Instrument panel support structure

Abstract

To provide an instrument panel support structure which can support each heavy object mounted at a center as seen in a vehicle width direction of an instrument panel and secure a space for arranging an air conditioning duct sufficiently in the instrument panel while inhibiting deformation and damage of the instrument panel.SOLUTION: An instrument panel support structure 100 includes: an instrument panel 102 of a vehicle; a steering support member 104 which extends in a vehicle width direction in front of the instrument panel, is fixed at both ends to vehicle body side surfaces, and supports the instrument panel; a first heavy object 112 and a second heavy object 114 which are mounted spaced apart from each other in a vehicle fore and aft direction at a center as seen in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel and respectively have predetermined weights; and at least one support member 116 which extends in the vehicle fore and aft direction, supports the first heavy object and the second heavy object, and is supported by the steering support member between the first heavy object and the second heavy object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an instrument panel support structure. [Background technology]

[0002] In the center of the instrument panel of a vehicle such as an automobile, various heavy objects such as audio equipment and an in-vehicle communication module (DCM: Data-Communication-Module) are mounted. Furthermore, at the front of the instrument panel, air conditioning equipment such as an air conditioning unit (HVAC: Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) and air conditioning ducts that send conditioned air into the passenger compartment are located.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a mounting structure that includes a support portion for mounting an in-vehicle device inside an instrument panel. The support portion is attached to the in-vehicle device and supports at least a portion of the periphery of the opening of the instrument panel from the back side. The mounting structure of Patent Document 1 claims that the support portion can suppress deformation of the instrument panel.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an instrument panel structure that supports a display arranged on the upper surface of the instrument panel. This structure includes an instrument panel reinforcement, a support member, and a pair of ducts. The instrument panel reinforcement is provided on the back side of the instrument panel and extends along the vehicle width direction. The support member supports the display and is disposed in the center of the instrument panel reinforcement in the vehicle width direction.

[0005] The pair of ducts connect the air conditioning unit located on the back side of the instrument panel to a pair of registers located below the display, and cross the support member in a side view, detouring to the outside of the support member in the vehicle width direction, overlapping and crossing each other on the register side. The instrument panel structure in Patent Document 2 claims that even when a configuration is adopted in which the display is supported by an instrument panel reinforcement, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the air conditioning performance of the ducts.

[0006] Patent Document 3 describes an instrument panel structure having an air conditioning duct. The air conditioning duct is connected to an air conditioning unit via an intermediate duct below a meter mounting opening in the instrument panel. The air conditioning duct also has a mounting portion. The mounting portion is located near the extension of the vertical wall on the side of the intermediate duct on the air conditioning unit and supports the vertical wall of the meter mounting opening.

[0007] The instrument panel structure of Patent Document 3 supports forces in a nearly linear manner from the vertical wall of the opening that houses the meter through the air conditioning duct and intermediate duct to the air conditioning unit, thereby effectively improving the rigidity of the upper surface of the instrument panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-217849 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-28287 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-213998 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In recent years, the weight of various heavy objects mounted on instrument panels has increased due to the addition of automated driving assistance systems and larger LCD displays that display large amounts of information. Furthermore, the number of in-vehicle devices mounted on instrument panels is also on the rise, with the automatic emergency call system "eCall" utilizing in-vehicle communication modules becoming mandatory in Europe. Therefore, conventional instrument panel support structures have difficulty supporting multiple heavy objects, including audio and in-vehicle communication modules, which can lead to cracks or damage to the instrument panel.

[0010] In contrast, the mounting structure of Patent Document 1 simply supports the on-board equipment with a support member that is attached to the on-board equipment and supports at least a portion of the periphery of the opening of the instrument panel from the back side. As a result, this mounting structure has difficulty supporting each heavy object mounted on the instrument panel, and is unable to sufficiently prevent deformation or damage to the instrument panel.

[0011] In the instrument panel structure of Patent Document 2, the display is supported by a support member disposed in the center of the vehicle width direction of a highly rigid instrument panel reinforcement, but in order to support multiple heavy objects, the number of support members needs to be increased, which makes it difficult to secure sufficient space for arranging the air conditioning ducts located below the heavy objects, and limits the layout of the air conditioning ducts.

[0012] In the instrument panel structure of Patent Document 3, an attachment portion is provided on an air conditioning duct, and the air conditioning duct supports a meter, which is a heavy object housed in an opening of the instrument panel.

[0013] However, air conditioning ducts are generally made of resin, which allows for complex shapes to be molded, and the resin must be thick to ensure the rigidity required to withstand heavy weights. Furthermore, thickening the walls of an air conditioning duct narrows the cross-sectional area inside the duct, reducing the volume of conditioned air and degrading air conditioning performance. It is also difficult to support multiple heavy objects with an air conditioning duct. Furthermore, in order to support heavy objects with an air conditioning duct, the duct must be placed directly below the heavy objects, which limits the layout of the air conditioning duct.

[0014] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide an instrument panel support structure that can support heavy objects mounted in the center of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction, suppress deformation and damage to the instrument panel, while ensuring sufficient space for arranging an air conditioning duct within the instrument panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the instrument panel support structure of the present invention is an instrument panel support structure comprising an instrument panel of a vehicle, and a steering support member extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the instrument panel and fixed at both ends to the side of the vehicle body to support the instrument panel, wherein the instrument panel support structure further comprises a first heavy object and a second heavy object, each having a predetermined weight, mounted spaced apart in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction in the center of the vehicle width of the instrument panel, and at least one support member extending in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, supporting the first heavy object and the second heavy object, respectively, and supported by the steering support member between the first heavy object and the second heavy object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an instrument panel support structure that can support heavy objects mounted in the center of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction, suppress deformation or damage to the instrument panel, while ensuring sufficient space for placing an air conditioning duct within the instrument panel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an instrument panel support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the instrument panel support structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a view showing the instrument panel support structure of FIG. 1 as viewed from another direction. FIG. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are views showing a support member of the instrument panel support structure. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a main part of the instrument panel support structure of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing the instrument panel support structure of FIG. 5 as viewed from the side. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A typical configuration of an instrument panel support structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is an instrument panel support structure comprising an instrument panel of a vehicle, and a steering support member extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the instrument panel with both ends fixed to the side of the vehicle body to support the instrument panel, wherein the instrument panel support structure further comprises a first heavy object and a second heavy object, each having a predetermined weight, mounted spaced apart in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction in the center of the vehicle width of the instrument panel, and at least one support member extending in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction to support the first heavy object and the second heavy object, respectively, and supported by the steering support member between the first heavy object and the second heavy object.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the support member extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction can be likened to a seesaw or balance with a fulcrum at a point supported by the steering support member between a point supporting the first heavy object (e.g., one end) and a point supporting the second heavy object (e.g., the other end). That is, the load of the first heavy object acts on one end of the support member, which acts as a reaction to the other end, and the load of the second heavy object acts on the other end of the support member, which acts as a reaction to the one end. In this way, the loads of the first heavy object and the second heavy object cancel each other out.

[0020] Therefore, the support member can support a heavier weight than a configuration in which the first heavy object and the second heavy object are supported by separate cantilevered members. Therefore, with the above configuration, deformation and damage to the instrument panel on which the heavy object is mounted can be suppressed. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the first heavy object and the second heavy object mounted on the instrument panel can be supported by a single support member, thereby saving space.

[0021] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the support member is supported by the steering support member only between the first heavy object and the second heavy object. Therefore, for example, by connecting one end of the support member to the steering support member with one bracket, the support member can be supported by the steering support member. This reduces the number of brackets extending from the steering support member to the support member.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, even if the air conditioning duct is installed to the vehicle body before the instrument panel during assembly, reducing the number of brackets makes it possible to ensure space for the air conditioning duct. This prevents interference between the brackets extending from the steering support member and the air conditioning duct during assembly, and also increases the flexibility of the air conditioning duct layout.

[0023] The above-mentioned instrument panel support structure may further include a specified bracket that directly supports the second heavy object, and the support member may be arranged on the back side of the decorative surface of the instrument panel, and may support the first heavy object by supporting the instrument panel within the vehicle fore-and-aft range of the first heavy object, and may support the second heavy object by being connected to the bracket via the instrument panel.

[0024] In this way, since the support member is located behind the design surface of the instrument panel, the design is not impaired and it is easy to attach the support member to the instrument panel. Furthermore, since the support member supports the instrument panel within the vehicle's fore-and-aft range of the first heavy object, it can stably support the first heavy object. Furthermore, since the support member is connected to the bracket via the instrument panel, it can reliably support the second heavy object. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the first and second heavy objects mounted on the instrument panel from cracking or breaking the instrument panel, or to prevent the first and second heavy objects from vibrating and generating abnormal noise, for example, while driving.

[0025] The support structure may further include a body panel connected to the instrument panel and extending downwardly in front of the first and second heavy loads.

[0026] In this way, since the instrument panel, which is located further forward in the vehicle than the first heavy object and the second heavy object, is connected to a highly rigid body panel, these heavy objects can be prevented from tilting toward the front of the vehicle.

[0027] The second heavy object is located forward of the first heavy object, the instrument panel has an upper instrument panel on which the first heavy object and the second heavy object are mounted, and a lower instrument panel extending downward from the upper instrument panel, and the support member is connected to the lower instrument panel and supports the first heavy object via the lower instrument panel and the upper instrument panel.

[0028] Here, the upper instrument panel, because its surface is vertical, is less likely to deform strongly in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction but is weakly deformed in the vehicle's vertical direction. The lower instrument panel, because its surface is vertical, is less likely to deform strongly in the vehicle's vertical direction but is weakly deformed in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction. In the above configuration, the first heavy object and the second heavy object are mounted on the upper instrument panel, which is more likely to deform vertically. However, the support member is connected to the lower instrument panel, which is less likely to deform vertically, and supports the first heavy object via the lower and upper instrument panels. This allows the support member to support a heavier heavy object and sufficiently suppresses deformation and damage to the instrument panel. Furthermore, because the support member spans the upper and lower instrument panels, it reduces the gap between the upper and lower instrument panels, preventing the upper and lower instrument panels from separating.

[0029] The instrument panel may further include a plurality of legs branching from a location on the upper instrument panel where the first heavy object is mounted and extending to positions on the lower instrument panel spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0030] This allows the load of the first heavy object mounted on the upper instrument panel to be transmitted via the legs of the upper instrument panel to the lower instrument panel, which is less likely to deform in the vertical direction, and further to the support member connected to the lower instrument panel. Therefore, with the above configuration, the support member can support a heavier weight and can stably support the first heavy object.

[0031] The support member has a U-shaped cross section that is open in the vehicle width direction, descends from the point supporting the second heavy load toward the rear, is supported by the steering support member on the way down, and then bends upward and rises toward the rear, extending to the point supporting the first heavy load.

[0032] In this way, the support member has a U-shaped cross section that is open in the vehicle width direction, which increases its strength in the vehicle width direction and allows the first heavy object and the second heavy object to be stably held. Furthermore, the support member has a curved shape, descending rearward from a location that supports the second heavy object (e.g., the front end), where it is supported by the steering support member, then bending upward, ascending rearward, and extending upward to a location that supports the first heavy object (e.g., the rear end). This allows the impact of a frontal collision to be guided upward along the curved shape of the support member and transmitted to the rear end that supports the first heavy object, thereby preventing the first heavy object from falling.

[0033] The support member may be formed with a mounting surface that is inclined upwardly with respect to the vehicle as it approaches the front of the vehicle, and may be supported by the steering support member via the mounting surface.

[0034] This allows, for example, a bracket to be securely attached to the mounting surface by extending it from the steering support member perpendicular to the inclined mounting surface of the support member.The support member is then securely supported by the bracket on the steering support member via the mounting surface.

[0035] Preferably, two of the support members are arranged on the outer sides of the first heavy object and the second heavy object in the vehicle width direction so as to sandwich the first heavy object and the second heavy object therebetween.

[0036] In this way, by arranging two support members so that they sandwich the first heavy object and the second heavy object on the outer sides in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to support heavier heavy objects. Furthermore, because space can be secured below these heavy objects, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the design of louvers and the layout of air conditioning ducts, for example. Furthermore, because the two support members are arranged on the outer sides in the vehicle width direction of the first heavy object and the second heavy object, the support members do not get in the way of the work when removing or replacing these heavy objects during service inspections, etc., and workability is not impaired. [Example]

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an instrument panel support structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the instrument panel support structure 100 of Fig. 1. In the following drawings, the front and back directions of the vehicle are indicated by arrows Front and Back, the left and right directions of the vehicle width are indicated by arrows Left and Right, and the up and down directions of the vehicle are indicated by arrows Up and Down.

[0039] The instrument panel support structure 100 includes a vehicle instrument panel 102 and a steering support member 104 shown in Fig. 2. The steering support member 104 is a highly rigid member that extends in the vehicle width direction in front of the instrument panel 102, and has both ends fixed to the side surfaces of the vehicle body to support the instrument panel 102.

[0040] The instrument panel 102 is a resin component extending in the vehicle width direction that constitutes the design surface 106 at the front of the passenger compartment, and includes an upper instrument panel 108 and a lower instrument panel 110. The upper instrument panel 108 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and its surface is oriented vertically, making it difficult to deform strongly in the vehicle longitudinal direction but susceptible to deformation weakly in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The lower instrument panel 110 is located below the upper instrument panel 108 and extends downward, making it difficult to deform strongly in the vehicle longitudinal direction but susceptible to deformation weakly in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0041] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the instrument panel support structure 100 of Figure 1 as viewed from another direction. The instrument panel support structure 100 further includes a first heavy load 112 such as an audio or car navigation system shown in Figure 1, a second heavy load 114 (see Figure 3) such as an in-vehicle communication module, and a pair of support members 116 and 118. Note that the second heavy load 114 and the first heavy load 112 are omitted from Figures 1 and 3.

[0042] The first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114 are mounted at the center of the upper instrument panel 108 of the instrument panel 102 in the vehicle width direction, spaced apart in the vehicle front-rear direction, and each have a predetermined weight. The first heavy object 112 is supported by a pair of first brackets 120 and 122 made of, for example, metal and provided as separate bodies on the upper instrument panel 108 shown in Figure 3. A louver 123 is arranged in the space below the first brackets 120 and 122.

[0043] The second weight 114 is located forward of the first weight 112 and is supported by a pair of second brackets 124, 126 (see FIG. 3), for example made of metal, which are provided separately from the upper instrument panel 108. Note that these first brackets 120, 122 and second brackets 124, 126 are described as metal members provided separately from the upper instrument panel 108, but are not limited to this. If the weights of the first weight 112 and the second weight 114 are small, they may be made of resin and integrally molded with the upper instrument panel 108.

[0044] The pair of support members 116, 118 are arranged on the outer sides of the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114 in the vehicle width direction, sandwiching the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114. Note that the instrument panel support structure 100 is symmetrical with respect to the center of the instrument panel 102 in the vehicle width direction, and therefore the following description will mainly focus on the structure on the right side in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] 1 and 3, the support member 116 extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and is disposed behind the decorative surface 106 of the instrument panel 102. The upper instrument panel 108 also has a rear leg 128 and a front leg 130, as shown in FIG. 1. The rear leg 128 and the front leg 130 branch off from a position on the upper instrument panel 108 where the first weight object 112 is mounted, i.e., near the position where the first bracket 120 is provided, and each extend to a position on the lower instrument panel 110 that is spaced apart in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0046] 2, rear leg 128 has, at its lower end 132, an engagement claw 134 that extends toward the front of the vehicle. Engagement claw 134 is inserted into and engages with a hole 136 formed in a rear wall 135 of lower instrument panel 110. Front leg 130 also has a fixing hole 140 formed at its lower end 138, and by inserting a fixing screw 142 into fixing hole 140, front leg 130 is fixed to a front wall 144 that bends upward from a horizontal wall 143 of lower instrument panel 110.

[0047] The lower instrument panel 110 has a side wall 146. The side wall 146 is continuous with the front wall 144 shown in FIG. 2 , bends upward from the horizontal wall 143, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The side wall 146 of the lower instrument panel 110 is connected to a rear end portion 148 of the support member 116. The rear wall 135 of the lower instrument panel 110 bends downward from the horizontal wall 143 and is continuous with the side wall 146 via the horizontal wall 143.

[0048] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the support member 116 of the instrument panel support structure 100. The support member 116 in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B is shown in a position that corresponds substantially to the position of the support member 116 shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3.

[0049] The support member 116 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and has a curved shape extending from a front end 150 to a rear end 148 shown in FIG. 2. The rear end 148 of the support member 116 has a mounting hole 148a and a positioning hole 148b. At the rear end 148, a fixing screw 152a (see FIG. 2) is inserted into the mounting hole 148a, and a conical protrusion 152b, for example, shown in FIG. 2, formed on the side wall 146 of the lower instrument panel 110 is inserted into the positioning hole 148b. In this manner, the rear end 148 of the support member 116 is positioned and connected to the side wall 146 of the lower instrument panel 110.

[0050] A front end portion 150 of the support member 116 has a mounting hole 150a and a positioning hole 150b. As shown in Fig. 3, this front end portion 150 is positioned and connected to the upper instrument panel 108 by inserting an appropriate fixing screw (not shown) and a protrusion of the upper instrument panel 108 into the mounting hole 150a and the positioning hole 150b, respectively, near the location of the upper instrument panel 108 where the second bracket 124 is provided. In this way, the front end portion 150 of the support member 116 is connected to the second bracket 124, which supports the second weight 114, via the upper instrument panel 108, and thereby supports the second weight 114.

[0051] The support member 116 has a mounting surface 154 formed between the front end 150 and the rear end 148. The mounting surface 154 has a mounting hole 154a. A third bracket 156 (see FIG. 6 ) extending from the steering support member 104 is attached to this mounting surface 154 by inserting an appropriate fixing screw into the mounting hole 154a. In this way, the support member 116 is supported on the steering support member 104 by the third bracket 156 via the mounting surface 154 between the front end 150 and the rear end 148.

[0052] The support member 116 has a clamp hole 158 formed between the front end portion 150 and the mounting surface 154 shown in Figure 4. The clamp hole 158 secures, for example, a harness 160 (see Figure 5) connected to the first heavy object 112. The support member 116 also has an intermediate portion 162 formed between the front end portion 150 and the rear end portion 148. The intermediate portion 162 has a mounting hole 162a and a positioning hole 162b, and as shown in Figure 5, a fixing screw 164 is inserted into the mounting hole 162a and an appropriate protrusion of the upper instrument panel 108 is inserted into the positioning hole 162b, so that the intermediate portion 162 is positioned and connected to the upper instrument panel 108.

[0053] The support member 116 also has an upper flange 165a and a lower flange 165b that extend in the vehicle width direction and connect the front end 150 and the rear end 148, and has a U-shaped cross section that is open in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a main part of the instrument panel support structure 100 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the instrument panel support structure 100 of Fig. 5 as seen from the side. Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing a depth cross section of the instrument panel support structure 100. Fig. 6(b) is a schematic diagram of Fig. 6(a).

[0055] An air conditioning duct 166 is arranged inside the instrument panel 102. As shown in Figures 5 and 6(a), the air conditioning duct 166 is located below the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114. The air conditioning duct 166 extends toward the rear of the vehicle inside the instrument panel 102, and its tip 168 reaches the louver 123 (see Figure 3) arranged below the first heavy object 112 shown in Figure 5, and is configured to blow out conditioned air.

[0056] Here, we will explain the forces acting on the support member 116. As shown in Figure 6(b), the rear end portion 148 of the support member 116 is connected to the first bracket 120 via the rear leg portion 128 and the front leg portion 130 (see Figure 2) of the upper instrument panel 108, and further via the side wall 146, the rear wall 135, and the horizontal wall 143 of the lower instrument panel 110.

[0057] That is, the rear end portion 148 of the support member 116 supports the first heavy load 112 via the upper instrument panel 108 and the lower instrument panel 110. Furthermore, the support member 116 is set at a position where a connection point A between the rear end portion 148 and the lower instrument panel 110 shown in Figure 6(b) is within the range of the first heavy load 112 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and passes through the position of the center of gravity of the first heavy load 112 (dotted line B), for example.

[0058] 6(b), a front end portion 150 of the support member 116 is connected to the second bracket 124, which supports the second weight 114, via the upper instrument panel 108 at connection point C, thereby supporting the second weight 114. Furthermore, the support member 116 is supported on the steering support member 104 by a third bracket 156 via a mounting surface 154 at connection point D.

[0059] Such a support member 116 can be likened to a seesaw or balance with the connection point D of the mounting surface 154 supported by the steering support member 104 as a fulcrum between the rear end 148 supporting the first weight 112 and the front end 150 supporting the second weight 114.

[0060] That is, in the support member 116, the load E of the first weight 112 acts downward on the connection point A of the rear end 148, and the load F of the second weight 114 acts downward on the connection point C of the front end 150. Furthermore, a reaction force G of the load F of the second weight 114 acting on the connection point C of the front end 150 acts upward on the connection point A of the rear end 148 of the support member 116 from below, canceling out the load E of the first weight 112. Furthermore, a reaction force H of the load E of the first weight 112 acting on the connection point A of the rear end 148 of the support member 116 from below, canceling out the load F of the second weight 114.

[0061] Thus, the load E of the first weight 112 acts on the rear end 148 of the support member 116, but it reacts against the front end 150. The load F of the second weight 114 acts on the front end 150 of the support member 116, but it reacts against the rear end 148. In this way, the loads of the first weight 112 and the second weight 114 cancel each other out.

[0062] Therefore, the support member 116 can support a heavier weight than in a configuration in which the first weight 112 and the second weight 114 are supported by separate cantilever members. Therefore, the instrument panel support structure 100 can suppress deformation and damage to the instrument panel 102 on which the first weight 112 and the second weight 114 are mounted. Furthermore, because the first weight 112 and the second weight 114 mounted on the instrument panel 102 can be supported by a single support member 116, space can be saved.

[0063] Furthermore, in the instrument panel support structure 100, the support member 116 can be supported by the steering support member 102 simply by connecting the mounting surface 154, which is located between the rear end 148 and the front end 150 of the support member 116, to the steering support member 104 with one third bracket 156. This allows the number of brackets extending from the steering support member 104 to be reduced.

[0064] Therefore, for example, in the process of assembling the instrument panel 102 to the vehicle body, even if the air conditioning duct 166 is assembled to the vehicle body before the instrument panel 102, by reducing the number of brackets, it is possible to ensure space for arranging the air conditioning duct 166. Therefore, during the assembly process, interference between the third bracket 156 extending from the steering support member 104 and the air conditioning duct 166 can be avoided, and further the degree of freedom in the layout of the air conditioning duct 166 can be increased.

[0065] 5 and 6, the instrument panel support structure 100 further includes a dash panel 170. The dash panel 170 is a highly rigid vehicle body panel that is connected to the upper instrument panel 108 of the instrument panel 102 in front of the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114 and extends downward. As a result, the upper instrument panel 108 is supported by the dash panel 170, which makes it possible to prevent the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114 from tilting toward the front of the vehicle.

[0066] In instrument panel support structure 100, support member 116 is disposed behind design surface 106 of instrument panel 102, so the design is not impaired and support member 116 can be easily attached to instrument panel 102. If instrument panel 102 is deformed by first heavy object 112 and second heavy object 114, a gap may form between the periphery of an opening in first heavy object 112, such as an audio system, and the cover panel covering this opening, potentially reducing marketability and design. In contrast, in instrument panel support structure 100, support member 116 prevents deformation and damage to instrument panel 102, so it is possible to avoid a reduction in marketability and design.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6(b), the rear end 148 of the support member 116 supports the instrument panel 102 within the range of the first heavy object 112 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and therefore can stably support the first heavy object 112. Furthermore, the front end 150 of the support member 116 is connected to the second bracket 124 via the instrument panel 102, and therefore can reliably support the second heavy object 114. Therefore, the instrument panel support structure 100 can prevent the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114 mounted on the instrument panel 102 from cracking or breaking the instrument panel 102, and can prevent the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114 from vibrating and generating abnormal noises, for example, while the vehicle is running.

[0068] In the instrument panel support structure 100, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the first heavy load 112 and the second heavy load 114 are mounted on the upper instrument panel 108, which is prone to deformation in the vertical direction. In contrast, the rear end 148 of the support member 116 is connected to the lower instrument panel 110, which is less prone to deformation in the vertical direction, and supports the first heavy load 112 via the upper instrument panel 108 and the lower instrument panel 110. This allows the support member 116 to support a heavier weight, and can sufficiently suppress deformation and damage to the instrument panel 102.

[0069] In addition, since the support member 116 straddles the upper instrument panel 108 and the lower instrument panel 110, the gap between the upper instrument panel 108 and the lower instrument panel 110 is reduced, and separation of the upper instrument panel 108 and the lower instrument panel 110 can be prevented.

[0070] In the instrument panel support structure 100, the load of the first heavy object 112 mounted on the upper instrument panel 108 is transmitted to the lower instrument panel 110, which is less likely to deform in the vertical direction, via the rear leg 128 and the front leg 130 of the upper instrument panel 108, and further transmitted to the rear end 148 of the support member 116 connected to the lower instrument panel 110. Therefore, the support member 116 can support a heavier weight, and furthermore, can support the first heavy object 112 stably.

[0071] In addition, since the support member 116 has a U-shaped cross section that is open in the vehicle width direction as shown in Figure 4, it has increased strength in the vehicle width direction and can stably hold the first weight object 112 and the second weight object 114.

[0072] 6(a), the support member 116 has a curved shape, and descends rearward from a front end 150 that supports the second heavy load 114. As the support member 116 descends, it is supported by the steering support member 104 by a third bracket 156 via an attachment surface 154, and then bends upward and ascends rearward, extending to a rear end 148 that supports the first heavy load 112.

[0073] As a result, in the instrument panel support structure 100, the impact during a frontal collision (see arrow I in the figure) can be transmitted to the rear end portion 148 that supports the first heavy object 112 while being guided upward along the curved shape of the support member 116, as shown by the dotted arrow J. This makes it possible to prevent the first heavy object 112 from falling during a frontal collision.

[0074] 6(b), the mounting surface 154 of the support member 116 is inclined upward with respect to the vehicle as it approaches the front of the vehicle. As a result, by extending the third bracket 156 from the steering support member 104 so as to be perpendicular to the inclined mounting surface 154 of the support member 116, the third bracket 156 can be securely attached to the mounting surface 154. The support member 116 is securely supported on the steering support member 104 by the third bracket 156 via the mounting surface 154.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1, the support members 116, 118 are arranged on the outer sides of the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114 in the vehicle width direction, sandwiching these heavy objects. This allows the support members 116, 118 to support heavier objects. Furthermore, since space can be secured below the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114, the degree of freedom in the design of the louver 123 shown in FIG. 3 and the degree of freedom in the layout of the air conditioning duct 166 can be increased. Furthermore, because the support members 116, 118 are arranged on the outer sides of the first heavy object 112 and the second heavy object 114 in the vehicle width direction, the support members 116, 118 do not get in the way of the work when removing or replacing these heavy objects during service inspection, etc., and workability is not impaired.

[0076] 2, rear leg 128 of upper instrument panel 108 has engaging claw 134 extending toward the front of the vehicle, and engages with lower instrument panel 110 by inserting engaging claw 134 into hole 136 provided in rear wall 135 of lower instrument panel 110. This facilitates assembly during production, and also makes it difficult for upper instrument panel 108 and lower instrument panel 110 to separate even if an impact directed toward the rear of the vehicle occurs during a frontal collision.

[0077] The support member 116 has clamp holes 158 (see FIG. 4) for fixing the harness 160, so that the harness 160 connected to each heavy object can be fixed, thereby preventing contact noise (rattle noise) from occurring in the harness 160 due to minute vibrations. Furthermore, by fixing the harness 160 of the electrical equipment, etc., vibration of the connector can be suppressed, which prevents trouble with the electrical equipment connector and peeling of the coating of the harness 160 caused by the harness 160 being unintentionally pinched.

[0078] 4, the support member 116 has positioning holes 148b, 150b, and 162b near the mounting holes 148a, 150a, and 162a, respectively. Therefore, when attaching the support member 116 to the instrument panel 102, alignment can be easily performed by inserting appropriate protrusions protruding from the instrument panel 102 into the positioning holes 148b, 150b, and 162b, improving workability and reducing work time.

[0079] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0080] The present invention can be used in an instrument panel support structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100...instrument panel support structure, 102...instrument panel, 104...steering support member, 106...design surface of instrument panel, 108...upper instrument panel, 110...lower instrument panel, 112...first heavy object, 114...second heavy object, 116, 118...support member, 120, 122...first bracket, 123...louver, 124, 126...second bracket, 128...rear leg, 130...front leg, 132...lower end of rear leg, 134...engagement claw, 135...rear wall of lower instrument panel, 136...hole in rear wall, 138...lower end of front leg, 140...fixing hole, 142, 152a...fixing screws, 143...horizontal wall of lower instrument panel, 144...front wall of lower instrument panel, 146...side wall of lower instrument panel, 148...rear end of support member, 148a, 150a, 154a, 162a...mounting holes, 148b, 150b, 162b...positioning holes, 150...front end of support member, 152b...projection portion, 154...mounting surface of support member, 156...third bracket, 158...clamp hole, 160...harness, 162...intermediate portion of support member, 165a...upper flange, 165b...lower flange, 166...air conditioning duct, 168...tip of air conditioning duct, 170...dash panel

Claims

1. An instrument panel support structure comprising: an instrument panel of a vehicle; and a steering support member extending in a vehicle width direction in front of the instrument panel and having both ends fixed to vehicle body sides to support the instrument panel, The instrument panel support structure further includes: a first weight and a second weight, each having a predetermined weight, mounted at a center of the instrument panel in a vehicle width direction and spaced apart in a vehicle front-rear direction; and at least one support member extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, supporting the first heavy object and the second heavy object, and supported by the steering support member between the first heavy object and the second heavy object.

2. The instrument panel support structure further includes a predetermined bracket that directly supports the second weight object, 2. The instrument panel support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support member is arranged on the back side of the decorative surface of the instrument panel, supports the first heavy object by supporting the instrument panel within a range of the first heavy object in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and supports the second heavy object by being connected to the bracket via the instrument panel.

3. 2. The instrument panel support structure according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle body panel connected to the instrument panel on the front side of the first heavy object and the second heavy object and extending downward.

4. The second weight is located forward of the first weight, The instrument panel includes: an upper instrument panel on which the first heavy object and the second heavy object are mounted; a lower instrument panel extending downward from the upper instrument panel, 4. The instrument panel support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support member is connected to the lower instrument panel and supports the first heavy object via the lower instrument panel and the upper instrument panel.

5. 5. The instrument panel support structure according to claim 4, wherein the instrument panel further includes a plurality of legs branching from a position on the upper instrument panel where the first heavy object is mounted and extending to positions on the lower instrument panel spaced apart in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

6. 6. The instrument panel support structure according to claim 4, wherein the support member has a U-shaped cross section that is open in the vehicle width direction, descends rearward from the point where the second heavy object is supported, is supported by the steering support member midway along the descending direction, and then bends upward and rises rearward until it reaches the point where the first heavy object is supported.

7. 7. The instrument panel support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support member has a mounting surface that slopes upward toward the front of the vehicle, and is supported by the steering support member via the mounting surface.

8. 8. The instrument panel support structure according to claim 1, wherein two support members are arranged on the vehicle width outer sides of the first heavy object and the second heavy object, sandwiching the first heavy object and the second heavy object.

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