Antenna installation structure for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an antenna installation structure for a vehicle capable of securing an installation space for an antenna within an instrument panel and also capable of firmly installing the antenna within the instrument panel.SOLUTION: An antenna installation structure for a vehicle A includes, within an instrument panel 1 of the vehicle A: an air conditioning duct 3; and an antenna 4 that receives at least information wirelessly. The antenna 4 is installed on the air conditioning duct 3. Furthermore, within the instrument panel 1, there are also included a steering hanger 5 and a body member 6 disposed in front of the air conditioning duct 3. The air conditioning duct 3 is fixed to the steering hanger 5 and the body member 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna installation structure for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, air conditioning ducts for an air conditioner are arranged inside the instrument panel of an automobile (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, the instrument panel is equipped with instruments such as a speedometer, tachometer, distance meter, and fuel gauge, as well as a navigation system, etc. For this reason, the inside of the instrument panel is complicated with wiring for various devices and piping for the air conditioner, etc. arranged therein.

[0003] Meanwhile, a vehicle information system is known in which an antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information is arranged in a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 2). When an antenna is attached to the vehicle body, etc., it is necessary to firmly fix the antenna to a frame member of the vehicle body, etc., because the vehicle body vibrates while traveling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-89727 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-163447 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When installing an antenna for the vehicle information system described in Patent Document 2 or the like in a vehicle, it is desirable to install it in a location suitable for reception and transmission in consideration of the reception and transmission performance of the antenna. Although the sensitivity of the antenna is good when installed on the outer surface of the vehicle, it is considered that the antenna may be damaged by contact with a foreign object, etc. Therefore, it is considered to install the antenna on the inside of the instrument panel.

[0006] However, because various wiring, piping, devices, etc. are arranged inside the instrument panel, it is not always possible to arrange a fixing member such as a steering hanger in a position suitable for the antenna. For this reason, an antenna installation structure that can firmly fix the antenna in a place suitable for transmission and reception has been an issue.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna installation structure for a vehicle that can secure an antenna installation space within the instrument panel and can install the antenna securely within the instrument panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle antenna installation structure of the present invention comprises an air conditioning duct and an antenna that receives at least information wirelessly within the vehicle's instrument panel, and the antenna is installed on the air conditioning duct. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present invention can provide an antenna installation structure for a vehicle that can ensure an installation space for an antenna within an instrument panel and can install the antenna securely within the instrument panel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a main portion showing an installation state of an antenna in a vehicle antenna installation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a main portion of an instrument panel, showing an installation state of an antenna. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of a main portion of an air conditioner duct, showing the installation state of the antenna. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of an air conditioning duct. [Diagram 5]FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion showing the installation state of the defroster duct attached to the vehicle body. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the antenna fixing base. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of an antenna attached to an antenna fixing base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An antenna installation structure for a vehicle A according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. In the embodiment of the present invention, "front" refers to the front side of vehicle A, "rear" refers to the rear side of vehicle A, "up" refers to the vertically upper side, "down" refers to the vertically lower side, and "left and right" refer to the sides in the vehicle width direction of vehicle A.

[0012] <Vehicles> A vehicle A shown in Fig. 1 is equipped with an air conditioner 2 (see Fig. 4) for adjusting the temperature and humidity of air in a vehicle compartment R. An instrument panel 1 is provided in the front part of the vehicle compartment R of the vehicle A. Air outlets 30 of an air conditioning duct 3 are arranged in the center and both ends in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 1.

[0013] <Instrument Panel> As shown in Fig. 1, the instrument panel 1 is a member in which instruments 11 such as a speedometer, a tachometer, a distance gauge, a fuel gauge, a display, an air outlet 30 of an air conditioner 2, and an operation unit (not shown) are installed. As shown in Fig. 1 or 2, the instrument panel 1 is provided therein with an air conditioner duct 3, an antenna 4 that at least wirelessly receives information, a steering hanger 5, and a body member 6. The instrument panel 1 is formed from a synthetic resin member that allows radio waves transmitted to and received from the antenna 4 to pass through.

[0014] 2, an air conditioning duct connection part 12 protrudes from the underside of the front end part of the instrument panel 1. The front end part of the instrument panel 1 is fixed to the defroster duct 31 by press-fitting a fastener 91 such as a connecting pin implanted in a defroster duct fixing bracket part 315 of the defroster duct 31 into a fastener installation hole 12a of the air conditioning duct connection part 12. The rear part of the instrument panel 1 is fixed to the steering hanger 5 by a fastener 93 such as a body pin.

[0015] ≪Air conditioner≫ 4 is a device for adjusting the temperature and humidity of air in a vehicle compartment R. An outlet (not shown) of the air conditioner 2 is connected to an air conditioning duct 3. Air whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted by the air conditioner 2 is blown out from the air conditioner 2 through the air conditioning duct 3 and then through an air outlet 30 into the vehicle compartment R.

[0016] <Air outlet> The air outlet 30 includes a front differential air outlet 312, a side differential air outlet 314, a center vent air outlet 322, and a side vent air outlet 324, which will be described later.

[0017] <Air conditioning duct> The air conditioning duct 3 is a tubular member for sending the air conditioned by the air conditioner 2 to the air outlet 30. The air conditioning duct 3 is made of a resin member molded by blow molding or the like. The air conditioning duct 3 is configured by integrating a defroster duct 31, a vent duct 32, and a bracket 33.

[0018] <Defr duct> 3 and 4, the defu duct 31 is a generally tubular member for sending temperature-controlled air to the inner surface of the windshield glass. The defu duct 31 has a front defu duct 311, a front defu air outlet 312, a side defu duct 313, a side defu air outlet 314, a defu duct fixing bracket portion 315, a defu duct fixing bracket portion 316, an instrument panel fixing hole 317, a vehicle body fixing hole 318 (see FIG. 6), and a defu duct mounting part 34 (see FIG. 6).

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5, the def duct 31 is configured by connecting a def duct half 31A formed on the side where the front def duct 311 is located and a def duct half 31B formed on the side where the side def duct 313 is located with fasteners 92, 98. The def duct half 31A is provided with a fastener installation hole 311a and a fastener 98 at the vehicle width direction outer end of the front def duct 311. The def duct half 31B is provided with a fastener 92 and a fastener installation hole 313b at a connecting portion 313a at the vehicle width direction inner end of the side def duct 313 facing the fastener installation hole 311a. The def duct half 31A is connected to the def duct half 31B by press-fitting the fastener 92 into the fastener installation hole 311a and press-fitting the fastener 98 into the fastener installation hole 313b.

[0020] 4, the front defrost duct 311 is a substantially tubular member for sending temperature-controlled air to the windshield. The front defrost duct 311 has, at its tip, a front defrost outlet 312 for discharging the temperature-controlled air to the windshield.

[0021] The side defrost duct 313 is a substantially tubular member for sending temperature-controlled air to the side window. The side defrost duct 313 has a side defroster outlet 314 at its tip for discharging the temperature-controlled air to the side window.

[0022] The def duct fixing bracket portion 315 is composed of a plurality of protruding pieces for fixing the def duct 31 to the instrument panel 1. The def duct fixing bracket portion 315 is formed to protrude forward from the vicinity of the front def air outlet 312 at the tip end of the def duct 31. At least one of the plurality of def duct fixing bracket portions 315 is formed with an instrument panel fixing hole 317. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, at least one of the plurality of def duct fixing bracket portions 315 is integrally formed with a locking piece 315a, a locking projection 315b, an instrument panel fixing piece 315c, and a vehicle body fixing hole 318.

[0023] The locking piece 315a is a protruding piece that is locked to an engaging portion 34a of the def duct mounting part 34 in order to firmly fix the def duct 31 to the def duct fixing bracket part 315. The locking piece 315a is integrally formed with the lower end part of the def duct fixing bracket part 315.

[0024] The locking projection 315b is an extension piece that is locked to a fixing portion 34b having a plurality of through holes formed in the defu duct mounting part 34. The locking projection 315b is integrally formed on an upper portion of the defu duct fixing bracket portion 315.

[0025] The instrument panel fixing piece 315c is a protruding piece into which a fixing device 99 is inserted for fixing the defu duct fixing bracket portion 315 of the defu duct 31 to the vehicle body fixing portion 1a of the instrument panel 1. The instrument panel fixing piece 315c is integrally formed with the upper end portion of the defu duct fixing bracket portion 315.

[0026] 6, the vehicle body fixing hole 318 is a hole into which a fastener 90 for fixing the body member 6 to the defroster duct fixing bracket portion 315 is press-fitted. The vehicle body fixing hole 318 is drilled in the front center portion of the defroster duct fixing bracket portion 315.

[0027] 3 and 4, the def duct fixing bracket part 316 is composed of a protruding piece for fixing the def duct 31 to the bracket 33 of the vent duct 32. The def duct fixing bracket part 316 protrudes from the side def duct 313 towards the def duct fixing base part 339 and is fixed to the def duct fixing base part 339 with screws.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the instrument panel fixing hole 317 is composed of a plurality of through holes formed in the upper front end portion of the defroster duct 31. A fastener 91 for fixing the defroster duct 31 to the instrument panel 1 is inserted into the instrument panel fixing hole 317 shown in Fig. 2. Also, a protruding piece (not shown) integrally formed on the instrument panel 1 is engaged with the instrument panel fixing hole 317.

[0029] <Defroster duct mounting parts> 6, the def duct mounting part 34 is a resin support that supports the def duct 31 from the rear side. The def duct 31 is held by a def duct fixing bracket part 315 that supports the front side of the def duct 31 and the def duct mounting part 34 that supports the rear side of the def duct 31, and is fixed to the instrument panel 1 and the body member 6. The def duct mounting part 34 has the engagement part 34a and the fixing part 34b described above.

[0030] <Body parts> The body member 6 shown in Fig. 6 is a member that is disposed in front of the air conditioning duct 3 and forms a part of the vehicle body. The body member 6 is made up of partitions 61, 62 that separate the motor room MR from the passenger compartment R. The partition 61 is made up of, for example, two metal plate members. Note that the partitions 61, 62 may be made up of a single metal plate member consisting of either one of the partitions.

[0031] <Vent duct> As shown in FIG. 4, the vent duct 32 is a substantially tubular member for sending temperature-controlled air to the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. That is, the vent duct 32 is a tubular member for sending temperature-controlled air from the air conditioner 2 to a center vent outlet 322 and a side vent outlet 324. The vent duct 32 has a center vent duct 321, a center vent outlet 322, a side vent duct 323, a side vent outlet 324, a duct connection portion 325 (see FIG. 5), and a bracket 33. The vent duct 32 (air conditioner duct 3) extends toward the rear of the vehicle and includes a bracket 33 for fixing to the steering hanger 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the vent duct 32 (air conditioner duct 3) is fixed to the steering hanger 5 and the body member 6 (see FIG. 2).

[0032] 4, center vent duct 321 is a tubular member that sends temperature-controlled air to the center of the front seats. An air conditioner 2 is provided at the base end of center vent duct 321. A center vent outlet 322 that discharges temperature-controlled air toward the front seats is formed at the tip end of center vent duct 321.

[0033] The side vent duct 323 is a tubular member that sends temperature-controlled air to the outside of the front seat in the vehicle width direction. The air conditioner 2 is provided at the base end of the side vent duct 323. A side vent outlet 324 that discharges temperature-controlled air toward the outside of the front seat in the vehicle width direction is formed at the tip end of the side vent duct 323. The right side vent duct 323 extends from the base end almost horizontally in the vehicle width direction, and then bends at the right side of the vehicle body and extends rearward.

[0034] 5 is a connecting piece for connecting the vent duct 32 and the def duct 31. The duct connecting part 325 is made of a protruding piece that protrudes in a substantially arc shape from the front side of the outer periphery of the vent duct 32 in a side view. The duct connecting part 325 is formed integrally with the vent duct 32 from resin. A fixing device 98 made of a connecting pin is attached to the tip of the duct connecting part 325 to fix the duct connecting part 325 to the def duct 31 and to connect the def duct half 31B to the def duct half 31A.

[0035] <bracket> As shown in Fig. 3, the bracket 33 is a fixing portion for fixing the air conditioning duct 3 to the vehicle body (steering hanger 5). The bracket 33 is made of resin and is integrally formed with the vent duct 32. The front and both sides in the vehicle width direction of the bracket 33 are connected to the air conditioning duct 3. The bracket 33 is disposed in a position surrounded by the air conditioning duct 3 in the front and both sides in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the bracket 33 is installed so as to span the center vent duct 321 and the side vent duct 323. An antenna fixing base 8 for fixing the antenna 4 is fixed onto the bracket 33.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the bracket 33 has a base installation portion 331, base support portions 332, 333, and 334, positioning holes 335 and 336, a hanger fixing bracket portion 337, a hanger fixing hole 338, and a defroster duct fixing base portion 339.

[0037] 3 or 4, the pedestal installation portion 331 is a portion where the antenna fixing pedestal 8 is installed. The pedestal installation portion 331 is formed approximately flat integrally with the vent duct 32 between the center vent duct 321 and the side vent duct 323 of the vent duct 32 that is arranged in an approximately concave shape in a plan view.

[0038] 4 are locations on which the lower ends of the fixing pieces 83, 84, 85 of the antenna fixing base 8 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are placed. 4, the base support portion 332 is formed flatly at a position one step lower than the rear end portion of the base installation portion 331. A female screw member 73 is fixed to the base support portion 332, and a fixing device 96 (see FIGS. 2 and 7) made of a male screw member is screwed into the female screw member 73.

[0039] The base support portion 333 is a flat portion located one step higher toward the center in the vehicle width direction from the base installation portion 331. The base support portion 333 is formed with an internally threaded member 72 into which a fixing device 95 (see FIGS. 2 and 7) made of an externally threaded member is screwed, and a positioning hole 335 into which the positioning protrusion 84b (see FIG. 7) of the antenna fixing base 8 is inserted.

[0040] 4, the base support portion 334 is a flat portion located one step higher outward in the vehicle width direction from the base installation portion 331. The base support portion 334 is formed with an internally threaded member 71 into which a fixing device 97 (see FIG. 7) made of an externally threaded member is screwed, and a positioning hole 336 into which the positioning protrusion 83b (see FIG. 7) of the antenna fixing base 8 is inserted.

[0041] 3, the hanger fixing portion bracket portion 337 is made of a tongue-shaped piece for connecting to the air conditioning duct support portion 51 of the steering hanger 5. The hanger fixing portion bracket portion 337 extends downward from the rear end portion of the base support portion 332. The hanger fixing portion bracket portion 337 is formed with a plurality of hanger fixing holes 338 to which fasteners 94 for screwing to the air conditioning duct support portion 51 are attached.

[0042] 4, the defu duct fixing base 339 is a base on which the flat lower end of the defu duct fixing bracket 316 protruding downward from the side defu duct 313 is placed. The defu duct fixing base 339 bulges upward from the outer side of the vehicle width direction of the base support part 334. The side defu duct 313 is screwed to the upper end of the defu duct fixing base 339, thereby supporting the side defu duct 313 from below and connecting the vent duct 32 and the defu duct 31.

[0043] <Steering hanger> The steering hanger 5 shown in Fig. 3 is a vehicle body frame member made of beam members such as metal pipes extending along the vehicle width direction. The steering hanger 5 is disposed inside the instrument panel 1. Both ends of the steering hanger 5 in the vehicle width direction are joined to side wall members 53 disposed on the sides near the front of the passenger compartment R. An air conditioner duct support part 51 and a hanger bracket part 52 are welded to the center of the steering hanger 5 in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] The air conditioning duct support part 51 is a support member that supports from below the bracket 33 of the air conditioning duct 3. The air conditioning duct support part 51 is fixed to the hanger fixing part bracket part 337 by a fixing tool 94. The hanger bracket portion 52 is a support member that supports a dash upper member and a vehicle body member (not shown) via a connecting member.

[0045] <Antenna> The antenna 4 shown in Fig. 1 is an in-vehicle antenna device installed in a vehicle A as a moving body. The antenna 4 is installed on an air conditioning duct 3 (see Fig. 3) inside an instrument panel 1 (dashboard) in a passenger compartment R of the vehicle A. The antenna 4 is configured to include, for example, a first antenna 41 and a second antenna 42. The communication method of the antenna 4 is not particularly limited.

[0046] <First Antenna> As shown in Fig. 8, the first antenna 41 is, for example, a telematics antenna for receiving road information, accident-related information, and the like. The first antenna 41 is configured to include a housing 41a made of a resin box that transmits radio waves, a circuit board (not shown) installed inside the housing 41a, and a connector (not shown) connected to the circuit board. The connector (not shown) is connected to an in-vehicle LAN cable. This enables communication between the communication device of the first antenna 41 and each in-vehicle device connected to the in-vehicle LAN.

[0047] <Second Antenna> The second antenna 42 is, for example, a GPS antenna for receiving vehicle position information and the like from an artificial satellite, or a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antenna. Like the first antenna 41, the second antenna 42 is configured to include a housing 42a made of a resin box that transmits radio waves, a circuit board (not shown) provided inside the housing 42a, and a connector (not shown) connected to the circuit board.

[0048] <Antenna fixing stand> As shown in Fig. 3, the antenna fixing base 8 is a member for fixing the antenna 4 to the bracket 33 of the air conditioning duct 3 with fasteners 95, 96, and 97 (see Fig. 7). As shown in Fig. 7, the antenna fixing base 8 is formed by integrally molding a first antenna unit installation portion 81, a second antenna unit installation portion 82, fixing pieces 83, 84, and 85, a reinforcing portion 86, and a rib 87 with resin. The antenna fixing base 8 is formed elongated in the vehicle width direction in a plan view. The antenna fixing base 8 is fastened to the bracket 33 at three points, namely, a center portion in the vehicle width direction and both ends in the vehicle width direction, with fasteners 95, 96, and 97 made of male screw members or the like.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 7 or 8, the first antenna unit installation portion 81 is a portion for mounting the first antenna 41. The first antenna unit installation portion 81 is a flat portion extending in the vehicle width direction. The first antenna unit installation portion 81 is formed in an inverted concave shape in vertical cross section. The first antenna unit installation portion 81 is formed with a pair of left and right positioning protrusions 81a and a pair of left and right antenna mounting holes 81b.

[0050] The positioning protrusion 81a is a cylindrical protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole (not shown) formed in the lower surface of the housing 41a of the first antenna 41. The antenna attachment hole 81b is a screw installation hole through which a screw member for fixing the housing 41a to the first antenna unit installation portion 81 is inserted.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 7 or 8, the second antenna unit installation section 82 is a portion for mounting the second antenna 42. The second antenna unit installation section 82 is a substantially flat portion extending from the first antenna unit installation section 81 toward the center in the vehicle width direction. The second antenna unit installation section 82 is formed with a pair of left and right positioning protrusions 82a, antenna mounting holes 82b drilled in the front and rear of both outer ends in the vehicle width direction, and a reinforcing section 86 consisting of recesses 86a and 86b. The second antenna unit installation section 82 has a larger width dimension in the front-rear direction than the first antenna unit installation section 81.

[0052] The positioning protrusion 82a is a cylindrical protrusion that is inserted into a positioning hole (not shown) formed in the lower surface of the housing 42a of the second antenna 42. The antenna attachment hole 82b is a screw installation hole through which a screw member for fixing the housing 42a to the second antenna unit installation portion 82 is inserted. The reinforcing portion 86 is a portion in which a large number of rectangular recesses 86a, 86b are arranged in a generally lattice pattern to improve the strength of the second antenna unit installation portion 82. The reinforcing portion 86 is formed in a hollowed-out shape by the large number of recesses 86a, 86b, which contributes to reducing the weight of the antenna fixing base 8.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the fixing pieces 83, 84, and 85 are protruding pieces for supporting the antenna fixing base 8 on the bracket 33 at three points by means of fasteners 95, 96, and 97. The fixing piece 83 is formed to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the first antenna unit installation portion 81. The fixing piece 83 is formed with a fixing hole 83a for inserting a fastener 97 that is screwed into the female thread member 71 (see FIG. 4), and a positioning protrusion 83b that is inserted into the positioning hole 336 (see FIG. 4).

[0054] The fixing piece 84 is formed to protrude from the center side in the vehicle width direction of the second antenna unit installation portion 82. The fixing piece 84 is formed with a fixing hole 84a for inserting a fastener 95 that is screwed into the female thread member 72 (see FIG. 4), and a positioning protrusion 84b that is inserted into a positioning hole 335 (see FIG. 4).

[0055] The fixing piece 85 is formed to protrude downward from the front end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the second antenna unit installation portion 82. The fixing piece 85 is formed with a fixing hole 85a for inserting a fastener 96 that is screwed into the female thread member 73 (see FIG. 4 ) and reinforcing ribs 85b that are provided extending in the vertical direction on both sides of the fixing piece 85 in the vehicle width direction to reinforce the fixing piece 85.

[0056] 7, the rib 87 is a protruding piece for reinforcing a lower portion of the second antenna unit installation portion 82, which is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from behind. The rib 87 is formed on the outer periphery of the lower portion of the second antenna unit installation portion 82.

[0057] Thus, the antenna installation structure for vehicle A according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an air conditioning duct 3 and an antenna 4 that receives at least information wirelessly within the instrument panel 1 of vehicle A, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, and the antenna 4 is installed on the air conditioning duct 3.

[0058] According to this configuration, the antenna installation structure for vehicle A of the present invention installs the antenna 4 above the air conditioning duct 3 inside the instrument panel 1, making it possible to ensure installation space for the antenna 4 within the instrument panel 1. Furthermore, by installing the antenna 4 above the air conditioning duct 3, it is possible to install the antenna 4 securely within the instrument panel 1. Moreover, by fixing the antenna 4 above the air conditioning duct 3, which occupies a large area within the instrument panel 1, it is possible to install the antenna 4 in a location where it functions well.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, a steering hanger 5 and a body member 6 arranged in front of the air conditioning duct 3 are provided within the instrument panel 1 of the vehicle A, and the air conditioning duct 3 is fixed to the steering hanger 5 and the body member 6.

[0060] According to this configuration, the air conditioning duct 3 can be fixed firmly without rattling by being fixed to the steering hanger 5 and the body member 6. By fixing the front part of the air conditioning duct 3 to the body member 6 and the rear part to the steering hanger 5, the antenna 4 can be fixed firmly and can be installed in a location where it functions well as an antenna 4.

[0061] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a steering hanger 5 is provided within the instrument panel 1 of vehicle A, and the air conditioning duct 3 is provided with a bracket 33 that extends toward the rear of the vehicle and is fixed to the steering hanger 5, and an antenna fixing base 8 for fixing the antenna 4 is fixed onto the bracket 33.

[0062] According to this configuration, the air conditioning duct 3 includes the bracket 33 that is fixed to the steering hanger 5, which is a rigid member, and can be firmly fixed to the steering hanger 5. The bracket 33 has the antenna fixing base 8 for fixing the antenna 4 fixed thereto, and therefore can firmly support the antenna 4 even when it receives the weight of the antenna 4, since it is fixed to the steering hanger 5. Since the air conditioning duct 3 is an air conditioning passage, it is difficult to secure a place to install the antenna 4 as it is, but the antenna 4 can be fixed to the bracket 33 extending from the air conditioning duct 3 via a fixing base.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4 , the bracket 33 is disposed in a position surrounded by the air conditioning duct 3 at the front and both sides in the vehicle width direction, and the front and both sides in the vehicle width direction of the bracket 33 are connected to the air conditioning duct 3.

[0064] According to this configuration, the bracket 33 can be positioned so that the bracket 33 is not directly subjected to external forces, since the bracket 33 is surrounded by the air conditioning duct 3 at the front and both sides in the vehicle width direction. Moreover, the antenna 4 can be positioned in a location where it functions well, even in an instrument panel 1 with a layout that is confined due to the placement of other components. Moreover, the bracket 33 can be firmly fixed to the air conditioning duct 3, since the bracket 33 is connected and integrated at the front and both sides in the vehicle width direction with the air conditioning duct 3.

[0065] Moreover, the bracket 33 is integrally formed with the air conditioning duct 3 using resin.

[0066] According to this configuration, the bracket 33 is integrally molded from resin with the air conditioning duct 3, so that the number of parts and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, leading to cost reduction.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, the antenna fixing base 8 is formed with a reinforcing portion 86 consisting of a plurality of recesses 86a and 86b.

[0068] According to this configuration, the antenna fixing base 8 has a reinforcing portion 86 consisting of a plurality of recesses 86a, 86b, and hence the rigidity can be improved, so that the antenna 4 can be supported firmly.

[0069] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the technical concept thereof. It goes without saying that the present invention also covers such modifications and changes.

[0070] For example, in the above embodiment, the antenna 4 is described as having a first antenna 41 and a second antenna 42, but this is not limited to this, and the antenna 4 may be provided with only one of the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42. According to this configuration, the antenna 4 is made up of a single antenna unit and can be made compact, thereby improving the freedom and efficiency of the layout. Moreover, the antenna 4 may be configured with three antenna units.

[0071] The antenna 4 has been described as a telematics antenna, a GPS antenna, and a GNSS antenna, but may be an ETC antenna or a DSRC antenna that receives radio waves with stronger directionality than the wireless communication of the telematics system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Instrument Panel 3. Air conditioning duct 4 Antennas 5 Steering Hanger 6 Body parts 8 Antenna fixing base 33 Bracket 86 Reinforcement 86a, 86b Recess A vehicle

Claims

1. Air conditioning ducts and an antenna for at least wirelessly receiving information; and The antenna is installed on the air conditioning duct. Vehicle antenna installation structure.

2. Steering hanger and a body member disposed in front of the air conditioning duct and disposed within an instrument panel of a vehicle; The air conditioning duct is fixed to the steering hanger and the body member.

2. The vehicle antenna installation structure according to claim 1.

3. The steering hanger is installed inside the vehicle's instrument panel. The air conditioning duct includes a bracket extending toward the rear of the vehicle and fixed to the steering hanger, An antenna fixing base for fixing the antenna is fixed on the bracket.

3. The vehicle antenna installation structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The bracket is disposed at a position surrounded by the air conditioning duct at a front side and both sides in a vehicle width direction, The front and both sides of the bracket in the vehicle width direction are connected to the air conditioning duct.

4. The vehicle antenna installation structure according to claim 3.

5. The bracket is integrally molded with the air conditioning duct using resin.

4. The vehicle antenna installation structure according to claim 3.

6. The antenna fixing base has a reinforcing portion formed of a plurality of recesses.

4. The vehicle antenna installation structure according to claim 3.

Images