Fixing Structure of In-Vehicle Device

Abstract

To provide a fixing structure of an on-vehicle device capable of fixing the on-vehicle device without any additional processing to a vehicle body.SOLUTION: A fixing structure for fixing an on-vehicle device 1 (a getting-on / off assist device 1) with an attachment part 26 to a vehicle body side, to a vehicle body 6, comprises a support plate 76 for fixing the attachment part 26 of the on-vehicle device 1 and the vehicle body 6 (a side sill 6), and a support bracket 78. The support plate 76 includes a body part 76a clamped between the attachment part 26 of the on-vehicle device 1 and the support bracket 78. The support bracket 78 extends from a fixing hole 6b formed in the vehicle body 6 in a direction of separating upward, one portion of an upper part thereof comes into contact with a lower surface of the body part 76a of the support plate 76, and the contact portion of the support bracket 78 and the body part 76a of the support plate 76 are fastened to the attachment part 26. The support plate 76 includes a plurality of contact legs 76b coming into contact with the upper face 6a of the vehicle body 6 at a lateral side of the fixing hole 6b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing structure for an in-vehicle device, and more particularly to a fixing structure for an in-vehicle device having an attachment portion to the vehicle body side to the vehicle body.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an increasing demand for retrofitting and fixing an in-vehicle device (for example, an auxiliary device for passengers such as an assist device for getting on and off with a transfer board, a step for getting on and off, a handrail for moving inside the vehicle, etc.) as an option to the vehicle body of a completed vehicle. Here, as an assist device for getting on and off fixed to the vehicle body, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a passenger transfer device in which a pair of front and rear four-bar link mechanisms are fixed to a floor panel of the vehicle body via brackets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in order to fix an in-vehicle device to the vehicle body, newly welding fixing members or forming holes in the vehicle body is not preferable either in terms of labor or cost.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a fixing structure for an in-vehicle device that can fix the in-vehicle device without performing additional processing on the vehicle body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fixing structure of an in-vehicle device having a mounting portion on the vehicle body side to the vehicle body, comprising a support plate and at least one support bracket for fixing the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device and the vehicle body. The support plate has a main body portion sandwiched between the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device and at least one support bracket. At least one support bracket extends in a direction away from above the fixing hole formed in the vehicle body, and a part of the upper portion thereof abuts against the main body portion of the support plate. A part of the at least one support bracket that abuts and the main body portion of the support plate are fastened to the mounting portion. The support plate is provided with a plurality of abutting leg portions that abut against the vehicle body on the side of the fixing hole.

[0007] According to the present invention configured as described above, the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device is fixed to the fixing hole of the vehicle body by the support bracket, and while supporting the in-vehicle device by the abutting leg portion of the support plate, the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device is fixed to the vehicle body. Thereby, an optional in-vehicle device can be fixed to the vehicle body by using an existing hole (fixing hole) formed in the vehicle body, and thus the in-vehicle device can be fixed without performing additional processing on the vehicle body.

[0008] Further, in the present invention, preferably, the main body portion of the support plate is fastened to the mounting portion together with the support bracket at a position spaced above the fixing hole of the vehicle body. At least one support bracket has an engaging portion that engages with the fixing hole of the vehicle body and a mounting leg portion that extends upward from the engaging portion away from the support plate side. The main body portion of the support plate and the mounting leg portion of at least one bracket are fastened together by at least one bolt to the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device. According to the present invention configured as described above, the in-vehicle device can be more reliably fixed to the vehicle body.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, at least one support bracket has a mounting leg portion extending in a direction away from above the fixing hole formed in the vehicle body. The abutting leg portion of the support plate has a predetermined first length in the vertical direction, and this predetermined first length is the vertical length from the lower end of the abutting leg portion to the lower surface of the main body portion. The mounting leg portion of at least one support bracket has a predetermined second length in the vertical direction, and this predetermined second length is the vertical length from the same height position as the upper surface of the vehicle body to the abutting surface to the main body portion of the support plate. The predetermined first length of the abutting leg portion is longer than the predetermined second length of the mounting leg portion. According to the present invention configured as described above, when the main body portion of the support plate is bent downward due to the first length of the abutting leg portion being longer than the second length of the mounting leg portion when fastened by bolts, the fastening force of the bolts can be transmitted to the abutting leg portion. As a result, the abutting leg portion can be securely fixed to the vehicle body and the in-vehicle device can be securely supported from below.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the plate thickness of at least one support bracket is larger than the plate thickness of the support plate. According to the present invention configured as described above, when the support bracket is fastened with bolts, the fastening force by the bolts can be transmitted to the abutting leg portion more reliably.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, at least one support bracket has an engaging portion that engages with the fixing hole portion of the vehicle body and a mounting leg portion that extends upward away from the engaging portion toward the support plate side. At least one support bracket is two support brackets each having one engaging portion and one mounting leg portion, or one support bracket in which two mounting leg portions are formed to extend bifurcated upward from one engaging portion. According to the present invention configured as described above, the engaging portion of one or two support brackets having the engaging portion is engaged with the hole portion originally formed in the vehicle body, so that the in-vehicle device can be securely fixed to the vehicle body.

[0012] Further, in the present invention, preferably, a deformation prevention member for preventing deformation of the mounting portion is provided on a portion of the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device that protrudes from the mounting portion toward the vehicle body side, on the vehicle front side of the portion where the support plate and at least one support bracket are fastened. According to the present invention configured as described above, since the deformation of the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device is prevented by the deformation prevention member, for example, it is possible to prevent deformation and cutting of a member such as a harness that originally exists below the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device fixed as an option. For example, when the in-vehicle device is a relatively large device such as an entry / exit assistance device, at the time of a collision, when such a device tilts forward so as to fall forward due to the law of inertia, it is possible to prevent deformation of the mounting portion and prevent deformation and cutting of a harness or the like.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the in-vehicle device can be fixed without performing additional processing on the vehicle body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a boarding and alighting assistance device and its fixing device to the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0016] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the schematic configuration of the boarding and alighting assistance device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the schematic configuration and the arrangement in the vehicle interior of the vehicle boarding and alighting assistance device, which is an in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The deployed state of the board is shown by a solid line, and the folded state of the board is shown by a dashed line. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration and the arrangement in the vehicle interior of the vehicle boarding and alighting assistance device, which is an in-vehicle device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a view showing the folded state of the board. In FIGS. 1 and 2, arrow F indicates the front in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and arrow U indicates the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction. Hereinafter, as an example of the fixing structure of the in-vehicle device attached to the vehicle body, an embodiment of an example in which the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 is fixed to the side sill 6 of the vehicle body will be described.

[0017] First, as shown in FIG. 1, in a vehicle V equipped with the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 of the present embodiment, a door opening 12 surrounded by a roof side rail 2, a center pillar (rear pillar) 4, a side sill 6, a hinge pillar 8, and a front pillar 10 is formed. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a vehicle V equipped with a so-called suicide door. Note that the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 of the present embodiment can be applied to a two-door vehicle, a four-door vehicle, a vehicle equipped with a sliding door, and the like.

[0018] In the front part of the passenger compartment, a driver's seat (seat) 14 and a passenger seat (not shown) are provided side by side in the vehicle width direction. The present embodiment shows an example of a so-called right-hand drive vehicle, and FIG. 1 shows the driver's seat 14 and the door opening 12 on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle V. Note that the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 of the present invention can also be applied to the left side in the vehicle width direction of a left-hand drive vehicle if each of the components described later is formed symmetrically with respect to the vehicle center plane.

[0019] The door opening 12 is an entrance for passengers to board and alight. As shown in FIG. 1, the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 of the present embodiment is disposed outside the driver's seat 14 adjacent to the door opening 12 on the right side in the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a side door 16 (see FIG. 2) that can be opened and closed via a door hinge on the front side of the vehicle is provided in the door opening 12. As shown in FIG. 2, at the folded position of the boarding and alighting assistance device 1, a board 22 and a support frame 24 described later are located in front of and on the side of the driver's seat.

[0020] The boarding and alighting assistance device 1 of the present embodiment is disposed outside the driver's seat 14 in the vehicle width direction as described above. When a passenger with a disability in the lower limbs boards and alights from the vehicle, the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 temporarily places the passenger's buttocks and the like on a board 22 described later when moving between the driver's seat 14 and a wheelchair outside the vehicle, thereby assisting the passenger in moving between the driver's seat 14 and the wheelchair.

[0021] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the basic configuration of the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the boarding and alighting assistance device of the present embodiment as viewed obliquely from the rear, showing the deployed state of the board, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the boarding and alighting assistance device of the present embodiment as viewed obliquely from the rear, showing the folded state of the board. First, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 includes a board 22, a support frame 24, a support base (mounting portion) 26, and a link mechanism 28.

[0022] First, the configurations of the board 22, the support frame 24, the support base 26, and the link mechanism 28 will be described. First, the board 22 is formed in a plate shape having a size and strength that allow a passenger's buttocks to be temporarily placed in a horizontal posture (P1) or a hand to be placed to support the passenger's upper body with the arm. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the board 22 has a front portion 22A in its front-rear direction (corresponding to the vehicle's front-rear direction when the board 22 is in the deployed position (FIGS. 1 and 3)), a front portion 22A with a narrowed width, and a rear portion 22B in its front-rear direction, a rear portion 22B with an expanded width. The front portion 22A has a size sufficient as a hand-holding area for a passenger (for example, a person with a lower limb disability) to support their own body by holding on when transferring between a wheelchair (not shown) and the driver's seat 14 via the board 22. The rear portion 22B has a size capable of temporarily placing (supporting) the passenger's buttocks (the area between and around the pair of left and right ischiums).

[0023] Next, the support frame 24 is pivotally attached to the support base 26 around an axis (a pivot shaft portion 30 described later) extending in the vehicle width direction in a side view. Further, the upper edge portion of the support frame 24 extends so as to face a region extending across the front portion 22A and the rear portion 22B of the board 22, and supports the inner edge side portion inside the vehicle width of the board 22 in the horizontal posture (P1) via two board pivot shaft portions 32.

[0024] Next, the support base (mounting portion) 26 rotatably supports the support frame 24 from below and functions as a mounting portion of the boarding assistance device (vehicle-mounted device) 1 to the vehicle body (side sill 6 in this embodiment). The support base 26 is provided with a rotating shaft portion 30 for the support frame that pivotally supports the support frame 24 rotatably in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle body. Further, on the upper edge portion of the support frame 24, a rotating shaft portion 32 for the board that pivotally supports the board 22 rotatably with respect to the support frame 24 is provided. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft portion 30 for the support frame is attached to the front portion 26b in the front-rear direction of the support base (mounting portion) 26 (see FIG. 8).

[0025] Next, the link mechanism 28 has a link member 34. The support base 26 is provided with a first joint 36 to which one end portion of the link member 34 is connected at a position adjacent to the rotating shaft portion 30 for the support frame and on the vehicle front side of the rotating shaft portion 30 for the support frame. On the other hand, a second joint 38 to which the other end portion of the link member 34 is connected is provided on the lower surface of the front portion 22A of the board 22. The link member 34 is longer than the distance in the vehicle vertical direction between the board 22 in the horizontal posture (P1) and the support base 26. The link mechanism 28 is mainly composed of these link member 34, first joint 36, and second joint 38.

[0026] Next, the board 22 can be deployed or folded between a horizontal posture (first posture, deployment position) P1 when deployed at a position outside the vehicle width direction of the driver's seat 14 and a vertical posture (second posture, folded position) P2 when flipped forward from this seat side portion position (P1) and folded, by the above-described rotating shaft portions 30, 32, and link mechanism 28.

[0027] For example, when the board 22 is deployed from the folded position as shown in FIG. 4, the support frame 24 rotates toward the rear side of the vehicle around the rotation shaft portion 30 for the support frame. At the same time, the link member 34 of the link mechanism 28 pulls the board 22 toward the deployment side, and the pulled board 22 rotates around the rotation shaft portion 32 for the board. At the end of the deployment, the board 22 and the support frame 24 are in the deployed state as shown in FIG. 3. On the other hand, when the board 22 is folded from the deployed position as shown in FIG. 5, the support frame 24 rotates toward the front side of the vehicle around the rotation shaft portion 30 for the support frame. At the same time, the link member 34 of the link mechanism 28 pushes up the board 22, and the pushed-up board 22 rotates around the rotation shaft portion 32 for the board. At the end of the folding, the board 22 and the support frame 24 are in the folded state as shown in FIG. 4.

[0028] Next, a configuration for supporting the load applied to the board 22 and the operability of the board 22 will be described. First, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, load support members 40 having a double structure that is axially telescopic so as to connect the board 22 and the support frame 24 to each other are attached to the hinges 42 and 44, respectively. This load support member 40 extends obliquely upward from the support frame 24 toward the lower surface of the board 22 when the board 22 is deployed as shown in FIG. 3, that is, when the board 22 is in a horizontal posture, in order to support the load of the occupant (see FIG. 7). In particular, the load support member 40 is attached to the lower surface of the rear portion 22B of the board 22 (via the hinge 42). The rear portion 22B of the board 22 is a portion where the occupant's buttocks or the like are temporarily placed as described above, and is a portion where most of the occupant's load is applied. Therefore, the load support member 40 effectively supports the board 22. Here, the load applied to the board 22 is mainly transmitted to this load support member 40 and the rotation shaft portion 30 for the support frame that (rotatably) supports the support frame 24. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the load support member 40 is provided at a position on the rear side of the vehicle separated from the rotation shaft portion 30 for the support frame so as to disperse such transmitted load.

[0029] Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support frame 24 is provided with an operation part (grip part) 46 for an occupant to operate the boarding and alighting assistance device 1. This operation part 46 is mainly used by the occupant to grip and operate when deploying the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 from the folded position P2 to the deployed position P1. When the occupant operates the operation part 46 by pulling it forward at the folded position P2, the support frame 24 rotates, and as described above, the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 is in the deployed state. This operation part 46 is located on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the above-described load support member 40 so that the load support member 40 does not interfere with the operability of the occupant. Further, this grip part 46 is located outside the rotation range of the board 22 with respect to the support frame 24 and is provided so as to be behind the rear end of the board 22 in the vertical posture P2.

[0030] Here, as shown in FIG. 2, at the folded position P2, the above-described load support member 40, operation part 46, etc. are housed in the bulging part 20 formed in the door trim 18 of the side door 16 so that they do not interfere with the side door 16. The bulging part 20 is formed from below the armrest (including the assist grip) 19 to the front. Further, when the board 22 in the vertical posture tries to be displaced rearward against the will during vehicle travel, vehicle start, etc., the upper part of the board 22 abuts against the armrest 19 or the assist grip, thereby restricting the displacement rearward of the vehicle.

[0031] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a buffer device for ensuring the operability when the board 22 of the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 of the present embodiment is deployed will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the boarding and alighting assistance device of the present embodiment and its fixing structure to the vehicle body, showing the deployed state of the board, and FIG. 6 is a side view showing the boarding and alighting assistance device of the present embodiment and its fixing structure to the vehicle body, showing the folded state of the board. First, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a cushioning device 50 is provided on the support base 26 to ensure the operability of the crew when the board 22 is deployed. This cushioning device 50 has a first cushioning device 52 and a second cushioning device 54 attached to the support base 26, respectively.

[0032] The first cushioning device 52 includes a first fixing portion 56 extending upward from the support base 26, a spring member 58 having one end attached to the first fixing portion 56 and generating a reaction force by expanding and contracting with the first fixing portion 56 as a base point, a shaft member 60 extending in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the spring member 58 inside the spring member 58 and movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the first fixing portion 56, a movable member 62 configured to abut against the front end of the shaft member 60 (spring member 58) on the vehicle front side, a guide member 64 for guiding the slide of the movable member 62 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, an arm member 66 having one end connected to the movable member 62 and the other end connected to the support frame 24 and swingable as the support frame 24 rotates, and a noise prevention member 68 provided at the tip end (68) on the vehicle rear side of the shaft member 60.

[0033] The second cushioning device 54 mainly includes a second fixing portion 70 extending upward from the support base 26 and a damper member 72 fixed to the second fixing portion 70 and generating a reaction force by expanding and contracting when the tip end 60a of the shaft member 60 (the tip end of the noise prevention member 68) abuts against it.

[0034] Here, first, in the folded state shown in FIG. 6, the spring member 58 of the first cushioning device 52 is at its free length. Also, the tip end 60a of the shaft member 60 of the first cushioning device 52 and the tip end 72a of the damper member 72 of the second cushioning device 54 are separated by a distance S as shown in FIG. 6.

[0035] When starting to deploy the boarding assistance device 1 from this state, as the support frame 24 rotates rearward of the vehicle, the arm member 66 swings, causing the movable member 62 to stroke rearward of the vehicle. This movable member 62 pushes the shaft member 60 of the first buffer device 52 and the front-end portion of the spring member 58 on the vehicle front side. As a result, the shaft member 60 moves rearward of the vehicle and the compression of the spring member 58 starts (start of the stroke).

[0036] Subsequently, until the compression of the spring member 58 and the movement of the shaft member 60 reach a predetermined first stroke, that is, until the tip 60a of the shaft member 60 that has moved rearward by a distance S abuts against the tip 72a of the damper member 72, the spring member 58 is compressed by a predetermined displacement amount (basically corresponding to the distance S) and generates an initial reaction force of a predetermined magnitude (the reaction force generated from the start of the stroke to the first stroke). The generated reaction force is transmitted to the support frame 24 via the arm member 66 and serves as the feel of the operating force when the occupant operates the operation unit 46. In the present embodiment, the elastic force of the spring member 58 is set to be a reaction force (the initial reaction force until the first stroke) that allows the occupant to easily operate while feeling the feel of the operation. At this time, the reaction force by the second buffer device 54 is not generated.

[0037] Subsequently, from the first stroke position where the tip 60a of the shaft member 60 abuts against the tip 72a of the damper member 72, when the shaft member 60 further pushes the damper member 72, a reaction force corresponding to the displacement speed of the damper member 72 is generated. Note that the damper member 72 has a small reaction force at a very slow speed, but in the present embodiment, the damping force of the damper member 72 is adjusted to generate a reaction force suitable for the displacement speed that occurs in the damper member 72 by the normal operation of the boarding assistance device 1 (a speed corresponding to the deployment of the boarding assistance device 1 taking from 1 second to several seconds).

[0038] Subsequently, in the stroke range from the first stroke to the deployed position (end of the stroke) shown in FIG. 5, both the reaction force of the spring member 58 of the first buffer device 52 and the reaction force of the damper member 72 of the second buffer device 54 described above are transmitted to the support frame 24 via the arm member 66, providing a tactile sensation of the operating force when the occupant operates the operation unit 46. In the present embodiment, the elastic force of the spring member 58 and the damping force of the damper member 72 are set so as to suppress the feeling of a bottoming sensation where the reaction force suddenly increases at the end of the operation by the occupant, that is, when reaching the deployed position as shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the reaction force generated by the damper member 72 of the second buffer device 54 is set to be greater than the reaction force generated by the spring member 58 of the first buffer device 52 so that the operating reaction force as described above can be obtained more effectively.

[0040] Also, at the deployed position shown in FIG. 5, the reaction force generated by the spring member 58 is set to balance the load that is generated by the self-weight of the board 22 and remains at that position. Thereby, the reaction force of the spring member 58 prevents the boarding and alighting assistance device 1 from returning to the folded position when the occupant is not operating it. Also, when the occupant intends to return it to the folded position (by operation), it can be easily returned with a small force. Note that the reaction force of the spring member 58 may be made smaller than the load (the load for holding it in the deployed position) due to the self-weight of the board 22.

[0041] Here, as shown in FIG. 7, at the deployed position, the load of the board 22 itself is applied to the support frame 24 via the load support member 40 described above, and this load attempts to hold the support frame 24 in that position. In the present embodiment, the reaction force of the spring member 58 is made equal to or smaller than such a holding load.

[0042] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the configuration of the support base 26 that serves as the attachment portion of the boarding assistance device (in-vehicle device) 1 to the vehicle body, the fixing structure of the boarding assistance device 1 to the vehicle body, and its fixing device will be described. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view at the position of the load support member 40 in FIG. 5 as viewed from the rear of the boarding assistance device of the present embodiment, showing the deployed state of the board. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged side view of FIG. 5 for explaining the fixing structure of the boarding assistance device, which is an in-vehicle device of the present embodiment, to the vehicle body. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the boarding assistance device, the fixing device, and the vehicle body for explaining the fixing structure of the boarding assistance device, which is an in-vehicle device of the present embodiment, to the vehicle body. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the support bracket of the fixing device for fixing the in-vehicle device shown in FIG. 9 to the vehicle body. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the support base 26 (hereinafter referred to as the attachment portion 26) is attached to the upper surface 6a of the side sill inner 6. The attachment portion 26 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the attachment portion to the side sill inner 6.

[0043] A vertical wall portion 26a is formed at a position on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the support frame 24 and adjacent to the support frame 24 in the inner portion in the vehicle width direction of the attachment portion 26. And the connecting portion (hinge 44) of the load support member 40 to the support frame 24 is adjacent to the vertical wall portion 26a of the attachment portion 26 as shown in FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, with such an arrangement, when the load support member 40 extending obliquely upward receives the load of the board 22, the load is also received by the adjacent vertical wall portion 26a on the inner side in the vehicle width direction via the connecting portion (hinge 44).

[0044] Next, the fixing device applied to the boarding assistance device (in-vehicle device) 1 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the fixing device 74 is used to fix the attachment portion 26 of the boarding assistance device 1 to the upper surface 6a of the side sill 6. The fixing device 74 of the present embodiment has a support plate 76, two support brackets 78, two fastening bolts 80, and two nuts 81, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The support plate 76 has a main body portion 76a sandwiched between the mounting portion 26 and the support bracket 78, and two abutting leg portions 76b extending downward from both ends of the main body portion 76a.

[0045] Further, each of the two support brackets 78 has an engaging portion 78a formed to engage with the hole portion 6b of the side sill 6, and a mounting leg portion 78b formed to extend from the engaging portion 78a toward the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76. In the illustrated state, the engaging portion 78a extends so as to protrude in the vehicle width direction with respect to the mounting leg portion 78b. The protruding amount passes through the hole portion 6b of the side sill 6 (in this example, it is a long hole 6b, and the engaging portion 78a is passed through from above by changing its direction), and is sized to engage with the lower surface of the side sill 6. The fastening bolt 80 is for clamping the support bracket 78, the support plate 76, and the mounting portion 26 together in order from below.

[0046] Next, the fixing structure of the mounting portion 26 of the boarding assistance device (in-vehicle device) 1 to the vehicle body will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, using the above-described support plate 76, support bracket 78, and fastening bolt 80 (and nut 81), the upper surface 6a of the side sill is also fixed using a hole portion (fixing hole portion) 6b formed during the manufacture of the vehicle V (for example, a hole portion originally formed for a side garnish).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging portions 78a of the two support brackets 78 are engaged with the lower surface of the side sill 6. Further, the mounting leg portions 78b of the two support brackets 78 extend in a direction away from the hole portion 6b of the side sill 6 upward, and a part of the upper portion thereof abuts against the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76. Further, at two positions spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the abutting portions of the mounting leg portions 78b of the support bracket 78 and the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76 are fastened to the mounting portion 26 by the fastening bolt 80. At this time, the lower ends of the two abutting leg portions 76b of the support plate 76 are respectively in contact with the upper surface 6a of the side sill 6 on the sides of the hole portions 6b. Further, the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76 is configured to be fastened to the mounting portion 26 together with the support bracket 78 at a position separated from the hole portion 6b of the side sill 6 or the upper surface 6a of the side sill.

[0048] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the abutting leg portion 76b of the support plate 76 has a predetermined length L1 in the vertical direction, and this predetermined length L1 is the vertical length from the lower end of the abutting leg portion 76b to the lower surface of the main body portion 76a. Further, the mounting leg portion 78b of each support bracket 78 has a predetermined length L2 in the vertical direction, and this predetermined length L2 is the vertical length from the same height position as the upper surface 6a of the side sill to the abutting surface to the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the predetermined length L1 of the abutting leg portion 76b is formed to be, for example, about 1 mm longer than the predetermined length L2 of the mounting leg portion 78b, so that the fastening force applied to the main body portion 76a by the fastening bolt 80 is transmitted to the side sill 6 via the abutting leg portion 76b. Thereby, in the present embodiment, the mounting portion 26 is fixed to the hole portion 6b of the side sill 6 by the support bracket 78 and the mounting portion 26 is fixed to the upper surface 6a of the side sill 6 by the abutting leg portion 76b of the support plate 76. At this time, the engaging portion 78a of the support bracket 78 is engaged with the lower surface of the side sill 6. Further, the support plate 78 supports the boarding and alighting assisting device 1 from below via the abutting leg portion 78b, the main body portion 78a, and the mounting portion 26.

[0050] Incidentally, for example, if the predetermined length L1 of the abutting leg portion 76b is set shorter than the predetermined length L2 of the mounting leg portion 78b, the lower end of the abutting leg portion 76b will float from the upper surface 6a of the side sill 6, and the fastening force will not be transmitted to the vehicle body from the support plate via the abutting leg portion. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to securely fix the abutting leg portion 76b in a state of abutting against the side sill (vehicle body) 6, the predetermined length L1 of the abutting leg portion 76b is set longer than the predetermined length L2 of the mounting leg portion 78b. Incidentally, due to such a difference in length, when the fastening bolt 80 is fastened, the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76 bends slightly downward.

[0051] Further, the support plate 76 and the support bracket 78 are formed from plate-shaped members made of steel plates. The plate thickness of the support plate 76 is 3.2 mm in this example, and the plate thickness of the support bracket 78 is 4.5 mm in this example. The plate thickness of the support bracket 78 is larger than the plate thickness of the support plate 76. Incidentally, in the support bracket 79 according to the modification shown in FIG. 10, in particular, the plate thicknesses of the mounting leg portions 79b are each 4.5 mm.

[0052] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 10, as a modification of the support bracket 78, only one support bracket 79 formed such that two mounting leg portions 79b extend bifurcated from one engaging portion 79a may be used.

[0053] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the deformation prevention structure of the mounting portion 26 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a bolt 82 protruding from the attachment portion 26 toward the vehicle body side is fixed to a portion 26b on the vehicle front side of the fastening portions of the support plate 76 and the support brackets 78 described above in the attachment portion 26. The lower end of this bolt 82 is in contact with the upper surface 6a of the side sill 6 or is at a slightly separated position. With such a configuration, for example, at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle V, when the board 22 and the support frame 24 of the boarding assistance device 1 mainly fall forward of the vehicle from the folded position as shown in FIG. 6 due to inertial force, the attachment portion 26 receives a load via the above-described rotation shaft portion 30 for the support frame. In the present embodiment, in particular, when receiving such a load, deformation of the portion 26b on the vehicle front side of the attachment portion 26 is prevented. For example, in the vehicle V of the present embodiment, a harness 84 is disposed below the attachment portion 26 so as to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the front portion 26b of the attachment portion 26 from deforming downward and deforming or disconnecting the harness 84.

[0054] Next, the operation and effect of the boarding assistance device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, in the present embodiment, there is provided a fixing structure of the in-vehicle device 1 (boarding assistance device 1) including the attachment portion 26 to the vehicle body side to the vehicle body 6. The fixing structure includes a support plate 76 and at least one support bracket 78, 79 for fixing the attachment portion 26 of the in-vehicle device 1 and the vehicle body 6 (side sill 6 / side sill inner 6). The support plate 76 has a main body portion 76a sandwiched between the attachment portion 26 of the in-vehicle device 1 and at least one support bracket 78, 79. At least one support bracket 78, 79 extends in a direction away from the fixing hole portion 6b formed in the vehicle body 6 upward, and a part of the upper portion thereof abuts against the lower surface of the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76. The abutting portion of at least one support bracket 78, 79 and the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76 are fastened to the attachment portion 26. The support plate 76 includes a plurality of abutting leg portions 76b that abut against the upper surface 6a of the vehicle body 6 on the side of the fixing hole portion 6b.

[0055] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the mounting portion 26 of the in-vehicle device 1 is fixed to the fixing hole portion 6b of the vehicle body 6 by the support brackets 78 and 79, and while supporting the in-vehicle device 1 by the contact leg portion 76b of the support plate 76, the mounting portion 26 of the in-vehicle device 1 is fixed to the vehicle body 6. Thereby, the optional in-vehicle device 1 can be fixed to the vehicle body 6 by using the existing hole portion (fixing hole portion) 6b formed in the vehicle body 6, and thereby, the in-vehicle device 1 (boarding / alighting assisting device 1) can be fixed without performing additional processing on the vehicle body (6).

[0056] Further, in the present embodiment, the main body portion 76a of the support plate 76 is fastened to the mounting portion 26 together with the support brackets 78 and 79 at a position spaced upward from the fixing hole portion 6b of the vehicle body 6 (side sill inner 6). At least one of the support brackets 78 and 79 has an engaging portion 78a that engages with the fixing hole portion 6b of the vehicle body 6 and a mounting leg portion 78b that extends upward from the engaging portion 78a away from the support plate 76 side. The main body portion 76a of the support plate 6 and the mounting leg portion 78b of at least one bracket 78 are clamped together by at least one fastening bolt (fixing bolt) 80 to the mounting portion 26 of the in-vehicle device 1, so that the in-vehicle device can be more reliably fixed to the vehicle body.

[0057] Further, in the present embodiment, at least one of the support brackets 78 and 79 has a mounting leg portion 78b that extends in a direction away from the fixing hole portion 6b formed in the vehicle body 6 upward. The contact leg portion 76b of the support plate 76 has a predetermined first length L1 in the vertical direction, and this predetermined first length L1 is the vertical length from the lower end of the contact leg portion 76b to the lower surface of the main body portion 76a. The mounting leg portion 78b of at least one of the support brackets 78 and 79 has a predetermined second length L2 in the vertical direction, and this predetermined second length L2 is the vertical length from the position corresponding to the same height as the upper surface 6a of the vehicle body 6 to the contact surface to the main body portion 76a (lower surface) of the support plate 76. The predetermined first length L1 of the contact leg portion 76b is longer than the predetermined second length L2 of the mounting leg portion 78b. According to the present embodiment configured as described above, since the first length L1 of the abutting leg portion 76b is longer than the second length L2 of the mounting leg portion 78b, when fastened by the fastening bolt 80, the main body portion 76 of the support plate 76 bends downward, so that the fastening force of the fastening bolt 80 can be transmitted to the abutting leg portion 76b. As a result, the abutting leg portion 76b can be securely fixed (contact-fixed) to the vehicle body 6 and the in-vehicle device 1 can be securely supported from below.

[0058] Further, in the present embodiment, since the plate thickness of at least one of the support brackets 78 and 79 is larger than the plate thickness of the support plate 76, when the support brackets 78 and 79 are fastened by the fastening bolt 80, the fastening force by the fastening bolt 80 can be transmitted to the abutting leg portion 76b more reliably. Further, in the present embodiment, at least one of the support brackets 78 and 79 has an engaging portion 78a that engages with the fixing hole portion 6b of the vehicle body 6 and a mounting leg portion 78b that extends upward away from the engaging portion 78a toward the support plate 76 side. Two support brackets 78 each having one engaging portion 78a and one mounting leg portion 78b, or one support bracket 79 (modification example) in which two mounting leg portions 79a are formed to extend bifurcated upward from one engaging portion 79a are used. By using the support brackets 78 and 79 according to such the present embodiment and the modification example, the engaging portion 26 can be engaged with the hole portion 6b originally formed in the vehicle body 6, and the in-vehicle device 1 can be securely fixed to the vehicle body 6.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, a deformation prevention bolt 82 for preventing deformation of the mounting portion 26, which protrudes from the mounting portion 26 toward the vehicle body 6 side, is provided at a portion 26b on the vehicle front side of the mounting portion 26 of the in-vehicle device 1 where the support plate 76 and at least one support bracket 78 are fastened. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent deformation and cutting of a member such as a harness 84 that originally exists below the mounting portion 26 of the in-vehicle device 1 fixed as an option. Further, for example, when the in-vehicle device is a relatively large device such as the boarding assistance device 1, when such a device inclines so as to fall forward due to the law of inertia during a collision, deformation of the mounting portion 26 can be prevented, and deformation and cutting of the harness 84 and the like can be prevented.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0060] 1 Boarding assistance device (in-vehicle device) 6 Side sill (side sill inner) 6a Upper surface 6b Hole portion 12 Door opening 18 Door trim 20 Bulging portion 22 Board 22A Front portion of the board (front portion in the front-rear direction) 24B Rear portion of the board (rear portion in the front-rear direction) 24 Support frame 26 Support base, mounting portion 26a Vertical wall portion 26b Portion on the vehicle front side 28 Link mechanism 30 Rotation shaft portion for the support frame 32 Rotation shaft portion for the board 34 Link member 40 Load support member (support member) 46 Operation portion (grip portion) 50 Buffer device 52 First buffer device 54 Second buffer device 58 Spring member 60 Shaft member 60a Tip portion 62 Movable member 64 Guide member 66 Arm member 72 Damper member 72 Tip portion 74 Fixing device 76 Support plate 76a Main body portion 76b Contact foot portion 78, 79 Support brackets 78a Engaging portion 78b Mounting foot portion 80 Fastening bolt (fixing bolt) 82 Bolt for preventing deformation of mounting portion P1 Horizontal posture, first posture, deployed position P2 Vertical posture, second posture, folded position

Claims

1. A fixing structure of an in-vehicle device having an attachment portion to the vehicle body side, comprising: a support plate and at least one support bracket for fixing the attachment portion of the in-vehicle device to the vehicle body; the support plate has a main body portion sandwiched between the attachment portion of the in-vehicle device and the at least one support bracket; the at least one support bracket extends in a direction away from above the fixing hole formed in the vehicle body, and a part of it above abuts against the main body portion of the support plate; the abutted part of the at least one support bracket and the main body portion of the support plate are fastened to the attachment portion; the support plate includes a plurality of abutting leg portions that abut against the vehicle body on the side of the fixing hole, and is characterized in that it is a fixing structure of an in-vehicle device.

2. The main body portion of the support plate is fastened to the attachment portion together with the support bracket at a position spaced above the fixing hole of the vehicle body; the at least one support bracket has an engaging portion that engages with the fixing hole of the vehicle body, and a mounting leg portion that extends upward from this engaging portion away from the support plate side; In the attachment portion of the in-vehicle device, the main body portion of the support plate and the mounting leg portion of the at least one bracket are jointly tightened by at least one bolt, and the fixing structure of the in-vehicle device according to Claim 1.

3. The at least one support bracket has a mounting leg portion that extends in a direction away from above the fixing hole formed in the vehicle body; the abutting leg portion of the support plate has a predetermined first length in the vertical direction, and this predetermined first length is the vertical length from the lower end of the abutting leg portion to the lower surface of the main body portion; the mounting leg portion of the at least one support bracket has a predetermined second length in the vertical direction, and this predetermined second length is the vertical length from the same height position as the upper surface of the vehicle body to the abutting surface to the main body portion of the support plate; the predetermined first length of the abutting leg portion is longer than the predetermined second length of the mounting leg portion, and the fixing structure of the in-vehicle device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The plate thickness of the at least one support bracket is larger than the plate thickness of the support plate, and the fixing structure of the in-vehicle device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The at least one support bracket has an engaging portion that engages with a fixing hole portion of the vehicle body, and a mounting leg portion that extends upward from the engaging portion so as to be separated upward toward the support plate side. The at least one support bracket is two support brackets each having one of the engaging portions and one of the mounting leg portions, or is one support bracket formed such that two of the mounting leg portions extend upward in a forked manner from one of the engaging portions. The fixing structure of the in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. On the mounting portion of the in-vehicle device, a deformation preventing member for preventing deformation of the mounting portion, which protrudes from the mounting portion toward the vehicle body side, is provided at a portion on the vehicle front side of the portion where the support plate and the at least one support bracket are fastened. The fixing structure of the in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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