Vehicle superstructure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle superstructure that can improve the aesthetic appeal. [Solution] The vehicle 10 comprises a roof lining 20 that forms the ceiling of the passenger compartment, an overhead console 16 provided on the ceiling, an equipment unit fixed to the upper part of the windshield, and a cover 15 that covers the equipment unit from the passenger compartment side. The cover 15 and the overhead console 16 are aligned in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The upper structure of the vehicle 10 comprises a camera bracket 13b fixed to the windshield and a roof-side bracket 17 fixed to the roof lining 20. The front part 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The rear part 15b of the cover 15 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 relative to the roof-side bracket 17.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the upper structure of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an upper structure of a vehicle including an overhead console provided on the ceiling of a passenger compartment, a sensor unit fixed to the upper part of a windshield, and a sensor cover covering the sensor unit from the passenger compartment side.

[0003] In recent years, with the expansion of sensors, the sensor covers for accommodating them have been growing in size. And in order to secure a further accommodation volume, it has been demanded to integrate the sensor cover and the overhead console so that they are continuously arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Due to manufacturing errors or assembly errors of parts, variations occur in the positional relationship between the sensor cover and the overhead console. When the positional relationship between the sensor cover and the overhead console is not the desired positional relationship, the design quality of the upper structure of the vehicle deteriorates in the integrated structure. In particular, when a gap occurs between the rear part of the sensor cover and the front part of the overhead console in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the continuity between the sensor cover and the overhead console is impaired, so the design quality of the upper structure of the vehicle is likely to deteriorate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle superstructure that solves the above problem comprises a roof lining that constitutes the ceiling of the passenger compartment, an overhead console provided on the ceiling, an equipment unit fixed to the upper part of the windshield, and a cover that covers the equipment unit from the passenger compartment side, wherein the cover and the overhead console are arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle superstructure and comprise a glass-side bracket fixed to the windshield and a roof-side bracket fixed to the roof lining, the front part of the cover is attached to the glass-side bracket so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the rear part of the cover is attached to the roof-side bracket so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the cover is movable in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle while attached to the glass-side bracket and the roof-side bracket. Therefore, by moving the cover backward after assembling the cover and overhead console, the positional relationship can be adjusted so that there is no gap between the rear of the cover and the front of the overhead console in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. Thus, the aesthetic design of the vehicle's superstructure can be improved.

[0008] Regarding the vehicle's superstructure, the rear of the cover is provided with a rear projection, and an elastically deformable clip is attached to the rear projection. The roof-side bracket has holes into which the rear projection and the clip are inserted. The rear of the cover is attached to the roof-side bracket when the clip is locked into the holes, and the elastic deformability of the clip allows the cover to move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle relative to the roof-side bracket.

[0009] With the above configuration, the cover can move in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle while attached to the roof-side bracket, using a simple structure. Regarding the vehicle's superstructure, the front portion of the cover is preferably attached to the glass-side bracket so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the rear portion of the cover is preferably attached to the roof-side bracket so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the cover can move not only in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle but also in the left-to-right direction. Therefore, after assembling the cover and overhead console, the cover can be moved in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle to adjust it so that the center of the cover and the center of the overhead console coincide in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle. Thus, the aesthetic design of the vehicle's superstructure can be further improved.

[0011] Regarding the vehicle's superstructure, the cover has a cover body located in front of the overhead console, and the lower surface of the cover body is preferably on the same plane as the lower surface of the overhead console.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the continuity between the cover and the overhead console is improved, thereby further enhancing the aesthetic design of the vehicle's superstructure. Regarding the vehicle's superstructure, the cover further has a wrap portion extending upward and backward from the rear end of the cover body, and the front of the overhead console preferably covers the wrap portion from below.

[0013] With the above configuration, the rear of the cover and the front of the overhead console overlap, making it possible to more reliably avoid gaps between the rear of the cover and the front of the overhead console in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, even if a gap exists between the cover body and the overhead console in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, the overlapping section is located beyond that gap in the line of sight of the vehicle's occupants. Therefore, occupants can easily perceive a sense of continuity between the cover and the overhead console. Consequently, the aesthetic design of the vehicle's superstructure can be further improved.

[0015] Furthermore, even if there is a gap between the wrap portion and the overhead console in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the gap is hidden by the overhead console in the line of sight of the occupant. Therefore, the gap is difficult for the occupant to visually recognize. Accordingly, the design property of the upper structure of the vehicle can be further improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the design property of the upper structure of the vehicle can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an upper structure of a vehicle as viewed from the passenger compartment side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an upper structure of a vehicle as viewed from the roof side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a front attachment portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the front attachment portion taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a rear attachment portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rear attachment portion taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an upper structure of a vehicle.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the upper structure of the vehicle is embodied will be described according to FIGS. 1 to 7. In the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” refer to “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” when the driver of the vehicle is facing forward (forward direction). The left-right direction is also the vehicle width direction.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 includes a windshield 11 and a roof 12. The roof 12 has a roof lining 20 and a roof panel (not shown). The roof lining 20 constitutes the ceiling Ra of the passenger compartment R. The roof panel is located above the roof lining 20. The roof lining 20 covers the roof panel from the passenger compartment R side.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the roof lining 20 has a recess 21 that recesses rearward from the front edge 20a of the vehicle 10. The recess 21 is provided at the center of the roof lining 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0021] The vehicle 10 includes a camera unit 13 as a device unit. The camera unit 13 has a camera 13a and a camera bracket 13b that holds the camera 13a. The camera 13a photographs the front of the vehicle 10. The camera bracket 13b is attached to the upper part of the surface on the passenger compartment R side of the windshield 11. Thereby, the camera unit 13 is fixed to the upper part of the windshield 11 in the passenger compartment R. The camera bracket 13b of the present embodiment constitutes a glass side bracket fixed to the windshield 11. The camera bracket 13b of the present embodiment has a bracket main body 30 and a mirror mounting portion 31 that extends forward from the bracket main body 30. A rearview mirror 31a is attached to the mirror mounting portion 31.

[0022] The vehicle 10 includes two sensor units 14 as device units. Each sensor unit 14 has a sensor (not shown) and a sensor case 14a that houses the sensor. The sensor case 14a is attached to the upper part of the surface on the passenger compartment R side of the windshield 11. Thereby, the sensor unit 14 is fixed to the upper part of the windshield 11 in the passenger compartment R.

[0023] Vehicle 10 is equipped with a cover 15 that covers the equipment unit from the passenger compartment side R. In this embodiment, the cover 15 covers the camera 13a of the camera unit 13, the bracket body 30 of the camera bracket 13b, and the two sensor units 14 from the passenger compartment side R. The edges of the cover 15 in this embodiment are erected toward the windshield 11. As will be described in detail later, the front part 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b. The rear part 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17, which will be described later.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is equipped with an overhead console 16. The overhead console 16 is mounted on the ceiling Ra of the passenger compartment R. The overhead console 16 is fixed to the roof panel. The overhead console 16 is located within a recess 21 of the roof lining 20. The lower surface 16a of the overhead console 16 is exposed to the passenger compartment R. The lower surface 16a of the overhead console 16 is provided with a map lamp, switches, storage compartments, etc. (not shown).

[0025] The cover 15 and the overhead console 16 are aligned in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The overhead console 16 is located behind the cover 15. The roof lining 20 is not located between the cover 15 and the overhead console 16. Therefore, the cover 15 and the overhead console 16 are aligned continuously in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 10. Each equipment unit is connected to a harness (not shown) that is routed from inside the roof 12, across the boundary between the cover 15 and the overhead console 16, and into the cover 15.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a roof-side bracket 17. The roof-side bracket 17 in this embodiment is rectangular in shape. The roof-side bracket 17 has a front frame portion 71, a rear frame portion 72, a left frame portion 73, and a right frame portion 74. The front frame portion 71 and the rear frame portion 72 each extend in the vehicle width direction. The rear frame portion 72 is located behind the front frame portion 71. The left frame portion 73 connects the left end of the front frame portion 71 and the left end of the rear frame portion 72 in the front-rear direction. The right frame portion 74 connects the right end of the front frame portion 71 and the right end of the rear frame portion 72 in the front-rear direction.

[0027] The roof-side bracket 17 is located within the roof 12. The roof-side bracket 17 is located between the roof panel and the roof lining 20. The roof-side bracket 17 is positioned to surround the overhead console 16. The roof-side bracket 17 is fixed to the roof lining 20. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the roof-side bracket 17 is fixed to the roof lining 20 with adhesive.

[0028] The vehicle 10 includes a front mounting portion 10a to which the front part 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b, and a rear mounting portion 10b to which the rear part 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17. In this embodiment, there are two front mounting portions 10a and two rear mounting portions 10b, spaced apart in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the front mounting portion 10a of this embodiment is composed of a front projection 51 provided on the cover 15 and a groove 32 provided on the camera bracket 13b. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, the left-side front mounting portion 10a of the two front mounting portions 10a is shown.

[0030] The front projection 51 is provided on the front part 15a of the cover 15. In this embodiment, the front projection 51 is provided on both ends of the cover 15 in the vehicle width direction. Each front projection 51 protrudes from the cover 15 toward the bracket body 30 of the camera bracket 13b. Of the two front mounting parts 10a, the front projection 51 of the left-side front mounting part 10a protrudes to the right from the portion of the cover 15 where the left edge is erected. Of the two front mounting parts 10a, the front projection 51 of the right-side front mounting part 10a protrudes to the left from the portion of the cover 15 where the right edge is erected.

[0031] The grooves 32 are provided in the bracket body 30. In this embodiment, the grooves 32 are provided at both ends of the bracket body 30 in the vehicle width direction. Each groove 32 is recessed from the front to the rear of the bracket body 30. Of the two front mounting portions 10a, the groove 32 opens on the left side of the bracket body 30 in the left-side front mounting portion 10a. Of the two front mounting portions 10a, the groove 32 opens on the right side of the bracket body 30 in the right-side front mounting portion 10a.

[0032] The bracket body 30 has an upper section screen 32a, a lower section screen 32b, a first section screen 32c, and a second section screen 32d as surfaces that demarcate the groove 32. The first section screen 32c is a surface that extends along the vehicle width direction. The second section screen 32d is a surface that extends along the front-rear direction.

[0033] The front portion 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b by inserting the front projection 51 into the groove 32. When the front projection 51 is inserted into the groove 32, the upper surface of the front projection 51 is in contact with the upper section screen 32a, and the lower surface of the front projection 51 is in contact with the lower section screen 32b. In other words, the front projection 51 is sandwiched vertically between the upper section screen 32a and the lower section screen 32b. Therefore, the front portion 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b in a way that prevents it from moving vertically.

[0034] The front portion 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. Specifically, when the front projection 51 is inserted into the groove 32, a gap is provided between the rear surface of the front projection 51 and the first section screen 32c. Therefore, the front portion 15a of the cover 15 is movable backward relative to the camera bracket 13b. Also, the groove 32 is open on the front surface of the bracket body 30. Therefore, the front portion 15a of the cover 15 is movable forward relative to the camera bracket 13b.

[0035] The front portion 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b so as to be movable in the left-right direction. Specifically, when the front projection 51 is inserted into the groove 32, a gap is provided between the second section screen 32d and the front projection 51. The groove 32 is open on the left or right side of the bracket body 30. Therefore, the front portion 15a of the cover 15 is movable in the left-right direction relative to the camera bracket 13b.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear mounting portion 10b of this embodiment is composed of a rear projection 52 provided on the cover 15, a clip 18 attached to the rear projection 52, and a hole 75 provided on the roof-side bracket 17.

[0037] The rear projection 52 is provided on the rear portion 15b of the cover 15. In this embodiment, the rear projection 52 is provided on both ends of the cover 15 in the vehicle width direction. The rear projection 52 in this embodiment is thin plate-shaped. Each rear projection 52 extends upward and rearward from the cover 15. The direction in which the rear projection 52 extends from the cover 15 is called the first direction X. The direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the vehicle width direction is called the second direction Y. The second direction Y is parallel to the plate thickness direction of the rear projection 52.

[0038] The clip 18 has a clamping portion 81 for attaching the clip 18 to the rear projection 52. The clamping portion 81 has a pair of clamping pieces 81a extending in a first direction X. The rear projection 52 is clamped in a second direction Y by the pair of clamping pieces 81a. In this way, the clip 18 is attached to the rear projection 52. At the tip end of the rear projection 52, the pair of clamping pieces 81a are connected to each other.

[0039] The clip 18 has a locking portion 82 for locking the clip 18 into the hole 75. In this embodiment, the locking portions 82 are provided on both sides of the clamping portion 81 in the vehicle width direction. Each locking portion 82 has a pair of locking pieces 82a extending in a first direction X. The rear projection 52 is located between the pair of locking pieces 82a in a second direction Y. At the tip of the rear projection 52, the pair of locking pieces 82a are connected to each other.

[0040] With the clip 18 attached to the rear projection 52, the locking portion 82 is elastically deformable so that the pair of locking pieces 82a move closer to each other. Therefore, the elastically deformable clip 18 is attached to the rear projection 52. When the locking portion 82 is elastically deformed so that the pair of locking pieces 82a move closer to each other, the dimensions of the locking portion 82 in the second direction Y become smaller.

[0041] The locking portion 82 has an enlarged portion 83 and a constricted portion 84. The enlarged portion 83 is the part in the second direction Y where the dimensions of the locking portion 82 increase as you move from the tip side to the base side of the rear projection 52 in the first direction X. The constricted portion 84 is located closer to the base end of the rear projection 52 than the enlarged portion 83 in the first direction X. The dimensions of the constricted portion 84 in the second direction Y are smaller than the maximum dimensions of the enlarged portion 83 in the second direction Y.

[0042] The holes 75 are provided in the front frame portion 71 of the roof-side bracket 17. In this embodiment, the holes 75 are provided at both ends of the front frame portion 71 in the vehicle width direction. Each hole 75 penetrates the front frame portion 71 in the first direction X.

[0043] When the locking portion 82 is not elastically deformed, the dimension of the constricted portion 84 in the second direction Y is greater than or equal to the dimension of the hole 75 in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, when the locking portion 82 is not elastically deformed, the dimension of the constricted portion 84 in the second direction Y is greater than the dimension of the hole 75 in the second direction Y. The dimension of the constricted portion 84 in the first direction X is greater than the dimension of the hole 75 in the first direction X. The dimension of the rear projection 52 in the vehicle width direction is smaller than the dimension of the hole 75 in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] The rear projection 52 and the clip 18 are inserted through the hole 75. The locking portion 82 of the clip 18 is inserted through the hole 75 by elastic deformation of a pair of locking pieces 82a so that they move closer together.

[0045] With the rear projection 52 and the clip 18 inserted into the hole 75, the constricted portion 84 of the locking portion 82 is located inside the hole 75. The pair of locking pieces 82a of the locking portion 82 are each in contact with the inner circumferential surface 75a that defines the hole 75. Therefore, the clip 18 is locked into the hole 75. By locking the clip 18 into the hole 75, the rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17. In this embodiment, the pair of locking pieces 82a are each pressed against the inner circumferential surface 75a that defines the hole 75 by the restoring force of the locking portion 82.

[0046] In the vertical direction, there is no gap between each of the pair of locking pieces 82a of the locking portion 82 and the inner circumferential surface 75a that demarcates the hole 75. Therefore, the rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b so that it cannot move in the vertical direction.

[0047] With the rear projection 52 and the clip 18 inserted into the hole 75, the clip 18 is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the roof-side bracket 17. As described above, each of the pair of locking pieces 82a is pressed against the inner circumferential surface 75a that defines the hole 75 by the restoring force of the locking portion 82, but the restoring force of the locking portion 82 is only enough to bring the pair of locking pieces 82a into contact with the inner circumferential surface 75a that defines the hole 75. Therefore, if the worker moves the cover 15 in the front-rear direction, the clip 18 can move in the front-rear direction while inserted into the hole 75. Thus, because the clip 18 is elastically deformable, the rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0048] When the rear projection 52 and the clip 18 are inserted through the hole 75, the enlarged portion 83 of the clip 18 is located behind the hole 75. The maximum dimension of the enlarged portion 83 in the second direction Y is larger than the dimension of the hole 75 in the second direction Y. Therefore, the enlarged portion 83 catches on the rear surface of the front frame portion 71, preventing the clip 18 from easily falling out of the hole 75.

[0049] The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. Specifically, in the vehicle width direction, a gap is provided between the left and right sides of the rear projection 52 and the inner circumferential surface 75a that separates the hole 75. Therefore, the rear projection 52 and the clip 18 are movable in the left-right direction when inserted through the hole 75.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the cover 15 has a cover body 53 and an overlapping portion 54. The cover body 53 is located in front of the overhead console 16. The overlapping portion 54 extends upward and backward from the rear end of the cover body 53. The overlapping portion 54 extends substantially parallel to the first direction X. The overlapping portion 54 constitutes the rear part 15b of the cover 15. In this embodiment, the lower surface 53a of the cover body 53 and the lower surface 54a of the overlapping portion 54 are smoothly connected.

[0051] The front portion 16b of the overhead console 16 covers the overlap portion 54 from below. That is, the rear portion 15b of the cover 15 and the front portion 16b of the overhead console 16 overlap in the vertical direction, with the cover 15 positioned above the overhead console 16. In this embodiment, the lower surface 53a of the cover body 53 is on the same plane as the lower surface 16a of the overhead console 16.

[0052] In this embodiment, a gap S1 is provided between the cover body 53 of the cover 15 and the overhead console 16 in the front-rear direction. A gap S2 is provided between the overlapping portion 54 of the cover 15 and the overhead console 16 in the up-down direction.

[0053] <How to install the cover> The installation method for cover 15 will now be explained. Before installing cover 15, the camera bracket 13b is fixed to the windshield 11, and the roof-side bracket 17 is fixed to the roof lining 20. In addition, a clip 18 is attached to the rear protruding portion 52 of cover 15.

[0054] The cover 15 slides upward and backward relative to the camera bracket 13b and the roof-side bracket 17. At this time, the front projection 51 of the cover 15 is inserted from the front into the groove 32 of the camera bracket 13b. As a result, the front part 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b. The rear projection 52 and the clip 18 attached to the rear projection 52 are inserted from the front into the hole 75 of the roof-side bracket 17. As a result, the rear part 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17.

[0055] More specifically, when the clip 18 is inserted through the hole 75, the locking portion 82 elastically deforms so that the pair of locking pieces 82a move closer together. Due to the elastic deformation of the locking portion 82, the maximum dimension of the enlarged portion 83 in the second direction Y becomes smaller than the dimension of the hole 75 in the second direction Y, allowing the enlarged portion 83 to pass through the hole 75. Once the enlarged portion 83 has passed through the hole 75, the locking portion 82 deforms due to a restoring force so that the pair of locking pieces 82a move further apart. As a result, the maximum dimension of the enlarged portion 83 in the second direction Y becomes larger than the dimension of the hole 75 in the second direction Y.

[0056] Furthermore, when the enlarged portion 83 passes through the hole 75, the constricted portion 84 of the locking portion 82 is positioned inside the hole 75. Due to the restoring force of the locking portion 82, the pair of locking pieces 82a are pressed against the inner circumferential surface 75a that defines the hole 75. As a result, the clip 18 is locked to the roof-side bracket 17, and the rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17.

[0057] [Operation of this embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will now be explained. The superstructure of the vehicle 10 includes a roof lining 20 that forms the ceiling Ra of the passenger compartment R, an overhead console 16 provided on the ceiling Ra, an equipment unit fixed to the upper part of the windshield 11, and a cover 15 that covers the equipment unit from the passenger compartment R side. The cover 15 and the overhead console 16 are aligned in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 10.

[0058] The superstructure of the vehicle 10 in this embodiment includes a camera bracket 13b fixed to the windshield 11 and a roof-side bracket 17 fixed to the roof lining 20. The front portion 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 relative to the roof-side bracket 17.

[0059] As a result, the cover 15 can move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 while attached to the camera bracket 13b and the roof-side bracket 17. Therefore, if a gap occurs between the rear part 15b of the cover 15 and the front part 16b of the overhead console 16 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 after the cover 15 and overhead console 16 have been assembled, the worker can move the cover 15 backward. This allows the positional relationship between the cover 15 and the overhead console 16 to be adjusted so that no gap occurs between the rear part 15b of the cover 15 and the front part 16b of the overhead console 16 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10.

[0060] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The superstructure of the vehicle 10 includes a camera bracket 13b fixed to the windshield 11 and a roof-side bracket 17 fixed to the roof lining 20. The front part 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The rear part 15b of the cover 15 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 relative to the roof-side bracket 17.

[0061] With this configuration, the cover 15 can move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 while attached to the camera bracket 13b and the roof-side bracket 17. Therefore, by moving the cover 15 backward after assembling the cover 15 and the overhead console 16, the positional relationship can be adjusted so that no gap occurs between the rear part 15b of the cover 15 and the front part 16b of the overhead console 16 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. Thus, the aesthetic design of the vehicle 10's superstructure can be improved.

[0062] (2) The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is provided with a rear projection 52. An elastically deformable clip 18 is attached to the rear projection 52. The roof-side bracket 17 has holes 75 into which the rear projection 52 and the clip 18 are inserted. The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17 when the clip 18 is locked into the holes 75. Because the clip 18 is elastically deformable, the cover 15 can move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 relative to the roof-side bracket 17.

[0063] With this configuration, the cover 15 can move in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 10 while attached to the roof-side bracket 17, using a simple structure. (3) The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle 10. The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17 so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle 10.

[0064] With this configuration, the cover 15 can move not only in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle 10, but also in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle 10. Therefore, after assembling the cover 15 and the overhead console 16, the cover 15 can be moved in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle 10, allowing it to be adjusted so that the center of the cover 15 and the center of the overhead console 16 coincide in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle 10. Thus, the aesthetic design of the vehicle 10's superstructure can be further improved.

[0065] (4) The cover 15 has a cover body 53 that is located in front of the overhead console 16. The lower surface 53a of the cover body 53 is on the same plane as the lower surface 16a of the overhead console 16.

[0066] This configuration improves the continuity between the cover 15 and the overhead console 16, thereby further enhancing the aesthetic design of the vehicle's superstructure. (5) The cover 15 further has a wrap portion 54 that extends upward and backward from the rear end of the cover body 53. The front portion 16b of the overhead console 16 covers the wrap portion 54 from below.

[0067] With this configuration, the rear portion 15b of the cover 15 and the front portion 16b of the overhead console 16 overlap, making it possible to more reliably avoid a gap between the rear portion 15b of the cover 15 and the front portion 16b of the overhead console 16 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10.

[0068] Furthermore, even though a gap S1 is provided between the cover body 53 and the overhead console 16 in the front-to-rear direction, the overlapping portion 54 is located beyond the gap S1 in the line of sight of the vehicle occupant (indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 7). Therefore, the occupant can easily perceive the continuity between the cover 15 and the overhead console 16. Consequently, the aesthetic design of the vehicle 10's superstructure can be further improved.

[0069] Furthermore, even if a gap S2 is provided between the overlapping section 54 and the overhead console 16 in the vertical direction, this gap S2 is hidden from the occupant's line of sight by the overhead console 16. Therefore, the gap S2 is difficult for the occupant to see. Consequently, the aesthetic design of the vehicle's superstructure can be further improved.

[0070] (6) The front part 15a of the cover 15 is attached to the camera bracket 13b so that it cannot move vertically. The rear part 15b of the cover 15 is attached to the roof-side bracket 17 so that it cannot move vertically.

[0071] With this configuration, the position of the cover 15 in the vertical direction is fixed, making it less likely for a step difference to occur between the lower surface 53a of the cover body 53 and the lower surface 16a of the overhead console 16. Therefore, the aesthetic design of the upper structure of the vehicle 10 can be further improved.

[0072] (7) The lower surface 53a of the cover body 53 and the lower surface 54a of the wrap portion 54 are smoothly connected. With this configuration, the boundary between the cover body 53 and the wrap portion 54 is blurred, improving the continuity of the lower surface of the cover 15. Therefore, the aesthetic design of the superstructure of the vehicle 10 can be further improved.

[0073] (8) The cover 15 and the overhead console 16 are integrated so as to be continuously aligned in the front-to-back direction. This prevents the harness routed from inside the roof 12 into the cover 15 from being exposed to the passenger compartment R.

[0074] (9) In the superstructure of a conventional vehicle 10, reducing the gap between the rear 15b of the cover 15 and the front 16b of the overhead console 16 in the front-rear direction requires setting small dimensional tolerances for the parts or performing assembly work in a way that prevents assembly errors. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the cover 15 is movable in the front-rear direction, the gap between the rear 15b of the cover 15 and the front 16b of the overhead console 16 in the front-rear direction can be eliminated without setting small dimensional tolerances for the parts or performing assembly work in a way that prevents assembly errors.

[0075] [Example of changes] The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0076] ○ The equipment unit is not limited to the camera unit 13 and the sensor unit 14. The equipment unit may be, for example, an ETC antenna. ○ The glass-side bracket does not have to be part of the equipment unit. The glass-side bracket may be provided separately from the equipment unit.

[0077] ○ In the front mounting portion 10a, the front protrusion 51 may be provided on the camera bracket 13b, and the groove 32 may be provided on the cover 15. ○ In the rear mounting portion 10b, the rear projection 52 may be provided on the roof-side bracket 17, and the hole 75 may be provided on the cover 15.

[0078] ○ The roof-side bracket 17 may be integrally formed with the roof lining 20. If the roof lining 20 is made of a soft resin, the roof-side bracket 17 may be formed by hardening a part of the roof lining 20 with a hard resin.

[0079] ○ The clip 18 may be integrally formed with the rear projection 52. ○ The front portion 15a of the cover 15 does not have to be attached to the camera bracket 13b so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle 10. The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 does not have to be attached to the roof-side bracket 17 so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle 10.

[0080] ○ The front portion 15a of the cover 15 does not need to be attached to the camera bracket 13b in a way that prevents it from moving vertically on the vehicle 10. The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 does not need to be attached to the roof-side bracket 17 in a way that prevents it from moving vertically on the vehicle 10.

[0081] ○ The lower surface 53a of the cover body 53 does not have to be on the same plane as the lower surface 16a of the overhead console 16. ○ The lower surface 53a of the cover body 53 and the lower surface 54a of the wrap portion 54 do not need to be smoothly connected.

[0082] ○ The rear portion 15b of the cover 15 and the front portion 16b of the overhead console 16 do not necessarily have to overlap in the vertical direction. The rear end of the cover 15 may be in contact with the front end of the overhead console 16.

[0083] [Note] The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below. <Note 1> The vehicle's upper structure comprises a roof lining that forms the ceiling of the passenger compartment, an overhead console provided on the ceiling, an equipment unit fixed to the upper part of the windshield, and a cover that covers the equipment unit from the passenger compartment side, wherein the cover and the overhead console are arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and comprises a glass-side bracket fixed to the windshield and a roof-side bracket fixed to the roof lining, wherein the front part of the cover is attached to the glass-side bracket so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the rear part of the cover is attached to the roof-side bracket so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0084] <Note 2> The upper structure of the vehicle as described in Appendix 1, wherein the rear of the cover is provided with a rear projection, an elastically deformable clip is attached to the rear projection, the roof-side bracket has holes formed in it into which the rear projection and the clip are inserted, the rear of the cover is attached to the roof-side bracket by locking the clip into the holes, and the cover is movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle relative to the roof-side bracket because the clip is elastically deformable.

[0085] <Note 3> The upper structure of the vehicle according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the front part of the cover is attached to the glass-side bracket so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the rear part of the cover is attached to the roof-side bracket so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0086] <Note 4> The cover has a cover body located in front of the overhead console, The lower surface of the cover body is located on the same plane as the lower surface of the overhead console, and is part of the upper structure of the vehicle described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0087] <Note 5> The vehicle superstructure as described in Appendix 4, wherein the cover further has a wrap portion extending upward and rearward from the rear end of the cover body, and the front part of the overhead console covers the wrap portion from below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10...Vehicle, 11...Windshield, 13...Camera unit as equipment unit, 13b...Camera bracket as glass-side bracket, 15...Cover, 15a...Front, 15b...Rear, 16...Overhead console, 16a...Underside, 16b...Front, 17...Roof-side bracket, 18...Clip, 20...Roof lining, 52...Rear protrusion, 53...Cover body, 53a...Underside, 54...Wrap section, 75...Hole, R...Vehicle interior, Ra...Ceiling.

Claims

1. The roof lining that forms the ceiling of the passenger compartment, The overhead console provided on the ceiling, An equipment unit fixed to the top of the windshield, A cover that covers the aforementioned equipment unit from the vehicle interior side, Equipped with, The cover and the overhead console are upper structures of the vehicle that are arranged in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. A glass-side bracket fixed to the windshield, A roof-side bracket fixed to the aforementioned roof lining, Equipped with, The front portion of the cover is attached to the glass-side bracket so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The rear portion of the cover is attached to the roof-side bracket so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is part of the vehicle's upper structure.

2. The rear of the cover is provided with a rear projection. An elastically deformable clip is attached to the aforementioned rear projection. The roof-side bracket has a hole formed in which the rear projection and the clip are inserted. The clip engages with the hole, thereby attaching the rear of the cover to the roof-side bracket. The vehicle superstructure according to claim 1, wherein the clip is elastically deformable, so that the cover is movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle relative to the roof-side bracket.

3. The front portion of the cover is attached to the glass-side bracket so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The upper structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the rear portion of the cover is attached to the roof-side bracket so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

4. The cover has a cover body located in front of the overhead console, The upper structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the cover body is located on the same plane as the lower surface of the overhead console.

5. The cover further has a wrap portion extending upward and backward from the rear end of the cover body, The upper structure of a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the front part of the overhead console covers the wrap portion from below.

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