Car device holder

Abstract

Whether the holder for the in-vehicle equipment is fixed to the inner surface of the vehicle's exterior panel by adhesive or bonding, or by welding or screwing, it appropriately provides the function of positioning a part of the in-vehicle equipment in a predetermined position within a hole formed in the vehicle's exterior panel. [Solution] The device comprises a holding portion 2 for the in-vehicle equipment, a fixing portion 3 for the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, and a connecting portion 4 connecting the holding portion 2 and the fixing portion 3. The holding portion 2 is provided with a positioning contact portion 5 for the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P. When the positioning contact portion 5 is in contact with the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, a gap G is formed between the fixing portion 3 and the inner surface Pb. The connecting portion 4 has a thin-walled portion 4a and a thick-walled portion 4e formed between one end 4c connected to the fixing portion 3 and the other end 4d connected to the holding portion 2.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement of a holder for holding various in-vehicle devices inside a vehicle exterior panel such that a part of each of the in-vehicle devices is positioned in a hole formed in the vehicle exterior panel. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a main body block of an ultrasonic device is provided on the inner surface of a bumper via a holding member fixed to the inner surface of the bumper. The holding member positions the head portion of the ultrasonic device in an exposure hole of the bumper. However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is essential to provide the head portion of the ultrasonic device with an abutting portion that abuts against the inner surface of the bumper. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, if the abutting portion is omitted, and the holding member is set such that the exposed surface of the head portion is flush with the outer surface of the bumper when the holding member is fixed to the inner surface of the bumper with a double-sided tape, the exposed surface of the head portion cannot be made flush with the outer surface of the bumper when the same holding member is directly fixed to the inner surface of the bumper by welding or screwing without using the double-sided tape. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-227090 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] The main problem to be solved by the present invention is to appropriately impart to this type of in-vehicle device holder a function of positioning a part of the in-vehicle device at a predetermined position in the hole formed in the vehicle exterior panel, regardless of whether the holder is fixed to the inner surface of the vehicle exterior panel by adhesion or sticking using a double-sided tape or the like, or directly fixed by welding, screwing or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a holder for an in-vehicle device, a holder made of synthetic resin that holds the in-vehicle device inside the vehicle exterior panel, such that a part of the in-vehicle device is positioned in a hole formed in the vehicle exterior panel, The vehicle-mounted equipment holding part, The fixing portion to the inner surface of the vehicle exterior panel, It comprises a connecting portion that connects the holding portion and the fixing portion, The holding portion includes a positioning contact portion for the inner surface of the vehicle exterior panel, When the positioning contact portion is in contact with the inner surface portion of the vehicle exterior panel, a gap is formed between the fixing portion and the inner surface portion. The connection portion is configured such that a thin-walled portion and a thick-walled portion are formed between one end connected to the fixing portion and the other end connected to the holding portion.

[0006] One aspect of this invention is to provide a configuration that allows for the adjustment and movement of the fixed portion in a direction that eliminates the gap by deforming the thin-walled portion so that the thin-walled portion acts as the pivot point.

[0007] Furthermore, one embodiment of this invention is to form the thin-walled portion along the width direction of the connection portion, which is perpendicular to the continuous direction of the connection portion extending from one end to the other end of the connection portion.

[0008] Furthermore, the connecting portion has a bent portion between one end and the other end, and the portion between the one end and the bent portion is a first portion that protrudes from the back side opposite to the front side facing the inner surface of the vehicle exterior plate in the fixing portion, and the portion between the bent portion and the other end is a second portion that connects the protruding end of the first portion and the holding portion, and the thin-walled portion is formed in the second portion, which is one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Furthermore, the connecting portion has a bent portion between one end and the other end, and the portion between the one end and the bent portion is a first portion that protrudes from the back side opposite to the front side facing the inner surface of the vehicle exterior plate in the fixing portion, and the portion between the bent portion and the other end is a second portion that connects the protruding end of the first portion and the holding portion, and the thin-walled portion is formed in the bent portion, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The holder according to this invention is configured such that, when the positioning contact portion is in contact with the inner surface of the vehicle exterior panel, a gap is formed between the fixing portion and the inner surface that can be used for adhesion or bonding. Such a holder can be fixed to the inner surface of the vehicle's exterior panel by using this gap and adhesive or bonding with double-sided tape or similar adhesive. On the other hand, when such a holder is fixed to the inner surface of the vehicle's exterior panel by welding, such as ultrasonic welding, or by screw fastening, without using adhesive or bonding, the fixing part can be adjusted and moved in a direction that eliminates the gap by using the thin-walled portion of the connection as the pivot point. As a result, whether the holder is fixed to the inner surface of the vehicle's exterior panel by adhesive or bonding using double-sided tape, or directly fixed by welding or screws, it positions a part of the in-vehicle equipment it holds in a predetermined position within a hole formed in the vehicle's exterior panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a holder (first example) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first example as seen from the rear. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration at the position of line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration at the position of line BB in Figure 2. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective configuration diagram showing the first example as viewed from the front side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear configuration diagram of the first example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram taken at the position of line C-C in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan configuration diagram of the first example, showing a state where the positioning contact portion is brought into contact with the vehicle exterior plate, but the fixing portion is not fixed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan configuration diagram of the first example, showing a state where the fixing portion is fixed to the vehicle exterior plate with double-sided adhesive tape. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan configuration diagram of the first example, showing a state where the fixing portion is welded to the vehicle exterior plate. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a state in which a sonar is held on the first example attached to the vehicle exterior plate. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram taken at the position of line D-D in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram taken at the position of line E-E in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of main parts of a holder (second example) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of main parts of a holder (third example) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective configuration diagram of a holder (fourth example) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a rear configuration diagram of the fourth example. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan configuration diagram of the fourth example. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, typical embodiments of the present invention will be described based on FIG. 1 to FIG. 18. The in-vehicle equipment holder 1 according to this embodiment holds various in-vehicle equipment on the inside of the vehicle exterior panel P, such that a portion of the in-vehicle equipment is positioned within a hole Pa formed in the vehicle exterior panel P.

[0013] The holder 1 shown in the illustration has a structure suitable for holding a sonar S (ultrasonic device) as an in-vehicle device mounted on an automobile, inside the bumper, which is an exterior panel P of the vehicle. Such a sonar S typically has the function of transmitting and receiving ultrasound, and is configured to detect the presence or absence of obstacles based on whether or not a reflected wave of transmitted ultrasound is received, and to detect the distance to the obstacle based on the time from when the ultrasound is transmitted until the reflected wave is received. In the illustrated example, the sonar S comprises a main body block Sa and a head unit Sb. The head unit Sb is part of the in-vehicle equipment located within the hole Pa. The head unit Sb protrudes from the front of the main body block Sa toward the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P. The head unit Sb is thinner than the main body block Sa in a direction perpendicular to its protrusion direction.

[0014] In this embodiment, the holder 1 holds the sonar S inside the vehicle exterior panel P such that the protruding end face Sc (exposed surface) of the head Sb is flush with the outer surface Pc of the vehicle exterior panel P (Figures 12 and 13). The protruding end face Sc of the head Sb functions as the input / output section for the ultrasonic waves.

[0015] More specifically, the holder 1 is configured such that, when the positioning contact portion 5 (described later) is in contact with the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, a gap G (described later) is formed between the fixing portion 3 (described later) and the inner surface Pb that can be used for bonding or adhesion. Furthermore, the holder 1 is designed to be able to be interposed between the fixing part 3 and the inner surface Pb without causing the entire holder 1 to retract, by using adhesive or bonding such as double-sided tape T, which utilizes this gap G, to fix the fixing part 3 to the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, as described later. On the other hand, the holder 1 can also be directly fixed to the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P by welding, such as ultrasonic welding, or by screw fastening, without the use of adhesive or bonding. In this case, the thin-walled portion 4a of the connecting portion 4, described later, can be used as the pivot point of the hinge, allowing the fixing portion 3, described later, to be adjusted and moved with minimal resistance in a direction that eliminates the gap G.

[0016] Then, with the holder 1 fixed to the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, when the sonar S is fully fitted into the holding part 2 (described later), the head Sb of the sonar S enters the hole Pa, and the protruding end face Sc of the head Sb is set to be flush with the outer surface Pc of the vehicle exterior panel P. In the figure, the symbol Sd represents the sealing portion surrounding the head Sb, which is pressed against the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P near the hole Pa when the sonar S is fully fitted into the holding portion 2.

[0017] In this embodiment, the holder 1 is made of synthetic resin. The holder 1 comprises a holding portion 2 for the in-vehicle equipment, a fixing portion 3 for the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, and a connecting portion 4 for connecting the holding portion 2 and the fixing portion 3.

[0018] In the illustrated example, the fixing portion 3 is provided on both sides of the holding portion 2 via the connecting portion 4. The fixing portion 3 and connecting portion 4 provided on one side of the holding portion 2 and the fixing portion 3 and connecting portion 4 provided on the other side are configured to have a symmetrical shape with respect to the holding portion 2.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the holder 1 is configured to have a length (the continuous direction of the two fixing parts 3 and the holding part 2) and a width (the direction perpendicular to the continuous direction) when viewed from the front side facing the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P (Figure 5). The holder 1 has a holding part 2 in the center and fixing parts 3 on the left and right sides, with a connecting part 4 formed between the right side of the left fixing part 3 and the left side of the holding part 2, and a connecting part 4 formed between the left side of the right fixing part 3 and the right side of the holding part 2. When the holder 1 is viewed from the front, a through-hole 4b is formed in the connecting portion 4 at the middle of the width direction of the holder 1, penetrating the holder 1 in the front-to-back direction. The through-hole 4b has a left-to-right dimension that extends between one end 4c and the other end 4d of the connecting portion 4, and this through-hole 4b divides the two connecting portions 4 into two in the vertical direction. This allows for adjustment movement, as described later, to be performed with less resistance.

[0020] The front surface 2a of the holding portion 2, which forms part of the front surface of the holder 1, is positioned slightly rearward than the front surface 3a of the fixing portion 3, which also forms part of the front surface of the holder 1, when the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P is considered to be in front. In other words, when the positioning contact portion 5 of the holder 1, which will be described later, is in contact with the vehicle exterior panel P, the distance between the front surface 2a of the holding portion 2 and the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P is slightly greater than the distance between the front surface 3a of the fixing portion 3 and the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the front surfaces 3a of the left and right fixing parts 3 are located on a virtual first plane F1, and the front surface 2a of the holding part 2 is located on a virtual second plane F2 that is parallel to the first plane F1 and is located behind the first plane F1. Furthermore, the holding portion 2 has a passage hole 2b for the head Sb of the sonar S. This passage hole 2b is substantially circular in shape when the holder 1 is viewed from the front. This passage hole 2b is sized to allow the head Sb of the sonar S to pass through, but not the main body block Sa. A positioning contact portion 5 is formed on the front surface 2a of the holding portion 2. Multiple positioning contact portions 5 are formed with spacing between adjacent positioning contact portions 5 in a direction circumferential to the center of the through hole 2b. In the illustrated example, four positioning contact portions 5 are formed at 90-degree intervals. Each positioning contact portion 5 is composed of a small cylindrical projection that protrudes from the front surface 2a of the holding portion 2. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the protruding end of each positioning contact portion 5 is positioned on a virtual third plane F3 that is parallel to the first plane F1 and located slightly forward of the first plane F1. Furthermore, it is sufficient for the positioning contact portion 5 to be composed of a part of the front surface 2a of the holding portion 2, and its shape, number, etc., may be changed as necessary.

[0021] As a result, when the positioning contact portion 5 is brought into contact with the inner surface portion Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, in a state where the front surfaces 3a of both the left and right fixing portions 3 are both positioned on a single first plane F1, that is, in a reference state (Figure 8) where the thin-walled portion 4a of the connecting portion 4 is not deformed, a gap G is formed between the front surface 3a of the fixing portion 3 and the inner surface portion Pb of each of the left and right fixing portions 3, equal to the difference in position between the first plane F1 and the third plane F3 in the front-rear direction. Typically, this gap G is set to 0.4 to 0.7 mm.

[0022] A fitting portion 6 for the main body block Sa of the sonar S is formed on the back surface 2c of the holding portion 2. The fitting portion 6 consists of elastic pieces 6a formed at opposing positions on either side of the through hole 2b, and protruding pieces 6b formed on both sides of each of the two elastic pieces 6a. These elastic pieces 6a and protruding pieces 6b form the fitting portion 6 that holds the main body block Sa behind the through hole 2b. The elastic piece 6a and the projection piece 6b each extend backward, with their bases integrated near the edge of the through hole 2b. An engaging portion 6c is formed at the rear end of the elastic piece 6a. The engaging portion 6c is configured as a protrusion that extends toward the center of the fitting portion 6. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, a engaged portion Se for the engaging portion 6c is formed on the rear side of the main body block Sa. The engaged portion Se is configured as a convex portion that protrudes from one side of the main body block Sa along the front-rear direction and from the other side opposite to it. The distance between the two engaged portions Se is greater than the distance between the tops of the engaged portions of the two elastic pieces 6a. Furthermore, each of the two engaging portions 6c of the elastic piece 6a has an inclined guide surface 6d between its top and the rear end of the elastic piece 6a. The distance between the two engaging portions 6c of the elastic piece 6a gradually increases as it approaches the rear end of the elastic piece 6a due to the inclined guide surface 6d.

[0023] The holder 1 is fixed to the vehicle exterior panel P such that the through hole 2b communicates with the hole Pa in the vehicle exterior panel P. Specifically, the holder 1 is fixed to the vehicle exterior panel P such that the center of the through hole 2b is located behind the center of the hole Pa in the vehicle exterior panel P. In the illustrated example, the diameter of the through hole 2b is larger than the diameter of the hole Pa in the vehicle exterior panel P, so that when the sonar S is fitted into the holder 1, the sealing portion Sd is pressed against the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P between the edges of the two holes.

[0024] The fixing parts 3, each provided on either side of the holding part 2, are rectangular plate-shaped in the illustrated example, having a front surface 3a that forms part of the front surface of the holder 1 and a back surface 3b. A connecting part 4 is formed between the right side of the left fixing part 3 and the holding part 2, and between the left side of the right fixing part 3 and the holding part 2. As described above, the holder 1 has a length and a width when viewed from the front side facing the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P (Figure 5). The connecting portion 4 is formed to extend across the width direction of the holder 1, and the fixing portion 3 is adjustable and movable forward from the reference state (Figure 8) in a direction that eliminates the gap G, with the thin-walled portion 4a of the connecting portion 4 as the center.

[0025] When fixing the holder 1 to the vehicle exterior panel P by adhesive or bonding, in the illustrated example, one side of the double-sided tape T is attached to the front surface 3a of each of the left and right fixing parts 3, and then the other side of the double-sided tape T is attached to the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P at each of the left and right fixing parts 3. The gap G formed by the positioning contact part 5 allows the fixing part 3 to be fixed to the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P without any problems, even with the double-sided tape T interposed between them. In the illustrated example, the thickness of the double-sided tape T is slightly less than the gap G, and the fixing part 3 is slightly adjusted and moved in a direction that eliminates the gap G, with the thin-walled portion 4a of the connecting part 4 (described later) being the pivot point of the hinge, thereby achieving the bonding.

[0026] When fixing the holder 1 to the vehicle exterior panel P by welding, screwing, or other means without adhesive or bonding, the left and right fixing parts 3 are fixed to the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, starting from a state where the front surfaces 3a of each fixing part 3 are in close contact with the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P. When fixing by ultrasonic welding, typically, the horn constituting the ultrasonic welding device is pressed against the back surface 3b of the fixing part 3 while the front surface 3a of the fixing part 3 is in close contact with the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, and welding is performed. The fixing part 3 is adjusted and moved with little resistance in a direction that eliminates the gap G, with the thin-walled portion 4a of the connecting part 4 (described later) being the pivot point of the hinge, so that the front surface 3a of the fixing part 3 is in close contact with the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P.

[0027] With the holder 1 fixed to the vehicle exterior panel P in this manner, the sonar S can be fitted into the fitting portion 6 of the holder 1 from the rear side of the holder 1, with the head Sb leading. During this fitting operation, the engaged portion Se comes into contact with the inclined guide surface 6d, and the two elastic pieces 6a are elastically deformed away from the center of the fitting portion 6, allowing the sonar S to be introduced into the fitting portion 6. Once the sonar S is fully fitted into the fitting portion 6, the head Sb settles into the through hole 2b, and the seal portion Sd surrounding the head Sb is pressed against the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P near the hole Pa, causing the elastic pieces 6a to elastically return to their original position and the engaged portion 6c to catch on the engaged portion Se from the rear. The four protruding pieces 6b come into contact with the side of the main body block Sa. As a result, the sonar S is stably held in a predetermined position in the front-rear direction relative to the holding portion 2 and positioned inside the vehicle exterior panel P.

[0028] Each of the connecting portions 4 provided on either side of the holding portion 2 has one end 4c connected to the fixing portion 3 and the other end 4d connected to the holding portion 2. At the same time, a thin-walled portion 4a and a thick-walled portion 4e are formed between the one end 4c and the other end 4d of the connecting portion 4. That is, the connecting portion 4 has a thick-walled portion 4e that is larger than the thin-walled portion 4a and a thin-walled portion 4a that is smaller than the thick-walled portion 4e, so that the thickness of the connecting portion 4, which is conceivable between one surface of the connecting portion 4 that constitutes the front side of the holder 1 and the other surface opposite it is larger than the thin-walled portion 4a.

[0029] Furthermore, the thin-walled portion 4a is formed to follow the width direction 4g of the connecting portion 4 (the direction along the width direction of the holder 1 when viewed from the front side facing the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P (Figure 5)), which is perpendicular to the connection direction 4f of the connecting portion 4 (the direction along the length direction of the holder 1 when the holder 1 is viewed from the front side facing the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P (Figure 5)), extending from the one end 4c to the other end 4d of the connecting portion 4. The thin-walled portion 4a is formed to extend over the entire width of the connecting portion 4 (the entire perpendicular direction 4g) between one side of the holder 1 along the length direction and the other side opposite it when the holder 1 is viewed from the front side (Figure 5). In the illustrated example, the left and right connecting portions 4 are each divided into left and right sections by the thin-walled portion 4a formed in this manner.

[0030] As a result, the connecting portion 4 has a thin-walled portion 4a that is easily deformable, and this thin-walled portion 4a can be easily deformed without requiring excessive force. By deforming this thin-walled portion 4a so that it acts as the pivot point of the hinge, the connecting portion 4 can be bent so that the front side of the holder 1 is bent inward, that is, the fixing portion 3 can be adjusted to bring its front surface 3a closer to the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P.

[0031] In the first example shown in Figures 1 to 13, the connecting portion 4 has a bent portion 4h between one end 4c and the other end 4d, and the space between the one end 4c and the bent portion 4h is a first portion 4i that protrudes rearward from the back surface 3b opposite to the side of the vehicle exterior plate P facing the inner surface Pb of the fixing portion 3, and the space between the bent portion 4h and the other end 4d is a second portion 4j that connects the protruding end of the first portion 4i and the holding portion 2. The thin-walled portion 4a is formed in the second portion 4j. In the illustrated example, the protruding end of the first portion 4i is located behind the front surface 2a of the retaining portion 2. The second portion 4j is also located behind the front surface 2a of the retaining portion 2 and connects the side of the retaining portion 2 to the protruding end of the first portion 4i. When viewed from the front side facing the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P (Figure 5), the thin-walled portion 4a is formed to extend across the width direction of the holder 1. On the other hand, when the holder 1 is viewed from the planar side (Figure 8), the connecting portion 4 has a hook shape with the front bent inward and the rear bent outward, and the inward bend is substantially 90 degrees. In the first example, the thickness of the second part 4j in the front-to-back direction in Figure 7 is made smaller than the thickness of the first part 4i in the left-to-right direction in Figure 7, thereby creating a thin-walled section 4a in the second part 4j and a thick-walled section 4e in the first part 4i. In the first example, with this configuration, the pivot point of the hinge, whose pivot axis is aligned vertically, is set to be near the bent portion 4h of the second portion 4j (indicated by the symbol x1 in Figures 9 and 10), and the adjustment movement of the fixing portion 3 is performed in a direction that brings the front surface 3a of the fixing portion 3 closer to the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P. In the illustrated example, when the fixing portion 3 is adjusted to bring most of the front surface 3a of the fixing portion 3 into close contact with the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, deformation also occurs in the vicinity of the base of the first portion 4i (indicated by the symbol x2 in Figures 9 and 10).

[0032] In the second example shown in Figure 14, a groove 4k extending in the width direction of the connection portion 4 is formed in the second portion 4j at the inner side of the bend of the connection portion 4, thereby forming the thin-walled portion 4a in the second portion 4j.

[0033] In the third example shown in Figure 15, the connecting portion 4 has a bent portion 4h between one end 4c and the other end 4d, and the space between the one end 4c and the bent portion 4h is made into a first portion 4i that protrudes from the back side of the fixing portion 3 opposite to the side facing the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior plate P, and the space between the bent portion 4h and the other end 4d is made into a second portion 4j that connects the protruding end of the first portion 4i to the holding portion 2. The thin-walled portion 4a is formed in the bent portion 4h. In this third example, the thickness of the inside and outside of the bent portion 4h is made smaller than the thickness of the first portion 4i in the left-right direction in Figure 15, and the thickness of the second portion 4j in the front-rear direction in Figure 15, thereby forming the thin-walled portion 4a in the bent portion 4h.

[0034] Figures 16 to 18 show a fourth example in which the configuration of holder 1 shown in Figures 1 to 13 has been partially modified. In this example, the front surface 3a of the fixing part 3 is positioned along a virtual second plane F2 that is not parallel to a virtual first plane F1 that is perpendicular to the center line of the through hole 2b of the holding part 2. Also, a short cylindrical projection 7 is formed on the front surface 2a of the holding part 2, which is introduced into the hole Pa of the vehicle exterior panel P, and the inside of this projection 7 is in communication with the through hole 2b. The protruding end of the projection 7 is positioned in front of the second plane F2 and is positioned on a virtual plane that is parallel to the second plane F2. The positioning contact part 5 is formed to be positioned behind the protruding end of this projection 7. In this example, when the holder 1 is positioned so that the positioning contact portion 5 abuts against the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P, which is arranged parallel to the second plane F2, the protruding portion 7 fits into the hole Pa of the vehicle exterior panel P, and its protruding end becomes flush with the outer surface Pc of the vehicle exterior panel P, and a gap G that can be used for bonding is formed between the front surfaces 3a of the left and right fixing portions 3 and the inner surface Pb of the vehicle exterior panel P. This example has a structure suitable for holding a sonar S inside the corner of a bumper, which is a vehicle exterior panel P. In this example, the elastic piece 6a constituting the fitting portion 6 in the holding portion 2 has a hole-shaped engaging portion 6c, and is configured to receive the engaged portion Se of the sonar S into the engaging portion 6c when the sonar S is fully fitted into the fitting portion 6. The remaining structure of this example is identical or substantially identical to that of holder 1 shown in Figures 1 to 13, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0035] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes all embodiments that can achieve the objectives of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] G Gap F1 front page F2 2nd side F3 3rd page P Vehicle exterior panel Pa hole Pb inner surface PC external part S Sonar Sa main block Sb head Sc protruding end face Sd seal part Se Engaged part T Double-sided tape 1 holder 2 Holding part 2a front 2b Passing hole 2c back 3 Fixed part 3a front 3b Back 4 Connection part 4a Thin wall part 4b Through hole 4c One end 4d Other end 4e Thick wall part 4f Continuous Direction 4g width direction 4h bending part 4i Part 1 4j 2nd part 4k groove 5 Positioning contact part 6. Insertion part 6a Elastic piece 6b Projection piece 6c Engagement part 6d inclined guideway 7 Protrusion

Claims

1. A synthetic resin holder that holds an in-vehicle device inside the vehicle exterior panel, such that a part of the in-vehicle device is positioned within a hole formed in the vehicle exterior panel, The vehicle-mounted equipment holding part, The fixing portion to the inner surface of the vehicle exterior panel, It comprises a connecting portion that connects the holding portion and the fixing portion, The holding portion includes a positioning contact portion for the inner surface of the vehicle exterior panel, When the positioning contact portion is in contact with the inner surface portion of the vehicle exterior panel, a gap is formed between the fixing portion and the inner surface portion. A holder for an in-vehicle device, wherein a thin-walled portion and a thick-walled portion are formed between one end of the connecting portion connected to the fixing portion and the other end connected to the holding portion.

2. The holder for an in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion can be adjusted and moved in a direction that eliminates the gap by deforming the thin-walled portion so that the thin-walled portion is the pivot point.

3. The holder for an in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the thin-walled portion is formed to follow the width direction of the connection portion, which is perpendicular to the continuous direction of the connection portion extending from one end to the other end of the connection portion.

4. The holder for an in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting portion has a bent portion between one end and the other end, the portion between the one end and the bent portion is a first portion that protrudes from the back side opposite to the front side facing the inner surface of the vehicle exterior panel in the fixing portion, the portion between the bent portion and the other end is a second portion that connects the protruding end of the first portion and the holding portion, and the thin-walled portion is formed in the second portion.

5. The holder for an in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting portion has a bent portion between one end and the other end, the portion between the one end and the bent portion is a first portion that protrudes from the back side opposite to the front side facing the inner surface of the vehicle exterior panel in the fixing portion, the portion between the bent portion and the other end is a second portion that connects the protruding end of the first portion and the holding portion, and the thin-walled portion is formed in the bent portion.

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