Exterior structure of vehicle

An exterior structure of a vehicle includes a charging port for external charging and a sensor unit for automated driving. The sensor unit is provided on at least one surface of a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface of the vehicle, and is provided to protrude outside the vehicle from the surface. The charging port is provided below the sensor unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-133397 filed on Jul. 19, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This specification discloses an exterior structure forming an appearance of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

An exterior structure of a vehicle includes a plurality of exterior components. In brief, the exterior components refer to components which are visible from outside the vehicle among vehicle components, and include outer plate components such as outer panels, electric components such as headlights, and the like.

When the vehicle is an electrically driven vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle which can be externally charged, a charging port is provided as part of the exterior structure of the vehicle. A charging inlet which is connected to a charging connector outside the vehicle is provided in the charging port. For example, in JP 2010-23636 A, the charging port is provided in a front grille, a pillar, a rear bumper, or the like.

Incidentally, the vehicle is provided with a sensor for capturing information around the vehicle as an exterior component for automated driving. For example, in order to secure a wide visual field, the sensor may be provided to further protrude outward from other exterior components.

For example, a LiDAR unit is known as a sensor that measures a distance between the vehicle and an obstacle around the vehicle. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a technique of measuring a distance to a surrounding object by using light, and, for example, the LiDAR unit is configured to include an emitter that emits laser light, a receiver that receives reflected light, and a motor that rotates the emitter and the receiver.

The laser light emitted from the emitter is reflected by an object, and the reflected light thereof is received by the receiver; and thereby, it is possible to obtain a distance from the receiver to the object. It is possible to deploy measurement distance data (hereinafter, appropriately, this data is described as measured distance data) on the object in a horizontal direction by rotating the emitter and the receiver around a vertical axis. In order to secure an angular range in the horizontal direction; namely, a horizontal viewing angle, the LiDAR unit is provided to further protrude outside the vehicle from an exterior surface of the vehicle, such as an outer panel (outer plate) of a body (vehicle body).

Here, when the charging port is disposed in the vicinity of a sensor unit that protrudes from the outer panel from which the LiDAR unit protrudes, when an external charging operation is performed, the sensor unit may be damaged, which is a concern.

For example, when the charging connector is plugged into and out of the charging inlet, in a case where the charging connector falls out of the hand of a user by mistake, the charging connector may come into contact with the sensor unit in the vicinity of the charging port, thus leading to damage to the sensor unit, which is a concern. In addition, during external charging where the charging connector is plugged into the charging inlet, when the charging cable moves by a strong force due to the foot of the user being caught by the charging cable connecting the charging connector to an external power source or the like, and comes into contact with the sensor unit, this contact may lead to damage to the sensor unit, which is a concern.

Therefore, an object in this specification is to provide an exterior structure of a vehicle which is capable of preventing damage to a sensor unit for automated driving which could otherwise be caused by contact between the sensor unit, and a charging connector or a charging cable, even when the sensor unit and a charging port are disposed close to each other.

SUMMARY

An exterior structure of a vehicle disclosed in this specification includes a charging port for external charging; and a sensor unit for automated driving. The sensor unit for automated driving is provided on at least one surface of a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface of the vehicle, and is provided to protrude outside the vehicle from the surface. Furthermore, the charging port is provided below the sensor unit.

According to the above-described configuration, since the charging port is provided below the sensor unit, even in a case where a charging connector falls when the charging connector is plugged into and out of a charging inlet, contact between the charging connector and the sensor unit is avoided. In addition, even when a charging cable moves by a strong force during external charging, the charging cable is prevented from coming into contact with the sensor unit provided above the charging port.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the charging port and the sensor unit may be provided on the front surface or the back surface of the vehicle. In this case, the charging port and the sensor unit may be provided one above the other in a vertical direction at positions overlapping in a vehicle width direction.

According to the above-described configuration, a wiring connected to the charging port and a wiring connected to the sensor unit can be bound together, and a wiring space can be made compact.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the charging port and the sensor unit may be provided on the front surface or the back surface of the vehicle. In this case, the charging port includes charging inlets that are connectable to a charging connector outside the vehicle, and a charging lid with which the charging inlets are exposable to and coverable from outside the vehicle. The charging lid is formed in a part of a bumper, and the charging inlets are accommodated on a vehicle interior side of the bumper.

According to the above-described configuration, a part of the bumper can be used as a place where the charging port is installed.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the charging port and the sensor unit may be provided on the back surface of the vehicle. In this case, the sensor unit includes a LiDAR unit that measures a distance to an object in an area behind the vehicle, and a camera that captures an image of the area behind the vehicle. Furthermore, the LiDAR unit and the camera are provided one above the other in a vertical direction at positions overlapping in a vehicle width direction.

According to the above-described configuration, when measured distance data on an area behind the vehicle obtained by the LiDAR unit and captured image data on the area behind the vehicle obtained by the camera are superimposed, a position correction in the vehicle width direction between both sets of data can be omitted.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, an exterior display may be provided above the sensor unit, and a window may be provided above the exterior display.

According to the above-described configuration, the window, the exterior display, the sensor unit, and the charging port are disposed from above toward below. Since the charging port is disposed below the sensor unit, as compared to the case where the charging port is disposed above the sensor unit, it is possible to have a wider installation area of the window, and it is possible to obtain a wider view from the window in a cabin.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the charging port may be provided adjacent to the sensor unit.

According to the above-described configuration, a common wiring space where the wiring connected to the charging port and the wiring connected to the sensor unit are routed in common can be provided in the vicinity of the charging port and the sensor unit.

According to the exterior structure of the vehicle disclosed in this specification, even when the sensor unit for automated driving and the charging port are provided close to each other, it is possible to prevent damage to the sensor unit which could otherwise be caused by contact between the sensor unit, and the charging connector or the charging cable.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the configuration of a vehicle10where an exterior structure of the vehicle10according to this embodiment is provided will be described with reference to the drawings. Incidentally, inFIGS.1to8, a vehicle body front and rear direction is indicated by an axis denoted with reference sign FR, a vehicle width direction is indicated by an axis denoted with reference sign LH (left hand), and a vehicle height direction is indicated by an axis denoted with reference sign UP. The vehicle body front and rear axis FR has a vehicle front direction as a positive direction. The vehicle width axis LH has a vehicle width direction-left side as a positive direction. In addition, the vehicle height axis UP has an upper direction as a positive direction. These three axes are orthogonal to each other.

Incidentally, hereinafter, except where notes are particularly required, a front in the vehicle body front and rear direction is simply described as a front, and a rear in the vehicle body front and rear direction is simply described as a rear. In addition, an upper part in the vehicle height direction is simply described as an upper part, and a lower part in the vehicle height direction is simply described as a lower part.

First, the overall configuration of the vehicle10will be briefly described with reference toFIGS.1and2.FIGS.1and2are perspective views illustrating the appearance of the vehicle10.FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a front surface (front) and a vehicle left side surface of the vehicle10.FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating a back surface (rear) and a vehicle right side surface of the vehicle10.

InFIGS.1and2, components indicated by the solid line; namely, components except a main battery15inFIG.2, form the exterior structure of the vehicle10. The exterior refers to the exterior design of the vehicle10. Exterior components which are components forming the exterior structure refer to components which are visible from outside the vehicle among vehicle components.

The vehicle10has an automated driving function. For example, the vehicle10is operable from Level 0 (driver performs all operations) to Level 5 (full driving automation) based on the standards of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) of the United States. For example, an operation of the driver is required at least for some functions from Level 0 to Level 3. In addition, for example, in Level 4 (high automated driving), full automated driving in which an operation of the driver is not required is executed in a limited area; however, the driver is required in an area other than the limited area. In addition, in Level 5, in all situations, automated driving (full automated driving) which does not require the driver is executed.

The vehicle10is used, for example, as a passenger bus that travels in an automated driving mode along a prescribed route in a specific site with passengers on board in a cabin. Therefore, the vehicle10repeats stop and start relatively frequently. In addition, in the vehicle10, entry doors12,12are opened and closed relatively frequently to allow passengers to get on and off. In addition, the vehicle10travels at a relatively low speed (for example, 30 km/h or lower).

However, the usage mode of the vehicle10disclosed in this specification can be changed as appropriate. For example, the vehicle10may be used as a movable business space. In addition, for example, the vehicle10may be used as a store such as a retail store that displays and sells various products, or as a restaurant where foods are cooked and serviced. In addition, as another mode, the vehicle10may be used as an office where office work or meetings with customers are performed. In addition, the vehicle10may be used as a transport vehicle such as a taxi or a bus which transports customers or luggage. Furthermore, the usage scene of the vehicle10is not limited to business. For example, the vehicle10may be used as a personal movement apparatus. In addition, the travel pattern or the travel speed of the vehicle10may be changed as appropriate.

The vehicle10is, for example, an electric vehicle including a rotating electric machine as a drive source. The main battery15(refer toFIG.2) which supplies electric power to the rotating electric machine is mounted in the vehicle10. However, the vehicle10is not limited to the electric vehicle, and may be a vehicle that can be externally charged. For example, the vehicle10may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle in which an internal combustion engine (engine) and a rotating electric machine are mounted as drive sources and which is provided with a charging port40for external charging.

<Exterior Structure of Vehicle>

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the vehicle10has a substantially symmetrical appearance in the front and rear direction. In addition, the vehicle10has an outward form with a substantially box shape (for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape) having a front surface and a back surface standing substantially vertically. A hood is not provided in the front surface of the vehicle, and a trunk and a back hatch are not provided in the back surface of the vehicle. Namely, the vehicle10has a structure where a passenger cannot move into and out of (get on and off) the vehicle from the front surface of the vehicle or the back surface of the vehicle and can move into and out of the vehicle, for example, only through the entry doors12,12provided in the vehicle left side surface.

The front surface, the back surface, and the side surface of the vehicle refer to exposed surfaces. Therefore, for example, the front surface of the vehicle refers to an exposed surface at the front of the vehicle, the back surface of the vehicle refers to an exposed surface at the rear of the vehicle, and the side surface of the vehicle refers to an exposed surface at the side of the vehicle. The exposed surfaces are not limited to planar surfaces, and may include an uneven surface or a curved surface.

Referring toFIG.1, side glasses14,14which are window members are provided in the left side surface of the vehicle10. In addition, the entry doors12,12are provided at the center of the left side surface of the vehicle10. The vehicle10is a left-hand traffic vehicle.

The entry doors12,12are, for example, double sliding doors that are opened and closed by sliding in the front and rear direction of the vehicle. In addition, a majority of the entry doors12,12are made of glass. As described above, a majority of the side surface of the vehicle10is covered with glass, and a side outer panel20which is an outer panel is provided in a remaining part thereof.

Referring toFIG.1, a front glass18serving as a windshield is provided in the front surface of the vehicle10. In addition, a front outer panel29which is an outer panel is provided below the front glass18. Furthermore, a front bumper21is provided to be connected to a lower portion of the front outer panel29.

The front bumper21is provided over the entire width of the vehicle10in the vehicle width direction, and is provided to protrude further ahead of the vehicle (namely, outside the vehicle) than the front outer panel29. The front bumper21may have, for example, the same structure as that of a rear bumper28illustrated inFIG.5, and is a hollow member including an upper wall and a side wall. The front bumper21is made of, for example, a resin material such as polypropylene, fiber reinforced plastic, or ABS resin.

A pair of headlamps23,23(headlights) are provided in the front outer panel29. Furthermore, an exterior display26A is provided between the pair of headlamps23,23. For example, text such as a destination or a driving mode (during automated driving, during manual driving, or the like) is displayed on the exterior display26A.

Referring toFIG.2, a rear glass16is provided in an upper part of the back surface of the vehicle10, and a rear outer panel22which is an outer panel is provided in a lower part of the back surface. A pair of tail lamps24,24(tail lights) are provided in the rear outer panel22.

Furthermore, an exterior display26B is provided between the pair of tail lamps24and24. Information for the following vehicles is displayed on the exterior display26B. For example, as illustrated inFIG.3, information such as “After You” is displayed on the exterior display26B.

Referring toFIG.2, the rear bumper28is connected to a lower portion of the rear outer panel22. The rear bumper28is provided over the entire width in the vehicle width direction, and is provided to protrude further behind the vehicle; namely, outside the vehicle, than the rear outer panel22. The rear bumper28is made of, for example, a resin material such as polypropylene, fiber reinforced plastic, or ABS resin.

Referring toFIG.5, the rear bumper28is a hollow member including an upper wall28A and a side wall28B. As will be described later, a part of the rear bumper28is used as the charging port40. Namely, a part of the upper wall28A and the side wall28B of the rear bumper28serve as a charging lid44which is a lid member of the charging port40. In addition, a normal charging inlet41, a fast charging inlet42, and an exterior power switch43are accommodated on a vehicle interior side of the rear bumper28. Details of that structure will be described later.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, a sensor unit30is provided on the back surface of the vehicle. Namely, the sensor unit30is provided on the same surface (back surface) as a surface where the charging port40is provided. The sensor unit30is provided above the charging port40. As will be described later, since the charging port40is provided below the sensor unit30, during external charging, a charging connector49(refer toFIG.6) and a charging cable (not illustrated) which connects the charging connector49to an external power source are prevented from coming into contact with the sensor unit30.

As illustrated inFIGS.2and3, the sensor unit30and the charging port40are provided one above the other in a vertical direction at positions overlapping in the vehicle width direction; more specifically, are provided vertically adjacent to each other. Since such a disposition is adopted, as illustrated inFIG.7, a camera wiring W1and a LiDAR wiring W2which are connected to the sensor unit30and a normal charging wiring W3and a fast charging wiring W4which are connected to the charging port40are disposed (routed) close to each other. Therefore, for example, a routing scheme such as binding the wirings W1to W4together becomes possible, and it is possible to further compact a space for a wiring path as compared to the case where the sensor unit30and the charging port40are provided at positions that are shifted from each other in the vehicle width direction.

In addition, since the charging port40is provided adjacent to the sensor unit30, a common wiring space where the camera wiring W1and the LiDAR wiring W2connected to the sensor unit30and the normal charging wiring W3and the fast charging wiring W4connected to the charging port40are routed in common can be provided in the vicinity of the charging port40and the sensor unit30.

In addition, as illustrated inFIGS.2and3, the sensor unit30and the charging port40are provided on the back surface of the vehicle at a central position in the vehicle width direction. In addition to the exterior display26B provided between the pair of tail lamps24,24, since the sensor unit30and the charging port40are aligned at the central position in the vehicle width direction and these components are arranged in the vertical direction, for example, it is possible to obtain a more orderly appearance in design as compared to the case where these components are provided at different positions in the vehicle width direction.

Referring toFIG.3, the sensor unit30is provided to protrude outside the vehicle; in other words, behind the vehicle from the back surface of the vehicle (namely, an exposed surface at the rear of the vehicle where the charging port40is provided, and an attachment surface). Referring toFIGS.3and4, the sensor unit30is configured to include a camera34, a LiDAR unit36, and a casing32that accommodates the camera34and the LiDAR unit36.

The casing32protects the camera34and the LiDAR unit36from wind and rain, obstacles, or the like while securing the visual field thereof. The casing32is made of, for example, a light transmitting resin material. In addition, for example, the casing32has a half cylindrical shape which protrudes outside the vehicle (behind the vehicle) from the back surface of the vehicle.

The LiDAR unit36is a sensor unit for automated driving, and uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), a technique of measuring a distance to a surrounding object by using light. The LiDAR unit36is configured to include an emitter36A that emits laser light, a receiver36B that receives reflected light, and a motor36C that rotates the emitter36A and the receiver36B.

For example, a light emitting surface of the emitter36A and a light receiving surface of the receiver36B are parallel to each other, and are aligned in the vehicle width direction and in the front and rear direction of the vehicle. In addition, for example, the emitter36A and the receiver36B are disposed one above the other in the vertical direction.

The emitter36A emits laser light toward an area behind the vehicle10. The emitter36A may include a light source that emits lasers with a pulse of, for example, approximately 905 nm. When the laser light emitted from the emitter36A hits an object, such as a following vehicle behind the vehicle10, the reflected light thereof is received by the receiver36B. A distance between a reflective surface (for example, the following vehicle) and the receiver36B is obtained based on the time from the emitting of light of the emitter36A to the reception of light of the receiver36B. Hereinafter, distance measurement data are appropriately described as “measured distance data”.

The motor36C has a vertical axis (UP-axis) as a rotation axis, and rotates the emitter36A and the receiver36B around the rotation axis. The motor36C may be, for example, a servo motor. When the emitter36A and the receiver36B are scanned in a horizontal direction by the motor36C, measured distance data which are a measurement of a distance to an object in an area behind the vehicle10are deployed in the horizontal direction.

Furthermore, when a plurality of the light sources (for example, laser elements) of the emitter36A are arranged in the vertical direction and a plurality of light receiving elements of the receiver36B are arranged in the vertical direction, measured distance data on the area behind the vehicle can be obtained in two dimensions. For example, measured distance data on each point on an LH-UP plane which is a visual field behind the vehicle are obtained.

The camera34captures images of the area behind the vehicle10. Namely, similar to the LiDAR unit36, an image of the LH-UP plane which is the visual field behind the vehicle is acquired by the camera34. The camera34includes, for example, an image sensor such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor. In addition, for example, unlike the LiDAR unit36, the camera34is not provided with a rotating mechanism, and a back surface of the camera34is fixed to the rear outer panel22.

The camera34is formed, for example, as an electronic mirror unit for a rearview mirror. The electronic mirror unit for a rearview mirror is configured to include the camera34and an inner display inside the vehicle10. The inner display is disposed in the vicinity of an operation booth (not illustrated) in the cabin, and an image captured by the camera34is displayed on the inner display rapidly, for example, within 200 milliseconds from the image capturing.

In addition, the image captured by the camera34can be used for automated driving control. For example, the image captured by the camera34and the measured distance data on the LH-UP plane captured by the LiDAR unit36are superimposed. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain, for example, a separation distance (intervehicular distance) between the following vehicle shown in the image captured by the camera34and the vehicle10.

When the image data captured by the camera34and the measured distance data on the LH-UP plane acquired by the LiDAR unit36are superimposed, it is necessary to align LH-UP plane coordinates of the data (the image data and the measured distance data) with each other. In this regard, as illustrated inFIG.4, the LiDAR unit36, particularly, the emitter36A and the receiver36B, and the camera34are provided one above the other in the vertical direction in a state where the emitter36A, the receiver36B, and the camera34are aligned at the positions overlapping in the vehicle width direction. Since such a disposition is adopted, a position correction in the vehicle width direction between the image data acquired by the camera34and the measured distance data acquired by the LiDAR unit36can be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.3and5, the charging port40is provided below the sensor unit30. The charging port40is configured to include the normal charging inlet41, the fast charging inlet42, the exterior power switch43, and the charging lid44.

For example, the charging port40is formed in a part of the rear bumper28. Specifically, the charging lid44is formed in a part of the rear bumper28, and the normal charging inlet41, the fast charging inlet42, and the exterior power switch43are accommodated on the vehicle interior side of the rear bumper28.

Depending on the opening and closing of the charging lid44, the charging inlets41and42and the exterior power switch43can be exposed to and covered from outside the vehicle. Incidentally, the illustration of a locking and unlocking mechanism of the charging lid44, for example, a locking mechanism or the like, is omitted.

The charging lid44is formed (cut off), for example, by making cuts in central portions of the upper wall28A and the side wall28B of the rear bumper28in the vehicle width direction. For example, two cuts in the front and rear direction of the vehicle are formed in the central portion of the upper wall28A in the vehicle width direction. The two cuts extend to the side wall28B. Furthermore, a cut in the vehicle width direction which connects the two cuts is formed immediately before a lower end of the side wall28B. Accordingly, the charging lid44having an L shape in a side view (LH-axis view) is formed (cut off). Furthermore, since a hinge mechanism46having a longitudinal direction (LH-axis direction) of the rear bumper28as a rotation axis is provided in the charging lid44, as illustrated inFIG.5, the charging lid44can be opened and closed on a foreground side in the drawing.

Furthermore, the normal charging inlet41, the fast charging inlet42, and the exterior power switch43are accommodated inside a space where the charging lid44is formed in the rear bumper28. These components are assembled to, for example, a base plate47. For example, the base plate47is disposed inclined with respect to a horizontal plane to face the rear and the upper part of the vehicle. For example, the base plate47is fixed at an angle of 40° to 50° with respect to the horizontal plane in a side view (LH-axis view).

Since the base plate47is disposed in an inclined manner, the normal charging inlet41, the fast charging inlet42, and the exterior power switch43are exposed obliquely upward. Therefore, when the charging lid44which is made by cutting off a part of the upper wall28A and the side wall28B of the rear bumper28is open, an access to each inlet or the switch is facilitated.

Referring toFIG.2, a half or more of the back surface of the vehicle is occupied by the rear glass16, and an area where various components can be mounted is limited. As in this embodiment, when a part of the rear bumper28is used as a place where the charging port40is installed, a plurality of components can be disposed in the back surface of the vehicle.

In addition, since the plurality of components are disposed in the back surface of the vehicle, individual components are disposed close to each other. For example, the charging port40is provided below the sensor unit30in a state where the charging port40is separated from the sensor unit30in a range of 10 cm to 50 cm. As will be described later, in this embodiment, with respect to the sensor unit30and the charging port40which are disposed close to each other, the charging port40is provided below the sensor unit30. Accordingly, when the charging connector49(refer toFIG.6) falls, contact between the charging connector49and the sensor unit30is avoided. In addition, during external charging where the charging connector49is inserted into the normal charging inlet41or the fast charging inlet42, even when the charging cable (not illustrated) moves by a strong force due to the foot of a user being caught by the charging cable connected to the charging connector49or the like, contact between the charging cable and the sensor unit30is avoided.

In addition, referring toFIG.2, the exterior display26B is provided above the sensor unit30, and the rear glass16which is a window member is provided above the exterior display26B. Namely, the rear glass16, the exterior display26B, the sensor unit30, and the charging port40are disposed from above toward below in the back surface of the vehicle. Since the charging port40is disposed below the sensor unit30, as compared to the case where the charging port40is disposed above the sensor unit30, it is possible to have a wider installation area of the rear glass16, and it is possible to obtain a wider view from inside the cabin.

Returning toFIG.5, the charging port40is provided with the normal charging inlet41and the fast charging inlet42as charging inlets. Both of the normal charging inlet41and the fast charging inlet42are connected to the main battery15(refer toFIG.2) via a charger (not illustrated). In addition, both the normal charging inlet41and the fast charging inlet42can be connected to the charging connector49(FIG.6) outside the vehicle. The charging connector49is connected to the external power source (not illustrated) by the charging cable (not illustrated).

The normal charging inlet41is a charging port compatible with a household power source with an output of, for example, 200 V and 16 A, 100 V and 6 A, or the like. The fast charging inlet42is a charging port, for example, based on CHAdeMO (registered trademark) which is a charging standard. In order to prevent incorrect plugging-in, the normal charging inlet41and the fast charging inlet42are formed such that, for example, the diameters thereof are different therebetween or the positions and the number of terminal insertion holes are different therebetween.

The exterior power switch43is provided, for example, between the normal charging inlet41and the fast charging inlet42. The exterior power switch43may be a key cylinder switch. For example, a keyhole45into which a mechanical key is inserted is provided in the exterior power switch43. When the mechanical key which fits the shape of the keyhole is inserted into the keyhole45, the keyhole45and a cylinder mechanism including the keyhole45are rotatable. When the cylinder mechanism is rotated, the cylinder mechanism is rotatable between an OFF position and an ON position.

For example, when the mechanical key is turned to cause the cylinder mechanism to rotate from the OFF position to the ON position, the vehicle10is activated from a non-travelable state (resting state) to a travelable state. Alternatively, when the exterior power switch43is switched from an OFF position to an ON position and an ON operation is performed on an interior power switch (not illustrated), the vehicle10is activated from the non-travelable state (resting state) to the travelable state.

FIG.6illustrates an external charging mode. The charging connector49provided outside the vehicle is plugged into the normal charging inlet41or the fast charging inlet42. At this time, the charging connector49may slip out of the hand of a user (for example, a driver) holding the charging connector49and the charging connector49may fall by mistake, which is a concern.

In this case, in the exterior structure of the vehicle according to this embodiment, the charging port40is provided below the sensor unit30, and thus, when the charging connector49falls during external charging, the sensor unit30is outside a falling path thereof. Accordingly, the contact between the charging connector49and the sensor unit30is prevented.

In addition, when the charging connector49is plugged into the normal charging inlet41or the fast charging inlet42and external charging is performed, the charging cable (not illustrated) may move by a strong force due to the foot of the user being caught by the charging cable running on the ground from the charging connector49to the external power source (not illustrated) or the like, which is a concern.

In this case, in the exterior structure of the vehicle according to this embodiment, since the charging port40is provided below the sensor unit30; in other words, the sensor unit30is, so to speak, evacuated above the charging port40, even when the charging cable moves by a strong force, the charging cable is prevented from coming into contact with the sensor unit30.

Another Example of Exterior Structure of Vehicle According to this Embodiment

InFIGS.2to7, the sensor unit30and the charging port40are provided on the back surface of the vehicle; however, the disclosure is not limited to this form. In brief, when the sensor unit30and the charging port40are provided on at least one surface of the front surface, the side surface, and the back surface of the vehicle10, the charging port40may be disposed below the sensor unit30.

For example, referring toFIG.1, the sensor unit30and the charging port40may be provided on the front surface of the vehicle. In this case, the exterior display26A is provided below the front glass18which is a window member, the sensor unit30is provided below the exterior display26A, and the charging port40is provided below the sensor unit30. In this case, the charging lid44of the charging port40may be provided in a part of the front bumper21; for example, in a central portion in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the normal charging inlet41, the fast charging inlet42, and the exterior power switch43are accommodated on a vehicle interior side of the front bumper21.

In addition, for example, as illustrated inFIG.8, the sensor unit30and the charging port40that is installed therebelow may be provided on the side surface (left side surface) of the vehicle10.

As described above, the entry doors12,12are provided in the left side surface of the vehicle10. Since the sensor unit30protrudes outward from the left side surface of the vehicle10in the vehicle width direction, the sensor unit30may be provided in a place that is outside a path when the entry doors12,12are opened and closed in a sliding manner. For example, the sensor unit30may be provided in the side outer panel20in a space in front of a side end position12A when the entry door12is opened. In addition, the charging port40is provided below the sensor unit30.

The present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiments described above, and includes all changes and modifications without departing from the technical scope or the essence of the present disclosure defined by the claims.