Wind noise reduction component

Abstract

The present invention provides a wind noise reduction member that can be easily installed without modifying the roof bars, and also increases the degree of freedom in positioning relative to the roof bars. [Solution] A member for reducing wind noise generated by a roof carrier 50 attached to the roof of a vehicle, having a flexible mounting portion 12 that is bent and engages with the outer circumference of one of the carrier bars 52 constituting the roof carrier 50, wherein the mounting portion 12 has two or more contact points and at least one non-contact point between itself and the outer surface of the carrier bar 52.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wind noise reduction member, and particularly to a member suitable for reducing wind noise generated when a roof carrier is attached to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for reducing the wind noise of a roof carrier attached to a vehicle have been variously proposed. For example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is to attach an attachment to the entire roof bar such that the cross-sectional shape of the roof bar becomes streamlined for a roof bar having a rectangular cross-section. Although a rectifying effect can be expected by making the cross-sectional shape of the roof bar streamlined, in reality, from the actual situation where wind noise occurs even in a roof bar having an elliptical cross-section, great expectations cannot be placed on reducing wind noise.

[0003] Further, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 is to arrange a hollow mounting portion through which the roof bar is inserted so as to cover the roof bar in the longitudinal direction, and project a rectifying plate from this mounting portion toward the roof. According to such a technique, it is considered that the wind flowing between the roof carrier and the roof can be suppressed by the action of the rectifying plate, so that the wind noise that sounds in the interior space of the vehicle can be reduced. However, the hollow portion of the mounting portion in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 may generate a discordant sound due to rattling when it is too large with respect to the cross-sectional shape of the roof bar, and may not be able to insert the roof bar when it is too small. Therefore, strict dimensional management is required, and productivity is poor.

[0004] Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3 involves arranging a connecting member in the longitudinal middle of the roof bar to connect the roof and the roof bar. With this configuration, the connecting member can create turbulence in the airflow passing between the roof bar and the roof, thereby suppressing wind noise. However, Patent Document 3 does not specify the means for attaching the connecting member, and it is conceivable that measures such as modifying the roof bar or replacing the roof bar itself may be necessary. Also, considering the stability of the member, the connecting member needs to be fixed to the roof bar. For this reason, once the connecting member is positioned, it is difficult to change its position. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-47945 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3084828 Gazette [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-141870 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a wind noise reduction member that can be easily installed without modifying the roof bars, and that also increases the degree of freedom in positioning relative to the roof bars. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wind noise reduction member according to the present invention, which achieves the above objective, is a member that reduces wind noise generated by a roof carrier attached to the roof of a vehicle, and is flexible and has an attachment portion that allows it to bend and engage with the outer circumference of one of the carrier bars constituting the roof carrier, and the attachment portion has two or more contact points and at least one non-contact point between itself and the outer surface of the carrier bar.

[0008] Furthermore, in a wind noise reduction member having the above-described features, the mounting portion may form a closed space, and by elastically deforming the closed space, a space through which the carrier bar can be inserted may be formed. With such features, there is no risk of it falling off, and the arrangement angle of the protruding portion can be freely changed.

[0009] Furthermore, in a wind noise reduction member having the above-described features, the mounting portion may be a resin spring with a notch, and the mounting to the carrier bar may be achieved by expanding the notch. With these features, it becomes possible to attach and detach the member without removing the carrier bar.

[0010] Furthermore, in a wind noise reduction member having the above-described features, it is preferable that the outer circumference of the mounting portion has a projection with a resistance surface in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the carrier bar. Having such features makes it possible to effectively generate turbulence in the wind that enters between the roof of the vehicle and the roof carrier.

[0011] Furthermore, in a wind noise reduction member having the above-described characteristics, it is preferable that the protruding portion is formed such that its base end is wider than its tip end, with a mountain-shaped cross-section. Having such characteristics increases the rigidity of the protruding portion, allowing it to function effectively even during high-speed driving. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] With a wind noise reduction member having these characteristics, installation is made easy without modifying the roof bars, and the degree of freedom in positioning relative to the roof bars is also increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing the configuration of the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment in a bent state. [Figure 4] This figure shows the cross-sectional shape of the carrier bar that secures the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a side view showing the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment in a state where it is attached to the carrier bar. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing multiple wind noise reduction components attached to a single carrier bar. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a roof carrier equipped with a carrier bar to which a wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment is attached. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing an example of a case where the shape of the protruding portion in the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment is changed. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a wind noise reduction member that can be attached to a carrier bar having a rectangular cross-section. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the wind noise reduction member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a side view showing the configuration of the wind noise reduction member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows the cross-sectional shape of the carrier bar that secures the wind noise reduction member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a side view showing the wind noise reduction member according to the second embodiment with the notch widened to cover the lower half of the carrier bar. [Figure 14] It is a side view showing a state where the notch portion of the wind noise reduction member according to the second embodiment is expanded and the lower half of the carrier bar and one shoulder portion are covered. [Figure 15] It is a side view showing a state where the wind noise reduction member according to the second embodiment is attached to the carrier bar. [Figure 16] It is a side view showing an example of a wind noise reduction member not provided with a protruding portion.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the wind noise reduction member of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are a part of preferred forms for implementing the present invention, and as long as the effects are achieved, even if a part of the configuration is changed, it can be regarded as a part of the present invention.

[0015] [First Embodiment: Configuration] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. In the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state where the wind noise reduction member according to the first embodiment is bent.

[0016] The wind noise reduction member 10 according to the present embodiment has an attachment portion 12 and a protruding portion 14, and is composed of a flexible member. The flexible member here may be a resinous material such as an elastomer (thermosetting, thermoplastic) including a thermosetting elastomer such as rubber. In the present embodiment, the carrier bar 52 of the roof carrier 50 (attached to the roof of a vehicle not shown) to which the wind noise reduction member 10 is attached has a circular cross-sectional shape, and in the following description, a form for corresponding to the carrier bar 52 will be described as an example.

[0017] The mounting portion 12 is a part for locking onto the carrier bar 52. The mounting portion 12 according to this embodiment has a cross-sectional shape that constitutes a closed space 12a (through hole) for inserting the carrier bar 52. Therefore, when locking the mounting portion 12 onto the carrier bar 52, the method of inserting the carrier bar 52 into the closed space 12a from the side of the mounting portion 12 is adopted. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting portion 12 is configured such that the cross-sectional shape of the closed space is elliptical, and the closed space 12a has a major axis a and a minor axis b. Here, the minor axis b of the closed space 12a is preferably slightly shorter than the diameter (outer diameter) of the carrier bar 52, which has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the major axis a is preferably slightly longer than the diameter (outer diameter) of the carrier bar 52. Furthermore, the circumference length of the ellipse constituting the closed space 12a is configured to be longer than the outer circumference length of the carrier bar 52.

[0018] When the outer circumference of the mounting portion 12 on the long axis a side is pressed, it is elastically deformed as shown in Figure 3, and the long axis a and short axis b become axis a1 and axis b1, respectively. By making the length of each axis longer than the diameter of the carrier bar 52, it becomes possible to insert the carrier bar 52 into the closed space 12a. After inserting the carrier bar 52 into the mounting portion 12, releasing the pressure on the long axis a (axis a1) side causes the mounting portion 12 to deform back to its original shape. At this time, the inner circumferential surface of the mounting portion 12 on the short axis b side comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the carrier bar 52, preventing it from returning to its original shape. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the mounting portion 12 has at least two contact points (short axis b side) between itself and the outer circumferential surface of the carrier bar 52, and a non-contact area is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the part corresponding to the long axis a.

[0019] Therefore, the mounting portion 12 generates frictional force on the outer surface of the carrier bar 52 while biasing the inner surface on the short axis b side, while the inner surface on the long axis a side remains in contact. Thus, after mounting, it becomes easy to rotate the carrier bar 52 and slide the carrier bar 52 in the longitudinal direction, and it is also possible to maintain the position due to frictional force.

[0020] The protruding portion 14 is an element that acts as a so-called baffle plate, causing turbulence in the airflow generated when the vehicle is in motion, on the outer circumference of the mounting portion 12. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 12 has an elliptical cross-section, with a vertex P on the extension of its minor axis b, and is formed in a mountain shape with sides that draw arc-shaped tangents from this vertex P to two points on the outer circumference of the major axis a side of the mounting portion 12. By giving the protruding portion 14 this shape, it is possible to give rigidity to the protruding portion 14 while forming the entire wind noise reduction member 10 from a soft material. Therefore, it is possible to exert its effect even when the vehicle is traveling at high speed.

[0021] [Effects / Effects] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 7, the method of using the wind noise reduction member 10 with the above configuration will be explained. In this embodiment of the wind noise reduction member 10, as described above, the closed space 12a in the mounting portion 12 is compressed to make the closed space 12a closer to a circular shape, and the carrier bar 52 is inserted into the closed space 12a.

[0022] As shown in Figure 7, the carrier bar 52 to which the wind noise reduction member 10 is attached is located at the front of the roof carrier 50 (the front in the direction of vehicle travel). There is no limit to the number of wind noise reduction members 10 that can be attached to the carrier bar 52, but it is best to select a number that can enhance the wind noise reduction effect depending on the length of the roof bar 52 and the shape of the vehicle's roof. Also, there are no restrictions on the attachment position, but if two or more wind noise reduction members 10 are placed, it is best to ensure that the spacing between the wind noise reduction members 10 is even.

[0023] By attaching the wind noise reduction member 10 to the carrier bar 52 located at the front of the roof carrier 50 in this manner, turbulence is created in the wind that enters between the roof carrier 50 and the roof when the vehicle is in motion, thereby suppressing noise.

[0024] Furthermore, the wind noise reduction member 10 is secured to the carrier bar 52 by a mounting portion 12 having two or more contact points and at least one non-contact point. Therefore, the position (angle) of the protruding portion 14 and the position of the wind noise reduction member 10 relative to the carrier bar 52 can be freely changed.

[0025] In the above embodiment, the shape of the protrusion 14 was described as a mountain shape with arc-shaped sides arranged from the apex P toward the mounting portion 12. However, the specific shape of the protrusion 14 is not limited as long as it can generate turbulence in the airflow between the roof carrier 50 and the roof. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the protrusion 14 may be formed in the shape of a fin consisting of a single projection.

[0026] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the cross-sectional shape of the carrier bar 52 was circular, the cross-sectional shape of the mounting portion 12 of the wind noise reduction member 10 was elliptical. However, if the cross-sectional shape of the carrier bar 52 is elliptical or rectangular as shown in Figure 9, it is advisable to change the cross-sectional shape of the wind noise reduction member 10 to match that shape. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, it is advisable to provide a bellows-shaped expandable portion 12b on the side constituting the mounting portion 12. This is because, with such a configuration, two or more contact points and at least one non-contact point are provided between the inner circumferential surface of the mounting portion 12 and the outer circumferential surface of the carrier bar 52. Thus, a configuration that can be positioned by utilizing the elastic deformation of the mounting portion 12 can be considered part of the present invention.

[0027] [Second Embodiment: Configuration] Next, with reference to Figures 10 and 12, the configuration of the wind noise reduction member 10A according to the second embodiment will be described in detail. The wind noise reduction member 10A according to this embodiment also has a mounting portion 12 and a protruding portion 14, similar to the wind noise reduction member 10 according to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, parts with the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed explanations are omitted. In this embodiment, the carrier bar 52 is one having a cross-section that approximates an ellipse shape, as shown in Figure 12, a so-called aerodynamic shape.

[0028] The differences between the wind noise reduction member 10A according to this embodiment and the wind noise reduction member 10 according to the first embodiment lie in the constituent materials and the form of the mounting portion 12. Specifically, the constituent material of the wind noise reduction member 10 according to this embodiment is harder and more springy than the constituent material of the wind noise reduction member 10 according to the first embodiment. Examples of specific constituent materials include PP (polypropylene) and ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate).

[0029] Furthermore, the mounting portion 12 of the wind noise reduction member 10A according to this embodiment has a notch 16. As described above, the wind noise reduction member 10A according to this embodiment is made of a springy material. Therefore, by bending the mounting portion 12, the notch 16 can be expanded and attached to the carrier bar 52. Accordingly, the mounting portion 12 of the wind noise reduction member 10A according to this embodiment is shaped to conform to the outer circumference of the carrier bar 52 and has a notch 16. Specifically, it has a contact portion that covers the lower half 52a and the upper shoulder portion 52b of the carrier bar 52, and a notch 16 that is a non-contact portion on a part of the upper surface of the carrier bar 52.

[0030] The protruding portion 14 has a base end at a position that becomes the lower end of the mounting portion 12 when locked, and is shaped like an inverted triangle that tapers towards the tip, and is formed along the width direction of the mounting portion 12.

[0031] [Effects / Effects] As shown in Figure 13, the wind noise reduction member 10A with this configuration covers the lower half 52a of the carrier bar 52 by bending and elastically deforming the mounting portion 12 so as to expand the notch 16. Next, as shown in Figure 14, one end of the mounting portion 12, which is divided by the notch 16, is engaged with the shoulder portion 52b of the carrier bar 52. From the state shown in Figure 14, the mounting portion 12 is further pushed onto the carrier bar 52 so that it engages with the other shoulder portion 52b. At this point, because the mounting portion 12 is elastically deformed, the expanded notch 16 returns to its original shape as it passes through the shoulder portion 52b of the carrier bar 52, returning to a shape that conforms to the outer circumferential surface of the carrier bar 52.

[0032] The wind noise reduction member 10A installed in this manner, like the wind noise reduction member 10 according to the first embodiment, can create turbulence in the wind that enters between the roof carrier 50 (see Figure 7) and the roof when the vehicle is in motion, thereby suppressing noise. Furthermore, the wind noise reduction member 10 with the above configuration can be attached and detached without removing the carrier bar 52 from the roof carrier 50.

[0033] Furthermore, the wind noise reduction member 10A is secured to the carrier bar 52 by a mounting portion 12 which has two or more contact points and a non-contact portion provided by a notch 16. Therefore, the position of the wind noise reduction member 10A relative to the carrier bar 52 can be freely changed.

[0034] Furthermore, the wind noise reduction member 10A according to the above embodiment produces a noise suppression effect by generating turbulence in the wind entering between the roof carrier 50 and the roof, depending on its shape. For this reason, if it is possible to generate turbulence in the wind entering between the roof carrier and the roof by adjusting the thickness of the mounting portion 12, etc., the protruding portion 14 can be omitted, as shown in Figure 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 10, 10A... Wind noise reduction member, 12... Mounting part, 12a... Closed space, 12b... Telescopic part, 14... Protruding part, 16... Notch part, 50... Roof carrier, 52... Carrier bar, 52a... Lower half part, 52b... Shoulder part.

Claims

1. A component that reduces wind noise caused by a roof rack attached to the roof of a vehicle, It has a flexible attachment portion that allows it to bend and engage with the outer circumference of one of the carrier bars that make up the roof carrier, The wind noise reducing member is characterized in that the mounting portion has two or more contact points and non-contact points between itself and the outer circumferential surface of the carrier bar.

2. The aforementioned mounting portion constitutes a closed space, The wind noise reducing member according to claim 1, characterized in that the enclosed space is elastically deformed to form a space through which the carrier bar can be inserted.

3. The mounting portion is a resin spring having a notched portion. The wind noise reducing member according to claim 1, characterized in that the notch portion is expanded to allow attachment to the carrier bar.

4. The wind noise reducing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer circumference of the mounting portion has a projection with a resistance surface in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the carrier bar.

5. The wind noise reducing member according to claim 4, characterized in that the protruding portion is formed such that its base end is wider than its tip end, so that its cross-sectional shape is mountain-shaped.

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