JP6754402B2 - External sensor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an outside world sensor that detects outside world information about an object existing around the own vehicle.

Recently, for example, an outside world sensor such as a radar ranging sensor detects outside world information about an object existing around the own vehicle, and based on the detected outside world information, autonomous driving control of the own vehicle including steering and acceleration / deceleration is performed. So-called self-driving cars that do so are widespread.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a transmission / reception unit that transmits electromagnetic waves and receives reflected waves, a detection unit that detects the position of an object based on the reflected waves of electromagnetic waves from an object, and a transmission / reception surface and its own back surface of the transmission / reception unit. A cover member that covers the transmission / reception portion is provided so as to face each other, and the cover member is provided with a coating portion that covers the transmission / reception surface and below the coating portion, and is formed so as to project from the coating portion toward the surface side of the cover member. The invention of an in-vehicle radar device including at least a lower protruding portion is described.

According to the vehicle-mounted radar device (outside world sensor) according to Patent Document 1, the cover member includes at least a covering portion that covers the transmission / reception surface and a lower protruding portion formed so as to project from the covering portion toward the surface side of the cover member. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent water droplets that are rolled up from below due to the rotation of the wheels provided in the vehicle from adhering to the surface of the covering portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the attenuation of electromagnetic waves and accurately detect the position of an object.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-76704

However, in an external sensor such as an in-vehicle radar device according to Patent Document 1, if a cover member having a covering portion covering the transmission / reception surface is provided, it is advantageous from the viewpoint of protecting the transmission / reception surface (detection surface), but the presence of the cover member is present. There is a problem that the accuracy of detecting the outside world is impaired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an external world sensor capable of both protecting the detection surface and guaranteeing the external world detection accuracy.

In order to achieve the above object, an outside world sensor that detects outside world information about an object existing around the own vehicle, a sensor body having a detection surface for detecting the outside world information, and the sensor body of the own vehicle. The outside of the own vehicle has a sensor mounting bracket for mounting on the vehicle body and an opening facing the detection surface when viewed from the front so that at least a part of the external sensor overlaps with a portion other than the detection surface. A sensor garnish located on the side is provided, and the sensor body and the sensor garnish are attached to a side portion of the vehicle body via the sensor mounting bracket, and the sensor body and the sensor garnish are attached to the side portion of the vehicle body. The detection surface provided in the sensor body is directly exposed to the outside world on the outer side of the own vehicle through the opening provided in the sensor garnish, and the sensor garnish is the detection surface. The most important feature is to have a ridge-shaped overhang that is located so as to bulge outward from the top of the vehicle.

According to the external world sensor according to the present invention, it is possible to both protect the detection surface and guarantee the external world detection accuracy.

FIG. 5 is an external view of the own vehicle to which the external sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed from the rear side. It is the figure which looked at the own vehicle with the rear outside world sensor attached from the rear. It is the figure which looked at the own vehicle with the rear outside world sensor attached diagonally from the rear side. It is the figure which looked at the own vehicle with the side outside world sensor attached from the rear. It is the figure which looked at the own vehicle with the side outside world sensor attached diagonally from the front side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVA-IVA shown in FIG. 2A around the rear external sensor. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVB-IVB shown in FIG. 2A around the rear external sensor. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVC-IVC shown in FIG. 2A around the rear external sensor. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VA-VA shown in FIG. 3A around the lateral external sensor. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VB-VB shown in FIG. 3A around the lateral external sensor. It is a cross-sectional view of the rear outside world sensor along the VIA-VIA line shown in FIG. 2A. It is a cross-sectional view of the rear outside world sensor along the VIB-VIB line shown in FIG. 2A. It is a cross-sectional view of the rear outside world sensor along the VIC-VIC line shown in FIG. 2A. It is a cross-sectional view of the side outside world sensor along the line VIIA-VIIA shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIB-VIIB shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIC-VIIC shown in FIG. 3A. It is a front view of the rear sensor garnish which constitutes a part of a rear external sensor. It is a front view of the side sensor garnish which constitutes a part of a side outside world sensor.

Hereinafter, the external sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In addition, in the figure shown below, in principle, a common reference code shall be attached between the members having a common function or between the members having the functions corresponding to each other. Further, for convenience of explanation, the size and shape of the member may be deformed or exaggerated to be schematically represented.
Further, in the following description, the vertical direction, the vehicle width direction, the front-rear direction, and the horizontal direction mean the directions based on the state in which the own vehicle 11 is placed horizontally.

[Rough configuration of own vehicle 11 to which the external sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied]
First, with respect to the schematic configuration of the own vehicle 11 to which the external world sensors 17 and 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention are applied, FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A to 4C, 5A, FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. 5B as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is an external view of the own vehicle 11 to which the external world sensors 17 and 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention are applied, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 2A is a view of the own vehicle 11 in a state where the rear external sensor 17 is attached, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 2B is a view of the own vehicle 11 in a state where the rear outside world sensor 17 is attached, as viewed from the diagonally rear side. FIG. 3A is a view of the own vehicle 11 in a state where the side external sensor 19 is attached, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 3B is a view of the own vehicle 11 in a state where the side outside world sensor 19 is attached, as viewed from the obliquely front side. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVA-IVA shown in FIG. 2A around the rear external sensor 17. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVB-IVB shown in FIG. 2A around the rear external sensor 17. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVC-IVC shown in FIG. 2A around the rear external sensor 17. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VA-VA shown in FIG. 3A around the lateral external sensor 19. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VB-VB shown in FIG. 3A around the lateral external sensor 19.

The own vehicle 11 to which the external world sensors 17 and 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention are applied is, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor (not shown) as a drive source. As shown in FIG. 1, the own vehicle 11 viewed from the rear is provided with a rear bumper 13 for cushioning the load at the time of a collision with the rear part of the own vehicle 11 and a diffuser 15 for adjusting the air flow at the rear part of the vehicle body. Has been done. The synthetic resin rear bumper 13 and diffuser 15 are provided at the rear portion of the vehicle body so as to cover the rear end portion and the rear side portion of the own vehicle 11. The rear bumper 13 and the diffuser 15 are attached to a vehicle body frame member (not shown).
The rear bumper 13 and the diffuser 15 correspond to the "rear member" of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the diffuser 15 is provided with a rear outside world sensor 17 and a side outside world sensor 19. The external world sensors 17 and 19 have a function of detecting external world information about an object existing around the own vehicle 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, one rear outside world sensor 17 is provided at the center of the diffuser 15 in the vehicle width direction in order to accurately detect the outside world information related to the rear of the own vehicle 11.
Further, in order to accurately detect the outside world information related to the rear side of the own vehicle 11, side outside world sensors 19 are provided on both rear sides of the diffuser 15, as shown in FIG.
The external world sensors 17 and 19 appear to be attached to the diffuser 15. However, in reality, the external world sensors 17 and 19 are attached to the vehicle body frame member in the same manner as the diffuser 15. Details of this will be described later.

[Structure of rear large window 21 provided in diffuser 15]
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a rear large window 21 for attaching the sensor body 33 (details will be described later) provided in the rear external sensor 17 is provided in the central portion of the diffuser 15 in the vehicle width direction. .. When the sensor body 33 provided in the rear outside world sensor 17 is attached to the vehicle body frame member, the sensor body 33 of the rear outside world sensor 17 is inserted through the opening of the rear large window portion 21.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the upper side of the peripheral edge portion 21a related to the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15 has a first inclined surface toward the front side of the own vehicle 11 and the outward side in the vehicle width direction. The 1 inclined portion 21a1 and the first frame portion 21a2 (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) having a substantially horizontal plane continuous with the first inclined portion 21a1 toward the outward side in the vehicle width direction are integrally formed. ..

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the left and right sides of the peripheral edge portion 21a related to the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15 are inclined toward the front side and the inward side in the vehicle width direction of the own vehicle 11. A second inclined portion 22a1 having a surface and a second frame portion 22a2 (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) having a substantially vertical surface continuous with the inclined portion 21a1 toward the inward side in the vehicle width direction are integrally formed. Has been done.

[Structure of side large window 41 provided in diffuser 15]
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, lateral large window portions 41 for attaching the sensor main body 33 provided in the lateral external world sensor 19 are provided on both rear side portions of the diffuser 15. When the sensor body 33 provided in the side outside world sensor 19 is attached to the vehicle body frame member, the sensor body 33 of the side outside world sensor 19 is inserted through the opening of the side large window portion 41.

The upper portion 42 of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15 is located adjacent to the rear bumper 13 as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5A. A decorative molding 43 made of synthetic resin is provided at a joint 14 (see FIG. 5A) between the lower end edge 13a of the rear bumper 13 and the upper end portion 42 of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41. The decorative molding 43 has a function of closing the joint 14 to improve the appearance.

In order to accommodate the decorative molding 43 in the joint 14, the upper portion 42 of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 is connected to the upper portion 42 and has a rectangular cross section as shown in FIG. 5A. A recess 45 is formed. A mounting clip 44 made of synthetic resin is integrally provided on the back side of the decorative molding 43. Of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41, a through hole (not shown) is provided in a portion corresponding to the mounting clip 44 related to the decorative molding 43. The decorative molding 43 is attached to the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15 by inserting and engaging the mounting clip 44 related to the decorative molding 43 into the through hole of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41. Be done.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the accommodating recess 45 formed in the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 is on the inner side of the own vehicle 11 and toward the center side of the lateral large window portion 41. An inclined portion 42a having an inclined surface toward the surface is formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5A, the lower side 46 of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15 faces the outer side and the upper side of the own vehicle 11. An inclined portion 46a having an inclined surface and a frame portion 46b (see FIG. 5A) having a substantially horizontal plane that continuously folds back toward the inward side of the own vehicle 11 toward the inclined portion 46a are integrally formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the accommodating recess 45 for accommodating the decorative molding 43 is formed in the front side portion 47 of the own vehicle 11 of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15. Has been done. A decorative molding 43 is provided in the accommodating recess 45.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the accommodating recess 45 formed in the front side portion 47 of the own vehicle 11 in the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 is on the inner side and the rear side of the own vehicle 11. An inclined portion 47a having an inclined surface toward the direction is formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, an extending portion 48a extending toward the front side of the own vehicle 11 is formed on the rear side portion 48 of the own vehicle 11 among the peripheral portions 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41. ing.

[External sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention]
Next, the external sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C, FIGS. 7A to 7C, 8A, 8B and the like as appropriate.
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIA-VIA shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIB-VIB shown in FIG. 2A as a cross-sectional view of the rear outside world sensor 17. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIC-VIC shown in FIG. 2A as a cross-sectional view of the rear outside world sensor 17. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIA-VIIA shown in FIG. 3A when viewed from the side of the outside world sensor 19. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIB-VIIB shown in FIG. 3A when viewed from the side of the outside world sensor 19. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIC-VIIC shown in FIG. 3A when viewed from the side of the outside world sensor 19. FIG. 8A is a front view of the rear sensor garnish that constitutes a part of the rear external sensor 17. FIG. 8B is a front view of the side sensor garnish that constitutes a part of the side outside world sensor 19.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 4A, the rear external sensor 17 includes a sensor main body 33 having a rectangular detection surface 31 in front view for detecting external world information, a sensor mounting bracket 35, and a rear external sensor garnish 37. And is configured with. As shown in FIG. 4A, for example, in order to expand the detection range of the outside world information in the vehicle width direction, the detection surface 31 has the central portion 31a in the vehicle width direction most protruding outward of the own vehicle 11 and the vehicle width. It is formed in a curved shape that gradually retracts inward of the own vehicle 11 toward the end side in the direction. In short, the detection surface 31 is provided as a control with respect to the central portion 31a in the vehicle width direction.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 5A, the side outside world sensor 19 includes a sensor body 33 having the detection surface 31, a sensor mounting bracket 35, and a side outside world sensor garnish 39. There is.
The rear outside world sensor 17 and the side outside world sensor 19 are mainly different in the configuration of the rear outside world sensor garnish 37 and the side outside world sensor garnish 39. Details of this will be described later.

The external world sensors 17 and 19 can be configured by, for example, a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical camera, or the like. In this embodiment, laser radar is adopted as the external world sensors 17 and 19.
In the case of a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar, or an ultrasonic sensor, the “detection surface” means a transmission / reception surface of an external detection wave. On the other hand, in the case of an optical camera, the lens surface of the objective lens corresponds to the "detection surface". Further, a portion related to detection including the detection surface 31 may be referred to as a detection unit 32.

The sensor mounting bracket 35 is a member used when the sensor main body 33 and the rear outside world sensor garnish 37 or the side outside world sensor garnish 39 are mounted on the vehicle body frame member.

In order to attach the rear external sensor garnish 37 to the sensor mounting bracket 35, the sensor mounting bracket 35 is formed with three circular engaging holes (not shown).
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 8A, three support legs 61, 63, and 65 are erected on the back side of the rear external sensor garnish 37. Clips 70 are provided at the tips of each of the three support legs 61, 63, and 65.
When attaching the rear external sensor garnish 37 to the sensor mounting bracket 35, clips 70 provided at the tips of the three support legs 61, 63, 65 are attached to the three engaging holes provided in the sensor mounting bracket 35. Insert in the axial direction and engage.

Further, in order to attach the side external sensor garnish 39 to the sensor mounting bracket 35, three support legs 81, 83, 85 are placed on the back side of the lateral external sensor garnish 39 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 8B. Is erected. Clips 70 are provided at the tips of each of the three support legs 81, 83, and 85.
When attaching the lateral external sensor garnish 39 to the sensor mounting bracket 35, the clips 70 provided at the tips of the three support legs 81, 83, 85 in the three engaging holes provided in the sensor mounting bracket 35. Is inserted in the axial direction and engaged.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the sensor main body 33 is attached to the sensor mounting bracket 35 via a positioning mechanism (not shown) related to the roll direction of the own vehicle 11. On the other hand, the rear outside world sensor garnish 37 and the side outside world sensor garnish 39 are directly attached to the sensor mounting bracket 35 without using a positioning mechanism.

The sensor mounting bracket 35 is attached to the vehicle body frame member by using an appropriate fastening means such as a screw. As a result, the sensor main body 33 has the sensor mounting bracket 35 attached to the vehicle body frame member, and the external world sensors 17 and 19 in the roll direction of the own vehicle 11 at the center point related to the sensor main body 33 via the positioning mechanism. The position of the is adjustable.

[Structure of rear external sensor garnish 37]
Next, the configuration of the rear external world sensor garnish 37 will be described with reference to appropriate drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 8A, the rear external sensor garnish 37 has a rectangular rear small window portion 38 that faces (exposes) the detection surface 31 of the sensor body 33 in a front view. The rear outside world sensor garnish 37 hides the portion of the rear outside world sensor 17 excluding the detection surface 31 and the peripheral edge portion 21a of the rear large window portion 21 provided in the diffuser 15 from the outside of the own vehicle 11. ) Play a role. The rear external sensor garnish 37 may be formed of, for example, a synthetic resin.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 4B, the rear external sensor garnish 37 is recessed inward of the own vehicle 11 with respect to the general surface 49 of the rear external sensor garnish 37 in front view, and the own vehicle 11 An inclined recess 51 that inclines so as to expand toward the outer side of the is set. Inclined recesses 51 are provided on both sides of the rear external sensor garnish 37 that sandwich the detection surface 31 in the vehicle width direction.
According to the inclined recess 51, as shown in FIG. 4B, the radiation range 52 of the object detection signal radiated from the detection surface 31 can be expanded.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4C, and 6B, the rear external sensor garnish 37 has an eaves shape toward the outer side of the own vehicle 11 with respect to the top 31a (see FIG. 4C) on the detection surface 31. The eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 is provided so as to overhang.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4C, and 6B, the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 is located below the detection surface 31 and extends in the substantially horizontal direction. (See FIG. 4C).
As shown in FIG. 4C, the extending direction of the side extending in the substantially horizontal direction on the detection surface 31 is set to be the same as the extending direction of the horizontally extending portion 54 of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53. The dimension L1 of the horizontally extending portion 54 of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 is set longer than the dimension L0 of the side extending in the substantially horizontal direction on the detection surface 31 (L1> L0).

As shown in FIG. 4C, the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 provided on the rear external sensor garnish 37 has a central portion 37a in the vehicle width direction most protruding outward of the own vehicle 11 and an end side in the vehicle width direction. It is formed in a curved shape that gradually retracts inward toward the own vehicle 11. The central portion 31a in the vehicle width direction on the detection surface 31 and the central portion 37a in the vehicle width direction on the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 are located so as to overlap each other.
As shown in FIG. 4C, the curvature of the curved shape of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 is set to be larger than the curvature of the curved shape of the detection surface 31.
Due to the presence of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 configured as described above, the rear external sensor garnish 37 is provided with high rigidity. Moreover, the curvature of the curved shape of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 is set to be larger than the curvature of the curved shape of the detection surface 31. Therefore, the presence of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 can protect the detection surface 31 and ensure the accuracy of detecting the outside world at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 provided on the rear external sensor garnish 37 is provided in left-right contrast with respect to the central portion 37a in the vehicle width direction, and the horizontal dimension L2 of the rear external sensor garnish 37. The dimension is set to L1 which is shorter than that of L1 (L2> L1).

Further, of the rear external sensor garnish 37, flat plate portions 55 having a rigidity relatively weaker than the rigidity of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 are set on both sides of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 in the vehicle width direction. Has been done.
That is, in the rear external sensor garnish 37 to which high rigidity is given by the presence of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53, the flat plate portion 55 whose rigidity is relatively lower than that of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 is set. In addition to improving the mountability of the rear external sensor garnish 37 to the sensor mounting bracket 35, it is possible to foster a sense of unity in appearance design with respect to the flat plate-shaped general surface provided in the diffuser 15.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the upper wall portion 56a extending horizontally along the front-rear direction of the own vehicle 11 and the own vehicle 11 in the upper wall portion 56a are on the upper side of the peripheral edge portion 37b related to the rear external sensor garnish 37. A frame portion 56b is formed so as to be connected to the rear end portion of the above. The frame portion 56b includes a folded-back portion 58 that slightly extends so as to be folded back toward the upper side of the own vehicle 11. The folded-back portion 58 provided in the frame portion 56b is located so as to face the first frame portion 21a2 provided on the upper side of the peripheral edge portion 21a related to the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15.

On the upper side of the peripheral edge 37b of the rear external sensor garnish 37, between the folded-back portion 58 provided in the frame portion 56b of the rear external sensor garnish 37 and the first frame portion 21a2 of the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15. Is provided so that the seal member 57 is interposed, as shown in FIG. 6A. Actually, the seal member 57 is attached to the side of the folded-back portion 58 provided in the frame portion 56b of the rear external sensor garnish 37.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the folded-back portion 58 provided in the frame portion 56b of the rear external sensor garnish 37 is provided with a circumferential protrusion 59. The protrusion 59 is provided on the outer side of the own vehicle 11 among the folded-back portions 58 provided in the frame portion 56b so that the seal member 57 cannot be seen from the outer side of the own vehicle 11. As shown in FIG. 6A, the first frame portion 21a2 of the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15 and the protrusion 59 provided on the folded-back portion 58 provided on the frame portion 56b face each other through a slight gap GP. doing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, on the lower side of the peripheral edge portion 37b related to the rear external sensor garnish 37, a lower wall portion 60a extending gently toward the rear side and the upper side of the own vehicle 11 The eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 and the horizontally extending portion 54 are formed by the folded-back portion 60b provided in the lower wall portion 60a so as to be connected to the rear end portion of the own vehicle 11.

In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6B, the central portion 37a of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 in the vehicle width direction is drawn. In the central portion 37a of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 in the vehicle width direction, the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 53 with respect to the detection surface 31 is sufficiently outward of the own vehicle 11 as compared with the detection surface 31 as shown in FIG. 6B. It is located so as to overhang.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the inner side end portion 60c of the own vehicle 11 in the lower wall portion 60a is the third frame portion 21a3 provided on the lower side of the peripheral edge portion 21a related to the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15. It is located facing each other. The inner end portion 60c and the third frame portion 21a3 are configured to face each other with a sufficient gap.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the left side wall portion 61a extending toward the left side in the vehicle width direction of the own vehicle 11 and the left side wall portion 61a are connected to the left side side of the peripheral edge portion 37b related to the rear external sensor garnish 37. A left end wall portion 61b extending with a gentle inclination toward the left side and the rear side of the own vehicle 11 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the left end wall portion 61b of the peripheral edge portion 37b of the rear external sensor garnish 37 is a fourth frame portion provided on the left side of the peripheral edge portion 21a of the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15. It is located so as to face 21a4.

A circumferential protrusion 62 extending inward of the own vehicle 11 is provided at the tip of the left end wall portion 61b.
On the other hand, at a position corresponding to the tip end portion of the left end wall portion 61b of the fourth frame portion 21a4, a circumferential accommodating portion 63 accommodating the protrusion 62 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 6C, a seal member is formed between the protrusion 62 provided at the tip of the left end wall portion 61b and the accommodating portion 63 of the fourth frame portion 21a4 provided at the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15. 57 is provided so as to intervene. Actually, the seal member 57 is attached to the side of the left end wall portion 61b of the rear external sensor garnish 37.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, there is a slight distance between the protrusion 62 provided at the tip of the left end wall portion 61b and the accommodating portion 63 of the fourth frame portion 21a4 provided at the rear large window portion 21 of the diffuser 15. They are facing each other through the gap GP.

[Structure of lateral external sensor garnish 39]
Next, the configuration of the lateral external world sensor garnish 39 will be described with reference to appropriate drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 8B, the side external sensor garnish 39 has a rectangular side small window portion 40 that faces (exposes) the detection surface 31 of the sensor body 33 in a front view. The side outside world sensor garnish 39 hides the portion of the side outside world sensor 19 excluding the detection surface 31 and the peripheral edge portion 41a of the side large window portion 41 provided in the diffuser 15 from the outside side of the own vehicle 11. Play a role (hidden).
The side external sensor garnish 39 is provided on the rear side of the rear wheel (not shown) of the own vehicle 11. The lateral external sensor garnish 39 may be formed of, for example, a synthetic resin.
The lateral large window portion 41 has a larger opening than the lateral small window portion 40. The side small window portion 40 corresponds to the "opening" of the present invention. Further, the lateral large window portion 41 corresponds to the "opening" of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5A, on the front side of the own vehicle 11 adjacent to the detection surface 31 of the side external sensor garnish 39, the own vehicle moves from the front side to the rear side of the own vehicle 11. A guide recess 71 having a shape that gradually retracts inward of the 11 is provided.
According to the guide recess 71, as shown in FIG. 5A, by guiding the wind flow generated by the traveling of the own vehicle 11 to the detection surface 31, moisture, dirt, etc. adhering to the detection surface 31, etc. Can be expected to have the effect of blowing away.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, and 7B, the side external sensor garnish 39 is on the outer side of the own vehicle 11 with respect to the top 31a (see FIG. 5A) on the detection surface 31. The eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 is provided so as to overhang in the shape of an eaves. The overhanging dimension of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 is set to a dimension that gradually decreases from the front side to the rear side of the own vehicle 11.

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5B, and 7B, the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 is located below the detection surface 31 and extends in the substantially horizontal direction. (See FIG. 5A).
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the extending direction of the side extending in the substantially horizontal direction on the detection surface 31 is set to be the same as the extending direction of the horizontally extending portion 75 of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73. ing. The dimension L3 of the horizontally extending portion 75 of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 is set to be sufficiently longer than the dimension L0 of the side extending in the substantially horizontal direction on the detection surface 31 (L3> L0).

The presence of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 configured as described above imparts high rigidity to the lateral external sensor garnish 39. Therefore, the presence of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 can protect the detection surface 31 and ensure the accuracy of detecting the outside world at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 7A, on the upper side of the peripheral edge portion 39a related to the lateral external world sensor garnish 39, the upper wall portion 91a extending vertically along the vertical direction of the own vehicle 11 and the upper wall portion 91a are connected to each other. A frame portion 91b extending outward and upward of the own vehicle 11 is formed. The frame portion 91b is located so as to face the inclined portion 42a provided on the upper side of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15.

On the upper side of the peripheral edge 39a related to the lateral external sensor garnish 39, the frame portion 91b of the lateral external sensor garnish 39 and the inclined portion 42a provided on the peripheral edge 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15 As shown in FIG. 7A, the seal member 57 is provided between them so as to intervene. Actually, the seal member 57 is attached to the side of the frame portion 91b of the side external sensor garnish 39.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the frame portion 91b of the side external sensor garnish 39 is provided with a circumferential protrusion 93. The protrusion 93 is provided on the upper side of the own vehicle 11 in the frame portion 91b so that the seal member 57 cannot be visually recognized from the outer side of the own vehicle 11. As shown in FIG. 7A, the frame portion 91b of the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15 and the protrusion portion 93 provided on the frame portion 91b face each other with a slight gap GP.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, a lower wall portion 95a extending gently toward the rear side and the lower side of the own vehicle 11 is provided on the lower side side of the peripheral edge portion 39a related to the lateral external world sensor garnish 39. The eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 and the horizontally extending portion 75 are formed by the folded-back portion 95b provided in the lower wall portion 95a in connection with the outer end portion of the own vehicle 11.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the detection surface 31 passing through the central portion 31a in the vehicle width direction. At the central portion 31a of the detection surface 31 in the vehicle width direction, the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 with respect to the detection surface 31 sufficiently projects outward of the own vehicle 11 as compared with the detection surface 31 as shown in FIG. 7B. It is located like.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the folded-back portion 95b of the own vehicle 11 on the lower wall portion 95a faces the frame portion 46b provided on the lower side of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15. positioned. As shown in FIG. 7B, a seal member 57 is provided between the folded-back portion 95b and the frame portion 46b. Actually, the seal member 57 is attached to the side of the folded-back portion 95b of the lateral external sensor garnish 39.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the folded-back portion 95b of the side external sensor garnish 39 is provided with a circumferential accommodating recess 97 for accommodating the seal member 57. The accommodating recess 97 is provided on the lower side of the own vehicle 11 in the folded-back portion 95b so that the seal member 57 cannot be seen from the outer side of the own vehicle 11. As shown in FIG. 7B, there is a slight gap GP between the frame portion 46b of the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15 and the accommodating recess 97 provided in the folded-back portion 95b when viewed from the outside of the own vehicle 11. We are confronting each other through.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the right side wall portion 97a extending toward the rear side in the front-rear direction of the own vehicle 11 and the right side wall portion 97a on the right side side of the peripheral edge portion 39a related to the lateral external world sensor garnish 39 A right end wall portion 97b extending in a continuous manner with a gentle inclination toward the rear side and the inward side of the own vehicle 11 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the right side wall portion 97a of the peripheral edge portion 39a related to the lateral external sensor garnish 39 is an inclined portion 47a provided on the right side of the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15. It is located facing the.

A circumferential protrusion 99 extending inward of the own vehicle 11 is provided at the tip of the right side wall portion 97a.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the seal member 57 is between the protrusion 99 provided on the tip portion of the right side wall portion 97a and the inclined portion 47a provided on the peripheral edge portion 41a of the lateral large window portion 41 of the diffuser 15. Is provided so as to intervene. Actually, the seal member 57 is attached to the side of the right end wall portion 97b of the side external sensor garnish 39.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the own vehicle is between the protrusion 99 provided at the tip of the right end wall portion 97b and the inclined portion 47a provided at the peripheral edge portion 41a of the lateral large window portion of the diffuser 15. They face each other through a slight gap GP when viewed from the outside of 11.

[Mounting structure of external sensors 17 and 19]
In the external world sensors 17 and 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the diffuser 15 is attached to the vehicle body frame member via a mounting bracket (not shown). Further, the sensor body 33 and the rear external world sensor garnish 37 (or the lateral external world sensor garnish 39) are attached to the vehicle body frame member via the sensor mounting bracket 35 in a state of being separated and independent from the diffuser 15.
In short, the diffuser (rear member) 15, the sensor body 33, and the rear outside world sensor garnish 37 (or the side outside world sensor garnish 39) are attached to the vehicle body frame member in a separated and independent state.

Further, in the rear external world sensor 17 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the rear large window portion 21 opened in the diffuser (rear member) 15 with the sensor main body 33 and the rear external world sensor garnish 37 attached to the vehicle body frame member. 21a and the peripheral edge 37b of the rear external sensor garnish 37 are arranged so as to face each other with a seal member 57 interposed therebetween and an appropriate gap as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. Has been done.

By maintaining the appropriate gap, the seal member 57 prevents the peripheral edge portion 37b of the rear external sensor garnish 37 from rubbing against the peripheral edge portion 21a of the facing rear large window portion 21, thereby preventing the peripheral portion 21a from being rubbed behind the diffuser 15. It plays a role of preventing damage to the peripheral edge portion 21a related to the large window portion 21.

Further, with the sensor body 33 and the rear outside world sensor garnish 37 attached to the vehicle body frame member, the detection surface 31 provided on the sensor body 33 passes through the rear small window portion 38 provided in the rear outside world sensor garnish 37, and the own vehicle. It is exposed to the outside of No. 11 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, etc.).

On the other hand, in the lateral external world sensor 19 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lateral large side opened in the diffuser (rear member) 15 with the sensor main body 33 and the lateral external world sensor garnish 39 attached to the vehicle body frame member. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the peripheral edge portion 41a of the window portion 41 and the peripheral edge portion 39a of the lateral external sensor garnish 39 face each other with the sealing member 57 interposed therebetween and through an appropriate gap. It is arranged so as to.

By maintaining the appropriate gap, the seal member 57 prevents the peripheral edge portion 39a of the lateral external sensor garnish 39 from rubbing against the peripheral edge portion 41a of the facing lateral large window portion 41, whereby the diffuser 15 It plays a role of preventing the peripheral portion 41a of the lateral large window portion 41 from being scratched.

Further, with the sensor body 33 and the side external sensor garnish 39 attached to the vehicle body frame member, the detection surface 31 provided on the sensor body 33 passes through the side small window portion 40 provided in the side external sensor garnish 39. , Exposed to the outside of the own vehicle 11 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, etc.).

Further, with the sensor body 33 and the rear external sensor garnish 37 attached to the vehicle body frame member, the lengths of the vertical and horizontal sides of the rear external sensor garnish 37 with respect to the rectangular rear small window 38 in the front view. The dimensions are set to be longer than the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the rectangular detection unit 32 of the rear external sensor 17.

Similarly, with the sensor body 33 and the side external sensor garnish 39 attached to the vehicle body frame member, the vertical sides and the lateral sides of the lateral external sensor garnish 39 related to the rectangular side small window portion 40 in the front view. The length dimension of the side is set to be longer than the length dimension of the vertical side and the horizontal side related to the rectangular detection unit 32 of the lateral external sensor 19.

As a result, with the sensor mounting bracket 35 mounted on the vehicle body frame member, the position of the sensor body 33 in the roll direction with respect to the sensor mounting bracket 35 at the center of the roll related to the sensor body 33 is determined by the detection surface of the detection unit 32. All of 31 can be adjusted via the positioning mechanism in a state of being exposed to the outside of the own vehicle 11 through the small window portions 38 and 40. The positioning adjustment of the sensor main body 33 is performed in a state where the sensor garnishes 37 and 39 are removed from the sensor mounting bracket 35.

[Action and effect of the external sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention]
Next, the action and effect of the external sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The outside world sensor based on the first viewpoint (corresponding to claim 1) is a side outside world sensor (outside world sensor) 19 that detects outside world information about an object existing around the own vehicle 11, and is for detecting outside world information. It has a sensor body 33 having a detection surface 31 of the above, a sensor mounting bracket 35 for mounting the sensor body 33 on the vehicle body of the own vehicle 11, and a side small window (opening) 40 facing the detection surface 31 in front view. A side external sensor garnish 39 located on the outer side of the own vehicle 11 is provided so that at least a part (preferably all) of the external sensor 19 overlaps the portion other than the detection surface 31.
The sensor main body 33 and the side external sensor garnish 39 are attached to the side portion of the vehicle body of the own vehicle 11 via the sensor attachment bracket 35. With the sensor body 33 and the side external sensor garnish 39 attached to the side of the vehicle body, the detection surface 31 provided on the sensor body 33 is a side small window (opening) 40 provided on the side external sensor garnish 39. It is directly exposed to the outside world on the outer side of the own vehicle 11 through. The lateral outside world sensor garnish 39 includes an eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 that is positioned so as to overhang the top portion 31a of the detection surface 31 toward the outside of the own vehicle 11.

According to the external world sensor based on the first aspect, the lateral external world sensor garnish 39 is located so as to project outward from the own vehicle 11 with respect to the top portion 31a on the detection surface 31. Since the portion 73 is provided, it is possible to both protect the detection surface 31 (suppress the hoisting of water droplets and the like when the vehicle is running) and guarantee the accuracy of detecting the outside world.

Further, the external world sensor based on the second viewpoint (corresponding to claim 2) is an external world sensor based on the first viewpoint, and the detection surface 31 provided on the sensor main body 33 is formed in a rectangular shape in a front view. The eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 provided in the lateral external world sensor garnish 39 includes a horizontally extending portion 75 that is located below the detection surface 31 and extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and is substantially horizontal on the detection surface 31. The extending direction of the side extending in the horizontal direction is the same as the extending direction of the horizontal extending portion 75 of the ridge-shaped overhanging portion 73, and the dimension of the horizontally extending portion 75 of the ridge-shaped extending portion 73. L3 (see FIG. 5A) is set longer than the dimension L0 (see FIG. 5A) of the side extending in the substantially horizontal direction on the detection surface 31, and the overhanging dimension of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 is the own vehicle 11 A configuration may be adopted in which the size is set to decrease from the front side to the side side of the.

According to the external sensor based on the second viewpoint, the dimension L3 of the horizontally extending portion 75 of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 is set longer than the dimension L0 of the side extending in the substantially horizontal direction on the detection surface 31. Therefore, the effect of the external sensor based on the first viewpoint (protection of the detection surface 31 and guarantee of external detection accuracy) can be further enhanced.
Further, since the overhanging dimension of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 is set to become smaller from the front side to the side side of the own vehicle 11, it exhibits a streamlined outer shape when viewed upward. In the case of the own vehicle, the presence of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion 73 suitable for the outer shape of the own vehicle makes it possible to make the own vehicle with an excellent appearance design.

Further, in the external world sensor based on the third viewpoint (corresponding to claim 3), the external world sensor 19 based on the second viewpoint, and the detection surface 31 provided on the sensor main body 33 is the center in the front-rear direction of the own vehicle 11. The portion 31a is formed in a curved shape that protrudes most toward the outside of the own vehicle 11 and gradually retracts toward the inward side of the own vehicle 11 as it moves toward the end side in the front-rear direction, and the curved shape of the detection surface 31 is self-contained. On the front side of the own vehicle 11 which is formed in contrast to the central portion 31a in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 11 and is adjacent to the detection surface 31 of the lateral external sensor garnish 39, from the front side to the rear side of the own vehicle 11. A configuration may be adopted in which a guide recess 71 having a shape that gradually retracts inward toward the own vehicle 11 is provided.

According to the external world sensor based on the third aspect, the own vehicle 11 is located on the front side of the own vehicle 11 adjacent to the detection surface 31 of the side external world sensor garnish 39 as it goes from the front side to the rear side of the own vehicle 11. Since the guide recess 71 having a shape that gradually retracts to the inward side of the vehicle is provided, in addition to the action and effect of the external sensor based on the second viewpoint, the guide recess 71 causes the wind generated by the traveling of the own vehicle 11. By guiding the flow to the detection surface 31, the effect of blowing off moisture, dirt, etc. adhering to the detection surface 31 can be expected.

Further, the external world sensor based on the fourth viewpoint (corresponding to claim 4) is an external world sensor based on the third viewpoint, and the side external world sensor garnish 39 is located on the rear side of the rear wheel of the own vehicle 11. The provided configuration may be adopted.

According to the external world sensor based on the fourth viewpoint, since the side external world sensor garnish 39 is provided on the rear side of the rear wheel of the own vehicle 11, in addition to the action and effect of the external world sensor based on the third viewpoint. Therefore, even if rainwater is hoisted up by the rear wheels while traveling in the rain, it is necessary to prevent dirt from adhering to the detection surface 31 of the side external sensor 19 and to improve the external world detection accuracy appropriately. Can be done.

Further, the external world sensor based on the fifth viewpoint (corresponding to claim 5) is an external world sensor based on any one of the first to fourth viewpoints, and the vehicle body of the own vehicle 11 includes the diffuser 15. A rear member is attached, and a side large window portion (large opening) 41 having a larger opening than the side small window portion (opening) 40 is opened in the rear member, and the sensor main body 33 and the side With the lateral external sensor garnish 39 attached to the vehicle body, the peripheral edge 41a of the lateral large window 41 provided on the rear member and the peripheral edge 39a of the lateral external sensor garnish 39 are arranged so as to face each other. A configuration may be adopted in which the rear member, the sensor main body 33, and the side external sensor garnish 39 are attached to the vehicle body in an independent state.

In the external world sensor based on the fifth aspect, the rear member including the side large window portion (large opening) 41 through which the external world sensor 19 is inserted when the rear external world sensor 19 is attached, the sensor body 33, and the side external world sensor The garnish 39 is attached to the vehicle body in an independent state.
Therefore, even if the load at the time of collision is input to the rear member and the mounting position of the rear member deviates from the original position, the input load to the rear member is the sensor body 33 and the side external sensor garnish 39. It is not directly transmitted to.

According to the external world sensor based on the fifth aspect, even if the load at the time of collision is input to the rear member and the mounting position of the rear member deviates from the original position, the axis to the lateral external world sensor 19 The influence of deviation and the like can be suppressed as much as possible.

Further, the external world sensor based on the sixth viewpoint (corresponding to claim 6) is an external world sensor based on the fifth viewpoint, in a state where the sensor main body 33 and the side external world sensor garnish 39 are attached to the vehicle body. The peripheral edge portion 41a of the lateral large window portion (large opening portion) 41 provided in the rear member and the peripheral edge portion 39a of the lateral external sensor garnish 39 are arranged so as to face each other with a slight gap GP. A configuration in which a seal member 57 is provided in the gap GP between the two peripheral edges may be adopted.

According to the external world sensor based on the sixth aspect, the gap GP between the peripheral edge portion 41a of the lateral large window portion (large opening) 41 provided in the rear member and the peripheral edge portion 39a of the lateral external world sensor garnish 39 is provided. Since the seal member 57 is provided, the presence of the seal member 57 maintains the gap GP, so that the peripheral edge portion 39a of the side external sensor garnish 39 becomes the peripheral edge portion 41a of the facing lateral large window portion 41. It is possible to prevent rubbing, and thereby prevent the peripheral edge portion 41a related to the lateral large window portion 41 from being scratched.

Further, the external world sensor based on the seventh viewpoint (corresponding to claim 7) is an external world sensor based on the fifth viewpoint, and the detection surface 31 provided on the sensor main body 33 is defined on each of the vertical side and the horizontal side. The lateral small window portion (opening) 40, which is formed in a rectangular shape in front view and has a long length and is provided in the lateral external world sensor garnish 39, has a predetermined length on each of the vertical side and the horizontal side, similarly to the detection surface 31. It is formed in a rectangular shape in front view, and the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the side small window portion 40 are longer than the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the detection surface 31, respectively. By setting to, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which all of the detection surfaces 31 are exposed to the outside of the own vehicle 11 through the side small window portion 40.

According to the external sensor based on the eighth viewpoint, the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the side small window portion 40 are longer than the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the detection surface 31, respectively. By setting the scale, all of the detection surface 31 is exposed to the outside of the own vehicle 11 through the side small window portion 40. Therefore, when adjusting the mounting position of the sensor body 33 with respect to the vehicle body, the adjustment is performed. It is possible to earn the adjustment allowance and secure the degree of freedom of positioning adjustment.

Further, the external world sensor based on the seventh viewpoint (corresponding to claim 7) is an external world sensor based on the fifth viewpoint, and the detection surface 31 provided on the sensor main body 33 is defined on each of the vertical side and the horizontal side. The lateral small window portion (opening) 40, which is formed in a rectangular shape in front view and has a long length and is provided in the lateral external world sensor garnish 39, has a predetermined length on each of the vertical side and the horizontal side, similarly to the detection surface 31. It is formed in a rectangular shape in front view, and the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the side small window portion 40 are longer than the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the detection surface 31, respectively. By setting to, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which all of the detection surfaces 31 are directly exposed to the outside world on the outer side of the own vehicle 11 through the side small window portion 40.

According to the external sensor based on the seventh aspect, the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the side small window portion 40 are longer than the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side of the detection surface 31, respectively. By setting it to a scale, all of the detection surface 31 is directly exposed to the outside world on the outside side of the own vehicle 11 through the side small window portion 40, so adjustment that determines the mounting position of the sensor body 33 with respect to the vehicle body. When performing the above, it is possible to earn the adjustment allowance and secure the degree of freedom of positioning adjustment.

Further, in the description of the outside world sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention, as an opening according to the present invention, a side small window portion 40 provided in the side outside world sensor garnish 39 and having a closed edge around the side garnish 39 is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The present invention may be applied to an aspect of adopting an opening provided in the lateral external world sensor garnish 39 and having an open edge in a part around the opening as the opening according to the present invention.

Further, in the description of the external sensor mounting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, a lateral large window portion provided in the diffuser (rear member) 15 as a large opening according to the present invention and having an end edge closed around the diffuser (rear member) 15. Although 41 has been illustrated and described, the present invention is not limited to this example. The present invention may be applied to a mode in which an opening is provided in a diffuser (rear member) 15 and has an open edge in a part around the large opening according to the present invention.

11 Own vehicle 15 Diffuser (rear member)
19 Lateral outside world sensor (outside world sensor)
31 Detection surface 31a Top of the detection surface 33 Sensor body 39 Lateral outside world sensor garnish 39b Peripheral part of side outside world sensor garnish 40 Side small window (opening)
41 Side large window (large opening)
41a Peripheral part of large side window 71 Guide recess 73 Eaves-shaped overhang 75 Horizontal extension

Claims (7)

An external sensor that detects external information about objects around the vehicle.
A sensor body having a detection surface for detecting the outside world information,
A sensor mounting bracket for mounting the sensor body on the vehicle body of the own vehicle,
A sensor garnish that has an opening facing the detection surface when viewed from the front and is located on the outer side of the own vehicle so that at least a part of the external sensor overlaps with a portion other than the detection surface. Prepare,
The sensor body and the sensor garnish are attached to the side portion of the vehicle body via the sensor mounting bracket.
With the sensor body and the sensor garnish attached to the side of the vehicle body, the detection surface provided on the sensor body is directly to the outside world on the outer side of the own vehicle through the opening provided in the sensor garnish. Exposed and
The sensor garnish is an external world sensor including a canopy-shaped overhanging portion that is positioned so as to overhang to the outside of the own vehicle with respect to the top of the detection surface. The external sensor according to claim 1.
The detection surface provided on the sensor body is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front.
The eaves-shaped overhang portion provided in the sensor garnish is located below the detection surface and includes a horizontally extending portion extending in a substantially horizontal direction.
The extending direction of the side extending in the substantially horizontal direction on the detection surface is the same as the extending direction of the horizontally extending portion of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion.
The dimension of the horizontally extending portion of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion is set longer than the dimension of the side extending in the substantially horizontal direction on the detection surface.
An external sensor characterized in that the overhanging dimension of the eaves-shaped overhanging portion is set so as to decrease from the front side to the rear side of the own vehicle. The external sensor according to claim 2.
The detection surface provided on the sensor body is such that the central portion of the own vehicle in the front-rear direction protrudes most toward the outside of the own vehicle, and the detection surface moves toward the inside of the own vehicle toward the end side in the front-rear direction of the own vehicle. Formed into a curved shape that gradually retracts,
The curved shape of the detection surface is formed in contrast to the central portion in the front-rear direction of the own vehicle.
Of the sensor garnish, the front side of the own vehicle adjacent to the detection surface is provided with a guide recess having a shape that gradually retracts inward of the own vehicle from the front side to the rear side of the own vehicle. Characterized external sensor. The external sensor according to claim 3.
The sensor garnish is an external sensor characterized in that it is provided on the rear side of the rear wheels of the own vehicle. The external sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Rear members including a diffuser are attached to the body of the own vehicle.
The rear member is provided with a large opening that is larger than the opening.
With the sensor body and the sensor garnish attached to the vehicle body, the peripheral edge of the large opening provided in the rear member and the peripheral edge of the sensor garnish are arranged so as to face each other.
An external sensor characterized in that the rear member, the sensor body, and the sensor garnish are attached to the vehicle body in an independent state. The external sensor according to claim 5.
With the sensor body and the sensor garnish attached to the vehicle body,
The peripheral edge of the large opening provided in the rear member and the peripheral edge of the sensor garnish are arranged so as to face each other with a slight gap, and a seal member is provided in the gap between the two peripheral edges. An external sensor characterized by being provided with. The external sensor according to claim 5.
The detection surface provided on the sensor body is formed in a rectangular shape in a front view in which each of the vertical side and the horizontal side has a predetermined length.
Similar to the detection surface, the opening provided in the sensor garnish is formed in a rectangular shape in a front view in which each of the vertical side and the horizontal side has a predetermined length.
By setting the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side related to the opening to be longer than the length dimensions of the vertical side and the horizontal side related to the detection surface, all of the detection surfaces are described. An outside world sensor characterized in that it is directly exposed to the outside world on the outside side of the own vehicle through the opening.

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