Device protection component and method of manufacturing a device protection component

Abstract

A device protection component and a method for manufacturing the device protection component are provided to reliably protect electronic equipment. The device protection component includes: a housing portion having a plate-like shape and on which an electronic device of a vehicle is disposed; a first wall portion disposed at a first edge of the housing portion and erected from the housing portion; and a second wall portion disposed at a second edge of the housing portion intersecting the first edge, erected from the housing portion with a gap between it and a side edge of the first wall portion and opposite to the side edge of the first wall portion, wherein the second wall portion has an extension portion formed such that the side edge protrudes to the outside of the first wall portion to conceal the gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an equipment protection component and a method for manufacturing the equipment protection component. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there is a device protection component used to protect electronic equipment in vehicles. This device protection component has a wall that rises upright from a storage section where the electronic equipment is housed, protecting the electronic equipment from fluids such as water jets from the surrounding environment. Vehicles are equipped with various devices that externally house electronic equipment.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an exhaust gas purification device that can prevent a decline in purification performance. This exhaust gas purification device uses urea solution to purify exhaust gas and is installed on the exterior of a vehicle.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-087698 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] Electronic devices positioned externally to a vehicle are likely to be exposed to fluids such as water, thus requiring reliable protection. However, gaps sometimes form between the walls that rise from the storage section in the device protection components, making it difficult to reliably protect the electronic devices.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a device protection component and a method for manufacturing the device protection component, so as to reliably protect electronic equipment.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] The device protection component disclosed herein includes: a housing having a plate-like shape and on which electronic equipment of a vehicle is disposed; a first wall disposed on a first edge of the housing and erected from the housing; and a second wall disposed on a second edge of the housing intersecting the first edge, erected from the housing in such a manner that a gap is left between the second wall and a side edge of the first wall and opposite to the side edge of the first wall, wherein the second wall has an extension formed such that the side edge protrudes to the outside of the first wall to conceal the gap.

[0012] The method for manufacturing a device protection component disclosed herein includes: a step of forming a cut in a first edge of a plate-shaped component; and a step of erecting the first edge from the cut to form a first wall portion, and erecting a second edge that intersects with the first edge to form a second wall portion having a gap between it and a side edge portion of the first wall portion and opposite to the side edge portion of the first wall portion, thereby forming a housing portion for an electronic device of a vehicle disposed on the inner side of the first wall portion and the second wall portion, wherein, in the step of forming the housing portion, an extension portion protruding to the outer side of the first wall portion to hide the gap is formed on the side edge portion of the second wall portion through the cut.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to this disclosure, electronic equipment can be reliably protected. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the structure of a vehicle equipped with the device protection component provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the structure of the equipment's protective components;

[0017] Figure 3 A diagram showing the structure of the lower cover section;

[0018] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the state of the corner bending;

[0019] Figure 5 A diagram showing the structure of the extension section;

[0020] Figure 6A A diagram showing the state in which the connecting holes are hidden in the side wall, front wall, and rear wall portions;

[0021] Figure 6B A diagram showing the state in which the connecting holes are hidden in the side wall, front wall, and rear wall portions;

[0022] Figure 7 A diagram showing the condition of the protective components of the manufacturing equipment;

[0023] Figure 8 A diagram showing the structure of the lower cover portion of Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments provided in this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] (Implementation Method 1)

[0026] Figure 1The diagram illustrates the structure of a vehicle equipped with the equipment protection component provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The vehicle includes: a frame 1, a support member 2, a purification device 3, and the equipment protection component 4.

[0027] The frame 1, also known as the chassis frame that supports the various parts of the vehicle, is configured to extend along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0028] Support member 2 is a component used to support the purification device 3 on the frame 1 and is fixed to the right side of the frame 1.

[0029] The purification device 3 includes: tank 5 and control equipment 6.

[0030] Tank 5 contains a reducing agent supplied to an exhaust pipe (not shown). The reducing agent may be, for example, urea solution.

[0031] The control device 6 is connected to an injector (not shown) via wiring 6a, etc., to control the urea solution sprayed from the injector. This control device 6 constitutes the electronic equipment of this disclosure.

[0032] In addition, the injector is located in the exhaust pipe and connected to the tank 5. Under the control of the control device 6, the reducing agent contained in the tank 5 is sprayed into the exhaust pipe.

[0033] The equipment protection component 4 is fixed to the support 2 and is configured to cover the control device 6.

[0034] Next, the structure of the equipment protection component 4 will be described in detail.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the equipment protection component 4 has an upper cover 7 and a lower cover 8.

[0036] The upper cover 7 is a component that protects the control device 6 from the influence of fluids such as water, and is formed to cover the upper part of the control device 6. In addition, a pair of fixing parts 7a and 7b are arranged on the side of the upper cover 7, protruding towards the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively.

[0037] The lower cover 8 is a component that protects the control device 6 from the influence of fluids such as water, and is formed to cover the lower part of the control device 6. That is, the lower cover 8 is configured to house the control device 6 between itself and the upper cover 7. The lower cover 8 has: a housing part 9, a side wall part 10, a front wall part 11a, and a rear wall part 11b.

[0038] The storage section 9 has a rectangular plate shape, and a control device 6 is disposed on its upper side. Four fixing holes are formed in the storage section 9 for fixing the control device 6, and the control device 6 is fixed by screws or other fasteners not shown.

[0039] Furthermore, the control device 6 has a connecting hole 6b on its lower surface opposite to the storage section 9, which connects the outside and the inside. This connecting hole 6b is used, for example, to suppress the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the control device 6 and prevent moisture from forming inside the device.

[0040] The side wall portion 10 is formed to be integrally connected to the right edge portion facing the right side of the vehicle in the storage portion 9, and to stand upright from the storage portion 9. The side wall portion 10 constitutes the first wall portion of this disclosure.

[0041] The front wall portion 11a is integrally connected to the front edge portion of the storage portion 9 that is perpendicular to the right edge portion, i.e., the front edge portion facing the front of the vehicle, and stands upright from the storage portion 9. At this time, the front wall portion 11a is formed with a gap N between it and the side edge portion 10a of the side wall portion 10 and is opposite to the side edge portion 10a of the side wall portion 10.

[0042] The rear wall portion 11b is integrally connected to the rear edge portion of the storage portion 9 that is perpendicular to the right side edge portion, i.e., the rear edge portion facing the rear of the vehicle, and stands upright from the storage portion 9. At this time, the rear wall portion 11b is formed with a gap N between it and the side edge portion 10b of the side wall portion 10 and is opposite to the side edge portion 10b of the side wall portion 10.

[0043] In addition, the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b constitute the second wall portion of this disclosure.

[0044] In addition, the lower cover portion 8 is provided with: fixing portions 12a and 12b, wiring mounting portion 13, and contact portion 14.

[0045] Fixing portions 12a and 12b are respectively configured corresponding to the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b. On one hand, the fixing portion 12a is configured to protrude forward from the front wall portion 11a at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 7a of the upper cover portion 7. On the other hand, the fixing portion 12b is configured to protrude rearward from the rear wall portion 11b at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 7b of the upper cover portion 7. Flange portions 2a and 2b are provided on the support member 2. The fixing portions 12a and 12b, together with the fixing portions 7a and 7b of the upper cover portion 7, are fixed to the flange portions 2a and 2b of the support member 2 by screws or other fasteners (not shown).

[0046] The wiring mounting section 13 is configured to protrude toward the front of the side wall section 10, for example, wiring 6a on which the control device 6 is mounted.

[0047] The contact portion 14 is configured to stand upright upwards from the left edge of the storage unit 9 facing the left side of the vehicle, and is opposite to the left side of the control device 6. The contact portion 14 is formed such that when the control device 6 is arranged in the storage unit 9 in an orientation different from the conventional orientation, the contact portion 14 contacts the control device 6.

[0048] Next, the structure of the lower cover 8 will be described in detail.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b have extensions 15a and 15b, which are formed such that the side edge of the right side of the vehicle protrudes to the outside of the side wall portion 10, that is, protrudes to the right side of the vehicle to hide the gap N from the outside.

[0050] The extensions 15a and 15b are configured such that, in the upper and lower edges extending in the protruding direction, the lower edges 17a and 17b on the corner sides 16a and 16b are separated from the receiving portion 9. The corners 16a and 16b are connecting portions that connect the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b to the receiving portion 9. Furthermore, at the root portion of the outwardly protruding extensions 15a and 15b, a cutout S is formed upwards from the corner sides 16a and 16b.

[0051] At this time, the extensions 15a and 15b are configured to conceal the entire communication hole 6b of the control device 6 from the gap N. That is, the extensions 15a and 15b are configured so that the communication hole 6b cannot be directly seen from the outside through the gap N.

[0052] The front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b rise from the storage portion 9 by bending at corners 16a and 16b. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the front wall portion 11a is bent from the starting end 18a to the ending end 18b along the corner portion 16a and stands upright with a predetermined bending radius.

[0053] Moreover, such as Figure 5 As shown, the extension 15a is formed such that its lower edge 17a extends downward from the curved end 18b of the corner 16a toward the starting end 18a. Specifically, the lower edge 17a of the extension 15a extends downward to a position corresponding to the starting end 18a. Thus, the extension 15a is formed to conceal the gap N to its lower end. Furthermore, the extension 15a is formed to conceal the sidewall 10 from a direction perpendicular to the front wall 11a.

[0054] Furthermore, the front wall portion 11a is formed as the front end of the cut S extending upward past the curved end 18b of the corner portion 16a.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 6A As shown, the sidewall portion 10 is formed at a height greater than or equal to the height of the communication hole 6b of the control device 6, and the entire communication hole 6b is hidden from the direction perpendicular to the sidewall portion 10.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 6B As shown, the front wall portion 11a is formed at a position where the height is greater than or equal to the height of the connecting hole 6b of the control device 6, and the entire connecting hole 6b is hidden from the direction perpendicular to the front wall portion 11a.

[0057] It should be noted that the rear wall portion 11b has the same structure as the front wall portion 11a, therefore, its description is omitted.

[0058] Next, the manufacturing method of the equipment protection component 4 will be explained.

[0059] First, such as Figure 7 As shown, cutouts 103a and 103b are formed near both ends of the edge 102 of the rectangular plate-shaped component 101. It should be noted that... Figure 7 The fixing parts 12a and 12b, as well as the wiring installation part 13, are omitted.

[0060] Cutouts 103a and 103b are formed at positions corresponding to the side edges 10a and 10b of the sidewall portion 10. At this time, cutouts 103a and 103b are formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the edge portion 102, and the extension length corresponds to the height of the sidewall portion 10.

[0061] Furthermore, cuts 105a and 105b are formed from the front ends of cuts 103a and 103b, respectively, extending toward edges 104a and 104b perpendicular to edge 102. That is, cuts 105a and 105b are formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to cuts 103a and 103b. Among them, cuts 105a and 105b are formed to extend from a position corresponding to the starting end 18a of corners 16a and 16b, and the length of the extension exceeds the ending end 18b of corners 16a and 16b.

[0062] Next, the edge 102 is bent upwards and erected near the front end of the cuts 103a and 103b. In addition, the edges 104a and 104b are bent upwards and erected near the base end of the cuts 105a and 105b.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, this forms a side wall portion 10, a front wall portion 11a, and a rear wall portion 11b that rise upwards from the storage portion 9. Furthermore, the cutout S is formed by cutouts 105a and 105b.

[0064] At this time, the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b are erected with a gap N between them and the side wall portion 10 and opposite to the side wall portion 10. Wherein, as Figure 4 As shown, the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b are erected with the corner portions 16a and 16b bent, and the gap N is generated by the bending of the corner portions 16a and 16b.

[0065] Generally, after the plate-shaped component 101 is bent to form the side wall portion 10, the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b, gaps N will be generated due to the bending of the corner portions 16a and 16b. When the equipment protection component 4 is placed outside the vehicle, fluids such as water may enter through the gaps N.

[0066] Therefore, by forming cuts 103a and 103b, extensions 15a and 15b are formed on the side edges of the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b, protruding to the outside of the side wall portion 10 to hide the gap N. At this time, the extensions 15a and 15b do not need to hide the entire gap N, but only need to be formed as a part of the gap N that hides from the outside.

[0067] It should be noted that, preferably, the cuts 103a and 103b are formed in a linear shape, that is, formed to extend with a small width in a direction perpendicular to the edge 102. Thus, gaps N can be formed at smaller intervals.

[0068] Furthermore, by forming cuts 105a and 105b, the extensions 15a and 15b can be separated from the bends of the corner portions 16a and 16b. That is, the lower edges 17a and 17b of the extensions 15a and 15b are formed such that they do not bend along with the corner portions 16a and 16b, but extend straight downwards. Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown, the lower edges 17a and 17b of the extension portions 15a and 15b can be formed to extend to a position corresponding to the starting end 18a of the bend of the corner portions 16a and 16b, thus concealing the gap N to the lower end.

[0069] It should be noted that, preferably, the cuts 105a and 105b are formed in a linear shape, that is, they are formed to extend toward the edges 104a and 104b with a relatively small width. Thus, the cut S can be formed with a relatively small width.

[0070] Furthermore, the cuts 105a and 105b are formed to extend beyond the curved end 18b of the corner portions 16a and 16b. This allows the corner portions 16a and 16b to be easily bent so that the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b stand upright.

[0071] Furthermore, the length and position of the cuts 103a and 103b, as well as the cuts 105a and 105b, allow the extensions 15a and 15b to conceal the entire communication hole 6b of the control device 6 from the gap N. Thus, the extensions 15a and 15b can be formed to conceal the entire communication hole 6b from the gap N.

[0072] In this way, a lower cover portion 8 can be formed, wherein a storage portion 9 is arranged on the inner side of the side wall portion 10, the front wall portion 11a, and the rear wall portion 11b. Since the lower cover portion 8 is formed by bending the plate-shaped member 101, it can be formed by a simple method, which saves effort.

[0073] On the other hand, the upper cover 7 is formed to cover the upper part of the control device 6 from the plate-shaped component.

[0074] In this way, equipment protection component 4 can be manufactured.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the manufactured equipment protection component 4 is configured to clamp the control device 6 in the vertical direction via the upper cover portion 7 and the lower cover portion 8, and is fixed to the support member 2 fixed to the right side of the vehicle frame 1. Since the fixing portions 7a and 7b, as well as the fixing portions 12a and 12b, are horizontally arranged, the equipment protection component 4 can be fixed using the fasteners while it is placed on the flange portions 2a and 2b of the support member 2. Therefore, the equipment protection component 4 can be easily fixed to the vehicle.

[0076] Generally, since the control device 6 of the purification device 3 is located outside the vehicle, it may be frequently exposed to fluids such as water. In particular, since commercial vehicles such as trucks are cleaned using devices such as high-pressure washers, they are subjected to the impact of fluids with strong force. Therefore, even if a valve or other mechanism is provided in the communication hole 6b of the control device 6 to prevent fluid from entering, fluid may still enter the interior through the communication hole 6b.

[0077] Therefore, by providing the upper cover 7 and the lower cover 8 to cover the control device 6, the control device 6 can be protected from the influence of fluid.

[0078] At this time, the extensions 15a and 15b are formed to protrude to the outside of the sidewall portion 10 to conceal the gap N. Therefore, fluid can be prevented from entering through the gap N, thereby reliably protecting the control device 6.

[0079] Furthermore, since the extensions 15a and 15b are configured to conceal the entire communication hole 6b of the control device 6 from the gap N, it is possible to suppress fluid from splashing directly into the communication hole 6b, thereby enabling more reliable protection of the control device 6.

[0080] Therefore, the extensions 15a and 15b are preferably positioned and sized relative to the gap N according to the position of the connecting hole 6b, so as to hide the entire connecting hole 6b from the gap N.

[0081] Furthermore, the lower edges 17a and 17b of the extensions 15a and 15b are formed to extend downward from the curved end 18b of the corner portions 16a and 16b. This prevents fluid from entering through the gap N, thus providing more reliable protection for the control device 6.

[0082] Preferably, the lower edges 17a and 17b of the extensions 15a and 15b are formed to extend to positions corresponding to the curved starting ends 18a of the corners 16a and 16b. This allows the gap N to be concealed at the lower end, providing more reliable protection for the control device 6.

[0083] Furthermore, the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b are formed such that the front end of the cut S extends upward past the curved end 18b of the corner portions 16a and 16b. This allows the extension portions 15a and 15b to be separated from the curves of the corner portions 16a and 16b, enabling the lower edges 17a and 17b to extend downward. Therefore, the control device 6 can be protected more reliably.

[0084] Furthermore, the cut S is oriented perpendicular to the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluid from entering the connecting hole 6b, thereby enabling more reliable protection of the control device 6.

[0085] According to this embodiment, since the extensions 15a and 15b are formed to protrude to the outside of the sidewall portion 10 to hide the gap N, fluid can be prevented from entering from the gap N, thereby reliably protecting the control device 6.

[0086] (Implementation Method 2)

[0087] Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described. The description will focus on the differences between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 described above, while the same reference numerals will be used for the similarities with Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0088] In the above embodiment 1, the extensions 15a and 15b are disposed on the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b, but they may also be disposed on the side wall portion 10.

[0089] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the extensions 21a and 21b can be disposed on both sides of the sidewall portion 10 of Embodiment 1.

[0090] The extension 21a is configured to protrude toward the front of the vehicle to the outside of the front wall portion 11a, so as to hide the gap N formed between the side wall portion 10 and the front wall portion 11a.

[0091] The extension 21b is configured to protrude toward the rear of the vehicle to the outside of the rear wall portion 11b, so as to conceal the gap N formed between the side wall portion 10 and the rear wall portion 11b.

[0092] That is, the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b constitute the first wall portion of this disclosure, and the side wall portion 10 constitutes the second wall portion of this disclosure.

[0093] Therefore, fluid can be prevented from entering through gap N, and control equipment 6 can be reliably protected.

[0094] It should be noted that, as Figure 3 As shown, if the connecting hole 6b of the control device 6 is located near the center of the receiving portion 9 and near the left edge, then as described in Embodiment 1, it is preferable to arrange the extension portions 15a and 15b on the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b. This allows for more reliable suppression of fluid entry from the gap N.

[0095] According to this embodiment, since the extensions 21a and 21b are formed to protrude to the outside of the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b to hide the gap N, fluid can be prevented from entering from the gap N, thereby reliably protecting the control device 6.

[0096] It should be noted that in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the extension is disposed on the lower cover portion 8, but it is not limited to this; it is sufficient as long as it protrudes to the outside of the wall portion to conceal the gap N. For example, the extension may also be disposed on the front and rear wall portions of the upper cover portion 7.

[0097] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the front wall portion 11a and the rear wall portion 11b are configured to be perpendicular to the side wall portion 10, but this is not a limitation; they can be configured to intersect with the side wall portion 10 as long as they are configured to do so.

[0098] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely specific examples of implementing the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited by these embodiments. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit or key features. For example, the disclosure of the shape and number of each part described in the above embodiments is only an example and can be appropriately modified.

[0099] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-042032, filed on March 11, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0100] Industrial applicability

[0101] The device protection components provided in this disclosure can be applied to components that configure electronic equipment in a vehicle.

[0102] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0103] 1 frame

[0104] 2 Support components

[0105] 2a, 2b flange sections

[0106] 3 purification devices

[0107] 4 Equipment protection components

[0108] 5 cans

[0109] 6 Control Equipment

[0110] 6a wiring

[0111] 6b connecting hole

[0112] 7. Upper cover section

[0113] Fixing parts 7a, 7b, 12a, 12b

[0114] 8. Lower side cover

[0115] 9 Storage Department

[0116] 10 Side wall section

[0117] 10a, 10b lateral edges

[0118] 11a Anterior wall portion

[0119] 11b Rear wall portion

[0120] 13 Wiring Installation Department

[0121] 14 Contact Department

[0122] Extensions of 15a, 15b, 21a, and 21b

[0123] Corners 16a and 16b

[0124] 17a, 17b lower edge

[0125] 18a start end

[0126] 18b end

[0127] 101 Plate-shaped component

[0128] 102, 104a, 104b margins

[0129] 103a, 103b, 105a, 105b incisions

[0130] N gap

[0131] S-cut

Claims

1. A device protection component, comprising: The storage section has a plate-like shape and is equipped with the vehicle's electronic equipment; The first wall portion is disposed at the first edge of the storage portion and stands upright from the storage portion; as well as The second wall portion, disposed at the second edge of the storage portion intersecting the first edge portion, stands upright from the storage portion with a gap between it and the side edge portion of the first wall portion and opposite to the side edge portion of the first wall portion. The second wall portion has an extension portion, which is formed such that a side edge protrudes to the outside of the first wall portion to conceal the gap; The second wall portion rises at a corner that bends between it and the storage portion, and a cut is formed at the root of the outwardly protruding extension portion from one side of the corner. The extension is formed such that, in a pair of edges extending in the protruding direction, the edge on one side of the corner extends from the curved end of the corner towards the starting end. The second wall portion is formed such that the front end of the cut extends beyond the curved end of the corner portion; The electronic device has a connecting hole that connects the outside and the inside. The extension is configured to conceal the entire connecting hole from the gap, thereby preventing fluid from splashing directly into the connecting hole.

2. The equipment protection component according to claim 1, wherein, The storage compartment is located on the side of the vehicle, below the electronic device. The first wall portion is composed of a side wall portion that rises upward from the storage portion in a manner facing the side of the vehicle. The second wall portion is composed of a front wall portion and a rear wall portion. The front wall portion stands upright from the storage portion in a manner facing the front of the vehicle, and the rear wall portion stands upright from the storage portion in a manner facing the rear of the vehicle.

3. A method for manufacturing a device protection component according to claim 1, comprising: The step of forming a cut at the first edge of the plate-shaped component; as well as The first edge is raised from the cut to form a first wall portion, and the second edge intersecting the first edge is raised to form a second wall portion with a gap between it and the side edge of the first wall portion and opposite to the side edge of the first wall portion. Thus, a storage portion for configuring electronic equipment of the vehicle is formed on the inner side of the first wall portion and the second wall portion. In the step of forming the storage portion, an extension portion protruding to the outside of the first wall portion is formed on the side edge of the second wall portion through the cut to hide the gap.

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