Mounting structure of equipment module and equipment module

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to appropriately fix equipment to a surface of an interior member. This mounting structure of an equipment module includes: an interior member that covers a vehicle body from an interior side; a fixing base that protrudes from a portion of the vehicle body covered by the interior member to the interior side; and an equipment module disposed on a surface of the interior member. The equipment module is fixed to the fixing base exposed on the surface of the interior member.

Description

Equipment module mounting structure and equipment module

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mounting structure for an equipment module.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for fixing equipment between a roof panel and an interior member of a vehicle.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-141438

[0004] It is also desirable to be able to fix devices to the surface of vehicle interior components. However, when devices are fixed to the surface of the interior components using adhesives or adhesive tape, there is a risk that the fixing strength will be insufficient or that the fixing position will vary.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to properly fix equipment to the surface of an interior member.

[0006] The mounting structure for an equipment module of the present disclosure includes an interior member that covers a vehicle body from the interior side, a fixing base that protrudes toward the interior side from a portion of the vehicle body that is covered by the interior member, and an equipment module that includes equipment and is arranged on a surface of the interior member, wherein the equipment module is fixed to the fixing base that is exposed on the surface of the interior member.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, equipment can be appropriately fixed to the surface of an interior member.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the mounting structure of an equipment module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an end view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the mounting structure of an equipment module with the cover removed. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the mounting structure of an equipment module with the cover removed. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how a bracket is fixed to a fixing base. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing how a cover is attached to a bracket.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The mounting structure of the equipment module of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) An equipment module mounting structure comprising: an interior member covering a vehicle body from the interior side; a fixing base protruding into the interior side from a portion of the vehicle body covered by the interior member; and an equipment module including equipment and arranged on a surface of the interior member, wherein the equipment module is fixed to the fixing base exposed on the surface of the interior member.

[0012] According to the equipment module mounting structure of (1), the equipment module arranged on the surface of the interior member can be firmly fixed in place by using the fixing base.

[0013] (2) In the mounting structure for an equipment module of (1), the equipment module may include a bracket for supporting the equipment, and the bracket may be fixed to the fixing base. This makes it easy to accommodate a variety of types of equipment by fixing the equipment via the bracket.

[0014] (3) In the mounting structure for an equipment module of (2), the equipment module may include a cover that covers the equipment from the interior side of the vehicle, thereby protecting the equipment from passengers and the like.

[0015] (4) In the equipment module mounting structure of (3), the cover may cover the bracket and be attached to the bracket, and the cover may be detachable from the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the fixing base. By covering the bracket with the cover, the fixing portion of the equipment module can be hidden. Furthermore, by attaching the cover to the bracket, it is not necessary to provide a cover attachment portion on the interior member. Furthermore, by making the cover detachable from the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the fixing base, the cover can be removed when fixing the bracket to the fixing base, making the fixing work easier. Furthermore, when transporting the equipment module, the cover can be transported attached to the bracket, making it easy to handle the bracket, equipment, and cover as a single unit.

[0016] (5) In the equipment module mounting structure of (3) or (4), the bracket may have a support portion that supports the equipment and a fixing portion that protrudes from the support portion toward the fixing base and is fixed to the fixing base, and a void may be provided between the support portion and the interior member. This prevents heat from the equipment from being trapped between the bracket and the interior member.

[0017] (6) In the device module mounting structure of (5), a through hole for heat dissipation may be formed in a portion of the side surface of the cover that covers the cavity portion, thereby preventing heat from the device from being trapped inside the cover.

[0018] (7) In the mounting structure for an instrument module according to any one of (3) to (6), the instrument module may include wiring connected to the instrument, the wiring having a first section extending from the instrument toward a wiring surface of the vehicle and a second section continuing from the first section and extending along the wiring surface, and the cover may press a connecting portion between the first section and the second section toward the wiring surface. This makes it easy to position the portion of the wiring extending from the cover.

[0019] (8) In the mounting structure for an equipment module according to any one of (2) to (7), the equipment module may include wiring connected to the equipment, and a portion of the wiring extending from the equipment may be fixed to the bracket, thereby preventing stress from being applied to the connection between the wiring and the equipment when the wiring is pulled.

[0020] (9) In the mounting structure for an equipment module according to any one of (2) to (8), the equipment module may include wiring connected to the equipment, and the bracket may have a winding surface around which an excess length of the wiring can be wound and accommodated. This allows the excess length of the wiring to be accommodated using the bracket.

[0021] (10) The present disclosure also provides an equipment module that is attached to a mounting base that protrudes from a portion of the vehicle body that is covered by an interior member toward the interior of the vehicle, and that includes a bracket that is fixed to the mounting base, an equipment supported by the bracket, and a cover that is attached to the bracket and covers the equipment. With this configuration, the equipment module attached to the mounting base can be handled as a single unit.

[0022] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the mounting structure for an equipment module of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0023] [First Embodiment] The following describes an equipment module mounting structure according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a front view showing an equipment module mounting structure 20 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an end view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a front view showing the equipment module mounting structure 20 with the cover 70 removed. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the equipment module mounting structure 20 with the cover 70 removed. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing how the bracket 40 is fixed to the fixing base 11. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing how the cover 70 is attached to the bracket 40.

[0024] The equipment module mounting structure 20 includes an interior member 13 , a fixing base 11 , and an equipment module 30 .

[0025] The interior member 13 covers the vehicle body 10 from the interior side. The interior member 13 is made of, for example, resin. The vehicle body 10 is made of metal or resin and is a member with higher rigidity than the interior member 13. The interior member 13 hides the vehicle body 10 from the interior. The interior member 13 has a surface 14 exposed to the interior. The surface of the interior member 13 opposite the surface 14 faces the vehicle body 10. In the following description, the vehicle body 10 is described as a rear side panel 10 and the interior member 13 is described as a rear trim 13. The rear side panel 10 is located, for example, behind a rear door and is also referred to as a quarter panel or rear fender. An upper surface 17 of a floor 16 extends below the rear trim 13. The upper surface 17 of the floor 16 is typically the upper surface of a floor carpet or floor mat. However, the combination of the vehicle body 10 and the interior member 13 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. For example, the vehicle body 10 may be a panel-like member other than the rear side panel 10. Furthermore, for example, the vehicle body 10 may be a member other than a panel-shaped member, and may be a rod-shaped member such as a reinforcement, a pillar, a side member, or a cross member.

[0026] The fixing base 11 protrudes toward the interior of the vehicle from a portion of the vehicle body 10 that is covered by the interior member 13. The tip of the fixing base 11 is exposed to the interior. The tip surface of the fixing base 11 may protrude toward the interior of the vehicle at the same level as or further than the front surface 14 of the interior member 13, or may be located between the front surface 14 and the back surface (the surface facing the vehicle body 10) of the interior member 13.

[0027] One or more fixing bases 11 are provided for one interior member 13. In the example shown in Fig. 6, four fixing bases 11 are provided. Here, the four fixing bases 11 are formed on the surface 14 of the interior member 13 at positions close to the floor 16. Two fixing bases 11 and another two fixing bases 11 are provided at positions different distances from the upper surface 17 of the floor 16. The distance between the two fixing bases 11 close to the upper surface 17 of the floor 16 and the upper surface 17 of the floor 16 is smaller than the distance between the two fixing bases 11 close to the upper surface 17 of the floor 16 and the other two fixing bases 11.

[0028] The equipment module 30 is fastened to the fixing base 11 using fastening members. Here, a screw hole 12 (female thread) is formed in the fixing base 11. The screw hole 12 opens at the tip surface of the fixing base 11. The fixing base 11 is formed in a prismatic or cylindrical shape (here, a square prism) that allows the screw hole 12 to be formed. The equipment module 30 is screwed in using the screw hole 12 and the bolt BT.

[0029] For example, when the equipment module 30 is retrofitted, the fixing base 11 may also be connected to the vehicle body 10. When the equipment module 30 is retrofitted, an opening may be formed in the interior member 13, and the fixing base 11 may be connected to a portion of the vehicle body 10 that is covered by the interior member 13 and exposed on the surface 14 of the interior member 13. An opening need not be formed in the interior member 13. For example, the interior member 13 may be removed and the fixing base 11 may be connected to the vehicle body 10. In this case, the fixing base 11 may be exposed on the surface 14 of the interior member 13 through a gap between the outer edge of the interior member 13 and the vehicle body 10. The fixing base 11 does not have to be provided exclusively for the equipment module 30. A fixing base 11 used for another purpose may be reused or used in combination. The opening in the interior member 13 for the fixing base 11 also does not have to be provided exclusively for the equipment module 30. The opening in the interior member 13 for the fixing base 11 may be reused or used in combination with an opening used for another purpose.

[0030] The equipment module 30 is disposed on the surface 14 of the interior member 13. The equipment module 30 is fixed to a fixing base 11 exposed on the surface 14 of the interior member 13. The equipment module 30 includes an equipment 32, a bracket 40, wiring 60, and a cover 70.

[0031] The device 32 is, for example, a control device that controls a terminal device for a passenger. The control device may be, for example, an ECU (electronic control unit). The device 32 and the terminal device may be connected via a wiring 60. In this case, one end of the wiring 60 is connected to the device 32, and the other end is connected to the terminal device. However, the device 32 may also be the terminal device for a passenger.

[0032] The device 32 has a device main body and a housing 33 that covers the device main body. A connector section 35 is provided on the device main body. A fixing plate section 34 is provided on the housing 33. The fixing plate section 34 is fixed to a bracket 40 using a fastening member. Here, a hole that passes through the fixing plate section 34 is formed in the fixing plate section 34. This hole is a hole for passing a bolt BT that serves as a fastening member.

[0033] The bracket 40 supports the device 32. The bracket 40 is fixed to the fixing base 11. The spacing and arrangement of the multiple screws may vary depending on the device 32. By interposing the bracket 40 between the fixing base 11 and the device 32, it is possible to accommodate differences in the screw positions of multiple types of devices 32, even with one type of fixing base 11.

[0034] The bracket 40 has a support portion 42 and a fixing portion 50. The support portion 42 supports the device 32. The fixing portion 50 protrudes from the support portion 42 toward the fixing base 11. The fixing portion 50 is fixed to the fixing base 11. The bracket 40 is made of, for example, metal or resin.

[0035] The support portion 42 is formed in a flat plate shape. The equipment 32 is supported on the main surface of the support portion 42 facing the interior. An empty space ES (void space) is provided between the support portion 42 and the interior member 13. The empty space ES is a space for heat dissipation, and here, nothing is placed in the empty space ES. A through hole for heat dissipation may be formed in the portion of the support portion 42 that contacts the equipment 32. A portion of the equipment 32 may be exposed to the empty space ES through the through hole. A heat dissipation member may be provided on the equipment 32 or the bracket 40, and the heat dissipation member may be placed in the empty space ES. The heat dissipation member may be, for example, a heat sink or a heat dissipation fin.

[0036] The support portion 42 is provided with an equipment fixing portion 43, a cover mounting portion 44, a wiring fixing portion 45, and a slack absorbing portion 46. The main surface of the support portion 42 has an area larger than the projected area of ​​the equipment 32. The equipment 32 is supported at the center of the support portion 42, and the equipment fixing portion 43, the cover mounting portion 44, the wiring fixing portion 45, and the slack absorbing portion 46 are provided on the outer periphery of the support portion 42.

[0037] The equipment fixing portion 43 is a portion for fixing the equipment 32. The equipment fixing portion 43 is formed as an equipment fixing hole penetrating the support portion 42. The equipment 32 is fixed with bolts BT and nuts N using the holes in the fixing plate portion 34 and the equipment fixing holes. A plurality of fixing plate portions 34 are provided on the equipment 32, and a plurality of equipment fixing holes are formed in the support portion 42 to correspond to the plurality of fixing plate portions 34.

[0038] The cover mounting portion 44 is a portion where the cover 70 is mounted. The cover mounting portion 44 has a cover mounting hole that penetrates the support portion 42. A cover clip 84 is inserted into the cover mounting hole. The cover clip 84 engages with the periphery of the cover mounting hole in the support portion 42. One cover 70 is mounted by a plurality of cover clips 84, and a plurality of cover mounting holes are formed in the support portion 42 to correspond to the plurality of cover clips 84. For example, the cover mounting holes are formed in the four corners of the rectangular support portion 42.

[0039] The wiring fixing portion 45 is a portion for fixing the wiring 60. A wiring fixing hole penetrating the support portion 42 is formed as the wiring fixing portion 45. A wiring clip 80 provided on the wiring 60 is inserted into the wiring fixing hole. The wiring clip 80 is engaged with the peripheral edge of the wiring fixing hole in the support portion 42. A plurality of wirings 60 are connected to the device 32, and a plurality of wiring fixing holes are formed in the support portion 42 so that the plurality of wirings 60 can be fixed respectively. For example, the wiring fixing holes are provided on both side edges connecting the upper and lower edges of the rectangular support portion 42. The wiring fixing holes are provided at positions corresponding to the connector portion 35 of the device 32.

[0040] The slack absorbing portion 46 absorbs the excess length of the wiring 60. The slack absorbing portion 46 includes a winding body 47 and a flange 49. The winding body 47 is cylindrical. The winding body 47 protrudes from the support portion 42. The cylindrical side surface of the winding body 47 is a winding surface 48 that can wrap and accommodate the excess length of the wiring 60. The flange 49 protrudes laterally from the tip of the winding body 47. The flange 49 prevents the wiring 60 wound around the winding body 47 from slipping out from the tip of the winding body 47. The flange 49 may also have a through hole formed therein, and a pin may be inserted into the through hole. The pin presses against the outer periphery of the wiring 60 wound around the winding body 47, thereby preventing the wiring 60 wound around the winding body 47 from expanding toward the outer periphery. The slack absorbing portion 46 is preferably provided at a position midway along the path of the first section SE1. Here, the slack absorbing portion 46 is provided at a position below the device 32 (a position between the connector portion 35 and the pressing portion 78). The portion of the first section SE1 between the portion fixed to the wiring fixing portion 45 and the second section SE2 is wound around the winding main body 47. The portion of the first section SE1 between the portion fixed to the wiring fixing portion 45 and the connector C may also be wound around the winding main body 47.

[0041] The fixed portion 50 has a protruding piece 51 and a fixing piece 52. The protruding piece 51 protrudes from the outer edge of the support portion 42 in the thickness direction of the support portion 42. The fixing piece 52 protrudes from the tip of the protruding piece 51 in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the protruding piece 51.

[0042] The wiring 60 is connected to the device 32. The wiring 60 has a first section SE1 and a second section SE2 that are continuous with each other. The first section SE1 extends from the device 32 toward the routing surface 17 of the vehicle. The connector C and the connector portion 35 are provided at a position away from the routing surface 17. The first section SE1 is a section from the connector C to the routing surface 17. The second section SE2 extends along the routing surface 17. Here, the routing surface 17 is a surface that intersects with the surface 14 of the interior member 13 and is the upper surface 17 of the floor 16. The routing surface may be the surface 14 of the interior member 13. The second section SE2 may continue to the other end of the wiring 60 on the side opposite the connector C that is connected to the device 32. The wiring 60 may separate from the routing surface 17 midway, and the second section SE2 may continue to the middle of the wiring 60. In this case, the wiring 60 has a third section that is continuous with the second section SE2 and is routed in a region separate from the routing surface 17. For example, the wiring 60 may enter under the floor carpet from the upper surface 17 of the floor carpet through an edge or slit of the floor carpet, and the third section may be routed along the underside of the floor carpet. The wiring 60 has a communication line 61 and a power line 66. The communication line 61 and the power line 66 each have a first section SE1 and a second section SE2.

[0043] The communication line 61 has a plurality of covered electric wires 62 and a sheath 65 that covers the plurality of covered electric wires 62. Each covered electric wire 62 has a conductor core wire 63 and a covering layer 64 that covers the conductor core wire 63. The communication line 61 is a composite wire that has a plurality of conductor core wires 63. A pair of covered electric wires 62 may be twisted to form a twisted pair wire. The sheath 65 may cover one or more pairs of twisted pair wires.

[0044] The power line 66 has a conductor core 67 and a coating layer 68. The power line 66 is a single wire, with the conductor core 67 being a single wire. Here, the power line 66 is thinner than the communication line 61, which is a composite wire. The power line 66 may be the same thickness as or thicker than the coated electric wire 62. The power line 66 may also be incorporated into the sheath 65 to form part of the composite wire.

[0045] A connector C is provided at the end of the wiring 60. The connector C has, for example, a connector housing and terminals. The connector housing accommodates the terminals. The terminals are connected to the ends of the conductor core wires 63 and 67. The connector C is connected to the connector portion 35 of the device 32.

[0046] One or more pairs of connectors C and connector portions 35 are provided for one device 32. In the example shown in Fig. 4, four pairs of connectors C and connector portions 35 are provided. Here, three pairs of connectors C and connector portions 35 are provided on one side of the device 32, and one pair of connectors C and connector portions 35 is provided on the other side.

[0047] A portion of the wiring 60 extending from the device 32 is fixed to the bracket 40. In this example, the portion of the wiring 60 extending from the device 32 is the portion extending from the connector C, which is the first section SE1. The first section SE1 is fixed to the bracket 40. Specifically, a wiring clip 80 provided in the first section SE1 is inserted into and locked in a wiring fixing hole of the wiring fixing portion 45. The wiring clip 80 is, for example, a band clip. The band clip has a binding band portion 81 that is wrapped around and fixed to the wiring 60, and a clip portion 82 that protrudes from the binding band portion 81 and is inserted into and locked in the wiring fixing hole. Instead of the binding band portion 81, the wiring clip may be a tape clip or the like that has a plate portion that is taped to the wiring 60.

[0048] The cover 70 covers the equipment 32 from the interior side. The cover 70 also covers the fixing portion 50 of the bracket 40. In the front view shown in Fig. 1, two of the four fixing pieces 52 that are on the floor 16 side partially protrude downward from the cover 70, but these portions are close to the floor 16 and are therefore difficult for the occupants to see.

[0049] Here, the cover 70 is attached to the bracket 40. With the cover 70 removed, the bracket 40 is fixed to the fixing base 11. With the bracket 40 fixed to the fixing base 11, the cover 70 can be attached and detached to the bracket 40. The cover 70 has a cover body 71, an attachment piece 75, and a pressing portion 78. The cover 70 is made of, for example, resin.

[0050] The cover body 71 is a portion that covers the device 32. The cover body 71 has a main surface portion 72 and a side surface portion 73. The main surface portion 72 faces the surface 14 of the interior member 13 at a position separated from the surface 14. The side surface portion 73 extends from the outer edge of the main surface portion 72 toward the surface 14 of the interior member 13. Here, the side surface portion 73 extends from both side edges and an upper edge of the main surface portion 72. No side surface portion is provided at the lower edge of the main surface portion 72. As shown in FIG. 1 , the main surface portion 72 may be formed larger than the support portion 42 of the bracket 40. A through hole 74 for heat dissipation is formed in the side surface portion 73. Here, the through hole 74 is formed in a portion of the side surface portion 73 of the cover 70 that covers the void portion ES. The through hole 74 is formed in the portion extending from both side edges of the main surface portion 72, but is not formed in the portion extending from the upper edge of the main surface portion 72.

[0051] A cover clip 84 is attached to the mounting piece 75. The mounting piece 75 has a protruding plate portion 76 protruding from the main surface portion 72 and a mounting plate portion 77 provided at the tip of the protruding plate portion 76. The mounting plate portion 77 is formed with a hole 77H and a slit 77S extending from the hole 77H to the outer edge of the mounting plate portion 77. The mounting plate portion 77 is formed in a C-plate shape. The cover clip 84 has a mounting portion 85 attached to the cover 70 and a clip portion 88 protruding from the mounting portion 85 and inserted into and locked in the cover mounting hole. The mounting portion 85 has a shaft portion 86 and flange portions 87 on both ends of the shaft portion 86. The shaft portion 86 is inserted into the hole 77H through the slit 77S in the mounting plate portion 77. The flange portions 87 on both ends of the shaft portion 86 face each other on both sides of the mounting plate portion 77.

[0052] One or more sets of mounting pieces 75 and cover clips 84 may be provided. Here, four sets of mounting pieces 75 and cover clips 84 are provided. The slits 77S of the four mounting pieces 75 extend in the same direction (downward in this case) from the holes 77H. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the cover clips 84 and the cover 70 are detachable when the cover clips 84 are fixed to the bracket 40. Specifically, when the clip portions 88 are inserted and locked into the cover mounting holes, the mounting pieces 75 can be attached to the mounting portions 85 and removed from the mounting portions 85. The cover clips 84 and the bracket 40 may also be detachable when the cover clips 84 are fixed to the cover 70. When the mounting portions 85 are attached to the mounting pieces 75, the clip portions 88 may be inserted and locked into the cover mounting holes and removed from the cover mounting holes.

[0053] The pressing portion 78 protrudes from the edge of the cover body 71 facing the wiring surface 17. Here, the pressing portion 78 protrudes from the lower edge of the main surface portion 72. The width of the pressing portion 78 (the dimension in the left-right direction in FIG. 1 ) may be shorter than the width of the lower edge of the main surface portion 72. The pressing portion 78 presses the connecting portion of the wiring 60 between the first section SE1 and the second section SE2 toward the upper surface 17 of the floor 16, which is the wiring surface 17. The width of the pressing portion 78 is preferably equal to or greater than the sum of the diameters of all the wiring 60. This allows all of the wiring 60 to be arranged between the pressing portion 78 and the wiring surface 17. Here, the communication line 61 and the power line 66 pass between the pressing portion 78 and the wiring surface 17. The diameter of the communication line 61 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the power line 66, and the pressing portion 78 presses the communication line 61. The fixing strength of the first section SE1 by the wiring fixing portion 45 is greater than the fixing strength of the connecting portion by the pressing portion 78.

[0054] The holding portion 78 has a holding surface 79 having a curvature radius equal to or greater than the minimum bending radius of the communication line 61. The connecting portion between the first section SE1 and the second section SE2 extends along the holding surface 79. This prevents the bending radius of the communication line 61 from becoming too small, thereby preventing a deterioration in communication performance.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2 , one end of the pressing surface 79 (the lower end in FIG. 2 ) protrudes outward and downward from the lower edge of the cover body 71 along the extension direction of the wiring 60, and the other end of the pressing surface 79 (the upper end in FIG. 2 ) protrudes inward from the lower edge at the same height as the lower edge of the cover body 71. One end of the pressing surface 79 and the side surface portion 73 protrude in opposite directions from the main surface portion 72. The other end of the pressing surface 79 and the side surface portion 73 protrude in the same direction from the main surface portion 72. One end or the other end of the pressing surface 79 may be located at the lower edge along the inward / outward direction relative to the cover body 71. When the pressing surface 79 is continuous with the edge of the cover body 71, the section of the communication line 61 extending along the pressing surface 79 can be made longer than when one end or the other end of the pressing surface 79 is located at the lower edge along the inward / outward direction relative to the cover body 71, and the bending radius of the communication line 61 can be prevented from becoming too small. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the curved surface from one end to the other end of the pressing surface 79 is set to one-fourth of the circumference, so that even when the communication line 61 is bent 90 degrees, the 90-degree bent portion can extend along the pressing surface 79 over its entire length.

[0056] 3, the power line 66 is thinner than the communication line 61 and is not clamped between the holding portion 78 and the upper surface 17 of the floor 16. For example, the power line 66 may be arranged between the multiple communication lines 61 that are clamped between the holding portion 78 and the upper surface 17 of the floor 16. This makes it easier for the power line 66 to be kept arranged between the holding portion 78 and the upper surface 17 of the floor 16.

[0057] <Attaching the equipment module 30 to the fixing base 11> When fixing the equipment module 30 to the fixing base 11, the bracket 40 of the equipment module 30 is fixed to the fixing base 11. As shown in Fig. 6 , the bracket 40 is fixed to the fixing base 11 by screwing the fixing piece 52 of the bracket 40 into the fixing base 11. The equipment 32, wiring 60, and cover 70 of the equipment module 30 are fixed to the fixing base 11 via the bracket 40.

[0058] The device 32 may or may not be fixed to the bracket 40 in advance. The wiring 60 may or may not be fixed to the bracket 40 in advance. The wiring 60 may or may not be connected to the device 32 in advance. In other words, the fixing of the fixing base 11 to the bracket 40, the fixing of the bracket 40 to the device 32, the fixing of the bracket 40 to the wiring 60, and the connection of the device 32 to the wiring 60 may be performed in any order. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6 , the fixing base 11 and the bracket 40 are fixed to each other with the device 32 fixed in advance.

[0059] Here, the fixing portion 50 is provided inside the cover 70 (at a position covered by the cover 70), so after the fixing base 11 and the bracket 40, the fixing of the bracket 40 and the device 32, the fixing of the bracket 40 and the wiring 60, and the connection of the device 32 and the wiring 60 are completed, the cover 70 is finally attached to the bracket 40. If the fixing portion 50 is provided outside the cover 70 (at a position not covered by the cover 70), the fixing of the fixing base 11 and the bracket 40 may be completed last.

[0060] When the equipment module 30 is attached to the fixing base 11, the wiring 60 and the cover 70 are attached so that the wiring 60 passes between the pressing portion 78 and the wiring surface 17. As a result, the pressing portion 78 presses the connecting portion of the communication line 61 between the first section SE1 and the second section SE2 toward the wiring surface 17, thereby forming the equipment module mounting structure 20.

[0061] <Effects, etc.> With the equipment module mounting structure 20 configured as described above, the fixing base 11 serves as a fixing position for the equipment 32 when the equipment 32 is mounted on the surface 14 of the vehicle interior member 13. By using the fixing base 11, the equipment module 30 arranged on the surface 14 of the interior member 13 can be firmly fixed in a predetermined position. This allows the equipment 32 to be appropriately fixed to the surface 14 of the interior member 13. Furthermore, the presence of multiple fixing bases 11 makes it easy to fix the equipment module 30 in a predetermined orientation.

[0062] The equipment module 30 also includes a bracket 40. This allows the equipment 32 to be fixed via the bracket 40, making it easy to accommodate a variety of types of equipment 32.

[0063] The instrument module 30 also includes a cover 70, which protects the instrument 32 from passengers and the like.

[0064] Furthermore, the cover 70 covers the bracket 40, thereby hiding the fixing portion of the equipment module 30. Furthermore, since the cover 70 is attached to the bracket 40, it is not necessary to provide a cover fixing portion on the interior member 13. Furthermore, since the cover 70 is detachable from the bracket 40 while the bracket 40 is fixed to the fixing base 11, the cover 70 can be removed when fixing the bracket 40 to the fixing base 11, facilitating the fixing work. Furthermore, when transporting the equipment module 30, the cover 70 can be transported in a state where it is attached to the bracket 40, making it easy to handle the bracket 40, equipment 32, and cover 70 as a single unit.

[0065] Furthermore, if the cover 70 is detachable when the equipment module mounting structure 20 is in place, it becomes easy to remove or add the wiring 60. For example, when the equipment module mounting structure 20 is in place, if the wiring 60 becomes unnecessary or needs to be replaced, the cover 70 can be removed and the connector C of the wiring 60 can be easily removed from the connector portion 35 of the equipment 32. Also, for example, when the equipment module mounting structure 20 is in place, if there is a vacant connector portion 35 of the equipment 32, the cover 70 can be removed and the connector C of the additional wiring 60 can be easily connected to the vacant connector portion 35.

[0066] In addition, a void ES is provided between the support portion 42 and the interior member 13. This prevents heat from building up between the bracket 40 and the interior member 13. Furthermore, through holes 74 for heat dissipation are formed in the side of the cover 70 in the portion that covers the void ES. This prevents heat from building up inside the cover 70. As a result, when the cover 70 that protects the device 32 is attached after the retrofit device 32 is installed, heat damage caused by the operating heat of the device 32 remaining inside the cover 70 is prevented, and the device 32 is more likely to operate normally.

[0067] Here, the shape of the surface 14 of the interior member 13 may not be a simple flat shape but may be a complex convex shape. Even in this case, the supporting portion 42 is positioned at a position offset from the surface 14 of the interior member 13 toward the interior of the vehicle by the fixing portion 50, so that the supporting portion 42 can be made into a simple flat plate shape without having to be made into a shape that corresponds to the shape of the surface 14 of the interior member 13.

[0068] Furthermore, the cover 70 presses the connecting portion between the first section SE1 and the second section SE2 toward the wiring surface 17. This makes it easier to position the portion of the wiring 60 that extends from the cover 70.

[0069] Furthermore, the portion of the wiring 60 that extends from the device 32 is fixed to the bracket 40. This makes it difficult for stress to be applied to the connection between the wiring 60 and the device 32 when the wiring 60 is pulled.

[0070] The bracket 40 also has a winding surface 48. This allows the bracket 40 to accommodate any excess length of the wiring 60. More specifically, there may be cases where the excess length of the wiring 60 routed from a terminal device needs to be absorbed around the device 32 that controls the terminal device. In such cases, the excess length can be absorbed by winding the wiring 60 around the winding surface 48, reducing dependency on the skill of the worker or the work environment. This prevents the after-installation device 32 or the terminal device from malfunctioning due to inability to properly absorb the excess length.

[0071] [Note] The equipment module 30, which is a combination of the bracket 40, the equipment 32, and the cover 70, can be regarded as an equipment module 30 attached to a fixing base 11 that protrudes into the interior of the vehicle from a portion of the vehicle body 10 that is covered by the interior member 13. That is, the equipment module 30 attached to the vehicle interior structure includes the bracket 40 fixed to the fixing base 11, the equipment 32 supported by the bracket 40, and the cover 70 attached to the bracket 40 and covering the equipment 32. With the equipment module 30 configured in this manner, the equipment module 30 attached to the fixing base 11 can be handled as a single unit.

[0072] However, in the instrument module mounting structure 20, it is not essential that the instrument module 30 include all of the bracket 40, wiring 60, and cover 70. Some or all of the bracket 40, wiring 60, and cover 70 may be omitted. For example, the instrument module 30 may not include the bracket 40, and the instrument 32 may be directly fixed to the fixing base 11. Alternatively, for example, the instrument module 30 may not include the cover 70, and the instrument 32 may be exposed to the interior. This configuration is suitable for when an occupant operates or views the instrument 32. Alternatively, for example, the instrument module 30 may not include the wiring 60, and the instrument 32 may communicate or receive power wirelessly.

[0073] Furthermore, although the above description has been given assuming that the cover 70 is detachable from the bracket 40 while the bracket 40 is fixed to the fixing base 11, this is not a necessary configuration. The cover 70 may not be detachable from the bracket 40 while the bracket 40 is fixed to the fixing base 11.

[0074] Furthermore, although it has been described up to this point that the void portion ES is provided between the support portion 42 and the interior member 13, this is not an essential configuration. The void portion ES may not be provided between the support portion 42 and the interior member 13, and the support portion 42 may be in contact with the surface 14 of the interior member 13.

[0075] Furthermore, although it has been described above that the heat dissipation through-holes 74 are formed in the portions of the side surface portions 73 of the cover 70 that cover the void portions ES, this is not an essential configuration. The heat dissipation through-holes 74 do not necessarily have to be formed in the portions of the side surface portions 73 of the cover 70 that cover the void portions ES.

[0076] Although the cover 70 has been described as pressing the connecting portion between the first section SE1 and the second section SE2 of the wiring 60 toward the wiring surface 17, this is not a required configuration. The cover 70 does not necessarily have to be provided with the pressing portion 78.

[0077] Although the description has been given so far assuming that the portion of the wiring 60 extending from the device 32 is fixed to the bracket 40, this is not a required configuration. For example, the fixing portion of the wiring 60 next to the connector C at the end may be provided in the second section SE2 instead of the first section SE1.

[0078] Although the bracket 40 has been described above as having the winding surface 48 around which the excess length of the wiring 60 can be wound and accommodated, this is not an essential configuration. The bracket 40 does not necessarily have to be provided with the excess length absorbing portion 46.

[0079] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0080] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Vehicle body 11 Fixing base 12 Screw hole 13 Interior member 14 Surface (mounting surface) 16 Floor 17 Upper surface (wiring surface) 20 Mounting structure 30 Equipment module 32 Equipment 33 Housing 34 Fixing plate portion 35 Connector portion 40 Bracket 42 Support portion 43 Equipment fixing portion 44 Cover fixing portion 45 Wiring fixing portion 46 Excess length absorbing portion 47 Winding body 48 Winding surface 49 Flange 50 Fixing portion 51 Protruding piece 52 Fixing piece 60 Wiring 61 Communication line 62 Covered electric wire 63, 67 Conductor core wire 64, 68 Covering layer 65 Sheath 66 Power line 70 Cover 71 Cover body 72 Main surface portion 73 Side surface portion 74 Through hole 75 Mounting piece 76 Protruding plate portion 77 Mounting plate portion 77H Hole 77S Slit 78 Pressing portion 79 Pressing surface 80 Wiring clip 81 Binding band portion 82, 88 Clip portion 84 Cover clip 85 Mounting portion 86 Shaft portion 87 Flange portion BT Bolt N Nut C Connector ES Void portion SE1 First section SE2 Second section

Claims

1. An equipment module mounting structure comprising: an interior member that covers a vehicle body from the interior side; a fixing base that protrudes into the interior side from a portion of the vehicle body covered by the interior member; and an equipment module that includes equipment and is arranged on the surface of the interior member, wherein the equipment module is fixed to the fixing base that is exposed on the surface of the interior member.

2. The mounting structure for an equipment module according to claim 1, wherein the equipment module includes a bracket for supporting the equipment, and the bracket is fixed to the fixing base.

3. The mounting structure for an equipment module according to claim 2, wherein the equipment module includes a cover that covers the equipment from the indoor side.

4. The mounting structure for an equipment module according to claim 3, wherein the cover covers the bracket and is attached to the bracket, and the cover can be attached and detached to the bracket when the bracket is fixed to the fixing base.

5. An equipment module mounting structure as set forth in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the bracket has a support portion that supports the equipment, and a fixed portion that protrudes from the support portion toward the fixing base and is fixed to the fixing base, and a void portion is provided between the support portion and the interior member.

6. The mounting structure for an equipment module according to claim 5, wherein a through hole for heat dissipation is formed in the part of the side surface of the cover that covers the cavity.

7. An equipment module mounting structure as set forth in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the equipment module includes wiring connected to the equipment, the wiring having a first section extending from the equipment toward the vehicle's wiring surface and a second section continuing from the first section and extending along the wiring surface, and the cover presses the connecting portion between the first section and the second section toward the wiring surface.

8. An equipment module mounting structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the equipment module includes wiring connected to the equipment, and a portion of the wiring extending from the equipment is fixed to the bracket.

9. An equipment module mounting structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the equipment module includes wiring connected to the equipment, and the bracket has a winding surface on which excess length of the wiring can be wound and accommodated.

10. An equipment module attached to a fixing base that protrudes into the interior of the vehicle from a portion of the vehicle body that is covered by an interior member, the equipment module comprising: a bracket fixed to the fixing base; equipment supported by the bracket; and a cover attached to the bracket and covering the equipment.

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