allowing for accurate detection of horizontal optical axis misalignment.

[0022] In the ninth embodiment of the vehicle side structure, in the seventh embodiment, the outer edge of the lateral convex portion is formed in an arc shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0023] In the vehicle side structure according to the ninth embodiment, by making the outer edge of the lateral convex portion arc-shaped, the airflow along the lateral convex portion is straightened compared to a structure in which a corner is formed on the lateral convex portion. As a result, even when a camera unit is installed on the side of the vehicle, the deterioration of aerodynamic performance can be suppressed.

[0024] In the vehicle side structure according to the tenth embodiment, in the seventh embodiment, the front end of the recess is located on the vehicle front side of the lateral convex portion, and the rear end of the recess is located on the vehicle rear side of the lateral convex portion.

[0025] In the vehicle side structure according to the tenth embodiment, the recess is formed to be longer in the front-rear direction than the lateral convex portion. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the entire recess is covered from above by the lateral convex portion, it is possible to suppress the lateral convex portion from entering the imaging range of the front camera and the rear camera. In other words, a wider imaging range can be secured for the front camera and the rear camera.

[0026] In the eleventh embodiment, the vehicle side structure, in the first embodiment, comprises a camera unit which includes a front holding portion for holding the front camera and a rear holding portion for holding the rear camera, and a camera mounting member which is fixed in the recess, and the rear end of the camera mounting member has an inclined portion which is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction from the front side of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle when viewed from above the vehicle.

[0027] In the vehicle side structure according to the eleventh embodiment, the front camera can be held in the front holding part of the camera mounting member, and the rear camera can be held in the rear holding part, allowing the camera unit to be housed in the recess, making it easy to install the camera unit in the recess. Furthermore, an inclined portion is formed at the rear end of the camera mounting member, and this inclined portion slopes inward in the vehicle width direction from the front side to the rear side of the vehicle when viewed from above the vehicle. As a result, airflow is less likely to stagnate at the boundary between the camera mounting member and the outer panel, and a decrease in aerodynamic performance can be suppressed.

[0028] In the twelfth embodiment of the vehicle side structure, in the first embodiment, a curved surface is formed at the lower part of the recess, which is curved to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction and downward on the vehicle side when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0029] In the vehicle side structure according to the 12th embodiment, a curved surface is formed at the lower part of the recess, so that the outer panel does not appear in the imaging range of the front camera and the rear camera, and a wide imaging range can be secured on the lower side of the vehicle.

[0030] In the vehicle side structure according to the 13th embodiment, in the first embodiment, the front camera and the rear camera are positioned so that a portion of their imaging ranges overlap.

[0031] In the vehicle side structure according to the 13th embodiment, the imaging range of the front camera and the imaging range of the rear camera partially overlap. As a result, by adjusting the optical axis misalignment of one of the cameras, the optical axis misalignment of the other camera can also be adjusted based on the object captured in the overlapping imaging range.

[0032] As explained above, the vehicle side structure according to this disclosure can improve the accuracy of detecting information around the vehicle while suppressing a decrease in aesthetic appeal.

[0033] This is a schematic side view of a vehicle to which the vehicle side structure according to the first embodiment is applied. This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part, showing an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along line 3-3 in Figure 2. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance from the front and rear ends of the recess to the camera unit, relative to Figure 3. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along line 5-5 in Figure 3. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance from the upper and lower ends of the recess to the camera unit, relative to Figure 5. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image captured by the rear camera. This is a schematic side view of a vehicle to which the vehicle side structure according to the second embodiment is applied. This is an enlarged side view of the main part, showing an enlarged view of the main part, showing an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 8. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along line 10-10 in Figure 9. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along line 11-11 in Figure 10. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a vehicle to which the vehicle side structure according to a modified example of the second embodiment is applied.

[0034] <First Embodiment> The vehicle side structure according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, arrows FR, UP, and LH indicate the front, up, and left directions of the vehicle 10, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when the directions front, back, up, and left are used, they refer to the front and back of the vehicle's front-rear direction, the up and down of the vehicle's up-down direction, and the left and right of the vehicle's left-right direction (width direction), respectively.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle 10 to which the vehicle side structure according to the first embodiment is applied. As shown in Figure 1, a front side door 12 is provided on the side of the vehicle 10, and a rear side door 14 is provided on the rear side of the front side door 12. In addition, a front fender panel 16, which constitutes the outer body of the vehicle, is provided on the front side of the front side door 12, and a recess 16A is formed in this front fender panel 16.

[0036] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of Figure 1, showing an enlarged view of the main part. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along line 3-3 in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the recess 16A formed in the front fender panel 16 is formed in a shape that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction, with the vehicle front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0037] In this embodiment, as an example, the front fender panel 16 is formed from a metal plate-like member, and a recess 16A is formed by recessing this plate-like member inward in the vehicle width direction. If the front fender panel 16 is formed from resin, it may be molded in a shape that includes the recess 16A.

[0038] Here, the camera unit 18 is housed in the recess 16A. As shown in Figure 3, the camera unit 18 is composed of a camera mounting member 20, a front camera 22, and a rear camera 24.

[0039] The camera mounting member 20 is made of resin, for example, with its longitudinal direction oriented in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and includes a base portion 20A attached to the recess 16A. The camera mounting member 20 may also be made of a material other than resin, such as metal.

[0040] The base portion 20A is formed in a roughly T-shape, with a cross-section that is elongated in the vehicle's longitudinal direction when viewed from above the vehicle. The front end of the base portion 20A has a front inclined portion 20B that slopes inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear to the front of the vehicle when viewed from above the vehicle. The rear end of the base portion 20A has a rear inclined portion 20C that slopes inward in the vehicle width direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above the vehicle. The front inclined portion 20B and the rear inclined portion 20C extend to the bottom of the recess 16A.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, a front holding hole 20D is formed in the front part of the camera mounting member 20, and the front camera 22 is held in this front holding hole 20D. In addition, a rear holding hole 20E is formed in the rear part of the camera mounting member 20, and the rear camera 24 is held in this rear holding hole 20E.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the front camera 22 is an optical camera and is fixed to the camera mounting member 20 with its optical axis directed to the side and front of the vehicle. The front camera 22 is also equipped with a lens 22A, which is configured to capture images of the side and front of the vehicle. The two dashed lines extending from the lens 22A indicate the imaging range of the front camera 22, and the area between the two dashed lines is the imaging range of the front camera 22.

[0043] On the other hand, the rear camera 24 is an optical camera similar to the front camera 22, and is fixed to the camera mounting member 20 with its optical axis directed to the side and rear of the vehicle. The rear camera 24 is also equipped with a lens 24A, and is configured to capture images of the side and rear of the vehicle through this lens 24A. The two dashed lines extending from the lens 24A indicate the imaging range of the rear camera 24, and the area between the two dashed lines is the imaging range of the rear camera 24.

[0044] In this embodiment, as an example, the imaging range of the front camera 22 and the imaging range of the rear camera 24 partially overlap. In other words, the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24 are positioned so that their imaging ranges partially overlap.

[0045] Here, on the side portion of the vehicle, a vertical convex portion 16B is provided that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the side portion of the vehicle and extends in the vehicle vertical direction within at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the vertical convex portion 16B is formed on the rear side of the vehicle of the concave portion 16A and is formed by protruding the rear end of the front fender panel 16. That is, the vertical convex portion 16B constitutes a part of the front fender panel 16. Also, the vertical convex portion 16B and the concave portion 16A are connected by a concave curved surface 16C when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction. And the vertical convex portion 16B is located within the imaging range of the rear camera 24. Specifically, the vertical convex portion 16B is located at the rear end portion of the imaging range of the rear camera 24 and is detectable by the rear camera 24.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship of the distances from the front and rear ends of the concave portion 16A to the camera unit 18 with respect to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, when the distance from the center of the lens 22A of the front camera 22 to the front end of the concave portion 16A is defined as the distance L1 and the distance from the vertical convex portion 16B to the center of the lens 24A of the rear camera 24 is defined as the distance L2, it is designed such that the distance L1 is longer than the distance L2.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, a horizontal convex portion 30 is provided at the upper end of the concave portion 16A that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the side portion of the vehicle and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The outer edge of the horizontal convex portion 30 is formed in a substantially arc shape when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, and the front end of the horizontal convex portion 30 and the general surface of the front fender panel 16 are connected by a smooth curve. Also, the rear end of the horizontal convex portion 30 and the general surface of the front fender panel 16 are connected by a smooth curve.

[0049] Here, the length of the horizontal convex portion 30 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the concave portion 16A in the front-rear direction. In other words, the front end of the concave portion 16A is located on the front side of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal convex portion 30, and the rear end of the concave portion 16A is located on the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal convex portion 30.

[0050] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along the line 5-5 in Figure 3. The dashed-dotted line in Figure 5 indicates the imaging range of the front camera 22. The imaging range of the front camera 22 is the range between the dashed-dotted line extending outward in the vehicle width direction and upward from the front camera 22 and the dashed-dotted line extending outward in the vehicle width direction and downward from the front camera 22. Although not shown in the figure, the vertical imaging range of the rear camera 24 is set to the same range as that of the front camera 22.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the lateral convex portion 30 in this embodiment is located at the upper end of the imaging range of the front camera 22. Therefore, the lateral convex portion 30 can be detected by the front camera 22. Similarly, the lateral convex portion 30 is located at the upper end of the imaging range of the rear camera 24 and can be detected by the rear camera 24.

[0052] Figure 6 shows the relationship between the distance from the upper and lower ends of the recess 16A to the camera unit 18, relative to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, a curved surface 16D is formed at the lower part of the recess 16A, which bulges inward in the vehicle width direction and downward towards the vehicle when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The curved surface 16D constitutes a part of the recess 16A and is continuous with the bottom of the recess 16A.

[0053] Here, if the distance from the lower end of the recess 16A to the front camera 22 is defined as distance H1, and the distance from the lateral convex portion 30 to the front camera 22 is defined as distance H2, the design ensures that distance H1 is longer than distance H2. In this embodiment, since the imaging range in the vertical direction is approximately the same for the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24, distance H1 is the distance from the lower end of the recess 16A to the rear camera 24, and distance H2 is the distance from the lateral convex portion 30 to the rear camera 24.

[0054] If the imaging ranges of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24 are different, it is preferable to design the distance from the lower end of the recess 16A to the closer of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24 to be longer than the distance from the lateral convex portion 30 to the closer of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24.

[0055] Here, with reference to Figure 7, an example of a method for detecting optical axis misalignment will be described. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image captured by the rear camera 24.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the image captured by the rear camera 24 includes a vertical line 100 extending approximately vertically, which represents the vertically convex portion 16B. The image also includes a horizontal line 102 extending approximately horizontally, which represents the horizontally convex portion 30.

[0057] Furthermore, the images captured by the rear camera 24 show horizontal structures 104, such as guardrails, that separate the lane in which the vehicle 10 is traveling from other lanes or pedestrian paths. The horizontal structures 104 are supported by vertically extending support members 106.

[0058] Here, the optical axis misalignment of the rear camera 24 is detected by comparing the horizontal structure 104 with the horizontal line 102 based on the image captured by the rear camera 24. Additionally, the optical axis misalignment of the rear camera 24 is detected by comparing the horizontal structure 104 or support member 106 with the vertical line 100 based on the image captured by the rear camera 24.

[0059] (Function) Next, the function of the vehicle side structure according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, in the vehicle side structure according to this embodiment, a recess 16A is formed in the front fender panel 16, which is an outer panel located on the side of the vehicle, and this recess 16A is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction. A camera unit 18 is housed in the recess 16A.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, the camera unit 18 includes a front camera 22 capable of capturing images to the side and in front of the vehicle, and a rear camera 24 capable of capturing images to the side and rear of the vehicle. By housing the camera unit 18 in the recess 16A in this way, the camera unit 18 becomes difficult to see from the outside of the vehicle, thus suppressing a decrease in design aesthetics.

[0062] Furthermore, since one camera unit 18 includes a front camera 22 and a rear camera 24, compared to a structure that captures a wide area with a single camera, image distortion is suppressed, and surrounding information of the vehicle 10 can be detected well. In this way, the accuracy of detecting surrounding information of the vehicle 10 can be improved while suppressing a decrease in design aesthetics.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a vertically protruding portion 16B is provided that protrudes outward from the side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. This vertically protruding portion 16B is located in the imaging range of at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24. As a result, the vertical optical axis misalignment of at least one of the cameras in the imaging ranges of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24 can be determined using the vertically protruding portion 16B as a reference. As a result, tilting of the front camera 22 or the rear camera 24 can be detected early.

[0064] In particular, in this embodiment, since the vertically convex portion 16B is formed on the rear side of the recess 16A, the vertical optical axis misalignment of the rear camera 24 can be determined by detecting the vertically convex portion 16B with the rear camera 24.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the distance L1 from the front end of the recess 16A to the front camera 22 is longer than the distance L2 from the vertical convex portion 16B to the rear camera 24. Therefore, the front camera 22 can secure a wide imaging range on the front side of the vehicle. As a result, obstacles in front of the vehicle can be detected over a wide area.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the recess 16A is formed in the front fender panel 16, the camera unit 18 is positioned in front of the vehicle. Also, a vertical convex portion 16B is formed by making the rear end of the front fender panel 16 protrude. This prevents the imaging range in front of the vehicle from being narrowed by the vertical convex portion 16B, and allows for detection of obstacles in front of the vehicle over a wide area. In addition, by forming the vertical convex portion 16B at the rear end of the front fender panel 16, i.e., at the edge of the front fender panel 16, the impact on the design of the vehicle 10 can be minimized.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertically convex portion 16B is formed at the rear end of the recess 16A, and the vertically convex portion 16B and the recess 16A are connected by a concave curved surface 16C. As a result, when the vehicle 10 is in motion, the air that enters the recess 16A flows outward along the curved surface 16C in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10. This suppresses the retention of air that enters the recess 16A, and good aerodynamic performance can be maintained.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a lateral convex portion 30 is provided that protrudes outward from the side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. This lateral convex portion 30 is located in at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24. As a result, the horizontal optical axis misalignment of at least one of the cameras in the imaging ranges of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24 can be determined based on the lateral convex portion 30. As a result, tilting of the front camera 22 or the rear camera 24 can be detected early. In particular, in this embodiment, optical axis misalignment of the rear camera 24 can be detected with higher accuracy based on both the vertical convex portion 16B and the lateral convex portion 30.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by making the outer edge of the lateral convex portion 30 arc-shaped, the airflow along the lateral convex portion 30 is straightened compared to a structure in which corners are formed on the lateral convex portion. As a result, even when a camera unit 18 is installed on the side of the vehicle 10, a decrease in aerodynamic performance can be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recess 16A is formed to be longer in the front-rear direction than the lateral convex portion 30. This makes it possible to suppress the lateral convex portion 30 from entering the imaging range of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24, compared to a configuration in which the entire area of ​​the recess 16A is covered from above by the lateral convex portion 30. In other words, a wider imaging range can be secured for the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24.

[0071] In particular, in this embodiment, the camera unit 18 can be easily installed in the recess 16A because the front camera 22 is held in the front holding hole 20D of the camera mounting member 20 and the rear camera 24 is held in the rear holding hole 20E of the camera mounting member 20. Furthermore, a rear inclined portion 20C is formed at the rear end of the camera mounting member 20, and this rear inclined portion 20C is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction from the front side of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle when viewed from above the vehicle. As a result, airflow is less likely to stagnate at the boundary between the camera mounting member and the outer panel, and a decrease in aerodynamic performance can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a lateral convex portion 30 is formed at the upper end of the recess 16A, and the distance H1 from the lower end of the recess 16A to the front camera 22 is longer than the distance H2 from the lateral convex portion 30 to the front camera 22. This makes it possible to secure a wide imaging range, especially on the lower side which tends to be a blind spot. On the other hand, because the distance from the lateral convex portion 30 to the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24 is relatively short, the lateral convex portion 30 is closer to the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24, and horizontal optical axis misalignment can be accurately determined.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a curved surface 16D is formed at the lower part of the recess 16A, the outer panel is suppressed from appearing in the imaging range of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24, and a wide imaging range can be secured on the lower side of the vehicle.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging range of the front camera 22 and the imaging range of the rear camera 24 partially overlap. This allows the optical axis misalignment of the other camera to be adjusted by adjusting the optical axis misalignment of one of the cameras, the object captured in the overlapping imaging range. In this embodiment, after confirming the optical axis misalignment of the rear camera 24 based on the vertically convex portion 16B and the horizontally convex portion 30, the optical axis misalignment of the front camera 22 can also be confirmed by capturing the same object with both the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24.

[0075] <Second Embodiment> Next, the vehicle side structure according to the second embodiment of this embodiment will be described. Note that components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0076] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a vehicle 50 to which the vehicle side structure according to the second embodiment is applied. As shown in Figure 8, a front side door 12 is provided on the side of the vehicle 50, and a rear side door 14 is provided on the rear side of the front side door 12. A rear quarter panel 52, which constitutes the outer panel of the vehicle, is provided on the rear side of the rear side door 14, and a recess 52A is formed in this rear quarter panel 52.

[0077] In this embodiment, for example, the recess 52A is formed only in the rear quarter panel 52, but a recess continuous with the recess 52A may also be formed in the rear side door 14. In this case, the length of the recess in the vehicle's longitudinal direction can be increased, and the imaging range of the camera unit 18 can be expanded.

[0078] Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of Figure 8, showing an enlarged view of the main part. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along line 10-10 in Figure 9. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the recess 52A formed in the rear quarter panel 52 is formed in a shape that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction, with the vehicle front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0079] In this embodiment, as an example, the rear quarter panel 52 is formed from a metal plate-like member, and a recess 52A is formed by recessing this plate-like member inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0080] Here, the camera unit 18 is housed in the recess 52A. As shown in Figure 10, the camera unit 18 is composed of a camera mounting member 20, a front camera 22, and a rear camera 24.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9, a front holding hole 20D is formed in the front part of the camera mounting member 20, and the front camera 22 is held in this front holding hole 20D. In addition, a rear holding hole 20E is formed in the rear part of the camera mounting member 20, and the rear camera 24 is held in this rear holding hole 20E.

[0082] In Figure 10, the two dashed lines extending from lens 22A indicate the imaging range of the front camera 22, and the area between the two dashed lines is the imaging range of the front camera 22. Similarly, the two dashed lines extending from lens 24A indicate the imaging range of the rear camera 24, and the area between the two dashed lines is the imaging range of the rear camera 24.

[0083] In this embodiment, as an example, the imaging range of the front camera 22 and the imaging range of the rear camera 24 partially overlap. In other words, the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24 are positioned so that their imaging ranges partially overlap.

[0084] The rear quarter panel 52 is provided with a vertically protruding portion 52B that extends outward from the side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle vertical direction, within the imaging range of the rear camera 24. The vertically protruding portion 52B is formed on the rear side of the recess 52A and is formed by making a part of the rear quarter panel 52 protrude. Furthermore, the vertically protruding portion 52B and the recess 52A are connected by a concave curved surface 52C when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction. The vertically protruding portion 52B is located within the imaging range of the rear camera 24. Specifically, the vertically protruding portion 52B is located at the rear end of the imaging range of the rear camera 24 and is detectable by the rear camera 24.

[0085] Similar to the first embodiment, the distance from the center of the lens 22A of the front camera 22 to the front end of the recess 52A is designed to be longer than the distance from the vertically convex portion 52B to the center of the lens 24A of the rear camera 24.

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, the upper end of the recess 52A is provided with a lateral convex portion 54 that protrudes outward from the side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The outer edge of the lateral convex portion 54 is formed in a substantially arc shape when viewed from the vehicle's vertical direction, and the front end of the lateral convex portion 54 is connected to the general surface of the rear quarter panel 52 by a smooth curve. Similarly, the rear end of the lateral convex portion 54 is connected to the general surface of the rear quarter panel 52 by a smooth curve.

[0087] Here, the length of the lateral convex portion 54 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the recess 52A in the front-rear direction. In other words, the front end of the recess 52A is located on the vehicle-front side of the lateral convex portion 54, and the rear end of the recess 52A is located on the vehicle-rear side of the lateral convex portion 54.

[0088] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along the line 11-11 in Figure 10. The dashed-dotted line shown in Figure 11 indicates the imaging range of the front camera 22. The imaging range of the front camera 22 is the range between the dashed-dotted line extending outward in the vehicle width direction and upward from the front camera 22 and the dashed-dotted line extending outward in the vehicle width direction and downward from the front camera 22. Although not shown, the vertical imaging range of the rear camera 24 is set to the same range as that of the front camera 22.

[0089] As shown in Figure 11, the lateral convex portion 54 in this embodiment is located at the upper end of the imaging range of the front camera 22. Therefore, the lateral convex portion 54 can be detected by the front camera 22. Similarly, the lateral convex portion 54 is located at the upper end of the imaging range of the rear camera 24 and can be detected by the rear camera 24.

[0090] Furthermore, a curved surface 52D is formed at the lower part of the recess 52A, which bulges inward in the vehicle width direction and downward towards the vehicle when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The curved surface 52D constitutes a part of the recess 52A and is continuous with the bottom of the recess 52A.

[0091] (Function) Next, the function of the vehicle side structure according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0092] As shown in Figure 9, in the vehicle side structure according to this embodiment, a recess 52A is formed in the rear quarter panel 52, which is an outer panel located on the side of the vehicle, and this recess 52A is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction. A camera unit 18 is housed in the recess 52A.

[0093] As shown in Figure 10, the camera unit 18 includes a front camera 22 capable of capturing images to the side and in front of the vehicle, and a rear camera 24 capable of capturing images to the side and rear of the vehicle. By housing the camera unit 18 in the recess 52A in this way, the camera unit 18 becomes difficult to see from the outside of the vehicle, thus suppressing a decrease in design aesthetics.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the recess 52A is formed in the rear quarter panel 52, the camera unit 18 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle. In addition, a vertical convex portion 52B is formed by making the rear side of the recess 52A formed in the rear quarter panel 52 protrude. This prevents the imaging range in front of the vehicle from being narrowed by the vertical convex portion 52B, and allows for detection of obstacles in front of the vehicle over a wide area. Other functions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0095] Although the vehicle side structure according to the first and second embodiments has been described above, it is important to note that the invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. In the first embodiment, a vertical convex portion 16B is formed on the rear side of the recess 16A, and in the second embodiment, a vertical convex portion 52B is formed on the rear side of the recess 52A, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the first embodiment, a vertical convex portion may be formed on the front side of the recess 16A. Similarly, in the second embodiment, a vertical convex portion may be formed on the front side of the recess 52A.

[0096] Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a key part of a vehicle to which a modified vehicle side structure according to the second embodiment is applied. As shown in the modified example in Figure 12, if a vertical convex portion 52E is formed on the front side of the recess 52A, the vertical convex portion 52E can be detected by the front camera 22, thereby determining the vertical optical axis misalignment of the front camera 22. On the other hand, if the distance from the rear end of the recess 52A to the rear camera 24 is longer than the distance from the vertical convex portion 52E to the front camera 22, the rear camera 24 can secure a wider imaging range on the rear side of the vehicle. As a result, obstacles behind the vehicle can be detected over a wide area.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modified examples, the camera unit 18 is configured to include a camera mounting member 20, but the shape of the camera mounting member 20 is not particularly limited and may be other shapes. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in aerodynamic performance, it is preferable to form a front inclined portion 20B and a rear inclined portion 20C on the camera mounting member 20.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the vertical and horizontal convex portions are formed integrally with the outer panel, but this is not limited to this. For example, in the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, the vertical convex portion 16B may be formed from a separate component from the front fender panel 16. Similarly, in the second embodiment shown in Figure 10, the vertical convex portion 52B may be formed from a separate component from the rear quarter panel 52.

[0099] Furthermore, although the lateral convex portion is formed at the upper end of the recess in the above embodiments and modifications, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, the lateral convex portion 30 may be formed at the lower end of the recess 16A. Even in this case, the same effect can be obtained by positioning the lateral convex portion 30 within the imaging range of at least one of the cameras, the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the recesses may be covered with a transparent cover or the like. That is, even if the recesses are covered with a cover, the optical axis misalignment of the front camera 22 and the rear camera 24 can be detected if the vertical and horizontal convex portions can be detected. Moreover, if the surface of the cover is formed to be continuous with the outer panel, airflow will not enter the recesses, thus suppressing a decrease in aerodynamic performance.

[0101] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0102] (Note 1) A vehicle side structure comprising: a recess formed in an outer panel positioned on the side of the vehicle and having a shape recessed inward in the vehicle width direction; and a camera unit housed in the recess and comprising a front camera capable of imaging the side and front of the vehicle, and a rear camera capable of imaging the side and rear of the vehicle. (Note 2) The vehicle side structure according to Note 1, wherein the vehicle side is provided with a vertical convex portion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle side and extends in the vehicle vertical direction in at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera and the rear camera. (Note 3) The vehicle side structure according to Note 2, wherein the vertical convex portion is formed on the rear side of the recess, and the distance from the front end of the recess to the front camera is longer than the distance from the vertical convex portion to the rear camera. (Note 4) The vehicle side structure according to Note 2, wherein the vertical convex portion is formed on the front side of the recess, and the distance from the rear end of the recess to the rear camera is longer than the distance from the vertical convex portion to the front camera. (Note 5) The vehicle side structure according to Note 2 or Note 3, wherein the recess is formed in the front fender panel, and the vertical convex portion is formed by causing the rear end of the front fender panel to protrude. (Note 6) The vehicle side structure according to Note 5, wherein the vertical convex portion is formed on the rear side of the recess, and the vertical convex portion and the recess are connected by a concave curved surface when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle. (Note 7) The vehicle side structure according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the vehicle side is provided with a lateral convex portion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle side and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, in at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera and the rear camera. (Note 8) The vehicle side structure according to Note 7, wherein the lateral convex portion is formed at the upper end of the recess, and the distance from the lower end of the recess to the closer of the front camera and the rear camera is longer than the distance from the lateral convex portion to the closer of the front camera and the rear camera. (Note 9) The vehicle side structure according to Note 7 or Note 8, wherein the outer edge of the lateral convex portion is formed in an arc shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.(Note 10) The front end of the recess is located on the vehicle front side of the lateral convex portion, and the rear end of the recess is located on the vehicle rear side of the lateral convex portion, as described in any one of Notes 7 to 9. (Note 11) The camera unit comprises a front holding portion for holding the front camera and a rear holding portion for holding the rear camera, and includes a camera mounting member fixed to the recess, wherein the rear end of the camera mounting member has an inclined portion that slopes inward in the vehicle width direction from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above the vehicle. (Note 12) The lower part of the recess has a curved surface that curves inward in the vehicle width direction and downward on the vehicle side when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. (Note 13) The vehicle side structure according to any one of Notes 1 to 12, wherein the front camera and the rear camera are positioned so that their imaging ranges partially overlap. The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-199194 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle side structure comprising: a recess formed in an outer panel located on the side of the vehicle, which is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction; and a camera unit housed in the recess and comprising a front camera capable of imaging the side and front of the vehicle, and a rear camera capable of imaging the side and rear of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle side is provided with a vertically protruding portion that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, projecting outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle side, in at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera and the rear camera.

3. The vehicle side structure according to claim 2, wherein the vertically convex portion is formed on the rear side of the recess, and the distance from the front end of the recess to the front camera is longer than the distance from the vertically convex portion to the rear camera.

4. The vehicle side structure according to claim 2, wherein the vertically convex portion is formed on the front side of the recess, and the distance from the rear end of the recess to the rear camera is longer than the distance from the vertically convex portion to the front camera.

5. The vehicle side structure according to claim 2, wherein the recess is formed in the front fender panel, and the vertical convex portion is formed by causing the rear end of the front fender panel to protrude.

6. The vehicle side structure according to claim 5, wherein the vertically convex portion is formed on the rear side of the recess, and the vertically convex portion and the recess are connected by a concave curved surface when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle side is provided with a transversely convex portion that protrudes outward from the vehicle side in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, in at least one of the imaging ranges of the front camera and the rear camera.

8. The vehicle side structure according to claim 7, wherein the lateral convex portion is formed at the upper end of the recess, and the distance from the lower end of the recess to the closer of the front camera and the rear camera is longer than the distance from the lateral convex portion to the closer of the front camera and the rear camera.

9. The vehicle side structure according to claim 7, wherein the outer edge of the lateral convex portion is formed in an arc shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle side structure according to claim 7, wherein the front end of the recess is located on the vehicle-front side of the lateral convex portion, and the rear end of the recess is located on the vehicle-rear side of the lateral convex portion.

11. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, wherein the camera unit comprises a front holding portion for holding the front camera and a rear holding portion for holding the rear camera, and includes a camera mounting member fixed to the recess, and the rear end of the camera mounting member has an inclined portion that slopes inward in the vehicle width direction from the front side of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle when viewed from above the vehicle.

12. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, wherein a curved surface is formed at the lower part of the recess, which is curved to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction and downward on the vehicle side when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, wherein the front camera and the rear camera are positioned so that a portion of their imaging ranges overlap.

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