Seal cover mounting structure

Abstract

The seal cover mounting structure provides a large pressing load to the mounting member by providing a pressing rib inside the seal cover, thereby suppressing the reduction in work efficiency and work cost for insertion and locking into the mounting hole. [Solution] The seal cover 21 has an other end cover portion 24 and a support wall 27 provided on the lower inner end side of the other end cover portion to which a clip 28 is attached. The other end cover portion has an upper end wall 24a positioned opposite the support wall, a pair of side walls 24b, 24c extending from both side edges of the upper end wall toward the support wall and capable of bending and deforming in directions toward or toward each other, and a pair of push-in ribs 30, 31 provided opposite the opposing inner surfaces 24d, 24e of the side walls. The pair of push-in ribs are formed in a block shape by contacting each other when the side walls are pinched, and both push-in ribs are formed so that they can be pushed in the direction of inserting the clip 28 into the mounting hole 8c on the vehicle body side via the side walls.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure of a seal cover that is provided at both longitudinal ends of a cowl seal and attaches the seal cover for improving sound insulation properties and appearance quality inside the vehicle to the vehicle body side.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional attachment structure of this type of seal cover, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of an engine room with the bonnet of an automobile to which the attachment structures of the conventional and the present invention's seal covers are applied opened, FIG. 11 is an indication diagram showing positions where three clips provided on the seal cover are attached to three attachment holes provided on the vehicle body side, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a conventional seal cover.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 1, a cowl seal 4 attached to a flange portion of a cowl louver 3 provided along the vehicle body width direction at the rear end portion in the engine room 1 opened and closed by a bonnet 2 (engine hood), two fender protectors 6, 6 disposed along the vehicle body front-rear direction on both sides in the engine room 1 so as to cover the inner both side portions of front fender panels 5, 5, and two hood side weather strips 7, 7 (hereinafter simply referred to as weather strips) respectively attached to the front fender panels 5, 5.

[0005] The cowl seal 4 is formed to extend in the width direction of the vehicle body along the cowl louver 3, while the two weather strips 7, 7 are extended in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body along the front fender panels 5, 5.

[0006] The cowl seal 4 has an inverted U-shaped mounting base (not shown) that is fitted and held in place by the flange portion of the cowl louver 3, and a hollow sealing portion (not shown) integrally provided at the upper end of the mounting base. The weatherstrips 7, 7 have mounting bases (not shown) that are fitted and held in place by the flange portions of the front fender panels 5, 5, and a hollow sealing portion (not shown) provided at the upper end of the mounting base.

[0007] These cowl seals 4 and weatherstrips 7, 7 work together to provide a sealing function to the engine compartment 1 when the bonnet 2 is closed. The lower edge of the bonnet 2 elastically contacts and compresses against the upper ends of the hollow sealing portions of the cowl seals 4 and the weatherstrips 7, respectively.

[0008] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, three first, second, and third mounting holes 8a, 8b, and 8c are formed through the vehicle body and fender protectors 6, 6 near both ends 4a, 4a of the cowl seal 4, into which three clips 9 provided on the seal cover 11 (described later) are inserted and locked, respectively.

[0009] A seal cover 11 is positioned between the longitudinal ends 4a, 4a of the cowl seal 4 and the respective ends 7a, 7a of the weatherstrips 7, 7 which are abutted from a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal ends 4a, 4a of the cowl seal 4.

[0010] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the seal cover 11 is formed in a box shape extending from both ends 4a, 4a of the cowl seal 4 toward the fender protectors 6, 6, using a soft resin material such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPV). The seal cover 11 has a central cover portion 12 located approximately in the center in the longitudinal direction, a box-shaped one-end cover portion 13 provided at one end of the central cover portion 12 and attached to the fender protectors 6, 6, and a other-end cover portion 14 provided at the other end of the central cover portion 12 and formed in a substantially inverted U-shape in cross-section, which is arranged to cover both ends 4a, 4a of the cowl seal 4. The central cover portion 12, the one-end cover portion 13, and the other-end cover portion 14 are each provided with support walls 15a, 15b, and 15c at their respective inner lower ends. The legs 9b of the three clips 9 provided on these support walls are inserted into the three first to third mounting holes 8a to 8c, thereby attaching the entire seal cover 11 to the vehicle body. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-30417 (Figure 2), etc. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] However, in the conventional seal cover mounting structure, the three clips 9 are provided on the support walls 15a to 15c inside each cover portion 12 to 14. Therefore, in order to insert them into the corresponding mounting holes 8a to 8c, the soft cover portions 12 to 14 are crushed and deformed from the outside by hand, while the upper surface of the head 9a of each clip 9 is pushed axially, and the legs 9b are inserted into the corresponding mounting holes 8a to 8c and locked in place.

[0013] As described above, the upper surface of each head 9a of each clip 9 is pressed in while crushing and deforming the respective cover parts 12-14, making it impossible to apply sufficient pressing force to each clip 9. Therefore, there is a risk that each clip 9 may not be securely inserted and locked into each mounting hole 8a-8c. As a result, the insertion and locking work of the clips 9 becomes complicated, leading to a decrease in the efficiency and cost of the insertion and locking work.

[0014] In particular, the other end cover portion 14 has a large distance M1 from the center of the inner surface of the upper end wall 14a to the upper surface of the head 9a of the clip 9, making it difficult to apply sufficient pressing load to the clip 9 by crushing it from the upper surface of the upper end wall 14a. Therefore, there is a high risk that the clip 9 cannot be securely inserted and locked into the third mounting hole 8c.

[0015] Furthermore, on the other end cover portion 14 side, where the clip is attached last, the one-end opening 14b covers the terminal portion 4a of the cowl seal 4. As a result, the clip 9 cannot be seen from the one-end opening 14b side, and the clip 9 must be inserted and locked without being able to accurately recognize the relative position of the clip 9 and the mounting hole 8c. Therefore, this also makes the insertion and locking of the clip 9 extremely difficult, leading to a decrease in work efficiency and costs.

[0016] The present invention was devised in view of the technical problems of the conventional seal cover mounting structure, and one of its objectives is to provide a seal cover mounting structure that allows sufficient pressing load to be applied to the mounting member by pressing ribs provided inside the seal cover, thereby suppressing a decrease in work efficiency and work cost for inserting and locking the mounting member into the mounting hole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The invention described in claim 1 of this application is a mounting structure for a seal cover which is positioned between the longitudinal ends of a cowl seal, which is fixed to the rear side of the engine compartment of an automobile along the width direction of the vehicle body, and the sides of the engine compartment facing the two ends, and is attached to the vehicle body by inserting a mounting member into a mounting hole formed on the vehicle body side, The seal cover comprises a cover portion and a support wall provided on one inner end side of the cover portion to which the mounting member is attached. The cover portion comprises an end wall positioned opposite the support wall, a pair of side walls extending from both side edges of the end wall toward the support wall and capable of bending and deforming in directions toward or toward each other, and a pair of push-in ribs provided opposite each other on the opposing inner surfaces of the side walls. The pair of push-in ribs are formed in a block shape by contacting each other when the side walls are pinched, and the block-shaped push-in ribs are further formed so that they can be pushed in the direction of inserting the mounting member into the mounting hole via the side walls. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 1 of this application, the push-in ribs provided inside the seal cover make it possible to apply a sufficient pushing load to the mounting member. As a result, it is possible to improve the work efficiency and reduce the work cost when inserting and locking the mounting member into the mounting hole. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the engine compartment of an automobile with the hood open, to which the conventional and the seal cover mounting structures of the present invention are applied. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a seal cover used in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the seal cover used in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 6]It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which both side walls of the other end side seal portion in the present embodiment are pinched with two fingers and both pushing ribs are brought into contact with each other. [Figure 8] It is an operation explanation showing a state in which, after both side walls are also brought into contact with both pushing ribs with two fingers, they are further pushed downward to apply a pushing load to the clip. [Figure 9] It shows a second embodiment of the present invention and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pushing rib is provided on one end side cover portion. [Figure 10] It shows a third embodiment of the present invention and is a cross-sectional view in which the mounting member is replaced with a grommet-type clip. [Figure 11] It is an indication diagram showing positions where three clips provided on the seal cover are attached to three mounting holes provided on the vehicle body side. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing a conventional seal cover.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the mounting structure of the seal cover according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a seal cover used in an embodiment according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view of the seal cover used in the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 3.

[0022] Since the structure on the engine room side in the present embodiment is the same as that of the prior art, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and will be briefly described.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, a cowl louver 3 made of synthetic resin material is arranged along the width direction of the vehicle body at the rear of the engine compartment 1 of the automobile, and fender protectors 6 are arranged along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body on both sides of the engine compartment 1 so as to cover both sides of the inside of the front fender panel 5. The engine compartment 1 is opened and closed from the front end by the bonnet 2, with hinges 15, 15 provided on both sides as pivot points.

[0024] The cowl louver 3 has a cowl seal 4 attached to the flange portion at the front end of the louver panel, along the width direction of the vehicle body. On the other hand, each of the fender protectors 6, 6 has weatherstrips 7, 7 attached to the flange portion (not shown) at the upper end. When the bonnet 2 is closed, the hollow sealing portions of these cowl seals 4 and both weatherstrips 7 elastically contact the inner surface of the bonnet 2, sealing the space between the rear end and both sides of the engine compartment 1.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a seal cover 21 is positioned in the gap between the longitudinal ends 4a, 4a of the cowl seal 4 and the respective rear ends 7a, 7a of the weatherstrips 7, 7 in the front-rear direction.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, three first, second, and third mounting holes 8a, 8b, and 8c are formed through both ends 4a of the cowl seal 4, and the vehicle body and fender protector 6 near 4a, respectively, into which the three clips 28 of the seal cover 21 (described later) are inserted and locked.

[0027] For convenience, the seal cover 21 between one end 4a of the cowl seal 4 and one of the weatherstrips 7 will be described below.

[0028] The seal cover 21 has the same basic structure as that of the prior art described above, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3, it is molded into a box shape as a single unit using a mold from a soft material such as ethylene propylene (EPDM) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPV), and extends from the terminal portion 4a of the cowl seal 4 toward the fender protector 6. The seal cover 21 has a central cover portion 22 located approximately in the center in the longitudinal direction, a one-end cover portion 23 provided at one end of the central cover portion 22 and attached to the fender protector 6, and a other-end cover portion 24 provided at the other end of the central cover portion 22 and arranged to cover the terminal portion 4a of the cowl seal 4.

[0029] The central cover portion 22, the one-end cover portion 23, and the other-end cover portion 24 are each provided with support walls 25, 26, and 27 at their inner lower ends. Each of these support walls 25-27 is formed in a relatively thin, flat shape and, like the cover portions 22-24, is made of EPDM, a soft material, so as to be able to flex and deform. Support holes 25a, 26a, and 27a are formed through each of these support walls 25-27 at their center in the width direction, and into which the neck portion 28d of the clip 28 (described later) is fitted.

[0030] The clip 28 is integrally formed from, for example, a hard synthetic resin material such as nylon resin, and as shown in Figures 4 to 6, it has a flat head 28a that abuts against and is supported on the outer surface of each support wall 25 to 27, a shaft portion 28b extending from the center of the lower surface of the head 28a, a leg portion 28c provided at the tip of the shaft portion 28b and elastically deformable in the direction of expansion and contraction, a small-diameter neck portion 28d provided between the head 28a and the shaft portion 28b, and a flange portion 28e integrally provided on the outer circumference of the lower end of the neck portion 28d. The leg portion 28c is inserted into each mounting hole 8a to 8c by a pressing load acting on the upper surface of the head 28a and elastically deforms in the direction of reduction in diameter, and when it is inserted to its maximum extent and comes out of the mounting holes 8a to 8c, it deforms in diameter, and its end and flange portion 28e lock into each hole edge on the opposite side of the insertion direction of each mounting hole 8a to 8c. As a result, the legs 28c and flange portion 28e of each clip 28 are locked in place, clamping the upper and lower hole edges of the first to third mounting holes 8a to 8c, thereby allowing each cover portion 22 to 24, that is, the entire seal cover 21, to be attached to the vehicle body via each support wall 25 to 27.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the central cover portion 22 is formed in a low-height, nearly closed-section box shape and has an upper end wall 22a, which is an end wall located at the top in the figure, side walls 22b and 22c extending downward from both ends of the upper end wall 22a, and the support wall 25 provided below the side walls 22b and 22c and positioned opposite the upper end wall 22a. The support wall 25 has a support hole 25a formed through it in the vertical direction, approximately in the center in the width direction, into which the neck portion 28d of the clip 28 is inserted and fixed. In addition, the central cover portion 22 is formed with a relatively short distance M between the upper end wall 22a and the head portion 28a of the clip 28.

[0032] Thus, in the central cover portion 22, the distance M between the upper end wall 22a and the head 28a of the clip 28 is relatively short. Therefore, when attaching the seal cover 21 to the vehicle body, sufficient pressing force can be transmitted to the clip 28 by pressing the upper surface of the upper end wall 22a downward in Figure 4 to push in the head 28a of the clip 28 in order to insert and lock the clip 28 into the corresponding first mounting hole 8a. Consequently, the pressing mechanism 29, which will be described later, is not provided inside the central cover portion 22.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the one-end cover portion 23 is formed in a closed cross-section box shape that is long in the width direction of the vehicle body, and has a left end wall 23a which is the left end wall in the figure, side walls 23b and 23c which extend from both ends of the left end wall 23a toward the fender protector 6, and the support wall 26 which is provided at the right end in the longitudinal direction of the side walls 23b and 23c in the figure and is positioned opposite the left end wall 23a. The support wall 26 has a support hole 26a formed through it in the vertical direction at approximately the center in the width direction into which the neck portion 28d of the clip 28 is inserted and fixed.

[0034] Since this one-end cover portion 23 is formed in a closed cross-section box shape with a larger volume compared to the central cover portion 22, when inserting and locking the clip 28 into the corresponding mounting hole 8a, if it is the first to be installed, the position of the legs 28c of the clip 28 and the mounting hole 8a can be seen from the outside, the direction in which the clip 28 is pushed in can be recognized from the outside, and the pushing load can be sufficiently applied via the side walls 23b, 23c, etc. For this reason, in this embodiment, the push mechanism 29 described later is not provided inside the one-end cover portion 23.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the other end cover portion 24 is formed in a substantially inverted U-shape in cross-section and includes an arch-shaped upper end wall 24a, which is an end wall positioned at the top in the figure; side walls 24b and 24c extending downward in the figure from both side edges of the upper end wall 24a; and the support wall 27 provided between the lower parts of the side walls 24b and 24c and facing the upper end wall 24a. The support wall 27 has a support hole 27a formed through it in the vertical direction, approximately in the center in the width direction, into which the neck portion 28d of the clip 28 is inserted and fixed.

[0036] Furthermore, the opposing inner surfaces 24d and 24e of the side walls 24b and 24c are provided with a push-in mechanism 29 that can push in the head 28a of the clip 28. This push-in mechanism 29 has a pair of push-in ribs 30 and 31. This pair of push-in ribs 30 and 31 are made of a soft material, such as an elastomer-type synthetic resin, and as shown in Figures 2 and 6, they are each formed into approximately right triangles when viewed from the front, and are formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the center line between the two push-in ribs 30 and 31, and each is formed to a predetermined thickness t to ensure rigidity. In addition, each push-in rib 30 and 32 has approximately horizontally formed upper short sides 30a and 31a in the figure, and long sides 30b and 31b that extend parallel to the downward direction from the short sides 30a and 31a. Although the push-in ribs 30 and 31 are made of a soft material, as will be described later, they have enough rigidity to form a block shape when both are pinched, thereby increasing rigidity and allowing a load to be applied to the head 28a of the clip 28.

[0037] Each short side portion 30a, 31a has its outer edge integrally connected to the opposing inner surfaces 24d, 24e of the side walls 24b, 24c. Each long side portion 30b, 31b has opposing surfaces 30c, 31c with a narrow gap S1 between them, and the tip surfaces of the lower end portions 30d, 31d are positioned opposite the upper surface of the head 28a of the clip 28 with a small gap S2 between them. In other words, as will be described later, in the free state before the side walls 24b, 24c are pinched and deformed by the worker with two fingers F, a narrow gap S1 is formed between the opposing surfaces 30c, 31c of the two long side portions 30b, 31b, and a small gap S2 is formed between the tip surfaces of the tip portions 30d, 31d and the upper surface of the head 28a of the clip 28.

[0038] Furthermore, on the outer surfaces of both side walls 24b and 24c, protrusions 40, 40 are provided at the parts corresponding to the outer edges of the short sides 30a and 31a of both pushing ribs 30 and 31 that are connected to both side walls 24b and 24c, respectively, which serve as markers that allow the gripping position to be visually confirmed. [Effects and benefits of the mounting structure for the seal cover in this embodiment] The following describes the operation and effects of the mounting structure for the seal cover in this embodiment. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which both side walls of the other end seal portion are pinched with two fingers and the two push-in ribs are brought into contact with each other, and Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which, after pinching both side walls with two fingers and bringing the two push-in ribs into contact, the clip is pushed further downward to apply a pushing load.

[0039] To attach the seal cover 21 to the vehicle body via the first to third mounting holes 8a to 8c on the vehicle body side, each clip 28 is first attached and fixed to the support holes 25a to 27a of the support walls 25 to 27 of the central cover portion 22, one end cover portion 23, and the other end cover portion 24 via the head portion 28a, neck portion 28d, etc.

[0040] Next, the seal cover 21 is temporarily positioned between the end portion 4a of the cowl seal 4 and the fender protector 6. At this time, the clips 28 of each cover portion 22 to 24 are positioned at the corresponding locations where the first to third mounting holes 8a to 8c are formed.

[0041] Subsequently, the order in which each cover portion 22-24 is attached to the first to third mounting holes 8a-8c is, first the cover portion 23 on one end, then the central cover portion 22, and finally the cover portion 24 on the other end.

[0042] Therefore, first, while visually positioning the legs 28c of the clip 28 of the one-end cover portion 23 and the corresponding first mounting hole 8a from the outside, the worker applies a pressing load to the upper surface of the head 28a while crushing and deforming the left end wall 23a of the one-end cover portion 23 by hand. As a result, the legs 28c are inserted into the mounting hole 8a while undergoing diameter reduction deformation, and then expand in diameter when fully inserted, locking into the edge of the mounting hole 8a between the end of the legs 28c and the flange portion 28e. In other words, the clip 28, upon receiving a sufficient pressing load from the worker, is inserted into the mounting hole 8a while undergoing diameter reduction deformation of the legs 28c, and then elastically expands in diameter when fully inserted to lock into the edge of the hole. In this way, the one-end cover portion 23 is attached to the vehicle body via the clip 28.

[0043] Next, in order to attach the central cover portion 22, the worker takes the central cover portion 22 by hand and pushes down on the upper end wall 22a of the central cover portion 22, deforming it as they push in and pushing down on the head 28a of the clip 28. At this time, the worker positions the tip of the leg portion 28c of the clip 28 by bringing it into contact with the edge of the corresponding mounting hole 8b while visually checking from the outside, and pushes down on the head 28a of the clip 28. As a result, receiving sufficient pushing force from the worker, the leg portion 28c of the clip 28 elastically deforms in the direction of diameter reduction and expansion, and locks into the edge of the mounting hole 8a via the flange portion 28e. In this way, the central cover portion 22 is attached to the vehicle body by the clip 28.

[0044] Finally, the other end cover portion 24 is attached, with the legs 28c of the clip 28 positioned at the edge of the corresponding third mounting hole 8c. In this state, as shown in Figure 7, the outer surfaces of both side walls 24b, 24c of the other end cover portion 24, that is, the outer surfaces of the protrusions 40, 40 where the short sides 30a, 31a of the pair of push-in ribs 30, 31 are located, are pinched with two fingers F and brought together, while the opposing surfaces 30c, 31c of the long sides 30b, 31b are brought into contact. As a result, the two push-in ribs 30, 31 become a single block.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 8, while maintaining the position of pinching both side walls 24b and 24c with two fingers F, push them downward (in the direction of the arrow). This causes the block-shaped pair of pushing ribs 30 and 31 to press towards the third mounting hole 8c via both side walls 24b and 24c, as indicated by the arrow. As a result, the lower end surfaces of the respective tips 30d and 31d of both pushing ribs 30 and 31 press against the upper surface of the head 28a of the clip 28. As a result, the clip 28 receives the pushing load from both pushing ribs 30 and 31, causing the support wall 27 to bend and deform, and the leg portion 28c is pushed from the tip into the third mounting hole 8c, undergoing diameter contraction and expansion deformation, and the end portion locks into the edge of the mounting hole 8a in cooperation with the flange portion 28e. In this way, the other end cover portion 24 is attached to the vehicle body side by the clip 28.

[0046] In other words, while pinching the flexible side walls 24b and 24c of the other end cover portion 24 with two fingers F, the pair of push-in ribs 30 and 31 are used to press the clip 28 toward the third mounting hole 8c. As a result, the clip 28 receives a large load from both push-in ribs 30 and 31, which pushes the leg portion 28c all the way into the third mounting hole 8c, and locks into place on the edge of the third mounting hole 8c in cooperation with the flange portion 28e. In other words, by pinching the side walls 24b and 24c, a sufficient pushing load can be applied to the clip 28 using the pair of push-in ribs 30 and 31. Therefore, the insertion and locking of the clip 28 into the third mounting hole 8c becomes easier and more secure. As a result, the efficiency of the insertion and locking of the clip 28 is improved and the cost of the work is reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of indentation ribs 30 and 31 are formed in the shape of a right triangle when viewed from the front, and the small area of ​​the outer end surfaces of the two short sides 30a and 31a is pressed as a concentrated load from the left and right directions via the side walls 24b and 24c, making it easier to transmit this pressing force and downward pressing force to both indentation ribs 30 and 31.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when attaching the seal cover 21, the positions for pinching with two fingers F on the outer surfaces of both side walls 24b and 24c can be recognized in advance by the protrusions 40, 40, making it easier to pinch and push down the two pushing ribs 30, 31. In addition, since the two fingers F are made to contact the two protrusions 40, 40 in a way that hooks them, it becomes easier to push down the side walls 24b and 24c, and the transmission of load from the two pushing ribs 30, 31 to the clip 28 is improved. [Second Embodiment] Figure 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the basic structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, but a pair of push-in ribs 32 and 33 are also provided inside the cover portion 23 on one end.

[0049] In other words, as described above, when attaching the one-end cover portion 23 to the vehicle body, if it is the first to be attached, it is possible to position the clip 28 head 28a toward the first mounting hole 8a while visually checking the relative position of the leg portion 8c of the clip 28 and the first mounting hole 8a from the outside, and then crush and deform the left end wall 23a of the one-end cover portion 23 by hand.

[0050] However, if the order in which each cover 22, 23, and 24 is attached to the vehicle body is such that, for example, the one-end cover portion 23 is attached last, there is a risk that the resistance of the central cover portion 22 and other components may prevent the left end wall 23a of the one-end cover portion 23 from being sufficiently crushed and deformed towards the head 28a of the clip 28 from the outside.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, a push mechanism 29 is also provided inside the cover portion 23 on one end. Structurally, it is the same as the push mechanism 29 in the first embodiment, with a pair of push ribs 32 and 33 provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the side walls 23b and 23c. These push ribs 32 and 33, like those in the first embodiment, are made of a soft material, such as an elastomer-based synthetic resin, and are shaped as approximately right triangles when viewed from the front, forming a symmetrical shape, while also being formed with a predetermined thickness to ensure rigidity. Furthermore, each push rib 32 and 33 has approximately horizontally formed short sides 32a and 33a, and long sides 32b and 33b extending horizontally and parallel from the short sides 32a and 33a towards the clip 28.

[0052] Each short side portion 32a, 33a has its outer edge integrally connected to the opposing inner surfaces 23d, 23e of the side walls 23b, 23c. Each long side portion 32b, 33b has opposing surfaces 32c, 33c facing each other with a narrow gap S1, and the lower end surfaces of each lower end portion 32d, 33d are positioned facing the upper surface of the head 28a of the clip 28 with a small gap S2.

[0053] The operation of the push-in mechanism 29 is the same as in the first embodiment: the two side walls 23b and 23c are pinched with two fingers F, and the two long sides 32b and 33b of the push-in ribs 32 and 33 are brought into contact to form a block shape. When the push-in ribs 32 and 33 are pushed toward the clip 28 in this state, this pushing load is transmitted to the upper surface of the head 28a of the clip 28. As a result, the large load received from the push-in ribs 32 and 33 pushes the leg portion 28c of the clip 28 into the first mounting hole 8a, and it locks into place on the edge of the first mounting hole 8a in cooperation with the flange portion 28e. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the insertion and locking of the clip 28 into the first mounting hole 8a becomes easier and more secure. [Third Embodiment] Figure 10 shows a third embodiment, in which the push-in mechanism 29 is applied to the other end cover portion 24, and the basic configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, but the mounting member is changed from a removable clip 28 to a grommet-type clip 34 that is integrated with the support wall 27. In other words, the clip 34 is integrally formed from a soft rubber material such as EPDM, the same material as the other end cover portion 24, with the base end of the shaft portion 34a integrally connected to the support wall 27, while the umbrella-shaped leg portion 34b, which is the tip of the shaft portion 34a, is provided to be elastically deformable in the direction of diameter reduction and expansion. This leg portion 34b is inserted into a third mounting hole (not shown) to attach the other end cover portion 24 to the vehicle body.

[0054] Since the other components are the same as in the first embodiment, the same effects and advantages as described above can be obtained. In particular, in this embodiment, since the bush-type clip 34 is provided integrally with the support wall 27, it can be molded together with the support wall 27, making the molding process easier and simplifying maintenance compared to the clip of the first embodiment.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above. For example, the shape of the pair of pushing ribs of the pushing mechanism 29 can be further modified to form them as a rectangle or trapezoid in front view.

[0056] Furthermore, the thickness and width of each of the aforementioned indentation ribs can be arbitrarily changed according to the specifications and size, and the material can be any soft material as long as it can maintain its original shape when pinched.

[0057] In addition to the convex portion 40, the recognition portion can also be formed with concave portions, cross-shaped jagged edges, and other features.

[0058] An example of a mounting structure for a seal cover based on the embodiments described above is the one described below.

[0059] One embodiment of this is a mounting structure for a seal cover that is positioned between the longitudinal ends of a cowl seal, which is fixed to the rear side of the engine compartment of an automobile along the width direction of the vehicle body, and the sides of the engine compartment facing the two ends, and is attached to the vehicle body by inserting a mounting member into a mounting hole formed on the vehicle body side, The seal cover comprises a cover wall and a support wall provided on one inner end of the cover wall to which the mounting member is attached. The cover wall comprises an end wall positioned opposite the support wall, a pair of side walls extending from both side edges of the end wall toward the support wall and capable of bending and deforming toward or toward each other, and a pair of push-in ribs provided opposite each other on the opposing inner surfaces of the side walls. The pair of push-in ribs are formed in a block shape by contacting each other when the side walls are pinched, and the two block-shaped push-in ribs are further formed so that they can be pushed in the direction of inserting the mounting member into the mounting hole via the side walls.

[0060] Due to the structure of the seal cover, the internal mounting clip is concealed by the flexible seal cover. Therefore, in order to push and insert the clip into the mounting hole on the vehicle body, the entire seal cover must be compressed from the outside to apply a pushing load to the clip. As a result, no direct pushing load is applied to the clip, and there is a risk that insufficient pushing load is applied to the clip against the mounting hole. Consequently, the insertion process of the clip into the mounting hole may become difficult, and reliable insertion may not be possible.

[0061] Therefore, according to the present invention, in order to attach the seal cover to the vehicle body, first, the seal cover is placed at a predetermined mounting position on the vehicle body, and then the outer surfaces of both side walls of the seal cover are pinched to bring a pair of push-in ribs into contact with each other and form a block shape. Next, while pinching both side walls, the block-shaped pair of push-in ribs are pressed against the mounting member through the side walls toward the mounting hole. As a result, the mounting member receives sufficient load from both push-in ribs, and its tip is pushed into the mounting hole, and the entire leg portion on the tip side is fitted into the mounting hole, completing the installation work.

[0062] In other words, the flexible side walls of the seal cover are pinched and deformed, and the pair of push ribs are used to press the mounting member toward the mounting hole. As a result, the mounting member is pushed into the mounting hole by the direct and sufficient load received from both push ribs, and the entire leg portion on the tip side is inserted into the mounting hole and locked into the edge of the mounting hole. In other words, a sufficient pushing load can be applied to the mounting member using the pair of push ribs while the side walls are pinched. Therefore, the insertion of the mounting member into the mounting hole becomes easier and more secure.

[0063] More preferably, the seal cover is formed from a soft rubber or resin material in a substantially box-like shape extending from both ends of the cowl seal toward both sides of the engine compartment, and comprises a central cover portion located substantially in the center in the longitudinal direction and attached to the vehicle body via the mounting member, an end cover portion provided at one end of the central cover portion and attached to the vehicle body on both sides of the engine compartment via the mounting member, and an end cover portion provided at the other end of the central cover portion, covering both ends of the cowl seal and attached to the vehicle body via the mounting member, wherein the end cover portion is formed in a substantially arch shape and comprises the end wall, support wall and side walls, and the pair of push-in ribs provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the side walls, respectively.

[0064] More preferably, each of the push-in ribs is formed in a substantially right-angled triangular shape, and in the free state before the side walls of the seal cover are pinched, a pair of sides are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them, and the tip surfaces of both sides are positioned close to the upper end surface of the mounting member with a certain gap between them. When the side walls of the seal cover are pinched, the two push-in ribs move closer to each other and the pair of sides come into contact to form a block shape, and in this state, by pushing the two push-in ribs toward the mounting hole through the side walls, the tip surfaces of both sides are formed so that the mounting member can be pushed into the mounting hole.

[0065] More preferably, a recognition portion capable of recognizing the gripping position is provided on each of the outer surfaces of the two side walls, in a portion corresponding to the formation position of the two push-in ribs.

[0066] When installing the seal cover, the position of the gripping ribs on both sides can be recognized in advance by using the two recognition parts provided on the outer surface of both side walls, without having to search for the gripping position of the gripping ribs on both sides. This makes the gripping and pressing operations of the gripping ribs on both sides easier. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1…Engine Room 2… Hood 3... Cowl Louver 3a…Flange section 3b... Louver panel 4... Cowl seal 4a...end 6…Fender protector 7… Hood side weatherstrip 7a...end 8a~8c...1st to 3rd mounting holes 21... Seal cover 22...Central cover section 22a…Top end wall (end wall) 23... One end cover section 23a...Leftmost wall (end wall) 24... Cover section on the other end 24a…Top end wall (end wall) 25・26・27…Supporting wall 25a・26a・27a…Support hole 28…Clip (mounting component) 28a…Head 28b…Shaft part 28c…legs 28d…Neck 28e…Flange section 29… Push-in mechanism 30・31…Ribs for pushing 30a・31a…Short side 30b・31b…Longer side 30c・31c…Opposite surface 32・33…Ribs for pushing 32a・33a…Short side 32b·32b…Longer side 33c·33c…Opposing surface 34…Bush-type clip (mounting component)

Claims

1. A mounting structure for a seal cover, which is positioned between the longitudinal ends of a cowl seal fixed to the rear side of the engine compartment of an automobile along the width direction of the vehicle body and the sides of the engine compartment facing the two ends, and is attached to the vehicle body by inserting a mounting member into a mounting hole formed on the vehicle body side, The seal cover comprises a cover portion and a support wall provided on one inner end side of the cover portion to which the mounting member is attached. The cover portion comprises an end wall positioned opposite the support wall, a pair of side walls extending from both side edges of the end wall toward the support wall and capable of bending and deforming in directions toward or toward each other, and a pair of indentation ribs provided opposite each other on the inner surfaces of the side walls. The mounting structure for a seal cover is characterized in that the pair of push-in ribs are formed to abut each other in a block shape when the side walls are pinched, and both block-shaped push-in ribs are formed to be able to be pushed in the direction of inserting the mounting member into the mounting hole via the side walls.

2. A mounting structure for a seal cover as described in claim 1, The seal cover is formed from a soft material such as rubber or resin in a substantially box-like shape, extending from both ends of the cowl seal toward both sides of the engine compartment, and comprises a central cover portion located approximately in the center in the longitudinal direction and attached to the vehicle body via the mounting member, an end cover portion provided at one end of the central cover portion and attached to the vehicle body on both sides of the engine compartment via the mounting member, and an end cover portion that covers both ends of the cowl seal and is attached to the vehicle body via the mounting member. The mounting structure for a seal cover is characterized in that the other end cover portion is formed in an arch shape and has the end wall and support wall and side walls positioned at the upper end, and the pair of push-in ribs provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the side walls.

3. A mounting structure for a seal cover as described in claim 1, Each of the aforementioned push-in ribs is formed in a substantially right-angled triangular shape, and in the free state before the side walls of the seal cover are pinched, a pair of sides are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them, and the tip surfaces of both sides are positioned close to the mounting member with a certain gap between them. A mounting structure for a seal cover, characterized in that when the side walls of the seal cover are pinched, the two pushing ribs approach each other and the two sides come into contact to form a block shape, and in this state, by pushing the two pushing ribs toward the mounting hole via the side walls, the tips of the two sides are formed so that the mounting member can be pushed into the mounting hole.

4. A mounting structure for a seal cover as described in claim 1, The mounting member is a clip having a head fixedly supported on the support wall and legs extending from the head and being expandable and contractible in diameter for insertion into the mounting hole and locking onto the edge of the mounting hole, and is characterized in that the mounting structure for a seal cover is formed so that the legs can be pushed into the mounting hole by pressing the upper surface of the head with the tips of the two pushing ribs.

5. A mounting structure for a seal cover as described in claim 1, The mounting member is composed of a grommet-type clip having a base end fixed to the support wall and a leg portion extending from the base end and inserted into the mounting hole to engage with the edge of the mounting hole, and the leg portion is formed so that it can be pushed in the direction of the mounting hole via the base end at the tips of both pushing ribs, and the mounting structure for a seal cover is characterized in that the mounting member is composed of a grommet-type clip having a base end fixed to the support wall and a leg portion that extends from the base end and is expandable in diameter, and the leg portion is expanded in diameter and engages with the edge of the mounting hole, and the tip portions of both pushing ribs are formed so that the leg portion can be pushed in the direction of the mounting hole via the base end.

6. A mounting structure for a seal cover as described in claim 1, A mounting structure for a seal cover, characterized in that a recognition portion capable of recognizing the position of the gripping knob is provided on the outer surface of each of the two outer walls, corresponding to the formation position of the two push-in ribs.

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