Mounting structure of in-vehicle devices

Abstract

To provide a mounting structure for an in-vehicle device that can stably maintain the orientation of the in-vehicle device with a simple structure. [Solution] The first mounting plate 5 of the mounting bracket 4 is attached to the side surface 2e of the frame 2 of the in-vehicle device 1 by mounting screws 10. The second mounting plate 6 of the mounting bracket 4 is fixed to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle. The first mounting plate 5 and the second mounting plate 6 are connected orthogonally via a connecting plate 7. A parallel position in which the operating surface 2a of the frame 2 is parallel to the mounting surface MS and an inclined position in which the operating surface 2a is inclined to the mounting surface MS are selectively selected. In the inclined position, the first stepped surface 31 of the side surface 2e of the frame 2 makes surface contact with the chamfered corner 54B of the first mounting plate 5. In the parallel position, the first stepped surface 31 makes surface contact with the second edge 52 of the first mounting plate 5.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for an on-vehicle device. [[Background Art]]

[0002] For example, as an installation method for electronic equipment for installing on-vehicle electronic equipment such as an on-vehicle radio, a method having a function of adjusting and setting the inclination angle of the electronic equipment has been proposed (see Patent Document 1, for example). In Patent Document 1, an adapter including a rotating shaft and a bracket is provided. The bracket includes a base portion fixed to a dashboard, and a bearing portion that surrounds and supports the rotating shaft. On the rotating shaft, a central pin hole and a pair of screw holes at both ends are arranged aligned in the axial direction. In the bearing portion, elongated holes extending in the rotation direction of the rotating shaft are formed respectively corresponding to the pin hole and the pair of screw holes. The axial movement of the rotating shaft is restricted by the pin press-fitted into the pin hole engaging with the corresponding elongated hole. A pair of fixing screws passing through the electronic equipment (on-vehicle device) pass through the corresponding elongated holes and are screwed into the pair of screw holes of the rotating shaft.

[0003] When the pair of fixing screws are not strongly tightened, the rotating shaft is freely rotatable in the bearing portion, and the pair of fixing screws and the pin can swing around the axis of the rotating shaft within the range of the elongated holes. Thereby, the inclination angle of the electronic equipment can be adjusted. On the other hand, by strongly tightening the pair of fixing screws, the rotating shaft is restrained against rotation by frictional force in the bearing portion, thereby fixing the inclination angle of the electronic equipment. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent No. 3553839 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] Patent Document 1 requires a bracket, fixing screws, a pivot shaft, and a pin, resulting in a complex structure. Furthermore, because the orientation of the electronic device (in-vehicle device) is maintained by friction, the holding is unstable.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a mounting structure for an in-vehicle device that can stably maintain the orientation of the in-vehicle device with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a mounting structure (100) for an in-vehicle device, comprising an in-vehicle device (1), a pair of mounting brackets (4), and a pair of mounting screws (10). The in-vehicle device includes a frame (2). The frame includes an operating surface (2a), a back surface (2b) opposite to the operating surface, a pair of side surfaces (2e) perpendicular to the operating surface, screw holes (2f) formed in each of the side surfaces, and a first stepped surface (31) disposed on each of the side surfaces and parallel to the operating surface. The pair of mounting brackets are fixed to a mounting surface (MS) of a vehicle, clamping the pair of side surfaces of the frame. The pair of mounting screws are screwed into the corresponding screw holes to fix the pair of mounting brackets to the pair of side surfaces of the frame.

[0008] Each mounting bracket includes a rectangular first mounting plate (5), a rectangular second mounting plate (6), and a connecting plate (7) connecting the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The first mounting plate has a surface (5a), a clamping surface (5b) which is the back surface that is aligned with the corresponding side surface of the frame, and a screw insertion hole (55) that penetrates the surface and the clamping surface and through which the corresponding mounting screws are inserted. The second mounting plate has a surface (6a) and a mounting surface (6b) which is the back surface that is fixed along the mounting surface of the vehicle and is arranged perpendicular to the clamping surface of the first mounting plate.

[0009] The first mounting plate includes a straight first edge (51) connected to the connecting plate, a straight second edge (52) parallel to the first edge across the screw insertion hole and capable of surface contact with the first stepped surface of the frame, a pair of straight third edges (53A, 53B) extending perpendicularly from the first edge, and a straight chamfered corner (54) positioned between the second edge and at least one of the pair of third edges, inclined with respect to the second edge and capable of surface contact with the first stepped surface.

[0010] The frame can be mounted by selectively choosing between a parallel orientation, in which the operating surface is positioned parallel to the mounting surface of the vehicle by surface contact between the first stepped surface and the second edge of the first mounting plate, and an inclined orientation, in which the operating surface is positioned at an angle to the mounting surface of the vehicle by surface contact between the first stepped surface and the chamfered corner of the first mounting plate.

[0011] This configuration allows the vehicle-mounted device to be attached in both parallel and inclined positions using a simple structure with a pair of mounting brackets. Furthermore, in both the parallel and inclined positions, the corresponding portion of the mounting bracket (second edge, chamfered corner) makes surface contact with the first stepped surface of the frame, thus stably maintaining the orientation of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0012] The alphanumeric characters in parentheses represent the corresponding components in the embodiments described later, but this does not mean that the present invention should be limited to those embodiments. The same applies hereafter in this section.

[0013] In one preferred embodiment, each of the sides of the frame includes a groove (3) having one end (3a) on the operating surface side, which is a closed end on which the first stepped surface is located, the other end (3b) on the rear side of the frame, and a groove bottom surface (3c) as a clamped surface along the clamping surface of the corresponding first mounting plate. The groove of each of the sides of the frame includes a second stepped surface (32A, 32B) located at the other end and perpendicular to the groove bottom surface, which can make surface contact with at least one of the corresponding third edge of the first mounting plate and the edge (83A, 83B) of the connecting plate connected to the third edge when the first stepped surface makes surface contact with the chamfered corner of the first mounting plate.

[0014] With this configuration, in the inclined position, not only does the first stepped surface make surface contact with the chamfered corner, but the second stepped surface also makes surface contact with the third edge of the first mounting plate or the edge of the connecting plate. Therefore, the inclined position can be maintained more stably. The recessed groove may be recessed from the side of the frame, or it may be partitioned inside a groove-shaped rib that protrudes from the side of the frame.

[0015] In one preferred embodiment, the connecting plate of each mounting bracket includes a rectangular first connecting plate (8) including a surface (8a) extending perpendicularly from the surface at the first edge of the first mounting plate, and a rectangular second connecting plate (9) extending perpendicularly from the extended end of the first connecting plate to the side opposite the first mounting plate and connected to the second mounting plate. The grooves on each side of the frame include a third stepped surface (33A, 33B) located at the other end, perpendicular to the groove bottom surface and the second stepped surface, and facing the first stepped surface side. When the first stepped surface of the groove makes surface contact with the chamfered corner of the first mounting plate, the third stepped surface of the groove can make surface contact with the back surface (8b) of the first connecting plate, which is the surface opposite to the surface.

[0016] In this configuration, when the structure is tilted, the first stepped surface makes surface contact with the chamfered corner, the second stepped surface makes surface contact with the corresponding third edge of the first mounting plate, and the third stepped surface makes surface contact with the back surface of the first connecting plate. As a result, the tilted position can be maintained more stably.

[0017] In one preferred embodiment, the chamfered corner of each first mounting plate includes a pair of chamfered corners (54A, 54B) adjacent to both ends of the second edge and inclined in opposite directions relative to the second edge. The second stepped surface of the groove on each side of the frame includes a pair of second stepped surfaces (32A, 32B) that inclined in opposite directions toward the rear side of the frame. The inclined position includes a pair of inclined positions in which the operating surface is positioned inclined in opposite directions relative to the mounting surface of the vehicle.

[0018] This configuration allows for the stable mounting of the vehicle-mounted device in a pair of inclined positions, where the operating surfaces are tilted in opposite directions relative to the vehicle's mounting surface, using a simple setup with a pair of mounting brackets.

[0019] In one preferred embodiment, the chamfered corners of each of the first mounting plates include a pair of chamfered corners positioned at both ends of the second edge and inclined in opposite directions relative to the second edge. The second stepped surfaces of the grooves on each of the sides of the frame include a pair of second stepped surfaces that inclined in opposite directions toward the rear side of the frame. The third stepped surfaces of the grooves on each of the sides of the frame include a pair of third stepped surfaces (33A, 33B) perpendicular to the corresponding second stepped surfaces and inclined in opposite directions. The inclined positions include a pair of inclined positions in which the operating surface is positioned inclined in opposite directions relative to the mounting surface of the vehicle.

[0020] This configuration allows for more stable mounting of the in-vehicle device in a simple setup using a pair of mounting brackets, with the operating surfaces tilting in opposite directions relative to the vehicle's mounting surface.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the recessed groove on each side surface of the frame extends in a direction perpendicular to the operation surface, is perpendicular to the groove bottom surface, and includes a pair of opposing fourth step surfaces (34A, 34B). In the frame, the second edge of the first mounting plate of the corresponding mounting bracket is in surface contact with one of the pair of fourth step surfaces, and the back surface of the first connecting plate of the corresponding mounting bracket is in surface contact with the other of the pair of fourth step surfaces, whereby the operation surface can be mounted in an orthogonal posture arranged orthogonally to the mounting surface of the vehicle.

[0022] According to this configuration, with a simple configuration using a pair of mounting brackets, the in-vehicle device can be mounted in an orthogonal posture where the operation surface is arranged orthogonally to the mounting surface of the vehicle, and the orthogonal posture can be stably maintained.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the frame can be mounted in the parallel posture by bringing the back surface of the first connecting plate of the corresponding mounting bracket into surface contact with the first step surface. According to this configuration, variations of mounting in the parallel posture increase between the case where the second edge of the first mounting plate is brought into surface contact with the first step surface and the case where the back surface of the first connecting plate is brought into surface contact with the first step surface.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the pair of mounting brackets are integrated with each other. According to this configuration, the structure can be simplified, and the holding of the in-vehicle device is more stable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] [Figure 1A-1B] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a mounting state in a first tilted posture. Fig. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure for the in-vehicle device corresponding to the mounting state in the first tilted posture. [Figure 2A-2C] Fig. 2A is a front view of the in-vehicle device, Fig. 2B is a plan view of the in-vehicle device, and Fig. 2C is a rear view of the in-vehicle device. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a right side view of the in-vehicle device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a left side view of the in-vehicle device. [Figure 5A-5B] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the mounting bracket. Figure 5B is a partial side view of the mounting bracket. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device, showing the mounting state in a parallel position. [Figures 7A-7B] Figure 7A is a side view of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device, showing the mounting state in the first inclined position. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device in the mounting state in the first inclined position. [Figures 8A-8C] Figure 8A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure of the on-board device corresponding to the mounting state in the second inclined position. Figure 8B is a side view of the mounting structure of the on-board device in the mounting state in the second inclined position. Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the mounting structure of the on-board device in the mounting state in the second inclined position. [Figure 9A-9B] Figure 9A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device, corresponding to the mounting state in the first orthogonal orientation. Figure 9B is a side view of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device in the mounting state in the first orthogonal orientation. [Figure 10A-10B] Figure 10A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device, corresponding to the mounting state in the second orthogonal orientation. Figure 10B is a side view of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device in the mounting state in the second orthogonal orientation. [Figures 11A-11B] Figure 11A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device, corresponding to the mounting state in a parallel position. Figure 11B is a side view of the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device in the mounting state in a parallel position. [Figures 12A-12B] Figure 12A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure for the vehicle-mounted device, when the back surface of the second mounting plate is mounted parallel to the side surface of the vehicle-mounted device frame. Figure 12B is a side view of the mounting structure for the vehicle-mounted device, corresponding to Figure 12A. [Figures 13A-13B]Figure 13A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure for an in-vehicle device, when the surface of the second mounting plate is mounted parallel to the side of the frame of the in-vehicle device. Figure 13B is a side view of the mounting structure for the in-vehicle device, corresponding to Figure 13A. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a right side view of an in-vehicle device in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a right side view of an in-vehicle device in yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figures 16A-16B] Figures 16A and 16B are perspective views of bracket units, each representing an example of a modified mounting bracket. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a mounting structure 100 for an in-vehicle device according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the mounting state in a first tilted position. Figure 1B is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure 100 for the in-vehicle device, corresponding to the mounting state in the first tilted position. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the mounting structure 100 for the in-vehicle device includes an in-vehicle device 1, a pair of mounting brackets 4, and a pair of mounting screws 10. The pair of mounting brackets 4 are of common specifications and are used facing each other.

[0028] Figure 2A is a front view of the in-vehicle device 1, Figure 2B is a top view of the in-vehicle device 1, and Figure 2C is a rear view of the in-vehicle device 1. Figure 3 is a right side view of the in-vehicle device 1, and Figure 4 is a left side view of the in-vehicle device 1.

[0029] The in-vehicle device 1 is, for example, an operation and display unit that is provided separately from the main body of a siren amplifier that controls a flashing warning light and a speaker. The operation and display unit is located in a predetermined position inside the vehicle that can be operated by the passenger in the front seat (for example, the instrument panel in front of the passenger seat, the ceiling portion in front of and above the passenger seat, or the center console between the driver's seat and the passenger seat).

[0030] The vehicle-mounted device 1 includes a frame 2 that is roughly rectangular in shape. As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the frame 2 includes an operating surface 2a which is the front, a rear surface 2b opposite to the operating surface 2a, a top surface 2c, a bottom surface 2d, a pair of side surfaces 2e (see Figures 3 and 4), and a pair of screw holes 2f formed on the pair of side surfaces 2e. As shown in Figure 2A, the operating surface 2a is equipped with a power switch button 201, various setting switch buttons 202 for setting the operating mode and flashing cycle of the warning lights, a setting switch button 203 for setting the siren to stop, a volume control knob 204, various indicator lamps 205, etc.

[0031] Although not shown in the diagram, if the in-vehicle device 1 is installed on the instrument panel in front of the passenger seat, the operating surface 2a is positioned, for example, facing rearward, or facing rearward and diagonally upward. If the in-vehicle device 1 is suspended from the ceiling above and in front of the passenger seat, the operating surface 2a is positioned, for example, facing rearward, or facing rearward and diagonally downward. If the in-vehicle device 1 is installed on the center console, the operating surface 2a is positioned, for example, facing sideways (towards the passenger side) and diagonally upward.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a pair of side surfaces 2e of the frame 2 have grooves 3 that open outwards and toward the rear surface 2b. The grooves 3 on one side surface 2e and the grooves 3 on the other side surface 2e are symmetrical in shape. The groove 3 includes a closed end 3a on the operating surface 2a side, an open end 3b on the rear surface 2b side, a groove bottom surface 3c parallel to the side surface 2e, a first groove inner surface 3d, a pair of second groove inner surfaces 3e, a pair of third groove inner surfaces 3f, and a pair of fourth groove inner surfaces 3g. The first groove inner surface 3d, the pair of second groove inner surfaces 3e, the pair of third groove inner surfaces 3f, and the pair of fourth groove inner surfaces 3g are perpendicular to the groove bottom surface 3c, respectively. Furthermore, the groove 3 includes a first stepped surface 31, a pair of second stepped surfaces 32A, 32B, a pair of third stepped surfaces 33A, 33B, and a pair of fourth stepped surfaces 34A, 34B.

[0033] The groove bottom surface 3c functions as a clamped surface that is clamped by the mounting bracket 4. The screw hole 2f is located on the groove bottom surface 3c. The screw hole 2f has a central axis C1 perpendicular to the groove bottom surface 3c. The first stepped surface 31, the pair of second stepped surfaces 32A, 32B, the pair of third stepped surfaces 33A, 33B, and the pair of fourth stepped surfaces 34A, 34B are perpendicular to the groove bottom surface 3c.

[0034] The first groove inner surface 3d is the groove inner surface at one end 3a. The first groove inner surface 3d is a surface parallel to the operating surface 2a and faces away from the operating surface 2a. The first groove inner surface 3d contains a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 3h. The apex of the plurality of protrusions 3h contains a plane parallel to the operating surface 2a and faces away from the operating surface 2a. The enveloping surface H1 containing the apex of the plurality of protrusions 3h is parallel to the operating surface 2a.

[0035] The first stepped surface 31 is formed by the tops of a plurality of protrusions 3h provided on the inner surface 3d of the first groove. That is, the first stepped surface 31 is a surface parallel to the operating surface 2a and faces away from the operating surface 2a. The recesses between the plurality of protrusions 3h function as material removal, contributing to improved moldability.

[0036] A pair of fourth groove inner surfaces 3g are perpendicular to the first groove inner surface 3d, extending from both ends of the first groove inner surface 3d toward the back surface 2b, and facing each other. Each fourth groove inner surface 3g contains a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 3i. The apex of the plurality of protrusions 3i in each fourth groove inner surface 3g contains a plane perpendicular to the first groove inner surface 3d. The enveloping surfaces H4A and H4B, which contain the apex of the plurality of protrusions 3i in each fourth groove inner surface 3g, are perpendicular to the operating surface 2a.

[0037] Each of the pair of fourth stepped surfaces 34A and 34B is formed by the tops of multiple protrusions 3i provided on the inner surface 3g of the fourth groove. That is, the pair of fourth stepped surfaces 34A and 34B are planes perpendicular to the operating surface 2a and are parallel to each other, with the central axis C1 of the screw hole 2f in between. The recesses between the multiple protrusions 3i function as material removal, contributing to improved moldability.

[0038] Each pair of second groove inner surfaces 3e includes a pair of second stepped surfaces 32A and 32B, and is located at the other end 3b. The pair of second groove inner surfaces 3e, including the pair of second stepped surfaces 32A and 32B, extend outward from the extended end of the pair of fourth groove inner surfaces 3g toward the back surface 2b. Viewed from the side, the pair of second stepped surfaces 32A and 32B are inclined at equal angles of inclination in opposite directions with respect to a line L1 that passes through the central axis C1 of the screw hole 2f and is perpendicular to the operating surface 2a.

[0039] Each of the pair of third groove inner surfaces 3f includes a pair of third stepped surfaces 33A and 33B, and is inclined at equal angles in opposite directions so as to be perpendicular to each other with respect to the pair of second groove inner surfaces 3e (a pair of second stepped surfaces 32A and 32B). The pair of third stepped surfaces 33A and 33B face toward the first stepped surface 31. Specifically, the pair of third stepped surfaces 33A and 33B are symmetrical with respect to a line L1 that passes through the central axis C1 of the screw hole 2f and is perpendicular to the operating surface 2a when viewed from the side. Each third stepped surface 33A and 33B is formed by a rib surface RP of a rib R that rises from the groove bottom surface 3c and is connected to the corresponding second stepped surface 32A or 32B. Each rib R may be formed in a "V" shape as shown in the figure to improve strength.

[0040] The distance D1 from the central axis C1 of the screw hole 2f to the envelope surface H4A including the fourth stepped surface 34A is equal to the distance D2 from the central axis C1 to the envelope surface H4B including the fourth stepped surface 34B (D1=D2). Also, distances D1 and D2 are equal to the distance D0 from the central axis C1 of the screw hole 2f to the envelope surface H1 including the first stepped surface 31 (D1=D0, D2=D0).

[0041] Next, the mounting bracket 4 will be described. Figure 5A is a perspective view of the mounting bracket 4. As shown in Figure 5A, the mounting bracket 4 includes a rectangular first mounting plate 5, a rectangular second mounting plate 6, and a connecting plate 7 that connects the first mounting plate 5 and the second mounting plate 6. The first mounting plate 5 includes a surface 5a, a clamping surface 5b which is the back surface, a straight first edge 51, a straight second edge 52, a pair of straight third edges 53A, 53B, a pair of straight chamfered corners 54A, 54B, and a screw insertion hole 55 having a central axis C2.

[0042] The clamping surface 5b, which is the back surface of the first mounting plate 5, is aligned with the groove bottom surface 3c (clamped surface) of the recessed groove 3. The screw insertion hole 55 penetrates the surface 5a and the clamping surface 5b perpendicularly. The first edge 51 is connected to the connecting plate 7. The second edge 52 faces the first edge 51 parallel to it, with the screw insertion hole 55 in between. The second edge 52 can make surface contact with the first stepped surface 31 (see Figure 6). A pair of third edges 53A and 53B extend perpendicularly from the first edge 51. The pair of third edges 53A and 53B are parallel to each other and are positioned equidistant from the central axis C2 of the screw insertion hole 55.

[0043] The chamfered corner 54A is positioned between the second edge 52 and the third edge 53A and is inclined with respect to the second edge 52. The chamfered corner 54B is positioned between the second edge 52 and the third edge 53B and is inclined with respect to the second edge 52. The pair of chamfered corners 54A and 54B are positioned adjacent to each other at both ends of the second edge 52 and are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the second edge 52. Each chamfered corner 54A and 54B can make surface contact with the first stepped surface 31 (see Figures 7A and 8B).

[0044] The second mounting plate 6 includes a front surface 6a, a back surface 6b which is the mounting surface, a straight first edge 61 connected to the connecting plate 7, a straight second edge 62, a pair of straight third edges 63A, 63B, and a screw insertion hole 64 having a central axis C3. With the back surface 6b of the second mounting plate 6 aligned with the mounting surface MS of the vehicle, the second mounting plate 6 is fixed to the vehicle's mounting surface MS by fixing screws (not shown) inserted through the screw insertion hole 64.

[0045] The connecting plate 7 includes a rectangular first connecting plate 8 and a rectangular second connecting plate 9. The first connecting plate 8 extends perpendicularly from the surface 5a of the first edge 51 of the first mounting plate 5. The first connecting plate 8 includes a surface 8a that is connected to the surface 5a of the first mounting plate 5, a back surface 8b that is connected to the back surface (clamping surface 5b) of the first mounting plate 5, a first edge 81 connected to the first edge 51 of the first mounting plate 5, a second edge 82 which is an extended end, and a pair of third edges 83A and 83B. The third edge 83A of the first connecting plate 8 is connected to the third edge 53A of the first mounting plate 5, and the third edge 83B of the first connecting plate 8 is connected to the third edge 53B of the first mounting plate 5.

[0046] The second connecting plate 9 extends perpendicularly from the second edge 82 (extended end) of the first connecting plate 8 to the opposite side from the first mounting plate 5 and is connected to the first edge 61 of the second mounting plate 6. The second connecting plate 9 includes a surface 9a that is continuous with the surface 8a of the first connecting plate 8, a back surface 9b that is continuous with the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8, a first edge 91 connected to the second edge 82 of the first connecting plate 8, a second edge 92 which is an extended end connected to the first edge 61 of the second mounting plate 6, and a pair of third edges 93A and 93B.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7A, when the first stepped surface 31 of the groove 3 makes surface contact with the chamfered corner 54A of the first mounting plate 5, the third stepped surface 33A of the groove 3 can make surface contact with the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8, as shown in Figure 7B. As shown in Figure 8B, when the first stepped surface 31 of the groove 3 makes surface contact with the chamfered corner 54B of the first mounting plate 5, the third stepped surface 33B of the groove 3 can make surface contact with the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8, as shown in Figure 8C.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5A, the width W1 between the pair of third edges 53A and 53B of the first mounting plate 5 is equal to the width between the pair of third edges 83A and 83B of the first connecting plate 8, and the width between the pair of third edges 93A and 93B of the second connecting plate 9. The width W2 between the pair of third edges 63A and 63B of the second mounting plate 6 is greater than the width W1 between the pair of third edges 53A and 53B of the first mounting plate 5 (W2 > W1).

[0049] Figure 5B is a partial side view of the mounting bracket 4. As shown in Figure 5B, the distance D3 from the central axis C2 of the screw insertion hole 55 to the second edge 52 of the first mounting plate 5 and the distance D4 from the central axis C2 to the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 of the connecting plate 7 are equal to each other (D3=D4). Also, distances D3 and D4 are equal to the distance D0 (see Figure 3) from the central axis C1 of the screw hole 2f to the enveloping surface H1 including the first stepped surface 31 (D3=D0, D4=D0).

[0050] Next, we will specifically describe the multiple mounting positions that can be achieved using the pair of mounting brackets 4. As shown in Figure 6, the first stepped surface 31 makes surface contact with the second edge 52 of the first mounting plate 5, enabling mounting in a first parallel position in which the operating surface 2a of the frame 2 of the on-board device 1 is positioned parallel to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle. In the first parallel position, in a side view, the second mounting plate 6 is positioned on the opposite side from the operating surface 2a to the rear surface 2b of the frame 2.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7A (see also Figure 1B), the first stepped surface 31 makes surface contact with one chamfered corner 54A of the first mounting plate 5, enabling mounting in a first inclined position in which the operating surface 2a is positioned at an angle in one direction with respect to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle. In this first inclined position, the second stepped surface 32A makes surface contact with at least one (both in this embodiment) of the third edge 53A of the first mounting plate 5 and the third edge 83A of the first connecting plate 8, and the third stepped surface 33A makes surface contact with the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 (see Figure 7B).

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8B (see also Figure 8A), the first stepped surface 31 makes surface contact with the other chamfered corner 54B of the first mounting plate 5, enabling mounting in a second inclined position (opposite to the first inclination direction in Figure 7A) where the operating surface 2a is positioned at an angle to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle. In this second inclined position, the second stepped surface 32B makes surface contact with at least one (both in this embodiment) of the third edge 53B of the first mounting plate 5 and the third edge 83B of the first connecting plate 8, and the third stepped surface 33B makes surface contact with the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 (see Figure 8C).

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9B (see also Figure 9A), the second edge 52 of the first mounting plate 5 of the mounting bracket 4 makes surface contact with the fourth stepped surface 34B, and the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 of the mounting bracket 4 makes surface contact with the fourth stepped surface 34A, so that the operating surface 2a can be mounted in a first orthogonal position in which it is positioned perpendicular to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle. In the first orthogonal position, in a side view, the second mounting plate 6 is positioned higher than the first mounting plate 5. The first orthogonal position is a suitable mounting position when the in-vehicle device 1 is suspended from the ceiling.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10B (see also Figure 10A), the second edge 52 of the first mounting plate 5 of the mounting bracket 4 makes surface contact with the fourth stepped surface 34A, and the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 of the mounting bracket 4 makes surface contact with the fourth stepped surface 34B, so that the operating surface 2a can be mounted in a second orthogonal position in which it is positioned perpendicular to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle. In the second orthogonal position, in a side view, the second mounting plate 6 is positioned lower than the first mounting plate 5. The second orthogonal position is a suitable mounting position when the in-vehicle device 1 is installed on the center console.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11B (see also Figure 11A), the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 of the mounting bracket 4 makes surface contact with the first stepped surface 31, allowing the operating surface 2a to be mounted in a second parallel position, parallel to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle. In the second parallel position, in a side view, the second mounting plate 6 is positioned on the same side as the operating surface 2a with respect to the back surface 2b of the frame 2. The second parallel position is a suitable mounting position when the in-vehicle device 1 is installed in a recess of the instrument panel.

[0056] The mounting positions shown in Figures 6, 7A, 8B, 9B, 10B, and 11B respectively represent the mounting positions when the frame 2 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 is clamped by the clamping surface 5b (see Figure 5A), which is the back surface of the first mounting plate 5 of the pair of mounting brackets 4.

[0057] On the other hand, Figure 12A shows a case where the mounting bracket 4 is attached by clamping the frame 2 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 with the mounting surface 6b, which is the back surface of the second mounting plate 6 of the pair of mounting brackets 4. As shown in Figure 12B, the second edge 62 of the second mounting plate 6 is in surface contact with the first stepped surface 31, and the pair of third edges 63B, 63A of the second mounting plate 6 are in surface contact with the pair of fourth stepped surfaces 34A, 34B, respectively, thereby mounting it in a parallel position. As shown in Figure 12A, the first mounting plate 5 extends outward relative to the side surface 2e of the frame 2 and is attached to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle (see Figure 12B). The parallel position can be stably maintained by using the surface contact of the three rectangular sides of the second mounting plate 6.

[0058] Furthermore, Figure 13A shows a case in which the frame 2 of the vehicle-mounted device 1 is attached by clamping it with the surface 6a of the second mounting plate 6 of the pair of mounting brackets 4. As shown in Figure 13B, the second edge 62 of the second mounting plate 6 is in surface contact with the first stepped surface 31, and the pair of third edges 63A and 63B of the second mounting plate 6 are in surface contact with the pair of fourth stepped surfaces 34A and 34B, respectively, thereby mounting it in a parallel position. As shown in Figure 13A, the first mounting plate 5 extends inward relative to the side surface 2e of the frame 2 so as to face the rear surface 2b of the frame 2, and is attached to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle (see Figure 13B). The parallel position can be stably maintained by using the surface contact of the three rectangular sides of the second mounting plate 6.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 1 can be selectively mounted in a parallel position (see Figure 6) and an inclined position (first inclined position shown in Figure 7A; second inclined position shown in Figure 8B) using a simple structure with a pair of mounting brackets 4. Furthermore, in both the parallel and inclined positions, the corresponding parts of the mounting brackets 4 (second edge 52 of the first mounting plate 5; chamfered corners 54A, 54B) make surface contact with the first stepped surface 31 of the frame 2, so the position of the in-vehicle device 1 can be stably maintained.

[0060] Furthermore, in the inclined position (see Figures 7A and 8B), not only does the first stepped surface 31 make surface contact with the chamfered corners 54A and 54B, but the second stepped surfaces 32A and 32B also make surface contact with at least one of the corresponding third edges 53A and 53B of the first mounting plate 5 and the corresponding third edges 83A and 83B of the first connecting plate 8. As a result, the inclined position can be maintained more stably.

[0061] Furthermore, in the inclined position (see Figures 7A and 8B), the first stepped surface 31 makes surface contact with the chamfered corners 54A and 54B, and the second stepped surfaces 32A and 32B make surface contact with at least one of the corresponding third edges 53A and 53B of the first mounting plate 5 and the corresponding third edges 83A and 83B of the first connecting plate 8. In addition, the third stepped surfaces 33A and 33B make surface contact with the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 (see Figures 7B and 8C). As a result, the inclined position can be maintained even more stably.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5A, the first mounting plate 5 includes a pair of chamfered corners 54A and 54B that can surface contact the first stepped surface 31, and as shown in Figure 3, the groove 3 includes a pair of second stepped surfaces 32A and 32B. Therefore, with a simple configuration using a pair of mounting brackets 4 of the frame 2, the on-board device 1 can be stably mounted in a pair of inclined positions (the first inclined position in Figure 7A and the second inclined position in Figure 8B) in which the operating surface 2a is inclined in opposite directions relative to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the groove 3 includes a pair of third stepped surfaces 33A and 33B that are perpendicular to the pair of second stepped surfaces 32A and 32B, inclined in opposite directions to each other, and capable of surface contact with the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 (see Figures 7B and 8C). Therefore, with a simple configuration using a pair of mounting brackets 4, the on-board device 1 can be mounted more stably in a pair of inclined positions (the first inclined position in Figure 7A and the second inclined position in Figure 8B) in which the operating surface 2a is inclined in opposite directions to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9B and 10B, the second edge 52 of the first mounting plate 5 of the mounting bracket 4 makes surface contact with either one of the pair of fourth stepped surfaces 34A and 34B of the groove 3, and the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 of the mounting bracket 4 makes surface contact with the other of the pair of fourth stepped surfaces 34A and 34B. This allows the operating surface 2a to be mounted in an orthogonal position (first orthogonal position shown in Figure 9B; second orthogonal position shown in Figure 10B) where it is perpendicular to the mounting surface MS of the vehicle. For this reason, the frame 2 can be mounted in an orthogonal position with a simple configuration using a pair of mounting brackets 4, and the orthogonal position can be stably maintained.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11B, the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 of the mounting bracket 4 makes surface contact with the first stepped surface 31, allowing for mounting in a parallel position. This configuration increases the variations in mounting in a parallel position, depending on whether the second edge 52 of the first mounting plate 5 makes surface contact with the first stepped surface 31 (see Figure 6) or, as shown in Figure 11B, the back surface 8b of the first connecting plate 8 makes surface contact with the first stepped surface 31.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, although not shown, the second stepped surface may be provided as a single unit and the third stepped surface as a single unit so that only one of the first inclined position (see Figure 7A) and the second inclined position (see Figure 8B) can be achieved.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the first stepped surface 31 may be formed by the inner surface 3d of the first groove which does not have a protrusion 3h, and the fourth stepped surfaces 34A and 34B may be formed by the inner surface 3g of the fourth groove which does not have a protrusion 3i.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the groove 3 may not be recessed from the side surface 2e of the frame 2, but rather be partitioned inside a groove-shaped rib 300 that protrudes from the side surface 2e of the frame 2. The side surface 2e of the frame 2 and the bottom surface 3c of the groove 3 are flush with each other, separated by the rib 300. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the pair of mounting brackets 4 may be integrated with each other. In the example of Figure 16A, the second mounting plates 6 of the pair of mounting brackets 4 are integrally connected via a long bridging plate K to form an integral unit U1. The pair of ends Ka and Kb of the bridging plate K are, for example, welded to the back surfaces of the pair of second mounting plates 6. Screw insertion holes 64 pass through the ends Ka and Kb of the bridging plate K. In the example of Figure 16B, the pair of mounting brackets 4 are integrated with each other via a long second mounting plate 60 that connects the second edges 92 of their respective second connecting plates 9, forming an integral unit U2. Multiple screw insertion holes 64 are provided at predetermined positions on the second mounting plate 60. In the examples of Figures 16A and 16B, the structure can be simplified and the holding of the in-vehicle device 1 is more stable. In addition, the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1: Vehicle-mounted device, 2: Frame, 2a: Operating surface, 2b: Rear, 2e: Side, 2f: Screw hole, 3: Groove, 3a: One end (closed end), 3b: Other end, 3c: Groove bottom, 3h: Protrusion, 3i: Protrusion, 4: Mounting bracket, 5: First mounting plate, 5a: Front surface, 5b: Clamping surface (back), 6: Second mounting plate, 6a: Front surface, 6b: Mounted surface (back), 7: Connecting plate, 8: First connecting plate, 8a: Front surface, 8b: Back, 9: Second mounting plate, 9: Second mounting plate, 10: Mounting screws, 31: First stepped surface, 32A, 32B: Second stepped surface, 33A, 33B: Third stepped surface, 34A, 34B: Fourth stepped surface, 51: First edge, 52: Second edge, 53A, 53B: Third edge, 54A, 54B: Chamfered corner, 55: Screw insertion hole, 60: Second mounting plate, 83A, 83B: Third edge, 100: Mounting structure, 300: Rib, H1: Enveloping surface, H4A, H4B: Enveloping surface, K: Bridge plate, MS: Mounting surface of vehicle, U1, U2: Unit

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device including a frame, the frame including an operating surface, a back surface opposite to the operating surface, a pair of sides perpendicular to the operating surface, screw holes formed on each of the sides, and a first stepped surface disposed on each of the sides and parallel to the operating surface, A pair of mounting brackets fixed to the mounting surface of the vehicle, such that they clamp the pair of sides of the frame, The frame comprises a pair of mounting screws, which are screwed into corresponding screw holes to secure the pair of mounting brackets to the pair of sides of the frame, Each mounting bracket includes: a rectangular first mounting plate having a surface, a clamping surface which is a back surface that is aligned with the corresponding side surface of the frame, and screw insertion holes that penetrate the surface and the clamping surface and through which the corresponding mounting screws are inserted; a rectangular second mounting plate having a surface, a mounting surface which is a back surface that is fixed along the mounting surface of the vehicle and is arranged perpendicular to the clamping surface of the first mounting plate; and a connecting plate connecting the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The first mounting plate includes a straight first edge connected to the connecting plate, a straight second edge parallel to the first edge across the screw insertion hole and capable of surface contact with the first stepped surface of the frame, a pair of straight third edges extending perpendicularly from the first edge, and a straight chamfered corner positioned between the second edge and at least one of the pair of third edges, inclined with respect to the second edge and capable of surface contact with the first stepped surface, The frame is a mounting structure for an in-vehicle device, which allows for selective mounting between a parallel orientation in which the operating surface is positioned parallel to the mounting surface of the vehicle by surface contact of the first stepped surface with the second edge of the first mounting plate, and an inclined orientation in which the operating surface is positioned at an angle to the mounting surface of the vehicle by surface contact of the first stepped surface with the chamfered corner of the first mounting plate.

2. Each of the sides of the frame includes a groove having one end on the operating surface side which is a closed end on which the first stepped surface is located, the other end on the back side of the frame, and a groove bottom surface which serves as a clamped surface along the clamping surface of the corresponding first mounting plate. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein each of the grooves on the side surface of the frame includes a second stepped surface located at the other end and perpendicular to the bottom surface of the groove, the second stepped surface being able to make surface contact with at least one of the corresponding third edge of the first mounting plate and the edge of the connecting plate connected to the third edge when the first stepped surface makes surface contact with the chamfered corner of the first mounting plate.

3. Each of the mounting brackets includes a rectangular first connecting plate with a surface extending perpendicularly from the surface at the first edge of the first mounting plate, and a rectangular second connecting plate extending perpendicularly from the extended end of the first connecting plate to the side opposite the first mounting plate and connected to the second mounting plate. Each of the aforementioned side surfaces of the frame includes a third stepped surface located at the other end, perpendicular to the groove bottom surface and the second stepped surface, and facing toward the first stepped surface. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein when the first stepped surface of the groove makes surface contact with the chamfered corner of the first mounting plate, the third stepped surface of the groove can make surface contact with the back surface, which is the surface opposite to the front surface of the first connecting plate.

4. Each of the first mounting plates includes a pair of chamfered corners that are adjacent to both ends of the second edge and inclined in opposite directions relative to the second edge. The second stepped surface of the groove on each of the sides of the frame includes a pair of second stepped surfaces that are inclined in opposite directions toward the rear side of the frame, The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein the inclined position includes a pair of inclined positions in which the operating surface is inclined in opposite directions relative to the mounting surface of the vehicle.

5. Each of the first mounting plates includes a pair of chamfered corners positioned at both ends of the second edge and inclined in opposite directions relative to the second edge. The second stepped surface of the groove on each of the sides of the frame includes a pair of second stepped surfaces that are inclined in opposite directions toward the rear side of the frame, The third stepped surface of the groove on each side surface of the frame includes a pair of third stepped surfaces that are perpendicular to the corresponding second stepped surface and inclined in opposite directions. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 3, wherein the inclined position includes a pair of inclined positions in which the operating surface is inclined in opposite directions relative to the mounting surface of the vehicle.

6. Each of the side surfaces of the frame includes a pair of fourth stepped surfaces that extend in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface, are perpendicular to the bottom surface of the groove, and face each other. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 3, wherein the frame can be mounted in an orthogonal position in which the operating surface is positioned perpendicular to the mounting surface of the vehicle, by having the second edge of the first mounting plate of the corresponding mounting bracket surface-contact with one of the pair of fourth stepped surfaces, and the back surface of the first connecting plate of the corresponding mounting bracket surface-contact with the other of the pair of fourth stepped surfaces.

7. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 3, wherein the frame can be mounted in the parallel position by the back surface of the first connecting plate of the corresponding mounting bracket making surface contact with the first stepped surface.

8. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pair of mounting brackets are integrated with each other.

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