JP2021133803A - Mounting structure for switch operation member - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve a problem in which conventionally, there has been a need for a mounting structure that can effectively utilize a space around a switch operation member and can effectively receive an operation load of the switch operation member.SOLUTION: A mounting structure 10 has a switch operation member 11 which receives an operation load in a push direction, and a ceiling suspension panel 20 as a mounting member for mounting the switch operation member 11 to a vehicle body. The ceiling suspension panel 20 has a smooth outer surface 21 extending along the push direction, and a mounting seat 22 overhanging from the smooth outer surface 21 and accommodating the switch operation member 11. A clip fitting part is provided in a front side region of the ceiling suspension panel 20 in the push direction. The clip fitting part projects in a direction opposite to an overhanging direction of the mounting seat 22 and is engaged with an instrument panel 4 fixed to the vehicle body. In a back side region of the ceiling suspension panel 20 in the push direction, an insertion claw 23 that is engaged with the vehicle body via a space securing member 40 is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to a mounting structure for mounting a switch operating member on a vehicle body. The switch operating member is, for example, a start button for operating a start switch circuit for switching between starting and stopping the engine.

Various switch circuits are installed in the vehicle. A switch operating member for operating these switch circuits is attached to the vehicle body. The switch operating member is, for example, a start button that operates a start switch circuit that switches between starting and stopping the engine. Conventionally, as a switch operating member, for example, a push button type, a toggle type, or a key cylinder type that is operated by inserting a key is used. The switch operating member is operated by being pushed. Alternatively, it is operated by being rotated while receiving an operating load in the pushing direction. The switch operating member is held on the vehicle body so that it can receive an operating load.

The switch operating member disclosed in Patent Document 1 is arranged in the vicinity of the steering wheel. Specifically, a switch operating member is attached to the panel, and the outer circumference of the panel is supported on the vehicle body as a panel constituting the dashboard. As a result, the operating load of the switch operating member is received by the panel.

In recent years, there has been an increasing need to change the arrangement of switch operating members to a position that is convenient for drivers and the like. For example, the switch operating member disclosed in Patent Document 2 is arranged in a console box between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The switch operating member is attached to a panel constituting the upper surface of the console box, and the outer periphery of the panel is supported by the vehicle body.

Patent Document 3 discloses a switch member for operating a module that switches an airbag system between an operable state and an inoperable state. Modules are suspended at the bottom of the panels that make up the central area of the dashboard. The switch member has a key cylinder, and an ignition key of an automobile, for example, is inserted into the key cylinder and rotated.

The central area of the dashboard may be provided with a storage area provided with a tray for storing small items and the like. However, if the switch operating member is attached using the conventional structure, the storage area will be blocked. Specifically, a panel for closing the opening of the storage area is provided, and a switch operating member is attached to the panel.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-12179 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-254775 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-227558

Therefore, a mounting structure that can effectively utilize the space around the switch operating member and can effectively receive the operating load of the switch operating member has been conventionally required.

One feature of the present disclosure relates to a mounting structure for mounting a switch operating member on a vehicle body. The mounting structure includes a switch operating member that receives an operating load in the pushing direction, and a mounting member that mounts the switch operating member on the vehicle body. The mounting member has a smooth outer surface that expands along the pushing direction, and a mounting seat that projects from the smooth outer surface and accommodates the switch operating member. In the front region in the pushing direction of the mounting member, a front locking portion that projects in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the mounting seat and engages with the vehicle body is provided. A back locking portion that engages with the vehicle body is provided in the back region of the mounting member in the pushing direction.

Therefore, the switch operating member is housed in a mounting seat that projects from the smooth outer surface. Therefore, the operating load in the pushing direction is distributed and received at two places. Thus, the operating load of the switch operating member can be effectively received.

According to another feature of the present disclosure, the mounting structure for a switch operating member has a space securing member for partitioning a space for storing an article. The mounting seat projects from the smooth outer surface of the mounting member toward the space of the space securing member. Therefore, the switch operating member is held in the mounting seat without covering the space for storing the article.

According to another feature of the present disclosure, the switch operating member is located in the central region of the dashboard located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle. Therefore, the driver sitting in the driver's seat can easily see and operate the switch operating member. Therefore, in the unlikely event that it is difficult for the driver to operate the switch operating member, a passenger sitting in the passenger seat can operate the switch operating member.

According to another feature of the disclosure, an air conditioning control panel for operating the vehicle air conditioner is provided in the central region of the dashboard. The switch operating member is arranged below the air conditioning operating panel. Therefore, the switch operating member is supported by the air conditioning operating panel via the mounting member. As a result, the switch operation member is supported by the vehicle body using the air conditioning operation panel. Moreover, a space for storing small items and the like partitioned below the switch operating member can be secured.

According to other features of the present disclosure, the smooth outer surface of the mounting member extends along the horizontal direction. The mounting seat projects downward from the smooth outer surface. Therefore, the front locking portion projects upward in the direction opposite to the direction in which the mounting seat protrudes and engages with the vehicle body. As a result, the front locking portion can receive the operating load in the vertical direction. The rear locking portion can receive the operating load in the horizontal direction in which the smooth outer surface expands. Furthermore, a space for storing small items can be secured below the mounting seat.

According to another feature of the present disclosure, the space securing member has a back wall surface that stands on the back side in the pushing direction from the mounting seat, and a tray that extends in the horizontal direction below the mounting seat. The mounting seat of the mounting member has a tubular main body and a back cover that closes the tubular main body on the back side in the pushing direction. A space is formed between the back cover and the back wall surface of the space securing member. Therefore, a space that expands in the vertical direction can be secured between the tubular body and the tray. Furthermore, a space that extends horizontally can be secured between the back cover and the back wall surface. Moreover, the mounting seat is formed in a tubular shape having a tubular main body and a back cover. As a result, the strength of the mounting seat can be increased.

According to another feature of the present disclosure, the tubular body of the mounting seat has an inclination angle with respect to the smooth outer surface so as to be closer to the smooth outer surface toward the back side. Therefore, a large space can be provided between the smooth outer surface and the back wall surface. Further, the mold for forming the mounting seat can be easily removed from the mounting seat along the inclined tubular body.

According to another feature of the present disclosure, the mounting member has a mounting member body including a mounting seat and a bezel that is separate from the mounting member body and is mounted on the mounting seat and holds a switch operating member. Therefore, the mounting seat and the bezel cooperate to cover and hold the switch operating member. As a result, the mounting member can receive the operating load applied to the switch operating member. Moreover, even if the direction of the operating load is changed, it can be received.

According to another feature of the present disclosure, the back locking portion is engaged with the vehicle body in the pushing direction along the direction in which the smooth outer surface extends. The front locking portion is engaged with the vehicle body in a direction substantially orthogonal to the locking direction of the back locking portion. Therefore, the rear locking portion transmits the operating load to the vehicle body in the pushing direction. The front locking portion transmits the operating load to the vehicle body in a direction substantially orthogonal to the pushing direction. As a result, the operating load received by the switch operating member in various directions can be dispersed and effectively transmitted to the vehicle body.

It is an overall schematic perspective view of the mounting structure of a switch operating member. It is an exploded perspective view of the mounting structure of a switch operating member. It is a perspective view which assembled the ceiling suspension panel and the bezel. It is a perspective view of the ceiling suspension panel seen from the rear. It is a perspective view which looked at the ceiling panel and the bezel from the front. It is a top view of the ceiling suspension panel. It is a side view of the ceiling-mounted panel and the bezel that are assembled to each other. It is a rear view of the ceiling suspension panel. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the IX-IX line cross section in FIG. 6, and is a reference view schematically showing a central region of a dashboard on which a switch operating member is mounted in a conventional mounting structure.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1-14. The same reference number in the description means the same element having the same function without duplicate explanation. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 has a driver's seat 6 and a passenger seat 7 arranged side by side in the vehicle body 2. In front of the driver's seat 6 and the passenger seat 7, a dashboard 3 extending to the left and right is arranged. The dashboard 3 is formed by attaching a plate-shaped instrument panel 4 to the vehicle body 2. An air conditioning operation panel 5 for operating the air conditioning device of the vehicle 1 is attached to the central region of the dashboard 3. The air conditioning operation panel 5 is arranged between the driver's seat 6 and the passenger seat 7 in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, a box-shaped space S having an opening at the rear is provided below the air conditioning operation panel 5. The space S is formed by the space securing member 40 and the ceiling suspension panel 20. The space securing member 40 has a substantially box shape with openings at the upper and rear sides. The ceiling suspension panel 20 has a plate shape that extends substantially horizontally. The space securing member 40 forms a lower surface region, a front surface region, and a left and right region of the space S. The ceiling suspension panel 20 forms an upper surface region of the space S. The instrument panel 4 cooperates with the space securing member 40 to form the left and right regions of the space S. A box-shaped console box 8 is arranged behind the space S. The console box 8 extends back and forth between the driver's seat 6 and the passenger seat 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, the switch operating member 11 is arranged in the upper surface region of the space S. The switch operating member 11 is arranged in front of the front region of the space S and on the right side closer to the driver's seat 6 than the center of the space S. The switch operation member 11 is a so-called start button that operates a start switch circuit for switching between starting and stopping the engine included in the vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the switch operation member 11 has a columnar operation member main body 11a and a push button 11c provided behind the operation member main body 11a. By pressing the push button 11c, the start switch circuit is operated to switch between starting and stopping the engine. The switch operating member 11 has a fitting claw 11b protruding outward in the radial direction from the operating member main body 11a. The fitting claw 11b is elastically supported by the operating member main body 11a. The fitting claw 11b is elastically deformed and displaced inward in the radial direction by receiving a force from the outer side in the radial direction of the operating member main body 11a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 has a mounting structure 10 for mounting the switch operating member 11 on the front portion of the upper surface region of the space S. As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting structure 10 is composed of a ceiling suspension panel 20, a bezel 30, a space securing member 40, an air conditioning operation panel 5, and an instrument panel 4.

As shown in FIGS. Has 22. The smooth outer surface 21 is a rectangle that is long in the left-right direction. The smooth outer surface 21 extends horizontally in the left-right direction. The smooth outer surface 21 extends slightly upward from the front to the rear. At the front end of the smooth outer surface 21, an insertion claw (back side locking portion) 23 protruding forward is provided. The insertion claws 23 are provided at a total of three locations, the left and right ends of the smooth outer surface and the center. The insertion claw 23 is formed so that the length in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the up-down direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, upward projecting portions 24 are provided at both left and right ends of the rear portion of the smooth outer surface 21. A clip fitting portion 25 projecting forward is provided on the front surface of the upward projecting portion 24. The clip fitting portion 25 is provided at a position substantially half the height of the upward protruding portion 24. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and 10, the clip fitting portion 25 has a plate-shaped clip holding portion 25a having a plate thickness direction in the vertical direction and a clip 25b mounted on the clip holding portion 25a. The clip 25b undergoes elastic deformation in which the thickness in the vertical direction is reduced by receiving a force from above and below. The clip 25b returns to its original shape by being released from the force in the vertical direction. A clip fitting hole 26 that penetrates the upward projecting portion 24 in the front-rear direction is provided on the upper portion of the upward projecting portion 24. The opening shape of the clip fitting hole 26 is a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction. In the YY line cross section in FIG. 6, the same cross-sectional configuration as in FIG. 10 can be seen.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, a claw insertion portion 27 projecting upward is provided at the rear portion of the smooth outer surface 21. The claw insertion portion 27 is arranged to the left of the center of the smooth outer surface 21 in the left-right direction and to the right of the upward protrusion 24 on the left side. The claw insertion portion 27 has an insertion hole 27a penetrating in the front-rear direction. The opening shape of the insertion hole 27a is a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 13, the lower surface of the insertion hole 27a has substantially the same height as the rear end of the smooth outer surface 21.

As shown in FIGS. It has a lid 22b. The back cover 22b extends downward behind the front end of the smooth outer surface 21. The back cover 22b inclines downward from the front to the rear. The lower surface of the tubular main body 22a is slightly inclined downward from the front to the rear and extends.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 9, concentric cylindrical walls are doubly formed at the rear portion of the tubular main body 22a. A bezel mounting groove 22c is provided between the double walls. The bezel mounting groove 22c has a substantially U-shaped opening surface along the wall surface of the tubular main body 22a. The bezel mounting groove 22c extends forward from the rear end of the tubular body 22a. Inside the bezel mounting groove 22c, a fitting claw 22d protruding in the radial direction of the tubular main body 22a is provided. The fitting claws 22d are provided at a total of three locations, the left and right side portions and the lower portion of the bezel mounting groove 22c.

As shown in FIGS. It has a extending top 33. The tubular portion 31 is provided with a circular operating member accommodating hole 31a that penetrates the tubular portion 31 in the front-rear direction. The operating member main body 11a can be accommodated in the operating member accommodating hole 31a. A claw fitting wall 31b having a front end surface that stands up in the vertical direction is provided at the front portion of the operating member accommodating hole 31a. The claw fitting portions 32 are provided at a total of three locations, the left and right side portions and the lower portion of the tubular portion 31. The claw fitting portion 32 has a substantially rectangular plate shape with the radial direction of the tubular portion 31 as the plate thickness direction. The claw fitting portion 32 has a substantially rectangular fitting hole 32a that penetrates the claw fitting portion 32 in the plate thickness direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, the top portion 33 has a claw insertion portion 34 and a claw fitting portion 35 projecting upward. The claw insertion portion 34 has an insertion hole 34a that penetrates the claw insertion portion 34 in the front-rear direction. The opening shape of the insertion hole 27a is a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction. The claw fitting portion 35 has a fitting hole 35a that penetrates the claw fitting portion 35 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the top portion 33 is arranged at a height that forms a smooth surface in cooperation with the smooth outer surface 21 when the ceiling suspension panel 20 and the bezel 30 are assembled. The claw insertion portion 34 is arranged at a position at substantially the same height as the claw insertion portion 27 when the ceiling suspension panel 20 and the bezel 30 are assembled.

As shown in FIG. 2, the space securing member 40 includes a tray 40a extending substantially horizontally, a back wall surface 40b standing upward from the front end of the tray 40a, and a back wall surface standing upward from the left and right side ends of the tray 40a. It has a side wall surface 40c that connects with 40b. The tray 40a forms a lower surface region of the space S (see FIG. 1). In the back wall surface 40b, the upper portion of the space securing member 40 has a length in the left-right direction substantially the same as the smooth outer surface 21 of the ceiling suspension panel 20. Form the front area of the space S. The side wall surface 40c forms the left and right regions of the space S.

As shown in FIG. 2, an insertion hole 40f that penetrates the back wall surface 40b in the front-rear direction is provided above the back wall surface 40b. The insertion holes 40f are provided at substantially the same height at the left and right ends of the back wall surface 40b and at a total of three locations in the center. The opening shape of the insertion hole 40f is a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction. Clip fitting portions 40d and 40e extending forward are provided on the front surface of the side wall surface 40c. The clip fitting portion 40d is provided on the upper portion of the side wall surface 40c. The clip fitting portion 40e is provided below the side wall surface 40c. A clip similar to the clip 25b shown in FIG. 5 is attached to the clip fitting portions 40d and 40e.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioning operation panel 5 extends in the left-right direction and inclines downward from the front to the rear. An operation unit for operating the air conditioner of the vehicle is provided on the rear surface of the air conditioner operation panel 5. The bottom portion 5d of the air conditioning operation panel 5 extends in the left-right direction so as to follow the rear end of the smooth outer surface 21 of the ceiling suspension panel 20. Clip fitting portions 5a and 5b projecting forward are provided on the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 5. The clip fitting portion 5a is provided substantially in the center of the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 5. The clip fitting portions 5b are provided at substantially the same height as the clip fitting portions 5a at two locations, the left and right ends on the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 5.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the clip fitting portions 5a and 5b have a plate-shaped clip holding portion 5e whose vertical direction is the plate thickness direction and a clip 5f mounted on the clip holding portion 5e. The clip 5f has the same configuration as the clip 25b shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, an insertion claw 5c projecting forward is provided in the lower part of the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 5. The insertion claws 5c are provided at a total of two locations on the left and right sides of the air conditioning operation panel 5. The two insertion claws 5c are provided at positions substantially intermediate between the clip fitting portion 5a and the clip fitting portion 5b in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the instrument panel 4 has clip fitting holes 4a to 4d in a region corresponding to the central region of the dashboard 3. The clip fitting holes 4a to 4d penetrate the instrument panel 4 in the front-rear direction. The opening shapes of the clip fitting holes 4a, 4b, and 4d are substantially rectangular, which are long in the horizontal direction. The opening shape of the clip fitting hole 4c is a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction. The clip fitting holes 4a are provided at a total of two positions for fitting with the clip fitting portion 25 of the ceiling suspension panel 20. The clip fitting hole 4b is provided at one position where the clip fitting hole 4b is fitted with the clip fitting portion 5a of the air conditioning operation panel 5. The clip fitting holes 4c and 4d are provided at positions where they are fitted with the clip fitting portions 40d and 40e of the space securing member 40, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the instrument panel 4 has a tray support wall 4f that stands up and extends forward and backward. The tray support walls 4f are provided at a total of two locations, one on the right side of the left clip fitting holes 4c and 4d and the other on the left side of the right clip fitting holes 4c and 4d. As shown in FIG. 11, the rear surface of the instrument panel 4 is provided with a fitting claw 4e that elastically displaces in the vertical direction. The fitting claw 4e is arranged at a position where it fits with the claw fitting portion 35 of the bezel 30.

Next, the assembly structure of each component in the mounting structure 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the space securing member 40 is arranged between the two space forming wall surfaces and attached to the instrument panel 4. The clip fitting portion 40d is inserted into the clip fitting hole 4c. The clip fitting portion 40e is inserted into the clip fitting hole 4d. When the clips attached to the clip fitting portions 40d and 40e are inserted into the clip fitting holes 4c and 4d, they are elastically deformed into a shape that follows the opening shape of the clip fitting holes 4c and 4d. As a result, the clip can enter the clip fitting holes 4c and 4d. The clip returns to its original shape when it exits the clip fitting holes 4c and 4d. As a result, the clip fitting portions 40d and 40e provided with the clips are prevented from coming off with respect to the clip fitting holes 4c and 4d. Further, the space securing member 40 is supported by the left and right tray support walls 4f and is positioned at a predetermined position.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 10 and 12, the ceiling suspension panel 20 is attached to the instrument panel 4 and the space securing member 40. The clip fitting portion 25 is inserted into the clip fitting hole 4a of the instrument panel 4. When the clip 25b attached to the clip fitting portion 25 is inserted into the clip fitting hole 4a, the clip 25b is elastically deformed into a shape that follows the opening shape of the clip fitting hole 4a. The clip 25b returns to its original shape when it exits the clip fitting hole 4a. As a result, the clip fitting portion 25 fits into the clip fitting hole 4a. The insertion claw 23 is inserted into the insertion hole 40f of the space securing member 40.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 14, the bezel 30 is attached to the mounting seat 22 of the ceiling suspension panel 20. The front portion of the tubular portion 31 is inserted into the bezel mounting groove 22c. The fitting holes 32a of the three claw fitting portions 32 are fitted with the fitting claws 22d in the bezel mounting groove 22c, respectively. As a result, the bezel 30 is held by the ceiling suspension panel 20. As shown in FIG. 11, the fitting hole 35a of the claw fitting portion 35 is fitted with the fitting claw 4e of the instrument panel 4. As a result, the bezel 30 is attached to the instrument panel 4.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the switch operating member 11 is attached to the bezel 30. The operating member main body 11a is inserted into the operating member accommodating hole 31a from behind. The fitting claw 11b is pushed by the inner wall surface of the operating member accommodating hole 31a and elastically displaces inward in the radial direction of the operating member main body 11a. As a result, the operating member main body 11a can enter forward. The fitting claw 11b is released from the pressing force when it enters the front of the claw fitting wall 31b. As a result, the operating member main body 11a projects outward in the radial direction and fits with the claw fitting wall 31b. The gap between the operating member main body 11a and the operating member accommodating hole 31a is very small. Therefore, the switch operating member 11 is firmly held at the mounting position by the bezel 30. The mounting position of the switch operating member 11 is in a space formed by the mounting seat 22 and the bezel 30 in cooperation with each other.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, the clip fitting portion 5a at the center of the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 5 fits with the clip fitting hole 4b. As a result, the air conditioning operation panel 5 is held by the instrument panel 4. As shown in FIGS. 2, 10 and 13, the clip fitting portions 5b on both the left and right sides of the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 5 are fitted with the clip fitting holes 26. The left insertion claw 5c on the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 5 is inserted into the insertion hole 27a. As a result, the air conditioning operation panel 5 and the ceiling suspension panel 20 are assembled to each other. The bottom portion 5d and the rear end of the smooth outer surface 21 cooperate to form the upper front end of the space S (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the right insertion claw 5c on the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 5 is inserted into the insertion hole 34a. As a result, the air conditioning operation panel 5 and the bezel 30 are assembled to each other.

The instrument panel 4, the space securing member 40, the ceiling suspension panel 20, the bezel 30, and the air conditioning operation panel 5 are assembled to each other as described above. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a lower space S1 and a back space S2 are formed between the space securing member 40 and the ceiling suspension panel 20. The lower space S1 has a region from the front end to the rear end of the tray 40a in the front-rear direction. The lower space S1 has a region from the lower surface of the tubular main body 22a to the tray 40a in the vertical direction. The back space S2 has a region from the back wall surface 40b to the back cover 22b in the front-rear direction. The back space S2 has a region from the lower surface of the smooth outer surface 21 to the tray 40a in the vertical direction. The lower space S1 opens at the rear. The back space S2 communicates with the lower space S1.

When the push button 11c is pressed and operated as shown in FIG. 9, each component of the mounting structure 10 receives the operating load. For example, the push button 11c is pushed forward along the direction in which the smooth outer surface 21 extends. The switch operating member 11 receives an operating load A1 that faces forward along the direction in which the smooth outer surface 21 extends. At this time, the insertion claw 23 and the insertion hole 40f of the space securing member 40 receive the operation load A2 via the bezel 30 and the ceiling suspension panel 20. The ceiling suspension panel 20 and the space securing member 40 are respectively assembled to the instrument panel 4 in the mounting structure 10. Thus, the instrument panel 4 can receive the operating load A1 received by the switch operating member 11.

As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the push button 11c is pushed in a direction from upward to downward and forward. The switch operating member 11 receives an operating load B1 that is inclined downward from the rear to the front. At this time, the insertion claw 23 and the insertion hole 40f receive the operating load A2 of the substantially horizontal component along the smooth outer surface 21. The operating load B2 of the downward component escapes to the vicinity of the fitting portion between the lower part of the bezel 30 and the lower part of the mounting seat 22. Above the place where the operating load B2 escapes, the insertion claw 5c of the air conditioning operation panel 5 and the insertion hole 34a of the bezel 30 are engaged. The insertion claw 5c and the insertion hole 34a receive the operating load B3 of the downward component. The air conditioning operation panel 5 and the bezel 30 are respectively assembled to the instrument panel 4 in the mounting structure 10. Thus, the instrument panel 4 can receive the operating load B1 received by the switch operating member 11.

As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the push button 11c is pushed from the bottom to the top and in the forward direction. The switch operating member 11 receives an operating load C1 that is inclined upward from the rear to the front. At this time, the insertion claw 23 and the insertion hole 40f receive the operating load A2 of the substantially horizontal component along the smooth outer surface 21. The upward operating load C2 escapes to the vicinity of the fitting portion of the upper fitting claw 11b and the upper claw fitting wall 31b. Above the portion where the operating load C2 escapes, the insertion claw 5c of the air conditioning operation panel 5 and the insertion hole 34a of the bezel 30 engage with each other. The insertion claw 5c and the insertion hole 34a receive the operating load C3 of the upward component. The air conditioning operation panel 5 and the bezel 30 are respectively assembled to the instrument panel 4 in the mounting structure 10. Thus, the instrument panel 4 can receive the operating load C1 received by the switch operating member 11.

As a comparative example with the mounting structure 10 of the present embodiment, FIG. 15 shows a conventional mounting structure 50 for mounting the switch operating member 11 in the central region of the dashboard. The mounting structure 50 has an instrument panel 51 and an air conditioning operation panel 52 in place of the instrument panel 4 and the air conditioning operation panel 5 of the mounting structure 10 shown in FIG. The instrument panel 51 has a top panel 51b extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The top panel 51b forms an upper surface region of the space S3 provided below the air conditioning operation panel 52. The top panel 51b corresponds to the smooth outer surface 21 of the ceiling suspension panel 20 shown in FIG. The instrument panel 51 has a clip fitting hole 51a above the top panel 51b. A clip fitting portion 52a including a clip holding portion 52b and a clip 52e is provided on the front surface of the air conditioning operation panel 52. The clip fitting portion 52a is fitted into the clip fitting hole 51a. As a result, the instrument panel 51 and the air conditioning operation panel 52 are assembled to each other.

As shown in FIG. 15, an operating member support panel 53 extending in the vertical direction is assembled to the rear end of the top panel 51b. The operating member support panel 53 has a cylindrical operating member accommodating hole 53a extending forward and a claw fitting wall 53b provided at the front end of the operating member accommodating hole 53a. The operation member main body 11a of the switch operation member 11 is inserted into the operation member accommodating hole 53a, and the claw fitting wall 53b is fitted with the fitting claw 11b of the switch operation member 11. As a result, the switch operating member 11 is held by the operating member support panel 53. The operation member support panel 53 can press the push button 11c of the held switch operation member 11, while the rear part of the space S3 is blocked by the operation member support panel 53. Therefore, the space S3 in front of the operation member support panel 53 loses its usability as a storage space.

As described above, the mounting structure 10 includes a switch operating member 11 that receives an operating load in the pushing direction as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and a ceiling suspension as a mounting member that mounts the switch operating member 11 on the vehicle body 2 (see FIG. 2). It has a panel 20. The ceiling suspension panel 20 has a smooth outer surface 21 that extends along the pushing direction, and a mounting seat 22 that projects from the smooth outer surface 21 and accommodates the switch operating member 11. A clip fitting portion 25 is provided in the front region of the ceiling suspension panel 20 in the pushing direction. The clip fitting portion 25 projects in the direction opposite to the projecting direction of the mounting seat 22 and is engaged with the instrument panel 4 fixed to the vehicle body 2. An insertion claw 23 that is engaged with the vehicle body 2 via a space securing member 40 is provided in a region on the back side of the ceiling suspension panel 20 in the pushing direction.

Therefore, the switch operating member 11 is housed in the mounting seat 22 that projects from the smooth outer surface 21. Therefore, the operating load in the pushing direction is distributed and received at two places. Thus, the operating load of the switch operating member 11 can be effectively received.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the mounting structure 10 has a space securing member 40 for partitioning a space S for storing articles. The mounting seat 22 projects from the smooth outer surface 21 toward the space S of the space securing member 40. Therefore, the switch operating member 11 is housed and held in the mounting seat 22 without covering the space S for storing the article.

As shown in FIG. 1, the switch operating member 11 is arranged in the central region of the dashboard 3 located between the driver's seat 6 and the passenger seat 7 of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the driver sitting in the driver's seat 6 can easily see and operate the switch operating member 11. Therefore, in the unlikely event that it is difficult for the driver to operate the switch operating member 11, a passenger sitting in the passenger seat 7 can operate the switch operating member 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning operation panel 5 for operating the air conditioning device of the vehicle 1 is provided in the central region of the dashboard 3. The switch operation member 11 is arranged below the air conditioning operation panel 5. Therefore, the switch operation member 11 is supported by the air conditioning operation panel 5 via the ceiling suspension panel 20. As a result, the switch operation member 11 is supported by the vehicle body 2 by using the air conditioning operation panel 5. Moreover, a space S for storing small items and the like partitioned below the switch operating member 11 can be secured.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the smooth outer surface 21 of the ceiling suspension panel 20 expands along the horizontal direction. The mounting seat 22 projects downward from the smooth outer surface 21. Therefore, the clip fitting portion 25 projects upward in the direction opposite to the projecting direction of the mounting seat 22 and engages with the instrument panel 4 fixed to the vehicle body 2. As a result, the clip fitting portion 25 can receive the operating load in the vertical direction. The insertion claw 23 can receive the operating load in the horizontal direction in which the smooth outer surface 21 expands. Further, a space S for storing small items and the like can be secured below the mounting seat 22.

As shown in FIG. 9, the space securing member 40 has a back wall surface 40b that stands up on the back side in the pushing direction from the mounting seat 22, and a tray 40a that extends below the mounting seat 22 in the horizontal direction. The mounting seat 22 of the ceiling suspension panel 20 has a tubular main body 22a and a back cover 22b that closes the tubular main body 22a on the back side in the pushing direction. The back space S2 is formed between the back cover 22b and the back wall surface 40b. Therefore, a lower space S1 extending in the vertical direction can be secured between the tubular main body 22a and the tray 40a. Further, it is possible to secure a back space S2 extending in the horizontal direction between the back lid 22b and the back wall surface 40b. Moreover, the mounting seat 22 is formed in a tubular shape having a tubular main body 22a and a back cover 22b. As a result, the strength of the mounting seat 22 can be increased.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tubular main body 22a of the mounting seat 22 has an inclination angle with respect to the smooth outer surface 21 so as to be closer to the smooth outer surface 21 toward the back side. Therefore, a large back space S2 between the smooth outer surface 21 and the back wall surface 40b can be provided. Further, the mold for forming the mounting seat 22 can be easily removed from the mounting seat 22 along the inclined tubular main body 22a.

As shown in FIGS. .. Therefore, the mounting seat 22 and the bezel 30 cooperate to cover and hold the switch operating member 11. As a result, the ceiling suspension panel 20 and the bezel 30 can receive the operating load applied to the switch operating member 11. Moreover, even if the direction of the operating load is changed, it can be received.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the insertion claw 23 is an instrument that is engaged with the space securing member 40 in the pushing direction along the direction in which the smooth outer surface 21 extends and is fixed to the vehicle body 2 via the space securing member 40. Engage with panel 4. The clip fitting portion 25 is engaged with the instrument panel 4 fixed to the vehicle body 2 in the vertical direction substantially orthogonal to the locking direction of the insertion claw 23. Therefore, the insertion claw 23 transmits the operating load to the vehicle body 2 in the pushing direction. The clip fitting portion 25 transmits the operating load to the vehicle body 2 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the pushing direction. As a result, the operating load received by the switch operating member 11 in various directions can be dispersed and effectively transmitted to the vehicle body 2.

Various changes can be made to the mounting structure 10 of the present embodiment described above. As described above, the mounting structure 10 holds the switch operating member 11 at a position protruding downward from the smooth outer surface 21. Instead of this, for example, a mounting structure may be used in which the switch operating member 11 is held at a position horizontally protruding from the wall surface forming the space. Alternatively, a mounting structure may be used in which the switch operating member 11 is held at a position protruding upward from the bottom surface forming a space. The switch operating member 11 has a push button 11c as described above. Instead of this, for example, a mounting structure may be used in which a switch operating member including a toggle type operating portion or a key cylinder type operating portion that is operated by inserting a key is attached.

The switch operation member 11 is a start button for operating a start switch circuit for switching between starting and stopping the engine as described above. Instead of this, it may be another switch operating member that operates various devices included in the vehicle 1 such as an air conditioner. As described above, the mounting structure 10 assembles each component by fitting each clip fitting portion and each clip fitting hole, and engaging each insertion claw and each insertion hole. For example, the clip fitting portion may be replaced with the claw engagement, or the claw engaging portion may be replaced with the clip fitting. For example, it may be used in combination with other engaging means such as screw fastening.

1 ... Vehicle 2 ... Body 3 ... Dashboard 4 ... Instrument panel, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d ... Clip fitting holes, 4e ... Fitting claws 4f ... Tray support wall 5 ... Air conditioning operation panel, 5a, 5b ... Clip Fitting part, 5c ... Insert claw, 5d ... Bottom 5e ... Clip holding part, 5f ... Clip 6 ... Driver's seat 7 ... Passenger seat 8 ... Console box 10 ... Mounting structure 11 ... Switch operating member, 11a ... Operating member body, 11b ... Fitting claw, 11c ... Push button 20 ... Ceiling suspension panel (mounting member, mounting member body)
21 ... Smooth outer surface 22 ... Mounting seat, 22a ... Cylindrical body, 22b ... Back lid, 22c ... Bezel mounting groove 22d ... Fitting claw 23 ... Insert claw (back side locking portion),
24 ... Upper protruding portion 25 ... Clip fitting portion (front locking portion), 25a ... Clip holding portion, 25b ... Clip 26 ... Clip fitting hole 27 ... Claw insertion portion, 27a ... Insert hole 30 ... Bezel (mounting) Element)
31 ... Cylindrical part, 31a ... Operation member accommodating hole, 31b ... Claw fitting wall 32 ... Claw fitting part, 32a ... Fitting hole 33 ... Top 34 ... Claw insertion part, 34a ... Insert hole 35 ... Claw Fitting part, 35a ... Fitting hole 40 ... Space securing member, 40a ... Tray, 40b ... Back wall surface, 40c ... Side wall surface 40d, 40e ... Clip fitting part, 40f ... Insert hole 50 ... Mounting structure 51 ... Instrument Panel, 51a ... Clip fitting hole, 51b ... Top panel 52 ... Air conditioning operation panel, 52a ... Clip fitting part, 52b ... Clip holding part 52e ... Clip 53 ... Operation member support panel, 53a ... Operation member accommodation hole, 53b ... Claw fitting wall A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3 ... Operating load S ... space, S1 ... lower space, S2 ... back space, S3 ... space

Claims (9)

It is a mounting structure for mounting the switch operating member on the vehicle body.
A switch operating member that receives an operating load in the pushing direction,
It has a mounting member that mounts the switch operating member to the vehicle body.
The mounting member
A smooth outer surface that extends along the pushing direction,
A mounting seat that projects from the smooth outer surface and accommodates the switch operating member,
A front locking portion that is located in the front region in the pushing direction and projects in the direction opposite to the overhanging direction of the mounting seat and is engaged with the vehicle body.
A mounting structure for a switch operating member having a back locking portion that is located in the back region in the pushing direction and is engaged with the vehicle body. The mounting structure for a switch operating member according to claim 1.
It has a space securing member that divides the space for storing goods,
A mounting structure for a switch operating member in which the mounting seat projects from the smooth outer surface of the mounting member toward the space of the space securing member. The mounting structure for a switch operating member according to claim 1 or 2.
The switch operating member is a mounting structure for the switch operating member arranged in the central region of the dashboard located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle. The mounting structure for a switch operating member according to claim 3.
A mounting structure for a switch operating member in which an air conditioning operating panel for operating the air conditioning device of the vehicle is provided in the central region of the dashboard, and the switch operating member is arranged below the air conditioning operating panel. The mounting structure for a switch operating member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A mounting structure for a switch operating member in which the smooth outer surface of the mounting member extends along a horizontal direction, and the mounting seat projects downward from the smooth outer surface. The mounting structure for a switch operating member according to claim 2.
The space securing member has a back wall surface that stands up on the back side in the pushing direction from the mounting seat, and a tray that extends in the horizontal direction below the mounting seat.
The mounting seat of the mounting member has a tubular main body and a back cover that closes the tubular main body on the back side in the pushing direction, and is said to be between the back cover and the back wall surface of the space securing member. Mounting structure for switch operating members with space formed. The mounting structure for a switch operating member according to claim 6.
The tubular main body of the mounting seat has a mounting structure for a switch operating member having an inclination angle with respect to the smoothed outer surface so as to be closer to the smoothed outer surface toward the back side. The mounting structure for a switch operating member according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The mounting member is a mounting structure for a switch operating member having a mounting member main body including the mounting seat and a bezel that is separate from the mounting member main body and is mounted on the mounting seat and holds the switch operating member. The mounting structure for a switch operating member according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The back locking portion is engaged with the vehicle body in the pushing direction along the direction in which the smooth outer surface extends.
The front locking portion is a mounting structure for a switch operating member that is engaged with the vehicle body in a direction substantially orthogonal to the locking direction of the back locking portion.

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