Mounting structure of in-vehicle devices

Abstract

A vehicle-mounted device attachment structure according to the present disclosure is for attaching a vehicle-mounted device (12) that is attached, in such a manner as to be surrounded by a protector (15), to a fender shield (10) provided inside a fender panel of a vehicle and constituting part of the bottom surface of an accommodate chamber (1) in which the vehicle-mounted device (12) is to be accommodated. The protector (15) includes a body part (16) and a leg part (17) that is provided below the body part (16). The leg part (17) has a first surface portion (31) that is fixed to the fender shield (10), a second surface portion (32) that is formed in a shape that rises with respect to the first surface portion (31) and that is fixed to the body part (16), and a deformation inducing unit (33) that is formed between the first surface portion (31) and the second surface portion (32). When the fender shield (10) is deformed by an external force, the deformation inducing unit (33) induces deformation that is further to the first surface portion (31) side than a ridgeline (38) which forms a boundary between the first surface portion (31) and the second surface portion (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an attachment structure of an in-vehicle device provided inside a fender panel of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, regarding the attachment structure of an in-vehicle device to a vehicle, a structure for attaching an in-vehicle device to a storage compartment (engine room, motor room, power unit room, etc.) of the vehicle using a mounting bracket is known. For example, a structure is known in which a bracket is fixed to a dash panel or a frame that constitutes a part of the storage compartment, and an in-vehicle device (such as a fuel filter) is supported by this bracket (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, when the vehicle receives some external force, the shape of the storage compartment itself may deform, and the position of the bracket fixed to the dash panel or the frame may move. In this case, there is a concern that the in-vehicle device may move following the deformation of the storage compartment itself, resulting in interference with other devices or the vehicle body structure arranged around it. Therefore, it is desired to realize a new structure that can improve the protection performance of the in-vehicle device as compared with the case of using a simple bracket.

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a mounting structure for in-vehicle devices that improves the protective performance of such devices, as devised in light of the aforementioned problems. However, other objectives of this invention include achieving effects and benefits that cannot be obtained with conventional technology, derived from the various configurations described in the "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" section below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The mounting structure for the in-vehicle device disclosed can be realized in the following embodiments (examples of application), and solves at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Each of the embodiments from Embodiment 2 onward is an additional embodiment that can be appropriately selected, and each of them is an embodiment that can be omitted. None of the embodiments from Embodiment 2 onward disclose any embodiments or configurations that are indispensable to this case.

[0007] Embodiment 1. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device disclosed is provided on the inside of the vehicle's fender panel and is mounted to a fender shield that forms part of the bottom surface of a housing compartment in which the in-vehicle device is housed, surrounded by a protector. The protector comprises a body portion that is attached to the in-vehicle device so as to cover the periphery of the in-vehicle device, and legs provided at the lower part of the body portion and fixed to the fender shield.

[0008] The leg portion has a first surface portion fixed to the fender shield, a second surface portion formed in a shape that is erect relative to the first surface portion and fixed to the body portion, and a deformation-inducing portion formed between the first surface portion and the second surface portion. The deformation-inducing portion induces deformation on the first surface portion side of the ridge line forming the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion when the leg portion is deformed by an external force.

[0009] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 1 described above, it is preferable that the deformation-inducing portion is located at the end of the ridge and is formed in a planar shape that intersects both the first surface and the second surface. Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 2 described above, it is preferable that the deformation-inducing portion is provided at both ends of the ridge line. Embodiment 4. In any of embodiments 1 to 3 above, it is preferable that the first surface portion is formed to be substantially flat.

[0010] Embodiment 5. In any of embodiments 1 to 4 described above, it is preferable that a part of the body portion to which the second surface portion is fixed extends to a position close to the ridge line. Embodiment 6. In any of embodiments 1 to 5 described above, it is preferable that the body portion has an upper buffer portion that is positioned in front of the cowl top panel in a side view and has a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle in a top view.

[0011] Embodiment 7. In Embodiment 6 described above, it is preferable that the leg portion has a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above, and has a lower cushion portion that is arranged to overlap with the upper cushion portion. Embodiment 8. In any of embodiments 1 to 7 above, it is preferable that the on-board device is positioned to the side of the vehicle's drive source, and the body portion has an enclosure portion that separates the on-board device and the drive source in a top view and extends above the upper end of the on-board device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the disclosed mounting structure for the in-vehicle device, when the leg portion deforms under external force, deformation can be induced on the first surface side rather than the ridge line. This can suppress interference between the in-vehicle device and other surrounding devices or the vehicle body structure, thereby improving the protective performance of the in-vehicle device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of an in-vehicle device as an example. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the in-vehicle device and protector shown. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the protector. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the main part of the protector shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a top view of the in-vehicle device and the protector shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a view for explaining the deformation of the protector and the accommodation chamber shown in FIG. 2 due to an external force. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view for explaining the deformation shown in FIG. 6.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The mounting structure of the disclosed in-vehicle device is applied to the vehicle shown in the following examples. The in-vehicle device according to this mounting structure is provided inside the fender panel of the vehicle and is mounted surrounded by a protector to a fender shield that forms a part of the bottom surface in the accommodation chamber in which the in-vehicle device is accommodated. Here, the accommodation chamber includes, for example, an engine room, a motor room, a power unit room, etc. Further, the in-vehicle device here includes drive-related devices of the vehicle (fuel filter, fuel pump, canister, air cleaner, various reservoir tanks, brake booster, transformer, battery, etc.) and other devices (air-conditioning related devices, electrical equipment related devices), etc.

[0015] Regarding the definition of directions in this embodiment, the front-rear direction (vehicle length direction) is defined based on the forward and backward direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is defined based on the front-rear direction. The up-down direction is defined based on the state where the vehicle is stopped on a flat road surface. Regarding the vehicle width direction, on the part on the left side of the vehicle body center line in the top view of the vehicle, the left is the outside of the vehicle and the right is the inside of the vehicle. Also, on the part on the right side of the vehicle body center line in the top view of the vehicle, the right is the outside of the vehicle and the left is the inside of the vehicle.

Example

[0016] [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the mounting structure of the in-vehicle device 12 as an embodiment. In this embodiment, an in-vehicle device 12 housed in a storage chamber 1 (power unit room) disposed in front of the passenger compartment where the passengers board is exemplified. The storage chamber 1 is a container-shaped space inside the vehicle that houses at least the in-vehicle device 12. Note that the installation position of the storage chamber 1 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 1. The storage chamber 1 can be disposed, for example, behind the passenger compartment as well. The mounting structure of this embodiment can be applied to the vehicle by inverting the overall shape in the left-right direction and can also be applied to the vehicle by inverting it in the front-rear direction.

[0017] [A. Storage Chamber] In the storage chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1, an engine (internal combustion engine as a driving device) not shown and an in-vehicle device 12 (fuel filter) are housed. An opening is provided on the upper end side of the storage chamber 1, and a bonnet hood not shown is attached to this opening so as to be openable and closable. The engine is disposed inside the storage chamber 1, for example, at a position extending from near the center in the left-right direction to the right side. The in-vehicle device 12 of this embodiment is a filter device for filtering the fuel supplied to the engine, and is disposed on the left side (left side of the engine) inside the storage chamber 1. Further, the in-vehicle device 12 of this embodiment is disposed in front of the cowl top panel 9.

[0018] Below the storage chamber 1, a pair of side members 2 are disposed. The side members 2 are one of the skeletal members provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction, and are provided at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. At the front end of each side member 2, a front support member 3 (radiator core support member) is connected. The front support member 3 is a member provided so as to extend in the vertical direction, and has a function of supporting a radiator unit and a headlamp unit attached to the front end portion of the vehicle. A pair of front support members 3 are provided at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction at the front end portion of the storage chamber 1.

[0019] The lower ends of the left and right front support members 3 are connected almost horizontally by a front end cross member 4. The front end cross member 4 is one of the structural members that extends in the left-right direction. The upper ends of the left and right front support members 3 are connected almost horizontally by an upper bar 6. The upper bar 6 is a member that supports the front end of the bonnet hood and is arranged, for example, along the edge of the opening to which the bonnet hood is attached.

[0020] Upper frames 5 are connected to both the left and right ends of the upper bar 6. The upper frame 5 is one of the components that extends almost horizontally forward from near the lower end of the vehicle's front pillar. The upper frame 5 is arranged in pairs on the left and right sides at the top of the storage compartment 1. The vehicle's front fender panels are attached to the outside of the upper frame 5. Below the upper frame 5 are the front wheels and strut housings, which are not shown. The upper frame 5 and upper bar 6 function to support the portion of the bonnet hood from both the left and right edges to the front edge.

[0021] The front end of the upper frame 5 is connected not only to the upper bar 6 but also to the front subframe 7. The front subframe 7 is provided to extend inward and downward from the connection point between the upper frame 5 and the upper bar 6, and is connected near the lower end of the front support member 3. The front subframe 7 has the function of supporting the headlamp unit. The upper bar 6 and the front subframe 7 are arranged to split into two branches from the front end of the upper frame 5 and extend forward, with the headlamp unit positioned between them.

[0022] A dash panel 8 is provided at the rear end of the accommodation compartment 1. The dash panel 8 is a planar member that separates the passenger compartment and the accommodation compartment 1 in the front-rear direction, with the space in front of the dash panel 8 becoming the accommodation compartment 1. The dash panel 8 is erected to cover the rear end of the accommodation compartment 1, for example, from the upper end surface of the upper frame 5 to the upper end surface of the side member 2. The lower end of the dash panel 8 is provided to extend planarly to the rear along, for example, the upper end surface of the side member 2, and is connected to the floor panel of the passenger compartment in a substantially flush surface.

[0023] A cowl top panel 9 is provided above the dash panel 8. The cowl top panel 9 is a planar member that connects the vicinity of the lower ends of the left and right front pillars in the left-right direction, and also connects to the vicinity of the upper edge of the dash panel 8. The cowl top panel 9 is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction along the rear edge of the bonnet hood (the base end for opening and closing operation). The lower end of the vehicle's windshield is supported by the cowl top panel 9.

[0024] A fender shield 10 is installed inside the storage compartment 1. The fender shield 10 is a planar member that forms part of the bottom surface of the storage compartment 1 on the inside of the vehicle's fender panel. In this embodiment, a pair of fender shields 10 are provided on the inside of each of the left and right fender panels. The outer edges of the fender shield 10 are connected to the upper frame 5 and the front subframe 7. The inner edges of the fender shield 10 are either connected to the side member 2 or are provided at a distance above the side member 2.

[0025] A protector 15 is fixed to the left fender shield 10. The protector 15 is a component attached to the on-board device 12 so as to surround the on-board device 12 in order to protect the on-board device 12. In this embodiment, the protector 15 is fixed to the left fender shield 10. The right fender shield 10, to which the protector 15 is not fixed, can be omitted.

[0026] [B. Protector] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the on-board device 12 and the protector 15. The on-board device 12 is provided with a filter body 13 and a pipe connection part 14. The filter body 13 is a cylindrical part in which the filter is housed. The upper side of the filter body 13 is closed in a way that allows it to be opened, for example, by a disc-shaped lid. The pipe connection part 14 is a part to which various piping materials, such as an inlet pipe for introducing fuel into the inside of the filter body 13 and an outlet pipe for discharging the fuel filtered inside the filter body 13, are connected. The pipe connection part 14 is provided on the top surface of the filter body 13, protruding upward from the lid.

[0027] The protector 15 is fixed to the filter body 13 and functions to protect the filter body 13 and the piping connection 14 from other devices and vehicle body structures housed in the housing chamber 1. The protector 15 is provided with a body 16 and legs 17. The body 16 is the part of the protector 15 that is attached to the vehicle-mounted device 12 so as to cover the perimeter of the vehicle-mounted device 12. The legs 17 are provided at the bottom of the body 16 and are fixed to the fender shield 10. As shown in Figure 2, a base 11 (an auxiliary part included in the fender shield 10) may be provided at the fixing point of the fender shield 10 to adjust the mounting height.

[0028] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the protector 15. Figure 4 is a magnified perspective view showing the main parts of the protector 15, and Figure 5 is a top view of the on-board device 12 and the protector 15. The body section 16 includes the right enclosure section 18 (enclosure section), the left enclosure section 19, the upper buffer section 20, and the auxiliary section 21. The leg section 17 includes the fixing section 22, the lower buffer section 23, the first auxiliary leg section 24, and the second auxiliary leg section 25.

[0029] The right enclosure portion 18 is a component mainly located to the right of the filter body portion 13. The right enclosure portion 18 is provided with a right rear portion 40, a right side portion 41, and a right front portion 42. Each of the right rear portion 40, the right side portion 41, and the right front portion 42 is arranged almost vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the right enclosure portion 18 can be considered to be a shape that combines three straight sections (for example, a U-shape, a U-shape, or a channel shape).

[0030] The right side portion 41 is a flat area that broadly covers the right side of the filter body portion 13. The right side portion 41 extends above the upper end of the piping connection portion 14 in the on-board device 12. The right rear portion 40 is a flat area that covers the rear side of the right side portion 41, and the right front portion 42 is a flat area that covers the front side of the right side portion 41. Both the right rear portion 40 and the right front portion 42 are formed almost perpendicular to the right side portion 41. The right front portion 42, like the right side portion 41, extends above the upper end of the piping connection portion 14. In this embodiment, the engine is located to the right of the right enclosure portion 18. The right enclosure portion 18 is positioned to separate the on-board device 12 from the engine.

[0031] The left enclosure portion 19 is a component mainly positioned to the left of the filter body portion 13. The right enclosure portion 18 and the left enclosure portion 19 are provided so as to cover the entire outer circumference of the filter body portion 13 when viewed from above by the vehicle-mounted device 12. The left enclosure portion 19 is provided with a left rear portion 43, a left side portion 44, a left front side portion 45, and a left front portion 46. Each of the left rear portion 43, left side portion 44, left front side portion 45, and left front portion 46 is positioned almost vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the left enclosure portion 19 can be considered to be a shape that combines four straight sections.

[0032] The left side portion 44 is a flat portion that covers the left side of the filter body portion 13. The left rear portion 43 is a flat portion that covers the rear side of the left side portion 44 and is formed almost perpendicular to the left side portion 44. The left rear portion 43 is welded and fixed to the right rear portion 40 of the right enclosure portion 18 in surface contact.

[0033] The left front side portion 45 and the left front portion 46 are each planar and cover the front side of the left side portion 44. The left front portion 46 is formed almost perpendicular to the left side portion 44, and the left front side portion 45 is formed to form a plane that intersects with the left side portion 44 and the left front portion 46. The left front portion 46 is welded and fixed in surface contact with the right front portion 42 of the right enclosure portion 18.

[0034] A left connecting portion 47 is provided at the upper end of the left rear portion 43, which is fastened and fixed to the upper buffer portion 20, described later. The left connecting portion 47 is a portion formed by bending a planar portion that extends upward from the left rear portion 43 toward the rear, and drilling a fastening hole near its tip into which a fastener is inserted. In addition, a first auxiliary leg portion 24 is provided at the lower end of the left side portion 44, and a second auxiliary leg portion 25 is provided at the lower end of the left front side portion 45. Each of the first auxiliary leg portion 24 and the second auxiliary leg portion 25 is fixed to the fender shield 10 via a fastener. Each of the first auxiliary leg portion 24 and the second auxiliary leg portion 25 may be formed integrally with the left enclosure portion 19, or may be formed as a separate member fixed to the left enclosure portion 19.

[0035] The upper buffer portion 20 is a part that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above the on-board device 12. When viewed from the side of the on-board device 12, the upper buffer portion 20 is positioned in front of the cowl top panel 9 and is the part that will quickly come into contact with the cowl top panel 9 if, for example, the shape of the housing chamber 1 itself is deformed by an external force. In addition, the space inside the upper buffer portion 20 is used as space for routing various piping materials (inlet pipes, outlet pipes, etc.) connected to the on-board device 12.

[0036] The upper buffer section 20 is provided with an upper right side section 50, an upper rear section 51, an upper left side section 52, and an upper extension section 53. Each of the upper right side section 50, upper rear section 51, upper left side section 52, and upper extension section 53 is arranged almost vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the upper buffer section 20 can be considered to be a shape that combines four straight sections.

[0037] The upper right side portion 50 is a planar portion that is welded and fixed in surface contact with the right side portion 41. The upper end of the upper right side portion 50 is at approximately the same height as the upper end of the right side portion 41. The upper rear portion 51 is a planar area formed extending to the left from the rear end of the upper right side portion 50, and is formed almost perpendicular to the upper right side portion 50. As shown in Figure 5, the front-rear position of the upper rear portion 51 is set to be behind the rear end of the filter body portion 13 in a top view of the in-vehicle device 12, and to ensure a gap that allows various piping materials to be inserted without difficulty.

[0038] The upper left side portion 52 is a planar portion connected to the left side of the upper rear side portion 51 and is formed almost parallel to the upper right side portion 50. As shown in Figure 5, the left-right position of the upper left side portion 52 is set to a position close to the left-right center of the filter body portion 13, ensuring a gap that allows various piping materials to be inserted without difficulty. The upper extension 53 is a planar portion that extends to the left from the front end of the upper left surface portion 52 and is formed substantially parallel to the upper rear surface portion 51. As shown in Figure 5, the front-rear position of the upper extension 53 is set to be close to the rear end of the filter body portion 13 when viewed from above the vehicle-mounted device 12.

[0039] An upper connecting portion 54 is provided at the lower end of the upper extension portion 53, which is fastened and fixed to the left connecting portion 47 of the left enclosure portion 19. The upper connecting portion 54 is a portion formed by bending a planar part that extends downward from the upper extension portion 53 toward the rear, and drilling a fastening hole near its tip into which a fastener is inserted.

[0040] The auxiliary section 21 is a component attached below the upper buffer section 20 to enhance the protection of various piping materials. The auxiliary section 21 is provided with a right auxiliary section 55, a right mounting section 56, a rear auxiliary section 57, and a rear mounting section 58. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the right auxiliary section 55 and the rear auxiliary section 57 can be considered to be a shape formed by vertically connecting two straight sections (for example, an L-shape, a V-shape, or an angle shape).

[0041] The right mounting portion 56 is a planar portion that is welded and fixed in surface contact with the right surface of the upper right side portion 50, and the rear mounting portion 58 is a planar portion that is welded and fixed in surface contact with the rear surface of the upper rear portion 51. The right auxiliary portion 55 is a planar portion with a plate surface parallel to the right mounting portion 56, and the rear auxiliary portion 57 is a planar portion with a plate surface parallel to the rear mounting portion 58. As shown in Figure 5, in a top view of the in-vehicle device 12, the right auxiliary portion 55 is positioned to the right of the upper right side portion 50, and the rear auxiliary portion 57 is positioned to the rear of the upper rear portion 51. As a result, the movable space for various piping materials is expanded beyond the inside of the upper buffer portion 20, and the degree of freedom in the layout of various piping materials is increased.

[0042] The fixing portion 22 is one of the legs 17 for fixing the on-board device 12 to the fender shield 10. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 22 is provided on the rear side of the on-board device 12. The fixing portion 22 is provided with a first surface portion 31, a second surface portion 32, a deformation-inducing portion 33, and a third surface portion 34. The fixing portion 22 is formed, for example, by press molding a single steel plate.

[0043] The first surface portion 31 is the part that is fixed to the fender shield 10 and is formed in a planar shape along a part of the fender shield 10. In this embodiment, the first surface portion 31 is planar and is fastened and fixed in a state of surface contact with the upper surface of the base portion 11. Preferably, the first surface portion 31 is substantially flat and arranged substantially horizontally. The width of the first surface portion 31 in the left-right direction is set so that, in a top view of the in-vehicle device 12, the first surface portion 31 occupies about half of the area surrounded by the upper buffer portion 20. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, a gap is secured on the vehicle side (right side) of the first surface portion 31 that allows various piping materials to be inserted without difficulty.

[0044] The second surface portion 32 is a part fixed to the body portion 16 and has a shape that is erect relative to the first surface portion 31, and is formed as a surface along a part of the body portion 16. In this embodiment, the second surface portion 32 is planar and is formed almost perpendicular to the first surface portion 31, and is welded and fixed in a state of surface contact with the left rear surface portion 43 of the left enclosure portion 19. In other words, the second surface portion 32 in this embodiment is fixed to the part of the protector 15 that covers the rear of the on-board device 12. The first surface portion 31 connected to the second surface portion 32 is provided so as to extend further towards the rear of the on-board device 12 than the second surface portion 32. The ridge line 38 that forms the boundary between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 extends in a substantially straight line along the vehicle width direction.

[0045] The deformation-inducing portion 33 is a part formed between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, and is a part that induces deformation on the first surface portion 31 side rather than the ridge line 38 when the leg portion 17 is deformed by an external force. In other words, the deformation-inducing portion 33 is a part that promotes bending deformation on the first surface portion 31 side while minimizing deformation of the second surface portion 32 when an external force capable of deforming the fixing portion 22 acts on the leg portion 17. To put it another way, the deformation-inducing portion 33 functions as a reinforcing surface that reinforces the vicinity of the second surface portion 32 and the ridge line 38.

[0046] The deformation-inducing portion 33 in this embodiment is a part formed by press molding, and is formed in a planar shape that intersects both the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, and is positioned at the end (at least one end) of the ridge line 38 that forms the boundary between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, preferably a pair is positioned at both ends of the ridge line 38. The deformation-inducing portion 33 functions to provide appropriate rigidity to the ridge line 38, which is the boundary portion (bent portion) between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. The deformation-inducing portion 33 may be formed in a planar shape, a curved shape, or a shape in which reinforcing irregularities or ribs are formed on a planar surface.

[0047] Preferably, the pair of deformation-inducing portions 33 are formed in a plane-symmetric shape with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. This ensures that the direction in which deformation is easily performed near the edges 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 is the direction of rotation within the plane perpendicular to the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the fixing portion 22 is more likely to bend at the bent portion 60 located on the first surface portion 31 side of the edge 38. This bent portion 60 is approximately parallel to the edge 38. In other words, the axis of rotation when the fixing portion 22 bends is more likely to be parallel to the edges 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, making it easier to control the position and shape after bending deformation.

[0048] The third surface portion 34 is a planar portion that extends downward from the side edge of the first surface portion 31. The third surface portion 34 is formed substantially perpendicular to the first surface portion 31. The lower buffer section 23, like the upper buffer section 20, is a part that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above the on-board device 12. As shown in Figure 5, the lower buffer section 23 is positioned to overlap with the upper buffer section 20. As a result, the space inside the lower buffer section 23 is also used as space for routing various piping materials connected to the on-board device 12.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the lower buffer portion 23 is provided with a lower left surface portion 35, a lower rear surface portion 36, and a lower right surface portion 37. Each of the lower left surface portion 35, the lower rear surface portion 36, and the lower right surface portion 37 is arranged almost vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the lower buffer portion 23 can be considered to be a shape that combines three straight sections (for example, a U-shape, a U-shape, or a channel shape). The lower left surface portion 35 is a planar area that is welded and fixed in surface contact with the third surface portion 34 of the fixing portion 22.

[0050] The lower rear portion 36 is a planar area formed extending to the right from the rear end of the lower left portion 35, and is formed almost perpendicular to the lower left portion 35. As shown in Figure 5, the front-rear position of the lower rear portion 36 is set behind the rear auxiliary portion 57 in a top view of the in-vehicle device 12. The lower right surface portion 37 is a planar portion formed extending forward from the right end of the lower rear surface portion 36, and is formed almost perpendicular to the lower rear surface portion 36. As shown in Figure 5, the left-right position of the lower right surface portion 37 is set to the right of the right auxiliary portion 55 in a top view of the in-vehicle device 12.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the left rear surface 43 of the left enclosure 19 is welded and fixed so that the right rear surface 40 of the right enclosure 18 and the second surface 32 of the fixing part 22 do not overlap. The dashed line in Figure 4 is the outline of the second surface 32 fixed to the left rear surface 43, and the dashed line in Figure 4 is the outline of the right rear surface 40 fixed to the left rear surface 43. By separating the fixing position of the second surface 32 relative to the left rear surface 43 and the fixing position of the right rear surface 40 relative to the left rear surface 43 in this way, the mounting accuracy of the fixing part 22 to the body 16 of the protector 15 is improved, and the mounting state of the on-board device 12 is stabilized.

[0052] Furthermore, the lower end of the left rear surface portion 43, which is fixed to the second surface portion 32, extends to a position close to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. As a result, the rigidity on the second surface portion 32 side is relatively higher, and the rigidity on the first surface portion 31 side is relatively lower, with the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the ridge line 38 of the second surface portion 32 as the boundary. Consequently, if the shape of the housing chamber 1 itself is deformed by an external force, and that external force is applied to the first surface portion 31 or the second surface portion 32, the portion on the first surface portion 31 side of the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 will be more susceptible to bending deformation. Therefore, bending deformation of the portion on the left rear surface portion 43 side to which the second surface portion 32 is fixed is relatively suppressed, improving the protective performance of the in-vehicle device 12.

[0053] [2. Effect] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the deformation of the housing chamber 1 and protector 15 due to external forces indicated by the white arrows. When an external force is applied to the front support member 3 or front end cross member 4 from the front of the vehicle, these members move backward together with the side member 2 and front subframe 7, and the fender shield 10 may deform into a folded shape. At this time, the protector 15 of the on-board device 12 fixed to the fender shield 10 also moves backward along with the deformation of the fender shield 10. Meanwhile, the upper buffer portion 20 of the protector 15 comes into contact with the cowl top panel 9. As a result, the cowl top panel 9 is pushed backward and upward, and the impact is absorbed by the deformation of the upper buffer portion 20 itself, effectively protecting the on-board device 12.

[0054] Due to the fold deformation of the fender shield 10, the fixing point between the protector 15 and the fender shield 10 will tilt diagonally, raising concerns that the on-board device 12 will tilt backward (with its upper part tilted further back than its lower part). If the on-board device 12 tilts backward, the pipe connection part 14 of the on-board device 12 and the various piping materials connected thereto will be more likely to come into contact with the tip of the cowl top panel 9, potentially causing damage. On the other hand, by bringing the upper buffer part 20 into contact with the cowl top panel 9, the backward tilting of the on-board device 12 is suppressed. This effectively prevents damage to the pipe connection part 14 and the various piping materials.

[0055] The protector 15 described above is provided with a fixing portion 22 having a first surface portion 31 and a second surface portion 32. The first surface portion 31 is fixed to the fender shield 10 (base portion 11), and the second surface portion 32 has a shape that is erect relative to the first surface portion 31 and is fixed to the body portion 16 of the protector 15. This makes it easier for deformation of the fixing portion 22 near the edges 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 to be allowed. In other words, as shown in Figure 6, the fixing portion 22 is more likely to deform so that the angle between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 increases, improving the effect of suppressing the rearward tilt of the on-board device 12. In addition, the fixed state of the first surface portion 31 relative to the fender shield 10 is easier to maintain, improving the effect of suppressing the forward tilt of the on-board device 12. Therefore, the posture of the on-board device 12 is maintained almost vertically, and it is easier to secure a buffer space between the dash panel 8 and the on-board device 12.

[0056] A deformation-inducing portion 33 is formed between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. This ensures adequate rigidity in the fixing portion 22 and promotes deformation of the leg portion 17 due to external force in the portion of the first surface portion 31 that is closer to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. In addition, a left rear surface portion 43 is fixed to the back side of the second surface portion 32, extending to a position close to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. As a result, the rigidity of the second surface portion 32 is higher than that of the first surface portion 31 than to the ridge line 38. Therefore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, bending deformation is more likely to occur in the bent line portion 60 located on the first surface portion 31 side of the ridge line 38, and bending deformation on the second surface portion 32 side is suppressed.

[0057] [3. Effects] (1) The above mounting structure is a mounting structure for an on-board device 12 that is mounted on the fender shield 10 surrounded by a protector 15. The protector 15 comprises a body portion 16 that is attached to the on-board device 12 so as to cover the periphery of the on-board device 12, and a leg portion 17 provided at the lower part thereof and fixed to the fender shield 10. The leg portion 17 has a first surface portion 31, a second surface portion 32, and a deformation-inducing portion 33. The first surface portion 31 is fixed to the fender shield 10. The second surface portion 32 is formed in a shape that is erect relative to the first surface portion 31 and is fixed to the body portion 16. The deformation-inducing portion 33 induces deformation on the side of the first surface portion 31 rather than the ridge line 38 that forms the boundary between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32 when the leg portion 17 is deformed by an external force.

[0058] With this configuration, if the vehicle is subjected to an external force and the leg portion 17 attempts to deform, it is made easier for it to bend on the first surface portion 31 side rather than the ridge line 38. This prevents the on-board device 12 from forcibly following the deformed shape of the fender shield 10, and reduces interference between the on-board device 12 and other surrounding devices or the vehicle body structure. In addition, the shape on the second surface portion 32 side is more easily maintained than the ridge line 38, thus preventing deformation or damage to the on-board device 12. In this way, interference between the on-board device 12 and other surrounding devices or the vehicle body structure is reduced, and the protective performance of the on-board device 12 is improved.

[0059] (2) The deformation-inducing portion 33 may be positioned, for example, at the end of the ridge line 38 (i.e., one end), or it may be formed in a planar shape that intersects both the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32. With such a configuration, a simple shape that is easy to process and form can be used to provide appropriate rigidity near the ridge line 38, and deformation can be more reliably induced on the first surface portion 31 side than on the ridge line 38. Therefore, the protective performance of the vehicle-mounted device 12 can be improved while stabilizing its mounting state.

[0060] (3) As shown in Figure 4, the deformation induction portion 33 may be provided at both ends of the ridge line 38. With this configuration, the bent portion 60 can be made substantially parallel to the ridge line 38, and bending deformation on the second surface portion 32 side can be prevented more reliably. In addition, since the bent portion 60 is substantially parallel to the ridge line 38, the overall shape of the protector 15 can be designed after predicting the position and shape of the leg portion 17 after the bent portion 60 has bent, making it easier to control the deformation state of the protector 15.

[0061] (4) As shown in Figure 4, the first surface portion 31 may be formed to be substantially flat. With this configuration, a gap can be created in the bending rigidity of the first surface portion 31 compared to the second surface portion 32, and deformation can be promoted on the side of the first surface portion 31 rather than the ridge line 38. Therefore, the protective performance of the in-vehicle device 12 can be improved.

[0062] (5) A portion of the body portion 16 to which the second surface portion 32 is fixed (left rear surface portion 43) may be extended to a position close to the ridge line 38 of the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, as shown in Figure 4. In this case, the rigidity of the second surface portion 32 side is higher than that of the first surface portion 31 side than that of the ridge line 38. Therefore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, bending deformation can be promoted at the bent line portion 60 on the first surface portion 31 side of the boundary between the first surface portion 31 and the second surface portion 32, and bending deformation on the second surface portion 32 side can be suppressed. Therefore, deformation and damage to the filter body portion 13 caused by deformation of the second surface portion 32 or the left rear surface portion 43 can be prevented, and the protective performance of the on-board device 12 can be improved.

[0063] (6) The body portion 16 of the protector 15 may be positioned in front of the cowl top panel 9 in a side view and have an upper buffer portion 20 that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle in a top view. In this case, for example, if the shape of the housing compartment 1 itself is deformed by an external force, the upper buffer portion 20 can be brought into contact with the cowl top panel 9 as quickly as possible. Therefore, interference between the on-board device 12 and the cowl top panel 9 can be prevented, and the effect of suppressing the rearward tilt of the on-board device 12 can be enhanced.

[0064] Furthermore, the cowl top panel 9 can be pushed upward and backward, improving the protective performance of the on-board equipment 12. In addition, the deformation of the upper buffer section 20 itself can absorb impact, further improving the protective performance of the on-board equipment 12. Moreover, by routing the pipe connection section 14 and various piping materials inside the upper buffer section 20, damage to these can be effectively prevented.

[0065] (7) The legs 17 of the protector 15 may have a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above, and may have a lower cushioning portion 23 that is positioned to overlap with the upper cushioning portion 20. In this case, the inside of the upper cushioning portion 20 and the lower cushioning portion 23 can be easily utilized as a space for routing pipe connection portions 14 and various piping materials, and damage to these can be effectively prevented.

[0066] (8) The on-board device 12 may be positioned to the side of the vehicle's power source. Alternatively, the body portion 16 may have a right-hand enclosure portion 18 (enclosure portion) that separates the on-board device 12 from the power source in a top view and extends above the upper end of the on-board device 12. This configuration prevents interference between the piping connection portion 14 and the power source, thereby improving the protective performance of the on-board device 12.

[0067] [4. Others] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated in these embodiments. Each configuration of these embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from their intended purpose. Furthermore, each configuration of these embodiments can be selected or omitted as needed, or combined with various configurations included in publicly known technologies as appropriate.

[0068] The components constituting the protector 15 in the above embodiment can be deformed as appropriate and can be partially omitted. For example, the upper buffer portion 20, the lower buffer portion 23, and the auxiliary portion 21 may be omitted, or an integrated member corresponding to the right enclosure portion 18 and the left enclosure portion 19 may be provided as the body portion 16. At a minimum, in a protector 15 having a body portion 16 and leg portions 17, a structure that produces the same effects as in the above embodiment can be realized by providing a first surface portion 31, a second surface portion 32, and a deformation-inducing portion 33 on the leg portions 17.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the fender shield 10 may be a planar member that forms part of the bottom surface of the storage compartment 1 inside the vehicle's fender panel, and may, for example, form part of the bottom surface of the rear power unit room inside the rear fender panel. In this case, the storage compartment 1 is located at the rear of the passenger compartment. In a protector 15 fixed to such a fender shield 10, a structure that provides the same effects as in the above embodiment can be realized by providing a first surface portion 31, a second surface portion 32, and a deformation-inducing portion 33 on the leg portion 17. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] This invention can be used as a mounting structure for in-vehicle devices and can be used in the vehicle manufacturing industry to which in-vehicle devices are mounted via this mounting structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Confinement Chamber 2 Side Members 3 Front Support Members 4 Front End Cross Member 5 Upper Frame 6 Upper Bar 7 Front subframe 8. Dashboard 9 Cowl Top Panel 10 Fender Shield 11. Base 12 Onboard equipment 13. Filter body 14 Pipe connection part 15 Protector 16 Body part 17 Leg part 18 Right surrounding part (surrounding part) 19 Left surrounding part 20 Upper buffer part 21 Auxiliary part 22 Fixed part 23 Lower buffer part 24 First auxiliary leg 25 Second auxiliary leg 31 First face 32 Second face 33 Deformation induction part 34 Third face 35 Lower left face 36 Lower rear face 37 Lower right face 38 Ridge line 40 Right rear face 41 Right side face 42 Right front face 43 Left rear face 44 Left side face 45 Left front side face 46 Left front face 47 Left connecting part 50 Upper right side face 51 Upper rear face 52 Upper left face 53 Upper extension part 54 Upper connecting part 55 Right auxiliary part 56 Right mounting part 57 Rear auxiliary part 58 Rear mounting part 60 Fold line part

Claims

1. An on-board device mounting structure that is installed inside the fender panel of a vehicle and is attached to a fender shield that forms part of the bottom surface of a housing compartment in which an on-board device is housed, surrounded by a protector, The protector comprises a body portion attached to the vehicle-mounted device so as to cover the periphery of the vehicle-mounted device, and legs provided at the lower part of the body portion and fixed to the fender shield. The leg portion has a first surface portion fixed to the fender shield, a second surface portion formed in a shape that is erect relative to the first surface portion and fixed to the torso, and a deformation-inducing portion formed between the first surface portion and the second surface portion. The deformation-inducing part induces deformation on the first surface side of the leg portion when the leg portion is deformed by an external force, rather than on the ridge line forming the boundary between the first surface portion and the second surface portion. A mounting structure for an in-vehicle device, characterized by the following features.

2. The deformation-inducing portion is positioned at the end of the ridge and is formed in a planar shape that intersects both the first and second surfaces. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The deformation-inducing portion is provided at both ends of the ridge line. Mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 2.

4. The first surface portion is formed to be substantially flat. A mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. A portion of the torso to which the second surface portion is fixed extends to a position close to the ridge line. A mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

6. The aforementioned body section has an upper buffer section that is positioned in front of the cowl top panel in a side view and has a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle in a top view. A mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

7. The aforementioned leg portion has a shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from above, and has a lower cushion portion that is positioned to overlap with the upper cushion portion. The mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is a vehicle-mounted device according to claim 6.

8. The in-vehicle device is positioned to the side of the vehicle's power source, The aforementioned body portion has an enclosure that, when viewed from above, separates the on-board device and the drive source, and extends above the upper end of the on-board device. A mounting structure for an in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

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