Vehicle instrument panel structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicular instrument panel capable of improving the supporting stiffness of a head-up display, and making a member common between vehicles of different specifications.SOLUTION: An instrument panel structure 100 is equipped with an instrument panel 102 installed in a vehicle cabin front part, and a head-up display 104 disposed on an upper surface portion 102a of the instrument panel 102. The instrument panel 102 has an upper opening portion 110 that is formed on the upper surface portion 102a to open and store the head-up display 104. The instrument panel structure 100 is further equipped with an annular supporting member 112 that has an annular shape and is attached on a lower side of the upper surface portion of the instrument panel 102 so as to surround the upper surface opening portion 110, and to which the head-up display 104 is fixed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle instrument panel structure. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in addition to meters being arranged on the rear surface of a vehicle's instrument panel, a head-up display (HUD) is often arranged on the top surface. For example, in a vehicle interior front structure 100 disclosed in Patent Document 1, as shown in Fig. 1, an opening 116 is provided on the top surface of an instrument panel 102, and a HUD unit 106 is installed in this opening 116 so as to be fitted from above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-122657 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 1(c), bolt holes and the like are provided around the opening 116 in the instrument panel 102, and the HUD unit 106 is directly attached to the instrument panel 102. In other words, the connection portion of the HUD unit 106 is integrally formed with the instrument panel 102. Therefore, it is necessary to produce different instrument panels 102 for vehicles equipped with the HUD unit 106 and vehicles not equipped with the HUD unit 106. However, producing different instrument panels 102 requires preparation of molding dies, a production line, and the like, which may increase the burden in terms of costs and man-hours.

[0005] Furthermore, since the HUD unit 106 has a considerable weight, it is desired to further improve the supporting rigidity on the instrument panel 102.

[0006] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle instrument panel structure that improves the support rigidity of a head-up display and enables components to be standardized between vehicles of different specifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the vehicle instrument panel structure of the present invention is a vehicle instrument panel structure comprising an instrument panel installed at the front of the vehicle compartment and a head-up display arranged on an upper surface of the instrument panel, wherein the instrument panel has an open upper surface opening formed on the upper surface to accommodate the head-up display, and the vehicle instrument panel structure further comprises an annular support member that is attached to the underside of the upper surface of the instrument panel so as to surround the upper surface opening and to which the head-up display is fixed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle instrument panel structure that improves the support rigidity of a head-up display and enables components to be standardized between vehicles of different specifications. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle instrument panel structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view of FIG. 1 with the garnish removed. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the instrument panel structure of FIG. 2 as viewed from below on the front side of the vehicle. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of the annular support member of FIG. 3 as viewed from above and behind the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a view of the instrument panel of FIG. 3 with the annular support member and the like removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the instrument panel structure of FIG. 3 taken along line AA. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the instrument panel structure of FIG. 2 taken along the line BB. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an upper surface opening in FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A vehicle instrument panel structure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an instrument panel installed at the front of a vehicle compartment and a head-up display arranged on an upper surface of the instrument panel, wherein the instrument panel has an open upper surface opening formed on the upper surface to accommodate the head-up display, and the vehicle instrument panel structure further comprises an annular support member that is attached to the underside of the upper surface of the instrument panel, surrounding the upper surface opening, and to which the head-up display is fixed.

[0011] According to the above configuration, by using the annular support member that is separate from the instrument panel and forming a two-layer structure of the instrument panel and the annular support member to install the head-up display, the support rigidity of the head-up display is increased and the instrument panel and other components other than the annular support member can be used in common between vehicles of different specifications. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the support rigidity of the head-up display and to standardize the components.

[0012] The annular support member has a plurality of outer connection portions connected to the instrument panel on both sides of the upper surface opening in the vehicle width direction, and a plurality of inner connection portions provided closer to the upper surface opening than the plurality of outer connection portions and to which a head-up display is connected, the plurality of outer connection portions being spaced apart in the fore-and-aft direction, and the plurality of inner connection portions being provided in a range between the plurality of outer connection portions in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0013] According to the above configuration, by connecting the outer circumferential side of the annular support member to the instrument panel and supporting the head-up display on the inner circumferential side, the head-up display can be supported with higher rigidity and stably.

[0014] The outer connection portions are connected to the instrument panel by connection shafts extending diagonally upward and rearward of the vehicle, and the inner connection portions are connected to the head-up display by connection shafts extending vertically.

[0015] According to the above configuration, by changing the direction of the connection axis between the outer connection portion and the inner connection portion, the direction in which each connection axis is susceptible to vibration can be made different, making it possible to support the head-up display more stably.

[0016] The above-mentioned instrument panel further has a first panel side connection portion provided on both sides of the upper surface opening on the lower side of the upper surface portion in the vehicle width direction, and to which an outer connection portion is connected, and the first panel side connection portion has a first end surface portion extending downward from the upper surface portion to face the front of the vehicle, a first side wall portion extending from the side edge of the first end surface portion toward the rear of the vehicle, a first lower surface portion extending from the lower edge of the first end surface portion along the lower edge of the side wall portion toward the rear of the vehicle, and a first connection point provided on the first end surface portion to which one of the multiple outer connection portions is connected, and the lower edge of the first side wall portion approaches the upper surface portion as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle, and the rear end of the first lower surface portion is connected to the upper surface portion.

[0017] The above No. 1 The panel-side connection portion allows the annular support member to be attached with higher rigidity, thereby further improving the support rigidity of the head-up display.

[0018] The above-mentioned instrument panel further has a second panel side connection portion provided below the first panel side connection portion, and the second panel side connection portion has a second end surface portion extending downward from the lower surface portion so as to face the front of the vehicle, a second side wall portion extending from the side edge of the second end surface portion toward the rear of the vehicle, a second lower surface portion extending from the lower edge of the second end surface portion along the lower edge of the second side wall portion toward the rear of the vehicle, and a second connection point provided on the second end surface portion to which another of the multiple outer connection portions is connected, and the lower edge of the second side wall portion approaches the lower surface portion as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle, and the rear end of the second lower surface portion is connected to the upper surface portion.

[0019] The second panel side connecting portion also makes it possible to attach the annular support member with higher rigidity, thereby further improving the support rigidity of the head-up display.

[0020] Each of the above-mentioned multiple inner connection portions includes a protrusion that protrudes upward in a rectangular shape and a connection point formed on the upper surface of the protrusion, and the upper surface of the protrusion at the inner connection portion on the rear side of the vehicle among the multiple inner connection portions is formed at a higher position than the upper surface of the protrusion at the inner connection portion on the front side of the vehicle.

[0021] According to the above configuration, by making the heights of the protrusions at the multiple inner connection portions different, the second moment of area of ​​the annular support member can be improved, making it easier to absorb vibrations, and further improving the support rigidity of the head-up display.

[0022] The protruding portion of the inner connection portion on the vehicle front side and the protruding portion of the inner connection portion on the vehicle rear side are spaced apart in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0023] The above configuration also improves the second moment of area of ​​the annular support member, making it easier to absorb vibrations, and further improving the support rigidity of the head-up display.

[0024] The vehicle instrument panel structure further includes a steering support member provided in front of the instrument panel and a reinforcing member connecting the steering support member and the annular support member, the reinforcing member being connected to the annular support member in a range between an inner connection portion on the front side of the vehicle and an inner connection portion on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0025] According to the reinforcing member, the steering support member is used to support the annular support member, and it is possible to further increase the support rigidity of the head-up display.

[0026] The opening on the top surface of the above-mentioned instrument panel was made using a laser cutter.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the same mold can be used to manufacture instrument panels for both those with and without a head-up display. Furthermore, for those with a head-up display, a laser cutter can be used to form the top opening, eliminating the need to prepare a new mold and reducing costs and production man-hours. Furthermore, the use of a laser cutter increases the design freedom of the instrument panel, regardless of the mold combination.

[0028] The top opening of the above-mentioned instrument panel is cut by using a razor cutter to cut the top surface along a line that is inclined in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and when facing the top opening directly, the edge of the top opening is curved with a radius of curvature of 20 mm or more.

[0029] The top opening having the above configuration can be easily processed using a laser cutter, and the degree of freedom in designing the instrument panel can be improved. [Example]

[0030] 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.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle instrument panel structure (hereinafter referred to as instrument panel structure 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1 and all other drawings of the present application, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Backward), the left and right directions of the vehicle width are indicated by arrows L (Leftward) and R (Rightward), and the vertical direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows U (Upward) and D (Downward).

[0032] The instrument panel structure 100 is configured to include an instrument panel 102 and a head-up display 104. The instrument panel 102 is a panel member made of resin, and is installed by being assembled to a steering support member 116 (see FIG. 3) at the front of the vehicle. Many components, such as the head-up display 104 and meters 106, are installed on the instrument panel 102.

[0033] The head-up display 104 is a device that displays information above the instrument panel 102, and is disposed on the upper surface 102a of the instrument panel 102, with the display portion being able to stand upright. A garnish 108 that serves as a cover is attached around the head-up display 104.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a view showing the instrument panel 102 with the garnish 108 removed. An upper surface opening 110 is formed in the upper surface portion 102a of the instrument panel 102. The upper surface opening 110 is an area covered by the garnish 108 and is opened to a size that can accommodate the head-up display 104.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the instrument panel structure of Fig. 2 as seen from below the front side of the vehicle. In this embodiment, an annular support member 112 is attached to the underside of an upper surface opening 110 (see Fig. 2) of the instrument panel 102. The annular support member 112 is a resin member for fixing the head-up display 104, and the head-up display 104 is fixed via a bracket 114.

[0036] The bracket 114 is a member made mainly of metal that holds and fixes the head-up display 104 , and is installed so as to span the inside of the annular support member 112 in the vehicle width direction, and supports the underside of the head-up display 104 .

[0037] The steering support member 116 is a member that supports a steering device (not shown) and is configured around a long pipe portion 118. The pipe portion 118 extends in the vehicle width direction in front of the instrument panel 102 and below the top surface opening 110 (see FIG. 2), and is fixed to the vehicle body. The pipe portion 118 is provided with a plurality of stays (not shown), and supports the instrument panel 102 via each stay.

[0038] The reinforcing members 120 and 122 are members that connect the pipe portion 118 and the annular support member 112. The lower ends of the reinforcing members 120 and 122 are joined to the pipe portion 118, and the upper ends are joined to the annular support member 112. With this configuration, the load of the head-up display 104 that is applied to the annular support member 112 can be distributed to the pipe portion 118 via the reinforcing members 120 and 122.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of annular support member 112 of Fig. 3, seen from above and behind the vehicle. As described above, annular support member 112 is made of resin and has a ring shape, a central opening 124 formed in the center, and is attached to the underside of upper surface portion 102a of instrument panel 102 so that central opening 124 overlaps upper surface opening 110 (see Fig. 2). In order to improve rigidity, annular support member 112 is provided with rib structure 126, consisting of front and rear ribs 126a and left and right ribs 126b, at multiple locations around central opening 124.

[0040] The side portions 112a, 112b of the annular support member 112 are portions located on both the left and right sides of the top surface opening 110 (see FIG. 2) in the vehicle width direction. The side portions 112a, 112b extend from the upper end of the standing wall portion 128 that forms the inner periphery of the top surface opening 110 in a direction away from the top surface opening 110, and have an overall upwardly convex structure. The side portions 112a, 112b are provided with a plurality of connection portions for connecting to the instrument panel 102 and the head-up display 104.

[0041] The outer connection portions 130, 132, 134, 136 are portions that are connected to the instrument panel 102, and are provided in multiple numbers on the outer peripheral sides of the side portions 112a, 112b opposite the top surface opening 110. For example, on the left side portion 112a in the vehicle width direction, the front outer connection portion 130 and the rear outer connection portion 132 are provided spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0042] The outer connection part 130 has a connection surface 138 facing slightly upward toward the rear of the vehicle, and through holes 140 and 142 provided in the connection surface. The through holes 140 and 142 are connected to the instrument panel 102 using fasteners such as bolts. Connection surface 138 The lower end of the fixing surface 144 of the rear outer connecting portion 132 is connected in the front-rear direction by an inclined surface 150 that extends obliquely upward toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0043] The multiple inner connection portions 152, 154, 156, 158 are portions to which the head-up display 104 is connected via the bracket 114, and are provided on the side portions 112a, 112b closer to the top opening 110 than the outer connection portions 130, 132, 134, 136. For example, on the left side portion 112a in the vehicle width direction, the front inner connection portion 152 and the rear inner connection portion 154 are provided spaced apart in the vehicle front-rear direction. Legs 210, 212 (see FIG. 2) formed on the ends of the bracket 114 in the vehicle width direction are fixed to these inner connection portions 152, 154 using bolts 214, 216, etc.

[0044] 5 is a diagram showing the instrument panel 102 of FIG. 3 with the annular support member 112 and other components removed. First panel-side connecting portions 160, 162 are provided on the underside of the upper surface portion 102a of the instrument panel 102 in accordance with the shapes of the outer connecting portions 130, 134 of the annular support member 112.

[0045] The first panel side connecting portions 160, 162 are generally downwardly convex, and are provided as a pair symmetrically on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface opening 110 below the upper surface portion 102a.

[0046] Take the first panel-side connecting portion 160 on the left side in the vehicle width direction as an example. A first end surface portion 164 of the first panel-side connecting portion 160 is provided at a position that becomes the front end of the first panel-side connecting portion 160, and extends downward from the upper surface portion 102a so as to face the front of the vehicle. A first side wall portion 166 bends from the side edge of the first end surface portion 164 toward the rear of the vehicle and extends along the upper surface portion 102a. A lower edge 168 of the first side wall portion 166 approaches the upper surface portion 102a as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0047] The first lower surface portion 170 bends toward the rear of the vehicle from the lower edge of the first end surface portion 164 and extends along the lower edge 168 of the first side wall portion 166. A rear end 172 of the first lower surface portion 170 is connected to the upper surface portion 102a.

[0048] The first connection points 174, 175 are locations where the through holes 140, 142 of the outer connection part 130 are connected, and are provided on the first end surface part 164. The first connection point 174 on the outer side as seen from the top surface opening 110 is embodied as a boss hole that is fastened to the through hole 140 of the outer connection part 130 by a bolt 194 (see FIG. 6 ) or the like. The first connection point 175 close to the top surface opening 110 is embodied as a pin that is inserted into the through hole 142 of the outer connection part 130.

[0049] Second panel side connection portions 176, 178 are also provided below the front sides of the first panel side connection portions 160, 162. The second panel side connection portions 176, 178 are also portions to which the outer connection portions 132, 136 of the annular support member 112 (see FIG. 4) are connected, and a pair of second panel side connection portions 176, 178 are provided symmetrically on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface opening 110 below the upper surface portion 102a.

[0050] The second end surface 180 of the second panel side connecting portion 176 is provided at a position that corresponds to the front end of the vehicle of the second panel side connecting portion 176, and faces forward of the vehicle. 1st lower surface part 170 The second side wall portion 182 is bent from the side edge of the second end surface portion 180 toward the rear of the vehicle. 1st lower surface part 170 The lower edge 184 of the second side wall portion approaches the upper surface portion 102a as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0051] The second lower surface portion 186 bends toward the rear of the vehicle from the lower edge of the second end surface portion 180 and extends along the lower edge 184 of the second side wall portion 182. A rear end 188 of the second lower surface portion 186 is connected to the upper surface portion 102a.

[0052] The second connection points 190, 192 are locations where the through holes 146, 148 of the outer connection part 132 (see FIG. 4) are connected, and are provided on the second end surface part 180. The second connection point 190, which is on the outer side as seen from the top surface opening 110, is embodied as a boss hole that is fastened to the through hole 146 of the second outer connection part 132 by a bolt 196 (see FIG. 6). The second connection point 192, which is closer to the top surface opening 110, is embodied as a pin that is inserted into the through hole 148 of the second outer connection part 132.

[0053] The above-described first panel side connecting portions 160, 162 and second panel side connecting portions 176, 178 enable the annular support member 112 (see Figure 4) to be attached with higher rigidity, thereby further improving the support rigidity of the head-up display 104 (see Figure 3).

[0054] Figure 6 is an AA cross-sectional view of the instrument panel structure 100 of Figure 3. The AA cross-section is a cut surface that passes through the outer connection portions 130, 132 of the annular support member 112 of Figure 4 and the first panel-side connection portion 160 and the second panel-side connection portion 176 of the instrument panel 102 of Figure 5 in the vertical and front-to-back directions.

[0055] The outer connection portions 130, 132 of the annular support member 112 are connected to the first panel-side connection portion 160 and the second panel-side connection portion 176 of the instrument panel 102 by fastening bolts 194, 196. At this time, the outer connection portions 130, 132 are connected along connection axes S1, S2 that extend diagonally upward from the front side of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0056] 7 is a BB cross-sectional view of the instrument panel structure 100 of FIG. 2. The BB cross-section is a cut plane passing through the inner connecting portions 152, 154 of the annular support member 112 of FIG. 4 in the vertical and front-to-rear directions.

[0057] Here, the inner connection portions 152, 154 in Fig. 4 are formed in a shape that protrudes upward. For example, in the inner connection portion 152 on the front side of the vehicle, the protrusion 198 is a portion that protrudes upward in a rectangular shape, and the connection point 202 is formed as a bolt hole on the upper surface 200 of the protrusion 198. In addition, the inner connection portion 154 on the rear side of the vehicle has the protrusion 204 that protrudes upward in a rectangular shape, and the connection point 208 that is formed as a bolt hole on the upper surface 206 of the protrusion.

[0058] 7, legs 210, 212 of the bracket 114 are fastened to the upper sides of the inner connection parts 152, 154 using bolts 214, 216 and washers 218, 220. This indirectly connects the head-up display 104 (see FIG. 3) to the inner connection parts 152, 154.

[0059] The inner connection portions 152, 154 are connected to the bracket 114 that supports the head-up display 104 by connection axes S3, S4 that extend in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as described with reference to Fig. 6, the outer connection portions 130, 132 are connected along connection axes S1, S2 that extend diagonally upward from the front side of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0060] According to the above configuration, by changing the directions of the connection axes S1, S2 and the connection axes S3, S4 between the outer connection parts 130, 132 and the inner connection parts 152, 154, the directions in which each connection axis is susceptible to vibration can be made different, making it possible to support the head-up display 104 more stably.

[0061] The connection points 202, 208 of the inner connection portions 152, 154 are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction by a distance D1. On the other hand, the through holes 140, 146 of the outer connection portions 130, 132 in FIG. 6 are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction by a distance D2. In this case, the connection points 202, 208 of the inner connection portions 152, 154 are arranged to fall within the range of the distance D2 in the front-to-rear direction between the through holes 140, 146 of the outer connection portions 130, 132. Therefore, the distance D1 between the connection points 202, 208 of the inner connection portions 152, 154 is set shorter than the distance D2 between the through holes 140, 146 of the outer connection portions 130, 132 (D2>D1).

[0062] According to the above configuration, by connecting the outer periphery of the annular support member 112 to the instrument panel 102 and supporting the head-up display 104 (see Figure 3) on the inner periphery, the head-up display 104 can be supported with higher rigidity and stably.

[0063] Additionally, the upper surface 206 of the protruding portion 204 at the vehicle rear inner connecting portion 154 is formed at a position approximately a height H1 higher than the upper surface 200 of the protruding portion 198 at the vehicle front inner connecting portion 152.

[0064] According to the above configuration, by making the heights of the protrusions 198, 204 different from each other in the multiple inner connection portions 152, 154, the second moment of area of ​​the annular support member 112 can be improved, making it easier to absorb vibrations, and the support rigidity of the head-up display 104 (see Figure 3) can be further improved.

[0065] The protruding portion 198 of the inner connecting portion 152 on the front side of the vehicle and the protruding portion 204 of the inner connecting portion 154 on the rear side of the vehicle are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a recessed portion 222 is formed in the area between them. This configuration also improves the second moment of area of ​​the annular support member 112, making it easier to absorb vibrations, and further improving the support rigidity of the head-up display 104.

[0066] An upper end flange 224 of the reinforcing member 120 is connected to a boss portion 226 formed in a concave shape on the annular support member 112 by a bolt 228 along a connection axis S5 extending obliquely upward from below toward the rear side.

[0067] According to the reinforcing members 120, 122 (see FIG. 3) configured as described above, the steering support member 116 is used to support the annular support member 112, and it is possible to further increase the support rigidity of the head-up display 104.

[0068] As described above, according to the instrument panel structure 100 of this embodiment, the annular support member 112 (see FIG. 4), which is a separate member from the instrument panel 102, is used to form a two-layer structure of the instrument panel 102 and the annular support member 112, and the head-up display 104 (see FIG. 3) is installed in the two-layer structure. With this configuration, for example, the annular support member 112 can be formed using a material that is more rigid than the material used for the instrument panel 102, which makes it possible to further increase the support rigidity of the head-up display 104.

[0069] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the instrument panel 102 and other components other than the annular support member 112 can be commonly used among vehicles of different specifications. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the support rigidity of the head-up display 104 and to standardize the components.

[0070] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the top surface opening 110 of Fig. 2. Fig. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating the top surface opening 110 of Fig. 2 alone. In the instrument panel 102 of this embodiment, the top surface opening 110 is cut by a laser cutter in the top surface portion 102a of the instrument panel where the head-up display 104 is not disposed.

[0071] In this embodiment, when viewed from the front, the edge 230 of the top surface opening 110 is curved with a curvature of a radius of 20 mm or more, as indicated by an imaginary circle R1. The top surface opening 110 having this configuration can be easily processed with a laser cutter, and the degree of freedom in designing the instrument panel 102 can be improved.

[0072] 8(b) is a CC cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the top opening 110 of the instrument panel 102 in FIG. 8(a). The top opening 110 is cut by applying a laser beam along a line L2 that is inclined at an angle α1 toward the front of the vehicle relative to a line L1 that extends in the vertical direction, in accordance with the inclination of the top surface portion 110a. This configuration allows the laser beam to be applied perpendicular to the top surface portion 110a, allowing the top opening 110 to be formed efficiently.

[0073] According to the above configuration, the instrument panel 102 can be manufactured using the same mold for both specifications where the head-up display 104 is installed and specifications where it is not. Furthermore, in the case of the specification where the head-up display 104 is installed, forming the upper surface opening 110 using a laser cutter eliminates the need to prepare a new mold, thereby reducing costs and production man-hours. Furthermore, using a laser cutter improves the design freedom of the instrument panel 102 without being affected by mold combinations, etc.

[0074] 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 these 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 these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The present invention can be used in a vehicle instrument panel structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100...instrument panel structure, 102...instrument panel, 102a...upper surface portion, 104...head-up display, 106...meter, 108...garnish, 110...upper surface opening, 112...annular support member, 112a, 112b...side portion, 114...bracket, 116...steering support member, 118...pipe portion, 120...reinforcing member, 122...reinforcing member, 124...central opening, 126...rib structure, 126a...front and rear ribs, 126b...left and right ribs, 128...standing wall portion, 130, 132...outer connecting portion, 138, 144...connecting surface, 140, 142, 146, 148...through hole, 150...inclined surface, 152, 154, 156, 158...inner connecting portion, 160, 162...first panel Panel side connection portion, 164...first end surface portion, 166...first side wall portion, 168...lower edge, 170...first lower surface portion, 172...rear end, 174, 175...first connection point, 176, 178...second panel side connection portion, 180...second end surface portion, 182...second side wall portion, 184...lower edge, 186...second lower surface portion, 188...rear end, 190, 192...second connection point, 194, 196...bolt , 198...protrusion, 200...upper surface, 202...connection point, 204...protrusion, 206...upper surface, 208...connection point, 210, 212...leg, 214, 216...bolt, 218, 220...washer, 222...concave portion, 224...upper flange, 226...boss portion, 228...bolt, 230...edge, S1 to S5...connection axis, D1, D2...distance, L1, L2...line segment

Claims

1. A vehicle instrument panel structure including an instrument panel installed at the front of a vehicle interior and a head-up display disposed on an upper surface of the instrument panel, the instrument panel has an upper surface opening formed in the upper surface portion and configured to accommodate the head-up display; The vehicle instrument panel structure further includes an annular support member that is annular and is attached to a lower side of an upper surface portion of the instrument panel so as to surround the upper surface opening, and to which the head-up display is fixed, the annular support member has a plurality of inner connection portions provided on both sides of the upper surface opening in the vehicle width direction and to which the head-up display is connected, The vehicle instrument panel structure, wherein the plurality of inner connection portions include an inner connection portion on a front side of the vehicle and an inner connection portion on a rear side of the vehicle, the inner connection portion being spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

2. the annular support member has a plurality of outer connection portions connected to the instrument panel on both sides of the upper surface opening in the vehicle width direction, the plurality of inner connection portions are provided closer to the top opening than the plurality of outer connection portions, 2. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inner connection portions are provided in a range between the plurality of outer connection portions in the front-rear direction.

3. A vehicle instrument panel structure comprising an instrument panel installed at the front of a vehicle compartment and a head-up display disposed on an upper surface of the instrument panel, the instrument panel has an upper surface opening formed in the upper surface portion and configured to accommodate the head-up display; The vehicle instrument panel structure further includes an annular support member that is annular and is attached to a lower side of an upper surface portion of the instrument panel so as to surround the upper surface opening, and to which the head-up display is fixed, The annular support member is a plurality of outer connection portions connected to the instrument panel on both sides of the upper surface opening in the vehicle width direction; a plurality of inner connection portions provided closer to the top opening than the plurality of outer connection portions and to which the head-up display is connected; The outer connection portions are spaced apart in the front-rear direction, 10. A vehicle instrument panel structure, comprising: a plurality of inner connection portions provided in a range between the plurality of outer connection portions in the front-rear direction;

4. the outer connection portions are connected to the instrument panel by connection shafts that extend obliquely upward and rearward of the vehicle, 4. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of inner connection portions are connected to the head-up display by connection shafts extending in a vertical direction.

5. the instrument panel further includes first panel-side connection portions provided on both sides of the upper surface opening in the vehicle width direction below the upper surface portion, and to which the outer connection portions are connected; The first panel side connection portion is a first end surface portion extending downward from the upper surface portion so as to face the front of the vehicle; a first side wall portion extending rearward from a side edge of the first end surface portion; a first lower surface portion extending rearward from a lower edge of the first end surface portion along a lower edge of the first side wall portion; a first connection point provided on the first end surface portion and connected to one of the plurality of outer connection portions; a lower edge of the first side wall portion approaches the upper surface portion toward the rear of the vehicle, 5. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 2, wherein a rear end of the first lower surface portion is connected to the upper surface portion.

6. The instrument panel further includes a second panel-side connecting portion provided below the first panel-side connecting portion, The second panel side connection portion is a second end surface portion extending downward from the first lower surface portion so as to face the front of the vehicle; a second side wall portion extending rearward from a side edge of the second end surface portion; a second lower surface portion extending rearward from a lower edge of the second end surface portion along a lower edge of the second side wall portion; a second connection point provided on the second end surface portion and to which another one of the plurality of outer connection portions is connected; a lower edge of the second side wall portion approaches the first lower surface portion toward the rear of the vehicle, 6. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 5, wherein a rear end of the second lower surface portion is connected to the upper surface portion.

7. Each of the plurality of inner connection portions is a protruding portion protruding upward in a rectangular shape; a connection point formed on an upper surface of the protruding portion, 7. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the protrusion at the inner connection portion at the rear of the vehicle among the plurality of inner connection portions is formed at a higher position than the upper surface of the protrusion at the inner connection portion at the front of the vehicle.

8. 8. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 7, wherein the protruding portion of the vehicle front inner connection portion and the protruding portion of the vehicle rear inner connection portion are spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

9. The vehicle instrument panel structure further includes: a steering support member provided in front of the instrument panel; a reinforcing member connecting the steering support member and the annular support member, 9. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 8, wherein the reinforcing member is connected to the annular support member in a range between the inner connection portion on the vehicle front side and the inner connection portion on the vehicle rear side.

10. 10. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the opening on the top surface of the instrument panel is formed by a laser cutter.

11. the upper surface opening of the instrument panel is cut by applying the laser cutter to the upper surface along a line segment inclined in the vehicle front-rear direction, 11. The vehicle instrument panel structure according to claim 10, wherein the edge of the upper opening when viewed from the front is curved with a curvature radius of 20 mm or more.

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