Vehicle-mounted structure of electronic device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of avoiding or reducing the influence of an electronic device on a person when the electronic device is damaged by a collision or the like or when a spare tire is handled or the like. The present invention relates to a spare tire mounting structure which is provided in a rear portion of a vehicle body with a housing portion that houses a spare tire and is closed by a cover plate, and to which an electronic device is fixed below the spare tire in the housing portion, the spare tire mounting structure comprising: a cover body that is disposed between the spare tire and the electronic device, the electronic device having at least an upper surface portion facing upward and a rear surface portion facing rearward of the vehicle body, the cover body is provided with a top plate part covering the whole upper surface part from the upper side and a skirt part covering the whole rear side surface part from the rear side of the vehicle body, and the cover body is made of metal and is fixed to the vehicle body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a structure for mounting electronic devices such as chargers and DC-DC converters on a vehicle, and more particularly to a structure for mounting electronic devices together with a spare tire in a storage compartment such as a luggage space at the rear of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] An example of this structure is disclosed in Patent Document 1. To briefly describe the structure, in the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the floor of the cargo compartment (luggage space) located at the rear of the vehicle is recessed downwards to ensure space for accommodating the charger. Rear side beams are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle. Two brackets facing the width direction of the vehicle are mounted on these side beams. The central portion of these brackets is slightly bent downwards to suspend the charger. The charger has a housing with an open upper surface, which is bolted to the brackets. The spare tire is housed on the upper side of the brackets, and by tilting the spare tire downwards in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, cargo compartment space above the spare tire is ensured. Furthermore, a cover is provided above the spare tire, covering and concealing the spare tire and the charger.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-144819 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In electric vehicles such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs, PHEVs) that use motors as a driving force, electronic devices such as batteries, chargers, inverters, or converters are becoming increasingly high-voltage and high-capacity. If such electronic devices are mounted in a vehicle using the structure described in Patent Document 1, further modifications are required. Specifically, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the charger housing opens upwards, and the bracket does not close the housing. Therefore, in the event of damage to the rear of the vehicle due to a collision, the charger is highly likely to be exposed. Thus, measures to prevent leakage or electric shock are needed to account for potential damage to the charging chamber.

[0005] In the structure described in Patent Document 1, the charger and the spare tire are covered by a cover. However, when changing the tire, the cover is removed while the spare tire is lifted, exposing the charger to the operator. As a result, the operator is exposed to electromagnetic waves generated by the charger and other electronic devices. Furthermore, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the charger occupies the space under the spare tire, necessitating a new mechanism for securing the spare tire. Thus, existing structures, such as those described in Patent Document 1, are insufficient to accommodate the high voltage requirements of electronic devices, and a new structure that integrates the charger and other electronic devices onto the vehicle is practically necessary.

[0006] This invention addresses the aforementioned technical issues and aims to provide a vehicle-mounted structure that can avoid or reduce the impact of electronic devices on the human body when damaged by collisions or when handling spare tires.

[0007] This invention relates to a vehicle-mounted structure for an electronic device. To achieve the aforementioned objective, it includes a receiving portion at the rear of the vehicle body that accommodates a spare tire and is closed by a cover plate. An electronic device is fixedly disposed on the lower side of the spare tire within the receiving portion. The invention is characterized by comprising: a cover disposed between the spare tire and the electronic device; the electronic device having at least an upper surface portion facing upwards and a rearward side portion facing the rear of the vehicle body; the cover having a top plate portion covering the entire upper surface portion from the top and a skirt portion covering the entire rearward side portion from the rear of the vehicle body; and the cover being made of a metal material and fixed to the vehicle body.

[0008] In this invention, the fastening part for fixing the spare tire can be provided on the top plate.

[0009] In this invention, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, at the part separated from the electronic device, there are two parallel support guide rails arranged in the width direction of the vehicle body, and the electronic device and the cover can be fixed to the support guide rails.

[0010] In this invention, the height of the rear support rail portion of the two support rail portions may be lower than the height of the front support rail portion located in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, the electronic device disposed in a receiving section located at the rear of the vehicle body is covered not only by the spare tire disposed on its upper side, but also by a metal cover fixed to the vehicle body. Therefore, even if the rear of the vehicle body is damaged or deformed due to a collision or the like, the electronic device remains covered by the cover. As a result, leakage or electric shock can be prevented or suppressed. Furthermore, since the cover is disposed between the spare tire and the electronic device and covers the upper surface and rear side of the electronic device, even when the spare tire is removed, the emission of electrical noise from above or towards the rear of the electronic device can be prevented, and electrical effects on the body of personnel handling the spare tire or similar items can be avoided or suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, in this invention, when the cover fixed to the vehicle body has a fastening part for fixing the spare tire, the cover not only covers the electronic equipment but also serves as a fixing part for the spare tire, thus reducing the number of necessary parts and making efficient use of space.

[0014] Furthermore, in this invention, by providing a support rail portion and fixing the electronic device and the cover to the support rail portion, the state of covering the electronic device with the cover can be maintained more reliably.

[0015] Furthermore, in this invention, since the height of the support rail located on the rear side of the vehicle body is low, there are fewer obstacles when installing or removing electronic equipment between these support rails, thus improving workability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of electronic equipment and a spare tire in the rear compartment of the vehicle.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view showing the state in which electronic equipment and housing are fixed to the support rail.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the electronic equipment and housing separated from the support rails. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples of implementing the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0020] exist Figure 1 Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated schematically. Figure 1 The diagram shows a storage compartment 2 located at the rear of vehicle 1, which is a conventional luggage space in a vehicle. Vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV, PHEV) equipped with a motor (not shown) as its power source. A rear bumper 3 is located on the outer side of the storage compartment 2 and at the rear of vehicle 1. Furthermore, although not shown, a tailgate for opening and closing the storage compartment 2 is provided.

[0021] The floor panel 4, which constitutes the housing 2, is lowered one level on the rear side of the vehicle 1, and an electronic device 5 is housed in this recessed portion. The electronic device 5 is a device that supplies power to the motor, which is the driving force source, and controls the motor. For example, it is a modular device that houses a charger and a DC-DC converter in one housing.

[0022] Electronic device 5 is fixed to floor panel 4. On the upper surface of floor panel 4, facing the width direction of vehicle 1 (and... Figure 1 The two support rails 6a and 6b (in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface) are arranged parallel to each other. Figure 1In the example shown, the support rails 6a and 6b are formed by machining steel plates into a hat-shaped cross-section. In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1, the support rail 6a located on the front side is taller, while the other support rail 6b located on the rear side is shorter. Furthermore, the electronic device 5 has a roughly cuboid shape, and the length of each support rail 6a and 6b is approximately the same as or slightly longer than the long side of the electronic device 5. The electronic device 5 is positioned with its long side parallel to the support rails 6a and 6b between them.

[0023] Brackets 8 are mounted on the left and right ends of the electronic device 5 facing forward of the vehicle, and brackets 9 are mounted on the left and right ends of the electronic device 5 facing rearward of the vehicle. The electronic device 5 is fixed to the support rails 6a and 6b via these brackets 8 and 9. Figure 1 As shown, the bracket 8 on the front side of the vehicle is a component with an "L"-shaped cross-section that is reversed vertically, having a fixing piece along the side of the electronic device 5 and a fixing piece along the upper surface of the support rail 6a. This bracket 8 is fixed to the electronic device 5 and the support rail 6a by a suitable method. As an example, this fixing method can be bolts. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 or Figure 3 As shown, the other support rail 6b on the rear side of the vehicle is a component with a fixing piece along the side of the electronic device 5 and a fixing piece along the upper surface of the lower support rail 6b, and its cross-sectional shape is similar to an "L". This bracket 9 is fixed to the electronic device 5 and the support rail 6b by a suitable method. As an example, this fixing method can be bolts.

[0024] The electronic device 5 is configured such that a connector 10 protrudes from one end face along its length. The entire electronic device 5, including the connector 10, is covered by a housing 11. The housing 11 is used to protect the electronic device 5 from external forces and to prevent the scattering of noise such as electromagnetic waves, and is made of metal materials such as steel plates.

[0025] If its composition is explained in detail, then as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cover 11 is composed of a top plate portion 11a covering the upper surface of the electronic device 5 and a skirt portion 11b covering the rear side portion of the electronic device 5. A flange portion 11c extending towards the higher support rail 6a is provided at the center of the top plate portion 11a in the width direction. The cover 11 is fixed to the support rail 6a by fixing the flange portion 11c to the upper surface of the front support rail 6a. Bolts can be used for this fixing. Furthermore, a flange portion 11d extending towards the lower support rail 6b is provided at the center of the skirt portion 11b in the width direction. The cover 11 is fixed to the support rail 6b by fixing the flange portion 11d to the upper surface of the rear support rail 6b. Bolts can be used for this fixing.

[0026] Finally, the cover 11 covers the upper and rear sides of the electronic device 5, but does not contact the electronic device 5, and is fixed to the floor panel 4 or the vehicle body via support rails 6a and 6b. Bolt holes 12 are formed at designated locations on the top plate portion 11a. Nuts 13 are fixed on the back side (lower surface) of the top plate portion 11a at positions corresponding to the bolt holes 12. These bolt holes 12 and nuts 13 correspond to the fastening parts in the embodiment of this invention.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, a spare tire 7 is positioned on the upper side of the electronic device 5, which is fixed to the support rails 6a and 6b by brackets 8 and 9 and covered by the housing 11. The spare tire 7 is placed horizontally, for example, on a suitable block (not shown) located outside the support rails 6a and 6b. In this state, a fixing screw 15 is inserted into a through hole at a designated location on the spare tire 7, and its front end is threaded into a nut 13 provided on the top plate portion 11a, thereby fixing the spare tire 7 inside the receiving portion 2. Figure 1 In the text, the symbol "14" represents a cover plate, which forms a floor surface for covering and concealing the spare tire 7 and for properly placing items.

[0028] In the above-described embodiment of the invention, when the receiving part 2 deforms due to a collision from the rear of the vehicle 1, the deformation load is first applied to the spare tire 7. As described above, since the spare tire 7 is connected to the floor panel 4 or the vehicle body via the cover 11 and the support rails 6a and 6b, the deformation load through the spare tire 7 is borne by the floor panel 4 or the vehicle body and will not act on the electronic device 5, which is protected by the cover 11.

[0029] Furthermore, in the event of damage to the housing 2, such as the cover 14 or the spare tire 7 falling off, or when the spare tire 7 is removed from the housing 2, the electronic device 5 is not directly exposed to the outside because it is covered by the housing 11, thereby preventing or avoiding leakage or electric shock. Moreover, since the electromagnetic waves or noise emitted by the electronic device 5 are shielded by the housing 11, any impact on people or other nearby electrical products can be avoided or suppressed.

[0030] Furthermore, since the aforementioned cover 11 is fixed to the floor panel 4 or the vehicle body via support rails 6a and 6b, the spare tire 7 is ultimately fixed to the floor panel 4 or the vehicle body. Therefore, the cover 11 not only covers the electronic equipment 5, but also functions as a component for fixing the spare tire 7. Thus, there is no need to provide additional components or parts for fixing the spare tire 7, resulting in efficient use of space and a reduction in the number of necessary parts.

[0031] With the electronic device 5 installed in the receiving part 2, the brackets 8 and 9 are installed on the front and rear sides of the electronic device 5, and the electronic device 5 is positioned between the support rails 6a and 6b. Since the brackets 8 and 9 are respectively mounted on the corresponding support rails 6a and 6b, the brackets 8 and 9 are fixed to the support rails 6a and 6b with bolts. Next, the cover 11 is placed over the electronic device 5. Since the flanges 11c and 11d are respectively mounted on the support rails 6a and 6b at their corresponding positions, the flanges 11c and 11d are fixed to the support rails 6a and 6b with bolts. This installation operation is performed by an operator from the rear side of the vehicle 1. In this case, since the height of the support rail 6b on the rear side is low, it is easy to move or install the electronic device 5 or the cover 11.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented with appropriate modifications as needed. For example, the cover may have at least a top plate and a skirt, and may also include a side portion covering the end side of the electronic device in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the support rail portion in the present invention can be provided by bending the floor panel. Furthermore, in the present invention, the two support rail portions may have the same height. Therefore, the bracket connecting the electronic device to the support rails can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the support rail portion.

[0033] Symbol Explanation

[0034] 1-Vehicle, 2-Housing section, 3-Rear bumper, 4-Floor panel, 5-Electronic equipment, 6a, 6b-Support rails, 7-Spare tire, 8, 9-Bracket, 10-Connector, 11-Cover, 11a-Top plate, 11b-Skirt, 11c, 11d-Flanges, 12-Bolt hole, 13-Nut, 14-Cover plate, 15-Fixing screw.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted structure of an electronic device, which is provided with a housing portion that houses a spare tire and is closed by a cover plate at a rear portion of a vehicle body, and an electronic device is fixedly arranged at a lower side of the spare tire in the housing portion, characterized in that, Possessing: a cover body which is arranged between the spare tire and the electronic device, the electronic device has at least an upper surface portion facing upward and a rear side surface portion facing the rear of the vehicle body, the cover body has a top plate portion covering the entire upper surface portion from the upper side and a skirt portion covering the entire rear side surface portion from the rear side of the vehicle body, and the cover body is composed of a metal material and is fixed to the vehicle body.

2. The electronic device vehicle-mounted structure according to claim 1, characterized in that a fastening portion which fastens the spare tire is provided in the top plate portion.

3. The electronic device vehicle-mounted structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two support rail portions which are arranged parallel to each other in the width direction of the vehicle body are further provided at a portion across which the electronic device is interposed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the electronic device and the cover body are fixed to the support rail portions.

4. The electronic device vehicle-mounted structure according to claim 3, characterized in that of the two support rail portions, the height of the support rail portion on the rear side is lower than the height of the support rail portion on the front side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

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