Vehicle attachment structure for electronic control unit, vehicle, and vehicle attachment method for electronic control unit

Abstract

This vehicle attachment structure (101) for an electronic control unit (10) is provided with: an outer body panel (40); an inner body panel (20) that is provided with one or more receiving slots (21a); at least one electronic control unit (10) that has an interface surface (12) and an end surface (14) on the reverse side from the interface surface (12); and a fixing means (70) that fixes the electronic control unit (10) to the inner body panel (20). At least the end surface (14) of the electronic control unit (10) is disposed between the inner body panel (20) and the outer body panel (40). The electronic control unit (10) is fixed to the inner body panel (20) by the fixing means (70). The interface surface (12) of the electronic control unit (10) is accessible from a vehicle interior side via the inner body panel (20).

Description

Vehicle mounting structure for electronic control unit, vehicle, and vehicle mounting method for electronic control unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for an electronic control unit to a vehicle, and more particularly to a vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit, a vehicle including the mounting structure, and a method for mounting an electronic control unit to a vehicle.

[0002] In automotive applications, ECUs are used to control vehicle functions such as engine control, door locks, airbags, and braking systems. Modern vehicles require many different vehicle functions, so multiple ECUs are provided, each for controlling a specific vehicle function. ECUs are mounted in various locations in the vehicle depending on the availability of mounting space.

[0003] Due to limited space within a vehicle, ECUs are typically mounted between the vehicle's inner body panels and interior trim panels. To mount the ECU so that it is not visible to vehicle occupants, the depth of the space between the inner body panels and the interior trim panels must be sufficient to accommodate and cover the ECU. Therefore, in a vehicle trunk, for example, available space is used to mount the ECU, potentially limiting the space available for luggage storage. To minimize this impact, many ECUs are mounted with their largest surface substantially parallel to one or both of the inner body panels and the interior trim panels. This limits the number of ECUs that can be mounted on the panels. Furthermore, the remaining mounting space is often insufficient, making it difficult to retrofit additional ECUs.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to mount an electronic control unit on a vehicle in a space-efficient manner.

[0005] A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an outer body panel, an inner body panel, at least one electronic control unit, and fastening means. The inner body panel has one or more receiving slots. The electronic control unit has an interface surface and an end surface opposite to the interface surface. The fastening means fastens the electronic control unit to the inner body panel. At least the end surface of the electronic control unit is disposed between the inner body panel and the outer body panel. The electronic control unit is fastened to the inner body panel by the fastening means. The interface surface of the electronic control unit is accessible from the interior side of the vehicle through the inner body panel.

[0006] A vehicle according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to the first aspect.

[0007] A vehicle mounting method for an electronic control unit according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the steps of preparing an electronic control unit in the vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to the first aspect, inserting an end face of the electronic control unit into a receiving slot, and fixing the electronic control unit to an inner body panel using a fixing means.

[0008] According to the vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit, the vehicle, or the vehicle mounting method for an electronic control unit according to the first to third aspects, the electronic control unit can be mounted on the vehicle in a space-efficient manner.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of an electronic control unit (ECU) for a vehicle according to a comparative example. FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to a comparative example. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to a comparative example. FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view showing a layout of receiving slots formed in an inner body panel of the vehicle mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the vehicle mounting structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 2D is a schematic perspective view of an ECU according to an embodiment. FIG. 2E is a schematic perspective view of an ECU according to a modified embodiment. FIG. 3A is a front view showing a first example of a layout of receiving slots. FIG. 3B is a front view showing a second example of a layout of receiving slots. FIG. 3C is a front view showing a third example of a layout of receiving slots. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing positions where the vehicle mounting structure according to an embodiment can be arranged.

[0010] Hereinafter, vehicle mounting structures for an electronic control unit 10 according to several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, up, down, left, right, front, and rear are based on the vehicle. In the drawings, FR and RR indicate the front and rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, respectively, LH and RH indicate the left and right in the width direction of the vehicle, and UP and DN indicate the top and bottom, respectively.

[0011] Electronic control units (ECUs) are used in automotive applications to control vehicle functions such as engine control, door locks, airbags, and braking systems. Modern vehicles require many different vehicle functions, so multiple ECUs are provided, each for controlling a specific vehicle function. ECUs are mounted in various locations in the vehicle depending on the availability of mounting space.

[0012] 1A-1C illustrate an ECU 10 and its mounting structure 1 according to a comparative example. FIG. 1A shows an ECU 10 for a vehicle. The ECU 10 includes multiple components housed within a simple, box-shaped housing 11. However, different or more complex housing shapes may be utilized as needed or desired. The ECU 10 includes an interface surface 12 with multiple sockets 13 suitable for connecting one or more electrical wires 60 (including electrical cables and electrical harnesses; see FIG. 1C ) and an opposite end surface 14, not visible in FIG. 1A . This allows the ECU 10 to be connected to other vehicle systems. The sockets 13 may also be referred to as connectors. The number and nature of the sockets 13 may vary depending on the requirements of the ECU 10. Additionally or alternatively, electrical wires, optionally equipped with connectors, ferrules, or the like (not shown in FIG. 1A ), may extend from the interface surface 12.

[0013] In the vehicle mounting structure 1 shown in FIG. 1B , the ECU 10 is mounted between an inner body panel 20 and an interior trim panel 40 of the vehicle. As shown, the inner body panel 20 is located inside and spaced apart from the corresponding outer body panel 30 of the vehicle. As shown schematically in FIG. 1B , the ECU 10 may be provided within a cutout in an insulation material 50 formed from polyurethane (PU) foam or the like. The insulation material 50 provides protection and support for the ECU 10 and / or the interior trim panel 40, but may limit the effective dissipation of heat emitted by the ECU 10. Electrical wires 60 connected to the ECU 10 via the socket 13 (see FIG. 1A ) may also be routed within the cutout in the insulation material 50.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1C , the ECU 10 is mounted above the wheel arch 29. The space between the inner body panel 20 and the interior trim panel 40 is relatively narrow. Therefore, the ECU 10 is positioned with its largest outer surface substantially adjacent to the inner body panel 20. Note that in FIG. 1C , the interior trim panel 40 has been omitted to provide a clear view of the interior side of the inner body panel 20. While this allows the ECU 10 to fit in this location, it reduces the space available for fitting additional ECUs into this space. As shown in FIG. 1C , a plurality of electrical wires 60 are connected to the interface surface 12 of the ECU 10.

[0015] A dedicated bracket (not shown) is provided to hold the ECU 10 in place, suitable for both the ECU 10 and its mounting location. A dedicated wire harness is also provided to guide the wires 60 to the interface surface 12 for connection to other vehicle systems. While the use of such a dedicated bracket and wire harness allows the ECU 10 to be fitted to a specific location, it also makes the installation of the ECU 10 more complicated. It also makes it difficult or impractical to retrofit additional or replacement ECUs into this space.

[0016] 2A to 2D show ECUs 10 (10a, 10b) and a mounting structure 101 therefor according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A , the vehicle mounting structure 101 addresses the above-described problems of the mounting structure 1 according to the comparative example by mounting the ECU 10 in the space between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30, which would otherwise be unused. As described below, providing the ECU 10 in the space between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30 allows for more efficient mounting of multiple ECUs 10. This mounting structure 101 allows for standardization and also improves air circulation and heat dissipation around each ECU 10. As shown in FIG. 2A , the interface surface 12 of each ECU 10 is accessible from the vehicle interior side relative to the inner body panel 20. The end surface 14 of each ECU 10 is positioned between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30. The interface surface 12 may be recessed from the inner body panel 20 or may protrude from the inner body panel 20. Alternatively, the interface surface 12 may be substantially flush with the inner body panel 20 .

[0017] To achieve this configuration, one or more receiving slots 21 are formed in the inner body panel 20. In the example shown in Fig. 2B, two receiving slots 21a and 21b are formed vertically side by side. At least the end face 14 of the ECU 10 passes through the receiving slots 21 and is positioned between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30. The mounting structure 101 includes a fixing means 70 for fixing the ECU 10 to the inner body panel 20.

[0018] The fixing means 70 can take various forms, but in the example shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the fixing means 70 comprises one or more brackets 71, 72 attached to or integrally formed with the ECU 10 and one or more fixing studs 75. In the example of Figure 2D, the ECU 10 comprises two corner brackets 71 attached to either side of the interface surface 12. In the example of Figure 2E, the brackets are end plates 72, which are plate members larger than the corresponding receiving slots 21 (see Figures 3A-3C). The end plates 72 are attached to the interface surface 12 of the ECU 10 (or attached adjacent to the interface surface 12). The end plates 72 have openings 73 formed therein for accessing the sockets 13 on the interface surface 12. A bracket comprising an end plate 72 is used in the example of Figure 2C.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C , each receiving slot 21 is provided with one or more fixing studs 75. The fixing studs 75 protrude inward from the inner body panel 20, surrounding the edge of the receiving slot 21. Each fixing stud 75 is threaded and is used with a removable fixing nut 76 or the like. Fixing holes 74 are formed in the brackets 71 and 72 of the ECU 10, corresponding to the positions of the fixing studs 75. When the ECU 10 is positioned between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30, the fixing studs 75 protrude through the fixing holes 74. As shown in FIG. 2C , the ECU 10 is fixed in place by tightening the fixing nuts 76 onto the fixing studs 75. The fixing studs 75 also help to ensure that the ECU 10 is positioned correctly relative to the inner body panel 20.

[0020] Once installed in place, the ECU 10 can be connected to one or more other vehicle systems. As shown in Figure 2C, connection to the other vehicle systems is achieved by connecting one or more electrical wires 60 to sockets 13 on the interface surface 12. The electrical wires 60 may extend or branch out from an electrical wire harness that bundles the electrical wires 60.

[0021] After the ECU 10 is mounted, an interior trim panel 40 is attached to cover the ECU 10, as shown in Fig. 2A. Therefore, the ECU 10 is located behind the interior trim panel 40 during normal vehicle use. As shown in Fig. 2A, an insulation material 50 can be provided between the interior trim panel 40 and the inner body panel 20. This provides additional protection for the ECU 10 during normal vehicle use. The insulation material 50 has a cutout 50c formed therein to accommodate the ECU 10, electric wires 60, fixing studs 75, nuts 76, etc.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2C, in this embodiment, two ECUs 10a, 10b are mounted in a vertically stacked arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the receiving slots 21a, 21b (see Fig. 2B). Compared to the comparative example of Fig. 1C, each of the ECUs 10a, 10b in this embodiment has the same size as the ECU 10 in Fig. 1C, but the two ECUs 10a, 10b can be mounted within the same panel area. Therefore, in a vehicle equipped with the mounting structure 101, more ECUs 10 can be efficiently mounted within the same panel area than with the mounting structure 1 according to the comparative example (see Fig. 1C).

[0023] As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, if the receiving slots 21 are provided in standardized sizes and the ECUs 10 are also provided in standardized sizes, each ECU 10 can be mounted using a standardized fastening means 70 rather than a dedicated bracket. This makes it easier to install the ECUs 10 and to replace or add ECUs 10. This standardization allows the ECUs 10 to be mounted interchangeably within a vehicle. In many cases, this standardization is also advantageous even when each ECU 10 is assigned to a specific location within the vehicle. This simplifies testing and checking of the ECUs 10 after installation and makes it easier to prepare electrical harnesses and appropriate wired connections for each ECU.

[0024] To ensure that each ECU 10 is securely mounted in a specific location, a range of standardized variations in the size, shape, and / or location of the fastening means 70 of the ECU 10 and receiving slot 21 may be provided for each vehicle mounting structure. For example, each ECU 10 may have different external dimensions, and the size of each receiving slot 21 may be set to correspond to each ECU 10. Alternatively, similar advantages can be achieved by standardizing the size of the ECU 10 and receiving slot 21 and providing variations in the fastening means 70 associated with each ECU 10 and receiving slot 21.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 2C, the lower ECU 10b is secured in place using fastening means 70 with one fastening stud 75 on each side of receiving slot 21b (see also Figure 2B). Meanwhile, the upper ECU 10a is secured in place using fastening means 70 with a pair of fastening studs 75 on each side of receiving slot 21a (see also Figure 2B). Thus, when ECU 10a is inserted into receiving slot 21b, the single fastening stud 75 on each side of receiving slot 21b does not align with the fastening holes 74 formed in brackets 71 and 72 of ECU 10a. Similarly, when ECU 10b is inserted into receiving slot 21a, the pair of fastening studs 75 on each side of receiving slot 21a does not align with the fastening holes 74 formed in brackets 71 and 72 of ECU 10b.

[0026] Although Fig. 2C shows a pair of vertically stacked ECUs 10a, 10b, the ECUs 10 may be mounted in different arrangements within the available panel area. For example, Fig. 3A shows an arrangement in which four receiving slots 21c-21f are vertically aligned within a simple rectangular area of ​​the inner body panel 20. In this arrangement, each of the receiving slots 21c-21f is of a standardized size. This arrangement facilitates the mounting of four ECUs 10 of the same standardized size.

[0027] 3B shows an arrangement in which four receiving slots 21g to 21j are vertically aligned within a simple rectangular region of the inner body panel 20. In this arrangement, the upper two receiving slots 21g and 21h are of one standardized size, and the lower two receiving slots 21i and 21j are of another standardized size. This arrangement makes it easy to mount two ECUs 10 of one standardized size and two ECUs 10 of a different standardized size.

[0028] 3C shows an arrangement in which six receiving slots 21k-21p are aligned vertically and horizontally. This arrangement is formed within an area of ​​the inner body panel 20 that does not have a simple shape. This area is defined by the wheel arch 29. In this arrangement, the upper two receiving slots 21k, 21l are of one standardized size, and the lower four receiving slots 21m-21p are of another standardized size. This arrangement makes it easy to mount two ECUs 10 of one standardized size and four ECUs 10 of another smaller standardized size.

[0029] There may be more or fewer receiving slots 21 than shown in Figures 3A-3C, and there may be more than two standardized sizes for the receiving slots 21. Furthermore, the receiving slots 21 may be arranged differently than the arrangement shown in Figures 3A-3C.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle mounting structure 101 may be provided in a number of different locations within the vehicle 100. Figure 4 illustrates several possible locations for the vehicle mounting structure 101. In particular, the locations shown in Figure 4 include a location 110 above the front wheel arch, a location 120 behind the front wheel arch, and a location 150 above the rear wheel arch. The actual locations can vary from the locations shown in Figure 4, and the shape of the panel area at each of these locations can also vary.

[0031] The mounting structure 101 can be provided at any location between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30. However, as shown in FIG. 4 , the appropriate location is preferably one that is easily accessible during manufacturing or maintenance. Furthermore, such an appropriate location would be one that is relatively unlikely to be damaged during a low-speed collision and would not require emergency repair. Examples of such an accident include a low-speed front or rear collision while driving, or a collision with a stationary object while parking. For this reason, in FIG. 4 , the mounting structure 101 is not provided in front of the front wheel arch or behind the rear wheel arch. These locations are less desirable because the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30 are particularly susceptible to deformation in a low-speed collision.

[0032] The following describes the effects of the vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit.

[0033] Typically, each ECU is held in place by a separate bracket and includes a separate wiring harness for connecting the ECU to the engine or other sensors and components. Because each ECU is located in a different place, each bracket and wiring harness is designed for the specific ECU and its routing location. Designing and manufacturing these custom brackets and harnesses is not only costly, but also makes installing the brackets and harnesses complex and time-consuming, requiring careful consideration of their placement.

[0034] Due to limited space within a vehicle, ECUs are typically mounted between the vehicle's inner body panels and interior trim panels, such as in the trunk of the vehicle. Typically, an insulating material, such as polyurethane (PU), is disposed in the space between the inner body panels and the interior trim panels. The ECU is mounted within a cutout in the PU foam so that it is mounted adjacent to one or both of the inner body panels and the interior trim panels. This arrangement can be problematic because it limits air circulation around each ECU for heat dissipation.

[0035] Furthermore, to mount an ECU between a vehicle's inner body panel and an interior trim panel so that it is not visible to vehicle occupants, the depth of the space between the inner body panel and the interior trim panel must be sufficient to accommodate and cover the ECU. Therefore, in a vehicle, such as a trunk, available space may be used to mount the ECU, potentially limiting the space available for luggage storage. To minimize this effect, many ECUs are mounted with their largest surface substantially parallel to one or both of the inner body panel and the interior trim panel. This minimizes the depth of the space required between the inner body panel and the interior trim panel. However, it also limits the number of ECUs that can be mounted on the panel. Furthermore, in many cases, the remaining mounting space is insufficient, making it difficult to retrofit additional ECUs.

[0036] (1) A vehicle mounting structure 101 for an electronic control unit (ECU) 10 according to an embodiment includes an outer body panel 30, an inner body panel 20, at least one ECU 10, and a fixing device 70. The inner body panel 20 includes one or more receiving slots 21p. The ECU 10 (10a, 10b) has an interface surface 12 and an end surface 14 opposite to the interface surface 12. The fixing device 70 fixes the ECU 10 to the inner body panel 20. At least the end surface 14 of the ECU 10 is disposed between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30. The ECU 10 is fixed to the inner body panel 20 by the fixing device 70. The interface surface 12 of the ECU 10 is accessible from the vehicle interior side relative to the inner body panel 20.

[0037] The mounting structure 101 contrasts with the comparative example structure in which the ECU is mounted between the inner body panel and the interior trim panel. The mounting structure 101 advantageously allows the ECU 10 to be mounted using the space between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30 of the vehicle. Furthermore, by mounting the ECU 10 in the space between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30, the depth of the space between the inner body panel 20 and the interior trim panel 40 used to house and cover the ECU 10 can be reduced. In other words, the mounting structure 101 allows the interior trim panel 40 to be positioned closer to the inner body panel 20. This increases the volume of usable space within the vehicle 100, enabling more luggage to be stored. It also provides more space within the vehicle cabin, improving passenger comfort. Furthermore, the space between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30 typically does not have any insulation material, allowing air and heat to circulate sufficiently around the ECU 10. This allows the ECU 10 to be easily and sufficiently cooled.

[0038] If the dedicated bracket for mounting the ECU 10 can be omitted, the vehicle weight can be reduced and the cost for the dedicated bracket can be reduced.

[0039] (2) The interface surface 12 of the ECU 10 may include one or more electrical wires 60, one or more sockets, or both. The electrical wires 60 may include an electrical wire harness or an electrical wire cable. The interface surface 12 includes sockets 13 to which the electrical wires 60 are connected. The ends of the electrical wires 60 may also be fitted with connectors that can be connected to the sockets 13 on the interface surface 12. The electrical wires 60 enable connection between the ECU 10 and other vehicle systems. The interface surface 12 may also be provided with one or more switches, one or more status indicators, or both. In this case, the switches and / or status indicators facilitate the integration process with other vehicle systems and the maintenance and repair of the ECU 10 after installation.

[0040] (3) The ECU 10 may have a single standardized size. When multiple ECUs 10 are provided, they may all have a single standardized size, as shown in FIG. 3A . When multiple ECUs 10 are provided, the multiple ECUs 10 may have two or more standardized sizes, as shown in FIG. 3B or 3C . The ECU 10 may be substantially rectangular. By limiting the number of standardized sizes for the ECU 10, other configurations of the mounting structure 101 (e.g., the shape of the receiving slot 21) are standardized, simplifying design and installation and potentially reducing costs. This makes it easier to subsequently change the ECU 10 or to add or retrofit an upgraded ECU 10.

[0041] (4) The exterior surface of the ECU 10 may include a housing that substantially corresponds in size and / or shape to the ECU 10. This housing substantially corresponds in size and / or shape to the ECU 10 and protects the internal components of the ECU 10. The housing may have at least one open side. Alternatively, the housing may have a side that is closed by a faceplate having a connector. The electrical wires 60 and the like may be accessible to the internal components of the ECU 10 through one or more access openings in the ECU 10.

[0042] (5) Each receiving slot 21 may have a reinforcing member around part or all of its opening. The reinforcing member may be a flange formed along the inner periphery of the opening of the receiving slot 21. Alternatively, the reinforcing member may be the end plate 72 of the ECU 10 shown in FIG. 2E. When the ECU 10 shown in FIG. 2E is fixed to the inner body panel 20, the end plate 72 is positioned around the receiving slot 21 and can function as a reinforcing member. By providing the reinforcing member, the rigidity of the inner body panel 20 in the vicinity of the receiving slot 21 can be increased, thereby improving the supporting rigidity of the ECU 10.

[0043] (6) One or more receiving slots 21 may be formed in the inner body panel 20. Providing multiple receiving slots 21 allows multiple ECUs 10 of standardized sizes to be attached to a single inner body panel 20. This allows the number and arrangement of ECUs 10 to be optimized.

[0044] The receiving slot 21 may have a single standardized size. When multiple receiving slots 21 are provided, they may all have a single standardized size, as shown in FIG. 3A . When multiple receiving slots 21 are provided, the receiving slots 21 may have two or more standardized sizes, as shown in FIG. 3B or 3C . For example, a suitable standardized size is, but is not limited to, 226 mm x 46 mm. The sizes of the multiple receiving slots 21 may correspond to at least one of the standardized sizes of the ECU 10. Setting a limited number of standardized sizes standardizes the mounting structure 101, simplifying design and installation and potentially reducing costs. This makes it easier to subsequently change the ECU 10 or to add or retrofit an upgraded ECU 10.

[0045] (7) As shown in Fig. 2C or 3A, each of the multiple receiving slots 21 may have the same size. In this case, each receiving slot 21 may have a standardized size corresponding to the standardized size of the ECU 10. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3B or 3C, some or all of the multiple receiving slots 21 may have different sizes. In this case, some or all of the receiving slots 21 may have multiple standardized sizes corresponding to the multiple standardized sizes of the ECU 10.

[0046] (8) As shown in Figures 2C to 3C, multiple receiving slots 21 may be provided adjacent to each other. The multiple receiving slots 21 may also be provided in a regular pattern (e.g., Figures 3A and 3B) or an array (e.g., Figure 3C). For example, two or more receiving slots 21 may be arranged along a common axis that crosses the surface of the inner body panel 20. This arrangement allows the receiving slots 21 to be space-efficiently arranged within the available area on the inner body panel 20. Therefore, the number of ECUs 10 that can be mounted in a single inner body panel 20 can be maximized.

[0047] (9) The mounting structure 101 may be provided in any suitable location within the vehicle, including above the wheel arch, around the wheel arch, behind the front wheel arch, in front of the rear wheel arch, etc. However, the location where the mounting structure 101 is provided is not limited to these locations.

[0048] The ECU 10 is preferably provided in a location where there is a lower risk of damage due to the impact of a low-speed collision. The above-described location is such a preferred location. Locations where there is a higher risk of damage include in front of the front wheel arch and behind the rear wheel arch, and locations other than these locations are suitable for installation. Such suitable locations for installation have the advantage of reducing the possibility of damage to the mounting structure 101 and the need for repair or replacement if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

[0049] When the available area on the inner body panel 20 is not linear, larger receiving slots 21 can be provided over a wider area than the available area. This is useful for making the most efficient use of the available area. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C , when the mounting structure 101 is provided adjacent to the wheel arch, the receiving slots can be arranged more space-efficiently by making the receiving slots located directly above the apex of the wheel arch longer horizontally than the receiving slots located on the sides of the wheel arch. Similarly, with regard to the receiving slots located on the sides of the wheel arch, the receiving slots located higher and closer to the apex of the wheel arch can be arranged more space-efficiently by making the receiving slots located lower and further from the apex longer horizontally.

[0050] When multiple receiving slots are provided in a location where the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30 are not parallel, larger receiving slots may be arranged in locations where there is a larger gap between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30. This makes it possible to mount a larger ECU 10 in a location where there is a larger space between the inner body panel 20 and the outer body panel 30.

[0051] (10) As shown in FIG. 2D , the fixing means 70 may include at least one bracket 71. The bracket 71 may have a single standardized size. The at least one bracket 71 may be integrally formed with the ECU 10 or its housing. Alternatively, the bracket 71 may be attached to the ECU 10 or its housing. In this case, the bracket 71 may be attached to the ECU 10 or its housing at or adjacent to the interface surface 12. The bracket 71 may be a plate member. The bracket 71 may be an angle bracket bent at a right angle or a corner bracket. Here, the bracket of the fixing means 70 may be an end plate 72 as shown in FIG. 2E . This end plate 72 is larger than one receiving slot 21. The end plate 72 has an opening 73 corresponding to the interface surface 12. Alternatively, the end plate 72 may have one or more openings corresponding to the electric wires 60 connected to the interface surface 12, the sockets 13 provided on the interface surface 12, etc. The end plate 72 may be formed larger than the plurality of receiving slots.

[0052] (11) The fixing means 70 may further include one or more fixing studs 75, and the brackets 71, 72 may include one or more fixing holes 74 corresponding to the one or more fixing studs 75. Each fixing stud 75 may be configured to engage with a fixing nut 76 or an end cap. The fixing studs 75 and the fixing nuts 76 or the end caps may have corresponding threads. The fixing studs 75 may protrude from the inner body panel 20, and the fixing holes 74 may be formed in the brackets 71, 72. The fixing studs 75 are useful for guiding the alignment of the ECU 10 with the receiving slots 21 before the ECU 10 is secured in place by the fixing nuts 76.

[0053] (12) The mounting structure 101 may further include a wire harness (see FIG. 2C ). The wire harness may have a standardized size or shape. The wire harness may include one or more wires 60 connected to the ECU 10 at the interface surface 12, one or more sockets connected to the sockets 13 (see FIGS. 2D and 2E ) of the ECU 10 at the interface surface 12, or both. The wires 60 and sockets of the wire harness may be adapted to connect with one or more sockets 13 provided on the interface surface 12, one or more wires extending from the interface surface 12, or both. By providing such a wire harness, each ECU 10 provided in the mounting structure 101 can be efficiently connected to one or more vehicle systems. The interface surface 12 of the ECU 10 may be color-coded or shaped to correspond to the wire harness. This allows for more accurate and efficient installation of the ECU 10.

[0054] (13) The vehicle 100 may include an interior trim panel 40. The interior trim panel 40 covers the inner body panel 20. The electrical harness (electrical wires 60) may be routed between the inner body panel 20 and the interior trim panel 40. At least one of the interior trim panel 40 and the inner body panel 20 may have means for detachably holding the electrical harness. For example, suitable holding means include detachable fasteners, clips, or brackets. The electrical harness may have at least one protective tube. The plurality of electrical wires 60 may be routed within the protective tube.

[0055] (14) An insulation material 50 may be provided between the inner body panel 20 and the interior trim panel 40. The insulation material 50 may have one or more cutouts 50c (see FIG. 2A). The cutouts 50c can accommodate the ECU 10, the fixing means 70, any electric wires 60 (including electric wire harnesses and electric wire cables), etc. The insulation material 50 may be formed of a foam material. A suitable foam material is, but is not limited to, polyurethane (PU) foam.

[0056] (15) The ECU 10 may be connected to one or more vehicle systems via the interface surface 12. The ECU 10 may be connected to any suitable vehicle system, including, but not limited to, an engine management system, engine sensors, tire pressure sensors, lane assist sensors, parking sensors, power windows, power side mirrors, power wipers, in-car entertainment systems, vehicle alarms, vehicle telemetry systems, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

[0057] (16) The vehicle 100 may be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) or by one or more electric motors. The vehicle 100 includes the electronic control unit mounting structure 101 described above. The vehicle 100 may include any or all of the optional features of the mounting structure 101 described above, as desired.

[0058] (17) A vehicle mounting method for an ECU 10 includes the steps of preparing the ECU 10 in a mounting structure 101, inserting the end face 14 of the ECU 10 into a receiving slot 21, and fastening the ECU 10 to an inner body panel 20 using a fastening means 70. This vehicle mounting method can include any or all of the optional features of the vehicle mounting structure 101 or the vehicle 100, as needed.

[0059] (18) The vehicle installation method may further include a step of connecting the ECU 10 to one or more vehicle systems. This connection may be made via one or more electric wires 60, etc. Here, the vehicle installation method may further include a step of preparing an electric wire harness (electric wires 60) and connecting the electric wire harness to the ECU 10. Here, the vehicle installation method may optionally include a step of connecting the interface surface 12 of each ECU 10 to the plurality of electric wires 60 of the electric wire harness. Here, the vehicle installation method may further include a step of detachably holding the electric wire harness to at least one of the interior trim panel 40 or the inner body panel 20.

[0060] (19) The vehicle installation method may further include a step of attaching an interior trim panel 40 that covers the mounted ECU 10. The vehicle installation method may further include a step of providing an insulation material 50 between the inner body panel 20 and the interior trim panel 40. Here, the vehicle installation method may further include a step of providing one or more cutouts in the insulation material 50.

[0061] The above-described embodiments are merely examples described to facilitate understanding of the invention. The technical scope of the invention is not limited to the specific technical matters disclosed in the above-described embodiments, but also includes various modifications, changes, alternative technologies, etc. that can be easily derived therefrom.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms by making appropriate modifications. The entire contents of UK Patent Application No. 2319647.0 (filed December 20, 2023) are incorporated herein by reference. Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The scope of the present invention is determined in light of the claims.

[0063] 10 Electronic control unit (ECU), 11 Housing, 12 Interface surface, 13 Socket, 14 End surface, 20 Inner body panel, 21 (21a to 21p) Receiving slot, 29 Wheel arch, 30 Outer body panel, 40 Interior trim panel, 60 Electrical wire, 70 Fixing means, 71 Corner bracket (bracket), 72 End plate (bracket), 74 Fixing hole, 75 Fixing stud, 100 Vehicle, 101 Vehicle mounting structure

Claims

1. A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit comprising: an outer body panel; an inner body panel having one or more receiving slots; at least one electronic control unit having an interface surface and an end surface opposite to the interface surface; and fixing means for fixing the electronic control unit to the inner body panel, wherein at least the end surface of the electronic control unit is disposed between the inner body panel and the outer body panel, the electronic control unit is fixed to the inner body panel by the fixing means, and the interface surface of the electronic control unit is accessible from the inside of the vehicle via the inner body panel.

2. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to claim 1, wherein the interface surface of the electronic control unit comprises one or more wires, one or more sockets, or both.

3. A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the electronic control units have a single standardized size, or two or more of the electronic control units have two or more standardized sizes.

4. A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer surface of the electronic control unit is provided with a housing that substantially corresponds to the electronic control unit in either or both of size and shape.

5. A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the receiving slots is provided with a reinforcement around at least a portion of its opening.

6. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to claim 5, wherein the reinforcement member has a flange.

7. A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more of the receiving slots have a single standardized size, or two or more of the receiving slots have two or more standardized sizes.

8. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to claim 7, wherein each of said receiving slots corresponds in size to at least one of said standardized sizes of said electronic control unit.

9. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein two or more of the receiving slots have the same size.

10. A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein some or all of the two or more receiving slots have different sizes.

11. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein two or more of the receiving slots are provided adjacent to each other receiving slot.

12. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to claim 11, wherein the two or more receiving slots are provided in a regular pattern or array.

13. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to claim 12, wherein the electronic control unit is provided in at least one of the following positions: above the wheel arch, around the wheel arch, behind the front wheel arch, and in front of the rear wheel arch.

14. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fixing means comprises at least one bracket, the bracket having a single standardized size.

15. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to claim 14, wherein the bracket is a plate member.

16. A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the fixing means further comprises one or more fixing studs, and the bracket is provided with one or more fixing holes corresponding to the one or more fixing studs.

17. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising an electric wire harness.

18. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit as claimed in claim 17, wherein the wire harness comprises one or more wires, one or more sockets, or both, connected to the electronic control unit at the interface surface.

19. The vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising an interior trim panel that covers the inner body panel.

20. A vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the electronic control unit is connected to one or more vehicle systems via the interface surface.

21. A vehicle comprising the vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A method for mounting an electronic control unit on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: preparing the electronic control unit in the vehicle mounting structure for an electronic control unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; inserting the end face of the electronic control unit into the receiving slot; and fixing the electronic control unit to the inner body panel using the fixing means.

23. The method of vehicle installation of an electronic control unit as claimed in claim 22, further comprising the step of connecting said electronic control unit to one or more vehicle systems.

24. The method of mounting an electronic control unit to a vehicle as claimed in claim 23, further comprising the step of providing an electrical wiring harness and connecting said electrical wiring harness to said electronic control unit.

25. The method for mounting an electronic control unit to a vehicle according to any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising the step of mounting an interior trim panel to cover the mounted electronic control unit.

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