Replacement engine cover

Abstract

In cab-over vehicles, when removing existing seats and installing new ones, this mechanism prevents the height of the new passenger seat from increasing. [Solution] A replacement engine cover that can be installed after removing an existing engine cover that covers at least the engine 60 located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle and has a first covering plate 11 on the passenger side, a second covering plate 12 on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate 11, and an inclined plate 13 that is inclined upward from the first covering plate 11 toward the second covering plate 12, comprises a first replacement covering plate 22 on the passenger side that is approximately the same height as the first covering plate 11, a second replacement covering plate 26 on the driver's side that is approximately the same height as the second covering plate 12 and has a smaller diameter than the width of the second covering plate 12, and an intermediate support step 24 that is higher than the first replacement covering plate 22 and lower than the second replacement covering plate 26 and is located between the first replacement covering plate 22 and the second replacement covering plate 26.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a replacement engine cover that is replaced after removing an existing engine cover that at least covers an engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] So-called cab-over vehicles, in which a cab (driver's seat) is provided above the engine, are particularly applied to medium-sized and large-sized vehicles such as trucks and buses. By adopting a structure in which the driver's seat is arranged above the engine, a wide loading platform can be obtained.

[0003] In recent years, such cab-over vehicles have also been modified into camper vans. In the process of such modification, there has been an increase, particularly in recent years, in cases where the existing seats provided in the driver's seat and the passenger seat are replaced with new seats of a preferred type that are excellent in sitting comfort.

[0004] Particularly, in the case of such new seats, there is an increasing tendency to adopt so-called gaming chairs in which the seat part is composed of a thick cushion to further improve sitting comfort. Since such new seats made of gaming chairs are very large, simply removing the existing seats and replacing them with new seats will cause the seat height of the new seat on the passenger seat side to be higher than that on the driver's seat side. The reason for this will be explained below.

[0005] As shown in Fig. 3(b), an engine cover 7 that covers an engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle is composed of a first covering plate 11 on the passenger seat side, a second covering plate 12 on the driver's seat side that is higher than the first covering plate 11, and an inclined plate 13 that is inclined upward from the first covering plate 11 toward the second covering plate 12. Just the second covering plate 12 and the inclined plate 13 are configured to enclose the engine 60.

[0006] Generally, in cab-over vehicles, the engine 60 is often located closer to the passenger side than the center. Therefore, the engine cover 3 on the passenger side is composed of a first covering plate 11, a second covering plate 12, and an inclined plate 13, as described above, and the second covering plate 12 needs to be extended further towards the passenger side to cover the engine 60. In this engine cover 3 located directly below the passenger seat, the second covering plate 12 is extended far toward the passenger side, and the inclined plate 13 slopes downward from its extended end toward the first covering plate 11.

[0007] The existing seat, before removal, is small and narrow, so it fits on the first covering plate 11 and can be installed without deviating from it. However, when installing a new seat directly on the engine cover 3 after removing the existing seat, the new seat is large and wide, so it cannot fit on the first covering plate 11 due to its size. Therefore, the bottom plate of the new seat had to be placed on the second covering plate 12.

[0008] Since the second covering plate 12 is taller than the first covering plate 11, there was a problem in that if a new seat were to be placed on it, the height of the new seat would also be increased. If the same new seat were to be installed in both the driver's and passenger's seats, there are quite a few users who do not like the fact that the passenger seat will be taller than the driver's seat, changing the eye level of each other. In addition to this, when installing a replacement seat on the engine cover 7 in a cab-over vehicle, the increased height of the passenger seat reduces the space from the head to the ceiling of the vehicle, and changes the visibility from the passenger seat to the outside, among other things, so improvements were desired from the perspective of usability. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-162988 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 63-25978 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] To address these problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that improves the degree of freedom in arranging a member that suppresses deformation of the engine cover when a seat belt load is applied to the seat, and furthermore, prevents the member from narrowing the space inside the vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique to improve the drawback of the backrest being eliminated while the seat area is enlarged.

[0012] However, the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not specifically disclose any means to solve the problem that when removing an existing seat and installing a new seat in a cab-over vehicle, the height of the new passenger seat becomes higher than that of the driver's seat.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention was devised in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a replacement engine cover that can suppress the increase in the height of the new passenger seat when removing an existing seat and installing a new seat in a cab-over vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The replacement engine cover according to the first invention is a replacement engine cover that covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and is to be replaced after removing an existing engine cover which has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side which is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate which is inclined upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, and is characterized by having a first replacement covering plate on the passenger side which is approximately the same height as the first covering plate, a second replacement covering plate on the driver's side which is approximately the same height as the second covering plate and has a smaller diameter than the width of the second covering plate, and an intermediate support step which is higher than the first replacement covering plate and lower than the second replacement covering plate and is located between the first replacement covering plate and the second replacement covering plate.

[0015] The replacement engine cover according to the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it further comprises a seat rail extending toward the passenger side from the first replacement covering plate, a support member provided on the seat rail at approximately the same height as the intermediate support step, and a new replacement seat can be installed and attached between the intermediate support step and the support member.

[0016] The replacement engine cover according to the third invention is characterized by comprising: an existing engine cover that covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and having a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate; and a plate that is applied to an intermittent region after a portion of the second covering plate from the inclined plate to the inclined plate, or in addition to the inclined plate, a portion of the first covering plate that has been cut away, and having a first down plate that rises downward from the second covering plate which has been reduced in diameter by the cut; an intermediate support step that extends toward the passenger side from the lower end of the first down plate and is configured to be higher than the first covering plate and lower than the second covering plate; and a second down plate that rises downward from the intermediate support step toward the first covering plate.

[0017] The replacement engine cover according to the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, the first down plate is lowered via a second replacement covering plate which is approximately the same height as the second covering plate which has been reduced in diameter by the above-mentioned cutting, and the second down plate is raised via a first replacement covering plate which is approximately the same height as the first covering plate.

[0018] The replacement engine cover according to the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth invention, it further comprises a seat rail extending toward the passenger side from the first covering plate, a support member provided on the seat rail at approximately the same height as the intermediate support step, and a new replacement seat can be installed and attached between the intermediate support step and the support member.

[0019] The replacement engine cover according to the sixth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, a mounting plate on the base end side of the hinge and the first replacement covering plate are provided on the first covering plate, and the first replacement covering plate is substantially flush with the mounting plate.

[0020] The replacement engine cover according to the seventh invention is a replacement engine cover that is removed after an existing engine cover has been removed, which covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle and has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, and is characterized by having a first replacement covering plate on the passenger side that is approximately the same height as the first covering plate, a second replacement covering plate on the driver's side that is approximately the same height as the second covering plate and has a smaller diameter than the width of the second covering plate, and a replacement inclined plate that slopes upward from the first replacement covering plate toward the second replacement covering plate.

[0021] The replacement engine cover according to the 8th invention is characterized by comprising an existing engine cover that covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, and a downward plate that is applied to an intermittent region after a portion of the second covering plate from the inclined plate to the inclined plate, or in addition to the inclined plate, toward a portion of the first covering plate, has been cut away, and is lowered toward the first covering plate from the second covering plate which has been reduced in diameter by the cut-away.

[0022] The replacement engine cover according to the ninth invention is characterized by comprising: an existing engine cover that covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and having a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate; a first replacement covering plate on the passenger side that is applied to an intermittent area after a portion of the second covering plate has been cut out through the inclined plate toward a portion of the first covering plate, and having a height substantially the same as the first covering plate; a second replacement covering plate on the driver's side that is substantially the same height as the second covering plate; and a downward plate that slopes downward from the second replacement covering plate toward the first replacement covering plate.

[0023] The engine cover replacement structure according to the 10th invention is a replacement structure that is removed from an existing engine cover that covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, and is a replacement structure that is removed from an existing engine cover, and comprises a first replacement covering plate on the passenger side that is approximately the same height as the first covering plate, a second replacement covering plate on the driver's side that is approximately the same height as the second covering plate and has a smaller diameter than the width of the second covering plate, and The replacement engine cover is characterized by having a height that is higher than the second replacement cover plate and is configured to be lower than the second replacement cover plate, an intermediate support step located between the first replacement cover plate and the second replacement cover plate, and a seat rail extending toward the passenger side from the first replacement cover plate, with a support member provided on the seat rail that is approximately the same height as the intermediate support step, and a stay that is installed up to the support member while contacting at least the first replacement cover plate and the intermediate support step on the replacement engine cover, and a newly installed seat to be replaced can be attached on the stay.

[0024] The replacement structure of the engine cover according to the 11th invention at least covers an engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and includes an existing engine cover having a first covering plate on the passenger seat side, a second covering plate on the driver's seat side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate inclined upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate; a plate having a first standing-down plate dropped from the second covering plate whose diameter is reduced by the excision, which is applied to an intermittent region after a part from a part of the second covering plate to the inclined plate or, in addition thereto, a part of the first covering plate through the inclined plate is excised, an intermediate support step extending from the lower end of the first standing-down plate toward the passenger seat side and configured to be higher than the first covering plate and lower than the second covering plate, and a second standing-down plate dropped from the intermediate support step toward the first covering plate; a replacement engine cover having a seat rail extending toward the passenger seat side from the first covering plate, and a support member provided on the seat rail at substantially the same height as the intermediate support step; and a stay installed up to the support member while bringing the lower surface into contact with at least the second covering plate and the intermediate support step in the replacement engine cover, wherein a newly replaced seat can be attached onto the stay.

[0025] The replacement method of the engine cover according to the 12th invention is characterized by removing an existing engine cover that at least covers an engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle and has a first covering plate on the passenger seat side, a second covering plate on the driver's seat side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate inclined upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, and replacing it with a replacement engine cover having a first replacement covering plate on the passenger seat side having substantially the same height as the first covering plate, a second replacement covering plate on the driver's seat side having substantially the same height as the second covering plate and having a reduced diameter compared to the width of the second covering plate, and an intermediate support step configured to be higher than the first replacement covering plate and lower than the second replacement covering plate and located between the first replacement covering plate and the second replacement covering plate.

[0026] The method for replacing the engine cover according to the 13th invention is characterized in that, in the 12th invention, stays are installed up to the support member while bringing at least the first replacement covering plate and the intermediate support step in the replacement engine cover into contact with the lower surface.

[0027] The method for replacing the engine cover according to the 14th invention is for an engine at least covered directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and in an existing engine cover having a first covering plate on the passenger seat side, a second covering plate on the driver's seat side having a higher height than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate inclined upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, a part from the second covering plate to the inclined plate, or in addition to this, a part from the first covering plate via the inclined plate is cut away, and for the intermittent region after the cutting, a first standing-down plate lowered from the second covering plate reduced in diameter by the cutting, an intermediate support step extending from the lower end of the first standing-down plate toward the passenger seat side and configured to be higher than the first covering plate and lower than the second covering plate, and a second standing-down plate lowered from the intermediate support step toward the first covering plate are provided.

[0028] The method for replacing the engine cover according to the 15th invention is characterized in that, in the 14th invention, stays are installed up to a support member having substantially the same height as the intermediate support step attached on a seat rail extending toward the passenger seat side from the first covering plate while bringing at least the second covering plate and the intermediate support step into contact with the lower surface.

Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, when removing an existing seat and attaching a new seat in a cab-over vehicle, an intermediate support step having a lower height than the second covering plate can be provided and a new seat can be placed and fixed thereon, suppressing an increase in the seat height of the new seat for the passenger seat.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view of the replacement engine cover according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the replacement engine cover according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the existing engine cover before the plate was installed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates a method of cutting out a portion of the second covering plate in the existing engine cover and applying a plate to the intermittent region. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example in which the replacement plate is extended from the upper end of the first vertical plate toward the driver's side and from the lower end of the second vertical plate 25 toward the passenger's side. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example in which the first replacement covering plate is designed to be approximately flush with the mounting plate at the hinge. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a replacement plate consisting of only one down plate, replacing the first down plate, intermediate support stage, and second down plate. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of further improvements made to the configuration shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a replacement engine cover, as shown in Figure 6, where a new plate containing all the components is molded. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a replacement engine cover, as shown in Figure 8, in which a new plate containing all the components is molded. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view showing an example of attaching a new seat to a support bracket in a replacement engine cover according to the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a front view showing an example of attaching a new seat to a support bracket in a replacement engine cover according to the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example in which a stay is installed up to a support member provided on the seat rail, with its lower surface in contact with the intermediate support step. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example in which both ends of the stay are extended to the first and second covering plates, respectively. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] A replacement engine cover to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the replacement engine cover 1 according to the present invention, and Figure 2 is a plan view thereof.

[0033] The replacement engine cover 1 is installed on top of the engine in so-called cab-over vehicles such as medium-sized and large vehicles like trucks and buses. The replacement engine cover 1 is constructed to replace the existing engine cover when replacing the existing passenger seat with a new seat of the preferred, more comfortable size, or by modifying a part of the existing engine cover as is.

[0034] The replacement engine cover 1 covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and in addition to the configuration of the existing engine cover which has a first covering plate 11 on the passenger side and a second covering plate 12 on the driver's side which is higher than the first covering plate 11, it also includes a plate 2 which is applied to the intermittent region 20 that has been cut out between the first covering plate 11 and the second covering plate 12.

[0035] The replacement engine cover 1 further comprises two seat rails 14 extending toward the passenger side from the first covering plate 11, and a hinge arm 15 that is continuous with the two seat rails 14 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A support member 35 is provided on these two seat rails 14. The support member 35 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is mounted on these two seat rails 14. Note that the configuration of the support member 35 is not essential and may be omitted or replaced with other components.

[0036] A hinge 45 is provided on the first covering plate 11, and a hinge 46 is provided on the second covering plate 12. These hinges 45 and 46 are used when attaching an existing sheet or a new sheet 4 that is fixed to the upper part thereof.

[0037] All components and materials constituting this replacement engine cover 1 are assumed to be made of steel, but are not limited to steel; any metal is acceptable. In addition, they may be made of any material other than metal, such as ceramic or plastic materials, in part or in whole.

[0038] In the replacement engine cover 1, the existing engine cover 3 before the installation of this plate 2 has, as shown in Figure 3(a) and its PP' cross-sectional view Figure 3(b), a first covering plate 11, a second covering plate 12, and an inclined plate 13 that slopes upward from the first covering plate 11 toward the second covering plate 12. The engine 60 is enclosed by this second covering plate 12 and inclined plate 13. If the new sheet 4 is simply attached to the existing engine cover 3 with this configuration, as shown in Figure 3(b), the new sheet 4 is large and wide, so it cannot fit on the first covering plate 11 in terms of size. For this reason, if the new sheet 4 is to be placed on the existing engine cover 3 as is, its bottom plate will have to be placed on the second covering plate 12.

[0039] Accordingly, according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 4(a), at least a portion of the second covering plate 12 and the inclined plate 13 of the existing engine cover 3 are cut away. At this time, a portion of the first covering plate 11 may also be cut away. Then, as shown in Figure 4(b), the plate 2 is placed over the intermittent region 20 created by this cutting.

[0040] Plate 2 includes at least a first down plate 23 that rises downward from the second covering plate 12, an intermediate support step 24 that extends from the lower end of the first down plate 23 toward the passenger side and is configured to be higher than the first covering plate 11 and lower than the second covering plate 12, and a second down plate 25 that rises downward from the intermediate support step 24 toward the first covering plate 11.

[0041] As a result of the second covering plate 12 being cut and shortened in the width direction, its end 12a is positioned closer to the driver's seat. The first downward-sloping plate 23, which rises diagonally downward from this end 12a, is closer to the engine 60 compared to the inclined plate 13 before it was cut.

[0042] The intermediate support step 24 is composed of a flat plate extending from the lower end 23a of the first vertical plate 23, which is closer to the engine 60, toward the passenger side. The newly installed passenger seat 4 can be placed and fixed on this intermediate support step 24. As described above, the first vertical plate 23, which is lowered starting from the end 12a, is closer to the engine 60, in other words, it is closer to the driver's side. Therefore, its lower end 23a itself is also closer to the engine 60, in other words, it is closer to the driver's side. Since the intermediate support step 24 extends toward the passenger side starting from the lower end 23a, which is closer to the engine 60, in other words, closer to the driver's side, even the large and wide newly installed seat 4 can fit in terms of size. In particular, by making the downward inclination angle of the first vertical plate 23 steeper, the lower end 23a can be positioned further toward the engine 60, i.e., the driver's seat side, thereby allowing the intermediate support step 24 to be enlarged toward the driver's seat side. As a result, there is a higher possibility that even a larger and wider new seat 4 can be placed on this intermediate support step 24.

[0043] The second vertical plate 25 is positioned diagonally downwards, starting from the end 24a of the intermediate support step 24. This second vertical plate 25 may also be positioned vertically downwards, starting from the end 24a.

[0044] The plate 2 having the first vertical plate 23, intermediate support step 24, and second vertical plate 25 may be attached to the periphery of the intermittent region 20 by, for example, welding, adhesive, fasteners such as bolts and nuts, screws, or any other joining means. When actually fastening with fasteners such as bolts and nuts, an extension plate (not shown) may be formed slightly extending from the upper end of the first vertical plate 23 toward the driver's side, and this may be fastened by making surface contact with the second covering plate 12. Similarly, an extension plate (not shown) may be formed slightly extending from the lower end of the second vertical plate 25 toward the passenger side, and this may be fastened by making surface contact with the first covering plate 11.

[0045] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the support member 35 is installed, its height at the time of installation may be set to be approximately the same height as the intermediate support step 24. This allows the bottom of the new sheet 4 to be erected and attached using the intermediate support step 24 and the support member 35, which are configured to be approximately the same height, as shown in Figure 4(b). As a result, the new sheet 4 can be stably fixed using the intermediate support step 24 and the support member 35.

[0046] By constructing a replacement engine cover 1 using a plate 2 having a second covering plate 12, a first covering plate 11, and a first upright plate 23, an intermediate support step 24, and a second upright plate 25 arranged in the gap region 20 of the existing engine cover 3, the following effects can be achieved.

[0047] By cutting off a portion of the second covering plate 12 of the existing engine cover 3 toward the driver's seat, the widthwise spacing of the second covering plate 12 can be reduced. Consequently, the lower end 23a of the first vertical plate 23 can be brought closer to the engine 60, or in other words, positioned closer to the driver's seat.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3(b), in a cross-sectional view, the space 61 enclosed by the engine 60 through the second covering plate 12 and the inclined plate 13 is wide before excision, whereas the second covering plate 12 and the first upright plate 23 are closer to the engine 60, making the space 61 narrower. In other words, the space 61, which was wide before excision, is effectively utilized, and the space 61 is made narrower by bringing the first upright plate 23 closer to the engine 60. At the same time, the lower end 23a of the first upright plate 23 is positioned closer to the driver's seat, and the intermediate support step 24 extending from this point towards the passenger seat can be made wider from the driver's seat side. As a result, even if the newly installed seat 4 is large, it can be accommodated on the intermediate support step 24, and it can be placed and fixed entirely on the intermediate support step 24 without coming into contact with the first upright plate 23.

[0049] The intermediate support stage 24 is lower in height than the second covering plate 12. Therefore, when removing the existing seat and installing the new seat 4 in the passenger seat, it is possible to suppress an increase in the seat height.

[0050] This prevents the height difference between the driver's and passenger's eye levels from changing due to the passenger seat being higher than the driver's seat, prevents the space between the passenger's head and the ceiling from becoming narrower, and prevents changes in the passenger's visibility to the outside, thus improving usability.

[0051] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example in which, for plate 2, the second replacement covering plate is extended from the upper end of the first vertical plate 23 toward the driver's side, and the first replacement covering plate 26 is extended from the lower end of the second vertical plate 25 toward the passenger side. In this configuration, the first vertical plate 23 is lowered via the second replacement covering plate 22, which is approximately the same height as the second covering plate 12, which has been reduced in diameter by cutting, and the second vertical plate 25 is raised via the first replacement covering plate 26, which is approximately the same height as the first covering plate 11. The second replacement covering plate 22 is connected to the second covering plate 12, and the first replacement covering plate 26 is connected to the first covering plate 11. Note that the first replacement covering plate 26 and the second replacement covering plate 22 are not always provided together, and one of them may be omitted.

[0053] In this example, the second covering plate 12 is cut so that its width becomes even shorter compared to the example in Figure 4.

[0054] Even with this configuration, as described above, the newly installed seat 4 can be fixed on the intermediate support step 24, thereby preventing the seat height from increasing.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the hinge 45 is attached to the first covering plate 11 via a mounting plate 45a provided on the base end. The mounting plate 45a is attached to the first covering plate 11 by fastening members such as screws, bolts and nuts, or by welding. A first replacement covering plate 26, which extends further toward the passenger side, may be attached to the first covering plate 11 in a similar manner. This first replacement covering plate 26 is also attached to the first covering plate 11 by fastening members such as screws, bolts and nuts, or by welding.

[0056] In this case, it is desirable that the first replacement covering plate 26 be designed to be approximately flush with the mounting plate 45a on the hinge 45. This allows the first replacement covering plate 26 and the mounting plate 45a to be finished approximately flush, enabling a stable and smooth surface for placing and fixing the new sheet 4 on top of it.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example in which plate 2 is composed of only one down plate 27, as a substitute for the first down plate 23, intermediate support step 24, and second down plate 25 described above. In this example of Figure 7 as well, plate 2 is applied to an intermittent region 20 formed by cutting out a portion of the second covering plate 12 up to the inclined plate 13, or by cutting out the inclined plate 13 and a portion of the first covering plate 11 in addition to the inclined plate 13. This plate 2 is angled downward from the end 12a of the second covering plate 12 toward the first covering plate 11. Due to the cutting, the diameter of the second covering plate 12 is reduced in the width direction, and as a result, the end 12a is located closer to the driver's seat compared to before the cutting. That is, the down plate 27 is closer to the engine 60 and closer to the driver's seat. For this reason, the newly installed seat 4 can be supported on the down plate 27. Since the vertical plate 27 is lower in height than the second covering plate 12, it is possible to suppress the increase in the height of the seat of the newly installed seat 4 that is supported by it.

[0058] The configuration shown in Figure 8 is the same as the configuration in Figure 7, but with the addition of a second replacement covering plate 22 extending from the upper end of the down plate 27 toward the driver's side, and a first replacement covering plate 26 extending from the lower end of the down plate 27 toward the passenger side. The second replacement covering plate 22 is configured to be approximately the same height as the second covering plate 12 and is connected to it. The first replacement covering plate 26 is configured to be approximately the same height as the first covering plate 11 and is connected to it. Note that the first replacement covering plate 26 and the second replacement covering plate 22 are not always provided together; either one may be omitted.

[0059] Furthermore, while the above-described configuration involves utilizing parts of the first covering plate 11 and the second covering plate 12 of the existing engine cover 3 and arranging the plate 2 in the intermittent region 20 resulting from the cutting, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0060] It may also be obtained by newly molding all components without utilizing any part of the existing engine cover 3.

[0061] Figure 9 shows an example of newly forming a plate 2' containing all the components for the replacement engine cover 1 shown in Figure 6. Plate 2' comprises a second replacement covering plate 22, a first upright plate 23, an intermediate support step 24, a second upright plate 25, and a first replacement covering plate 26. For these components, those identical to those described above are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation below is omitted.

[0062] The first replacement covering plate 26 is approximately the same height as the first covering plate 11.

[0063] The second replacement cover plate 22 is approximately the same height as the second cover plate 12 on the existing engine cover 3 before replacement, but is smaller in diameter than the second cover plate 12. The lower end 23a of the first down plate 23, which rises down from this smaller second replacement cover plate 22, is close to the engine 60, or in other words, closer to the driver's seat. Therefore, the intermediate support step 24, which starts from this point, is sized to accommodate the new seat 4, which is also large and wide.

[0064] Figure 10 shows an example of newly forming a plate 2' containing all the components for the replacement engine cover 1 shown in Figure 8. Plate 2' comprises a second replacement covering plate 22, a down plate 27, and a first replacement covering plate 26. For these components, those identical to those described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description below will be omitted. Similarly, the second replacement covering plate 22 is approximately the same height as the second covering plate 12 of the existing engine cover 3 before replacement, but its diameter is reduced compared to the width of the second covering plate 12. The down plate 27, which rises from this reduced-diameter second replacement covering plate 22, is closer to the engine 60, in other words, closer to the driver's seat, and thus produces the same effect as described above.

[0065] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, additional stays 51 may be installed, and the new sheet 4 may be attached to the installed stays 51.

[0066] The stay 51 is formed by bending a metal plate. As shown in Figure 11, the stay 51 is installed in a plan view from the second covering plate 12 toward the seat rail 14. Figure 11 shows the case where the stay 51 is provided across two sections, but it is not limited to this, and it may be provided across any number of sections.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 12, the stay 51 is constructed to extend up to the support member 35 provided on the seat rail 14, with its lower surface in contact with at least the first replacement cover plate 22 and the intermediate support step 24. In this example in Figure 12, one end of the stay 51 is attached to the first replacement cover plate 22 via a fastening member 52 such as a bolt. The stay 51 then extends downward along the first down plate 23 at a location corresponding to the end 12a, and extends toward the passenger side while its lower surface is in contact with the intermediate support step 24. The stay 51 continues to extend toward the support member 35, separating from the first cover plate 11. The passenger side end of the stay 51 is also attached to the support member 35 via a fastening member 52.

[0068] The new sheet 4 is placed on the stay 51 which has been arranged in this manner. By placing the new sheet 4 on the stay 51 in this way, it is possible to prevent the load from the new sheet 4 from directly applying to the plate 2, and the stay 51 can stably support it.

[0069] Furthermore, the stay 51 may extend not to the first replacement covering plate 22, but to the second covering plate 12 on the driver's side, and be fastened to the second covering plate 12 via the fastening member 52.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the stay 51 may be configured to be mounted on the seat rail 14 up to the support member 35, with its lower surface in contact with the intermediate support step 24. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the stay 51 may cover the down plate 27, with both ends extending to the first covering plate 11 and the second covering plate 12, respectively. Similarly, in other configurations, the stay 51 may be in contact with the intermediate support step 24 with its lower surface, or it may cover the down plate 27. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Replacement engine cover 2 plates 3 Engine cover 4 Newly installed seats 6 engines 8 Newly installed seats 11 1st cover plate 12 Second cover plate 13 Inclined plate 14 seat rails 15 Hinge Arm 20 Intermittent regions 22 1st replacement cover plate 23 1st lowering board 24 Intermediate support stage 25 2nd lowering board 26 2nd replacement cover plate 27 Lowering board 35 Support member 45 Hinge 46 Hinge 51 Stay 60 engine 61 Spatial domain

Claims

1. A replacement engine cover for a cab-over vehicle that covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat, and which has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, is to be removed and replaced after the existing engine cover is removed. A first replacement cover plate on the passenger side, which is approximately the same height as the first cover plate described above, A second replacement cover plate on the driver's side, which is approximately the same height as the second cover plate and has a smaller diameter than the width of the second cover plate, It has an intermediate support step that is higher than the first replacement covering plate and lower than the second replacement covering plate, and is located between the first replacement covering plate and the second replacement covering plate. A replacement engine cover featuring the following characteristics.

2. The seat rail is further provided, extending toward the passenger side from the first replacement cover plate mentioned above. A support member is provided on the above-mentioned seat rail, which is at approximately the same height as the above-mentioned intermediate support step. A new sheet to be replaced is to be installed and fitted between the above-mentioned intermediate support step and the above-mentioned support member. A replacement engine cover according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. An existing engine cover that covers the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, The plate is applied to the intermittent region after a portion of the second covering plate has been cut away from the inclined plate, or in addition to the inclined plate, up to a portion of the first covering plate, and comprises a first down plate that rises down from the second covering plate which has been reduced in diameter by the cut, an intermediate support step that extends from the lower end of the first down plate toward the passenger side and is configured to be higher than the first covering plate but lower than the second covering plate, and a second down plate that rises down from the intermediate support step toward the first covering plate. A replacement engine cover featuring the following characteristics.

4. The first vertical plate is lowered via a second replacement covering plate that is approximately the same height as the second covering plate, which has been reduced in diameter by the above-mentioned cutting. The second vertical plate is raised via a first replacement covering plate which is approximately the same height as the first covering plate. A replacement engine cover according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The seat rail is further provided, extending toward the passenger side from the first covering plate mentioned above. A support member is provided on the above-mentioned seat rail, which is at approximately the same height as the above-mentioned intermediate support step. A new sheet to be replaced is to be installed and fitted between the above-mentioned intermediate support step and the above-mentioned support member. A replacement engine cover according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the above.

6. A mounting plate for the base end of the hinge and the first replacement covering plate are provided on the first covering plate. The first replacement covering plate described above is substantially flush with the mounting plate described above. A replacement engine cover according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

7. A replacement engine cover for a cab-over vehicle that covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat, and which has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, is to be removed and replaced after the existing engine cover is removed. A first replacement cover plate on the passenger side, which is approximately the same height as the first cover plate described above, A second replacement cover plate on the driver's side, which is approximately the same height as the second cover plate and has a smaller diameter than the width of the second cover plate, It has a replacement inclined plate that is inclined upward from the first replacement covering plate toward the second replacement covering plate. A replacement engine cover featuring the following characteristics.

8. An existing engine cover that covers the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, The device is fitted to an intermittent region after a portion of the second covering plate has been cut away from the inclined plate, or in addition to the inclined plate, up to a portion of the first covering plate, and comprises a down plate that rises downward from the second covering plate, which has been reduced in diameter by the cut away, toward the first covering plate. A replacement engine cover featuring the following characteristics.

9. An existing engine cover that covers the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and has a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, The first replacement cover plate on the passenger side is applied to the intermittent region after a portion of the second cover plate has been cut away, through the inclined plate, and to the portion of the first cover plate, and is approximately the same height as the first cover plate. A second replacement cover plate on the driver's side, which is approximately the same height as the second cover plate mentioned above, The device includes a down plate that extends downward from the second replacement cover plate toward the first replacement cover plate. A replacement engine cover featuring the following characteristics.

10. In a cab-over vehicle, a replacement structure is provided to cover the engine located directly below the passenger seat, and which includes a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, after the existing engine cover has been removed. A replacement engine cover comprising: a first replacement cover on the passenger side having approximately the same height as the first cover plate; a second replacement cover on the driver's side having approximately the same height as the second cover plate and having a smaller diameter than the width of the second cover plate; an intermediate support step located between the first and second replacement cover plates, having a height higher than the first replacement cover plate and lower than the second replacement cover plate; and a seat rail extending toward the passenger side from the first replacement cover plate, with a support member provided on the seat rail that is approximately the same height as the intermediate support step; The above-mentioned replacement engine cover comprises at least the first replacement covering plate and a stay that is mounted up to the support member while its lower surface is in contact with the intermediate support step, The newly installed seat to be replaced can be attached to the above-mentioned bracket. A replaceable engine cover structure characterized by the following features.

11. An existing engine cover that covers at least the engine located directly below the passenger seat in a cab-over vehicle, and having a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate; a replacement engine cover that is applied to an intermittent region after a portion of the second covering plate from the inclined plate to the inclined plate, or in addition to the inclined plate, a portion of the first covering plate that has been cut away, and having a first down plate that rises downward from the second covering plate which has been reduced in diameter by the cut, an intermediate support step that extends toward the passenger side from the lower end of the first down plate and is configured to be higher than the first covering plate and lower than the second covering plate, and a second down plate that rises downward from the intermediate support step toward the first covering plate; and a seat rail that extends toward the passenger side from the first covering plate, on which a support member is provided that is approximately the same height as the intermediate support step. The above-mentioned replacement engine cover includes a stay that is mounted up to the support member while at least its lower surface is in contact with the above-mentioned intermediate support step, The newly installed seat to be replaced can be attached to the above-mentioned bracket. A replaceable engine cover structure characterized by the following features.

12. In a cab-over vehicle, the engine located directly beneath the passenger seat is covered, and the existing engine cover having a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate is removed. The replacement engine cover comprises a first replacement cover on the passenger side that is approximately the same height as the first cover plate, a second replacement cover on the driver's side that is approximately the same height as the second cover plate and has a smaller diameter than the width of the second cover plate, and an intermediate support step that is higher than the first replacement cover plate and lower than the second replacement cover plate, and is located between the first replacement cover plate and the second replacement cover plate. A method for replacing the engine cover, characterized by the following features.

13. The stay is installed up to the support member while ensuring that at least the lower surface of the first replacement cover plate and the intermediate support step of the replacement engine cover is in contact with each other. A method for replacing an engine cover according to claim 12, characterized by the above.

14. In an existing engine cover for a cab-over vehicle that covers the engine located directly below the passenger seat, and comprises a first covering plate on the passenger side, a second covering plate on the driver's side that is higher than the first covering plate, and an inclined plate that slopes upward from the first covering plate toward the second covering plate, a portion of the second covering plate to the inclined plate, or in addition to this, a portion of the first covering plate through the inclined plate, A plate is provided in the intermittent region after the above-mentioned excision, having a first down-plate extending downward from the second covering plate whose diameter has been reduced by the above-mentioned excision, an intermediate support step extending toward the passenger side from the lower end of the first down-plate and having a height higher than the first covering plate but lower than the second covering plate, and a second down-plate extending downward from the intermediate support step toward the first covering plate. A method for replacing the engine cover, characterized by the following features.

15. The stay is installed so that its lower surface is in contact with the intermediate support step, and the support member is mounted on the seat rail that extends further toward the passenger side than the first covering plate, and is at approximately the same height as the intermediate support step. A method for replacing an engine cover according to claim 14, characterized by the above.

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