Air guide and vehicle

Abstract

To provide an air guide capable of guiding an air from the front of a vehicle to a radiator, and a vehicle.SOLUTION: An air guide according to an embodiment is provided under a bumper of a vehicle, the front side is fastened to the bumper, and the rear side extends to a position corresponding to a cross member, the air guide comprising a bracket in which one end is connected to the bumper and the other end rearward of the vehicle and on the inside of the vehicle width than the one end is connected to the cross member, and the rear side of the air guide is connected to the other end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air guide and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, such as a truck, a heat exchanger is provided to cool the internal combustion engine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-21535 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such vehicles, air from the front of the vehicle can separate from the underside of the bumper, making it difficult to guide the air to the heat exchanger. For example, in a configuration where the bumper protrudes forward to protect occupants, the bumper being positioned at the front of the vehicle creates a space between the bumper and the heat exchanger, making it easier for the air to escape, preventing sufficient air from being guided to the heat exchanger and making it difficult to maintain cooling performance.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an air guide and a vehicle that can guide air from the front of the vehicle to a radiator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air guide in this embodiment is an air guide that is provided below the vehicle bumper, has its front side fastened to the bumper, and its rear side extending to a position corresponding to the cross member, and is equipped with a bracket whose one end is connected to the bumper and whose other end, located rearward and inward in the vehicle width direction than the one end, is connected to the cross member, and the rear side of the air guide is connected to the other end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air guide and a vehicle that can guide air from the front of the vehicle to the radiator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a partial configuration of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a configuration of a part of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a crash box of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a bumper, an air guide, and a bracket of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a bumper, an air guide, and a bracket of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air guide and a bracket of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an air guide and a bracket of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a graph showing airflow characteristics at the front portion of the vehicle according to the embodiment and a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A vehicle according to one embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Figs. 1 to 3 are perspective views, bottom views, and side views showing the configuration of the front portion of vehicle 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a crash box. Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the configurations of the bumper, air guide, and bracket, and Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the configurations of the air guide and bracket. Fig. 9 is a graph showing the air blowing characteristics of vehicles according to this embodiment and a comparative example.

[0010] In the drawings, X, Y, and Z indicate three mutually orthogonal directions. In this example, the width direction of the vehicle 1 is designated as X, the front-rear direction as Y, and the height direction (up-down direction) as Z. Note that in each drawing, the configuration is enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate for ease of explanation.

[0011] 1 to 3, the vehicle 1 includes a body frame 11 and a cab 12. The vehicle 1 also includes on-board equipment such as an engine and a radiator 32 below the cab 12. The vehicle 1 is, for example, a truck, and the cab 12 is provided on the front of the body frame 11, and a loading platform is provided on the rear of the body frame 11.

[0012] The body frame 11 is, for example, a ladder frame, and includes a pair of side members 13 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1, and a plurality of cross members 14 extending in the vehicle width direction and spanning between the pair of side members 13. In addition, crash boxes 15 extending forward are connected to the front ends of the pair of side members 13 of the body frame 11.

[0013] The side member 13 has an extension piece 131 that extends inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] The cross members 14 are frame members extending in the vehicle width direction. The multiple cross members 14 are arranged in multiple rows in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1. Of the multiple cross members 14, the first cross member 14, which is located at the front end, has both ends overlapping and fastened to the extension pieces 131 of the side members 13.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , a pair of crash boxes 15 are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction. Each of the pair of crash boxes 15 includes a box portion 151 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and configured to absorb impact, and a box mounting portion 152 connecting the box portion 151 to the side member 13. The pair of box portions 151 are connected to the front of each of the pair of side members 13. The box portion 151 is disposed forward of the first cross member 14 in the vehicle longitudinal direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The box mounting portion 152 is formed in a plate shape and integrally includes a first mounting piece 1521 connected to the front end of the side member 13 and a second mounting piece 1522 whose lower end curves rearward and extends toward the rear of the vehicle. The second mounting piece 1522 is formed in a plate shape and arranged along the vehicle width direction and the longitudinal direction, and has a fastening hole 1522a through which a fastening member B passes. The second fastening portion 244 of the bracket 24 is placed on the underside of the second attachment piece 1522 and fastened with a fastening member B in the fastening hole 1522a, thereby fastening the second attachment piece 1522 and the bracket 24 together.

[0016] The engine is disposed below the cab 12 between a pair of side members 13. The engine is, for example, a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, and generates power to drive the vehicle. The engine is, for example, a water-cooled internal combustion engine, and is cooled by a coolant such as water. The engine is supported by the left and right side members 13. A radiator 32 (heat exchanger) for cooling the engine coolant is disposed in front of the engine on the vehicle.

[0017] The radiator 32 is disposed below the cab 12. The radiator 32 is supported between the left and right side members 13. The radiator 32 cools the coolant that has been warmed by the engine by passing air (cooling air) from the front to the rear, thereby exchanging heat between the air and the coolant. A fan may be disposed between the radiator 32 and the engine.

[0018] The cab 12 is provided in the front portion of the vehicle 1 and defines a passenger compartment therein. The cab 12 is fixed, for example, onto the front portion of the body frame 11. The cab 12 includes a radiator grill 21, a bumper 22, an air guide 23, and a bracket 24.

[0019] The radiator grille 21 is provided at the front of the vehicle 1. The radiator grille 21 has vents that pass through part of the air flow that strikes the front of the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is traveling. A bumper 22 is provided below the radiator grille 21.

[0020] The bumper 22 is provided at the lower part of the front of the cab 12. The bumper 22 is configured in a curved shape with the center projecting forward. The bumper 22 integrally has a front edge 221 along the vehicle width direction and side edge portions 222, 222 that curve and extend rearward from both ends of the front edge portion 221. The bumper 22 has the front edge portion 221 that projects further forward of the vehicle 1 than surrounding components such as the radiator grille 21. The side edge portions 222 project further outward in the vehicle width direction than surrounding components such as the radiator grille 21.

[0021] 1 to 8, the air guide 23 is a plate-shaped member that extends rearward from the lower edge of the front end of the vehicle 1. The air guide 23 extends rearward from the lower edge of the bumper 22.

[0022] For example, the air guide 23 is configured by connecting a plurality of guide plate members 231 to 234. As an example, the air guide 23 has a front guide plate 231, an extension plate 232 fastened to the rear side of the front guide plate 231, a pair of side guide plates 233 extending rearward from both side portions of the front guide plate 231 in the vehicle width direction, and a rear guide plate 234 connected to the rear edge of the extension plate 232.

[0023] The front guide plate 231 is a plate-like member that is integrally formed continuous with the lower end of the bumper 22 .

[0024] The extension plate 232 is fastened to the rear side of the front guide plate 231. The extension plate 232 has a plurality of beads and steps, and its cross section is formed in a wave shape. The extension plate 232 is fastened to the front guide plate 231 at multiple points on the front edge and on both edge portions in the vehicle width direction.

[0025] The side guide plates 233 are fastened to the inside of the side portions and side edge portions 222 on both sides of the front guide plate 231 in the vehicle width direction. The side guide plates 233 are also fastened to pressing pieces 2421 provided on the first extending portion 242 of the bracket 24. As an example, the upper surface of the side guide plate 233 is fastened to the first extending portion 242 at two locations via the pressing pieces 2421.

[0026] The rear guide plate 234 is a plate-like member that is formed integrally with the extension plate 232 at a vehicle width directional central portion, and extends rearward from the vehicle width directional central portion of the extension plate 232. The rear guide plate 234 extends further rearward from the extension plate 232 until it reaches a position where it overlaps with the underside of the first cross member 14. In other words, the rear end edge of the rear guide plate 234 is located rearward of the front end edge of the first cross member 14, and the rear guide plate 234 and the first cross member 14 are arranged so that they partially overlap one another.

[0027] The rear guide plate 234 has mounting portions 235 with fastening holes 235a through which fastening members pass, at rear corner portions at both ends in the vehicle width direction. The mounting portions 235 have fastening holes 235a through which fastening members pass, and are disposed over second fastening portions 244 of the bracket 24 and fastened to the second fastening portions 244. The mounting portions 235 are also disposed over second mounting pieces 1522 of box mounting portions 152 of the crash boxes 15 and fastened to the second mounting pieces 1522. Therefore, the rear guide plate 234 is connected to the crash boxes 15 that constitute part of the body frame 11.

[0028] The air guide 23 configured as described above closes the gap between the lower portion of the cross member 14 located at the front end of the multiple cross members 14 and the bumper 22, and forms a bottom portion extending along the vehicle width direction and the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The air guide 23 guides air from the front of the vehicle 1 toward the radiator 32 located at the rear. As an example, the front portion of the air guide 23 extends to the bumper 22 and is fastened to the bumper 22 or is provided integrally with the bumper 22.

[0029] Additionally, the rear portion of the air guide 23 extends to the cross member 14. The rear end portion of the air guide 23 is fixed to a bracket 24 that is held by the bumper 22. That is, the rear end portion of the air guide 23 is fastened to a box mounting portion 152 of the crash box 15 via the bracket 24.

[0030] For example, the brackets 24 are disposed on both sides of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction. The pair of brackets 24 are made of pipe members such as metal pipes. The brackets 24 extend obliquely rearward and inward from the lower end of the bumper 22.

[0031] Bracket 24 has, continuously and integrally, a flattened first fastening portion 241, a tubular first extending portion 242, a tubular stepped portion 243, and a flattened second fastening portion 244. For example, bracket 24 is formed by bending a single pipe member and pressing both ends into a flat plate, whereby first fastening portion 241 and second fastening portion 244 are formed.

[0032] The first fastening portion 241 is formed in a flat shape and has a fastening hole through which a fastening member passes. The first fastening portion 241 stands in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, is disposed along the inner wall surface of the side edge portion 222 of the bumper 22, and is fastened to the bumper 22. The first fastening portion 241 is formed in a rectangular plate shape.

[0033] The first extending portion 242 is a tubular portion that extends downward from the first fastening portion 241, curves, and extends inward in the vehicle width direction. The first extending portion 242 is fastened to the side guide plate 233 by a pressing piece 2421. For example, the pressing piece 2421 is a member that integrally has a curved portion that is arranged along the outer peripheral surface including the upper side of the first extending portion 242, and a fastening portion that is fastened to the side guide plate 233, and is a connecting member that connects the first extending portion 242 to the side guide plate 233.

[0034] The step portion 243 is a tubular portion that bends downward from the first extending portion 242.

[0035] The second fastening portion 244 extends from the stepped portion 243 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The second fastening portion 244 is configured in a flat shape and has a plurality of fastening holes 244a, 244b, and 244c formed in a row in the longitudinal direction, through which fastening members pass. The second fastening portion 244 is configured in a rectangular plate shape and has a first fastening hole 244a formed therein through which a fastening member that is fastened to the air guide 23 passes, and two second fastening holes 244b and 244c formed therein for fastening to the box mounting portion 152. For example, the length of the second fastening portion 244 in the longitudinal direction is longer than that of the first fastening portion 241, for example, two to three times as long. As an example, in this embodiment, the length is configured to be 2.8 times as long.

[0036] That is, one front end of each bracket 24 is connected to the bumper 22, and the other rear end is connected to the box mounting portion 152 of the crash box 15 and the air guide 23 at a position rearward and inward of the one end of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. In a plan view seen from the top-bottom direction, the bracket 24 extends obliquely from the front to the rear of the vehicle and from the outer side to the inner side in the vehicle width direction. That is, the bracket 24 extends rearward and inward of the vehicle 1 from one end fastened to the bumper 22. The bracket 24 also has a step that bends downward at its midpoint, and a second fastening portion 244 on the other end on the inner rear side is located below the cross member 14 and the air guide 23. That is, the fastening portion on one end of the bracket 24 is located vertically below the cross member and the air guide 23.

[0037] The second fastening portion 244 also extends obliquely inward from the outer side toward the front of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. Fastening holes 244a, 244b, and 244c are formed in a row along the length of the second fastening portion 244. The fastening hole 244a on the end side is fastened to the air guide 23, and the two fastening holes 244b and 244c on the stepped portion 243 side are fastened to the box mounting portion 152 of the crash box 15.

[0038] According to the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, an air guide 23 is provided below the bumper 22 of the vehicle 1, with the front end of the air guide 23 reaching the bumper 22 and the rear end reaching the cross member 14. Therefore, by providing the air guide 23 that closes the space between the bumper 22 and the radiator 32, it is possible to prevent the wind that hits the bumper 22 from separating below the bumper 22, and it is possible to effectively guide the air to the bumper 22. Therefore, even if the bumper 22 is disposed so as to protrude forward, high cooling performance can be maintained. Furthermore, the air guide 23 can be easily fixed by connecting the other end of the bracket 24, which has one end fastened to the bumper 22 and extends in the vehicle width direction and rearward, to the air guide 23 or the box mounting portion 152 of the crash box 15. Furthermore, by positioning the fastening portion 244 at the other end of the bracket 24 so that it is disposed below the air guide 23 or the cross member 14, the fastening portion 244 can be attached from the underside of the vehicle 1 after the air guide 23 has been assembled to the bumper 22, thereby improving workability. Furthermore, by using the bracket 24, which is formed by bending a pipe material and has both ends flattened to form a plate shape, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0039] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of wind when vehicle 1 is traveling in this embodiment, comparative example 1, and comparative example 2. The shade of color in FIG. 9 indicates the flow velocity. This embodiment is configured such that bumper 22 protrudes forward from the front of vehicle 1 and air guide 23 is provided. On the other hand, comparative example 1 is configured such that bumper 22 protrudes forward from the front of vehicle 1 and no air guide is provided. Comparative example 2 is configured such that bumper 22 is positioned further rearward than this embodiment and no air guide is provided. In FIG. 9, the upper diagram shows the air flow at the center position in the vehicle width direction of vehicle 1, and the lower diagram shows the air flow at a position shifted from the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] 9, it can be seen that the configuration of vehicle 1 according to the embodiment can prevent wind passing through radiator grille 21 from above bumper 22 from pushing downward the flow of wind passing below bumper 22. Furthermore, air guide 23 is integrated with bumper 22, which provides excellent assembly workability and maintainability.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the support structure and positions of the radiator 32 and other components are not limited to those described above, and can be set as appropriate. Although the air guide 23 is configured with a plurality of panel members in the above example, it may be configured as a single panel, or the number of panel members may vary. Furthermore, although the air guide 23 is configured as a single panel with the bumper in the above example, it may be configured as a separate panel.

[0042] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. The present invention is defined by the claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1...vehicle, 11...body frame, 12...cab, 13...side member, 14...cross member, 15...crash box, 21...radiator grille, 21a...vent, 22...bumper, 23...air guide, 24...bracket, 32...radiator, 131...extension piece, 151...box portion, 152...box mounting portion, 221...front edge portion, 222...side edge portion, 231-234...guide plate member, 231...front guide plate, 232...extension plate, 233...side guide plate, 234...rear guide plate, 235...mounting portion, 235a...fastening hole, 241...first fastening portion, 242...extension portion, 243...step portion, 244...second fastening portion, 244a, 244b, 244c...fastening holes, 1521...mounting piece, 1522...mounting piece, 1522a...fastening hole, 2421...holding piece.

Claims

1. An air guide provided under a bumper of a vehicle, fastened to the bumper at its front end, and extending to a position corresponding to a cross member at its rear end, a bracket having one end connected to the bumper and another end located rearward and inward in the width direction of the vehicle from the one end and connected to the cross member, The rear side of the air guide is connected to the other end portion.

2. an air guide provided below the bumper, with a front side fastened to the bumper and a rear side extending to a position corresponding to the cross member; a bracket having one end connected to the bumper and another end rearward and inward in the width direction of the vehicle from the one end connected to the air guide.

3. The air guide is a plate-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction and width direction of the vehicle, and in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a front side of the air guide extends to the bumper and a rear side of the air guide reaches the cross member, 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the bracket is formed of a pipe member, and the one end and the other end have fastening portions formed in a plate shape with a cross section that is flatter than a central portion.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the fastening portion at the other end of the bracket is located below the cross member and the air guide.

5. The vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the fastening portion at the other end of the bracket has a length in the longitudinal direction of the bracket that is longer than the fastening portion at the one end.

6. The vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the fastening portion at the other end of the bracket is fastened to the air guide.

7. a pair of side members extending in the front-rear direction; a pair of crash boxes respectively connected to the front of the pair of side members; a plurality of cross members extending between the pair of side members; a vehicle body frame including:

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the fastening portion at the other end of the bracket extends obliquely inward in the vehicle width direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle, and has a first fastening hole that is fastened to the air guide, and a second fastening hole that is attached to a mounting portion provided on the crash box outward and forward in the vehicle width direction from the first fastening hole.

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