Bracket support structure

Abstract

Enhancing the support stability of the HUD unit. [Solution] This is a support structure 1 for a bracket 45 for a HUD unit 10 on the vehicle frame 4. The bracket 45 is provided in an orientation along the longitudinal direction of the frame 4. The bracket 45 is fixed to the frame 4 at two points (fixing parts 452, 452) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the frame 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for a bracket.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a support structure for a head-up display unit (HUD unit).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the HUD unit is supported by a steering member on the vehicle side via a bracket. When the HUD unit vibrates during vehicle travel, blurring occurs in the image projected by the HUD. Therefore, it is required to improve the support stability of the HUD unit (in-vehicle device). Note that, not limited to such requirements, operations and effects derived from each configuration disclosed in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described later, which are operations and effects not obtained by the conventional technology, can also be positioned as other objects of the present case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention is a support structure for a bracket for an in-vehicle device in a frame on the vehicle side, where the bracket is provided in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the frame, and the bracket is fixed to the frame at two positions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the frame, as a support structure for the bracket.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the support stability of in-vehicle equipment (HUD unit) can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the frame at the front of the vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the mounting bracket. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the mounting bracket. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the frame. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating the mounting bracket. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating the mounting bracket. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating the bending of the frame. [Figure 17] This is a diagram illustrating the bending of the frame. [Figure 18] This is a diagram illustrating the bending of the frame. [Figure 19] This is a diagram illustrating the bending of the frame. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of frames 4, 5, and 6 on the front side of the vehicle. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining frames 4, 5, and 6. In FIG. 1, the area where frames 4, 5, and 6 are arranged between the dash side upper 2 and the cross car beam 3 is schematically shown from obliquely above. In FIG. 1, the HUD unit 10 supported by frames 4 and 6 is shown at a position spaced apart upward in the Z direction. In FIG. 2, the state of the area where frames 4, 5, and 6 are arranged is schematically shown in an enlarged view as seen from above.

[0009] In the following description, the positional relationship of each component will be described using the vehicle width direction, the vehicle front-rear direction, and the vertical direction in FIG. 1. Also, if necessary, the reference signs "X", "Y", and "Z" in FIG. 1 may be used for explanation. Here, the X direction corresponds to the vehicle width direction of the vehicle equipped with the cross car beam 3. The Y direction corresponds to the vehicle front-rear direction of the vehicle equipped with the cross car beam 3. The Z direction is the vertical direction based on the installation state of the cross car beam 3 in the vehicle.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, on the front side of the vehicle, the dash side upper 2 and the cross car beam 3 (Cross Car Beam: CCB) are provided at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction. The dash side upper 2 and the cross car beam 3 are horizontally arranged on the back side (front side of the vehicle) of the vehicle dashboard (not shown). The dash side upper 2 and the cross car beam 3 are used to ensure the rigidity of the vehicle body and support in-vehicle devices and the like.

[0011] The dash side upper 2 and the cross car beam 3 are provided in a direction along the vehicle width direction (X direction). Both ends in the longitudinal direction of the dash side upper 2 and the cross car beam 3 are fixed to the vehicle side via brackets (not shown), respectively.

[0012] The crosscar beam 3 is constructed by connecting a cylindrical first crosscar beam 31 and an axial second crosscar beam 32 in series. In the first crosscar beam 31, a support portion 35 for the steering column (not shown) is fixed to the side facing the rear of the vehicle (inside the passenger compartment). In this embodiment, the first crosscar beam 31 is located on the driver's side, and the second crosscar beam 32 is located on the passenger side.

[0013] In the first crosscar beam 31, frames 4, 5, and 6 are fixed to the front side of the vehicle. Frames 4, 5, and 6 are oriented along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 2, one end 4a, 5a, 6a of frames 4, 5, and 6 is fixed to the dash side upper 2. The other ends 4b, 5b, 6b of frames 4, 5, and 6 are fixed to the first crosscar beam 31.

[0014] Frames 4, 5, and 6 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction (X direction). As shown in Figure 2, in a top view of the vehicle, the HUD unit 10 (head-up display unit: in-vehicle equipment) is installed in the area enclosed by frames 4 and 6, the dash side upper 2, and the cross car beam 3. Frame 5 is provided to increase the rigidity of the dash side upper 2 and the first crosscar beam 31 by bypassing the area below the HUD unit 10 and connecting the dash side upper 2 and the first crosscar beam 31 (see Figure 16). As shown in Figure 2, frames 4 and 6 are frames involved in supporting the HUD unit 10. Frames 4 and 6 are provided with brackets 45 and 65 (brackets for in-vehicle equipment) at intermediate positions in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) to support the HUD unit 10.

[0015] [Frame 4] Figures 3 through 6 illustrate frame 4 (the first frame). Figure 3 schematically shows a cross-section of frame 4 cut along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 schematically shows frame 4 viewed from the direction of arrow AA in Figure 3. Note that bracket 45 is not shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, in Figure 4, the state of frame 4 when bent is shown by dashed lines. Figure 5 shows a magnified view of the area on frame 4 where the bracket 45 is provided, viewed from diagonally above in the Z direction. Figure 6 shows a magnified view of the area on frame 4 where the bracket 45 is provided, viewed from above in the Z direction.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, in cross-sectional view, the frame 4 has a basic shape formed by bending both sides of a plate-like member in the same direction in the width direction. The frame 4 has an upper wall portion 41 and a pair of side wall portions 42, 42. The pair of side wall portions 42, 42 extend from both sides of the upper wall portion 41 in the X direction toward the same direction (downward in the Z direction). The frame 4 is installed in a orientation such that the upper wall portion 41 is positioned on the upper side in the Z direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 4, when viewed from the X direction, frame 4 is bent at a point midway along its longitudinal direction. The frame 4 has a linear region 410 extending linearly along the Y direction from the tip (one end 4a) side (right side in the figure) beyond the bent portion 4c. The frame 4 has a curved region 420 with its vertex 4d facing downwards in the Z direction from the other end 4b side beyond the bent portion 4c. One end 4a of frame 4 is in contact with the dash side upper 2 from the Y direction. The other end 4b of frame 4 is in contact with the outer circumference of the first crosscar beam 31 from the Y direction.

[0018] The curved region 420 is inclined such that its height in the Z direction decreases as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle. The other end 4b of the curved region 420 is located below the aforementioned bend 4c and one end 4a in the Z direction. In the curved region 420, through holes 43 are provided at intermediate positions in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 5, the through holes 43 span across the upper wall portion 41 and the side wall portion 42. In the frame 4, through holes 43 are provided on both sides in the X direction.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, the curved region 420 is divided into a first region 421 on the side of the bend 4c (right side in the figure) as viewed from the through hole 43, and a second region 422 on the side of the first crosscar beam 31 (left side in the figure). The first region 421 has a greater inclination in the Z direction than the second region 422. The through holes 43, 43 are provided to allow bending at the apex 4d portion of the curved region 420 (see dashed line in Figure 4).

[0020] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper wall portion 41 also has through holes 44 in the aforementioned bent portion 4c. The through holes 44 are provided in a range in the Y direction that spans the straight region 410 and the curved region 420. Furthermore, in the bent portion 4c of the through holes 44, there are enlarged portions 441, 441 that are recessed in the X direction. The through holes 44 with the enlarged portions 411, 411 are provided to enable bending in the bent portion 4c (see dashed line in Figure 4).

[0021] In this scenario, if a vehicle equipped with the HUD unit 10 collides with an object, the impact from the collision may cause the dash side upper 2 to move backward towards the crosscar beam 3. In this embodiment, when the dash side upper 2 moves to the rear on the crosscar beam 3 side, the frame 4 bends at the through-hole 44 of the bent portion 4c and at the through-hole 43 of the curved region 420. This allows the frame 4 to move to the rear while maintaining its shape, preventing the crosscar beam 3 from being pushed into the vehicle interior.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, a notch 425 is provided in the side wall portion 42 near the bent portion 4c of the upper wall portion 41. The notch 425 has a substantially arc shape that is recessed towards the bent portion 4c side (upper side in the Z direction). Therefore, the height hb of the side wall portion 42 from the upper wall portion 41 (see Figure 4) is lowest at the aforementioned bent portion 4c. This is to prevent the bending of the frame 4 from being hindered by the presence of the side wall portion 42 when the frame 4 bends.

[0023] In the side wall portion 42, a fixing portion 415 of the bracket 45 (see Figure 3) is provided in the region adjacent to the notch portion 425 within the straight region 410. The fixing portion 415 extends downward in the Z direction from the region where the notch portion 425 is provided. Viewed from the X direction, the fixing portion 415 has a height h415 that extends to the height position in the Z direction of the through hole 43.

[0024] In the side wall portion 42, the first region 421, located on the curved region 420 side and between the notch 425 and the through hole 43, serves as the fixing portion for the bracket 45 (see Figure 3). In frame 4, a bracket 45 is provided spanning between a fixing portion 415 on one side with a bent portion 4c in between, and a first region 421 which is a fixing portion on the other side (see Figure 8).

[0025] [Bracket 45] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the bracket 45. Figure 7 shows the bracket 45 as viewed from the Z direction. In Figure 7, the fixing parts 452, 452 before bending are shown by dashed lines. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the bracket 45 fixed to the frame 4, cut along line AA in Figure 6.

[0026] As shown in Figure 8, the bracket 45 has two fixing parts 452, 452 that are fixed to the side wall 42 of the frame 4, and a mounting part 453 that is positioned perpendicular to the fixing parts 452, 452. The bracket 45 has a basic shape formed by bending a single plate-like member.

[0027] As shown in Figure 7, the bracket 45 has a recess 450 in the center of the plate-shaped base 451. The recess 450 extends along the widthwise centerline C451 of the base 451 from one side edge 451a to the other side edge 451b. The recess 450 consists of a reduced diameter portion 450a, a first equal-width portion 450b, and a second equal-width portion 450c. In the reduced diameter section 450a, the width W450 narrows as it moves away from the side edge 451a towards the side edge 451b (lower side in the figure). The first equal-width section 450b and the second equal-width section 450c are formed with the same width. The second equal-width section 450c is formed with a smaller width than the first equal-width section 450b. The reduced diameter section 450a, the first equal-width section 450b, and the second equal-width section 450c are arranged in series on the center line C451.

[0028] At the base portion 451, slits 454, 454 are provided at positions approximately midway along the first equal-width section 450b in the direction of the center line C451 (vertical direction in the figure). The slits 454, 454 extend linearly in a direction perpendicular to the center line C451. The slits 454, 454 open into the recess 450 and are positioned symmetrically with the center line C451 in between.

[0029] At the base portion 451, one side edge 451a (upper side in the figure), as viewed from the slits 454, 454, is the area of ​​the fixing portion 452, and the other side edge 451b (lower side in the figure) is the area of ​​the mounting portion 453. When the fixing portions 452, 452 are bent relative to the mounting portion 453, the base portion 451 is bent along the straight line L454 that runs along the slits 454, 454. In the mounting portion 453 area of ​​the base portion 451, the area in contact with the recess 450 is a reinforcing portion 455, 455. The reinforcing portions 455, 455 are formed by recessing the constituent material of the base portion 451 toward the back of the paper plane. The reinforcing portions 455 are provided along the recess 450, in the range from the slit 454 to the second equal-width portion 450c. The reinforcing portions 455 are provided so as to surround the area of ​​the first equal-width portion 450b.

[0030] The reinforcing portion 455 is provided to increase the rigidity of the mounting portion 453, thereby making it less likely for distortion or excessive vibration to occur in the mounting portion 453 due to vibrations during vehicle operation.

[0031] In the base portion 451, a bolt insertion hole 456 is provided in the region adjacent to the second equal-width portion 450c on the center line C451. A nut 458 is welded to the lower surface of the insertion hole 456 (see Figure 8). On both sides of the insertion hole 456, which has the center line C451 in between, are elongated positioning holes 457, 457, oriented along the center line C451. As shown in Figure 8, the mounting piece 11 of the HUD unit 10 is placed in the area of ​​the mounting portion 453 of the bracket 45. The mounting piece 11 is positioned by inserting the positioning pin 111 provided on the mounting piece 11 into the elongated hole 457, and then the bolt B is screwed into the nut 458 to secure it.

[0032] As shown in Figure 8, the fixing portions 452, 452 of the bracket 45 are spaced apart in the Y direction. One fixing portion 452 is welded in contact with a fixing portion 415 provided in the straight region 410 of the frame 4. The other fixing portion 452 is welded in contact with the first region 421 of the curved region 420 of the frame 4. One fixing part 452 (the fixing part on the right in the figure) is welded at the side edge on the vehicle's front side in the Y direction (see welding point W), and the other fixing part 452 (the fixing part on the right in the figure) is welded at the side edge on the vehicle's front side in the Y direction (see welding point W).

[0033] In this way, the bracket 45 is welded to the frame 4 at two points, thereby improving the support stability of the bracket 45 on the frame 4. Furthermore, the provision of a reinforcing portion 455 on the mounting portion 453 increases the rigidity of the mounting portion 453, which is cantilevered by the frame 4. Therefore, vibrations of the HUD unit 10 supported by the bracket 45 are suppressed.

[0034] [Frame 6] Figures 9 to 13 illustrate frame 6 (the second frame). Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-section of frame 6 cut along line BB in Figure 2. Figure 10 schematically shows a cross-section of frame 6 cut along line CC in Figure 2. Figure 11 schematically shows a cross-section of frame 6 cut along line DD in Figure 2. Figure 12 schematically shows frame 6 as viewed from the HUD unit 10 side. Note that the bracket 65 is not shown in Figure 12. Furthermore, in Figure 12, the state of frame 6 when bent is shown by dashed lines. Figure 13 schematically shows frame 6 as viewed from above in the Z direction. In Figure 13, the state of frame 6 when it is bent is shown by dashed lines.

[0035] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in cross-sectional view, the frame 6 has a basic shape formed by bending both sides of a plate-like member in the same direction in the width direction. The frame 6 has a side wall portion 61 and upper and lower wall portions 62, 62. The wall portions 62, 62 extend from both sides of the side wall portion 61 in the Z direction toward the same direction (X direction). The frame 6 is provided in an orientation in which the wall portions 62, 62 are arranged side by side in the Z direction. When viewed from the Y direction, frame 6 is positioned so that its side wall portion 61 faces the HUD unit 10 side (frame 4 side: left side in the figure). The wall portions 62, 62 extend away from the HUD unit 10 (right side in the figure).

[0036] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, when viewed from the X direction, the frame 6 is bent at two points along its longitudinal direction. The frame 6 has a first linear region 610 that extends linearly along the Y direction from the tip (one end 6a) side (left side in the figure) beyond the bend 6c. The frame 6 has a second linear region 620 that extends linearly along the Y direction from the other end 6b side (right side in the figure) beyond the bend 6d. The region between the first linear region 610 and the second linear region 620 is the connecting region 630. One end 6a of frame 6 is in contact with the dash side upper 2 from the Y direction. The other end 6b of frame 6 is in contact with the outer circumference of the first crosscar beam 31 from the Y direction.

[0037] The height of the connection area 630 decreases in the Z direction as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle (see Figure 12). Furthermore, the connection area 630 is inclined toward the HUD unit 10 as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle (see Figure 13). Therefore, the other end 6b of the frame 6 is located below the first end 6a and the aforementioned bent portion 6c in the Z direction, and is closer to the HUD unit 10 than the first end 6a.

[0038] In frame 6, through holes 63 and 64 are provided in the bent portions 6c and 6d. Through hole 63 spans both the side wall portion 61 and the wall portion 62 (see Figures 10 and 11). In frame 4, through holes 63 and 64 are provided on both sides in the Z direction. The through holes 63, 63 are provided to allow bending at the bent portion 6c (see dashed lines in Figures 12 and 13). The through holes 64, 64 are provided to allow bending at the bent portion 6d (see dashed lines in Figures 12 and 13).

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, one end 6a and the other end 6b of the frame 6 are positioned offset in the X and Z directions. Therefore, when the dash side upper 2 moves to the rear on the cross car beam 3 side, the frame 6 bends at the through-hole 63 of the bent portion 6c and at the through-hole 64 of the bent portion 6d. As a result, the first straight region 610 and the second straight region 620 are displaced relative to each other in two directions, the X direction (vehicle width direction) and the Z direction (vertical direction), causing the frame 6 to bend at two points. Therefore, when the dash side upper 2 moves to the rear on the crosscar beam 3 side, the frame 6 does not move backward while maintaining its shape. This prevents the crosscar beam 3 from being pushed inward into the vehicle interior by the frame 6, which has moved while maintaining its shape.

[0040] [Bracket 65] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the bracket 65. Figure 14 shows the bracket 65 as viewed from the Z direction. In Figure 14, the fixed parts 652A and 654A before bending are shown by dashed lines. Figure 15 shows a cross-section of the bracket 65 fixed to the frame 6, cut along line AA in Figure 13.

[0041] As shown in Figure 15, in frame 6, a bracket 65 is provided that spans the first straight region 610 on one side and the connecting region 630 on the other side, with the bent portion 6c in between. As shown in Figure 14, the bracket 65 has two fixing parts 652A and 654A that are fixed to the side wall portion 61 of the frame 6, and a mounting part 653 that is positioned perpendicular to the fixing parts 652A and 654A. The bracket 65 has a basic shape formed by bending a single plate-like member.

[0042] As shown in Figure 14, when viewed from the Z direction, the mounting portion 653 of the bracket 65 has bolt insertion holes 656a and 656b. The mounting portion 653 has a roughly rectangular shape with its long side oriented along the Y direction. The insertion holes 656a and 656b in the mounting portion 653 are spaced apart on the center line C653 in the width direction (X direction) of the mounting portion 653. As shown in Figure 15, nuts 658, 658 are welded to the lower surface of the mounting portion 653 in the area where the insertion holes 656a and 656b are open. As shown in Figure 14, in the mounting portion 653, a positioning hole 657 is opened between the insertion holes 656a and 656b on the center line C653. As shown in Figure 15, the mounting piece 12 of the HUD unit 10 is placed on the mounting portion 653 of the bracket 65. The mounting piece 12 is positioned by inserting the positioning pin 121 provided on the mounting piece 12 into the hole 657 on the mounting portion 653 side, and then secured by screwing bolts B, B into nuts 658, 658.

[0043] As shown in Figure 14, the mounting portion 653 is provided with a first region 652 on one side (left side in the figure) in the longitudinal direction (Y direction), the tip of which is the fixing portion 652A. The first region 652 is a portion of equal width (width W652) that extends linearly in a direction perpendicular to the mounting portion 653. In the first region 652, a reinforcing portion 655 is provided in the center in the width direction (Y direction). The reinforcing portion 655 is formed by recessing the constituent material of the first region 652 toward the back of the paper plane. The reinforcing portion 655 is provided in the range from the boundary with the mounting portion 653 to the tip 652a of the first region 652. The first region 652 is folded at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction, and the region beyond the fold becomes the aforementioned fixing portion 652A. The reinforcing portion 655 is provided to increase the rigidity of the mounting portion 653 and the fixing portion 652A, so that the mounting portion 653 is less likely to be distorted or vibrate excessively due to vibrations when the vehicle is running.

[0044] At the mounting portion 653, a second region 654 is provided on the other side (right side in the figure) in the longitudinal direction (Y direction), with the tip end being the fixing portion 654A. The second region 654 is a portion of equal width (width W654) that extends linearly in a direction in which the distance L between it and the first region 652 increases as it moves away from the mounting portion 653. The second region 654 is bent at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction, and the region beyond the bend becomes the fixing portion 654A described above.

[0045] As shown in Figure 15, the fixing portions 652A and 654A of the bracket 65 are spaced apart in the Y direction. One fixing portion 652A is welded in contact with the first straight region 610 of the frame 4. The other fixing portion 654A is welded in contact with the connection region 630 of the frame 4. One fixing part 652A (the left fixing part in the figure) is welded on both sides in the Y direction (see welding point W), and the other fixing part 654A (the right fixing part in the figure) is welded on its lower side edge in the Z direction (see welding point W).

[0046] The bracket 65 is welded to the frame 6 at three points, improving the support stability of the bracket 65. Furthermore, the reinforcement portion 655 is provided on the fixing portion 652A, increasing the rigidity of the mounting portion 653, which is cantilevered by the frame 6. Therefore, vibrations of the HUD unit 10 supported by the bracket 65 are suppressed.

[0047] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the bending of frame 4. Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the bending of frame 6. In Figures 16 to 19, the position of the HUD unit 10 is indicated by dashed lines. As shown in Figure 2, the HUD unit 10 is fixed to brackets 45 and 65 of frames 4 and 6, respectively, by bolts (not shown) via mounting pieces 11 and 12 on both sides in the X direction. In this state, frame 5, located below the HUD unit 10, does not participate in supporting the HUD unit 10 and is positioned with a gap in the Z direction between it and the HUD unit 10 (see Figure 16).

[0048] When a vehicle equipped with a HUD unit 10 collides with an object, the impact resulting from the collision may act on the frame 4, which is positioned along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, as an impact force that moves the vehicle towards the rear. In this case, the frame 4 bends at the bent portion 4c and the through-hole 43. As a result, the HUD unit 10, which is supported by the frame 4 via the bracket 45, moves diagonally upward towards the rear of the vehicle, avoiding collision with the crosscar beam 3 (see Figure 17). At this time, the bracket 45 is provided with a recess 450, so that the bracket 45 can bend in accordance with the bending of the frame 4. Therefore, the bracket 45 does not hinder the bending of the frame 4, allowing the frame 4 to bend.

[0049] Similarly, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the frame 6 is provided with bent sections 6c and 6d, causing the frame 6 to bend at these sections. As a result, the HUD unit 10, supported by the frame 6 via the bracket 65, moves diagonally upward towards the rear of the vehicle, avoiding collision with the crosscar beam 3 (see Figure 19). In this case, as shown in Figure 14, the bracket 65 is provided with an opening OP corresponding to the recess 450 of the bracket 45 between the fixing parts 652A and 654A, so that the bracket 65 can bend in accordance with the bending of the frame 6. Therefore, the bracket 65 does not hinder the bending of the frame 6, and the frame 6 can be bent.

[0050] As described above, the support structure 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. (1) This is a support structure 1 for brackets 45 and 65 for the HUD unit 10 (in-vehicle equipment) on the vehicle frame 4 and 6. Brackets 45 and 65 are positioned along the longitudinal direction of frames 4 and 6. Brackets 45 and 65 are fixed to frames 4 and 6 at two points (fixing points 452, 452, 652A, and 654A) spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of frames 4 and 6.

[0051] With this configuration, the brackets 45 and 65, which are oriented along the longitudinal direction of frames 4 and 6, are fixed to frames 4 and 6 at two points spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of frames 4 and 6. This reduces the possibility of twisting motion occurring in the brackets 45 and 65 due to vibrations during vehicle operation. As a result, vibrations of the HUD unit 10 (in-vehicle equipment) supported by frames 4 and 6 via the brackets 45 and 65 can be suppressed, and the support stability of the HUD unit 10 can be improved.

[0052] (2) In (1) above, Bracket 45 is, Fixing parts 452, 452 are fixed to the side wall portion 42 (side) of frame 4, It has a mounting portion 453 for the HUD unit 10. The mounting portion 453 is a plate-shaped part that extends away from the frame 4 from the side of the fixing portion 452, 452 opposite to the frame 4. Bracket 65 is, Fixing parts 652A and 654A are fixed to the side wall portion 61 (side) of frame 6, It has a mounting portion 653 for the HUD unit 10. The mounting portion 653 is a plate-shaped part that extends away from the frame 6 from the side of the fixing portions 652A and 654A that is opposite to the frame 6.

[0053] In bracket 45, the plate-shaped mounting portion 453 is cantilevered by two fixing portions 452, 452 fixed to frame 4. In bracket 65, the plate-shaped mounting portion 653 is cantilevered by two fixing portions 652A and 654A fixed to the frame 6. Compared to the case where the mounting parts 453 and 653 are cantilevered by only one fixing part fixed to the frames 4 and 6, the support stability of the brackets 45 and 65 on the frames 4 and 6 is improved. This makes it possible to suppress vibrations of the HUD unit 10 (in-vehicle equipment) supported by the frames 4 and 6 via brackets 45 and 65, thereby improving the support stability of the HUD unit 10. Furthermore, since the fixing parts 452, 452 and fixing parts 652A, 654A are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of frames 4, 6, the fixing points of brackets 45, 65 on frames 4, 6 are located far apart in the longitudinal direction of frames 4, 6. This further improves the support stability of brackets 45, 65 on frames 4, 6.

[0054] (3) In (2) above, The frame comprises a frame 4 (first frame) positioned on one side of the HUD unit 10 (in-vehicle equipment) in the vehicle's width direction (X direction), and a frame 6 (second frame) positioned on the other side.

[0055] With this configuration, the mounting pieces 11 and 12 on both sides of the HUD unit 10 in the vehicle's width direction (X direction) are supported by the frames 4 and 6 via brackets 45 and 65, respectively. This ensures the support stability of the HUD unit 10.

[0056] (4) In any one of the above (1) to (3), Frame 4 is positioned to align with the vehicle's longitudinal direction (Y direction). The frame 4 has a bent portion 4c between two fixing points 452, 452 that are fixed to the bracket 45 in the longitudinal direction of the frame 4. The bracket 45 has a recess 450 between the fixing parts 452, 452, which are two fixing points with the frame 4, that divides the bracket 45 into two parts in the longitudinal direction of the frame 4. The recess 450 is provided in an area extending from the fixing portion 452 to the mounting portion 453.

[0057] When a vehicle equipped with a HUD unit 10 collides with an object, the impact resulting from the collision may act as an impact force on the frame 4, which is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, causing it to move towards the rear of the vehicle. In such a case, the frame 4 is provided with a bend 4c, which allows the frame 4 to bend at the bend 4c, preventing it from moving towards the rear of the vehicle while maintaining its original shape. Here, in order to ensure the support stability of the HUD unit 10, the bracket 45 is provided across the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, on the side of the bent portion 4c in the frame 4. The bracket 45 is fixed to the frame 4 at two points: a fixing portion 452 located on one side (front side of the vehicle) of the bent portion 4c and another fixing portion 452 located on the other side (rear side of the vehicle). Therefore, bracket 45 may interfere with the bending of frame 4.

[0058] The bracket 45 is provided with a recess 450 that divides the bracket 45 into two parts in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the frame 4. The recess 450 is provided in the area excluding the area where the mounting piece 11 of the HUD unit 10 is fixed. This ensures the support stability of the HUD unit 10, while allowing one side of the bracket 45 with the recess 450 in between to bend in accordance with the bending of the frame 4. In other words, by setting the range in which the recess 450 is provided, the strength of the bracket 45 against bending can be adjusted. This allows the bracket 45 to bend in accordance with the bending of the frame 4, thereby reducing the possibility that the bracket 45 may hinder the bending of the frame 4. Therefore, while ensuring the support stability of the HUD unit 10 at the bracket 45, it is possible to reduce the possibility of interference with the bending of the frame 4.

[0059] (I) In any one of the above (1) to (4), One end 4a and the other end 4b of the frame 4 in the longitudinal direction are connected to the dash side upper 2 and the cross car beam 3, respectively, which are positioned at a distance from each other in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle at the front of the vehicle. The connection point between frame 4 and dash side upper 2, and the connection point with cross car beam 3, are offset in the vertical direction.

[0060] With this configuration, when a vehicle equipped with the HUD unit 10 collides with an object and the dash side upper 2 moves to the rear on the crosscar beam 3 side, the frame 4 can be reliably bent. This allows the frame 4 to move toward the crosscar beam 3 while maintaining its shape, reducing the possibility that the crosscar beam 3, pushed by the frame 4, will move toward the passenger compartment. In particular, because the crosscar beam 3 is located below the dash side upper 2, when the frame 4 bends, the HUD unit 10 supported by the frame 4 can be displaced diagonally upward towards the rear of the vehicle. This reduces the possibility of the HUD unit 10, which displaces with the frame 4, colliding with the crosscar beam 3.

[0061] (II) In (I) above, When viewed from the vehicle width direction (X direction), the bracket 45 (mounting portion 453) is provided with an insertion hole 456 that serves as a fastening portion with the mounting piece 11 of the HUD unit 10, at a position that overlaps with the recess 450. When the bracket 45 bends, the area that overlaps with the recess 450 in the bracket 45 (mounting portion 453), when viewed from the vehicle width direction (X direction), becomes the starting point of the bend. The area that becomes the starting point of the bend is an area where the amount of displacement when the bracket 45 bends is relatively small. With the above configuration, when the bracket 45 bends together with the frame 4, the amount of displacement of the fastening point of the HUD unit 10 can be suppressed, so that the HUD unit 10 can be displaced together with the bracket 45 while ensuring support for the HUD unit 10.

[0062] (5) In (4) above, In the mounting portion 453 of the bracket 45, a reinforcing portion 455 is provided on the peripheral edge surrounding the recess 450 to increase the rigidity of the mounting portion 453. The reinforcing portion 455 is a region in the mounting portion 453 that is recessed relative to the other region around the reinforcing portion 455, and the reinforcing portion 455 is offset in the Z direction relative to the other region around the reinforcing portion 455.

[0063] With this configuration, the bending and distortion of the mounting portion 453 can be suppressed compared to when the reinforcing portion 455 is not provided. This increases the rigidity of the mounting portion 453 and ensures the support stability of the HUD unit 10 at the bracket 45.

[0064] (6) In any one of the above (1) to (5), (I), or (II), In a cross-sectional view along the vehicle width direction (X direction), the frame 4 (first frame) has an upper wall portion 41 and side wall portions 42, 42 extending in the same direction from both sides of the upper wall portion 41. The frame 4 is provided with its upper wall portion 41 facing upward in the Z direction and its side wall portions 42, 42 facing downward in the Z direction. In the upper wall portion 41 of the frame 4, a through hole 44 (first through hole) is provided in the area that crosses the bent portion 4c in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0065] With this configuration, when the frame 4 bends starting from the bending portion 4c, bending in the vertical direction (Z direction) takes precedence over bending in the width direction (X direction) of the vehicle. Furthermore, because the through hole 44 is provided, the straight region 410 and the curved region 420 of the frame 4 are more likely to be displaced relative to each other in the Z direction starting from the bending portion 4c, making it easier to control the direction of bending.

[0066] (7) In (6) above, When viewed from the width direction of the vehicle, the side wall portions 42, 42 are provided with notches 425 in the vicinity of the bent portion 4c, where the height from the upper wall portion 41 of the side wall portions 42, 42 is reduced.

[0067] With this configuration, when the frame 4 bends in the regions before and after the bent portion 4c (straight region 410, first region 421), a compressive force acts on the side wall portion 42. The compressive force acting on the side wall portion 42 acts as resistance to bending at the bent portion 4c of the frame 4. By providing the notch 425, the area of ​​the region where compressive force acts can be reduced, thereby reducing the resistance to bending at the bent portion 4c of the frame 4.

[0068] (8) In (6) or (7) above, Frame 4 has a curved region 420 that is curved in a direction in which the height decreases as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle, beyond the bend 4c. The curved region 420 is provided with through holes 43 (second through holes) that span across the upper wall portion 41 and the side wall portions 42, 42.

[0069] With this configuration, when the frame 4 bends starting from the bending portion 4c, the frame 4 can also be bent in the curved region 420 starting from the region where the through hole 43 is provided. This further reduces the possibility of the frame 4 moving towards the rear of the vehicle while maintaining its shape. Furthermore, because the frame 4 bends at two locations, the bending portion 4c and the region where the through hole 43 is provided, when the frame 4 bends, the displacement direction of the HUD unit 10 supported by the frame 4 can be guided diagonally upward towards the rear of the vehicle. This reduces the possibility that the displaced HUD unit 10 will collide with the crosscar beam 3, causing the crosscar beam 3 to be pushed into the vehicle interior.

[0070] (III) In (8) above, The crosscar beam 3 is constructed by connecting a cylindrical first crosscar beam 31 and an axial second crosscar beam 32 in series. The other end 4b of frame 4 is fixed to the first crosscar beam 31. In the first crosscar beam 31, a support portion 35 for the steering column (not shown) is fixed to the side facing the rear of the vehicle (inside the passenger compartment).

[0071] With this configuration, the possibility of the displaced HUD unit 10 colliding with the first crosscar beam 31 and the first crosscar beam 31 being pushed inward into the passenger compartment along with the steering column support portion 35 can be reduced, thus contributing to collision safety.

[0072] (9) In any one of the above (3) to (8) or (I) to (III), Frame 6 (second frame) is positioned to run parallel to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. Frame 6 is The bent portion 6c (first bent portion) between the two fixing points (fixing portions 652A, 654A) with the bracket 65, It has a bent portion 6d (second bent portion) located behind a fixed point (fixed portion 654A) located behind the bent portion 6c of the vehicle. Frame 6 has a bent portion 6c located above the bent portion 6d and on the outside in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0073] When a vehicle equipped with a HUD unit 10 collides with an object, the impact resulting from the collision may act as an impact force on the frame 6, which is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, causing it to move towards the rear of the vehicle. In such a case, the frame 6 is provided with bends 6c and 6d, which allow the frame 6 to bend at the bends 6c and 6d, preventing it from moving towards the rear of the vehicle while maintaining its original shape. Furthermore, since the bent portion 6c of the frame 6 is located above the bent portion 6d and on the outside in the width direction of the vehicle, the first straight region 610 and the second straight region 620 of the frame 6 are positioned offset from each other in the width direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle. Therefore, when frame 6 bends at the bends 6c and 6d, the HUD unit 10 supported by frame 6 is displaced diagonally upward in the direction away from frame 4. This reduces the possibility that the displaced HUD unit 10 will collide with the crosscar beam 3, causing the crosscar beam 3 to be pushed inward into the vehicle interior.

[0074] (10) In (9) above, In a cross-sectional view along the width direction of the vehicle, the frame 6 (second frame) has a side wall portion 61 and a pair of wall portions 62, 62 extending in the same direction from both sides of the side wall portion 61. Frame 6 is provided with its side wall portion 61 facing towards frame 4 and its wall portions 62, 62 facing away from frame 4. In frame 6, through holes 63 and 64 (fourth through holes) are provided in the bent portions 6c and 6d, spanning the side wall portion 61 and the wall portions 62, 62.

[0075] With this configuration, when the frame 6 bends starting from the bends 6c and 6d, bending in the width direction (X direction) is prioritized over bending in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the vehicle. Furthermore, because the through holes 63 and 64 are provided, the connection area 630 of the frame 6 and the first straight area 610 and the second straight area 620 are more easily displaced relative to each other in the X direction starting from the bends 6c and 6d, making it easier to control the direction of bending.

[0076] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1 Support structure 2 Dash Side Upper 3 Crosscar beam 31. First Crosscar Beam 32. Second Crosscar Beam 4 frames 4c Bend part 41 Upper wall 410 Linear region 415 Fixed part 420 Curved area 42 Side wall section 421 First area 422 Second area 425 Notch 43, 44 Through holes 45 Bracket 450 recess 451 Base 452 Fixed part 453 Mounting part 455 Reinforcement section 456 Through hole 457 long hole 458 Nut 6 frames 6c, 6d bent part 61 Side wall section 610 1st straight line area 620 2nd straight line area 630 connection area 62 Wall 63, 64 Through holes 65 bracket 652 1st area 652A, 654A fixed part 653 Mounting part 654 2nd area 655 Reinforcement section 656a, 656b Through holes 657 hole 658 Nut 10. HUD Unit (In-vehicle Equipment) 11, 12 Mounting piece

Claims

1. A support structure for a bracket for in-vehicle equipment on the vehicle frame, The bracket is provided in an orientation along the longitudinal direction of the frame, The bracket is a support structure for the bracket, fixed to the frame at two points spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the frame.

2. In claim 1, The aforementioned bracket is A fixing part fixed to the side of the frame, It has a mounting portion for the in-vehicle equipment, The mounting portion is a plate-shaped part of the fixing portion that extends away from the frame from the side opposite to the frame, and is a support structure for the bracket.

3. In claim 2, The frame is a bracket support structure having a first frame positioned on one side of the in-vehicle equipment in the width direction of the vehicle, and a second frame positioned on the other side.

4. In claim 3, The first frame is provided in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, The first frame has a bent portion between two fixing points with the bracket, The bracket is provided with a recess between two fixing points with the first frame, which divides the bracket into two parts in the longitudinal direction of the first frame. The recess is a support structure for the bracket, provided in an area extending from the fixing portion to the mounting portion.

5. In claim 4, A bracket support structure in which, in the bracket on the first frame side, a reinforcing portion is provided on the peripheral edge of the recess in the mounting portion, offset from other areas of the mounting portion.

6. In claim 5, In a cross-sectional view along the width direction of the vehicle, the first frame has an upper wall portion and side wall portions extending in the same direction from both sides of the upper wall portion. The first frame is provided with its upper wall facing upward and its side wall facing downward, A bracket support structure in which the upper wall portion is provided with a first through-hole in a range that traverses the bent portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

7. In claim 6, A bracket support structure in which, when viewed from the width direction of the vehicle, the side wall portion is provided with a notch in the region near the bent portion, such that the height of the side wall portion from the upper wall portion is reduced.

8. In claim 6, The first frame has a curved region on the rear side of the vehicle from the bent portion, in which the height decreases as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle. A bracket support structure in which a second through-hole is provided in the curved region, extending across the side wall and the wall.

9. In any one of claims 3 to 8, The second frame is provided in a orientation along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, The previous second frame was, The first bent portion between the two fixing points with the bracket, It has a second bend located further rear than the fixing point located further rear than the first bend, The second frame is a bracket support structure in which the first bent portion is located above the second bent portion and outward in the width direction of the vehicle.

10. In claim 9, In a cross-sectional view along the width direction of the vehicle, the second frame has a side wall portion and a pair of wall portions extending in the same direction from both sides of the side wall portion. The second frame is provided with its side wall facing the first frame and its wall facing the opposite side from the first frame. A bracket support structure in which the second frame is provided with a fourth through-hole that spans the side wall and the wall, in the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

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