Vehicle electrical component protection structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle electrical component protection structure that can protect electrical components by preventing the occupant's legs from approaching them in a way that exposes them to the occupant's foot space. [Solution] The system comprises a controller 120 located laterally in the footwell of the vehicle, a cover 130 covering at least a portion of the controller 120 on the footwell side, and a duct projection 140 positioned behind and above the controller 120 in the footwell to prevent the occupant's legs from coming into contact with the controller 120. The cover 130 has a controller rear covering portion 330 that covers the area below the duct projection 140 and behind the controller 120.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection structure for vehicle electrical components.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cover for protecting a water supply pipe and a drain pipe arranged on the side surface of an HVAC of a vehicle. According to this configuration, passengers are prevented from contacting the water supply pipe and the drain pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the side surface of the HVAC, in addition to the water supply pipe and the drain pipe, there may be provided electrical components such as a controller for controlling a mechanism for switching the air outlet and the blowing temperature of the conditioned air inside the HVAC. The side surface of the HVAC is close to the legs of the passengers. In this case, there is room for further improvement from the viewpoint of suppressing the approach of the legs of the passengers to the electrical components. Such problems also occur when electrical components such as a controller for controlling in-vehicle components or electronic components used for communication are provided so as to be exposed in the foot space.

[0005] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a protection structure for vehicle electrical components that can protect the electrical components by suppressing the approach of the legs of the passengers to the electrical components arranged so as to be exposed on the side of the foot space of the passengers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the present invention comprises a predetermined electrical component located laterally in the footwell space of a vehicle, a cover that covers at least a portion of the electrical component on the footwell space side, and a rear upper portion positioned behind and above the electrical component in the footwell space, wherein the cover has an electrical component rear covering portion that covers the area behind the electrical component below the rear upper portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle electrical component protection structure that protects electrical components by preventing the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the electrical components located in the occupant's footwell. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a vehicle front structure equipped with a vehicle electrical component protection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an enlarged perspective view of the controller and cover of the vehicle's electrical component protection structure. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the vehicle's electrical component protection structure. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the vehicle's electrical component protection structure with the cover removed, and a side view of the controller, along with an enlarged side view of the controller. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a rear view of the vehicle's electrical component protection structure, etc. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the vehicle's electrical component protection structure. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the cover and pedal. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged side view of the controller and cover portion of the vehicle electrical component protection structure according to Modification 5. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cover from the reverse side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention comprises a predetermined electrical component located laterally in the footwell space of a vehicle, a cover that covers at least a portion of the electrical component on the footwell space side, and a rear upper portion positioned behind and above the electrical component in the footwell space, wherein the cover has an electrical component rear covering portion that covers the area behind the electrical component below the rear upper portion.

[0010] According to the present invention, since the electrical components are positioned further back than the rear covering portion and the rear upper portion of the electrical components, it is possible to protect the electrical components by preventing the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the electrical components located in the occupant's foot space.

[0011] The rear upper portion may be at least a part of the air blower that blows air and is positioned behind and above the electrical components in the footwell space, and may be an air blower projection that protrudes into the footwell space from the side of the footwell space.

[0012] This configuration allows for the use of the ventilation protrusion to prevent the occupant's legs or luggage from coming into contact with the electrical components, thereby protecting them.

[0013] The underside of the rear covering of the electrical components should be sloped so that it protrudes into the footwell space from below the rear upper section towards the electrical components.

[0014] With this configuration, if the occupant's legs or luggage are moving from below the rear upper section towards the electrical equipment, the occupant's legs can be guided away from the electrical equipment by the underside of the rear covering of the electrical equipment, thereby preventing the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the electrical equipment.

[0015] The electrical equipment unit is preferably located in front of the rear upper section and has a connection point to which a cable-like material is attached. With this configuration, the rear upper section protects the connection point from the rear side, improving the ease of routing the cable-like material and protecting the electrical equipment unit by preventing the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the connection point.

[0016] The underside of the rear covering of the electrical components should be sloped upwards so as it extends into the footwell space.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the legs of the occupant go upward along the lower surface of the rear covering portion of the electrical component unit, the legs of the occupant can be guided in a direction away from the electrical component unit by the lower surface of the rear covering portion of the electrical component unit, and the approach of the legs of the occupant to the electrical component unit is suppressed.

[0018] The rear upper portion may be inclined so as to project into the foot space as it goes upward.

[0019] According to this configuration, after the legs of the occupant move upward along the inclination of the rear covering portion of the electrical component unit, they can be further guided in a direction away from the electrical component unit along the rear upper portion, and the approach of the legs of the occupant to the electrical component unit is suppressed.

[0020] The cover may have a fixing portion disposed on the rear covering portion of the electrical component unit and fixed to the side surface.

[0021] According to this configuration, when the legs of the occupant or luggage touch the cover below the air outlet of the air blowing portion, the cover can be prevented from approaching the electrical component unit to protect the electrical component unit.

[0022] The cover has a cover leg portion disposed on the rear covering portion of the electrical component unit and adjacent to be in contact with the side surface, and the cover leg portion may be disposed above and in front of the fixing portion.

[0023] According to this configuration, when the legs of the occupant or luggage touch the cover, the cover leg portion contacts the side surface, so that the cover can be prevented from approaching the electrical component unit side to protect the electrical component unit.

Embodiment

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a vehicle front structure 500 equipped with a vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a cross-section taken along the vehicle's longitudinal and vertical directions to the right of the pedal 110. In Figure 1 and subsequent drawings, the vehicle's longitudinal direction is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Backward), respectively; the left and right directions in the vehicle width direction are indicated by arrows L (Leftward) and R (Rightward), respectively; and the vertical direction is indicated by arrows U (Upward) and D (Downward), respectively.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(a)(4), the front vehicle structure 500 includes a dash panel 502, an indoor unit 504 (HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) of an air conditioning system located behind the dash panel 502, and a vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 attached to the indoor unit 504.

[0027] The interior of the indoor unit 504 is equipped with an air outlet 142 for conditioned air and a drive mechanism such as an electric motor (not shown) for switching the outlet temperature. A portion of the conditioned air is blown out from the air outlet 142 of a duct projection 140, which is part of the foot duct 600 that serves as an air blowing section for supplying conditioned air to the foot space. The indoor unit 504 has a side surface 504a that is oriented to the right in the vehicle width direction and forms part of the foot space, i.e., the left side surface of the foot space.

[0028] The front vehicle structure 500 also includes an instrument panel 506 and a floor panel 508. The instrument panel 506 has a rear member 506a as a rear upper portion on the rear side of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100. The rear member 506a is provided on the rear side of the controller 120 and functions as a leg intrusion prevention part that prevents the occupant's legs from entering, thereby preventing the occupant's legs from coming into contact with the controller 120 of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100.

[0029] Furthermore, there are no components on the right side of the vehicle's electrical component protection structure 100 in the vehicle's width direction, and the right side of the vehicle's electrical component protection structure 100 in the vehicle's width direction is exposed to the footwell space.

[0030] On the side 504a of the interior unit 504, a vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 is provided, which includes a controller 120 as an example of a predetermined electrical component located to the side of the vehicle's footwell space, and a cover 130 that covers a portion of the controller 120 on the footwell space side. The controller 120 controls the drive mechanism, such as an electric motor for switching the air conditioner outlet and outlet temperature, which is located inside the aforementioned interior unit 504. The vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 also includes a duct projection 140 of a duct 139, at least a portion of which is located behind and above the controller 120 and protrudes from the side 504a into the footwell space to blow air conditioner air, and a pedal mechanism 109.

[0031] Furthermore, the electrical components are not limited to the controller 120 that controls the drive mechanism such as an electric motor located inside the interior unit 504, but may also include various electronic components such as communication devices that communicate with other in-vehicle equipment or external equipment. The electrical components may also include cable-like structures such as harnesses routed along the side surface 504a and connected to various in-vehicle components. These cable-like structures are not limited to harnesses, but may also include cables carrying a medium for transmitting communication signals (e.g., light), or hollow tubes or string-like members that supply refrigerant or the like to the electrical components. Alternatively, the electrical components may include connection points such as the connection point between the controller 120 and a harness (not shown), or connectors that connect multiple harnesses to each other.

[0032] The footwell space of a vehicle is the space in front of the occupants' feet when they are seated in their seats, and is formed by partitions such as the dash panel 502, the side 504a of the HVAC interior unit 504, the instrument panel 506, and the floor panel 508.

[0033] Figure 2(a) is an enlarged side view of the controller 120 and cover 130 of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2(b) is an enlarged side view of the controller 120 of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an enlarged side view of the side 504a and controller 120 of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 shown in Figure 1 with the cover 130 removed. The controller 120 shown in Figures 2(a) and 3 is for controlling the drive mechanism in the indoor unit 504 of the aforementioned air conditioning system and is mounted on the side 504a of the indoor unit 504 of the aforementioned air conditioning system.

[0034] In this embodiment, the location where the controller 120 is installed is described using the side surface 504a of the HVAC indoor unit 504 located to the side of the footwell as an example, but it may also be the outer surface of other in-vehicle components facing the footwell, the panel surface of an interior panel (resin) such as the instrument panel 506, the panel surface of the dash panel 502, or the panel surface of the floor panel 508.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 4, the controller 120 includes a controller body 116 and a controller bracket 117 as a support member for supporting the controller body 116. As shown in Figure 4, the controller bracket 117 includes a bracket body 118, mounting surfaces (front end 118a, rear end 118b, and lower end 118c) positioned on the side and bottom sides of the bracket body 118 when the controller 120 is attached to the side surface 504a, and a plurality of controller fixing parts 122, 124, and 126 extending away from the controller body 116 from the mounting surfaces (front end 118a, rear end 118b, and lower end 118c).

[0036] The controller fixing parts 124 and 126 are provided so as to extend forward from the front end 118a side of the bracket body 118 and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The controller fixing part 122 is provided so as to extend downward from the lower end 118c side of the bracket body 118.

[0037] The controller fixing parts 122, 124, and 126 in Figure 4 are fixed to the controller-mounted fixing parts 212, 214, and 216 formed on the side surface 504a of the HVAC indoor unit 504 in Figure 2(b) via connecting members such as bolts 522 and 526 and pins 214b. For example, the controller fixing part 126 in Figure 4 is fixed to the controller-mounted fixing part 216 in Figure 2(b), which protrudes from the side surface 504a, by the bolt 526 in Figure 2(a).

[0038] Furthermore, the controller fixing part 122 in Figure 4 is fixed to the controller-mounted fixing part 212 in Figure 2(b), which protrudes from the side surface 504a, by bolts 522. In addition, the controller fixing part 124 in Figure 4 has a hole 124a, and the pin 214b of the controller-mounted fixing part 214 in Figure 2(b), which protrudes from the side surface 504a, is passed through this hole 124a, thereby fixing it to the side surface 504a.

[0039] The controller 120 has a connection portion 128 to which a harness 150, which is a cable-like body, is connected. The controller 120 is mounted on the side 504a of the controller body 116 such that the connection portion 128 is located on the upper part of the controller body 116. The cover 130 covers the part of the controller 120 below the connection portion 128 on the side facing the foot space, so that the connection portion 128 is exposed on the side facing the foot space. The controller 120 is also positioned in front of the duct projection 140.

[0040] Here, we will explain using Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the base end of the controller-mounted fixing part 216 is fixed to the side surface 504a, and the controller 120 is located to the right in the vehicle width direction of the base end of the controller-mounted fixing part 216, and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the side surface 504a. Similarly, the controller fixing part 124 is away from the side surface 504a and faces the positioning part 133 of the cover 130.

[0041] Next, we will return to Figure 2(a) and describe the cover 130. As shown in Figure 2(a), the cover 130 comprises a controller covering portion 329 (the area to the right of the dashed-dot line) which serves as an electrical component covering portion, and a rear controller covering portion 330 (the area to the left of the dashed-dot line) which is provided behind the controller covering portion 329 as a rear electrical component covering portion. As a result, the cover 130 covers the rear and lower part of the controller 120. Note that the cover 130 may also be configured to cover either the rear or the lower part of the controller 120.

[0042] Furthermore, the cover 130 includes a first fixing portion 136, which serves as a fixing portion, provided in the area behind the rear covering portion 330 of the controller, and a cover leg portion 137 above the rear covering portion 330 of the controller.

[0043] Furthermore, the cover 130 includes a second fixing portion 132 provided above the front side of the controller covering portion 329, a positioning portion 133 provided below the front side of the controller covering portion 329, and an opening 134 formed inside the second fixing portion 132 and the positioning portion 133.

[0044] During the installation of the cover 130, the positioning portion 133 of the cover 130 faces the back surface of the controller fixing portion 124, and the cover 130 is positioned on the controller 120.

[0045] The cover 130 is set to have a length (front-to-back direction) that is longer than the controller 120, and is positioned to cover the foot space below the controller 120. The cover 130 extends behind the controller 120 to a position below the duct projection 140.

[0046] The controller covering portion 329 covers the bracket body 118 from its front end 118a to its rear end 118b. The controller covering portion 329 does not cover the upper side of the controller 120, but covers the lower side of the controller 120. Alternatively, the cover 130 may cover the entire controller 120 from top to bottom.

[0047] The rear controller covering portion 330 covers the area below the duct projection portion 140 and behind the controller 120. The rear controller covering portion 330 is provided on the rear side of the controller 120 and functions as a leg intrusion prevention portion that prevents the occupant's legs from entering. The rear controller covering portion 330 prevents the occupant's legs from approaching the controller 120 from behind. The rear controller covering portion 330 has a rear upper surface 332 and a rear lower surface 334 as its lower surface.

[0048] The first fixing portion 136 is positioned on the rear upper surface 332 of the controller rear covering portion 330. The first fixing portion 136 is fixed by bolts 536 to a cover fixing portion 222 (not shown) that protrudes from the side surface 504a.

[0049] The cover legs 137 are positioned above and in front of the first fixing portion 136. The cover legs 137 are adjacent to the side surface 504a so as to be in contact with it (see Figure 5(a)). Note that members that maintain the distance between the cover 130 and the side surface 504a, such as the cover legs 137, may be fixed to the side surface 504a by connecting members.

[0050] The positioning part 133 is positioned on the controller fixing part 124 of the controller 120. The second fixing part 132 is fixed by bolts 532 to the cover fixing part 224 that protrudes from the side surface 504a.

[0051] Note that in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction, the position of the duct protrusion 140 coincides with the position of the upper half of the controller 120, so the rear controller covering portion 330 of the cover 130 does not cover the area between the upper half of the controller 120 and the duct protrusion 140. If the duct protrusion 140 is absent or does not protrude towards the footwell, it is preferable to configure the rear controller covering portion 330 of the cover 130 to cover the area between the upper half of the controller 120 and the duct protrusion 140.

[0052] Next, the side 504a and the footwell space will be described using Figure 2(b). As shown in Figure 2(b), the interior unit 504 has a side 504a. The side 504a is oriented to the right in the vehicle width direction and constitutes part of the footwell space, i.e., the left side of the footwell space. The side 504a is not flat, but has irregularities.

[0053] The footwell space may also be the rear seat footwell space. If the footwell space is the rear seat footwell space, the side 504a may be the left and right side frames that support the front seat frame from below, or other vehicle components located below the front seat.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2(b), the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 includes a controller-mounted fixing part 214 (electrical component-mounted fixing part) provided on the side surface 504a to which a controller fixing part 124 (see Figure 4) is fixed, and a cover-mounted fixing part 224 provided on the side surface 504a to which a second fixing part 132 (see Figure 4) is fixed. The controller-mounted fixing part 214 has a rib 214a and a pin 214b located at the tip of the rib 214a. The controller-mounted fixing part 214 and the cover-mounted fixing part 224 are connected via a connecting part 250. The connecting part 250 is a rib. Note that the controller-mounted fixing part 214 and the cover-mounted fixing part 224 may be directly connected without using the connecting part 250.

[0055] Furthermore, the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 includes a controller-mounted fixing part 212 provided on the side surface 504a to which the controller fixing part 122 (see Figure 4) is fixed, and a controller-mounted fixing part 216 provided on the side surface 504a to which the controller fixing part 126 (see Figure 4) is fixed. The vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 also includes a cover-mounted fixing part 222 provided on the side surface 504a to which the first fixing part 136 (see Figure 4) is fixed. Thus, the controller-mounted fixing parts 212, 214, and 216 are used to fix the controller 120, and the cover-mounted fixing parts 222 and 224 are used to fix the cover 130.

[0056] Figure 5(a) is a rear view of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5(a), the rear lower surface 334 of the controller rear covering portion 330 is inclined to protrude into the footwell space as it goes upwards. Figure 5(b) is a schematic view of the cover 130 of Figure 5(a) as seen from above. As shown in Figure 5(b), the rear lower surface 334 is inclined to protrude into the footwell space as it goes from below the duct projection 140 toward the controller 120, that is, toward the front of the vehicle.

[0057] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 shown in Figure 1. The duct 139 is a ventilation duct with a hollow interior for blowing conditioned air. The duct projection 140, which is the rear upper part, is part of the duct 139 and extends from the inside of the vehicle toward the footwell, positioned behind and above the controller 120. The footwell side of the duct projection 140 protrudes further toward the footwell than the controller 120. The duct projection 140 is inclined downward as it approaches the footwell, and an air outlet 142 for blowing conditioned air is formed at the tip of the duct projection 140.

[0058] The duct projection 140 is located behind and above the controller 120. The air outlet 142 of the duct projection 140 is inclined to protrude into the foot space as it goes upwards. The duct projection 140 is located on the rear side of the controller 120 and functions as a leg intrusion prevention member to prevent the occupant's legs from entering.

[0059] Since the air vent 142 is facing downwards and to the right in the vehicle width direction, the conditioned air blown out from the air vent 142 is directed towards the occupants' feet rather than towards the controller 120 and cover 130.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the pedal mechanism 109 is located on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100. The pedal mechanism 109 is used, for example, as a parking brake. The pedal mechanism 109 may also be a clutch pedal.

[0061] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cover 130 and pedal 110 shown in Figure 1. The pedal mechanism 109 shown in Figure 7 is located on the footwell side and is operated by the occupant's legs. As shown in Figures 7 and 1, the pedal mechanism 109 as an operating member has a pedal 110 as an operating part located on the occupant side, and a pedal support part 111 as an operating support part that is located further back in the footwell than the pedal 110 and supports the pedal 110. The aforementioned controller 120 is located adjacent to the pedal support part 111, which is located further back and above the pedal 110, in the vehicle width direction. The pedal mechanism 109 is a mechanism that rotates the pedal 110 and the pedal support part 111 around a predetermined center of rotation, with the pedal 110 facing downwards and the pedal support part 111 facing upwards.

[0062] The pedal support portion 111 may be positioned further back than the pedal 110 and not above the pedal 110. For example, the pedal support portion 111 may be configured to include a piston and be operated by pushing the pedal 110 forward or releasing it from the pedal 110. The controller 120 may be positioned adjacent to such a pedal support portion 111.

[0063] The pedal 110 is located in the footwell space and is movable between a first position P1 on the rear side of the vehicle and a second position P2 on the front side of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 7, the portion (at least a part) between the first fixing portion 136 and the controller fixing portion 122 of the cover 130 is located above the position between the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the pedal 110. The distance between the cover 130 and the pedal 110 is shortest when the pedal is in the first position P1 and longest when it is in the second position P2.

[0064] The pedal mechanism 109 is for the brake that activates the parking brake, and the pedal 110 is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The first position P1 is the brake activated position, and the second position P2 is the brake deactivated position. When driving, the pedal 110 is normally in the second position P2.

[0065] The pedal mechanism 109 may be for a clutch pedal used in a manual transmission vehicle. If the pedal mechanism 109 is for a clutch pedal, when the pedal 110 is in the first position P1, the clutch provided between the power source and the transmission having multiple transmission gears is fully engaged, resulting in a power transmission state between the power source and the transmission. When the pedal 110 is in the second position P2, the clutch is disengaged (separated), resulting in a power non-transmission state between the power source and the transmission. When the pedal 110 is between the first position P1 and the second position P2, the clutch engagement force is configured to increase as the pedal 110 approaches the first position P1, thereby increasing the amount of power transmitted between the power source and the transmission.

[0066] Next, the operation of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 will be explained. When the occupant's leg moves forward or to the left while operating the pedal 110, as shown in Figure 5(a), even if the occupant's leg approaches the rear lower surface 334 of the rear cover portion 330 of the controller, it can be guided in a direction away from the controller 120 (towards the footwell space, upper right of the page) along the inclination direction of the rear lower surface 334. In addition, the upper part of the occupant's leg hits the duct projection 140 and cannot move forward.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), the rear lower surface 334 of the cover 130 protrudes significantly toward the footwell as it moves forward. Therefore, when the pedal 110 is in the second position P2 and the occupant's legs approach the controller 120, the occupant's legs can be guided toward the controller 120 (see arrow in Figure 5(b)).

[0068] As described above, according to this embodiment, the controller 120 is positioned behind the rear covering portion 330 and the duct protrusion portion 140, so that the occupant's legs or luggage do not approach the controller 120 which is positioned in the occupant's foot space, thereby protecting the controller 120.

[0069] Furthermore, since the controller 120 is positioned behind the rear covering portion 330 and the rear member 506a from the perspective of the occupant, it is possible to protect the controller 120 by preventing the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the controller 120, which is located in the occupant's foot space.

[0070] Since the duct protrusion 140 and the rear member 506a are located behind and above the controller 120, the cover 130 only needs to cover the portion of the controller 120's surface below the duct protrusion 140 and the rear member 506a, and does not need to cover the portion of the controller 120's surface above them.

[0071] The duct projection 140 is at least a part of the air-blowing duct 139 and is positioned behind and above the controller 120 in the footwell space, protruding into the footwell space from the side surface 504a of the footwell space. Therefore, the duct projection 140 can be used to prevent the occupant's legs from approaching the controller 120, thereby protecting the controller 120.

[0072] The rear covering portion 330 of the controller has a rear lower surface 334. Therefore, when an occupant's legs move from below the duct projection 140 towards the controller 120, the rear lower surface 334 of the rear covering portion 330 of the controller can guide the occupant's legs away from the controller 120, thus preventing the occupant's legs from approaching the controller 120. However, if the center tunnel or interior trim that constitutes the floor panel 508 (see Figure 1) is located at a position lower than the lower end of the controller 120, and the configuration prevents the occupant's legs from approaching the controller 120 from below, the cover 130 may be left with the rear upper surface 332 while only the rear lower surface 334 is omitted.

[0073] Since the duct projection 140 has a connection portion 128 at the rear (front) of it, the duct projection 140 protects the connection portion 128 from the rear side, thereby improving the routing of the harness 150 and preventing the occupant's legs from approaching the connection portion 128, thus protecting the controller 120.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, the rear cover portion 330 of the controller has a rear lower surface 334 that protrudes into the foot space as it goes upward. Therefore, when the occupant's legs move upward along the rear lower surface 334 of the rear cover portion 330 of the controller, the rear lower surface 334 of the rear cover portion 330 of the controller can guide the occupant's legs away from the controller 120, thus preventing the occupant's legs from approaching the controller 120.

[0075] The air vent 142 is inclined so that it protrudes into the foot space as it goes upward. As a result, the occupant's legs can move upward along the inclination of the rear covering portion 330 of the controller, and then be guided further away from the controller 120 along the air vent 142 of the duct projection 140, thereby preventing the occupant's legs from approaching the controller 120.

[0076] In this embodiment, the air outlet 142 of the duct projection 140 is inclined to protrude into the foot space as it goes upward, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the direction in which the duct projection 140 extends may be toward the foot space as it goes upward. In this configuration as well, the occupant's legs are guided to the side of the duct projection 140 and are prevented from moving toward the controller 120.

[0077] Since the first fixing part 136 is provided on the rear covering part 330 of the controller, if an occupant's leg touches the cover 130 below the air outlet 142 of the duct protrusion 140, the cover 130 can be prevented from approaching the controller 120, thereby protecting the controller 120.

[0078] Since the side 504a and the cover leg 137 are adjacent, if the crew member's leg touches the cover 130, the cover leg 137 will come into contact with the side 504a, thereby preventing the cover 130 from moving closer to the controller 120 and protecting the controller 120.

[0079] Furthermore, since the cover legs 137 are positioned on the side of the cover 130 that is closer to the occupant (rearward) than the controller 120, which is more likely to come into contact with the occupant's legs, it prevents the cover 130 from being displaced or deformed so that it moves closer to the side surface 504a when the occupant's legs come into contact with it, thereby preventing the controller 120 from being caught between the side surface 504a and the cover 130.

[0080] The controller 120 is positioned so as to overlap in width with or above the pedal support portion 111 that supports the pedal 110, making it difficult for the occupant's legs to enter from the footwell. Furthermore, since the upper end of the controller 120 is positioned higher than the rear member 506a, it is configured to make it even more difficult for the occupant's legs to enter from the footwell.

[0081] Since at least the lower part (or all) of the controller 120 is configured to be insertable and detachable in the vertical direction between the upper end of the cover 130 and the side surface 504a, the controller 120 can be attached and detached with the cover 130 installed.

[0082] Since the controller 120 is positioned adjacent to the pedal support 111, and is located further back than the cover 130 and the pedal support 111, the controller 120 can be protected by preventing the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the controller 120, which is located in the occupant's footwell area.

[0083] Since the pedal support 111 is positioned above the pedal 110, the pedal 110 and the controller 120 are positioned so that they are separated in the vertical direction. This prevents the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the controller 120, which is located in the occupant's footwell area, thereby protecting the controller 120.

[0084] Since the rear member 506a, duct projection 140, and controller rear covering 330 are provided on the rear side of the controller 120 as leg intrusion prevention parts, the controller 120 can be further protected by suppressing the approach of the occupant's legs or luggage to the controller 120 which is located in the occupant's foot space.

[0085] The cover 130 covers the rear or bottom of the controller 120, so that the portion of the controller 120 that is close to the occupant's legs or luggage is protected.

[0086] Since the cover 130 covers a portion of the controller 120, the portion of the controller 120 covered by the cover 130 is protected from the occupant's legs or luggage.

[0087] (Variation 1) The portion corresponding to the duct protrusion 140 can be replaced with a component other than the duct protrusion 140 that constitutes the indoor unit 504 of the air conditioning system, or with other in-vehicle components or a combination thereof.

[0088] (Modification 2) In this embodiment, the vehicle electrical component protection structure 100 had a duct projection 140, a rear member 506a, and a pedal mechanism 109, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may have a configuration without a duct projection 140. This is because even in this configuration, there is a rear member 506a behind the controller 120, and the pedal mechanism 109 is provided adjacent to the footwell space side of the cover 130 that covers the controller 120.

[0089] (Variation 3) If the pedal mechanism 109 is positioned adjacent to the footwell side of the controller 120, and it is difficult for the occupant's legs to enter the controller 120 side, the cover 130 may be omitted, or the cover 130 may be configured to cover only the rear surface, the bottom surface, or those surfaces of the controller 120.

[0090] (Modification 4) If the crew's legs may come into contact with the top of the controller 120, it is preferable to configure the controller 120 so that its top is covered by the cover 130.

[0091] (Variation 5) Figure 8 is an enlarged side view of the controller 320 and cover 230 of the vehicle electrical component protection structure 200 according to Modification 5. In the vehicle electrical component protection structure 200, the controller 320 and cover 230 are used instead of the controller 120 and cover 130. As shown in Figure 8, the interior unit 504 has a side surface 504a.

[0092] The vehicle electrical component protection structure 200 includes controller fixing parts 212 and 216 shown in Figure 2(b) and provided on the side surface 504a, and a cover fixing part 314 shown in Figure 8 and provided on the side surface 504a. The vehicle electrical component protection structure 200 does not include the cover fixing part 224 shown in Figure 2(b). Instead of the controller fixing part 214 shown in Figure 2(b), the vehicle electrical component protection structure 200 includes the cover fixing part 314 shown in Figure 8. The cover fixing part 314 is a part that is engaged by the positioning part 232.

[0093] The vehicle electrical component protection structure 200 includes a controller 320 as a predetermined electrical component mounted on a side surface 504a that constitutes the footwell space of the vehicle, a cover 230 that covers at least a part of the controller 320, and a pedal 110.

[0094] The controller 320 controls the drive mechanism within the indoor unit 504 of the aforementioned air conditioning system and is fixed to the side surface 504a of the indoor unit 504. The controller 320 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the side surface 504a. The controller 320 has two controller fixing parts 122 and 126 fixed to the side surface 504a. Of these, the controller fixing part 126 is positioned outside the area covered by the cover 230 and is exposed towards the foot space. Note that the controller 320 does not have the controller fixing part 124 that the controller 120 had.

[0095] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cover 230 of Figure 8, viewed from the back side. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cover 230 has a cover body 231 and a positioning portion 232. The cover body 231 and the positioning portion 232 are continuous. The cover body 231 is formed to bulge out to the right in the vehicle width direction (towards the viewer in this paper). The cover body 231 has an upper surface 231a, a lower surface 231b below the upper surface 231a, and a cover leg portion 237 above the upper surface 231a. The positioning portion 232 has a positioning recess 234. The positioning portion 232 is located to the left of the cover body 231 in the vehicle width direction.

[0096] In Figure 8, the controller 320 comprises a controller body 116 and a bracket 317. The bracket 317 comprises a bracket body 318 and controller fixing parts 122 and 126. The controller fixing part 126 extends forward from the front end 318a of the bracket body 318 and is fixed to the controller-mounted fixing part 216 by a bolt 526. The controller fixing part 122 extends downward from the lower end 318c of the bracket body 318 and is fixed to the controller-mounted fixing part 212 by a bolt 522. The cover 230 does not cover the entire bracket body 318 from the front end 318a to the rear end 318b, but covers the rear and lower sides of the bracket body 318. The first fixing part 236 of the cover 230 is fixed to the cover-mounted fixing part 222 by a bolt 636.

[0097] In this embodiment, the occupant's legs were used as an example of what to prevent contact with the controller 120, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, it can also include luggage placed in the footwell area or other objects that are movable towards the footwell area.

[0098] The aforementioned rear upper portion (rear member 506a, duct projection 140) and the rear covering portion of the electrical equipment (controller rear covering portion 330) are located behind the electrical equipment and function as contact prevention portions to prevent the occupant's legs or other body parts from coming into contact with the electrical equipment. These rear upper portion and the rear covering portion of the electrical equipment may be configured as a single unit.

[0099] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented by freely combining the inventions described in the claims and examples, regardless of the dependency relationships of the claims.

[0101] Some or all of the above embodiments can also be described as follows: (Note 1) A predetermined electrical component located to the side in the footwell space of the vehicle, A cover that covers at least a portion of the footwell space side of the electrical component, In a vehicle electrical component protection structure comprising an operating member positioned on the footwell side and operated by the occupant's leg, The operating member is The control panel is located on the crew side, It includes an operating support section positioned further back in the foot space than the aforementioned operating section and supporting the aforementioned operating section, The vehicle electrical component protection structure is characterized in that the electrical component is arranged adjacent to the operating support component.

[0102] With this configuration, the electrical components are positioned behind the cover and operating support, thus protecting the electrical components by preventing the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the electrical components located in the occupant's footwell.

[0103] (Note 2) The aforementioned operating support portion is a vehicle electrical component protection structure as described in Appendix 1, which is positioned above the aforementioned operating portion.

[0104] With this configuration, the control unit and the electrical unit are positioned so as to be separated vertically, which prevents the occupant's legs or luggage from approaching the electrical unit located in the occupant's footwell, thereby protecting the electrical unit.

[0105] (Note 3) The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein a leg intrusion prevention part is provided on the rear side of the electrical component to prevent the occupant's leg from entering the electrical component.

[0106] This configuration further prevents the occupant's legs or luggage from coming into contact with the electrical components located in the occupant's footwell, thereby protecting the electrical components.

[0107] (Note 4) The aforementioned cover is provided to cover the rear or lower part of the electrical component, as described in Appendix 1 or 2 of the vehicle electrical component protection structure.

[0108] This configuration protects the electrical components near the occupants' legs or luggage.

[0109] (Note 5) A predetermined electrical component located to the side in the footwell space of the vehicle, A cover that covers at least a portion of the footwell space side of the electrical component, A vehicle electrical component protection structure equipped with the following features.

[0110] In this configuration, the parts of the electrical system that are covered are protected from the occupants' legs or luggage.

[0111] (Note 6) The rear upper portion is further provided, which is located behind and above the electrical equipment unit in the footwell space. The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to Appendix 5, characterized in that the electrical component is located in front of the rear upper portion and has a connection portion to which a cable-like body is connected.

[0112] With this configuration, the rear upper section protects the connection from the rear side, improving the routing of the cable-like material and preventing the occupant's legs from approaching the connection, thereby protecting the electrical equipment.

[0113] (Note 7) The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to Appendix 5, characterized in that the lower surface of the rear covering portion of the electrical component is inclined to protrude into the footwell space as it goes upward.

[0114] With this configuration, when the occupant's legs are directed upward along the underside of the rear covering of the electrical components, the underside of the rear covering of the electrical components can guide the occupant's legs away from the electrical components, thus preventing the occupant's legs from approaching the electrical components.

[0115] (Note 8) The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to Appendix 5, characterized in that the rear upper portion is inclined to protrude into the foot space as it goes upward.

[0116] With this configuration, the occupant's legs can be guided upward along the slope of the rear covering of the electrical components, and then further away from the electrical components along the rear upper section, thereby preventing the occupant's legs from approaching the electrical components.

[0117] (Note 9) The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to Appendix 5, characterized in that the cover is disposed on the rear covering portion of the electrical component and has a fixing portion fixed to the side surface.

[0118] With this configuration, if an occupant's leg touches the cover below the air outlet, the cover can be prevented from approaching the electrical components, thereby protecting them. [Industrial applicability]

[0119] This invention can be used in a protective structure for the electrical components of a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100...Protection structure for vehicle electrical components 109...Pedal mechanism 110...Pedal 111...Pedal support section 116…Controller body 117…Controller bracket 118…Bracket body 118a...front end 118b…rear end 118c…lower end 120... Controller (electrical components) 118a...front end 118b…rear end 120c…lower end 122, 124, 126... Controller fixing part 124a…hole 128...Connection part 130...cover 132…Second fixed part 133...Positioning section 134...Aperture 136...First fixed part (fixed part) 137... Cover leg 140...Duct protrusion (rear upper part) 142...Air outlet 150... Harness (cord-like device) 212, 214, 216... Controller fixing parts 214a... Rib 214b... pin 222, 224... Cover fixing part 230...cover 231...Cover body 231a...Top surface 231b…Bottom surface 320... Controller 329... Controller insulation (electrical equipment insulation) 330...Rear covering of the controller (rear covering of the electrical components) 332…Rear side upper surface 334…Backward lower surface 500... Front structure of the vehicle 502...Dash panel 504...Indoor Unit 504a...side view 506…Instrument Panel 506a...Rear member (rear upper part) 508... Floor panel 522, 526, 536... bolts P1…1st position P2…Second position

Claims

1. A predetermined electrical component located to the side in the footwell space of the vehicle, A cover that covers at least a portion of the footwell space side of the electrical component, It comprises a rear upper section located behind and above the electrical equipment unit in the footwell space, The vehicle electrical component protection structure is characterized in that the cover has an electrical component rear covering portion that covers the area below the rear upper portion and behind the electrical component.

2. The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear upper portion is at least a part of an air blowing unit that blows air and is positioned rear and above the electrical component in the foot space, and is an air blowing projection that protrudes into the foot space from the side of the foot space.

3. The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower surface of the rear covering portion of the electrical component is inclined to protrude into the footwell space from below the rear upper portion toward the electrical component.

4. The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical component is located in front of the rear upper portion and has a connection portion to which a cable-like body is connected.

5. The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower surface of the rear covering portion of the electrical component is inclined to protrude into the footwell space as it goes upward.

6. The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the rear upper portion is inclined to protrude into the foot space as it goes upward.

7. The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the cover is disposed on the rear covering portion of the electrical component and has a fixing portion fixed to the side surface.

8. The cover is positioned on the rear covering portion of the electrical component and has adjacent cover legs that are in contact with the side surface. The vehicle electrical component protection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover legs are positioned above and in front of the fixing portion.

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