JP3846237B2 - Vehicle sensor casing and vehicle sensor casing fixing structure - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle sensor housing and a vehicle sensor housing fixing structure, and more particularly to a vehicle sensor housing and a vehicle sensor housing fixing structure constituting a vehicle sensor device such as a satellite sensor in an occupant protection device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an example of a vehicle sensor device such as a satellite sensor and a vehicle sensor housing fixing structure in an occupant protection device, there is JP-A-11-129838.
[0003]
In the vehicle sensor device and the vehicle sensor housing fixing structure, as shown in FIG. 8, a reinforcing member 104 configured with the satellite sensor 102 as a separate member in order to protect the satellite sensor 102 as a sensor body in the event of a vehicle collision. And is fixed to the front member 100 of the vehicle by a bracket 106. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the plate thickness M of the bracket 106 is increased, and the satellite sensor 102 is protected by the bracket 106. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, there is a configuration in which a protective plate 108 is disposed on the front side of the satellite sensor 102.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a prior art, in order to reliably protect the satellite sensor 102 as the sensor body, the reinforcing member 104 or the protective plate 108 configured as a separate member is used, or the thickness M of the bracket 106 is set to be small. It needs to be thick. For this reason, the mass of the entire sensor device increases and the cost is high. Moreover, the whole sensor apparatus was bulky and the conveyance property as components was not good.
[0005]
In consideration of the above-described facts, the present invention provides a vehicle sensor casing and a vehicle sensor casing fixing structure that can reliably protect the sensor body and can reduce the weight, cost, and size of the sensor device. Is the purpose.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The vehicle sensor casing of the present invention according to claim 1 is provided between both side portions of the casing body, and a sensor storage section for storing the sensor body;
A sensor protector provided on both sides of the housing body and protecting the sensor body and fixed to the vehicle body by fastening means;
A connector protection part formed on one end side of the sensor protection part;
A connector housing that exists between the connector protectors;
A connector part protruding from the connector storage part;
Have
The maximum height of the sensor protection portion is not more than the height of the fastening means in a state fixed to the vehicle body, and the maximum height of the connector protection portion is substantially the same as the maximum height of the fastening means. To do.
[0007]
Accordingly, since the sensor body provided in the sensor housing between the both sides of the housing body can be protected by the sensor protection portions set on both sides of the housing body, a reinforcing member or a bracket as in the conventional structure is attached. do not need. As a result, the sensor body can be reliably protected, and the sensor device can be reduced in weight and cost. In addition, since the sensor protection part of the housing body is fixed to the vehicle body, the sensor device can be downsized compared to a configuration using a bracket as in the conventional structure. Moreover, since the sensor protection part can be directly fixed to the vehicle body, a bracket or the like is not necessary. Moreover, the load which acted on the housing body can be released to the vehicle side through the fastening means. In addition, the connector that can be connected to the connector part that protrudes from the connector storage part that exists between the connector protection parts can be protected by the connector protection part of the housing body. In addition, the fastening means can protect the sensor protection part from a load acting on the sensor protection part from above and below, and other members are less likely to be caught by the uneven portions between the fastening means and the connector protection part.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle sensor casing according to the first aspect, in a state of being fixed to the vehicle body, the sensor casing is provided on an upper front end of the casing main body on the front side of the vehicle and abuts from the front of the vehicle. It has the guide part which guides another member to the vehicle rear side, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0009]
Therefore, in addition to the content of the first aspect, when the other member comes into contact with the front of the vehicle at the time of the vehicle collision, the other material member is provided by the guide portion set at the upper front end of the housing body on the front side of the vehicle. Can move from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle without being caught by the casing body. As a result, when the other member comes into contact with the front of the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the casing body from being damaged due to a large load acting on the casing body.
[0010]
A sensor housing fixing structure for a vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a sensor storage portion that is provided between both side portions of the housing body and stores the sensor body.
A sensor protector provided on both sides of the housing body and protecting the sensor body and fixed to the vehicle body by fastening means;
A connector protection part formed on one end side of the sensor protection part;
A connector housing that exists between the connector protectors;
A connector part protruding from the connector storage part;
A vehicle sensor housing having
The sensor protection part can be fixed to the vehicle body so that the maximum height of the connector protection part is not more than the height of the fastening means and the maximum height of the connector protection part is substantially the same as the maximum height of the fastening means. To do.
[0011]
Accordingly, since the sensor body provided in the sensor housing between the both sides of the housing body can be protected by the sensor protection portions set on both sides of the housing body, a reinforcing member or a bracket as in the conventional structure is attached. do not need. As a result, the sensor body can be reliably protected, and the sensor device can be reduced in weight and cost. In addition, since the sensor protection part of the housing body is fixed to the vehicle body, the sensor device can be downsized compared to a configuration using a bracket as in the conventional structure. Moreover, since the sensor protection part can be directly fixed to the vehicle body, a bracket or the like is not necessary. Moreover, the load which acted on the housing body can be released to the vehicle side through the fastening means. In addition, the connector that can be connected to the connector part that protrudes from the connector storage part that exists between the connector protection parts can be protected by the connector protection part of the housing body. In addition, the fastening means can protect the sensor protection part from a load acting on the sensor protection part from above and below, and other members are less likely to be caught by the uneven portions between the fastening means and the connector protection part.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle sensor casing fixing structure according to the third aspect, the vehicle sensor casing is fixed to the vehicle body, and the front end of the casing main body is the front side of the vehicle. It has a guide part which is provided in the upper part and guides the other member which contacts from the vehicle front to the vehicle rear side .
[0013]
Therefore, in addition to the content of the third aspect, when the other member comes into contact from the front of the vehicle at the time of the vehicle collision, the other material member is provided by the guide portion set at the upper front end of the housing body on the front side of the vehicle. Can move from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle without being caught by the casing body. As a result, when the other member comes into contact with the front of the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the casing body from being damaged due to a large load acting on the casing body.
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a vehicle sensor casing and a vehicle sensor casing fixing structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0021]
In the figure, the arrow FR indicates the vehicle front direction, the arrow UP indicates the vehicle upward direction, and the arrow IN indicates the vehicle width inside direction.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 10 of the airbag device as an occupant protection device is a device that controls the operation of the airbag device 12, and mainly includes a control circuit 14 and a satellite sensor 16 as a vehicle sensor device. , 18, a floor sensor 20, and a drive circuit 22. The satellite sensors 16, 18 and the floor sensor 20 are so-called acceleration sensors for measuring an impact applied to the vehicle and transmitted through the vehicle body, and specifically, a deceleration applied to the vehicle in the front-rear direction. Is measured at any time, and the measured value is output as a signal.
[0023]
The control circuit 14 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 23, an input / output circuit (I / O circuit) 24, a read only memory (ROM) 26, a random access memory 28, and the like. Connected by bus. Among these, the CPU 23 performs various processes for controlling the operation of the airbag device 12 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 26. The RAM 28 is a memory for storing data obtained from signals from the satellite sensors 16 and 18 and the floor sensor 20 and results calculated by the CPU 23 based on the data. Further, the I / O circuit 24 is a circuit for inputting signals from the satellite sensors 16 and 18 and the floor sensor 20, outputting an operation signal to the drive circuit 22, and the like.
[0024]
The drive circuit 22 is a circuit that energizes and ignites the squibs 12C and 12D of the inflators 12A and 12B in the airbag device 12 in accordance with an operation signal from the control circuit 14.
[0025]
In addition to the squibs 12C and 12D, which are ignition devices, the airbag device 12 includes a gas generating agent (not shown) that is ignited by the squibs 12C and 12D, and an airbag bag body 12E that is inflated by the generated gas (see FIG. 6).
[0026]
Among these components, the control circuit 14, the floor sensor 20, and the drive circuit 22 are housed in an ECU (electronic control unit) 30 shown in FIGS. Mounted on top. The satellite sensor 16 is disposed at the front portion of the vehicle 32 diagonally forward left with respect to the floor sensor 20 in the ECU 30, and the satellite sensor 18 is the front portion of the vehicle 32 diagonally forward right with respect to the floor sensor 20. It is arranged.
[0027]
That is, since the satellite sensors 16 and 18 are desirably provided at the front portion of the vehicle 32 from the viewpoint of improving detection sensitivity, the satellite sensors 16 and 18 are fixed to the upper portions 36A (see FIG. 3) near the front ends of the left and right front side members 36. Yes. The front side member 36 is a rectangular tube-like member extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 32, and is easily subjected to axial compression deformation in order to absorb an impact at the time of collision.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 3, the case body 40 of the satellite sensor 16 is molded from a block-shaped resin material, for example, a material obtained by adding glass fiber to PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) to obtain a predetermined strength. Has been. A trapezoidal block-shaped sensor protection unit 42 is formed on both sides of the housing body 40, and a sensor storage unit 44 that is slightly smaller than the sensor protection unit 42 is formed between the sensor protection units 42. .
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, a concave portion 44A is formed in the sensor storage portion 44 from the lower side, and a sensor substrate 47 to which a sensor main body 46 is fixed is disposed in the concave portion 44A. The recess 44A is closed by a lid 44B.
[0030]
Therefore, the sensor main body 46 and the sensor substrate 47 disposed inside the sensor storage portion 44 of the housing main body 40 can be reliably protected by the sensor protection portion 42 of the housing main body 40.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 3, the housing body 40 is fixed to the upper portion 36 </ b> A of the front side member 36 by bolts 48 as fastening means with the sensor protection portions 42 on both sides in the vehicle width direction.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 1, the bolt 48 is fastened to a weld nut 50 disposed inside the front side member 36.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, a trapezoidal block-shaped connector protection part 52 is formed on one end side of each sensor protection part 42 in the housing body 40 (on the rear end side when fixed to the vehicle body). The space between these connector protection portions 52 is a connector storage portion 54.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 1, the connector housing portion 54 is formed with a connector portion 58 surrounding the terminal 56 extending from the sensor substrate 47 so as to protrude from the sensor housing portion 44 side. Further, the connector 58 can be connected to the connector 60 on the harness side as indicated by a two-dot chain line. In a state of being fixed to the vehicle body, the connector protection portion 52 has the maximum height H1 of the housing body 40, and the connector protection portion 52 is larger than the harness-side connector 60 in a side view.
[0035]
Further, the height H1 of the connector protection portion 52 is equal to or less than the height H2 of the bolt 48 in a state where the housing body 40 is fixed to the vehicle body. In this embodiment, the height H1 and the bolt 48 of the connector protection portion 52 are set. Is substantially the same as the height H2.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the connector 60 on the harness 59 side is connected to the connector portion 58 of the housing body 40, the gap 61 between the connector 60 and the connector protection portion 52 is narrow.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the housing body 40 is fixed to the vehicle body, a guide portion that guides another member that comes in contact from the front of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle is disposed at the upper front end of the housing body 40 on the front side of the vehicle. An inclined surface 62 is formed. Therefore, when another member that moves relatively from the front side of the vehicle body to the rear side relative to the housing body 40 in the event of a vehicle collision interferes with the housing body 40, the upper front end of the housing body 40 Due to the inclined surface 62 formed in the above, it is difficult for the other material member to be caught on the housing body 40.
[0038]
In addition, the tip upper part 52A of the connector protection part 52 and the portion 64 that connects the tip upper parts 52A of the left and right connector protection parts 52 to each other are inclined as a guide part that guides other members that contact from the front of the vehicle to the vehicle rear side. When the other member that moves relative to the housing body 40 from the front side of the vehicle body to the rear side relative to the housing body 40 at the time of a vehicle collision interferes with the connector protection part 52 of the housing body 40 The other material member is difficult to be caught on the housing body 40.
[0039]
The satellite sensor 18 has the same structure as the satellite sensor 16, and the satellite sensors 16 and 18 are connected to the control circuit 14 via a connector 60 and a harness 59.
[0040]
Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, the sensor main body 46 and the sensor substrate 47 disposed inside the sensor storage portion 44 of the housing main body 40 by the sensor protection portions 42 set on both sides of the housing main body 40 in the satellite sensors 16 and 18. Therefore, the reinforcing member and bracket as in the conventional structure are not required. As a result, the satellite sensors 16 and 18 can be reduced in weight and cost.
[0042]
In this embodiment, since the sensor protection part 42 of the housing body 40 is directly fixed to the upper part 36A in the vicinity of the front end of the front side member 36, the satellite sensor 16 is compared with a configuration using a bracket like a conventional structure. , 18 can be downsized.
[0043]
Further, in this embodiment, since the sensor body 42 is fixed to the front side member 36 by the bolts 48 with the sensor protection portions 42 on both sides in the vehicle width direction, the mounting dimensions L in the vehicle front-rear direction of the satellite sensors 16 and 18 are as follows. (See FIG. 1) can be reduced. Moreover, since the load which acted on the housing body 40 can be released to the front side member 36 via the bolts 48, damage to the housing body 40 can also be reduced.
[0044]
In the present embodiment, since the maximum height H1 of the housing body 40 is equal to or less than the height H2 of the bolt 48 in a state of being fixed to the vehicle body, a load acting on the housing body 40 from above and below is applied. , Can be received by the bolt 48 itself. As a result, the casing 48 can be protected from the load acting from above and below by the bolts 48.
[0045]
Further, in the present embodiment, the connector portions 58 disposed inside the connector storage portion 54 of the housing body 40 by the connector protection portions 52 set on both sides of the housing body 40 in the satellite sensors 16 and 18; Since the connector 60 on the harness 59 side can be reliably protected from loads acting from the front, rear, left, and right directions, a reinforcing member and a bracket as in the conventional structure are not required. As a result, the satellite sensors 16 and 18 can be reduced in weight and cost.
[0046]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the housing body 40 interferes with another member that moves relatively from the front side of the vehicle body to the rear side with respect to the housing body 40 in the event of a vehicle collision, Due to the inclined surface 62 formed in the upper part of the front end of the casing main body 40 that is the front side of the vehicle in a fixed state, the other material member is not easily caught on the casing main body 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent the other material member from being caught on the housing body 40 and a large load acting on the housing body 40 to damage the housing body 40.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the housing body 40 of the satellite sensor 16 is formed of a block-shaped resin material, for example, a material obtained by adding glass fiber to PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Even when the shape of the main body 40 is complicated, the production is easy and the weight can be reduced.
[0048]
In this embodiment, since the gap 61 between the connector 60 and the connector protection part 52 is set small, when a load is applied to the connector protection part 52 from the vehicle width direction, the connector 60 and the connector protection part 52 are applied. Can easily contact each other and can receive a load on both the connector 60 and the connector protection part 52, so that the connector 60 and the connector protection part 52 are not easily damaged.
[0049]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the satellite sensors 16 and 18 and the connector 60 can be prevented from being damaged at the time of a vehicle collision by the shape of the housing body 40 and the bolts 48. As a result, since the signals from the satellite sensors 16 and 18 can be reliably transmitted to the control circuit 14 at the time of the vehicle collision, it is possible to reliably determine whether the collision occurring in the vehicle 32 is a frontal collision or an offset collision. The occupant can be restrained appropriately by the bag device 12.
[0050]
Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0051]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the inclined surface 62 as the guide portion is formed on the front end upper portion of the housing main body 40 that is fixed to the vehicle body, but instead of this, as shown in FIG. The guide portion may be a streamlined curved surface 80.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the satellite sensors 16 and 18 are fixed to the upper portion 36A (see FIG. 3) near the front end of the front side member 36. However, the positions at which the satellite sensors 16 and 18 are fixed to the vehicle body are the same as those in the present embodiment. It is not limited to the position, and may be another part such as a radiator saposide or a radiator lower cross .
[0053]
In this embodiment, the vehicle sensor housing and the vehicle sensor housing fixing structure of the present invention are applied to the satellite sensors 16 and 18 as the vehicle sensors. However, the vehicle sensor housing and the vehicle sensor of the present invention are used. The housing fixing structure can also be applied to other vehicle sensors such as a yaw rate sensor and a cruise sensor other than the satellite sensor.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensor housing for a vehicle according to the present invention, which is provided between both side portions of the housing main body and stores the sensor main body, and is provided on both side portions of the housing main body and protects the sensor main body. A sensor protection part fixed to the vehicle body by a fastening means, a connector protection part formed on one end side of the sensor protection part, a connector storage part existing between the connector protection parts, and a protrusion formed from the connector storage part The maximum height of the sensor protection portion is equal to or less than the height of the fastening means, and the maximum height of the connector protection portion is substantially equal to the maximum height of the fastening means. Since they are the same , the sensor body can be reliably protected, and the sensor device can be reduced in weight, cost, and size. Moreover, it has the outstanding effect that a bracket etc. are unnecessary. Moreover, it has the outstanding effect that the load which acted on the housing | casing main body can be escaped to the vehicle side via a fastening means. Moreover, it has the outstanding effect that a connector can be protected. In addition, the fastening means can protect the sensor protection part from a load acting on the sensor protection part from above and below, and has an excellent effect that other members are not easily caught by the uneven parts of the fastening means and the connector protection part. .
[0055]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle sensor casing according to the first aspect, in a state of being fixed to the vehicle body, the sensor casing is provided on an upper front end of the casing main body on the front side of the vehicle and abuts from the front of the vehicle. Since it has a guide part that guides the member to the rear side of the vehicle, when another member comes into contact with the front of the vehicle, an excellent effect that a large load acts on the housing body and the housing body can be prevented from being damaged. Have
[0056]
According to a third aspect of the present invention , there is provided a sensor housing fixing structure for a vehicle according to the present invention, wherein the sensor housing portion is provided between both side portions of the housing body to store the sensor body, and the sensor body is disposed on both sides of the housing body. And a sensor protection part fixed to the vehicle body by the fastening means, a connector protection part formed on one end side of the sensor protection part, a connector storage part existing between the connector protection parts, and a connector storage part And a vehicle sensor housing having a protruding connector portion, wherein the maximum height of the sensor protection portion is equal to or less than the height of the fastening means, and the maximum height of the connector protection portion is substantially equal to the maximum height of the fastening means. Since it can be fixed to the vehicle body so as to be the same, the sensor body can be surely protected, and the sensor device can be reduced in weight, cost and size. Moreover, it has the outstanding effect that a bracket etc. are unnecessary. Moreover, it has the outstanding effect that the load which acted on the housing | casing main body can be escaped to the vehicle side via a fastening means. Moreover, it has the outstanding effect that a connector can be protected. In addition, the fastening means can protect the sensor protection part from a load acting on the sensor protection part from above and below, and has an excellent effect that other members are not easily caught by the uneven parts of the fastening means and the connector protection part. .
[0057]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle sensor casing fixing structure according to the third aspect, the vehicle sensor casing is fixed to the vehicle body, and the front upper end of the casing main body on the front side of the vehicle Provided with a guide portion that guides another member that contacts from the front of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle, so that when the other member contacts from the front of the vehicle, a large load acts on the casing body, It has an excellent effect of preventing breakage.
[0058]
[0059]
[0060]
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1 of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a vehicle sensor casing and a vehicle sensor casing fixing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a vehicle sensor casing and a vehicle sensor casing fixing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an airbag device having a satellite sensor to which a vehicle sensor casing and a vehicle sensor casing fixing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied.
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle sensor housing and a satellite sensor to which the vehicle sensor housing fixing structure is applied according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing a front portion of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle sensor housing and a satellite sensor to which the vehicle sensor housing fixing structure is applied according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 in a vehicle sensor casing and a vehicle sensor casing fixing structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side view showing a vehicle sensor and a vehicle sensor housing fixing structure according to a conventional example.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a vehicle sensor and a vehicle sensor housing fixing structure according to another conventional example.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing a vehicle sensor and a vehicle sensor housing fixing structure according to another conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
16 Satellite sensor (vehicle sensor)
18 Satellite sensor (vehicle sensor)
32 Vehicle 36 Front side member 40 Housing body 42 Sensor protection part 44 Sensor storage part 46 Sensor body 47 Sensor substrate 48 Bolt (fastening means)
52 Connector protection part 52A Top end of the connector protection part (guide part)
54 Connector storage part 58 Connector part 59 Harness 62 Inclined surface (guide part)
64 Parts that connect the upper ends of the left and right connector protection parts (guide part)
80 Curved surface (guide part)

Claims (4)

A sensor storage part for storing the sensor body provided between both sides of the housing body;
A sensor protector provided on both sides of the housing body and protecting the sensor body and fixed to the vehicle body by fastening means;
A connector protection part formed on one end side of the sensor protection part;
A connector housing that exists between the connector protectors;
A connector part protruding from the connector storage part;
Have
The maximum height of the sensor protection portion is not more than the height of the fastening means in a state fixed to the vehicle body, and the maximum height of the connector protection portion is substantially the same as the maximum height of the fastening means. A vehicle sensor housing. 2. A guide portion that is provided at an upper part of the front end of the housing main body on the front side of the vehicle in a state of being fixed to the vehicle body and guides another member that comes into contact with the front of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle. The vehicle sensor casing as described. A sensor storage section for storing the sensor body provided between both sides of the housing body;
  A sensor protector provided on both sides of the housing body for protecting the sensor body and fixed to the vehicle body by fastening means;
  A connector protection part formed on one end side of the sensor protection part;
  A connector housing that exists between the connector protectors;
  A connector part protruding from the connector storage part;
  A vehicle sensor housing having
  The maximum height of the sensor protection portion is equal to or less than the height of the fastening means, and the connector protection portion can be fixed to the vehicle body so as to be substantially the same as the maximum height of the fastening means. A vehicle sensor housing fixing structure. The vehicle sensor housing has a guide portion that is provided on the front upper portion of the housing body on the front side of the vehicle in a state of being fixed to the vehicle body, and guides other members that contact from the front of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle. The vehicle sensor housing fixing structure according to claim 3.

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