Equipment module

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of making it difficult to access a connector part of equipment from the inside of a cabin in an equipment module arranged inside an instrument panel.SOLUTION: The device module 10 is disposed in an internal space of an instrument panel 72 of the vehicle 70 together with a reinforcement 80 extending in the vehicle width direction. The device module 10 includes a device 20 and a wire harness 40. The device 20 includes a device body 22, a housing 24 covering the device body 22, and a connector portion 30 connected to the device body 22 and exposed to an outer surface of the housing 24. The wire harness 40 includes a mating connector 42 connected to the connector part 30, and a wire-like transmission member 44 extending from the mating connector 42. A frontage of the connector part 30 is positioned in front of a wall part forming the reinforcement 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to instrument modules. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wiring module arranged along a reinforcement. The wiring module is connected to an intermediate branch box supported by the reinforcement. The connector of the intermediate branch box, which is connected to the wiring module, has an opening facing upward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-96524 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] From the viewpoint of crime prevention, etc., it is desirable that in an equipment module disposed in a reinforcement, it is difficult to access the connector portion of the equipment from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that makes it difficult to access the connector portion of an equipment module arranged inside an instrument panel from inside the vehicle cabin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The equipment module of the present disclosure is an equipment module that is arranged in the internal space of a vehicle's instrument panel together with a reinforcement that extends in the vehicle width direction, and includes: an equipment including an equipment main body, a housing that covers the equipment main body, and a connector portion connected to the equipment main body and exposed on the outer surface of the housing; a mating connector that is connected to the connector portion, and a wire harness that includes a linear transmission member extending from the mating connector, and the opening of the connector portion is located forward of the wall portion that forms the reinforcement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in an equipment module disposed inside an instrument panel, it is possible to make it difficult to access the connector portion of the equipment from inside the vehicle cabin. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle in which an equipment module according to the first embodiment is arranged. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle in which the device module according to the first embodiment is arranged. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the equipment module and the reinforcement. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first wire harness is removed from the device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first wire harness is removed from the device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the equipment module and the reinforcement in the middle of assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing how the equipment is arranged on the reinforcement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The equipment modules of the present disclosure are as follows:

[0011] (1) An equipment module arranged in the internal space of a vehicle's instrument panel together with a reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction, the equipment module comprising: an equipment body, a housing covering the equipment body, an equipment including a connector portion connected to the equipment body and exposed on the outer surface of the housing; a mating connector connected to the connector portion; and a wire harness including a linear transmission member extending from the mating connector, wherein the opening of the connector portion is located forward of the wall portion forming the reinforcement.

[0012] In the device module (1), the connector is located in front of the wall that forms the reinforcement, so when trying to access the connector from inside the vehicle, it is necessary to reach forward beyond the wall, which makes it difficult to access the connector from inside the vehicle.

[0013] (2) In the device module of (1), the opening may be located at the same height as the wall portion. This makes it difficult to access the connector portion from inside the vehicle cabin, requiring a user to reach toward the connector portion located in front of the wall portion.

[0014] (3) In the equipment module of (1) or (2), the reinforcement may be provided with a bracket, and the bracket may be located behind the wall portion. As a result, when trying to access the connector portion from inside the vehicle, it is necessary to reach around the bracket, making it more difficult to access the connector portion from inside the vehicle.

[0015] (4) In the device module of any one of (1) to (3), the device may include a front connector portion as the connector portion, and the opening of the front connector portion may face the front of the vehicle. This makes it difficult to access the front connector portion by removing the mating connector from the front connector portion, which requires the mating connector to be moved toward the front of the vehicle.

[0016] (5) In the equipment module of any one of (1) to (4), the reinforcement may have an accommodation space and be formed in a shape that is elongated in the vehicle width direction, the equipment may include an inner connector portion as the connector portion, and the opening of the inner connector portion may be arranged in the accommodation space of the reinforcement and face the vehicle width direction. This makes it necessary to access the inside of the reinforcement when disconnecting the inner connector portion from the mating connector, which makes it difficult to access the inner connector portion.

[0017] (6) In the equipment module of (5), the linear transmission member may be arranged to extend along the reinforcement in the accommodation space of the reinforcement, making it difficult to access the linear transmission member and to pull the linear transmission member to remove the mating connector.

[0018] (7) In any one of the equipment modules (1) to (3), the reinforcement may have an accommodation space and be formed in a shape elongated in the vehicle width direction, and the equipment may include a front connector portion and an inner connector portion as the connector portion, the opening of the front connector portion facing the front of the vehicle, and the opening of the inner connector portion being disposed in the accommodation space of the reinforcement and facing the vehicle width direction. This makes it difficult to remove the mating connector and access the front connector portion by moving the mating connector toward the front of the vehicle when disconnecting the front connector portion and the mating connector. Furthermore, it is necessary to access the inside of the reinforcement when disconnecting the inner connector portion and the mating connector, making it difficult to access the inner connector portion.

[0019] (8) In the equipment module of (7), the wire harness may include a first wire harness and a second wire harness, each including the linear transmission member and the mating connector, the mating connector of the first wire harness connected to the front connector portion, the mating connector of the second wire harness connected to the inner connector portion, and the linear transmission member of the second wire harness may be arranged to extend along the reinforcement inside the reinforcement, thereby making it difficult to access the linear transmission member of the second wire harness and to pull the linear transmission member to remove the mating connector.

[0020] (9) In the device module of any one of (1) to (8), the device may be an electronic control unit. This makes it difficult to access the connector portion of the electronic control unit, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the control circuit of the electronic control unit.

[0021] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the device module of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0022] [Embodiment 1] The following describes the instrument module 10 according to the first embodiment. Figures 1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams showing a vehicle 70 in which the instrument module 10 according to the first embodiment is arranged. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view, and Figure 2 is a schematic view seen from the vehicle width direction. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an instrument panel 72 and a dash panel 74. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the instrument module 10 and a reinforcement 80. In each figure, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are indicated.

[0023] The equipment module 10 is disposed in the interior space of an instrument panel 72 of a vehicle 70 together with a reinforcement 80 extending in the vehicle width direction. The equipment module 10 includes an equipment 20 and a wire harness 40. The equipment 20 includes a connector portion 30. The wire harness 40 includes a mating connector 42. The connector portion 30 and the mating connector 42 are connected to each other, thereby connecting the equipment 20 and the wire harness 40.

[0024] The vehicle 70 includes an instrument panel 72 and a dash panel 74. The instrument panel 72 is located rearward of the dash panel 74. The dash panel 74 separates the passenger compartment from a front compartment (e.g., an engine compartment) located forward of the passenger compartment. The space between the instrument panel 72 and the dash panel 74 is the interior space of the instrument panel 72. Passenger seats 76 are provided behind the instrument panel 72. The seats 76 include a driver's seat. A steering wheel 78 is located in front of the driver's seat 76. The steering wheel 78 is supported by the tip of a steering shaft. The tip of the steering shaft protrudes rearward from the instrument panel 72. The portion of the steering shaft closer to the base end than the tip is located within the instrument panel 72.

[0025] The reinforcement 80 is a rigid member made of metal or the like. The reinforcement 80 extends in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcement 80 connects the left and right sides of the vehicle body. Both ends of the reinforcement 80 are fixed to the vehicle body by welding or fastening with fastening members 94. The reinforcement 80 disposed in the interior space of the instrument panel 72 is also called an instrument panel reinforcement.

[0026] In the interior space of the instrument panel 72, various components are arranged, such as the equipment 20 and wire harness 40 of the equipment module 10, the reinforcement 80, an air conditioning duct, the base end of the steering shaft, pedal support members, etc. The space behind and below the instrument panel 72 is for passengers. The space below the instrument panel 72 is, for example, a space where passengers can place their feet.

[0027] For example, the instrument panel 72 is typically constructed by joining together multiple small panel components. The instrument panel 72 has seams between the multiple panel components. Also, for example, the instrument panel 72 may have openings. These seams or openings may provide access routes to the interior space of the instrument panel 72. For example, arrow A1 in FIG. 2 is the access route from the vehicle interior to the interior space of the instrument panel 72.

[0028] The connector portion 30 has an opening into which the mating connector 42 is inserted. In the present disclosure, the opening of the connector portion 30 is located forward of the wall portion that forms the reinforcement 80. Therefore, in the front-to-rear direction, the wall portion that forms the reinforcement 80 is located between the instrument panel 72 and the opening of the connector portion 30. As a result, in order to access the opening of the connector portion 30 from the vehicle interior side (behind the instrument panel 72), it becomes necessary to reach forward beyond the wall portion that forms the reinforcement 80.

[0029] The reinforcement 80 and the equipment module 10 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 9 in addition to Figures 1 to 3. Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views showing a state in which the first wire harness 40A has been removed from the equipment 20. Figure 4 is a view from the front of the vehicle 70, and Figure 5 is a view from the rear of the vehicle 70. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the equipment module 10 and the reinforcement 80 in the middle of assembly. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the equipment 20 being placed on the reinforcement 80.

[0030] In this embodiment, the reinforcement 80 has an accommodation space 90. The reinforcement 80 is formed in a shape that is elongated in the vehicle width direction. The accommodation space 90 is continuous in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcement 80 includes a main body member 82 and a cover member 84. The main body member 82 is formed in a tubular shape. The shape of the main body member 82 may be a cylindrical shape or a rectangular tubular shape. Here, the shape of the main body member 82 is a rectangular tubular shape. The cover member 84 is attached to the main body member 82. The cover member 84 reinforces the main body member 82. The cover member 84 is formed in a gutter shape having a bottom 85 and a pair of side walls 86. The bottom 85 is disposed below the main body member 82 and spaced apart from the main body member 82. The pair of side walls 86 extend upward from the bottom 85 and are connected to the main body member 82. The pair of side walls 86 are aligned in the front-to-rear direction. The side wall 86 has a length approximately equal to that of the bottom portion 85 along the extension direction of the main body member 82 .

[0031] Here, the reinforcement 80 includes a center cover 84C as a cover member 84, and a pair of end covers 84E. The center cover 84C and the end cover 84E each have a bottom 85 and side walls 86. With regard to the bottom 85 and side walls 86, those of the center cover 84C will be referred to as the bottom 85C and side walls 86C, and those of the end cover 84E will be referred to as the bottom 85E and side walls 86E, as necessary. The bottom 85C is located in the middle of the extension direction of the main body member 82. The bottoms 85E are located at both ends of the main body member 82 in the extension direction.

[0032] Here, the center cover 84C has an extension wall 89. The extension wall 89 is a portion formed by extending the side wall 86C along the extension direction of the main body member 82. Here, the extension wall 89 protrudes from both ends of each of the pair of side walls 86C. Therefore, here, four extension walls 89 are provided on the center cover 84C. Each extension wall 89 reaches the end of the main body member 82 along the extension direction. The extension wall 89 is a portion formed by extending the upper portion of the side wall 86C facing the main body member 82. The extension wall 89 is not provided on the portion of the side wall 86C that protrudes downward from the main body member 82. The bottom 85C of the center cover 84C is not provided below the extension wall 89. At the end of the main body member 82, the extension wall 89 overlaps the outer surface of the main body member 82, and the side wall 86E of the end cover 84E overlaps the outer surface of the extension wall 89.

[0033] The main body member 82 and the cover member 84 are fixed together by welding, fastening, or the like. For example, the side wall 86C and the extension wall 89 of the center cover 84C are welded to the outer surface of the main body member 82. The side wall 86E of the end cover 84E is fastened to the main body member 82 and the extension wall 89 of the center cover 84C with fastening members 94.

[0034] The space enclosed by the bottom surface of the main body member 82 and the cover member 84 is the storage space 90. The cross-sectional shape of the storage space 90 varies depending on the shapes of the bottom 85 and the side walls 86. In this example, the cross-section of the storage space 90 is rectangular. The size of the cross-section of the storage space 90 varies depending on the position of the bottom 85 relative to the main body member 82 (the height of the side walls 86). In this example, the cross-section of the storage space 90 of the end cover 84E is larger than the cross-section of the storage space 90 of the center cover 84C. The bottom 85E of the end cover 84E is located lower than the bottom 85C of the center cover 84C relative to the bottom surface of the main body member 82. The height of the storage space 90 of the end cover 84E is higher than the height of the storage space 90 of the center cover 84C. The storage space 90 of the center cover 84C is longer than the storage space 90 of one end cover 84E. In this example, the storage space 90 of the center cover 84C is longer than the storage space 90 of two end covers 84E.

[0035] The reinforcement 80 has a region in the left-right direction where the end of the side wall 86C and the end of the side wall 86E overlap in the front-rear direction. In this region, the end of the bottom 85C and the end of the bottom 85E are aligned in the up-down direction. In this region, the left-right end of the center cover 84C is contained in the left-right end of the storage space 90 of the end cover 84E. This allows the bottom 85 and the side wall 86 of the cover member 84 to be provided without interruption entirely along the extension direction of the main body member 82. The left-right end of the side wall 86C and the left-right end of the side wall 86E may be separated in the left-right direction. The left-right end of the bottom 85C and the left-right end of the bottom 85E may be separated in the left-right direction. The left-right end of the center cover 84C does not have to be contained in the left-right end of the storage space 90 of the end cover 84E.

[0036] The difference between the distance between the bottom portion 85E and the bottom surface of the main body member 82 and the distance between the bottom portion 85C and the bottom surface of the main body member 82 is greater than the thickness of the bottom portion 85C. Therefore, an opening is formed between the bottom portions 85E and 85C at the inner end portion in the left-right direction of the end cover 84E. The opening is not blocked. The opening may be blocked. The end cover 84E or the center cover 84C may have a wall portion that blocks the opening. The difference between the distance between the bottom portion 85E and the bottom surface of the main body member 82 and the distance between the bottom portion 85C and the bottom surface of the main body member 82 may be the same as the thickness of the bottom portion 85C. In this case, there is no opening between the bottom portions 85E and 85C at the inner end portion in the left-right direction of the end cover 84E.

[0037] The cover members 84 include a cover member 84E that covers the device 20 and a cover member 84C that covers the wire harness 40. Here, the end cover 84E covers the device 20, and the center cover 84C covers the wire harness 40. The cover member 84E that covers the device 20 can be considered an device cover. An opening 87A that exposes the connector portion 30 is formed in a front side wall 86E of the device cover. The cover member 84C that covers the wire harness 40 can be considered a wiring cover. Here, two device covers and one wiring cover are provided. Three or more device covers may be provided at intervals along the vehicle width direction. Two or more wiring covers may be provided to connect the three or more device covers.

[0038] At least one bracket 92 is provided on the reinforcement 80. The bracket 92 supports another member or fixes the reinforcement 80 to the vehicle body. The bracket 92 is attached to the main body member 82 or the cover member 84, for example, by welding or fastening. Here, multiple brackets 92 are provided. The bracket 92A is a bracket for fixing the reinforcement 80 to the vehicle body. The brackets 92A are provided at both ends of the reinforcement 80. At each end of the reinforcement 80, a pair of brackets 92A are provided, spaced apart in the vertical direction. In addition, a bracket for supporting a brake pedal, a bracket for supporting a steering column, or the like may be provided as a bracket. Each bracket 92 is fastened with a fastening member 94. A fastening hole is formed in the main body member 82 or the cover member 84. The lower bracket 92A of the pair of upper and lower brackets 92A is fastened to the end cover 84E.

[0039] Here, the device 20 is an electronic control unit (ECU). The device 20 may be an electrical device other than an ECU, such as a junction box (JB). The device 20 includes a device main body 22, a housing 24, and a connector unit 30. The connector unit 30 is exposed on the outer surface of the housing 24.

[0040] The device main body 22 has a circuit for performing the function of the device 20. If the device 20 is an ECU, the device main body 22 has a control circuit. The control circuit has, for example, a circuit board and electronic components mounted on the circuit board. Such electronic components may include, for example, an IC chip serving as a microcontroller. In FIG. 8, the circuit board is depicted as a schematic diagram of the device main body 22.

[0041] The housing 24 covers the device main body 22. The device main body 22 is supported at a fixed position within the housing 24. The housing 24 is made of, for example, metal or resin. The housing 24 has, for example, a box-shaped main body 25 and a lid portion 29. The box-shaped main body 25 has an opening for accommodating the device main body 22. The lid portion 29 closes the opening of the box-shaped main body 25. The housing 24 has an opening 27 for exposing the connector portion 30. Here, the opening 27 for exposing the connector portion 30 is provided separately from the opening closed by the lid portion 29. Here, the opening closed by the lid portion 29 is formed on the top surface of the box-shaped main body 25, and the opening 27 for exposing the connector portion 30 is formed on the side surface. The opening 27 for exposing the connector portion 30 may be the same opening as the opening closed by the lid portion 29. In this case, the lid portion 29 may be provided so as to close the portion of the opening of the box-shaped main body 25 around the connector portion 30 while exposing the connector portion 30.

[0042] The connector unit 30 is connected to the device main body 22. For example, the connector unit 30 has connector terminals and a connector housing. The connector terminals are, for example, conductors and are connected to the circuit of the device main body 22. The connector housing is made of an insulating material such as resin and holds the connector terminals. Typically, multiple connector terminals are provided. The connector housing holds the multiple connector terminals in a predetermined arrangement. The portion of the connector housing that exposes the tips of the connector terminals is the opening of the connector unit 30. The connector housing may be provided separately from the housing 24. A part of the housing 24 may form the connector housing. For example, if the device main body 22 has a circuit board, the connector unit 30 may be mounted on the circuit board. In this case, board terminals that are connected to circuit patterns on the circuit board may be used as the connector terminals of the connector unit 30.

[0043] In this embodiment, the device 20 includes a front connector portion 30A and an inner connector portion 30B as the connector portion 30. The front opening of the front connector portion 30A faces the front of the vehicle 70. The front opening of the inner connector portion 30B is disposed in the accommodation space 90 of the reinforcement 80 and faces in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] Here, the box-shaped main body 25 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening to be covered by the lid portion 29 is formed on one surface of the box-shaped main body 25, and openings 27 through which the connector portion 30 is exposed are formed on the other two surfaces. The three surfaces on which these openings are formed are perpendicular to each other. Here, an opening to be covered by the lid portion 29 is formed on the top surface, and openings 27 through which the connector portion 30 is exposed are formed on the front surface and the surface facing inward in the vehicle width direction. The opening 27 on the front surface is an opening for the front connector portion 30A, and the opening 27 on the surface facing inward in the vehicle width direction is an opening for the inner connector portion 30B.

[0045] The frontage of the connector portion 30 is located at the same height as the wall portion that forms the reinforcement 80. The bracket 92 is located behind the wall portion. In this example, the side wall 86 is located at the same height as the frontage of the connector portion 30. In this example, the bracket 92 is located behind the side wall 86.

[0046] The housing 24 is disposed inside the reinforcement 80. Here, the housing 24, excluding the protrusion 28, is disposed in the storage space 90 of the end cover 84E. The protrusion 28 protrudes downward from the bottom 85 through the recess 88 of the end cover 84E. The protrusion 28 does not have to protrude downward from the bottom 85. The connector portion 30 is located inside the side wall 86. The connector portion 30 may protrude outward from the side wall 86 through the opening 27.

[0047] The wire harness 40 connects the devices 20 together and transmits electricity or light. The devices 20 send signals or power to the mating devices via the wire harness 40. The wire harness 40 includes a mating connector 42 and a linear transmission member 44.

[0048] The mating connector 42 is connected to the connector portion 30. The mating connector 42 includes mating connector terminals and a mating connector housing. The mating connector terminals are connected to terminals of the connector portion 30. The mating connector housing holds the mating connector terminals. The mating connector housing mates with the connector housing of the connector portion 30. When the wire harness 40 transmits electricity, the mating connector terminals are conductors and the mating connector housing is an insulator.

[0049] The linear transmission member 44 extends from the mating connector 42. The linear transmission member 44 is a linear member that transmits electricity or light. For example, the linear transmission member 44 has a transmission line body and a coating layer. The transmission line body is a transmission path that transmits electricity or light. For example, if the linear transmission member 44 is an electric wire, the transmission line body is a conductor core wire. The conductor core wire is composed of one or more strands. The strands are formed from copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc. Furthermore, if the linear transmission member 44 is an optical fiber, the transmission line body is composed of a core and cladding. The coating layer is a layer that covers the transmission line body. The resin material that constitutes the coating layer is not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate. For example, the linear transmission member 44 may be a general electric wire having a core wire and a coating layer surrounding the core wire, or may be a shielded wire, twisted wire, enameled wire, nichrome wire, optical fiber, etc.

[0050] The linear transmission member 44 that transmits electricity may be any of various signal lines and power lines. A part of the linear transmission member 44 that transmits electricity may be used as an antenna, a coil, or the like that sends or receives a signal or power to or from space.

[0051] Furthermore, the linear transmission member 44 may be a single-core wire. A single-core wire is a single linear object. A single-core wire is a linear transmission member 44 with one transmission path. The linear transmission member 44 may be a multi-core wire. A multi-core wire is a composite of multiple linear objects. A multi-core wire is a linear transmission member 44 with multiple transmission paths. A multi-core wire may be, for example, a twisted wire, a cable in which multiple linear objects are assembled and covered with a sheath, or the like.

[0052] The wire harness 40 includes a first wire harness 40A and a second wire harness 40B. Each of the first wire harness 40A and the second wire harness 40B includes a linear transmission member 44 and a mating connector 42. The mating connector 42A of the first wire harness 40A is connected to the front connector portion 30A. The mating connector 42B of the second wire harness 40B is connected to the inner connector portion 30B. The linear transmission member 44 of the second wire harness 40B is arranged so as to extend along the reinforcement 80 inside the reinforcement 80. The first wire harness 40A extends from the mating connector 42A toward the other end so as to move away from the reinforcement 80. The second wire harness 40B extends from the mating connector 42B toward the other end so as to be parallel to the reinforcement 80.

[0053] Each of the first wire harness 40A and the second wire harness 40B includes a base material 46. The base material 46 holds the plurality of linear transmission members 44 in a flat state. The plurality of linear transmission members 44 are arranged side by side on the main surface of the base material 46. The linear transmission members 44 are fixed to the base material 46, thereby maintaining the parallel state. The base material 46 is formed into a shape corresponding to the path of the linear transmission members 44. Each linear transmission member 44 is fixed to the base material 46, thereby maintaining the linear transmission members 44 in an extended state corresponding to the path.

[0054] The manner in which the linear transmission member 44 and the base material 46 are fixed to each other is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. For example, the linear transmission member 44 and the base material 46 may be fixed to each other by fusion. In this case, a resin contained in at least one of the coating of the linear transmission member 44 and the main surface of the base material 46 melts and adheres to the surface of the mating member to be fixed. Alternatively, for example, the linear transmission member 44 and the base material 46 may be attached to each other by an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0055] The base material 46 is, for example, a flexible sheet material. The sheet material has flexibility that allows it to follow the bending of the linear transmission member 44. The base material 46 may also be a sheet that is hard enough to bend. For example, the sheet material may be a sheet containing a fibrous material such as a nonwoven fabric. The sheet material may also be a sheet having a solid cross section. The sheet material may also be a composite sheet in which multiple layers are laminated.

[0056] For example, when the linear transmission member 44 is fused to a sheet material, the sheet material may have a single-layer structure consisting of only a fusion layer, or may have a laminated structure consisting of a fusion layer and an additional layer. The fusion layer is a layer that is fused to the linear transmission member 44. For example, the fusion layer is made of the same type of resin material as the resin material that mainly constitutes the coating layer of the linear transmission member 44. Such a resin material may be, for example, PVC or polyolefin. The additional layer imparts functions that the fusion layer does not have or enhances the functions that the fusion layer has. For example, the fusion layer may be made of a sheet having a solid cross-section, and the additional layer may be made of a fibrous sheet such as a nonwoven fabric.

[0057] However, the wire harness 40 does not necessarily have to have the base material 46. The wire harness 40 may have a configuration in which a plurality of linear transmission members 44 are bundled into a circular bundle by a bundling member such as a cable tie or adhesive tape.

[0058] The first wire harness 40A may include, for example, a connector separate from the mating connector 42A. The first wire harness 40A may be connected to an engine room harness, a floor harness, a door harness, etc. via the connector. The engine room harness has a circuit connected to the equipment 20 in the engine room. The floor harness has a circuit connected to the floor equipment 20 (including the seat equipment 20). The door harness has a circuit connected to the door equipment 20. The connector may be located below the mating connector 42A. The linear transmission member 44 of the first wire harness 40A may extend from the mating connector 42A toward the front of the vehicle and then extend toward a connector located below.

[0059] The second wire harness 40B connects the devices 20 arranged at both ends of the reinforcement 80. The second wire harness 40B includes a pair of mating connectors 42 and a linear transmission member 44 that connects the pair of mating connectors 42. A portion of the second wire harness 40B where the base material 46 is provided is arranged inside the center cover 84C. The second wire harness 40B contacts the center cover 84C inside the center cover 84C. This allows heat from the linear transmission member 44 to be transferred to the center cover 84C, improving the heat dissipation of the second wire harness 40B. Here, the base material 46 of the second wire harness 40B contacts the inner surface of the bottom portion 85 of the center cover 84C. The linear transmission member 44 of the second wire harness 40B may contact the reinforcement 80. An end of the linear transmission member 44 of the second wire harness 40B extends from an end opening of the center cover 84C toward the accommodation space 90 of the end cover 84E. An end of the linear transmission member 44 of the second wire harness 40B is connected to the device 20 via a mating connector 42 in the accommodation space 90 of the end cover 84E.

[0060] The second wire harness 40B may have only a circuit that connects the devices 20. In this case, the second wire harness 40B does not have a branched portion and extends linearly along the reinforcement 80.

[0061] The second wire harness 40B may have a circuit separate from the circuit connecting the devices 20 to each other. The circuit may branch off from the circuit connecting the devices 20 to each other. The second wire harness 40B may have a main line extending along the reinforcement 80 and a branch line branching from the main line and extending away from the reinforcement 80. The branch line may branch off at any position relative to the main line. For example, the branch line may branch off at an intermediate portion of the main line. In this case, an opening 87B (see FIG. 5) may be formed in the center cover 84C, and the branch line may extend outward from the center cover 84C through the opening 87B of the center cover 84C. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the opening 87B is formed in a rear side wall 86C of the center cover 84C. The opening 87B is formed in a bottom 85C or a front side wall 86C of the center cover 84C. The branch line may branch off at an end of the main line. In this case, the branch wire may extend from the end of the center cover 84C, pass through the storage space 90 of the end cover 84E, and extend outside the reinforcement 80 from the opening between the bottom 85 of the end cover 84E and the bottom 85 of the center cover 84C.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the second wire harness 40B has a laminated structure in which a plurality of flat wiring bodies, each having a base material 46 and a linear transmission member 44, are stacked. The base materials 46 are fixed to each other by fusion or the like to maintain the laminated structure. The fixing portions between the base materials 46 are provided, for example, on the side edges of the base materials 46. In the flat wiring body of the outermost layer, the base material 46 is positioned outside the linear transmission member 44. As a result, the linear transmission member 44 of each layer is disposed between the base materials 46. The second wire harness 40B may have a single-layer structure in which only one flat wiring body, each having a base material 46 and a linear transmission member 44, is provided. The first wire harness 40A may have a laminated structure in which a plurality of flat wiring bodies are stacked, or may have a single-layer structure in which only one flat wiring body is provided.

[0063] At least one surface of the housing 24 is in contact with the reinforcement 80. This makes it easier for heat from the device main body 22 to be transferred to the reinforcement 80 via the housing 24, improving the heat dissipation of the device 20. Here, the bottom surface of the housing 24 is in contact with the inner surface (top surface) of the bottom 85 of the end cover 84E. The front or rear surface of the housing 24 may be in contact with the inner surface of the side wall 86. The top surface of the housing 24 may be in contact with the bottom surface of the main body member 82. If there is a gap between the outer surface of the housing 24 and the inner surface of the reinforcement 80, a heat conductive member (such as a sheet or grease) may be provided to fill the gap.

[0064] Fastening members 94 are fastened to the top, front, and rear surfaces of the main body member 82. The tips of the fastening members 94 reach the internal space of the main body member 82. The second wire harness 40B is disposed within the center cover 84C below the main body member 82. Since the wire harness 40 is not disposed on the top, front, or rear surface or inside the main body member 82, interference between the fastening members 94 and the wire harness 40 is suppressed. This makes it less likely that the second wire harness 40B will get in the way of the bracket 92 or the like.

[0065] Here, two types of connectors are provided as the connector unit 30. Similarly, two types of mating connectors are provided as the mating connector 42. The front connector unit 30A1 and mating connector 42A1 shown in FIG. 4 are for high-speed communication. Similarly, the inner connector unit 30B1 and mating connector 42B1 shown in FIG. 9 are for high-speed communication. The linear transmission member 44 connected to the mating connectors 42A1 and 42B1 is, for example, a twisted wire. The front connector unit 30A2 and mating connector 42A2 shown in FIG. 4 are used for purposes other than high-speed communication, such as power transmission or low-speed communication. The same is true for the inner connector unit 30B2 and mating connector 42B2 shown in FIG. 9. The linear transmission member 44 connected to the mating connectors 42A2 and 42B2 is, for example, a general electric wire such as a power line or a signal line.

[0066] Here, the linear transmission members 44 connected to the mating connector 42 are bundled together by the base material 46. The linear transmission members 44 connected to the mating connector 42 may also be bundled together by the base material 46. The linear transmission members 44 connected to the mating connector 42 may extend separately from the linear transmission members 44 connected to the mating connector 42.

[0067] <Assembly process> The following describes an example of the assembly process for the equipment module 10 and the reinforcement 80. The order of the following steps can be changed as needed.

[0068] First, the center cover 84C is fixed to the main body member 82, and the second wire harness 40B is passed through the accommodation space 90 of the center cover 84C. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, the middle portion of the second wire harness 40B is accommodated in the accommodation space 90 of the center cover 84C, and both ends extend out from the accommodation space 90 of the center cover 84C. In this state, the mating connector 42 of the second wire harness 40B is connected to the inner connector portion 30B of the device 20, the device 20 is accommodated in the end cover 84E, and the end cover 84E is fastened to the main body member 82.

[0069] As a result, the reinforcement 80, the device 20, and the second wire harness 40B are integrated together to form an intermediate assembly as shown in Figure 6. Such an intermediate assembly can be considered a reinforcement 80 module. Next, brackets 92 are fixed to the intermediate assembly. Next, the mating connector 42 of the first wire harness 40A is connected to the front connector portion 30A of the device 20, and each bracket 92 of the reinforcement 80 is fixed to its mating counterpart.

[0070] <Effects, etc.> In the equipment module 10 configured as described above, the connector unit 30 is located in front of the wall portion that forms the reinforcement 80, so when trying to access the connector unit 30 from inside the vehicle cabin, it is necessary to reach forward beyond the wall portion, which makes it difficult to access the connector unit 30 from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0071] In addition, the opening of the connector unit 30 is located at the same height as the wall. This means that when trying to access the connector unit 30 from inside the vehicle, it is necessary to reach out and reach toward the connector unit 30, which is located in front of the wall. This makes it more difficult to access the connector unit 30 from inside the vehicle.

[0072] In addition, the bracket 92 is located behind the wall. This means that when trying to access the connector unit 30 from inside the vehicle, it is necessary to turn your hand around the bracket 92. This makes it more difficult to access the connector unit 30 from inside the vehicle.

[0073] Furthermore, the opening of the front connector unit 30A faces the front of the vehicle 70. As a result, when disconnecting the front connector unit 30A and the mating connector 42, it is necessary to move the mating connector 42 toward the front of the vehicle 70, making it difficult to disconnect the mating connector 42 and access the front connector unit 30A. In particular, in this example, the front connector unit 30A is the only connector unit 30 in which the mating connector 42 is inserted and removed outside the reinforcement 80. This makes it even more difficult to access the connector unit 30 of the device 20 from the vehicle interior.

[0074] Furthermore, the opening of the inner connector portion 30B is disposed in the accommodation space 90 of the reinforcement 80 and faces the vehicle width direction. As a result, when disconnecting the inner connector portion 30B from the mating connector 42, it is necessary to access the inside of the reinforcement 80, which makes it difficult to access due to the inner connector portion 30B.

[0075] Furthermore, the linear transmission member 44 of the second wire harness 40B is arranged to extend along the reinforcement 80 in the accommodation space 90 of the reinforcement 80. This makes it difficult to access the linear transmission member 44 of the second wire harness 40B, and makes it difficult to pull the linear transmission member 44 to remove the mating connector 42.

[0076] Furthermore, the device 20 is an ECU. This makes it difficult to access the connector section 30 of the ECU, and makes it possible to prevent unauthorized access to the control circuit of the ECU.

[0077] [Note] Although device 20 has been described above as including both inner connector portion 30B and front connector portion 30A, this is not a required configuration. Device 20 may be configured to include only one of inner connector portion 30B and front connector portion 30A.

[0078] Furthermore, although the device 20 has been described above as being incorporated into the reinforcement 80, this is not a required configuration. The device 20 may be located at a position separate from the reinforcement 80, around the periphery of the reinforcement 80.

[0079] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10 Equipment Module 20 equipment 22 Device body 24 cabinets 25 Box-shaped body 27 Aperture 28 Convex part 29 Lid 30 Connector part 30A, 30A1, 30A2 Front connector 30B, 30B1, 30B2 inner connector part 40 Wire harness 40A 1st Wire Harness 40B Second Wire Harness 42, 42A, 42A1, 42A2, 42B, 42B1, 42B2 Mating Connector 44 Linear transmission member 46 Base material 70 vehicles 72 Instrument Panel 74 Dash Panel 76 seats 78 Steering Wheel 80 Reinforcement 82 Main body member 84 Cover member 84C Center cover (cover material) 84E End cover (cover part) 85, 85C, 85E bottom 86, 86C, 86E side wall 87A, 87B opening 88 recess 89 Extension wall 90 Containment Space 92, 92A bracket 94 Fastening members

Claims

1. An equipment module that is disposed in an internal space of a vehicle instrument panel together with a reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction, a device including a device main body, a housing that covers the device main body, and a connector portion that is connected to the device main body and exposed on an outer surface of the housing; a wire harness including a mating connector connected to the connector portion and a linear transmission member extending from the mating connector; Equipped with An equipment module in which the connector portion has an opening located forward of the wall portion that forms the reinforcement.

2. 10. The instrument module of claim 1, The equipment module, wherein the frontage is located at the same height as the wall portion.

3. 3. The device module according to claim 1 or claim 2, The reinforcement is provided with a bracket, The bracket is located behind the wall.

4. 3. The device module according to claim 1 or claim 2, the device includes a front connector portion as the connector portion, The front connector portion of the equipment module has an opening facing forward of the vehicle.

5. 3. The device module according to claim 1 or claim 2, The reinforcement has an accommodation space and is formed in an elongated shape in the vehicle width direction, the device includes an inner connector portion as the connector portion, The opening of the inner connector portion is disposed in the accommodation space of the reinforcement and faces the vehicle width direction.

6. 6. The instrument module of claim 5, The linear transmission member is arranged to extend along the reinforcement in the accommodation space of the reinforcement.

7. 3. The device module according to claim 1 or claim 2, The reinforcement has an accommodation space and is formed in an elongated shape in the vehicle width direction, the device includes a front connector portion and an inner connector portion as the connector portion, the front connector portion faces the front of the vehicle; The opening of the inner connector portion is disposed in the accommodation space of the reinforcement and faces the vehicle width direction.

8. 8. The instrument module of claim 7, the wire harness includes a first wire harness and a second wire harness, each of which includes the linear transmission member and the mating connector; the mating connector of the first wire harness is connected to the front connector portion, The mating connector of the second wire harness is connected to the inner connector portion, The linear transmission member of the second wire harness is arranged inside the reinforcement so as to extend along the reinforcement.

9. 3. The device module according to claim 1 or claim 2, The instrument module, wherein the instrument is an electronic control unit.

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