Utility post as a mounting base for an in-vehicle device and installation method thereof

Abstract

To provide a fitting post as a foundation for flexibly and properly mounting an on-vehicle apparatus on a vehicle interior, and its installation method.SOLUTION: This utility pole 1 is installed so as to connect an A pillar or an A pillar lining 31 and a dashboard 2, and the utility pole 1 is fixed by using optional several parts of the A pillar or the A pillar lining 31 and the dashboard 2 as support points, and an on-vehicle apparatus or its holding part is installed between both ends of the utility pole 1 or a connecting part of various forms arranged between the both ends.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixture post as an auxiliary part for mounting an in-vehicle device and to an installation method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, vehicles have come equipped with a variety of standard features that aid in driving, improving convenience, safety, and comfort.

[0003] However, even though many vehicles have high standards for these functions by manufacturer standards, some vehicles may omit these functions due to the manufacturer's design philosophy, vehicle manufacturing costs, grade development, etc. Furthermore, even if these functions are provided, they may not meet the needs of users.

[0004] Therefore, parts manufacturers and the like have proposed a wide variety of auxiliary parts to compensate for and fulfill the deficiencies in various functions, providing users with options for adding or improving various functions.

[0005] In this context, there are a variety of auxiliary parts that can be fixed to the A-pillar or its interior lining, allowing users to attach in-vehicle devices such as smartphones, speakers, and auxiliary mirrors to the vehicle interior.

[0006] As mentioned above, it is often useful to install auxiliary parts on the A-pillar or its interior lining. However, depending on the vehicle equipment, it may not be possible to install it in an effective location, or even if it can be installed, it may impair the vehicle's original functions such as ventilation, or it may significantly impair the interior design. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2010-234891

[0008] [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-059185 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, in this invention, we propose a more rational method than the conventional method of installing auxiliary parts for vehicle-mounted equipment on the A-pillar or its lining, in which a fixture pillar as an auxiliary part is installed using several support points, namely the A-pillar or its lining and the dashboard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to a fixture post as a mounting base for vehicle-mounted equipment and a method for installing the fixture post inside a vehicle, wherein the fixture post is hollow or solid and can have connecting parts such as screws, balls, grooves, holes, and protrusions between both ends for attaching the vehicle-mounted equipment or its retaining parts, and when installing the fixture post inside a vehicle, one end of the fixture post is fixed by attaching, hooking, fitting, etc. to the A-pillar or its interior lining, and the other end is fixed to the dashboard in a similar manner, and the fixture post is installed so as to connect the vehicle A-pillar or its interior lining to the dashboard.

[0011] The fixture post is installed so that it has at least two support points: the A-pillar or its lining and the dashboard, and both ends of the fixture post are shaped so that they can easily come off in a specific direction or be easily broken in a specific direction.The fixture post itself can also be designed to be easily broken as long as it does not impede its original purpose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The fixture post as a mounting base for vehicle-mounted equipment of the present invention is stably installed by fixing it to at least two support points: an A-pillar or any point on its interior lining, and any point on the dashboard. By making both ends of the fixture post or the fixture post itself easily destructible or disassembled, it is possible to minimize interference with movement around the dashboard when the airbag is deployed. Furthermore, by optimizing the shape and installation position of the fixture post for each vehicle, it is possible to install the vehicle-mounted equipment without interfering with the vehicle's original functions such as ventilation or the driver's field of view. Furthermore, by devising the shape and placement of the fixture post, it is possible to harmonize the fixture post with the design of the vehicle interior, thereby achieving a more sophisticated interior space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of the vehicle interior in a state where the device is installed on the left side of the vehicle interior. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the left-side interior fixture column from an oblique angle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the left-side interior fixture column from the front. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the left-side interior fixture column from an oblique angle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the left-side interior fixture column from an oblique angle to the right. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic view of the left-side interior fixture column from an oblique angle to the right. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the fixture column. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for installing a fixture pillar in the interior of the left side of a vehicle (Example 1). [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an external view showing the results of the installation of the fixture pillar (Example 2). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for installing a fixture pillar in the interior of the left side of a vehicle (Example 3). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for installing a fixture pillar in the interior of the left side of a vehicle (Example 3). [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is an external view showing the results of installing a fixture pillar in the interior of the left side of the vehicle (Example 4). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an external view showing the results of installing a fixture pillar in the interior of the left side of the vehicle (Example 5). [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an external view showing the results of installing a fixture pillar in the interior of the left side of the vehicle (Example 6). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an external view showing the results of installing a fixture pillar in the interior of the left side of the vehicle (Example 7). [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an external view showing the results of installing a fixture pillar in the interior of the left side of the vehicle (Example 8). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The purpose of making it possible to install the on-board equipment in a more suitable position in the vehicle with a high degree of freedom is realized by providing a built-in pillar 1 equipped with a connection part 13 for the on-board equipment or its holding parts, which is installed so as to connect the A-pillar 3 or its lining 31 and the dashboard 2.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows the fixture post 1 of the present invention installed inside a vehicle. The fixture post 1 is attached to the A-pillar lining 31 and dashboard 2 with double-sided tape or adhesive. The figure shows the present invention installed inside the left side of the vehicle. When installed inside the right side, the state is roughly symmetrical to the figure. However, parts of the vehicle interior other than those necessary for explanation are omitted.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of one form of fixture post 1. Ends 11 of fixture post 1 are shaped to fit the shapes of the A-pillar or its interior lining and the relevant part of the dashboard that they contact, and are joined to the relevant parts with double-sided tape or adhesive. In addition, connection parts 13 are provided between both ends of fixture post 1 for attaching on-board equipment or its holding parts.

[0017] Figure 3 is a front view of one form of fixture post 1. A hook 12 is formed on the end of the fixture post, and it is designed to hook onto a receiving part separately provided on the A-pillar or its interior lining or the dashboard. This shape of the fixture post end is expected to easily detach when the airbag is deployed, and to have the effect of minimizing the obstruction of dashboard movement.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one form of fixture post 1. The dashboard-side end 14 of the fixture post is shaped to fit into the air vent, allowing for more rational and stable attachment to the dashboard. The fixture post is also hollowed out in a semi-cylindrical shape, minimizing obstruction to the airflow from the air vent.

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of one form of fixture post 1. The end of fixture post 1 on the A-pillar side is provided with a hook 15 that can be inserted into the gap between the A-pillar and its interior lining, allowing the end of the fixture post to be stably joined to the A-pillar or its interior lining without the need for a separate hook receiving part or double-sided tape.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one form of fixture post 1. Speaker holes 16 are provided between both ends of fixture post 1, making it possible to relocate or add speakers. In addition, by making fixture post 1 hollow, it is also possible to run speaker wiring inside.

[0021] Figure 7 is an exploded view of one form of fixture post 1. The end 21 of the fixture post has a ball joint structure in which a ball portion 18 and a ball receiving portion 19 are combined, and the ball receiving portion 19 is flexibly joined to the A-pillar or its interior lining or the dashboard. Also provided is a connection unit 17 equipped with a connection portion 13 that can slide and rotate around the columnar portion between both ends of the fixture post. [Example]

[0022] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of a method for implementing the present invention, in which the fixture pillar 1 and the method for implementing it are the present invention. The figure shows the present invention and the dashboard 2, A-pillar 3, A-pillar lining 31, air vent on the dashboard, door panel, and front window of a vehicle to which it is applied. As shown in Figure 8, the fixture pillar 1 is installed by joining it to the A-pillar 3 or its lining 31 and the dashboard 2. However, the figure shows the interior of the left side of the vehicle, and parts other than those necessary for explanation have been omitted or simplified. [Example]

[0023] Fig. 9 is an external view of one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 9, both ends of the fixture pillar 1 are attached to the A-pillar lining 31 and the dashboard 2 with double-sided tape or the like. However, the drawing shows the interior of the left side of the vehicle, and parts other than those necessary for explanation are omitted or simplified. [Example]

[0024] 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams of a method for implementing the present invention, in which the end of the fixture post 1 is shaped like a hook. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the fixture post 1 is fixed in place by hooking the hook 12 at its end into the A-pillar lining 31 and a hook receiving part 33 provided on the dashboard 2. The hook and its receiving part are shaped to easily come off in a specific direction so as not to interfere with movement around the dashboard when the airbag is deployed. However, the diagrams show the interior of the left side of the vehicle, and parts other than those necessary for explanation have been omitted or simplified. [Example]

[0025] Figure 12 is an external view of one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 12, the fixture pillar 1 is fixed in place by hooks on both ends that hook onto the A-pillar lining 31 and hook receiving parts 33 attached to the dashboard 2. However, the figure shows the interior of the left side of the vehicle, and parts other than those necessary for explanation are omitted or simplified. [Example]

[0026] Figure 13 is an external view of one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 13, end 14 of fixture post 1 is fixed by fitting it into the air vent of dashboard 2, and the other end of fixture post 1 is fixed to A-pillar lining 31 with double-sided tape or the like. End 14 of fixture post 1 has an opening that matches the shape of the air vent, and fixture post 1 itself is semi-cylindrical in shape so as not to obstruct the flow of air from the air vent. However, the figure shows the interior of the left side of the vehicle, and parts other than those necessary for explanation have been omitted or simplified. [Example]

[0027] Figure 14 is an external view of one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 14, end 15 of fixture pillar 1 is fixed by being inserted into gap 32 between A-pillar 3 and A-pillar lining 31, and the other end is fixed to dashboard 2 with double-sided tape or the like. However, the figure shows the interior of the left side of the vehicle, and parts other than those necessary for explanation are omitted or simplified. [Example]

[0028] Figure 15 is an external view of one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 15, the end 21 of the fixture pillar 1 is joined to the A-pillar lining 31 and the dashboard 2 with double-sided tape or the like. The flexible movement of the end 21 allows for a high degree of freedom in the joining position of the fixture pillar end. However, the figure shows the interior of the left side of the vehicle, and parts other than those necessary for explanation are omitted or simplified. [Example]

[0029] Figure 16 is an external view of one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a fixture post 1 of the present invention is installed inside a vehicle, and an auxiliary mirror 41, which is an on-board device for covering the blind spot of the door mirror, is connected to the connection part of the on-board device. However, the figure shows the interior of the left side of the vehicle, and parts other than those necessary for explanation are omitted or simplified. [Industrial Applicability]

[0030] The present invention proposes a fixture pillar that connects the A-pillar or its interior lining to the dashboard for the purpose of providing additional mounting locations for vehicle-mounted devices. By using the fixture pillar as a mounting base for vehicle-mounted devices, a wider variety of vehicle-mounted devices can be mounted in more optimal locations than conventional methods that directly mount vehicle-mounted devices to the A-pillar or its interior lining. Specifically, it is anticipated that a dashcam, auxiliary camera, large auxiliary mirror, etc. can be mounted. Furthermore, the fixture pillar's shape and installation position can be optimally designed for each vehicle, and by positioning the fixture pillar so that it overlaps the A-pillar from the driver's perspective, it can be operated without obstructing the driver's field of vision. Furthermore, by carefully selecting the fixture pillar's installation position or shape, it is possible to avoid interfering with the airflow from the dashboard vents or the operation around the dashboard when the airbag is deployed, allowing for operation without impairing the vehicle's original functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 1. Attached pillar 2. Dashboard 3 A-pillar 11 End of built-in column 12 Column end (hook) 13 Connection 14. Column end (for ventilation) 15 End of fitting pillar (for the gap between the A-pillar and the A-pillar lining) 16 holes (for speakers) 17 Connection unit 18 Ball section 19 Ball receiving part 21 Column end (ball joint) 31 A-pillar lining 32 Gap between the A-pillar and the A-pillar lining 33 Hook receiving part 41 Auxiliary mirror (vehicle equipment)

Claims

1. A solid or hollow columnar part that can be provided with connecting parts such as screws, balls, grooves, holes, or irregularities between both ends for attaching on-vehicle equipment or its retaining parts, and is installed in a manner that fixes it to at least two points, the A-pillar (3) of a vehicle or its interior lining (31) and the dashboard (2), as support points, as a mounting base for on-vehicle equipment, and its installation method.

2. 2. The fixture post as a mounting base for vehicle-mounted equipment of claim 1, and its installation method, wherein the end of the fixture post (1) is shaped to fit the shape of the A-pillar (3) or its interior lining (31) or the dashboard (2) where the end is to be joined.

3. 3. A mounting base for vehicle-mounted equipment according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the end of the mounting base (1) is shaped to fit into or hook onto a receiving part separately provided at the location where the end joins or will be fixed on the A-pillar (3) or its interior lining (31) or dashboard (2).

4. 4. A fixture pillar as a mounting base for vehicle-mounted equipment and its installation method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the end of the fixture pillar (1) is provided with a movable joint structure such as a ball joint, and the end can flexibly follow the joint with the A-pillar (3) or its lining (31) or the dashboard (2).

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