Vehicle mounting bracket structure

Abstract

Invention details;

Description

Mounting structure for vehicle-mounted device

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for an in-vehicle device provided inside a fender panel of a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a structure for mounting an on-board device to a vehicle using a mounting bracket to mount the on-board device to a vehicle compartment (such as an engine compartment, a motor compartment, or a power unit compartment). For example, a structure has been known in which a bracket is fixed to a dash panel or a frame that constitutes part of the compartment, and the on-board device (such as a fuel filter) is supported by the bracket (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-007405 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-132362 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-280710

[0004] On the other hand, when the vehicle is subjected to some kind of external force, the shape of the accommodation compartment itself may deform, causing the position of the bracket fixed to the dash panel or frame to move. In this case, the in-vehicle device may move to follow the deformation of the accommodation compartment itself, which may cause interference with other devices or the vehicle body structure located nearby. Therefore, it is desirable to realize a new structure that can improve the protection performance of the in-vehicle device compared to a case where a simple bracket is used.

[0005] One of the objects of the present invention, which was devised in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a mounting structure for an on-vehicle device that can improve the protection performance of the on-vehicle device. However, in addition to this object, another object of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the respective configurations shown in the "Description of Embodiments" below, which cannot be obtained with conventional techniques.

[0006] The disclosed mounting structure for an in-vehicle device can be realized as the following disclosed embodiments (application examples), which solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems. Each of the embodiments from embodiment 2 onwards is an embodiment that can be selected as an additional option, and each of the embodiments from embodiment 2 onwards is an embodiment that can be omitted. None of the embodiments from embodiment 2 onwards discloses an embodiment or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0007] Aspect 1. The disclosed mounting structure for an on-vehicle device is provided inside a fender panel of a vehicle and is mounted to a fender shield that forms part of the bottom surface of a compartment that the on-vehicle device is housed in. The protector includes a body portion that is attached to the on-vehicle device so as to cover the periphery of the on-vehicle device, and legs that are provided below the body portion and fixed to the fender shield.

[0008] The leg portion has a first surface portion fixed to the fender shield, a second surface portion formed in a shape erected from the first surface portion and fixed to the body portion, and a deformation inducing portion formed between the first surface portion and the second surface portion. The deformation inducing portion induces deformation on the first surface portion side of a ridge line forming a boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion when the leg portion is deformed by an external force.

[0009] Aspect 2. In the above aspect 1, it is preferable that the deformation inducing portion is disposed at an end of the ridge line and is formed in a plane that intersects with both the first surface portion and the second surface portion. Aspect 3. In the above aspect 2, it is preferable that the deformation inducing portion is provided at both ends of the ridge line. Aspect 4. In any of the above aspects 1 to 3, it is preferable that the first surface portion is formed substantially flat.

[0010] Aspect 5. In any of Aspects 1 to 4 above, it is preferable that a part of the body portion to which the second surface portion is fixed extends to a position close to the ridge line. Aspect 6. In any of Aspects 1 to 5 above, it is preferable that the body portion has an upper buffer portion that is disposed in front of the cowl top panel in a side view and that has a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle in a top view.

[0011] Aspect 7. In Aspect 6 above, it is preferable that the leg portion has a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle in a top view and has a lower buffer portion that is arranged to overlap the upper buffer portion. Aspect 8. In any of Aspects 1 to 7 above, it is preferable that the in-vehicle device is arranged to the side of a drive source of the vehicle, and the body portion has an enclosing portion that separates the in-vehicle device and the drive source in a top view and that extends above the upper end of the in-vehicle device.

[0012] According to the disclosed mounting structure for an in-vehicle device, when the legs are deformed by an external force, the deformation can be induced on the first surface side of the ridge line, thereby suppressing interference between the in-vehicle device and other surrounding devices or the vehicle body structure and improving the protection performance of the in-vehicle device.

[0013] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the mounting structure of an in-vehicle device as an embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the in-vehicle device and protector shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the protector shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the protector shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 10 is a top view of the in-vehicle device and protector shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 11 is a view for explaining deformation of the protector and the storage chamber shown in Fig. 2 due to an external force. Fig. 12 is a perspective view for explaining the deformation shown in Fig. 6.

[0014] The disclosed mounting structure for an on-vehicle device is applied to a vehicle shown in the following embodiment. The on-vehicle device relating to this mounting structure is provided inside a fender panel of the vehicle and is mounted to a fender shield that forms part of the bottom surface of a compartment in which the on-vehicle device is housed, surrounded by a protector. The accommodation compartment referred to here includes, for example, an engine compartment, a motor compartment, a power unit compartment, etc. The on-vehicle device referred to here also includes drive-related devices (fuel filters, fuel pumps, canisters, air cleaners, various reservoir tanks, brake boosters, transformers, batteries, etc.) and other devices (air conditioning-related devices, electrical-related devices, etc.).

[0015] Regarding the definition of directions in this embodiment, the front-rear direction (vehicle length direction) is defined based on the forward and backward direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is defined based on the front-rear direction. The up-down direction is defined based on the state in which the vehicle is stopped on a flat road surface. Note that, regarding the vehicle width direction, in the portion to the left of the vehicle body centerline in a top view of the vehicle, the left is the outer side of the vehicle and the right is the inner side of the vehicle. Also, in the portion to the right of the vehicle body centerline in a top view of the vehicle, the right is the outer side of the vehicle and the left is the inner side of the vehicle.

[0016] [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a mounting structure for an in-vehicle device 12 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 12 is accommodated in a storage compartment 1 (power unit compartment) located at the front of the vehicle cabin where occupants sit. The storage compartment 1 is a container-shaped space inside the vehicle that accommodates at least the in-vehicle device 12. The location of the storage compartment 1 is not limited to the location shown in FIG. 1. The storage compartment 1 may also be located at the rear of the vehicle cabin, for example. The mounting structure of this embodiment can be applied to a vehicle by inverting the overall shape in the left-right direction, and can also be applied to a vehicle by inverting the overall shape in the front-to-rear direction.

[0017] [A. Accommodation compartment] The accommodation compartment 1 shown in FIG. 1 accommodates an engine (internal combustion engine as a drive unit) (not shown) and an on-vehicle device 12 (fuel filter). An opening is provided at the upper end of the accommodation compartment 1, and a bonnet hood (not shown) is attached to this opening so as to be able to open and close freely. The engine is disposed inside the accommodation compartment 1, for example, in a position from near the center in the left-right direction to the right side. The on-vehicle device 12 of this embodiment is a filter device for filtering fuel supplied to the engine, and is disposed on the left side inside the accommodation compartment 1 (to the left of the engine). The on-vehicle device 12 of this embodiment is disposed in front of the cowl top panel 9.

[0018] A pair of side members 2 are disposed below the accommodation compartment 1. The side members 2 are one of the skeletal members that are provided to extend in the front-to-rear direction and are provided at a predetermined interval in the left-to-right direction. A front support member 3 (radiator core support member) is connected to the front end of each side member 2. The front support member 3 is a member that is provided to extend in the up-down direction and has the function of supporting the radiator unit and headlamp unit that are attached to the front end of the vehicle. A pair of front support members 3 are provided at the front end of the accommodation compartment 1 at a predetermined interval in the left-to-right direction.

[0019] The lower ends of the left and right front support members 3 are connected substantially horizontally by a front-end cross member 4. The front-end cross member 4 is one of the frame members that extends in the left-right direction. The upper ends of the left and right front support members 3 are connected substantially horizontally by an upper bar 6. The upper bar 6 is a member that supports the front end of the bonnet hood, and is disposed, for example, along the edge of the opening to which the bonnet hood is attached.

[0020] An upper frame 5 is connected to both left and right ends of the upper bar 6. The upper frame 5 is one of the components that extends almost horizontally forward from near the lower end of the vehicle's front pillar. A pair of upper frames 5 are arranged on the left and right sides above the accommodation compartment 1. The front fender panels of the vehicle are attached to the outside of the upper frames 5. In addition, front wheel tires and strut houses (not shown) are arranged below the upper frames 5. The upper frames 5 and upper bar 6 function to support the portion of the bonnet hood from both left and right end edges to the front edge.

[0021] In addition to the upper bar 6, a front subframe 7 is also connected to the front end of the upper frame 5. The front subframe 7 is a member that is provided to extend from the connection point between the upper frame 5 and the upper bar 6 toward the inside of the vehicle and toward the front and downward, and is connected to the vicinity of the lower end of the front support member 3. The front subframe 7 has a function of supporting the headlamp unit. The upper bar 6 and the front subframe 7 are arranged to branch out from the front end of the upper frame 5 and extend forward, with the headlamp unit disposed between them.

[0022] A dash panel 8 is provided at the rear end of the accommodation compartment 1. The dash panel 8 is a planar member that divides the vehicle interior and the accommodation compartment 1 in the front-to-rear direction, and the space forward of the dash panel 8 forms the accommodation compartment 1. The dash panel 8 is erected to cover the rear end of the accommodation compartment 1, for example, from the upper end surface of the upper frame 5 to the upper end surface of the side member 2. The lower end of the dash panel 8 is provided to extend rearward in a planar manner along, for example, the upper end surface of the side member 2, and is connected to the floor panel of the vehicle interior so as to be substantially flush with the floor panel.

[0023] A cowl top panel 9 is provided above the dash panel 8. The cowl top panel 9 is a planar member that connects the vicinity of the lower ends of the left and right front pillars in the left-right direction and is connected to the vicinity of the upper edge of the dash panel 8. The cowl top panel 9 is provided to extend in the left-right direction along the rear edge of the bonnet hood (the base end for opening and closing operations). The lower edge of the vehicle's windshield is supported by the cowl top panel 9.

[0024] A fender shield 10 is attached to the interior of the accommodation compartment 1. The fender shield 10 is a planar member that is located inside the vehicle fender panel and forms part of the bottom surface of the accommodation compartment 1. In this embodiment, a pair of fender shields 10 are provided on the inside of each of the left and right fender panels. An outer edge of the fender shield 10 on the vehicle side is connected to the upper frame 5 and the front subframe 7. An inner edge of the fender shield 10 on the vehicle side may be connected to the side member 2, or may be provided so as to be spaced apart and above the side member 2.

[0025] A protector 15 is fixed onto the left fender shield 10. The protector 15 is a member attached to the on-vehicle device 12 so as to cover the periphery of the on-vehicle device 12 in order to protect the on-vehicle device 12. In this embodiment, the protector 15 is fixed to the left fender shield 10. The right fender shield 10, to which the protector 15 is not fixed, can be omitted.

[0026] [B. Protector] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the on-vehicle device 12 and the protector 15. The on-vehicle device 12 is provided with a filter body 13 and a pipe connection portion 14. The filter body 13 is a cylindrical portion that houses a filter. The upper surface of the filter body 13 is releasably closed by, for example, a disk-shaped lid. The pipe connection portion 14 is a portion to which various pipes, such as an inlet pipe for introducing fuel into the filter body 13 and an outlet pipe for discharging fuel filtered inside the filter body 13, are connected. The pipe connection portion 14 is provided on the top surface of the filter body 13 and protrudes upward beyond the lid.

[0027] The protector 15 is fixed to the filter main body 13 and functions to protect the filter main body 13 and the pipe connection portion 14 from other devices housed in the accommodation chamber 1 and the vehicle body structure. The protector 15 is provided with a body portion 16 and legs 17. The body portion 16 is a portion of the protector 15 that is attached to the on-vehicle device 12 so as to cover the periphery of the on-vehicle device 12. The legs 17 are provided below the body portion 16 and are fixed to the fender shield 10. As shown in FIG. 2 , a base portion 11 (an auxiliary component included in the fender shield 10) may be provided at a fixing point of the fender shield 10 to adjust the mounting height.

[0028] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the protector 15. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of the protector 15, and Fig. 5 is a top view of the in-vehicle device 12 and the protector 15. The body 16 includes a right surrounding part 18 (enclosing part), a left surrounding part 19, an upper buffer part 20, and an auxiliary part 21. The leg part 17 includes a fixing part 22, a lower buffer part 23, a first auxiliary leg part 24, and a second auxiliary leg part 25.

[0029] The right enclosing portion 18 is a member that is mainly disposed on the right side of the filter main body 13. The right enclosing portion 18 is provided with a right rear surface portion 40, a right side surface portion 41, and a right front surface portion 42. Each of the right rear surface portion 40, the right side surface portion 41, and the right front surface portion 42 is disposed substantially vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the right enclosing portion 18 can be considered to be a shape formed by combining three linear portions (e.g., a U-shape, a C-shape, or a channel shape).

[0030] The right side surface portion 41 is a planar portion that widely covers the right side of the filter main body 13. The right side surface portion 41 extends above the upper end of the pipe connection portion 14 of the in-vehicle device 12. The right rear surface portion 40 is a planar portion that covers the rear side of the right side surface portion 41, and the right front surface portion 42 is a planar portion that covers the front side of the right side surface portion 41. Both the right rear surface portion 40 and the right front surface portion 42 are formed approximately perpendicular to the right side surface portion 41. Like the right side surface portion 41, the right front surface portion 42 also extends above the upper end of the pipe connection portion 14. In this embodiment, the engine is disposed to the right of the right enclosing portion 18. The right enclosing portion 18 is disposed so as to separate the in-vehicle device 12 from the engine.

[0031] The left enclosing portion 19 is a member that is mainly disposed on the left side of the filter main body 13. The right enclosing portion 18 and the left enclosing portion 19 are disposed so as to cover the entire outer periphery of the filter main body 13 when viewed from above the in-vehicle device 12. The left enclosing portion 19 is provided with a left rear surface portion 43, a left side surface portion 44, a left front surface portion 45, and a left front surface portion 46. Each of the left rear surface portion 43, the left side surface portion 44, the left front surface portion 45, and the left front surface portion 46 is disposed substantially vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the left enclosing portion 19 can be considered to be a shape formed by combining four straight line portions.

[0032] The left side surface portion 44 is a flat portion that covers the left side of the filter body 13. The left rear surface portion 43 is a flat portion that covers the rear side of the left side surface portion 44 and is formed approximately perpendicular to the left side surface portion 44. The left rear surface portion 43 is welded and fixed to the right rear surface portion 40 of the right enclosing portion 18 in a state of surface contact therewith.

[0033] The left front side surface portion 45 and the left front surface portion 46 are each flat and cover the front side of the left side surface portion 44. The left front surface portion 46 is formed substantially perpendicular to the left side surface portion 44, and the left front side surface portion 45 is formed to form a plane that intersects with the left side surface portion 44 and the left front surface portion 46. The left front surface portion 46 is welded and fixed to the right front surface portion 42 of the right enclosing portion 18 in surface contact therewith.

[0034] A left connecting portion 47 is provided at the upper end of the left rear surface portion 43. The left connecting portion 47 is fastened to the upper buffer portion 20 (described later). The left connecting portion 47 is formed by bending a flat portion extending upward from the left rear surface portion 43 rearward and drilling a fastening hole near the tip of the left connecting portion 47 into which a fastener is inserted. A first auxiliary leg 24 is provided at the lower end of the left side surface portion 44, and a second auxiliary leg 25 is provided at the lower end of the left front side surface portion 45. The first auxiliary leg 24 and the second auxiliary leg 25 are each fixed to the fender shield 10 via a fastener. The first auxiliary leg 24 and the second auxiliary leg 25 may be formed integrally with the left enclosing portion 19, or may be formed as a separate member fixed to the left enclosing portion 19.

[0035] The upper buffer section 20 is a section that has a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above the on-vehicle device 12. When viewed from the side of the on-vehicle device 12, the upper buffer section 20 is disposed in front of the cowl top panel 9, and is the section that first comes into contact with the cowl top panel 9 when the shape of the accommodation compartment 1 itself is deformed, for example, by an external force. In addition, the space inside the upper buffer section 20 is used as a space for routing various piping materials (inlet pipes, outlet pipes, etc.) connected to the on-vehicle device 12.

[0036] The upper buffer section 20 has an upper right side surface 50, an upper rear surface 51, an upper left side surface 52, and an upper extension 53. The upper right side surface 50, the upper rear surface 51, the upper left side surface 52, and the upper extension 53 are each disposed substantially vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the upper buffer section 20 can be considered to be a shape formed by combining four linear portions.

[0037] The upper right side surface portion 50 is a flat portion that is welded and fixed in surface contact with the right side surface portion 41. The upper end of the upper right side surface portion 50 is at approximately the same height as the upper end of the right side surface portion 41. The upper rear surface portion 51 is a flat portion that is formed to extend leftward from the rear end of the upper right side surface portion 50 and is formed approximately perpendicular to the upper right side surface portion 50. As shown in Figure 5, the position of the upper rear surface portion 51 in the front-rear direction is set to be rearward of the rear end of the filter main body 13 in a top view of the in-vehicle device 12, and at a position that ensures sufficient clearance for various piping materials to be inserted without difficulty.

[0038] The upper left side surface 52 is a planar portion connected to the left side of the upper rear side surface 51 and is formed approximately parallel to the upper right side surface 50. As shown in FIG. 5 , the left-right position of the upper left side surface 52 is set to a position close to the left-right center of the filter main body 13 and to a position that ensures sufficient clearance for various piping materials to be inserted without difficulty. The upper extension portion 53 is a planar portion that extends leftward from the front end of the upper left side surface 52 and is formed approximately parallel to the upper rear side surface 51. As shown in FIG. 5 , the front-rear position of the upper extension portion 53 is set to a position close to the rear end of the filter main body 13 when viewed from above the in-vehicle device 12.

[0039] An upper connecting portion 54 is provided at the lower end of the upper extension portion 53, and is fastened and fixed to the left connecting portion 47 of the left enclosing portion 19. The upper connecting portion 54 is a portion formed by bending a flat portion extending downward from the upper extension portion 53 rearward and drilling a fastening hole near the tip thereof into which a fastener is inserted.

[0040] The auxiliary part 21 is a member attached below the upper buffer part 20 to enhance protection for various piping materials. The auxiliary part 21 is provided with a right auxiliary part 55, a right mounting part 56, a rear auxiliary part 57, and a rear mounting part 58. The horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the right auxiliary part 55 and the rear auxiliary part 57 can be considered to be shapes obtained by connecting two straight parts vertically (for example, an L-shape, a mountain shape, or an angle shape).

[0041] The right mounting portion 56 is a flat portion welded to the right surface of the upper right side portion 50 in surface contact with the right side of the upper right side portion 50, and the rear mounting portion 58 is a flat portion welded to the rear surface of the upper rear side portion 51 in surface contact with the right side of the upper right side portion 50. The right auxiliary portion 55 is a flat portion having a plate surface parallel to the right mounting portion 56, and the rear auxiliary portion 57 is a flat portion having a plate surface parallel to the rear mounting portion 58. As shown in FIG. 5 , in a top view of the in-vehicle device 12, the right auxiliary portion 55 is disposed to the right of the upper right side portion 50, and the rear auxiliary portion 57 is disposed to the rear of the upper rear side portion 51. This provides a larger movable space for the various piping materials than the interior of the upper buffer portion 20, increasing the degree of freedom in the layout of the various piping materials.

[0042] The fixing portion 22 is one of the legs 17 for fixing the on-vehicle device 12 to the fender shield 10. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 22 is provided rearward of the on-vehicle device 12. The fixing portion 22 is provided with a first surface 31, a second surface 32, a deformation inducing portion 33, and a third surface 34. The fixing portion 22 is formed, for example, by press-molding a single steel plate.

[0043] The first surface portion 31 is a portion that is fixed to the fender shield 10 and is formed in a plane shape that follows a portion of the fender shield 10. In this embodiment, the first surface portion 31 is planar and is fastened and fixed in a state of surface contact with the upper surface of the base portion 11. The first surface portion 31 is preferably disposed substantially flat and substantially horizontally. The left-right width of the first surface portion 31 is set so that, when viewed from above the on-vehicle device 12, the first surface portion 31 occupies approximately half of the area surrounded by the upper buffer portion 20. This ensures a gap that allows various piping materials to be comfortably inserted inside (to the right of) the first surface portion 31, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0044] The second surface portion 32 is a portion fixed to the body portion 16, has a shape that stands upright relative to the first surface portion 31, and is formed in a plane that follows a portion of the body portion 16. In this embodiment, the second surface portion 32 is planar, formed approximately perpendicular to the first surface portion 31, and is welded and fixed in surface contact with the left rear surface portion 43 of the left enclosing portion 19. That is, the second surface portion 32 in this embodiment is fixed to a portion of the protector 15 that covers the rear of the in-vehicle device 12. In addition, the first surface portion 31 connected to the second surface portion 32 is provided so as to extend further toward the rear of the in-vehicle device 12 than the second surface portion 32. A ridge line 38 that forms the boundary between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 extends in a substantially linear manner along the vehicle width direction.

[0045] The deformation inducing portion 33 is a portion formed between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, and is a portion that induces deformation on the first surface portion 31 side relative to the ridge line 38 when the leg portion 17 is deformed by an external force. In other words, when an external force that could deform the fixing portion 22 acts on the leg portion 17, the deformation inducing portion 33 is a portion that promotes bending deformation on the first surface portion 31 side while minimizing deformation of the second surface portion 32. In other words, the deformation inducing portion 33 functions as a reinforcing surface portion that reinforces the second surface portion 32 and the vicinity of the ridge line 38.

[0046] The deformation inducing portion 33 in this embodiment is a portion formed by press molding, and is formed in a plane shape that intersects both the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, and is disposed at an end (at least one end) of the ridge line 38 that forms the boundary between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, and preferably is disposed in pairs at both ends of the ridge line 38. The deformation inducing portion 33 functions to impart appropriate rigidity to the ridge line 38, which is the boundary portion (bent portion) between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. The deformation inducing portion 33 may be formed in a flat shape or a curved shape, or may be formed in a shape in which reinforcing irregularities or ribs are formed on the flat surface.

[0047] Preferably, the pair of deformation inducing portions 33 are formed in a plane-symmetrical shape with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. As a result, the direction in which deformation is likely to occur near the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 becomes the rotation direction in the plane perpendicular to the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the fixing portion 22 is likely to bend and deform at a bent line portion 60 located closer to the first surface portion 31 than the ridge line 38. This bent line portion 60 is approximately parallel to the ridge line 38. In other words, the rotation axis when the fixing portion 22 bends and deforms tends to be parallel to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, making it easier to control the position and shape after bending and deformation.

[0048] The third surface portion 34 is a planar portion provided so as to extend downward from a side edge of the first surface portion 31. The third surface portion 34 is formed substantially perpendicular to the first surface portion 31. Similar to the upper buffer portion 20, the lower buffer portion 23 is a portion having a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above the in-vehicle device 12. As shown in FIG. 5 , the lower buffer portion 23 is disposed so as to overlap the upper buffer portion 20. As a result, the space inside the lower buffer portion 23 is also used as a space for routing various piping materials connected to the in-vehicle device 12.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the lower buffer portion 23 has a lower left surface 35, a lower rear surface 36, and a lower right surface 37. Each of the lower left surface 35, the lower rear surface 36, and the lower right surface 37 is disposed substantially vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the lower buffer portion 23 can be considered to be a combination of three linear portions (e.g., a U-shape, a C-shape, or a channel shape). The lower left surface 35 is a flat portion that is welded and fixed to the third surface 34 of the fixing portion 22 in surface contact therewith.

[0050] The lower rear surface portion 36 is a planar portion formed to extend rightward from the rear end of the lower left surface portion 35 and is formed approximately perpendicular to the lower left surface portion 35. The longitudinal position of the lower rear surface portion 36 is set rearward of the rear auxiliary portion 57 when viewed from above the in-vehicle device 12, as shown in FIG. 5. The lower right surface portion 37 is a planar portion formed to extend forward from the right end of the lower rear surface portion 36 and is formed approximately perpendicular to the lower rear surface portion 36. The lateral position of the lower right surface portion 37 is set rightward of the right auxiliary portion 55 when viewed from above the in-vehicle device 12, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4 , the right rear surface 40 of the right enclosing portion 18 and the second surface 32 of the fixing portion 22 are welded to the left rear surface 43 of the left enclosing portion 19 so as not to overlap. The dashed line in Fig. 4 represents the outline of the second surface 32 fixed to the left rear surface 43, and the dashed line in Fig. 4 represents the outline of the right rear surface 40 fixed to the left rear surface 43. By separating the fixing position of the second surface 32 relative to the left rear surface 43 from the fixing position of the right rear surface 40 relative to the left rear surface 43 in this way, the attachment accuracy of the fixing portion 22 to the body portion 16 of the protector 15 is improved, and the attached state of the in-vehicle device 12 is stabilized.

[0052] Furthermore, the lower end of the left rear surface portion 43, which is fixed to the second surface portion 32, extends to a position close to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. As a result, the rigidity of the second surface portion 32 side is relatively high and the rigidity of the first surface portion 31 side is relatively low, with the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 as the boundary. As a result, if the shape of the accommodation chamber 1 itself is deformed by an external force, for example, and the external force is input to the first surface portion 31 or the second surface portion 32, the portion of the first surface portion 31 side relative to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 is more likely to bend and deform. Therefore, bending and deformation of the portion on the left rear surface portion 43 side to which the second surface portion 32 is fixed is relatively suppressed, and the protection performance of the in-vehicle device 12 is improved.

[0053] [2. Operation] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating deformation of the accommodation chamber 1 and the protector 15 due to an external force indicated by the white arrow. When an external force is applied to the front support member 3 or the front end cross member 4 from the front of the vehicle, these members move rearward together with the side members 2 and the front subframe 7, which may cause the fender shield 10 to deform into a bent shape. At this time, the protector 15 of the on-board device 12 fixed to the fender shield 10 also moves rearward as the fender shield 10 deforms. Meanwhile, the upper buffer portion 20 of the protector 15 abuts against the cowl top panel 9. As a result, the cowl top panel 9 is pushed rearward and upward, and the deformation of the upper buffer portion 20 itself absorbs the impact, effectively protecting the on-board device 12.

[0054] There is a concern that bending deformation of the fender shield 10 will cause the fixed portion between the protector 15 and the fender shield 10 to tilt diagonally, causing the on-board device 12 to tilt backward (with the upper portion leaning further rearward than the lower portion). If the on-board device 12 tilts backward, the pipe connection portion 14 of the on-board device 12 and the various pipe materials connected thereto will be more likely to come into contact with the ends of the cowl top panel 9, which could result in damage. However, by abutting the upper buffer portion 20 against the cowl top panel 9, the on-board device 12 is prevented from tilting backward. This effectively prevents damage to the pipe connection portion 14 and the various pipe materials.

[0055] The protector 15 is provided with a fixing portion 22 having a first surface 31 and a second surface 32. The first surface 31 is fixed to the fender shield 10 (base 11), and the second surface 32 is fixed to the body 16 of the protector 15, extending upright relative to the first surface 31. This allows the fixing portion 22 to more easily deform near the ridge line 38 of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. That is, as shown in FIG. 6 , the fixing portion 22 is more likely to deform so as to increase the angle formed by the first surface 31 and the second surface 32, thereby improving the effect of suppressing the rearward tilt of the on-vehicle device 12. Furthermore, the fixed state of the first surface 31 relative to the fender shield 10 is more easily maintained, improving the effect of suppressing the forward tilt of the on-vehicle device 12. Therefore, the posture of the on-vehicle device 12 is maintained substantially vertical, and a buffer space is more easily secured between the dash panel 8 and the on-vehicle device 12.

[0056] A deformation-inducing portion 33 is formed between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. This ensures appropriate rigidity for the fixing portion 22 and promotes deformation in the portion of the first surface portion 31 closer to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 when the leg portion 17 is deformed by an external force. In addition, a left rear surface portion 43 extending to a position close to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 is fixed to the rear side of the second surface portion 32. This makes the second surface portion 32 closer to the ridge line 38 more rigid than the first surface portion 31. Therefore, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 7 , bending deformation is more likely to occur at the bent line portion 60 located closer to the first surface portion 31 than the ridge line 38, and bending deformation on the second surface portion 32 side is suppressed.

[0057] [3. Effects] (1) The above-described mounting structure is a mounting structure for an on-vehicle device 12 that is mounted to the fender shield 10 and surrounded by a protector 15. The protector 15 includes a body portion 16 that is attached to the on-vehicle device 12 so as to cover the periphery of the on-vehicle device 12, and leg portions 17 that are provided below the body portion 16 and fixed to the fender shield 10. The leg portions 17 have a first surface portion 31, a second surface portion 32, and a deformation inducing portion 33. The first surface portion 31 is fixed to the fender shield 10. The second surface portion 32 is formed in a shape that stands upright relative to the first surface portion 31 and is fixed to the body portion 16. The deformation inducing portion 33 induces deformation on the first surface portion 31 side relative to a ridge line 38 that forms a boundary between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 when the leg portions 17 are deformed by an external force.

[0058] With this configuration, even if the vehicle is subjected to an external force and the leg portion 17 attempts to deform, the leg portion 17 can be easily bent on the first surface portion 31 side rather than the ridge line 38. This prevents the posture of the on-vehicle device 12 from forcibly following the deformed shape of the fender shield 10, and reduces interference between the on-vehicle device 12 and other surrounding devices or the vehicle body structure. Furthermore, because the shape of the second surface portion 32 side rather than the ridge line 38 is more easily maintained, deformation or damage to the on-vehicle device 12 can be prevented. In this way, interference between the on-vehicle device 12 and other surrounding devices or the vehicle body structure can be reduced, and the protection performance of the on-vehicle device 12 can be improved.

[0059] (2) The deformation inducing portion 33 may be disposed at, for example, an end (i.e., one end) of the ridge line 38, or may be formed in a plane that intersects with both the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. This configuration provides a simple shape that is easy to process and form, and provides appropriate rigidity to the vicinity of the ridge line 38, thereby more reliably inducing deformation on the first surface portion 31 side of the ridge line 38. This allows for improved protection of the in-vehicle device 12 while stabilizing its mounting state.

[0060] (3) As shown in Fig. 4, the deformation inducer 33 may be provided at both ends of the ridge line 38. With this configuration, the bent line portion 60 can be made substantially parallel to the ridge line 38, and bending deformation on the second surface portion 32 side can be more reliably prevented. Furthermore, because the bent line portion 60 is made substantially parallel to the ridge line 38, the overall shape of the protector 15 can be designed after predicting the position and shape of the leg portion 17 after the bent line portion 60 is bent and deformed, and the deformation state of the protector 15 can be more easily controlled.

[0061] (4) As shown in Fig. 4, the first surface 31 may be formed substantially flat. This configuration can create a difference in bending rigidity between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32, promoting deformation on the first surface 31 side relative to the ridge line 38. This can improve the protection performance of the in-vehicle device 12.

[0062] (5) As shown in FIG. 4 , a portion of the body 16 (the left rear surface 43) to which the second surface 32 is fixed may extend to a position close to the ridge line 38 of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. In this case, the second surface 32 side of the ridge line 38 has higher rigidity than the first surface 31 side. Therefore, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 7 , bending deformation at the bend line 60 on the first surface 31 side of the boundary between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 can be promoted, and bending deformation on the second surface 32 side can be suppressed. Therefore, deformation or damage to the filter main body 13 due to deformation of the second surface 32 or the left rear surface 43 can be prevented, and the protection performance of the in-vehicle device 12 can be improved.

[0063] (6) The body portion 16 of the protector 15 may be disposed in front of the cowl top panel 9 in a side view and may have an upper buffer portion 20 that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle in a top view. In this case, for example, if the shape of the accommodation compartment 1 itself is deformed by an external force, the upper buffer portion 20 can be quickly brought into contact with the cowl top panel 9. This prevents interference between the on-vehicle device 12 and the cowl top panel 9, thereby enhancing the effect of suppressing the rearward tilt of the on-vehicle device 12.

[0064] Furthermore, the cowl top panel 9 can be pushed rearward and upward, improving the protection of the on-board device 12. In addition, the deformation of the upper buffer section 20 itself can absorb the impact, improving the protection of the on-board device 12. Furthermore, by routing the pipe connection section 14 and various piping materials inside the upper buffer section 20, damage to these can be effectively prevented.

[0065] (7) The legs 17 of the protector 15 may have a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above, and may have a lower buffer portion 23 that is arranged to overlap the upper buffer portion 20. In this case, the inside of the upper buffer portion 20 and the lower buffer portion 23 can be easily used as a space for routing the pipe connection portion 14 and various pipe materials, and damage to these can be effectively prevented.

[0066] (8) The on-vehicle device 12 may be disposed to the side of the vehicle's drive source. Furthermore, the body 16 may have a right enclosing portion 18 (enclosing portion) that separates the on-vehicle device 12 from the drive source in a top view and extends above the upper end of the on-vehicle device 12. This configuration can prevent interference between the pipe connection portion 14 and the drive source, thereby improving the protection performance of the on-vehicle device 12.

[0067] [4. Other] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected as needed, or can be appropriately combined with various configurations included in known techniques.

[0068] The components constituting the protector 15 in the above-described embodiment can be modified as appropriate and can be partially omitted. For example, the upper buffer portion 20, the lower buffer portion 23, and the auxiliary portion 21 may be omitted, or an integrated member corresponding to the right enclosing portion 18 and the left enclosing portion 19 may be provided as the body portion 16. In the protector 15 having at least the body portion 16 and the leg portions 17, a structure that provides the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be realized by providing the leg portions 17 with the first surface portion 31, the second surface portion 32, and the deformation inducing portion 33.

[0069] The fender shield 10 in the above embodiment may be any planar member that forms part of the bottom surface of the accommodation compartment 1 inside the fender panel of the vehicle, and may, for example, be a member that forms part of the bottom surface of the rear power unit compartment inside the rear fender panel. In this case, the accommodation compartment 1 is located rearward of the vehicle cabin. In a protector 15 that is fixed to such a fender shield 10, by providing the leg portion 17 with a first surface portion 31, a second surface portion 32, and a deformation inducing portion 33, a structure that provides the same effects as the above embodiment can be realized.

[0070] The present invention can be used as a mounting structure for an in-vehicle device, and can be used in the manufacturing industry of vehicles to which an in-vehicle device is attached via the mounting structure.

[0071] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Storage compartment 2 Side member 3 Front support member 4 Front end cross member 5 Upper frame 6 Upper bar 7 Front subframe 8 Dash panel 9 Cowl top panel 10 Fender shield 11 Base 12 On-board device 13 Filter main body 14 Pipe connection part 15 Protector 16 Body 17 Leg 18 Right surrounding part (surrounding part) 19 Left surrounding part 20 Upper buffer part 21 Auxiliary part 22 Fixing part 23 Lower buffer part 24 First auxiliary leg part 25 Second auxiliary leg part 31 First surface part 32 Second surface part 33 Deformation induction part 34 Third surface part 35 Lower left surface part 36 Lower rear surface part 37 Lower right surface part 38 Ridge line 40 Right rear surface part 41 Right surface part 42 Right front section 43 Left rear section 44 Left side section 45 Left front section 46 Left front section 47 Left connecting section 50 Upper right side section 51 Upper rear section 52 Upper left section 53 Upper extension section 54 Upper connecting section 55 Right auxiliary section 56 Right mounting section 57 Rear auxiliary section 58 Rear mounting section 60 Broken line part

Claims

DEPCT681. The vehicle mounting bracket structure secures the vehicle mounting bracket, which is enclosed by a protective body and fender plate, and is positioned inside the vehicle's fender panel. This bracket forms a portion of the underside surface within the mounting bracket housing. The protective body incorporates a body section attached to the mounting bracket to enclose the mounting bracket's perimeter, and legs positioned at the underside of the body and attached to the fender. The legs have a first surface attached to the fender, a second surface that is relatively upright to the first surface and attached to the body, and a deformation induction section formed between the first and second surfaces. When the legs are deformed by an external force, the deformation induction section induces deformation on the side closer to the first surface than on the ridge forming the boundary between the first and second surfaces.2.

1. Vehicle mounting structure under claim 1, where the deformation induction section is positioned at the ends of the ridge and has a plate shape that intersects both the first and second surfaces.

3. Vehicle mounting structure under claim 2, where the deformation induction section is positioned at both ends of each ridge.

4. Vehicle mounting structure under any of claims 1 to 3, where the first surface is formed into a significantly flattened shape.

5. Vehicle mounting structure under any of claims 1 to 4, where a portion of the body to which the second surface is attached extends to a position adjacent to the ridge.

6. Vehicle mounting structure under any of claims 1 to 5, where the body has an upper bumper section positioned in front of the upper grille panel in a side view and has a shape that extends to the rear of the vehicle in a top view. 7.The vehicle mounting structure under Reputation 6, where the leg portion has a lower bumper section whose shape extends to the rear of the vehicle in an overhead view and is arranged to overlap the upper bumper; 8. The vehicle mounting structure under Reputation 1 through 7, where the vehicle mounting is positioned on the side of the vehicle's drive unit and the body portion has a surrounding section that separates the vehicle mounting from the drive unit in an overhead view and extends above the upper end of the vehicle mounting;

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