U.S. patent application number 16/993475 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-26 for surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Yusuke KATAOKA.
Application Number | 20200369218 16/993475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005016601 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200369218 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KATAOKA; Yusuke |
November 26, 2020 |
SURROUNDING CIRCUMSTANCE MONITORING APPARATUS
Abstract
A surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus (3) has a
housing (31) forming a housing space (31s) therein; and a
monitoring unit (32) in the hosing space that monitors a
surrounding circumstance of a vehicle, the housing has two housing
parts (311, 312) that are bonded to each other via flanges (311f,
312f), a first flange part (311f1, 312f1) protruding upwardly from
an upper surface (31U) of the housing is inclined with respect to
the upper surface and/or a second flange part (312f2, 312f2)
protruding downwardly from a bottom surface (31L) of the housing is
inclined with respect to the bottom surface.
Inventors: |
KATAOKA; Yusuke;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Toyota-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Toyota-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005016601 |
Appl. No.: |
16/993475 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15848232 |
Dec 20, 2017 |
10773656 |
|
|
16993475 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0019 20130101;
B60R 19/483 20130101; G01S 7/4813 20130101; G01S 17/931 20200101;
B60R 11/00 20130101; B60R 2011/0043 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 11/00 20060101
B60R011/00; G01S 7/481 20060101 G01S007/481; B60R 19/48 20060101
B60R019/48; G01S 17/931 20060101 G01S017/931 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 31, 2017 |
JP |
2017-015232 |
Claims
1. A surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus comprising: a
housing that is configured to form a housing space therein; and a
monitoring unit that is housed into the hosing space and that is
configured to monitor a surrounding circumstance of a vehicle, the
housing having two housing parts that are bonded to each other via
flanges to form the housing space therein, the flanges being formed
at housing parts respectively to protrude outwardly from the
housing, a first flange part that is one portion of the flanges and
that protrudes upwardly from an upper surface of the housing being
inclined with respect to the upper surface and/or a second flange
part that is one portion of the flanges and that protrudes
downwardly from a bottom surface of the housing being inclined with
respect to the bottom surface.
2. The surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus according to
claim 1, wherein the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
is allowed to be fixed to an inside of an exterior member of the
vehicle so that at least one portion of the first flange part and
the second flange part is inclined with respect to a vertical
direction.
3. The surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus according to
claim 1, wherein the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
is allowed to be fixed to an inside of an exterior member that is
located at a front part of the vehicle, the second flange part is
inclined so that the second flange part is distant from a front
member more as the second flange part is located downwardly more,
the front member is at least one portion of the exterior member and
is located at a front side of the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus.
4. The surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus according to
claim 1, wherein the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
is allowed to be fixed to an inside of an exterior member that is
located at a rear part of the vehicle, the second flange part is
inclined so that the second flange part is distant from a rear
member more as the second flange part is located downwardly more,
the rear member is at least one portion of the exterior member and
is located at a rear side of the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus.
5. The surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus according to
claim 2, wherein the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
is allowed to be fixed to an inside of an exterior member that is
located at a front part of the vehicle, the second flange part is
inclined so that the second flange part is distant from a front
member more as the second flange part is located downwardly more,
the front member is at least one portion of the exterior member and
is located at a front side of the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus.
6. The surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus according to
claim 2, wherein the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
is allowed to be fixed to an inside of an exterior member that is
located at a rear part of the vehicle, the second flange part is
inclined so that the second flange part is distant from a rear
member more as the second flange part is located downwardly more,
the rear member is at least one portion of the exterior member and
is located at a rear side of the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/848,232 filed Dec. 20, 2017, which claims priority from
Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-015232 filed on Jan. 31, 2017.
The entire disclosures of the prior applications are considered
part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation
application, and are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a technical field of a
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus that is configured to
monitor a surrounding circumstance of a vehicle, for example.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] A vehicle having a surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus (for example, a radar, a LIDAR (Light Detection and
Ranging) or a camera) that is configured to monitor a surrounding
circumstance (in other words, a surrounding condition) is becoming
available widely. The surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
is often fixed to an inside of an exterior member (for example, a
bumper or a grill) of the vehicle. For example, a Patent Literature
1 discloses a vehicle in which a radar apparatus that is one
specific example of the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus is fixed to an inside (namely, a backside) of a front
grill.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2009-287950
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] In order to allow the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus to monitor the surrounding circumstance, at least one
portion of the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus (for
example, an emitting part that is configured to emit a light, an
electromagnetic wave or a ultrasound or a detecting part that is
configured to detect the light, the electromagnetic wave or the
ultrasound) is required to be exposed from the exterior member. In
this case, it is preferable that the exposed part of the
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus that is exposed from
the exterior member do not stand out, considering a good design of
the vehicle. From a viewpoint of satisfying this requirement, it is
preferable that the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
be fixed at a relatively lower position of the vehicle (for
example, a position adjacent to a lower member that is one portion
of the exterior member and that is located below the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus).
[0006] On the other hand, the more the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus becomes available widely, the higher an
accuracy required for the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus becomes. In order to allow the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus to monitor the surrounding circumstance of the
vehicle with the relatively higher accuracy, the size of the
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus becomes relatively
larger. However, if the size of the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus that is fixed at the relatively lower position
of the vehicle becomes relatively larger, there is a possibility
that an aerodynamic performance of a lower part of the vehicle is
affected, which is a technical problem.
[0007] Specifically, the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus has a monitoring unit that includes a circuit board used
to monitor the surrounding circumstance of the vehicle and a
box-shaped housing that forms a housing space into which the
monitoring unit is housed. The housing has two housing parts that
are bonded to each other to form the housing space therein, in
order to allow the monitoring unit to be housed easily. Two housing
parts are bonded to each other via flanges, wherein the flanges are
formed at the housing parts respectively to protrude outwardly from
the housing in order to ensure waterproof performance of the
housing space. In this case, if the size of the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus becomes relatively larger, there
is a possibility that each flange protrude more at the lower part
of the vehicle (in other words, a protruding amount of the flanges
becomes larger). As each flange protrudes more at the lower part of
the vehicle, there is a higher possibility that the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus protrudes from the lower member
of the exterior member. As a result, there is a higher possibility
that the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle is affected
more.
[0008] The above described technical problem is one example of the
technical problem to be solved by the present invention. It is
therefore an object of the present invention to provide, for
example, a surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus that is
configured to suppress an adverse effect on the aerodynamics
performance.
Solution to Problem
[0009] <1>
[0010] One aspect of a surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus of the present invention is a surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus having: a housing that is configured to form a
housing space therein; and a monitoring unit that is housed into
the hosing space and that is configured to monitor a surrounding
circumstance of a vehicle, the housing has two housing parts that
are bonded to each other via flanges to form the housing space
therein, the flanges are formed at housing parts respectively to
protrude outwardly from the housing, a first flange part that is
one portion of the flanges and that protrudes upwardly from an
upper surface of the housing being inclined with respect to the
upper surface and/or a second flange part that is one portion of
the flanges and that protrudes downwardly from a bottom surface of
the housing is/are inclined with respect to the bottom surface.
[0011] According to one aspect of the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus of the present invention, if the first flange
part is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the housing,
a protruding amount of the first flange part from the upper surface
of the housing (specifically, a protruding amount along a direction
perpendicular to the upper surface) becomes smaller, compared to a
first comparison example in which the first flange part is not
inclined with respect to the upper surface of the housing.
Therefore, if another component is located above the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus in a state where the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus is fixed to the vehicle, a gap
between this component and the upper surface of the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus is allowed to be smaller,
compared to the first comparison example. Namely, the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus is not necessarily located at an
excessively lower position in order to prevent the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus from contacting with (in other
words, collide against) this component. In other words, the
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus is allowed to be
located at a more upper position, compared to the first comparison
example. Thus, a lower edge part of the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus (typically, a lower edge part of the second
flange part) is allowed to be located at a more upper position,
compared to the first comparison example in which the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus is needed to be located at a
relatively lower position. Thus, there is a less possibility that
the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus protrudes
downwardly from an exterior member (especially, a lower member that
is one portion of the exterior member and that is below the
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus), compared to the
first comparison example. As a result, adverse effect on the
aerodynamics performance of a lower part of the vehicle from the
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus is suppressed.
[0012] Moreover, if the second flange part is inclined with respect
to the bottom surface of the housing, a protruding amount of the
second flange part from the bottom surface of the housing
(specifically, a protruding amount along a direction perpendicular
to the bottom surface) becomes smaller, compared to a second
comparison example in which the second flange part is not inclined
with respect to the bottom surface of the housing. Therefore, the
lower edge part of the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus (typically, the lower edge part of the second flange
part) is allowed to be located at a more upper position. Thus,
there is a less possibility that the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus protrudes downwardly from the exterior member
(especially, the lower member that is one portion of the exterior
member and that is below the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus), compared to the second comparison example. As a result,
adverse effect on the aerodynamics performance of the lower part of
the vehicle from the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
is suppressed.
[0013] Consequently, according to one aspect of the surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus of the present invention, the
adverse effect on the aerodynamics performance is suppressed.
[0014] <2>
[0015] In another aspect of the above described surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus, the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus is allowed to be fixed to an inside of an
exterior member of the vehicle so that at least one portion of the
first flange part and the second flange part is inclined with
respect to a vertical direction.
[0016] According to this aspect, when the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus is fixed to the inside of the exterior member,
at least one portion of the first flange part and the second flange
part is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Thus, each
of the protruding amount of the first flange part from the upper
surface of the housing and the protruding amount of the second
flange part from the bottom surface of the housing becomes smaller,
compared to a third comparison example in which both of the first
flange part and the second flange part are not inclined with
respect to the vertical direction (namely, both of the first flange
part and the second flange part extend along the vertical
direction). As a result, the adverse effect on the aerodynamics
performance of the lower part of the vehicle becomes smaller,
compared to the third comparison example.
[0017] <3>
[0018] In another aspect of the above described surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus, the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus is allowed to be fixed to an inside of an
exterior member that is located at a front part of the vehicle, the
second flange part is inclined so that the second flange part is
distant from a front member more as the second flange part is
located downwardly more, the front member is at least one portion
of the exterior member and is located at a front side of the
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus.
[0019] According to this aspect, a shape of the exterior member
(especially, a shape of the lower member that is one portion of the
exterior member and that is below the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus becomes a shape that allows the adverse effect
on the aerodynamics performance to become relatively smaller, in a
state where the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus is
fixed to the vehicle with the exterior member.
[0020] Specifically, if the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus is fixed to the inside (in other words, a backside or a
rear part) of the exterior member that is located at the front part
of the vehicle, the second flange part is inclined so that the
second flange part is distant from the front member of the exterior
member more as the second flange part is located downwardly more.
As a result, the lower edge part of the second flange part is
located more rearward, compared to a fourth comparison example in
which the second flange part is inclined so that the second flange
part is close to the front member of the exterior member more as
the second flange part is located downwardly more. Thus, the lower
member of the exterior member is allowed to be located at a
relatively upper position, at a relatively front position at which
the lower edge part of the second flange part is not located.
Moreover, the lower member of the exterior member is allowed to be
located at a relatively lower position to avoid the collision of
the lower member to the lower edge part of the second flange part,
at a relatively rear position at which the lower edge part of the
second flange part is located. As a result, the lower member of the
exterior member that is located at the front part of the vehicle is
allowed to have a shape in which the lower member is lifted
downwardly more as the lower member is located rearward more. This
shape of the lower member is a relatively preferable shape for the
aerodynamics performance of the front-lower part of the
vehicle.
[0021] <4>
[0022] In another aspect of the above described surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus, the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus is allowed to be fixed to an inside of an
exterior member that is located at a rear part of the vehicle, the
second flange part is inclined so that the second flange part is
distant from a rear member more as the second flange part is
located downwardly more, the rear member is at least one portion of
the exterior member and is located at a rear side of the
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus.
[0023] According to this aspect, the shape of the exterior member
(especially, the shape of the lower member that is one portion of
the exterior member and that is below the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus becomes a shape that allows the adverse effect
on the aerodynamics performance to become relatively smaller, in a
condition where the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus
is fixed to the vehicle with the exterior member.
[0024] Specifically, if the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus is fixed to the inside (in other words, a backside or a
front part) of the exterior member that is located at the rear part
of the vehicle, the second flange part is inclined so that the
second flange part is distant from the rear member of the exterior
member more as the second flange part is located downwardly more.
As a result, the lower edge part of the second flange part is
located more frontward, compared to a fifth comparison example in
which the second flange part is inclined so that the second flange
part is close to the rear member of the exterior member more as the
second flange part is located downwardly more. Thus, the lower
member of the exterior member is allowed to be located at a
relatively upper position, at a relatively rear position at which
the lower edge part of the second flange part is not located.
Moreover, the lower member of the exterior member is allowed to be
located at a relatively lower position to avoid the collision of
the lower member to the lower edge part of the second flange part,
at a relatively front position at which the lower edge part of the
second flange part is located. As a result, the lower member of the
exterior member that is located at the rear part of the vehicle is
allowed to have a shape in which the lower member is lifted
upwardly more as the lower member is located rearward more. This
shape of the lower member is a relatively preferable shape for the
aerodynamics performance of the rear-lower part of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a side view that illustrates a rear part of a
vehicle.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a
cross-sectional surface (a cross-sectional surface along an XZ
plane) of a LIDAR with a cross-sectional surface of a rear
bumper.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the
cross-sectional surface of the LIDAR in a condition where parts
that constitute the LIDAR are separated in an X axis direction.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view that illustrates a side surface of the
LIDAR in the state where the parts that constitute the LIDAR are
separated in the X axis direction.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view that illustrates the LIDAR in
the state where the parts that constitute the LIDAR are separated
in the X axis direction.
[0030] FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a state
where the LIDAR in the present embodiment having flanges that are
inclined with respect to both of an upper surface and a lower
surface is attached to a vehicle, FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional
view that illustrates a state where a LIDAR in a comparison example
having flanges that are not inclined with respect to (namely, that
are perpendicular to) both of the upper surface and the lower
surface is attached to a vehicle and FIG. 6(c) is a cross-sectional
view that illustrate a state where the LIDAR in FIG. 6(b) is
rotated around a Y axis.
[0031] FIG. 7(a) is a side view that illustrates the LIDAR that is
not yet attached to the vehicle and FIG. 7(b) is a side view that
illustrates the LIDAR that is already attached to the vehicle.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a side view that illustrates a front part of a
vehicle.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the
cross-sectional surface (the cross-sectional surface along an XZ
plane) of the LIDAR with a cross-sectional surface of a front
bumper.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a side view that illustrates the LIDAR in which
at least one portion of the flanges is inclined with respect the
upper surface and the lower surface of a housing.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Hereinafter, with reference to drawings, one embodiment of
the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus of the present
invention will be described. In the following description, a
vehicle 1 to which one embodiment of the surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus of the present invention is adapted will be
described. In the following description, a positional relationship
among parts of the vehicle 1 is described by using an XYZ
coordinate system that is defined by an X axis, a Y axis and a Z
axis that are perpendicular to one another. In this case, an X axis
direction corresponds to a front-back direction (namely, a
longitudinal direction) of the vehicle 1, a Y axis direction
corresponds to a width direction of the vehicle 1 and a Z axis
direction corresponds to an up-down direction (namely, a vertical
direction) of the vehicle 1. Moreover, +X side corresponds to a
rear side when the vehicle 1 is regarded as a center, -X side
corresponds to a front side when the vehicle 1 is regarded as a
center, +Y side corresponds to a left side when the vehicle 1 is
regarded as a center, -Y side corresponds to a right side when the
vehicle 1 is regarded as a center, +Z side corresponds to a upper
side when the vehicle 1 is regarded as a center and -Z side
corresponds to a lower side when the vehicle 1 is regarded as a
center,
(1) Structure of Vehicle 1
[0036] Firstly, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the
vehicle 1 in the present embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is a
side view that illustrates a rear part of the vehicle 1. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 has a rear bumper 2 that is
one specific example of the above described "exterior member". The
rear bumper 2 is located at the rear part of the vehicle 1. A LIDAR
(Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging)
that is one specific example of the above described "surrounding
circumstance monitoring apparatus" is fixed to an inside (namely, a
back side or a front part) of the rear bumper 2 via a
non-illustrated stay. Namely, in the present embodiment, the LIDAR
3 is attached to the vehicle 1 in a state where the LIDAR 3 is
fixed to the rear bumper 2.
[0037] The LIDAR 3 is an apparatus that is configured to monitor a
surrounding circumstance of the vehicle 1 (a rear circumstance of
the vehicle 1 in an example illustrated in FIG. 1). The LIDAR 3 is
configured to emit a detection light L1 (for example, a visible
light, a ultraviolet light or an infrared light) rearward side from
the vehicle 1. Moreover, the LIDAR 3 is configured to receive (in
other words, detect) a reflected light L2 that is generated by the
detection light L1 being reflected by an object that is located in
the rear of the vehicle 1. A non-illustrated ECU (Electronic
Control Unit) of the vehicle 1 is allowed to monitor the
surrounding circumstance of the vehicle 1 by analyzing a result of
receiving the reflected light L2 by the LIDAR 3.
(2) Structure of LIDAR 3
[0038] Next, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, a structure of the
LIDAR 3 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that
illustrates a cross-sectional surface (a cross-sectional surface
along an XZ plane) of the LIDAR 3 with a cross-sectional surface of
the rear bumper 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view that
illustrates the cross-sectional surface of the LIDAR 3 in a state
where parts that constitute the LIDAR 3 are separated in the X axis
direction. FIG. 4 is a side view that illustrates a side surface of
the LIDAR 3 in the state where parts that constitute the LIDAR 3
are separated in the X axis direction. FIG. 5 is a perspective view
that illustrates the LIDAR 3 in the state where the parts that
constitute the LIDAR 3 are separated in the X axis direction.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, the LIDAR 3 has a
housing 31 and an optical unit 32 that is one specific example of
the above described "monitoring unit".
[0040] The housing 31 has any shape in appearance. For example,
FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 illustrate an example in which the housing 31 has
a box-shape (for example, a rectangular solid shape) in appearance.
As one example, the housing 31 has a box-shape in which a size
along the up-down direction (namely, the Z axis direction) is
smaller than a size along the front-back direction (namely, the X
axis direction). The housing 31 forms a housing space 31s therein.
The optical unit 32 is housed in the housing space 31s. The optical
unit 32 is fixed to an inner wall of the housing 31 that forms the
housing space 31s via a non-illustrated stay.
[0041] The optical unit 32 has a structure that is same as a
structure of an optical unit of an existing LIDAR. For example, the
optical unit 32 has: an optical system that is configured to emit
the detection light L1 and receive the reflected light L2; and a
control circuit that is configured to control the optical system so
that the optical system emits the detection light L1 and receives
the reflected light L2. One example of the optical system is an
optical system that has: an optical source; a mirror (in other
word, a refracting optical element); a motor that is configured to
move the mirror; a lens (in other words, a reflecting optical
element) and a light receiving element (in other words, a
photodetector).
[0042] An optical window 31w is formed at the housing 31 so that
the optical unit 32 is allowed to emit the detection light L1 from
the inside of the housing 31 to an exterior of the housing 31 via
the optical window 31w and the housing 31 is allowed to receive the
reflected light L2 from the exterior of the housing 31 via the
optical window 31w. The detection light L1 and the reflected light
L2 are allowed to pass through the optical window 31w. FIG. 2 to
FIG. 5 illustrate an example in which the optical window 31w is an
aperture (in other words, a through hole) that is formed at a side
wall (especially, a side wall that is located in the rear of the
optical unit 32) of the housing 31. Moreover, an optical window 2w
through which the detection light L1 and the reflected light L2 are
allowed to pass is formed at the rear bumper 2. The optical window
2w and the optical window 31w are arranged along an optical path of
the detection light L1 and the reflected light L2. FIG. 2 to FIG. 5
illustrate an example in which the optical window 2w is an aperture
(in other words, a through hole) formed at a rear member 2a that is
at least one portion of the rear bumper 2 and that is located in
the rear of (in other words, behind) the LIDAR 3.
[0043] The housing 31 includes two housing parts (specifically, a
rear housing part 311 and a front housing part 312) that are
arranged along the front-back direction of the vehicle 1. The rear
housing part 311 and the front housing part 312 are allowed to be
bonded to each other and to be separated (in other words, detached)
from each other. When the optical unit 32 is housed in the housing
space 31s, the optical unit 32 is firstly housed in the housing
space 31s in a state where the rear housing part 311 and the front
housing part 312 are separated from each other and then the rear
housing part 311 and the front housing part 312 are bonded to each
other in a state where the optical unit 32 is housed in the housing
space 31s. When the optical unit 32 is brought out from the housing
space 31s, the rear housing part 311 and the front housing part 312
are firstly separated from each other in a state where the optical
unit 32 is housed in the housing space 31s and then the optical
unit 32 is brought out from the housing space 31s in a state where
the rear housing part 311 and the front housing part 312 are
separated from each other. This structure of the housing 31 allows
the optical unit 32 to be housed in the housing space 31s easily.
Moreover, this structure of the housing 31 allows the optical unit
32 to be brought out from the housing space 31s easily. Note that
FIG. 2 illustrates a state where the rear housing part 311 and the
front housing part 312 are bonded to each other and each of FIG. 3
to FIG. 5 illustrates a state where the rear housing part 311 and
the front housing part 312 are separated from each other.
[0044] The rear housing part 311 is located in the rear of
(alternatively, at a rear side of) the front housing part 312. The
rear housing part 311 is a box-shaped housing forming a housing
space 311s therein. The housing space 311s is a space that is
surrounded by a side wall of the rear housing part 311. The side
wall that surrounds the housing space 311s includes: an upper wall
3111 that is located above the housing space 311s; a lower wall
3112 that is located below the housing space 311s; a rear wall 3113
that is located in the rear of the housing space 311s; a left wall
3114 that is located at the left side of the housing space 311s; a
left wall 3114 that is located at the left side of the housing
space 311s; and a right wall 3115 that is located at the right side
of the housing space 311s. Note that at least one portion of the
side wall of the rear housing part 311 is omitted in FIG. 2 to FIG.
5 for the purpose of the simple illustration. The housing space
311s communicates with an exterior of the rear housing part 311 via
an aperture 311h that is formed at a front part of the rear housing
part 311 (specifically, at a position facing the rear wall 3113
along the front-back direction of the vehicle 1). The housing space
311s corresponds to one portion of the housing space 31s. Note that
the optical window 31w is formed at the rear surface 3113.
[0045] The front housing part 312 is located in front of
(alternatively, at a front side of) the rear housing part 311. The
front housing part 312 is a box-shaped housing forming a housing
space 312s therein. The housing space 312s is a space that is
surrounded by a side wall of the front housing part 312. The side
wall that surrounds the housing space 312s includes: an upper wall
3121 that is located above the housing space 312s; a lower wall
3122 that is located below the housing space 312s; a front wall
3123 that is located in front of the housing space 312s; a left
wall 3124 that is located at the left side of the housing space
312s; a left wall 3124 that is located at the left side of the
housing space 312s; and a right wall 3125 that is located at the
right side of the housing space 312s. Note that at least one
portion of the side wall of the rear housing part 312 is omitted in
FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 for the purpose of the simple illustration. The
housing space 312s communicates with an exterior of the front
housing part 312 via an aperture 312h that is formed at a rear part
of the front housing part 312 (specifically, at a position facing
the front wall 3123 along the front-back direction of the vehicle
1). The housing space 312s corresponds to one portion of the
housing space 31s. The housing space 312s communicates with the
housing space 311s in a state where the rear housing part 311 and
the front housing part 312 are bonded to each other and thus
constitutes the housing space 31s with the housing space 311s.
[0046] The rear housing part 311 and the front housing part 312 are
bonded via a flange 311f that is formed at the rear housing part
311 and a flange 312f that is formed at the front housing part 312.
Namely, the rear housing part 311 and the front housing part 312
are bonded so that the flange 311f and the flange 312f are closely
attached to each other.
[0047] The flange 311f is a member that protrudes toward outwardly
from the rear housing part 311 around the aperture 311h.
Specifically, the flange 311f includes: a flange part 311f1 that
protrudes upwardly from a front edge part of the upper wall 3111; a
flange part 311f2 that protrudes downwardly from a front edge part
of the lower wall 3112; a flange part 311f4 that protrudes leftward
from a front edge part of the left wall 3114; and a flange part
311f5 that protrudes rightward from a front edge part of the right
wall 3115. A bonded surface 311p of the flange 311f (namely, a
surface that are closely attached to the flange 312f) surrounds the
aperture 311h.
[0048] The flange 312f is a member that protrudes toward outwardly
from the front housing part 312 around the aperture 312h.
Specifically, the flange 312f includes: a flange part 312f1 that
protrudes upwardly from a rear edge part of the upper wall 3121; a
flange part 312f2 that protrudes downwardly from a rear edge part
of the lower wall 3122; a flange part 312f4 that protrudes leftward
from a rear edge part of the left wall 3124; and a flange part
312f5 that protrudes rightward from a rear edge part of the right
wall 3125. A bonded surface 312p of the flange 312f (namely, a
surface that are closely attached to the flange 3110 surrounds the
aperture 312h. The bonded surface 312p is parallel to the bonded
surface 311p.
[0049] Water proof performance of the housing space 31s is
appropriately ensured, because the rear housing part 311 and the
front housing part 312 are bonded to each other via the flange 311f
and the flange 312f. Namely, water proof performance of the optical
unit 32 that is housed in the housing space 31s is appropriately
ensured
[0050] Especially in the present embodiment, the flange 311f is
inclined with respect to at least one of the upper wall 3111 and
the lower wall 3112. Namely, the flange 311f is a plate member that
protrudes from the rear housing part 311 so that the flange 311f is
inclined with respect to at least one of the upper wall 3111 and
the lower wall 3112. In the present embodiment, the upper wall 3111
is parallel to the lower wall 3112. Thus, the flange 311f is
inclined with respect to both of the upper wall 3111 and the lower
wall 3112. More specifically, the flange 311f is inclined with
respect to at least one of an upper surface 311U (namely, a surface
facing the upper side) of the upper wall 3111 and a lower surface
311L (namely, a surface facing the lower side) of the lower wall
3112. In the present embodiment, the upper surface 311U is parallel
to the lower surface 311L. Thus, the flange 311f is inclined with
respect to both of the upper surface 311U and the lower surface
311L.
[0051] Moreover, the flange 312f is inclined with respect to at
least one of the upper wall 3121 and the lower wall 3122. Namely,
the flange 312f is a plate member that protrudes from the front
housing part 312 so that the flange 312f is inclined with respect
to at least one of the upper wall 3121 and the lower wall 3122. In
the present embodiment, the upper wall 3121 is parallel to the
lower wall 3122. Thus, the flange 312f is inclined with respect to
both of the upper wall 3121 and the lower wall 3122. More
specifically, the flange 312f is inclined with respect to at least
one of an upper surface 312U (namely, a surface facing the upper
side) of the upper wall 3121 and a lower surface 312L (namely, a
surface facing the lower side) of the lower wall 3122. In the
present embodiment, the upper surface 312U is parallel to the lower
surface 312L. Thus, the flange 312f is inclined with respect to
both of the upper surface 312U and the lower surface 312L.
[0052] The upper surface 311U corresponds to one portion of an
upper surface 31U of the housing 31 (namely, an outer surface of
the housing 31 that faces the upper side). The lower surface 311L
corresponds to one portion of a lower surface 31L of the housing 31
(namely, an outer surface of the housing 31 that faces the lower
side). The upper surface 312U corresponds to one portion of the
upper surface 31U of the housing 31. The lower surface 312L
corresponds to one portion of the lower surface 31L of the housing
31. Therefore, each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f is
inclined with respect to at least one of the upper surface 31U and
the lower surface 31L. Note that FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 illustrate an
example in which each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f is
inclined with respect to both of the upper surface 31U and the
lower surface 31L. Moreover, it is preferable that the upper
surface 312U be parallel to the upper surface 311U, however, the
upper surface 312U may not be parallel to the upper surface 311U.
It is preferable that the lower surface 312L be parallel to the
lower surface 311L, however, the lower surface 312L may not be
parallel to the lower surface 311L.
[0053] A state where the "flange 311f is inclined with respect to
X" in the present embodiment means a state where an angle between
the flange 311f and X is not 90 degree. Typically, the state where
the "flange 311f is inclined with respect to X" in the present
embodiment means a state where the angle between the flange 311f
and X is a first angle that is larger than 0 degree and smaller
than 90 degree or a second angle that is larger than 90 degree and
smaller than 180 degree. The angle between the flange 311f and X
means an angle between an outer surface (for example, the bonded
surface 311p or a surface opposite to the bonded surface 311p) of
the flange 311f and X. The same is true for a state where the
"flange 312f is inclined with respect to X" in the present
embodiment. Namely, the state where the "flange 311f is inclined
with respect to X" in the present embodiment means a state where an
angle between the flange 312f and X is not 90 degree
[0054] It is preferable that the flange 311f be inclined so that
the flange 311f is distant from the rear member 2a of the rear
bumper 2 more as the flange 311f is located downwardly more. As a
result, a position at which the flange 311f protrudes from the
lower surface 31L is ahead of a position at which the flange 311f
protrudes from the upper surface 31U. In other words, the flange
311f protrudes from the lower surface 31L at a relatively front
position and the flange 311f protrudes from the upper surface 31U
at a relatively rear position. Same is true for the flange 312f.
Namely, It is preferable that the flange 312f be inclined so that
the flange 312f is distant from the rear member 2a more as the
flange 312f is located downwardly more.
(3) Technical Effect
[0055] Next, with reference to FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(b), a technical
effect that is achieved by the LIDAR 3 in the present embodiment
will be described. Firstly, FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view
that illustrates a state where the LIDAR 3 in the present
embodiment having flanges 311f and 312f that are inclined with
respect to both of the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L
is attached to the vehicle 1. On the other hand, FIG. 6(b) is a
cross-sectional view that illustrates a state where a LIDAR 300 in
a comparison example having flanges 311f and 312f that are not
inclined with respect to (namely, that are perpendicular to) both
of the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L is attached to
the vehicle 1.
[0056] Firstly, as a precondition, a length s1 between an upper
edge part of the flange 311f to a lower edge part of the flange
311f (a length s1 between an upper edge part of the flange 312f to
a lower edge part of the flange 3120 in the present embodiment is
same as a length s2 between an upper edge part of the flange 311f
to a lower edge part of the flange 311f (a length s2 between an
upper edge part of the flange 312f to a lower edge part of the
flange 312f) in the comparison example. Namely, the as a
precondition, a length s1 between an upper edge part of the bonded
surface 311p to a lower edge part of the bonded surface 311p (a
length s1 between an upper edge part of the bonded surface 312p to
a lower edge part of the bonded surface 312p) in the present
embodiment is same as a length s2 between an upper edge part of the
bonded surface 311p to a lower edge part of the bonded surface 311p
(a length s2 between an upper edge part of the bonded surface 312p
to a lower edge part of the bonded surface 312p) in the comparison
example.
[0057] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(b), a
protruding amount d11 of each of the flange 311f and the flange
312f from the upper surface 31U upwardly in LIDAR 3 in the present
embodiment is smaller than a protruding amount d21 of each of the
flange 311f and the flange 312f from the upper surface 31U upwardly
in LIDAR 300 in the comparison example. Specifically, if the angle
between each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f and the upper
surface 31U is represented by .theta., the protruding amount d11 is
sin .theta. times as large as the protruding amount d21. Therefore,
if another component (FIG. 6(a) illustrates an example in which
another component is a bumper reinforce 4) is located above the
LIDAR 3 in a state where the LIDAR 3 is attached to the vehicle 1,
a gap between the upper surface 31U of the LIDAR 3 and the bumper
reinforce 4 can be reduced, compared to the comparison example.
Namely, the gap g1 between the upper surface 31U of the LIDAR 3 in
the present embodiment and the bumper reinforce 4 is smaller than
the gap g2 between the upper surface 31U of the LIDAR 300 in the
comparison example and the bumper reinforce 4. As a result, the
LIDAR 3 is not necessarily located at an excessively lower position
in order to prevent the LIDAR 3 from contacting with (in other
words, collide against) the bumper reinforce 4. In other words, the
LIDAR 3 is allowed to be located at a more upper position, compared
to the comparison example. Thus, a lower edge part of the LIDAR 3
(typically, the lower edge part of each of the flange 311f and the
flange 312f) is allowed to be located at a more upper position,
compared to the comparison example in which the LIDAR 300 is needed
to be located at a relatively lower position. Thus, there is a less
possibility that the LIDAR 3 protrudes downwardly from the rear
bumper 2 (especially, a lower member 2b that is one portion of the
rear bumper 2 and that is below the LIDAR 3), compared to the
comparison example. As a result, adverse effect on the aerodynamics
performance of a lower part of the vehicle 1 from the LIDAR 3 is
suppressed.
[0058] Similarly, a protruding amount d12 of each of the flange
311f and the flange 312f from the lower surface 31L downwardly in
LIDAR 3 in the present embodiment is smaller than a protruding
amount d22 of each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f from the
lower surface 31L downwardly in LIDAR 300 in the comparison
example. Specifically, if the angle between each of the flange 311f
and the flange 312f and the lower surface 31L is represented by
.theta., the protruding amount d11 is sin .theta. times as large as
the protruding amount d21 and the protruding amount d12 is sin
.theta. times as large as the protruding amount d22. Therefore, the
lower edge part of the LIDAR 3 is allowed to be located at a more
upper position, compared to the comparison example. Thus, there is
a less possibility that the LIDAR 3 protrudes downwardly from the
lower member 2b of the rear bumper 2, compared to the comparison
example. As a result, the adverse effect on the aerodynamics
performance of the lower part of the vehicle 1 from the LIDAR 3 is
suppressed.
[0059] Moreover, the length s1 between the upper edge part of the
flange 311f to the lower edge part of the flange 311f (the length
s1 between the upper edge part of the flange 312f to the lower edge
part of the flange 3120 in the present embodiment is same as the
length s2 between the upper edge part of the flange 311f to the
lower edge part of the flange 311f (the length s2 between the upper
edge part of the flange 312f to the lower edge part of the flange
3120 in the comparison example. Therefore, the waterproof
performance by the flange 311f and the flange 312f does not
deteriorate. Namely, the present embodiment is more useful than the
comparison example in that the adverse effect on the aerodynamics
performance of the lower part of the vehicle 1 from the LIDAR 3 is
suppressed while keeping the waterproof performance.
[0060] Incidentally, even in the LIDAR 300 in the comparison
example, if the LIDAR 300 in FIG. 6(b) is rotated around the Y
axis, a positional relationship among the flange 311f, the flange
312f and the rear bumper 2 (especially, the lower part 2b) is
allowed to be same as the positional relationship in the present
embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6(c). However, in this case, as
illustrated in FIG. 6(c), the housing 31 is also rotated by a same
rotational amount. Thus, there is a possibility that the housing 31
protrudes downwardly from the lower part 2b of the rear bumper 2.
Therefore, the technical effect of suppressing the adverse effect
on the aerodynamics performance of the lower part of the vehicle 1
from the LIDAR 3 is unique to the present embodiment.
[0061] Moreover, in the present embodiment, each of the flange 311f
and the flange 312f is allowed to be inclined so that each of the
flange 311f and the flange 312f is distant from the rear member 2a
of the rear bumper 2 more as each of the flange 311f and the flange
312f is located downwardly more. Therefore, each of the flange part
311f2 of the flange 311f that protrudes downwardly and the flange
part 312f2 of the flange 312f that protrudes downwardly is allowed
to be inclined so that each of the flange part 311f2 and the flange
part 312f2 is distant from the rear member 2a of the rear bumper 2
more as each of the flange part 311f2 and the flange part 312f2 is
located downwardly more. As a result, a lower edge part of each of
the flange part 311f2 and the flange part 312f2 (namely, the lower
edge part of each of the flange 311f and the flange 3120 is located
more frontward, compared to a comparison example in which each of
the flange part 311f2 and the flange part 312f2 is inclined so that
each of the flange part 311f2 and the flange part 312f2 is close to
the rear member 2a more as each of the flange part 311f2 and the
flange part 312f2 is located downwardly more. Thus, the lower
member 2b of the rear bumper 2 is allowed to be located at a
relatively upper position, at a relatively rear position at which
the lower edge part of each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f
is not located. Moreover, the lower member 2b of the rear bumper 2
is allowed to be located at a relatively lower position to avoid
the collision of the lower member 2b to the lower edge part of each
of the flange 311f and the flange 312f, at a relatively front
position at which the lower edge part of each of the flange 311f
and the flange 312f is located. As a result, as illustrated in FIG.
6(a), the lower member 2b of the rear bumper 2 is allowed to have a
shape in which the lower member 2b is lifted upwardly more as the
lower member 2b is located rearward more. This shape of the lower
member 2b is a relatively preferable shape for the aerodynamics
performance of the rear-lower part of the vehicle 1.
[0062] Moreover, the LIDAR 3 is allowed to be attached at a
position adjacent to the lower member 2b of the rear bumper 2
(namely, a relatively lower position of the vehicle 1). Thus, an
exposed part of the LIDAR 3 that is exposed from the rear bumper 2
via the optical window 2w is allowed not to stand out. This is
useful for a design of the vehicle 1.
(4) Modified Example
(4-1) First Modified Example
[0063] When the LIDAR 3 is attached to the vehicle 1, the LIDAR 3
is firstly fixed (namely, attached) to the rear bumper 2 that is
not yet attached to the vehicle 1. Then, the rear bumper 2 to which
the LIDAR 3 is already fixed is fixed (namely, attached) to the
vehicle 1 to which the bumper reinforce 4 is already attached. When
the rear bumper 2 to which the LIDAR 3 is already fixed is fixed to
the vehicle 1, as illustrated in FIG. 7(a), the rear bumper 2 is
moved along a predetermined trajectory T from a start position that
is in front of the vehicle 1 toward an attach position at which the
rear bumper 2 is attached. As a result, the rear bumper 2 is
attached at the attach position.
[0064] In this case, a part (an upper-front edge part P of the
LIDAR 3 in an example illustrated in FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b)) of
the LIDAR 3 that is moved to be closest to the bumper reinforce 4
is moved along a trajectory Tp (specifically, a trajectory that
passes through a start position of the upper-front edge part P and
that is parallel to the trajectory T) that is illustrated in FIG.
7(a) and FIG. 7(b). This trajectory Tp does not pass through (in
other words, intersect with) the bumper reinforce 4 in order to
prevent the LIDAR 3 from contacting with the bumper reinforce 4
when the rear bumper 2 is attached to the vehicle 1. Namely, the
upper-front edge part P does not contact with the bumper reinforce
4.
[0065] In this situation, if the upper edge part of each of the
flange 311f and the flange 312f passes through an area A (see FIG.
7(a)) that is nearer the bumper reinforce 4 than the trajectory Tp
is, there is a possibility that at least one of the flange 311f and
the flange 312f contacts with the bumper reinforce 4 when the LIDAR
3 is attached to the vehicle 1. On the other hand, if the upper
edge part of each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f passes
through an area B (see FIG. 7(b)) that is more distant from the
bumper reinforce 4 than the trajectory Tp is, there is no
possibility that each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f
contacts with the bumper reinforce 4 when the LIDAR 3 is attached
to the vehicle 1.
[0066] In the present embodiment, since each of the flange 311f and
the flange 312f is inclined with respect to the upper surface 31U
of the housing 31, there is higher possibility that each of the
flange 311f and the flange 312f passes through the area B in FIG.
7(a), compared to the comparison example in which each of the
flange 311f and the flange 312f is not inclined with respect to the
upper surface 31U. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is
less possibility that each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f
contacts with the bumper reinforce 4 when the LIDAR 3 is attached
to the vehicle 1, compared to the comparison example. In other
words, it is preferable that each of the flange 311f and the flange
312f be inclined so that each of the flange 311f and the flange
312f is in an area B1 (a hatched area in FIG. 7(b)) that is defined
based on the housing 31 as an area that passes through the area B1
when the LIDAR 3 is attached to the vehicle 1, in order to prevent
each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f from contacting with
the bumper reinforce 4.
[0067] Note that the area B1 is an area that is more upper than the
upper surface 31U of the housing 31 and that is lower than a
trajectory along which the part of the LIDAR 3 that is moved to be
closest to the bumper reinforce 4 (however, this part is other than
the flange 311f and the flange 312f, and this part is the
upper-front edge part P of the housing 31) is moved. In other
words, the area B1 is an area that is more upper than the upper
surface 31U of the housing 31 and that is lower than a virtual
surface V, wherein the virtual surface V extends rearward from the
part (the upper-front edge part P) of the LIDAR 3 that is moved to
be closest to the bumper reinforce 4 and the virtual surface V is
parallel to the trajectory T.
(4-2) Another Modified Example
[0068] In the above described description, the vehicle 1 has the
LIDAR 3. However, the vehicle 1 may have a surrounding circumstance
monitoring apparatus the type of which is different from the type
of the LIDAR 3, instead of or in addition to the LIDAR 3. Even in
this case, it is preferable that a monitoring unit (namely, a unit
that is configured to monitor the surrounding circumstance of the
vehicle 1, and a unit having the above described optical system and
the control circuit, for example) of the different type of the
surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus be housed in the
above described housing 31. As a result, even in the case where the
vehicle 1 has the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus the
type of which is different from the type of the LIDAR 3, the above
described technical effect can be achieved. Note that at least one
of a radar, a camera and an ultrasonic sound sonar is one example
of the surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus the type of
which is different from the type of the LIDAR 3.
[0069] The above described description uses an example in which the
LIDAR 3 is fixed to the inside of the rear bumper 2. However, as
illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the LIDAR 3 (alternatively, the
different type of the surrounding circumstance monitoring
apparatus) may be fixed to an inside (namely, a back side or a rear
part) of a front bumper 5 that is located at a front part of the
vehicle 1. In this case, the LIDAR 3 is configured to emit the
detection light L1 frontward from the vehicle 1 via an optical
window 5w that is formed at the front bumper 5 and to receive the
reflected light L2 that is generated by the detection light L1
being reflected by an object that is located in front of the
vehicle 1. Even in this case, the above described technical effect
can be achieved. Incidentally, in this case, it is preferable that
each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f be inclined so that
each of the flange 311f and the flange 312f is distant from a front
member 5a of the front bumper 5 more as each of the flange 311f and
the flange 312f is located downwardly more, in order to allow the
shape of a lower part 5b to be a shape that allows the adverse
effect on the aerodynamics performance to become relatively
smaller, wherein the front member 5a is one portion of the front
bumper 5, the front member 5a is in front of the LIDAR 3, the lower
part 5b is one portion of the front bumper 5 and the lower part 5b
is below the LIDAR 3.
[0070] In the above described description, whole of the flange 311f
is inclined with respect to at least one of the upper surface 31U
and the lower surface 31L of the housing 31. Namely, in the above
described description, each of the flange part 311f1, the flange
part 311f2, the flange part 311f4 and the flange part 311f5 is
inclined with respect to at least one of the upper surface 31U and
the lower surface 31L of the housing 31. However, one portion of
the flange 311f may be inclined with respect to at least one of the
upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L of the housing 31 and
another portion of the flange 311f may not be inclined with respect
to at least one of the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L
of the housing 31. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the
flange part 311f1 that protrudes from the upper surface 31U may be
inclined with respect to the upper surface 31U, the flange part
311f2 that protrudes from the lower surface 31L may be inclined
with respect to the lower surface 31L and each of the flange part
311f4 and the flange part 311f5 may not be inclined with respect to
at least one of the upper surface 31U and the lower surface 31L. As
long as the flange part 311f1 that protrudes from the upper surface
31U is inclined with respect to the upper surface 31U and the
flange part 311f2 that protrudes from the lower surface 31L is
inclined with respect to the lower surface 31L, the above described
technical effect can be achieved. The same true for the flange
312f. Namely, one portion of the flange 312f may be inclined with
respect to at least one of the upper surface 31U and the lower
surface 31L and another portion of the flange 312f may not be
inclined with respect to at least one of the upper surface 31U and
the lower surface 31L.
[0071] At least one portion of the feature in the above described
embodiment may be eliminated or modified accordingly. At least one
portion of the feature in the above described embodiments may be
combined with another one of the above described embodiments.
[0072] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-015232,
filed on Jan. 31, 2017, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the entire contents
of the above described Patent Literature 1 are incorporated herein
by reference.
[0073] All examples and conditional language recited herein are
intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in
understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the
inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being
without limitation to such specifically recited examples and
conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the
specification relate to a showing of the superiority and
inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiments of the
present invention have been described in detail, it should be
understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations
could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. A surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus,
which involve such changes, are also intended to be within the
technical scope of the present invention.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0074] 1 vehicle [0075] 2 rear bumper [0076] 2a rear member [0077]
2b lower member [0078] 2w optical window [0079] 3, 300 LIDAR [0080]
31 housing [0081] 31w optical window [0082] 31U upper surface
[0083] 31L lower surface [0084] 31s housing space [0085] 311 rear
housing part [0086] 311f flange [0087] 311f1, 311f2, 311f4, 311f5
flange part [0088] 311s housing space [0089] 311p bonded surface
[0090] 311h aperture [0091] 311U upper surface [0092] 311L lower
surface [0093] 3111 upper wall [0094] 3112 rear wall [0095] 3113
front wall [0096] 3114 left wall [0097] 3115 right wall [0098] 312
front housing part [0099] 312f flange [0100] 312f1, 312f2, 312f4,
312f5 flange part [0101] 312s housing space [0102] 312p bonded
surface [0103] 312h aperture [0104] 312U upper surface [0105] 312L
lower surface [0106] 3121 upper wall [0107] 3122 rear wall [0108]
3123 front wall [0109] 3124 left wall [0110] 3125 right wall [0111]
32 optical unit [0112] 4 bumper reinforce [0113] 5 front bumper
[0114] 5a front member [0115] 5b lower member [0116] 5w optical
window [0117] L1 detection light [0118] L2 reflected light
* * * * *