Support structure

Abstract

To provide a support structure capable of easily mounting a support member and suppressing falling of an exhaust system component.SOLUTION: An elastic member included in a support structure provided in a vehicle includes a first surface, a second surface, a hole portion, and a slit. The first surface and the second surface are located at both ends in a direction along the axis. The hole portion penetrates the elastic member from the first surface to the second surface. The slit is provided from the first surface to the second surface along a central axis of the hole portion, and has a first end connected to a space outside the hole portion and a second end connected to the hole portion. The elastic member is configured to support the exhaust system component via a rod-shaped support member that can be inserted into the hole. The slit is configured to be openable so that the support member can pass through the slit. Further, the slit is provided in a region to which a load due to gravity is less likely to be applied from the support member in a state of being inserted into the hole portion, among regions around the hole portion of the elastic member when mounted on the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support structure provided on a vehicle for supporting exhaust system components. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a support structure including a mount member attached to a vehicle body to support a vehicle exhaust system component, and a support member suspended from the mount member to support the exhaust system component. The mount member includes a rectangular cylindrical mount body having vertically opposed upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of plate-shaped mount rubbers disposed inside the mount body and extending from the upper and lower surfaces, and a slit formed in the lower surface. The slit is a gap extending horizontally from a first opening toward a second opening, with the end on the first opening side open. The support member includes a flat bracket and a vertical member hanging down from the underside of the bracket, the lower end of which can support the exhaust system component. The support member is attached to the mount member by inserting the bracket into the mount body through the first opening so that the bracket is surrounded by the plurality of mount rubbers, and inserting the vertical member into the slit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-359090 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the support structure described above, the support member can be easily attached to the mount member by inserting it into the first opening and slit. However, because the slit extends horizontally on the underside and the end of the slit facing the first opening is always open, if an external force such as vibration is applied to the support structure, the vertical member may shift in the direction opposite to the insertion direction into the slit, causing the support member to easily come off the mount member. This could result in exhaust system components falling.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a support structure that allows easy attachment of a support member and can prevent exhaust system components from falling off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a support structure provided in a vehicle for supporting an exhaust system component, the support structure comprising an elastic member extending along an axis. The elastic member has a first surface and a second surface, a hole, and a slit. The first surface and the second surface are located at both ends along the axis. The hole penetrates the elastic member from the first surface to the second surface. The slit is provided from the first surface to the second surface along the central axis of the hole, with a first end perpendicular to the central axis connecting to a space outside the hole and a second end opposite the first end connecting to the hole. The elastic member is configured to support the exhaust system component via a rod-shaped support member that can be inserted into the hole. The slit is configured to be openable to allow the support member to pass through. The slit is provided in an area around the hole of the elastic member when mounted on the vehicle, where a gravitational load is unlikely to be applied from the support member inserted into the hole.

[0007] With this configuration, the support member can be inserted into the hole in the elastic member through the slit. Furthermore, even if an external force such as vibration is applied to the support structure, the gravitational load from the support member inserted into the hole is unlikely to be applied to the slit, making it difficult for the support member to come out of the hole in the elastic member through the slit. This makes it easy to install the support member and prevents exhaust system components from falling off.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a support member. The support member may have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be configured to be held by an exhaust system component or a vehicle body. The second portion may be configured to be held by an elastic member. The second portion may also have a main body portion and a tip portion. The main body portion may be configured to be inserted into the hole. The tip portion may be configured to protrude outside the hole. The tip portion may also be configured to overlap with a region surrounding the hole of the elastic member when viewed in a direction along the central axis.

[0009] With this configuration, when the second part is inserted into the hole, movement in a direction along the central axis of the hole is restricted by the tip end catching on the edge of the hole, thereby preventing the support member from coming off the elastic member.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tip portion may be configured to bend relative to the body portion. With this configuration, when the second part is inserted into the hole, movement in a direction along the central axis of the hole is restricted by the tip end catching on the edge of the hole, thereby preventing the support member from coming off the elastic member.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a V-shaped groove may be formed at the first end of the slit when viewed along the central axis, and the groove may be provided along the central axis from the first surface to the second surface. With this configuration, the support member can be easily guided into the slit along the groove, making it easy to insert the support member into the hole through the slit.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the slit may be provided with a suppressing portion that suppresses the slit from opening when a force is applied to the second end in a first direction from the second end to the first end.

[0013] With this configuration, even if a force in the first direction is applied to the second end of the slit, the suppression section prevents the slit from opening, thereby preventing the support member from coming out of the hole through the slit.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, opposing surfaces of both end portions of the slit that face each other in a circumferential direction around the central axis of the slit may be in contact with each other, and the suppression portion may have an uneven shape provided on each opposing surface. According to this configuration, when a force is applied to the second end of the slit in the first direction, a frictional force is likely to be generated between the opposing surfaces, and therefore the slit is likely to be prevented from opening.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, opposing surfaces of both end portions of the slit that face each other in a circumferential direction around the central axis may abut against each other. The suppression portion may be an inclined portion of each opposing surface. In a cross section perpendicular to the central axis, the inclined portion may extend obliquely with respect to a line that is perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the hole and intersects with the first end.

[0016] In this configuration, the inclined portions of the opposing surfaces overlap in the first direction, so that when a force is applied to the second end of the slit in the first direction, the opposing surfaces collide with each other, which tends to prevent the slit from opening.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member may have two valve bodies extending toward each other from first end portions of opposite ends of the slit in a circumferential direction around the central axis of the slit so as to cover the groove. The two valve bodies may be configured to have overlapping portions above the groove.

[0018] With this configuration, even if the slit is opened, at least a portion of the opened area on the first end side is likely to be covered by the two valve bodies, thereby preventing the support member from coming off the hole portion through the slit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a support structure for exhaust system components. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are front and perspective views of the elastic member. [Figure 3] Fig. 3A is a front view showing a state before the support member is attached to the elastic member, and Fig. 3B is a side view of Fig. 3A. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is a front view showing a state after the support member has been assembled to the elastic member, and Fig. 4B is a side view of Fig. 4A. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view of a support member according to a first modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view of a support member according to a second modified example. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are a front view of an elastic member of a third modified example and an enlarged front view of a suppressing portion of the elastic member. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of a suppressing portion of an elastic member according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are a front view and an enlarged front view of a suppressing portion of the elastic member of a fifth modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of a suppressing portion of an elastic member according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of a suppressing portion of an elastic member according to a seventh modified example. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are a front view and an enlarged front view of an elastic member of an eighth modified example, respectively, and a valve body of the elastic member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Configuration] The support structure 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a structure provided on a vehicle to support an exhaust system component 200. Specifically, the support structure 100 is attached to a vehicle body 300 and configured to support the exhaust system component 200 from above. The exhaust system component 200 is a component that forms a flow path for exhaust gas from the vehicle engine. The exhaust system component 200 is, for example, an exhaust pipe or a muffler. The support structure 100 includes at least an elastic member 1. In this embodiment, the support structure 100 further includes a first support member 2 and a second support member 3. The elastic member 1 is configured to support the exhaust system component 200 via the first support member 2 and the second support member 3. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first support member 2 and the second support member 3, they will also be simply referred to as support members. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the upper hole portion 13 and the lower hole portion 14, they will also be simply referred to as holes.

[0021] <Elastic material> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B, the elastic member 1 is a columnar member extending along an axis A. The axis A is a line extending from a first surface 11 to a second surface 12 of the elastic member 1, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the axis A is a central axis passing through the center of the elastic member 1. The elastic member 1 has a cross section perpendicular to the axis A (hereinafter simply referred to as a cross section) that has a substantially elliptical shape. The cross-sectional shape of the elastic member may also be substantially circular, substantially polygonal, or the like.

[0022] The elastic member 1 is made of, for example, rubber and is configured to be elastically deformable. The elastic member 1 is mounted on a vehicle with its axis A extending in a substantially horizontal direction. The elastic member 1 includes a hollow portion 10, a first surface 11, a second surface 12, an upper hole portion 13, a lower hole portion 14, an upper wall portion 15, a lower wall portion 16, a slit 17, and a groove portion 18.

[0023] The first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are surfaces located at both ends in the direction along the axis A. The cavity 10 is a hole that penetrates the elastic member 1 from the first surface 11 to the second surface 12 . The upper hole portion 13 and the lower hole portion 14 are also holes that penetrate the elastic member 1 from the first surface 11 to the second surface 12. The cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion 10 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the upper hole portion 13 and the lower hole portion 14. The hollow portion 10 is located between the upper hole portion 13 and the lower hole portion 14. When the elastic member 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the upper hole portion 13 is located above the hollow portion 10, and the lower hole portion 14 is located below the hollow portion 10. A first support member 2 is inserted into the upper hole portion 13, and a second support member 3 is inserted into the lower hole portion 14.

[0024] The upper hole 13 and the lower hole 14 can have various shapes corresponding to the shape of the support member to be inserted. In this embodiment, as an example, the upper hole 13 and the lower hole 14 have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and each extend linearly in a direction along the axis A. The central axis B of each of the upper hole 13 and the lower hole 14 extends parallel to the axis A. The upper hole 13 and the lower hole 14 are formed to be thinner than or approximately the same thickness as the support member to be inserted.

[0025] The upper wall portion 15 is a portion of the elastic member 1 that is located between the cavity portion 10 and the upper hole portion 13. The lower wall portion 16 is a portion of the elastic member 1 that is located between the cavity portion 10 and the lower hole portion 14. When the elastic member 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the upper wall portion 15 is located below the upper hole portion 13, and the lower wall portion 16 is located above the lower hole portion 14.

[0026] The slit 17 is a cut provided in the elastic member 1 to connect the hole with the space outside the hole, and is provided from the first surface 11 to the second surface 12 along the central axis B of the hole. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the slit 17 is provided only in the lower wall portion 16 so as to extend from the hollow portion 10 to the lower hole portion 14. Specifically, the slit 17 is provided above the lower hole portion 14 and extends straight in the vertical direction so as to intersect perpendicularly with the inner circumferential surface of the lower hole portion 14. The slit 17 has a first end 171, which is an end of the lower hole portion 14 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis B, and a second end 172 opposite the first end 171. The first end 171 connects to the space outside the lower hole portion 14, and the second end 172 connects to the lower hole portion 14. In this embodiment, the first end 171 connects to the hollow portion 10.

[0027] The lower wall portion 16 is divided by a slit 17 and has two opposite ends 161, 162 that face each other in the circumferential direction around the central axis B of the lower hole portion 14. That is, the slit 17 is formed by and between the opposing surfaces 163, 164 of the two opposite ends 161, 162. Therefore, in this embodiment, the two opposite ends 161, 162 and their opposing surfaces 163, 164 of the lower wall portion 16 correspond to the two opposite ends of the slit 17 and their opposing surfaces that face each other in the circumferential direction. The opposing surfaces 163, 164 are surfaces that extend in a planar shape substantially perpendicular to the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 of the elastic member 1.

[0028] The groove portion 18 is a V-shaped groove when viewed from a direction along the central axis B of the lower hole portion 14, and is formed at the first end 171 of the slit 17. The groove portion 18 is provided from the first surface 11 to the second surface 12 along the central axis B. The width of the groove portion 18 becomes narrower the closer it is to the slit 17. In other words, the width of the groove portion 18 becomes wider the farther it is from the slit 17.

[0029] In this embodiment, when no external force is applied to the slit 17, the opposing surfaces 163, 164 of the two end portions 161, 162 of the lower wall portion 16 abut against each other. In other words, when no external force is applied to the slit 17, the slit 17 is in a closed state.

[0030] The slit 17 is also configured to be openable so that the second support member 3 can pass through. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the slit 17, the lower wall portion 16 elastically deforms so that the opposing surfaces 163, 164 of both end portions 161, 162 move away from each other. In other words, when an external force is applied to the slit 17, the slit 17 is opened. This allows the second support member 3 to pass through.

[0031] Specifically, when a force is applied to the first end 171 of the slit 17 in an insertion direction from the first end 171 to the second end 172 (hereinafter simply referred to as the insertion direction), the width of the slit 17 increases, allowing the second support member 3 to be inserted into the lower hole 14 through the slit 17. When the second support member 3 is inserted into the lower hole 14, the lower wall 16 elastically deforms so that the opposing surfaces 163, 164 of the end portions 161, 162 approach each other. This reduces the width of the slit 17, causing the lower hole 14 to be closed in the circumferential direction (i.e., the slit 17 is closed). Furthermore, when a force is applied to the second end 172 of the slit 17 in the opposite direction from the insertion direction, i.e., in the opposite direction from the second end 172 to the first end 171 (hereinafter simply referred to as the opposite direction), the width of the slit 17 increases, allowing the second support member 3 to be removed from the lower hole 14 through the slit 17.

[0032] The slit may be provided in the elastic member 1 so as to connect to the upper hole 13. Specifically, the slit may be provided only in the upper wall 15 so as to extend from the hollow portion 10 to the upper hole 13. In this case, the slit is provided below the upper hole 13 and extends straight in the vertical direction so as to intersect perpendicularly with the inner circumferential surface of the upper hole 13. The slit may also be provided in both the upper wall 15 and the lower wall 16. The slit provided in the upper wall 15 has a similar configuration to the slit 17 provided in the lower wall 16, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] In this embodiment, the lower wall 16 and its vicinity are regions of the elastic member 1 surrounding the lower hole 14 when the elastic member 1 is mounted on a vehicle that are less likely to receive a gravitational load from the second support member 3 inserted into the lower hole 14. In other words, the region facing the lower wall 16 across the lower hole 14 is a region of the elastic member 1 surrounding the lower hole 14 that is more likely to receive a gravitational load from the second support member 3 inserted into the lower hole 14. Specifically, the region that is more likely to receive a load is, for example, a lower region of the elastic member 1 located directly below the lower hole 14. The region that is less likely to receive a load is, for example, a region of the elastic member 1 other than the lower region, and in this embodiment, the lower wall 16 is an example.

[0034] Similarly, the upper wall 15 and its vicinity are regions of the elastic member 1 surrounding the upper hole 13 when the elastic member 1 is mounted on a vehicle that are less likely to receive a load due to gravity from the first support member 2 inserted into the upper hole 13. In other words, the region facing the upper wall 15 across the upper hole 13 is a region of the elastic member 1 surrounding the upper hole 13 that is more likely to receive a load due to gravity from the first support member 2 inserted into the upper hole 13. Specifically, the region to which the load is more likely to be applied is, for example, an upper region of the elastic member 1 located directly above the upper hole 13. The region to which the load is less likely to be applied is, for example, a region of the elastic member 1 other than the upper region, and in this embodiment, the upper wall 15 is an example.

[0035] <First support member> The first support member 2 is a rod-shaped member. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the first support member 2 is, for example, a substantially cylindrical member curved in an L-shape. The first support member can have various shapes. In this embodiment, the first support member 2 is an integrated member. For example, the first support member 2 is made of metal. The first support member 2 includes a first portion 21, a second portion 22, and a curved portion 23.

[0036] The first portion 21 is a portion that extends linearly and is configured to be held by the vehicle body 300. The first portion 21 extends substantially in the vertical direction when the first support member 2 is mounted on the vehicle. For example, the upper end of the first portion 21 is directly or indirectly joined to the vehicle body 300.

[0037] The second portion 22 is a portion that extends linearly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first portion 21, and is configured to be held by the elastic member 1. Specifically, the second portion 22 has a main body portion 221 and a tip portion 222. The main body portion 221 is a portion with a substantially constant diameter, and is inserted into the upper hole portion 13 of the elastic member 1. The tip portion 222 is a portion that has a larger diameter than the main body portion 221, and protrudes to the outside of the upper hole portion 13. The tip portion 222 has a shape that tapers in a direction away from the main body portion 221.

[0038] The second portion 22 extends in a substantially horizontal direction when the first support member 2 is mounted on the vehicle. The second portion 22 is inserted into the upper hole 13 of the elastic member 1 from the first surface 11 side and passes through the elastic member 1. As a result, the second portion 22 is held by the elastic member 1 with the main body 221 inserted into the upper hole 13 and the tip portion 222 protruding out of the upper hole 13 and adjacent to the second surface 12. The curved portion 23 is a curved portion located between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22.

[0039] <Second support member> The second support member 3 is also a rod-shaped member. In this embodiment, the second support member 3 is, for example, a substantially cylindrical member curved in a substantially U-shape. The second support member can also take various shapes. In this embodiment, the second support member 3 is also an integrated member. For example, the second support member 3 is also made of metal. The second support member 3 includes a first portion 31, a second portion 32, and a curved portion 33.

[0040] The first portion 31 is a portion that extends linearly and is configured to be held by the exhaust system component 200. The first portion 31 extends substantially in the vertical direction when the second support member 3 is mounted on a vehicle. For example, the lower end of the first portion 31 is joined directly or indirectly to the exhaust system component 200.

[0041] The second portion 32 is a portion that extends linearly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first portion 31 and is configured to be held by the elastic member 1. Specifically, the second portion 32 has a main body portion 321 and a tip portion 322. The main body portion 321 is a portion with a substantially constant diameter and is inserted into the lower hole portion 14 of the elastic member 1. The tip portion 322 protrudes outside the lower hole portion 14 and overlaps with the area surrounding the lower hole portion 14 of the elastic member 1 when viewed from the direction along the central axis B. In this embodiment, the tip portion 322 is a portion that bends with respect to the main body portion 321 and overlaps with the first surface 11 when viewed from the direction along the central axis B. Specifically, the tip portion 322 bends downward with respect to the main body portion 321. Note that the tip portion may be configured to bend in a direction other than downward.

[0042] The second portion 32 extends in a substantially horizontal direction when the second support member 3 is mounted on the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , when the second portion 32 penetrates the cavity 10, the main body 321 is disposed above the lower hole 14, specifically above the groove 18 of the slit 17. Then, by moving the second portion 32 in the insertion direction (i.e., downward) indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3A , the second portion 32 is inserted into the lower hole 14 through the slit 17. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the main body 321 is inserted into the lower hole 14, and the tip 322 protrudes outside the lower hole 14 and is adjacent to the first surface 11, and the second portion 32 is held by the elastic member 1. The curved portion 33 is a curved portion located between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32.

[0043] [2.Effects] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained.

[0044] (2a) In this embodiment, the elastic member 1 includes a slit 17 provided in the lower wall portion 16 so as to extend from the cavity portion 10 to the lower hole portion 14. When no external force is applied to the slit 17, the opposing surfaces 163, 164 of both end portions 161, 162 of the lower wall portion 16 abut against each other, and the slit 17 is in a closed state. On the other hand, the slit 17 is configured to be openable to allow the second support member 3 to pass through. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the slit 17, the lower wall portion 16 elastically deforms so that the opposing surfaces 163, 164 move away from each other, and the slit 17 is opened. Therefore, the second portion 32 of the second support member 3 can be inserted into the lower hole portion 14 of the elastic member 1 through the slit 17. Furthermore, even when an external force such as vibration is applied to the support structure 100, the gravitational load from the second support member 3 inserted into the lower hole portion 14 is unlikely to be applied to the slit 17. Furthermore, when the second portion 32 is inserted into the lower hole 14, the width of the slit 17 narrows, and the lower hole 14 is closed in the circumferential direction. This makes it difficult for the second support member 3 to come off the lower hole 14 of the elastic member 1 through the slit 17. This makes it easy to attach the second support member 3, and prevents the exhaust system part 200 from falling off.

[0045] (2b) In this embodiment, the tip 322 of the second portion 32 of the second support member 3 is configured to bend relative to the main body 321, and when the main body 321 is inserted into the lower hole 14, the tip 322 protrudes to the outside of the lower hole 14. As a result, movement of the second portion 32 inserted into the lower hole 14 in a direction along the central axis B of the lower hole 14 is restricted by the tip 322 getting caught on the edge of the lower hole 14. This makes it possible to prevent the second support member 3 from coming off the elastic member 1. This further prevents the exhaust system component 200 from falling.

[0046] (2c) In this embodiment, a V-shaped groove 18 is formed at the first end 171 of the slit 17 when viewed from the direction along the central axis B of the lower wall portion 16. This makes it easy to guide the second portion 32 of the second support member 3 into the slit 17 along the groove 18, making it easy to insert the second support member 3 into the lower hole portion 14 through the slit 17. This makes it easier to attach the second support member 3.

[0047] In this embodiment, the lower hole 14 corresponds to an example of a hole, the second support member 3 corresponds to an example of a support member, the lower wall 16 corresponds to an example of a region where load is not easily applied, and the opposite direction from the second end 172 to the first end 171 corresponds to an example of a first direction. Furthermore, in the case where the upper wall 15 is configured to have the slit 17, the upper hole 13 may correspond to an example of a hole, the first support member 2 may correspond to an example of a support member, and the upper wall 15 may correspond to an example of a region where load is not easily applied.

[0048] 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.

[0049] (3a) In this embodiment, the slit 17 is closed when no external force is applied to the slit 17. However, for example, the slit may be configured to have a gap when no external force is applied to the slit 17. In other words, when no external force is applied to the slit, the opposing surfaces 163, 164 of the end portions 161, 162 of the lower wall portion 16 may be spaced apart.

[0050] (3b) In the present embodiment, the elastic member 1 has a hollow portion 10. However, for example, the elastic member may have a configuration that does not have a hollow portion 10. In a configuration in which the elastic member does not have a hollow portion 10, the slit extends from the hole to the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member 1 so that the first end of the slit is connected to the space outside the elastic member. In such a configuration, both circumferentially opposing ends of the elastic member and their respective opposing surfaces correspond to both circumferentially opposing ends of the slit and their respective opposing surfaces.

[0051] (3c) In the present embodiment, the V-shaped groove 18, as viewed from the direction along the central axis B of the lower hole 14, is formed at the first end 171 of the slit 17, but the configuration of the slit is not limited to this. For example, the first end of the slit does not necessarily need to have a groove.

[0052] (3d) In the present embodiment, the support structure 100 includes the first support member 2 and the second support member 3 in addition to the elastic member 1, but the configuration of the support structure is not limited to this. For example, the support structure may include only the elastic member 1.

[0053] (3e) In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the tip 322 of the second portion 32 of the second support member 3 is bent relative to the main body 321 is illustrated, but the configuration of the support member inserted into the hole through the slit 17 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the second portion 32a of the support member 3a of the first modified example may have a main body 321a inserted into the lower hole 14 and a tip 322a protruding outward from the lower hole 14. The tip 322a may have a portion with a larger diameter than the main body 321a, which has a substantially constant diameter, and may have a shape that tapers in a direction away from the main body 321a. The tip 322a overlaps the first surface 11 when viewed in a direction along the central axis B. As a result, movement of the second portion 32a inserted into the lower hole 14 in the direction along the central axis B is restricted by the tip portion 322a being caught on the edge of the lower hole 14 (in other words, the tip portion 322a being in contact with the first surface 11). This makes it possible to prevent the support member 3a from falling off the elastic member 1.

[0054] 6, the second portion 32b of the support member 3b of the second modified example may have a main body 321b inserted into the lower hole 14, and a stopper member 4 may be attached to the end of the main body 321b protruding from the lower hole 14. The stopper member 4 is a separate part from the support member 3b. The stopper member 4 is, for example, a lid-shaped member having a larger diameter than the main body 321b, which has a substantially constant diameter, and is attached so as to cover the end of the main body 321b protruding from the lower hole 14. The stopper member 4 overlaps with the first surface 11 when viewed from the direction along the central axis B. As a result, when the second portion 32b is inserted into the lower hole 14, movement of the second portion 32b in the direction along the central axis B is restricted by the stopper member 4 getting caught on the edge of the lower hole 14 (in other words, the stopper member 4 abutting against the first surface 11). This prevents the support member 3a from falling out of the elastic member 1.

[0055] (3f) In this embodiment, the slit 17 is provided above the lower hole portion 14 so as to extend straight in the vertical direction and perpendicularly intersect with the inner circumferential surface of the lower hole portion 14, and the opposing surfaces 163, 164 extend in a planar shape and are configured to abut against each other. However, the configuration of the slit 17 is not limited to this.

[0056] For example, the slit may be arranged in a region surrounding the lower hole portion 14 other than the lower region located directly below the lower hole portion 14 (i.e., a region where load is less likely to be applied), extending diagonally with respect to a straight line extending in the vertical direction and intersecting the inner surface of the lower hole portion 14.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, the slit may be provided with a suppressing portion that prevents the slit from opening when a force in the opposite direction is applied to the second end of the slit. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, as an example of a suppressing portion, minute irregularities may be provided on the opposing surfaces 163a, 164a of both end portions 161a, 162a that constitute the slit 17a in the elastic member 1a of the third modified example. The slit 17a generally extends in the up-down direction so as to intersect perpendicularly with the inner circumferential surface of the lower hole portion 14. The irregularities provided on the opposing surfaces 163a, 164a are formed to fit together. It is preferable that a large number of irregularities are provided along the first end 171a to the second end 172a of the slit 17a. The irregularities may be provided on the entire surfaces of the opposing surfaces 163a, 164a, or only on partial regions of the opposing surfaces 163a, 164a that face each other. When no external force is applied to the slit 17a, the opposing surfaces 163a, 164a of the two end portions 161a, 162a of the lower wall portion 16a of the elastic member 1a abut against each other with the recesses and projections fitted together. That is, when no external force is applied to the slit 17a, the slit 17a is in a closed state with the recesses and projections fitted together. As a result, when a force is applied to the second end 172a of the slit 17a in the opposite direction, frictional force is likely to be generated between the opposing surfaces 163a, 164a, which tends to prevent the slit 17a from opening. As a result, it is possible to prevent the support member from coming off the lower hole portion 14 through the slit 17a.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the opposing surfaces 163b, 164b of both end portions 161b, 162b constituting the slit 17b of the elastic member 1b of the fourth modified example may be provided with a return shape as an example of a suppression portion. The slit 17b extends generally in the up-down direction so as to intersect perpendicularly with the inner circumferential surface of the lower hole portion 14. The return shape is a shallow, narrow groove provided in each of the opposing surfaces 163b, 164b. The groove extends obliquely relative to each of the opposing surfaces 163b, 164b so as to turn back in the opposite direction from each of the opposing surfaces 163b, 164b. It is preferable that a large number of such grooves are provided so as to be aligned at close intervals from the first end 171b to the second end 172b of the slit 17b. The return shape may be provided over the entire surface of each of the opposing surfaces 163b, 164b, or may be provided only in a partial region of each of the opposing surfaces 163b, 164b that faces each other. When no external force is applied to the slit 17b of the elastic member 1b, the opposing surfaces 163b, 164b of both end portions 161b, 162b of the lower wall portion 16b abut against each other. That is, when no external force is applied to the slit 17b, the slit 17b is closed. As a result, when a force is applied to the second end 172b of the slit 17b in the opposite direction, friction is likely to occur between the opposing surfaces 163b, 164b, which tends to prevent the slit 17b from opening. As a result, it is possible to prevent the support member from coming off the lower hole portion 14 through the slit 17b.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the opposing surfaces 163c, 164c of both end portions 161c, 162c constituting the slit 17c in the elastic member 1c of the fifth modified example may have inclined portions. In a cross section perpendicular to the central axis B of the lower hole portion 14, the inclined portions extend obliquely with respect to a line L shown in FIG. 9, which is perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the lower hole portion 14 and intersects with the first end 171c of the slit 17c. In the configuration of the elastic member 1c, the entire surfaces of the opposing surfaces 163c, 164c extend obliquely with respect to the line L. In other words, the slit 17c extends obliquely with respect to the line L. Therefore, the entire surfaces of the opposing surfaces 163c, 164c function as suppression portions. In the elastic member 1c, when no external force is applied to the slit 17c, the opposing surfaces 163c, 164c of both end portions 161c, 162c of the lower wall portion 16c abut against each other. That is, when no external force is applied to slit 17c, slit 17c is in a closed state. As a result, opposing surfaces 163c, 164c overlap in opposite directions, and when a force in the opposite direction is applied to second end 172c of slit 17c, opposing surfaces 163c, 164c collide with each other, which tends to prevent slit 17c from opening.

[0060] The inclined portions of the opposing surfaces serving as suppression portions may be provided only in a partial region of each opposing surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the opposing surfaces 163d, 164d of both end portions 161d, 162d constituting the slit 17d of the elastic member 1d of the sixth modified example may have inclined portions only in approximately central regions. Specifically, each opposing surface 163d, 164d has two linear portions extending straight along the line L from the first end 171d and the second end 172d of the slit 17d, and two inclined portions located between the two linear portions and extending from the ends of the linear portions in directions obliquely intersecting with each other relative to the line L. When no external force is applied to the slit 17d of the elastic member 1d, the opposing surfaces 163d, 164d of both end portions 161d, 162d of the lower wall portion 16d abut against each other. That is, when no external force is applied to the slit 17d, the slit 17d is in a closed state.

[0061] 11, for example, the opposing surfaces 163e, 164e of both end portions 161e, 162e constituting the slit 17e in the elastic member 1e of the seventh modification may have an inclined portion only in the region on the second end 172e side of the slit 17e. Specifically, each of the opposing surfaces 163e, 164e has a linear portion extending straight along the line L from the first end 171e side of the slit 17e and an inclined portion extending obliquely with respect to the line L from the end of the linear portion. In the elastic member 1e, when no external force is applied to the slit 17e, the opposing surfaces 163e, 164e of both end portions 161e, 162e of the lower wall portion 16e abut against each other. In other words, when no external force is applied to the slit 17e, the slit 17e is in a closed state.

[0062] In the elastic member 1d of the sixth modified example and the elastic member 1e of the seventh modified example described above, only a portion of each of the opposing surfaces 163d, 164d, 163e, and 164e extends obliquely with respect to the straight line L. That is, only a portion of each of the slits 17d and 17e extends obliquely with respect to the straight line L. Therefore, only a portion of each of the opposing surfaces 163d, 164d, 163e, and 164e functions as a suppression portion. In both the configurations of the elastic member 1d of the sixth modified example and the elastic member 1e of the seventh modified example, the inclined portions of each of the opposing surfaces 163d, 164d, 163e, and 164e overlap in opposite directions. When a force is applied to the second ends 172d and 172e of the slits 17d and 17e in opposite directions, the inclined portions of each of the opposing surfaces 163d, 164d, 163e, and 164e collide with each other, which tends to suppress the opening of the slits 17d and 17e.

[0063] (3g) As shown in FIG. 12 , the elastic member 1f of the eighth modified example may have two valve bodies 19. The two valve bodies 19 extend toward each other from the first end 171 sides of both end portions 161, 162 that define the slit 17 of the elastic member 1f so as to cover the groove portion 18. Specifically, each valve body 19 is provided along an edge extending along the central axis B of the groove portion 18 so as to extend from the edge. The two valve bodies 19 are configured to overlap each other above the groove portion 18. Each valve body 19 is, for example, a flat, rubber member that is elastically deformable. This allows at least a portion of the open area on the first end 171 side to be easily covered by the valve body 19, even when a force is applied to the second end 172 in the opposite direction, opening the slit 17. This prevents the support member from coming off the lower hole portion 14 through the slit 17. The extending tip portions of the valve bodies may be bent into the groove portion 18.

[0064] In addition, the elastic members 1, 1a to 1f of the first to eighth modified examples described above have been explained based on the lower hole portion 14 and the lower wall portions 16, 16a to 16e, but if a slit is provided in the upper wall portion 15, the upper hole portion 13 and the upper wall portion 15 may also be configured in a similar manner.

[0065] (3h) 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.

[0066] [4. Technical Ideas Disclosed in the Present Specification] [Item 1] A support structure provided on a vehicle to support an exhaust system component, An elastic member extending along an axis, The elastic member is a first surface and a second surface located at both ends in a direction along the axis; a hole portion that penetrates the elastic member from the first surface to the second surface; a slit that is provided along the central axis of the hole from the first surface to the second surface, the slit having a first end in a direction perpendicular to the central axis that is connected to a space outside the hole, and a second end opposite to the first end that is connected to the hole; the elastic member is configured to support the exhaust system component via a rod-shaped support member that can be inserted into the hole, the slit is configured to be openable to allow the support member to pass therethrough, A support structure in which the slit is provided in an area around the hole portion of the elastic member when mounted on the vehicle, where the gravitational load is unlikely to be applied from the support member when inserted into the hole portion.

[0067] [Item 2] The support structure according to item 1, The support member is further provided, The support member is a first portion configured to be retained by the exhaust system component or the vehicle body; a second portion configured to be retained by the elastic member; The second portion has a main body portion configured to be inserted into the hole and a tip portion configured to protrude outside the hole, A support structure in which the tip portion is configured to overlap a region surrounding the hole portion of the elastic member when viewed in a direction along the central axis.

[0068] [Item 3] The support structure according to item 2, The tip portion is configured to bend relative to the body portion.

[0069] [Item 4] The support structure according to any one of items 1 to 3, a V-shaped groove portion is formed at the first end of the slit when viewed from a direction along the central axis, The groove is provided along the central axis from the first surface to the second surface.

[0070] [Item 5] The support structure according to any one of items 1 to 4, A support structure in which the slit is provided with a suppression portion that suppresses the slit from opening when a force is applied to the second end in a first direction from the second end to the first end.

[0071] [Item 6] Item 5. The support structure according to item 5, The slit has opposing surfaces at both ends that are opposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis and that abut against each other, The suppression portion is a concave-convex shape provided on each of the opposing surfaces.

[0072] [Item 7] The support structure according to item 5 or 6, The slit has opposing surfaces at both ends that are opposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis and that abut against each other, The suppression portion is an inclined portion of each of the opposing surfaces, A support structure in which the inclined portion extends obliquely with respect to a line that is perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the hole and intersects with the first end in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis.

[0073] [Item 8] Item 4. The support structure according to item 4, the elastic member has two valve bodies extending in directions approaching each other from portions on the first end side of both end portions of the slit that are opposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis so as to cover the groove portion, A support structure in which the two valve bodies are configured to have portions that overlap each other above the groove portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1, 1a to 1f... elastic member, 2... first support member, 3... second support member, 3a, 3b... support member, 4... stopper member, 10... hollow portion, 11... first surface, 12... second surface, 13... upper hole portion, 14... lower hole portion, 15... upper wall portion, 16, 16a to 16e... lower wall portion, 17, 17a to 17e... slit, 18... groove portion, 19... valve body, 21, 31... first portion, 22, 32... second portion, 23, 33... curved portion, 100...Support structure, 161,161a~161e,162,162a~162e...Both ends, 163,163a~163e,164,164a~164e...Opposing surface, 171,171a,~e...First end, 172,172a~172e...Second end, 200...Exhaust system parts, 221,321,321a,321b...Main body, 222,322,322a...Tip, 300...Vehicle body, A...Axis line, B...Central axis, L...Straight line.

Claims

1. A support structure provided on a vehicle to support an exhaust system component, An elastic member extending along an axis, The elastic member is a first surface and a second surface located at opposite ends in a direction along the axis; a hole portion that penetrates the elastic member from the first surface to the second surface; a slit that is provided along a central axis of the hole portion from the first surface to the second surface, the slit having a first end in a direction perpendicular to the central axis that is connected to a space outside the hole portion and a second end opposite to the first end that is connected to the hole portion, the elastic member is configured to support the exhaust system component via a rod-shaped support member that can be inserted into the hole, The slit is configured to be openable so that the support member can pass through, A support structure in which the slit is provided in an area around the hole portion of the elastic member when mounted on the vehicle, where the gravitational load is unlikely to be applied from the support member when inserted into the hole portion.

2. 2. The support structure of claim 1, The support member is further provided, The support member is a first portion configured to be retained by the exhaust system component or the vehicle body; a second portion configured to be retained by the elastic member; the second portion has a main body portion configured to be inserted into the hole and a tip portion configured to protrude outside the hole, A support structure in which the tip portion is configured to overlap a region surrounding the hole portion of the elastic member when viewed in a direction along the central axis.

3. 3. The support structure of claim 2, The tip portion is configured to bend relative to the body portion.

4. A support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a V-shaped groove portion is formed at the first end of the slit when viewed from a direction along the central axis, The groove is provided along the central axis from the first surface to the second surface.

5. A support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A support structure in which the slit is provided with a suppression portion that suppresses the slit from opening when a force is applied to the second end in a first direction from the second end to the first end.

6. 6. A support structure according to claim 5, The slit has opposing surfaces at both ends that are opposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis and that abut against each other, The suppression portion is a concave-convex shape provided on each of the opposing surfaces.

7. 6. A support structure according to claim 5, The slit has opposing surfaces at both ends that are opposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis and that abut against each other, The suppression portion is an inclined portion of each of the opposing surfaces, A support structure, wherein the inclined portion extends obliquely with respect to a line that is perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the hole and intersects with the first end in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis.

8. 5. A support structure according to claim 4, the elastic member has two valve bodies extending in directions approaching each other from portions on the first end side of both end portions of the slit that are opposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis so as to cover the groove portion, A support structure in which the two valve bodies are configured to have portions that overlap each other above the groove portion.

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