Instrument panel structure

Abstract

The objective is to provide an instrument panel structure that allows equipment to be installed inside the instrument panel without interfering with the transmission and reception of radio waves, and that contributes to improving the rigidity of the instrument panel. [Solution] The instrument panel structure 1 comprises an instrument panel 2 positioned below the windshield 3, having a top surface 2t facing the windshield 3, a bottom surface 2b corresponding to the back surface of the top surface 2t, and a reinforcing portion 12 provided on the bottom surface 2b and protruding away from the windshield 3; a transceiver 5 positioned inside the instrument panel 2 and capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves; and a bracket 6 that supports the transceiver 5 on the reinforcing portion 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an instrument panel structure.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles equipped with an electronic unit capable of communicating with the outside through an antenna, such as a telematics control unit (TCU), are known. While the antenna must be placed in a location where it can communicate with the outside of the vehicle, it is preferably concealed so as not to damage the aesthetics of the vehicle interior.

[0003] Therefore, vehicles equipped with an antenna disposed inside the instrument panel are known. This conventional vehicle includes an antenna support structure disposed inside the instrument panel, that is, a steering support member, a steering stiffener fixed to the steering support member and extending forward of the vehicle, and an antenna bracket extending upward from the steering stiffener. The antenna is fixed to the antenna bracket and installed at the upper part inside the instrument panel, that is, near the bottom surface of the instrument panel, to obtain a good reception environment while not being exposed to the vehicle interior.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The instrument panel is the location for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), including the car navigation system, meters, and switches. It also conceals the wiring for these devices, the steering support member (a key structural component), and the air ducts that supply regulated air to the passenger compartment. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging various devices is limited, both on the design surface and the interior of the instrument panel. The design surface of the instrument panel is the surface exposed to the passenger compartment.

[0006] Therefore, with conventional antenna support structures, that is, structures that support the antenna inside the instrument panel by raising the steering stiffener from the steering support member, there is not much freedom to position the antenna in a location where radio wave transmission and reception will not be obstructed. Metal parts placed inside the instrument panel may also obstruct the passage of radio waves.

[0007] Furthermore, since the instrument panel is generally a molded part made of synthetic resin and plays a role in the interior of the vehicle, it is preferable that it has a reasonable degree of rigidity. However, conventional antenna support structures do not contribute in any way to improving the rigidity of the instrument panel.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an instrument panel structure that allows equipment to be installed inside the instrument panel without interfering with the transmission and reception of radio waves, and that contributes to improving the rigidity of the instrument panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problems, the instrument panel structure according to the present invention comprises an instrument panel disposed below the windshield, having a top surface facing the windshield, a bottom surface corresponding to the back surface of the top surface, and a reinforcing portion provided on the bottom surface and protruding away from the windshield; a transceiver disposed inside the instrument panel and capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves; and a bracket that supports the transceiver on the reinforcing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an instrument panel structure that allows equipment to be installed inside the instrument panel without interfering with the transmission and reception of radio waves, and that contributes to reinforcing the rigidity of the instrument panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing an instrument panel having the instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view showing the instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view schematically showing the instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Left side view of the instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Figure 5] A perspective view of the first reinforcing portion of the instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the first reinforcing portion of the instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Figure 7] A perspective view of a bracket for an instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Figure 8] A plan view of the bracket for the instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Figure 9] A perspective view of a bracket for fixing a transceiver in an instrument panel structure according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, the instrument panel structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In a plurality of drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in a plurality of drawings, the forward direction of the vehicle equipped with the instrument panel structure is indicated by a solid arrow F (Forward), the backward direction by a solid arrow B (Backward), the leftward direction of the vehicle by a solid arrow L (Leftward), the rightward direction of the vehicle by a solid arrow R (Rightward), the upward direction of the vehicle by a solid arrow U (Upward), and the downward direction of the vehicle by a solid arrow D (Downward).

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an instrument panel having an instrument panel structure according to the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the instrument panel structure 1 according to the present embodiment is provided on the instrument panel 2.

[0015] First, a vehicle equipped with the instrument panel structure 1 includes an instrument panel 2 disposed in the lower half of the front surface of the passenger compartment and a windshield 3 disposed in the upper half of the front surface of the passenger compartment.

[0016] Although not shown, the vehicle according to the present embodiment includes an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) including a navigation system installed on the outer surface of the instrument panel 2, meters, and switches. The vehicle also includes wiring of devices installed inside the instrument panel 2, a steering support member as a main structural member supporting the instrument panel 2, and a blower duct for sending conditioned air into the passenger compartment.

[0017] The instrument panel 2 has an outer surface as the design surface of the vehicle interior and an inner surface corresponding to the back surface of the design surface. The surface of the instrument panel 2 facing upward in the vehicle among the outer surfaces is called the top surface 2t. The inner surface of the instrument panel 2 is the surface facing the inside of the instrument panel 2 and is a part of the wall surface defining the inside of the instrument panel 2.

[0018] Further, the instrument panel 2 has a front defroster air outlet 2a. The front defroster air outlet 2a is provided along the front edge of the instrument panel 2. The front defroster air outlet 2a is connected to an air duct installed inside the instrument panel 2. The harmonized air blown out from the front defroster air outlet 2a removes the fog inside the front windshield 3.

[0019] The front windshield 3 is disposed above the instrument panel 2. Also, the front windshield 3 is disposed so as to face downward the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the instrument panel structure according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the instrument panel structure according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the instrument panel structure according to the present invention.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the instrument panel structure 1 according to the present embodiment includes an instrument panel 2 disposed below the front windshield 3, a transceiver 5 disposed inside the instrument panel 2 and capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves, and a bracket 6 that supports the transceiver 5 on the instrument panel 2.

[0024] Furthermore, the instrument panel structure 1 includes multiple fixing parts 7 for securing the bracket 6 to the instrument panel 2.

[0025] The instrument panel 2 has a plate-like portion 11 having a top surface 2t facing the windshield 3 and a bottom surface 2b corresponding to the back surface of the top surface 2t, and a plurality of reinforcing portions 12 provided on the bottom surface 2b of the plate-like portion 11 and protruding in a direction away from the windshield 3. The instrument panel 2 is a one-piece molded product of synthetic resin. In other words, the plurality of reinforcing portions 12 are integrally molded with the plate-like portion 11.

[0026] Multiple reinforcing parts 12 reinforce the plate-like part 11. The top surface 2t of the plate-like part 11 is part of the design surface of the instrument panel 2 and is exposed inside the vehicle. Therefore, the multiple reinforcing parts 12 are located on the non-design surface of the instrument panel 2, on the bottom surface 2b of the plate-like part 11, and protrude inward from the instrument panel 2. Thus, the multiple reinforcing parts 12 provide the required rigidity to the instrument panel 2 without impairing its aesthetic appearance.

[0027] The multiple reinforcing parts 12 include a first reinforcing part 12A that supports the bracket 6, and a second reinforcing part 12B that does not support the bracket 6 but simply improves the rigidity of the instrument panel 2. Hereafter, when referring to the first reinforcing part 12A, it may simply be referred to as reinforcing part 12.

[0028] The multiple reinforcing parts 12 extend continuously in the front-rear direction of the instrument panel 2. The multiple reinforcing parts 12 extending in the front-rear direction improve the rigidity of the instrument panel 2 against a couple having a rotational centerline extending in the width direction of the instrument panel 2. Therefore, the multiple reinforcing parts 12 extending in the front-rear direction generally improve the rigidity of the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2, which extends cantileveredly from the rear side toward the front of the instrument panel 2.

[0029] Here, the instrument panel 2 has a front projection 15 provided along the front defroster air outlet 2a near the rear of the front defroster air outlet 2a, and a rear projection 16 surrounding the in-vehicle infotainment equipment installed on the instrument panel 2, such as a navigation system. Both the front projection 15 and the rear projection 16 are provided on the inner surface of the instrument panel 2 and protrude inward toward the inside of the instrument panel 2. The front projection 15 is near the rear of the front defroster air outlet 2a and improves the rigidity of the front edge of the instrument panel 2. The rear projection 16 surrounds the equipment to be installed and improves the rigidity of the instrument panel 2 at that location.

[0030] Furthermore, the first reinforcing section 12A extends continuously between the front protrusion 15 and the rear protrusion 16. In other words, the front protrusion 15, the rear protrusion 16, and the first reinforcing section 12A form a horizontally-oriented H shape, while the front protrusion 15, the rear protrusion 16, and the multiple reinforcing sections 12 form a grid pattern. The resulting H shape, or grid pattern, improves the rigidity of the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2.

[0031] The multiple reinforcing parts 12 may include those that extend continuously in the width direction of the instrument panel 2. The multiple reinforcing parts 12 extending in the width direction improve the rigidity of the instrument panel 2 against a couple having a rotational centerline extending in the front-rear direction of the instrument panel 2.

[0032] The transceiver 5 is connected to the in-vehicle infotainment system, such as an emergency call device 29. The emergency call device 29 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle, such as an accident, and if an abnormality has occurred, it notifies and reports this to the outside of the vehicle via the transceiver 5.

[0033] Bracket 6 supports the transceiver 5 on the reinforcement portion 12 of the instrument panel 2.

[0034] Multiple fixing parts 7 secure the bracket 6 to the reinforcing part 12 of the instrument panel 2. Each fixing part 7 has a nut 18 provided on the reinforcing part 12, such as a floating nut or a rack nut, and a bolt 19 fastened to the nut 18.

[0035] Next, we will explain the first reinforcement section 12A further.

[0036] Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the first reinforcing portion of the instrument panel structure according to the present invention.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first reinforcing portion 12A of the instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment has a vertical wall portion 21 that protrudes and hangs down from the bottom surface 2b of the instrument panel 2, a bottom wall portion 22 that extends from the protruding end 21b of the vertical wall portion 21 in at least one direction in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 2, and a front wall portion 23 that connects the front end 21f of the vertical wall portion 21 and the front end 22f of the bottom wall portion 22.

[0038] The plate thicknesses of the vertical wall section 21, the bottom wall section 22, and the front wall section 23 may be substantially the same or may differ. The plate thicknesses of the vertical wall section 21, the bottom wall section 22, and the front wall section 23 may be uniform or may be partially thinner or thicker.

[0039] The vertical wall portion 21 may intersect the plate-like portion 11 of the instrument panel 2 at a right angle, or it may hang down in the downward direction of the vehicle (in the direction of the solid arrow D). The shape of the main surface of the vertical wall portion 21 corresponds to the extension direction of the first reinforcing portion 12A, which in this embodiment corresponds to the shape of the first reinforcing portion 12A when the instrument panel 2 is viewed from the side.

[0040] The bottom wall portion 22 may extend from the protruding end 21b of the vertical wall portion 21 in either direction in the width direction of the vehicle, with the cross-sectional shape of the first reinforcing portion 12A forming an L shape, or it may extend from the protruding end 21b of the vertical wall portion 21 in both directions in the width direction of the vehicle, with the cross-sectional shape of the first reinforcing portion 12A forming an inverted T shape. In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the bottom wall portion 22 protrudes from the front end 21f of the vertical wall portion 21 toward the left of the instrument panel 2.

[0041] The bottom wall portion 22 extends in a band shape in the direction of extension of the vertical wall portion 21. The width dimension of the band-shaped bottom wall portion 22, which in this embodiment is the width dimension of the instrument panel 2, may be uniform from its front end to its rear end, or it may be different. In this embodiment, the width dimension of the bottom wall portion 22 is uniform from its front end to its rear end.

[0042] Furthermore, the bottom wall portion 22 has two parts 22a and 22b with different inclinations when viewed from the side of the instrument panel 2, and a bent portion 25 connecting these two parts 22a and 22b. The front half portion 22a, which is in front of the bent portion 25, extends generally parallel to the plate-like portion 11, and the rear half portion 22b, which is behind the bent portion 25, reaches the plate-like portion 11 from the rear edge of the front half portion 22a.

[0043] The front wall portion 23 extends in a band shape from the plate-like portion 11 to the bottom wall portion 22. The width dimension of the band-shaped front wall portion 23, in this embodiment, the width dimension of the instrument panel 2 in the width direction, may be uniform from its front edge to its rear edge, or it may differ. In this embodiment, the width dimension of the front wall portion 23 is uniform from its front end to its rear end.

[0044] Furthermore, the first reinforcing portion 12A is equipped with a pin portion 26 that protrudes forward from the instrument panel 2. The pin portion 26 protrudes from the connection point between the front wall portion 23 and the bottom wall portion 22, in other words, from the corner portion where the rear edge or lower edge of the front wall portion 23 and the front edge of the bottom wall portion 22 overlap. In other words, the pin portion 26 is positioned in a highly rigid corner portion, making it less prone to breakage and less susceptible to shrinkage of the resin during manufacturing. The pin portion 26 protrudes slightly inclined downward from the instrument panel 2, that is, away from the plate-like portion 11. The pin portion 26 has a tapered shape that narrows towards the protruding end.

[0045] Nuts 18 of the fixing part 7 are provided on the front wall portion 23 and the bottom wall portion 22 of the reinforcing part 12. In other words, the multiple fixing parts 7 fix the bracket 6 to at least the front wall portion 23 and the bottom wall portion 22 of the reinforcing part 12.

[0046] Furthermore, the first reinforcing section 12A includes a pair of connecting ribs 27 that span the vertical wall section 21 and the bottom wall section 22. The pair of connecting ribs 27 sandwich the rear fixing section 7 in the front-rear direction of the instrument panel 2.

[0047] Next, we will explain bracket 6 further.

[0048] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bracket of the instrument panel structure according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8 is a plan view of the bracket for the instrument panel structure according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a bracket on which a transceiver of the instrument panel structure according to the present invention is fixed.

[0051] In addition to Figures 2 to 4, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the bracket 6 of the instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a front portion 31 fixed to the front wall portion 23 of the reinforcing portion 12, a rear portion 32 fixed to the bottom wall portion 22 of the reinforcing portion 12, and a base portion 33 that spans between the front portion 31 and the rear portion 32 to support the transceiver 5.

[0052] First, the transceiver 5 comprises a flat rectangular housing 35 positioned to cover the base portion 33, an antenna (not shown) housed in the housing 35, and a wire harness 36 connected to the antenna.

[0053] The enclosure 35 is a flattened rectangular prism that is almost square when viewed from above.

[0054] The wire harness 36 extends from one of the four rectangular sides of the housing 35.

[0055] The base portion 33 of the bracket 6 has a shallow box or tray-like shape, with an extension that encloses the housing 35 of the transceiver 5 in a plan view. The base portion 33 has a weight-reducing opening 33a that is hidden by the housing 35 of the transceiver 5 when the transceiver 5 is placed on the bracket 6. The base portion 33 has bolt holes 33b on the front and rear sides of the weight-reducing opening 33a. The transceiver 5 is fixed to the base portion 33 by fastening members (not shown) inserted through this pair of bolt holes 33b.

[0056] The front portion 31 of the bracket 6 is fixed to the front wall portion 23 of the reinforcing portion 12. In other words, the front fixing portion 7 fixes the front portion 31 of the bracket 6 to the front wall portion 23 of the reinforcing portion 12.

[0057] The front portion 31 protrudes from the front end of the base portion 33, sloping upward and forward. The front portion 31 is thin in the front-rear direction of the bracket 6 and widens into a plate-like shape in the width direction. The front portion 31 also has a trapezoidal shape, gradually narrowing in width from the base portion connected to the base portion 33 towards the protruding end. The maximum width of the front portion 31 is approximately equal to the maximum width of the base portion 33. The front portion 31 has bolt holes 31a through which the bolts 19 of the fixing portion 7 are inserted.

[0058] The pair of opposing surfaces of the front wall portion 23 of the reinforcing portion 12 and the front portion 31 of the bracket 6 are inclined so that they move toward the rear of the instrument panel 2 as they move away from the bottom surface 2b of the instrument panel 2. If we define a plane's inclination as a forward tilt when the upper edge located on the upper side is in front of the lower edge located on the lower side, then the pair of opposing surfaces of the front wall portion 23 of the reinforcing portion 12 and the front portion 31 of the bracket 6 are both tilted forward.

[0059] The rear portion 32 of the bracket 6 is fixed near the bent portion 25 of the reinforcing portion 12. In other words, the rear fixing portion 7 fixes the rear portion 32 of the bracket 6 near the bent portion 25 of the reinforcing portion 12.

[0060] The rear section 32 protrudes upward from the rear end of the base section 33. In plan view, the rear section 32 is approximately square in shape and extends in a truncated square pyramidal shape, gradually tapering from the base portion connected to the base section 33 towards the protruding end. The rear section 32 is a hollow body with no walls at the bottom. The width of the rear section 32 is about half the maximum width of the base section 33. The rear section 32 has bolt holes 32a through which the bolts 19 of the fixing section 7 are inserted. The bolt holes 32a are provided at the top of the truncated square pyramidal rear section 32.

[0061] As described above, the instrument panel structure 1 includes a transceiver 5 fixed to a base portion 33 positioned between the front and rear fixing portions 7, which are the fixing points between the bracket 6 and the first reinforcing portion 12A. The front and rear fixing portions 7 and the transceiver 5 are arranged in a straight line along the first reinforcing portion 12A, and the center of gravity of the transceiver 5 is located approximately on this straight line. Therefore, the instrument panel structure 1 can prevent excessive couples from acting on the fixing portions 7 due to acceleration acting on the bracket 6 and the transceiver 5, thereby ensuring the integrity of the fixing portions 7.

[0062] Furthermore, the bracket 6 includes a guide hole 31b provided in the front portion 31 and a guide rib 38 that sandwiches the bottom wall portion 22 of the reinforcing portion 12 in the vehicle width direction.

[0063] As the guide hole 31b approaches the base of the pin portion 26 of the first reinforcing portion 12A, the front half of the bracket 6 is guided to the predetermined installation location. In other words, the pin portion 26 of the first reinforcing portion 12A protrudes forward toward the instrument panel 2 and passes through the guide hole 31b of the bracket 6.

[0064] The guide rib 38 is provided on the rear portion 32. The guide rib 38 is a combination of a pair of opposing ribs, protruding upward from the top of the rear portion 32 and extending in the front-rear direction of the bracket 6. The guide rib 38 sandwiches the bolt hole 32a of the rear portion 32.

[0065] Furthermore, the bracket 6 includes a lateral harness fixing portion 39 that protrudes from the side of the base portion 33, for example, from the left side, and a rear harness fixing portion 41 that protrudes from the rear of the rear portion 32. The lateral harness fixing portion 39 and the rear harness fixing portion 41 are provided to appropriately maintain the laying path of the wire harness 36 and the fixing points of the wire harness 36 so as to satisfy the allowable bending radius of the wire harness 36 of the transceiver 5.

[0066] While the bracket 6 as a whole has an asymmetrical shape from left to right, the front portion 31, the rear portion 32, and the base portion 33 have substantially symmetrical shapes.

[0067] The transceiver 5 is fixed to the base portion 33 with the side of the wire harness 36 protruding facing the side harness fixing portion 39 of the bracket 6. The extending wire harness 36 is fixed to the side harness fixing portion 39 via a cable clamp 42, and then fixed to the rear harness fixing portion 41 via a cable clamp 42, and laid on the bracket 6.

[0068] The instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, can be easily assembled by, for example, the following procedure.

[0069] First, the transceiver 5 is fixed to the bracket 6 as shown in Figure 9. The housing 35 of the transceiver 5 is fixed to the base portion 33 of the bracket 6, and then the wire harness 36 of the transceiver 5 is laid on the side harness fixing portion 39 and rear harness fixing portion 41 of the bracket 6 via the cable clamp 42. At this point, the transceiver 5 and bracket 6 can be handled as a single unit in the state shown in Figure 9. For the sake of explanation, the integrated transceiver 5 and bracket 6 will be called the "transceiver assembly". The integrated transceiver assembly prevents the wire harness 36 from hindering the assembly work.

[0070] Next, the transceiver assembly is brought close to the first reinforcing portion 12A of the instrument panel 2, and the pin portion 26 of the first reinforcing portion 12A is inserted into the guide hole 31b of the bracket 6. At this time, the two opposing surfaces of the front wall portion 23 of the reinforcing portion 12 and the front portion 31 of the bracket 6 approach and make contact, relying on the pin portion 26 inserted into the guide hole 31b. In this way, the front half of the transceiver assembly is guided to the assembly position very easily.

[0071] Furthermore, the pin portion 26 protrudes slightly inclined downwards from the instrument panel 2, that is, away from the plate-like portion 11, and has a tapered shape that narrows towards the protruding end. Therefore, inserting the pin portion 26 into the guide hole 31b during the assembly process of the first reinforcing portion 12A and the bracket 6 is extremely easy.

[0072] Subsequently, the rear half of the transceiver assembly is brought closer to the first reinforcing section 12A, and the rear part 32 of the bracket 6 is positioned against the bottom wall 22 of the first reinforcing section 12A. At this time, by bringing the rear half of the transceiver assembly closer to the first reinforcing section 12A so as to sandwich the bottom wall 22 of the first reinforcing section 12A with the guide rib 38 of the bracket 6, the rear half of the transceiver assembly is guided to the assembly position very easily.

[0073] In this procedure, the transceiver assembly is guided to its assembly position, with the bolt hole 31a of the front part 31 of the bracket 6 aligning with the threaded hole of the nut 18 of the front fixing part 7 already attached to the first reinforcing part 12A, and the bolt hole 32a of the rear part 32 aligning with the threaded hole of the nut 18 of the rear fixing part 7 already attached to the first reinforcing part 12A.

[0074] The bolts 19 of the fixing part 7 are temporarily tightened as appropriate during the positioning process described above, and then fully tightened after the transceiver assembly is guided to the assembly position.

[0075] By the way, during the process of tightening the front fixing part 7, the transceiver assembly attempts to rotate around the roll axis. For example, suppose a common bolt 19 with a right-hand thread that is fastened by tightening it clockwise is used for the fixing part 7. In this case, during the process of tightening the bolt 19, a torque acts on the transceiver assembly that rotates it clockwise around the roll axis. Such a torque is undesirable because it may fix the transceiver assembly in a tilted position from its predetermined position.

[0076] Therefore, the guide rib 38 of the bracket 6, which sandwiches the bottom wall portion 22 of the first reinforcement portion 12A, functions as a stopper to support rotation due to this torque. When a general bolt 19 with a right-hand thread is used for the fixing portion 7, it is preferable that the vertical wall portion 21 is positioned to the right of the first reinforcement portion 12A (to the left as seen by the worker fastening the bolt 19) so that the right-side guide rib 38 (the guide rib 38 that appears to be on the left as seen by the worker fastening the bolt 19) can act as a stopper.

[0077] Furthermore, the guide rib 38 sandwiches the bent portion 25 of the bottom wall portion 22 of the first reinforcing portion 12A. The bent portion 25 firmly supports the force acting from the guide rib 38 to the first reinforcing portion 12A when fixing the rear fixing portion 7, suppressing deformation (bending) of the first reinforcing portion 12A at that location and keeping the transceiver assembly properly in the predetermined position.

[0078] Furthermore, the pair of connecting ribs 27 of the first reinforcing section 12A spans the vertical wall section 21 and the bottom wall section 22, and sandwiches the guide rib 38 in a side view of the instrument panel 2. The pair of connecting ribs 27 firmly support the force acting from the guide rib 38 to the first reinforcing section 12A when fixing the rear fixing section 7, suppressing deformation (bending) of the first reinforcing section 12A at that location and keeping the transceiver assembly properly in the predetermined position.

[0079] In other words, the bent portion 25 of the first reinforcing portion 12A and the pair of connecting ribs 27 work together to sandwich the guide rib 38 in a side view of the instrument panel 2. The pair of connecting ribs 27 more firmly support the force acting from the guide rib 38 to the first reinforcing portion 12A when fixing the rear fixing portion 7, further suppressing deformation (bending) of the first reinforcing portion 12A at that location and keeping the transceiver assembly properly in the predetermined position.

[0080] The instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, includes a bracket 6 that supports the transceiver 5 on the first reinforcing part 12A. Therefore, the instrument panel structure 1 can position the transceiver 5, which is the antenna of an electronic unit capable of communicating with the outside, such as a telematics control unit (TCU), directly below the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2. The top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2 faces the windshield 3, which allows radio waves to pass through easily, and directly below the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2, there is nothing obstructing the passage of radio waves except for the instrument panel 2 itself, which is made of synthetic resin. Inside the instrument panel 2, there may be metal parts that could obstruct the passage of radio waves, such as a metal steering support member or metal stays and brackets for supporting the telematics control unit. However, the instrument panel structure 1 can support the transceiver 5 in a location where radio waves are not obstructed by these metal parts, that is, directly below the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2. The transceiver 5, arranged in this manner, can easily maintain reliable communication with the outside world.

[0081] Furthermore, the instrument panel structure 1 allows the bracket 6 for holding the transceiver 5 to be directly attached to the existing instrument panel 2. Therefore, compared to conventional antenna support structures, which consist of a steering support member, a steering stiffener fixed to the steering support member and extending forward of the vehicle, and an antenna bracket extending upward from the steering stiffener, the instrument panel structure 1 can support the transceiver 5 with a significantly smaller number of parts.

[0082] Furthermore, the instrument panel structure 1 directly fixes the bracket 6 to the reinforcing portion 12, or so-called bead, of the instrument panel 2. Therefore, the instrument panel structure 1 contributes to improving the rigidity of the instrument panel 2.

[0083] Furthermore, the instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a first reinforcing portion 12A that extends continuously in the front-rear direction of the instrument panel 2. Therefore, the instrument panel structure 1 can improve the rigidity of the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2, which generally extends cantileveredly from the rear side toward the front of the instrument panel 2.

[0084] Furthermore, the instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of fixing parts 7 that fix the bracket 6 to at least the front wall part 23 and the bottom wall part 22 of the first reinforcing part 12A. The first reinforcing part 12A includes a vertical wall part 21 that protrudes and hangs down from the bottom surface 2b of the instrument panel 2, a bottom wall part 22 that extends from the protruding end of the vertical wall part 21 in at least one direction in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 2, and a front wall part 23 that connects the front end part 21f of the vertical wall part 21 and the front end part 22f of the bottom wall part 22. In other words, the instrument panel structure 1 includes a box-shaped first reinforcing part 12A. Therefore, the instrument panel structure 1 can support the transceiver 5 with the instrument panel 2, while further improving the rigidity of the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2, which generally extends cantilevered forward from the rear side of the instrument panel 2.

[0085] Furthermore, the bracket 6 of the instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a front portion 31 fixed to the front wall portion 23 of the first reinforcing portion 12A, a rear portion 32 fixed to the bottom wall portion 22 of the first reinforcing portion 12A, and a base portion 33 that spans between the front portion 31 and the rear portion 32 to support the transceiver 5. In other words, the instrument panel structure 1 has the transceiver 5 fixed to the base portion 33 which is positioned between the front and rear fixing portions 7, which are the fixing points between the bracket 6 and the first reinforcing portion 12A. Therefore, the instrument panel structure 1 does not simply fix the bracket 6 to the first reinforcing portion 12A, but the rigidity of the top surface 2t of the instrument panel 2 can be further improved not only by the bracket 6 being fixed to the first reinforcing portion 12A, but also by the base portion 33 that spans between the front and rear ends of the bracket 6 and the transceiver 5 supported by the base portion 33.

[0086] Furthermore, the instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a bracket 6 having a guide hole 31b provided in the front portion 31 and a guide rib 38 that sandwiches the bottom wall portion 22 of the first reinforcing portion 12A in the vehicle width direction, and a first reinforcing portion 12A having a pin portion 26 that protrudes forward toward the instrument panel 2 and passes through the guide hole 31b. The pair of opposing surfaces of the front wall portion 23 of the first reinforcing portion 12A and the front portion 31 of the bracket 6 are inclined so that they move toward the rear of the instrument panel 2 as they move away from the bottom surface 2b of the instrument panel 2. As a result, the instrument panel structure 1 has high assembly accuracy between the first reinforcing portion 12A and the bracket 6, and consequently high positioning accuracy of the transceiver 5. In addition, the instrument panel structure 1 has high ease of assembly due to the combination of the guide hole 31b and the pin portion 26, and the guide rib 38 that sandwiches the first reinforcing portion 12A. Furthermore, the front wall portion 23 of the first reinforcing portion 12A and the front portion 31 of the bracket 6, which are angled and facing the pin portion 26, improve the ease of assembly between the first reinforcing portion 12A and the bracket 6.

[0087] Furthermore, the bottom wall portion 22 of the first reinforcing portion 12A of the instrument panel structure 1 according to this embodiment has two portions 22a and 22b with different inclinations when viewed from the side of the instrument panel 2, and a bent portion 25 connecting these two portions 22a and 22b. The rear portion 32 of the bracket 6 is fixed near the bent portion 25, and the first reinforcing portion 12A spans the vertical wall portion 21 and the bottom wall portion 22 and has a pair of connecting ribs 27 that sandwich the guide rib 38 when viewed from the side of the instrument panel 2. Therefore, when fixing the rear fixing portion 7 between the first reinforcing portion 12A and the bracket 6, the instrument panel structure 1 firmly supports the force acting on the first reinforcing portion 12A from the guide rib 38, suppressing deformation (bending, distortion) of the first reinforcing portion 12A at that location and keeping the transceiver assembly (assembly part in which the transceiver 5 is incorporated into the bracket 6) in a predetermined position. Furthermore, suppressing deformation in that area also helps to suppress the impact on the design surface of the instrument panel 2, i.e., the top surface 2t.

[0088] Therefore, the instrument panel structure 1 according to the present invention allows equipment to be installed inside the instrument panel 2 without interfering with the transmission and reception of radio waves, and contributes to improving the rigidity of the instrument panel 2.

[0089] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1…Instrument panel structure, 2…Instrument panel, 2a…Front defroster air outlet, 2t…Top surface, 2b…Bottom surface, 3…Windshield, 5…Transmitter and receiver, 6…Bracket, 7…Fixing part, 11…Plate-shaped part, 12…Reinforcement part, 12A…First reinforcement part, 12B…Second reinforcement part, 15…Front protrusion, 16…Rear protrusion, 18…Nut, 19…Bolt, 21…Vertical wall part, 21f…Front end, 21b…Protruding end, 22…Bottom wall part, 22f… Front end, 22a...front half, 22b...rear half, 23...front wall, 25...bend, 26...pin, 27...connecting rib, 29...emergency call device, 31...front section, 31a...bolt hole, 31b...guide hole, 32...rear section, 32a...bolt hole, 33...base, 33a...weight reduction opening, 33b...bolt hole, 35...housing, 36...wire harness, 38...guide rib, 39...side harness fixing section, 41...rear harness fixing section, 42...cable clamp.

Claims

1. An instrument panel positioned below the windshield, having a top surface facing the windshield, a bottom surface corresponding to the back surface of the top surface, and a reinforcing portion provided on the bottom surface that protrudes away from the windshield; A transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves is located inside the aforementioned instrument panel, An instrument panel structure comprising a bracket for supporting the transceiver in the reinforcing portion.

2. The instrument panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing portion extends continuously in the front-rear direction of the instrument panel.

3. The aforementioned reinforcing portion is A vertical wall portion that protrudes and hangs down from the bottom surface of the instrument panel, A bottom wall portion extending from the protruding end of the vertical wall portion in at least one direction in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel, It has a front wall portion that connects the front end of the vertical wall portion and the front end of the bottom wall portion, The instrument panel structure according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of fixing parts for fixing the bracket to at least the front wall portion and the bottom wall portion.

4. The aforementioned bracket is The front portion fixed to the front wall portion, The rear portion fixed to the bottom wall, The instrument panel structure according to claim 3, further comprising a base portion that spans between the front portion and the rear portion and supports the transceiver.

5. The bracket has a guide hole provided in the front portion and a guide rib that sandwiches the bottom wall portion of the reinforcing portion in the vehicle width direction, The reinforcing portion has a pin portion that protrudes forward toward the instrument panel and passes through the guide hole, The instrument panel structure according to claim 4, wherein the pair of opposing surfaces of the front wall portion of the reinforcing portion and the front portion of the bracket are inclined toward the rear of the instrument panel as they move away from the bottom surface of the instrument panel.

6. The bottom wall portion of the reinforcing portion has two parts with different inclinations in a side view of the instrument panel, and a bent portion connecting these two parts. The rear portion of the bracket is fixed near the bent portion, The instrument panel structure according to claim 5, wherein the reinforcing portion spans the vertical wall portion and the bottom wall portion and has a pair of connecting ribs that sandwich the guide rib in a side view of the instrument panel.

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