Theft suppression structure for catalyst and theft suppression system for catalyst

Abstract

To provide a technique for inhibiting a catalyst from being cut off and stolen.SOLUTION: A theft suppression structure for a catalyst includes a vehicle component and a cover part. The vehicle component includes two wall parts extending along a central axis of a cylindrical catalytic converter to oppose to each other, and the catalytic converter can be disposed in a gap formed between the two wall parts. The cover part is mounted to the vehicle component astride the gap. The catalytic converter includes a first cylindrical part that accommodates the catalyst and a second cylindrical part that is located on at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the first cylindrical part and that has a smaller area of a cross section orthogonal to the central axis than that of the first cylindrical part. The cover part is disposed to overlap at least part of the second cylindrical part viewed in the orthogonal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for preventing catalyst theft. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for preventing theft of automobile parts by providing a shielding member at the joint connecting a cylindrical catalytic converter, which has a large diameter portion in which a catalyst is housed and small diameter portions located upstream and downstream of the large diameter portion, to an exhaust pipe. The shielding plate of the shielding member is placed on the exhaust pipe so as to cover the nuts used for joining at the joint. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 49-080734 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the method described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, the shielding plate makes it difficult to remove the nut at the joint, but there is a possibility that the catalytic converter may be stolen by cutting off the small diameter part of the catalytic converter using a cutting tool such as a sander.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a technology for preventing catalyst theft through cutting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a theft prevention structure for a catalyst provided in a vehicle, comprising a vehicle component and a cover. The vehicle component has two wall portions extending along the central axis of a cylindrical catalytic converter so as to face each other, and the catalytic converter can be placed in a gap formed between the two wall portions. The cover portion is attached to the vehicle component so as to span the gap. The catalytic converter has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion houses a catalyst. The second cylindrical portion is located on at least one of the upstream and downstream sides of the first cylindrical portion and has a smaller cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis than the first cylindrical portion. The cover portion is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the second cylindrical portion when viewed from an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the central axis and perpendicular to the direction in which the two wall portions are aligned.

[0007] In this configuration, the cover covers the second cylindrical portion of the catalytic converter. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to cut the second cylindrical portion using a cutting tool such as a sander, which is easier to cut than the first cylindrical portion because its cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis is smaller, the cover tends to obstruct the cutting of the second cylindrical portion. This tends to discourage catalyst theft. Therefore, catalyst theft by cutting can be prevented.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cover portion may be substantially X-shaped with an intersecting portion at a position where the cover portion overlaps with the second cylindrical portion in the orthogonal direction. With this configuration, the cover portion can be made to have a complex three-dimensional shape while covering the second tubular portion at the intersection, thereby improving the rigidity of the cover portion while preventing the second tubular portion from being cut.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cover portion may be hollow so that an internal space is formed. With this configuration, the weight of the cover can be reduced.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the interior space of the cover portion may contain paint. With this configuration, if the cover portion is cut, the paint will leak out, further enhancing the deterrent effect against catalyst theft.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a band-like or string-like member may be housed in the internal space of the cover portion. With this configuration, in addition to the wall that constitutes the cover portion, it is also necessary to cut the strip-shaped or string-shaped member, which takes more time to cut the cover portion, thereby further increasing the deterrent effect against catalyst theft.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure is a catalyst theft prevention system including the above-described catalyst theft prevention structure, a sensor, and an alarm device. The sensor is provided in the cover portion and is capable of detecting the cutting of the cover portion. The alarm device outputs an alarm based on a signal received from the sensor.

[0013] According to this configuration, an alarm is output when the cover portion is cut, which further enhances the deterrent effect against catalyst theft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically showing a catalyst theft prevention structure of a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a theft prevention structure for a catalyst according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a catalyst theft prevention system of a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a first modified example of the catalyst theft prevention structure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a second modified example of the catalyst theft prevention structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] 1 and 2 is a structure provided on a vehicle to prevent theft of a catalyst 4 included in a catalytic converter 1 mounted on the vehicle. The catalyst theft prevention structure 100 includes a floor tunnel 2 and a cover portion 3.

[0016] <Catalytic converter> The catalytic converter 1 is a device that constitutes at least a part of a flow path for passing exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle and purifies the exhaust gas. The catalytic converter 1 is substantially cylindrical and extends along a central axis A. The shape of a cross section (hereinafter simply referred to as a cross section) of the catalytic converter 1 perpendicular to the central axis A is not limited to a substantially circular shape, and may be, for example, a substantially polygonal shape. The central axis A may be a straight line, or may be bent or curved. The catalytic converter 1 has a first cylindrical section 11, two second cylindrical sections 12, a fastening section 13, and a catalyst 4.

[0017] The first cylindrical portion 11 and each second cylindrical portion 12 each have a constant cross-sectional area, i.e., are straight tubular portions. Each second cylindrical portion 12 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first cylindrical portion 11. The first cylindrical portion 11 houses a catalyst 4 that purifies exhaust gas. One of the two second cylindrical portions 12 is located upstream of the first cylindrical portion 11 and forms a flow path that introduces exhaust gas into the first cylindrical portion 11. The second of the two second cylindrical portions 12 is located downstream of the first cylindrical portion 11 and forms a flow path that discharges the exhaust gas purified within the first cylindrical portion 11.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 11 and each second cylindrical portion 12 are connected by a wall extending approximately perpendicular to the central axis A from each upstream and downstream end of the first cylindrical portion 11 to the end of each second cylindrical portion 12. The first cylindrical portion and each second cylindrical portion may be connected by a tapered portion whose cross-sectional area decreases from each upstream and downstream end of the first cylindrical portion toward the end of each second cylindrical portion.

[0019] The fastening portion 13 is provided at the end of at least one of the second cylindrical portions 12 opposite the end connected to the first cylindrical portion 11, and is fastened to other components connected to the second cylindrical portion 12, such as an exhaust pipe, an exhaust heat recovery device, a silencer, etc.

[0020] <Floor Tunnel> The floor tunnel 2 is provided approximately in the center of a plate-shaped floor panel (not shown) located under the vehicle, and is a component that protrudes toward the vehicle interior to form a long, narrow recess. The floor tunnel 2 is plate-shaped and extends along the central axis A of the catalytic converter 1. The floor tunnel 2 has a top wall 21, two side walls 22, and two floor sections 23.

[0021] The top wall 21 forms the wall at the top of the recess and extends along the central axis A. The top wall 21 is located closer to the interior of the vehicle than the floor panel, and extends substantially parallel to the floor panel. The two side walls 22 extend from each end of the top wall 21 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis A, and are positioned so as to face each other with a gap between them. The two side walls 22 extend along the central axis A. A gap 24 is formed between the two side walls 22. Note that the floor tunnel may be configured by two side walls without having the above-described top wall 21. The two side walls extend along the central axis A so as to face each other with a gap between them, and are arranged so that one end of each side wall extending along the central axis A is connected to form a V-shaped cross section. This may form a gap between the side walls.

[0022] The gap 24 has a first side covered by the top wall 21 in the orthogonal direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 2), and an open second side. The opening communicates with the outside of the vehicle. The orthogonal direction is a direction that is orthogonal to the central axis A and to the arrangement direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 1) in which the two side walls 22 are aligned. The floor tunnel 2 allows the catalytic converter 1 to be placed in the gap 24. In other words, the floor tunnel 2 allows the catalytic converter 1 to be placed in a long, narrow recess formed by the top wall 21 and the two side walls 22.

[0023] Each floor portion 23 extends from an end of each side wall 22 opposite to the end connected to the top wall 21 in a direction away from the gap 24. The floor portion 23 is disposed on approximately the same plane as the floor panel.

[0024] <Cover> The cover part 3 is attached to the floor tunnel 2 so as to straddle the gap 24 of the floor tunnel 2. Specifically, the cover part 3 is arranged so as to straddle the above-mentioned second side opening of the gap 24. In this embodiment, each end of the cover part 3 in the arrangement direction is attached to each floor part 23 of the floor tunnel 2.

[0025] The cover portion 3 is arranged so as to overlap a portion of the second cylindrical portion 12 when viewed from the perpendicular direction. Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a configuration in which the cover portion 3 is arranged so as to overlap one of the two second cylindrical portions 12. However, for example, a plurality of cover portions may be arranged so as to overlap a plurality of second cylindrical portions, respectively.

[0026] In this embodiment, the cover part 3 is substantially X-shaped. The cover part 3 is hollow so that an internal space is formed. Specifically, the cover unit 3 has a connecting unit 31 and four pipes 32 to 35. The connecting unit 31 is formed, for example, by placing the plate surfaces of two X-shaped plate-like members facing each other, overlapping the two members to form an internal space, and fixing their outer edges by welding or the like. The portion of the connecting unit 31 where four passages extending from four different directions intersect is called an intersection 36. When the cover unit 3 is attached to the floor tunnel 2, the intersection 36 is located at a position overlapping the second tubular portion 12 in the perpendicular direction. The pipes 32 to 35 are connected to the openings of the four passages in the connecting unit 31, respectively, and fixed by welding or the like.

[0027] The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction of each of the pipes 32 to 35 and the openings of the four passages in the connecting portion 31 may be, for example, substantially circular or substantially polygonal. The end of each of the pipes 32 to 35 opposite the end connected to the connecting portion 31 is fastened to the floor portion 23 of the floor tunnel 2 by an anti-theft bolt 37.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, an item 5 is contained in the internal space of the cover part 3. The item 5 is, for example, paint or a strip-like or string-like member. The paint may be, for example, anti-theft ink.

[0029] [1-2.Effects] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained.

[0030] (1a) In this embodiment, the cover portion 3 covers the second cylindrical portion 12 of the catalytic converter 1. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to cut the second cylindrical portion 12, which has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first cylindrical portion 11 and is therefore easier to cut, using a cutting tool such as a sander in order to steal the catalyst 4, the cover portion 3 tends to obstruct the cutting of the second cylindrical portion 12. This tends to have the effect of discouraging theft of the catalyst 4. Therefore, the theft of the catalyst 4 by cutting can be suppressed.

[0031] (1b) In this embodiment, the cover portion 3 is substantially X-shaped, which allows the cover portion 3 to have a complex three-dimensional shape while covering the second tubular portion 12 at the intersection 36. This prevents the second tubular portion 12 from being cut, and improves the rigidity of the cover portion 3.

[0032] (1c) In this embodiment, the cover portion 3 is hollow so that an internal space is formed, and therefore the weight of the cover portion 3 can be reduced.

[0033] (1d) In this embodiment, paint and strip- or string-like materials are stored as the stored items 5 in the internal space of the cover portion 3. Therefore, if the cover portion 3 is cut, the paint may leak out, and cutting the cover portion 3 may take more time due to the increased number of materials that need to be cut, which further enhances the deterrent effect against theft of the catalyst 4.

[0034] In this embodiment, the floor tunnel 2 corresponds to an example of a vehicle part, and the two side walls 22 correspond to an example of two wall portions.

[0035] [2. Second Embodiment] 3, in the second embodiment, a catalyst theft prevention system 200 is provided on a vehicle, which further includes a sensor 6 and an alarm device 7 in addition to the catalyst theft prevention structure 100 of the first embodiment. Because the configuration of the catalyst theft prevention structure 100 is similar to that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the common components, and a description will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the components that differ from the first embodiment.

[0036] [2-1.Configuration] The catalyst theft prevention system 200 shown in FIG. 3 includes the catalyst theft prevention structure 100, a sensor 6, and an alarm device 7.

[0037] The sensor 6 is provided on the cover part 3 and is configured to be able to sense the cutting of the cover part 3. The sensor 6 is disposed in the internal space of the cover part 3. The sensor may also be attached to the outside of the cover part 3.

[0038] The warning device 7 is provided in the vehicle and configured to be capable of wired or wireless communication with the sensor 6. The warning device 7 outputs a warning based on a signal received from the sensor 6. The warning device 7 may be, for example, a speaker, and may output the warning by emitting a sound.

[0039] [2-2. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the effects (1a) to (1c) of the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0040] (2a) In this embodiment, when the cover portion 3 is cut, the sensor 6 detects the cut and transmits a signal to the alarm device 7. The alarm device 7 receives the signal from the sensor 6 and outputs an alarm, thereby further enhancing the deterrent effect against theft of the catalyst 4.

[0041] 3. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0042] (3a) In each of the above embodiments, the cover portion 3a is attached to the floor tunnel 2, but the vehicle component to which the cover portion 3 is attached is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle component may be a side frame, which is a vehicle body component. As shown in FIG. 4 , a catalyst theft prevention structure 100a of a first modified example may include two side frames 8, a floor tunnel 2, and a cover portion 3. The two side frames 8 are arranged facing each other with a gap between them in the arranging direction and extend along the central axis A. The cover portion 3 is attached to the two side frames 8. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the floor tunnel 2 is arranged between the two side frames 8, and the catalytic converter 1 is arranged in a gap 24 in the floor tunnel 2. Note that the catalyst theft prevention structure does not necessarily have to include the floor tunnel 2. In such a case, the catalytic converter 1 may be arranged in a gap formed between the two side frames 8.

[0043] (3b) In each of the above embodiments, the cover 3 is configured to be X-shaped and hollow by the connecting portion 31 and the four pipes 32 to 35. However, for example, the cover may be configured to be X-shaped and hollow by two pipes. In this case, the cover is formed into an X-shape by intersecting two cylindrical pipes approximately at the center. The intersecting portion of the cover is the intersecting portion of the two pipes. Specifically, the cover is formed by flattening the overlapping portions of each pipe approximately at the center, and then overlapping and fixing the flat portions by welding or the like. This makes it easy to configure a cover having an internal space.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the cover portion may be configured by two X-shaped plate-like members that are larger than the above-described connecting portion 31. In this case, the cover portion is formed by placing the plate surfaces of the two members opposite each other, overlapping the two members so as to form an internal space, and fixing the outer edges of each member by welding or the like.

[0045] (3c) In the above embodiments, the cover portion 3 is generally X-shaped, but the shape of the cover portion is not limited to this. As in the second modified catalyst theft prevention structure 100b shown in FIG. 5, the cover portion 3b may be configured, for example, by arranging multiple pipes in a direction along the central axis A. Each pipe of the cover portion 3b extends in the arranging direction, and each end in the arranging direction is attached to the floor tunnel 2. This makes it easy to configure the cover portion 3b with an internal space. Furthermore, in the case of the cover portion 3b, the narrower the spacing between the pipes, the more likely it is that the second tubular portion 12 will be prevented from being cut.

[0046] Furthermore, for example, the cover portion may be plate-shaped or block-shaped. Furthermore, for example, the cover portion may be configured to overlap the entire second tubular portion when viewed from the perpendicular direction. If the cover portion is plate-shaped, it can cover a wide range of the second tubular portion. Furthermore, the cover portion may be configured only from a band-shaped or string-shaped member. Furthermore, the cover portion may be configured from one or more members.

[0047] (3d) In the first embodiment, the cover part 3 accommodates the contents 5 in the internal space thereof. However, for example, the internal space of the cover part 3 may not accommodate anything.

[0048] (3e) In each of the above embodiments, the cover portion 3 is hollow so that an internal space is formed, but for example, the cover portion may be solid so that there is no internal space. If the cover portion is solid, the rigidity of the cover portion can be improved.

[0049] (3f) For example, the second cylindrical portion 12 of the catalytic converter 1 may be provided with an insulator that covers the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 12. This allows the second cylindrical portion 12 to be covered doubly by the cover portion 3 and the insulator, further increasing the deterrent effect against theft of the catalyst 4.

[0050] (3g) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0051] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification] [Item 1] A theft prevention structure for a catalyst provided in a vehicle, a vehicle component having two wall portions extending along a central axis of a cylindrical catalytic converter so as to face each other, and in which the catalytic converter can be disposed in a gap formed between the two wall portions; a cover portion attached to the component so as to span the gap; Equipped with The catalytic converter has a first cylindrical portion that accommodates the catalyst, and a second cylindrical portion that is located at least one of an upstream side and a downstream side of the first cylindrical portion and has a smaller cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis than the first cylindrical portion, A catalyst theft prevention structure, wherein the cover portion is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the second cylindrical portion when viewed from an orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the central axis and perpendicular to the direction in which the two wall portions are aligned.

[0052] [Item 2] The catalyst theft prevention structure according to item 1, The cover portion is substantially X-shaped and has an intersection at a position where it overlaps with the second cylindrical portion in the orthogonal direction.

[0053] [Item 3] The catalyst theft prevention structure according to item 1 or 2, The cover portion is hollow so that an internal space is formed therein.

[0054] [Item 4] The catalyst theft prevention structure according to item 3, A catalyst theft prevention structure, wherein paint is stored in the internal space of the cover portion.

[0055] [Item 5] The catalyst theft prevention structure according to item 3 or 4, A structure for preventing theft of a catalyst, wherein a band-shaped or string-shaped member is housed in the internal space of the cover portion.

[0056] [Item 6] A catalyst theft prevention system, comprising: The catalyst theft prevention structure according to any one of items 1 to 5, a sensor provided on the cover portion and capable of detecting cutting of the cover portion; an alarm device that outputs an alarm based on the signal received from the sensor; A catalyst theft prevention system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...catalytic converter, 2...floor tunnel, 3, 3b...cover section, 4...catalyst, 5...contents, 6...sensor, 7...alarm device, 8...side frame, 11...first cylindrical section, 12...second cylindrical section, 13...fastening section, 21...ceiling wall, 22...side wall, 23...floor section, 24...gap, 31...connecting section, 32-35...pipes, 36...intersection section, 37...anti-theft bolt, 100, 100a, 100b...theft prevention structure, 200...theft prevention system, A...central axis

Claims

1. A theft prevention structure for a catalyst provided in a vehicle, a vehicle component having two wall portions extending along a central axis of a cylindrical catalytic converter so as to face each other, and in which the catalytic converter can be disposed in a gap formed between the two wall portions; a cover portion attached to the component so as to span the gap; Equipped with the catalytic converter has a first cylindrical portion that accommodates the catalyst, and a second cylindrical portion that is located at least one of an upstream side and a downstream side of the first cylindrical portion and has a smaller cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis than the first cylindrical portion, A catalyst theft prevention structure, wherein the cover portion is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the second cylindrical portion when viewed from an orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the central axis and perpendicular to the direction in which the two wall portions are aligned.

2. The catalyst theft prevention structure according to claim 1, The cover portion is substantially X-shaped and has an intersection at a position where it overlaps with the second cylindrical portion in the orthogonal direction.

3. The catalyst theft prevention structure according to claim 1 or 2, The cover portion is hollow so that an internal space is formed therein.

4. The catalyst theft prevention structure according to claim 3, A catalyst theft prevention structure, wherein paint is stored in the internal space of the cover portion.

5. The catalyst theft prevention structure according to claim 3, A structure for preventing theft of a catalyst, wherein a band-shaped or string-shaped member is housed in the internal space of the cover portion.

6. A catalyst theft prevention system, comprising: The catalyst theft prevention structure according to claim 1 or 2; a sensor provided on the cover portion and capable of detecting cutting of the cover portion; an alarm device that outputs an alarm based on the signal received from the sensor; A catalyst theft prevention system.

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