Vehicle body structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle body structure that can prevent water, mud, and other substances from entering the atmospheric vent pipe. [Solution] The vehicle body structure 1 includes a tank 5 for storing an additive for purifying the vehicle's exhaust gases, an atmospheric vent pipe 20 connected to the tank 5 and having an atmospheric vent hole 21 that can be opened to the atmosphere, and a box portion 60 surrounding the atmospheric vent hole 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20. The box portion 60 has a vent 61 that communicates with the outside, and the vent 61 is open toward the inside in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an atmospheric vent structure of a tank for storing an additive for exhaust gas purification. This atmospheric vent structure includes a supply port for supplying the additive, a tank provided at a position lower than the supply port in the vehicle height direction, a chamber provided on the supply port side of the tank in the vehicle height direction, and an atmospheric vent pipe extending from the tank to the chamber and supported by a clip provided directly above the chamber.

[0003] Even when attempting to adopt the atmospheric vent structure of Patent Document 1, due to restrictions on the vehicle layout, there may be a situation where the atmospheric vent pipe cannot be vented to the atmosphere in the space surrounded by the wheelhouse and the splash shield. In such a case, if the atmospheric vent pipe is vented to the atmosphere directly above the chamber, there is a possibility that muddy water splashed up by the running of the vehicle may enter the vent tube.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle body structure capable of preventing water, mud, etc. from entering the atmospheric vent pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is composed of the following configuration. A tank for storing an additive for exhaust gas purification of a vehicle, An atmospheric vent hole that can be opened to the atmosphere, and an atmospheric vent pipe connected to the tank, A box portion surrounding the atmospheric vent hole of the atmospheric vent pipe, Equipped with, The box section has a ventilation opening that communicates with the outside, The aforementioned vent is open toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Vehicle body structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle body structure that can prevent water, mud, etc. from entering the atmospheric vent pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of the rear of a vehicle to which the vehicle body structure according to the embodiment is applied, as seen from above the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the rear of a vehicle to which the vehicle body structure according to the embodiment is applied, viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the SCR system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area around the SCR system in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of an SCR system, with the tank not shown, as seen from the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the SCR system, with the tank omitted, as seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Figure 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged side view showing the area around the box section with the cover removed, as shown in Figure 5. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged side view of the area around the atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe, viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The vehicle body structure according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of technologies not explicitly shown in the embodiments below. Each configuration of the embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from their spirit. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed. In the figures, "front" indicates the front of the vehicle, "rear" indicates the rear of the vehicle, "up" indicates the upper part of the vehicle, "down" indicates the lower part of the vehicle, "left" indicates the left side of the vehicle, "right" indicates the right side of the vehicle, "outside" indicates the outside in the vehicle width direction, and "inside" indicates the inside in the vehicle width direction. Note that the left-right direction is sometimes also referred to as the vehicle width direction.

[0010] Figure 1 is a top view of the rear of a vehicle to which the body structure according to this embodiment is applied, viewed from above the vehicle. Figure 2 is a side view of the rear of a vehicle to which the body structure according to this embodiment is applied, viewed from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the body structure 1 of this embodiment is applied to the rear structure of a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0011] The vehicle body structure 1 includes a pair of side members 2,2 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, a rear cross member 3 that connects the rear ends of the pair of side members 2,2 in the vehicle width direction, and a front cross member 4 that connects the pair of side members 2,2 in the vehicle width direction in front of the rear cross member 3. A pair of rear wheels 6,6 are positioned on the outer sides of the left and right side members 2,2 in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] Tank 5 is fixed to the lower part of the left side member 2 and the rear cross member 3 via brackets (not shown). Tank 5 is a resin container that stores additives (for example, urea aqueous solution or ammonia aqueous solution) used in the SCR system 9 (Selective Catalytic Reduction System) for purifying the vehicle's exhaust gas. Tank 5 stores additives in the vehicle that reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas emitted from the internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle to nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O).

[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the SCR system. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the SCR system 9 includes a tank 5 for storing an additive, a supply port 7 for supplying the additive to the tank 5 via a filler pipe 40, a chamber 10 connected to the tank 5 via a leveling pipe 30 and capable of storing the additive, and an atmosphere release pipe 20 having an atmosphere release hole 21 that can be opened to the atmosphere and connected to the tank 5.

[0014] The supply port 7 is arranged, for example, side by side with a fuel filler port in a recess provided on the side surface of the vehicle. The tank 5 is provided at a position lower than the supply port 7 in the vehicle height direction. The tank 5 is, for example, a container made of synthetic resin that is not eroded by the additive, but is not limited thereto. In the illustrated example, the tank 5 is provided at the lower part of the rear cross member 3 at the rear of the vehicle, at a position lower than the cargo compartment or the loading platform in the vehicle height direction, but is not limited thereto. The supply port 7 and the tank 5 are connected by a filler pipe 40, and the additive supplied from the supply port 7 passes through the filler pipe 40 and is supplied to the tank 5.

[0015] A filler pipe 40 is connected between the supply port 7 and the tank 5 in a communicating state, and a leveling pipe 30 is routed so as to run parallel to the filler pipe 40. The lower end of the leveling pipe 30 is opened to the internal space of the tank 5, and the upper end thereof is connected to the supply port 7. The leveling pipe 30 is opened to the atmosphere via the supply port 7 during the additive replenishment operation. A cap 8 is attached to the supply port 7 so as to be openable and closable. When the cap 8 is attached, the supply port 7 is closed, and the upper end of the leveling pipe 30 is closed with respect to the outside of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the cap 8 is removed, the upper end of the leveling pipe 30 is in an atmosphere-opened state.

[0016] For example, the filler pipe 40 is connected to the side surface of the tank 5, and the leveling pipe 30 is connected to the upper surface of the tank 5. The leveling pipe 30 is connected to the tank 5 at a position that is at least higher than the connection point between the filler pipe 40 and the tank 5. The additive stored in the tank 5 is sucked up by the additive pump 51 at an appropriate timing according to the operating state of the engine mounted on the vehicle, and is supplied to the additive injector 53 through the additive pipe 52. The additive injector 53 is disposed upstream of the NOx selective reduction catalyst interposed in the exhaust passage.

[0017] An atmosphere release valve 54 (ventilation valve) for maintaining the internal pressure of the tank 5 near atmospheric pressure is attached to the upper side of the tank 5. The atmosphere release valve 54 functions to balance the internal pressure and the external atmospheric pressure of the tank 5 while maintaining liquid tightness against the additive stored in the tank 5 and external moisture. The lower end of the atmosphere release pipe 20 is connected to the atmosphere release valve 54. On the other hand, the atmosphere release hole 21 on the upper end side of the atmosphere release pipe 20 is released to the atmosphere inside the box portion 60 provided in the chamber 10. The position of the atmosphere release valve 54 is set near the uppermost part of the tank 5 so that it does not submerge below the liquid level even when the vehicle body is tilted.

[0018] A hollow container-shaped chamber 10 is interposed in the middle of the pipeline of the leveling pipe 30. The chamber 10 is a part that serves as a "liquid pool" for retaining the additive that has flowed back through the leveling pipe 30 during the replenishment of the additive. That is, the internal space of the chamber 10 functions as a space for storing the excess additive when the additive continues to be replenished even when the liquid level reaches the upper limit liquid level during the additive replenishment operation. The installation position of the chamber 10 is preferably set near the supply port 7.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the tank 5 is disposed on the left side, which is outside in the vehicle width direction, between the pair of side members 2, 2. The arrangement position of the tank 5 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be arranged at an arbitrary position between the pair of side members 2, 2.

[0020] The tank 5 has side outer walls 71 that constitute the front, rear, left, and right sides of the tank 5. The side outer walls 71 include an outer wall 71a located on the side of the side member 2 (left side) that is outward in the vehicle width direction, an arc-shaped inner wall 71b located on the inward side (right side) in the vehicle width direction, a front side wall 71c located on the front side, and a rear side wall 71d located on the rear side. These outer wall 71a, inner wall 71b, front side wall 71c, and rear side wall 71d are connected to each other and close off the front, rear, left, and right sides of the tank 10. A spare tire may be placed on the inward side in the vehicle width direction of the arc-shaped inner wall 71b. The outer wall 71a is located inward in the vehicle width direction (right side) than the left side member 2.

[0021] The rear of tank 5 is wider in the vehicle width direction than the front of tank 5, forming a large space that can accommodate the additive pump 51 (see Figure 3) and a heater (not shown). The front of tank 5 is connected to the atmospheric outlet pipe 20, the leveling pipe 30, and the filler pipe 40. The longitudinal dimension of tank 5 is larger than the vehicle width direction, and therefore tank 5 has an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction. The rear side wall 71d, which is the rear end of tank 5, is located behind the rear cross member 3, and the front side wall 71c, which is the front end of tank 5, is located in front of the rear cross member 3. The front side wall 71c, which is the front end of tank 5, is located near the center of the chamber 10 in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area around the SCR system in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a side view of the SCR system (without the tank shown) as seen from the inside in the vehicle width direction. Figure 6 is a front view of the SCR system (without the tank shown) as seen from the front of the vehicle.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the chamber 10 is formed by joining together a box-shaped upper part 10A with an open bottom and a box-shaped lower part 10B with an open top, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0024] Chamber 10, like tank 5, has an elongated shape in the front-to-rear direction. Referring to Figure 1, the rear end of chamber 10 is located in front of the rear cross member 3 and behind the front end (front side wall 71c) of tank 5. Also, the front end of chamber 10 is located in front of the front end (front side wall 71c) of tank 5 and behind the front cross member 4. Therefore, overall, chamber 10 is located in front of tank 5. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, chamber 10 is located above side member 2 and therefore above tank 5.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the chamber 10 has a longitudinal extension portion 13 that extends in the longitudinal direction along the side member 2, and a projection portion 15 that protrudes outward (left side) in the vehicle width direction from the midpoint of the longitudinal extension portion 13 in the longitudinal direction. The outer end (left end) of the longitudinal extension portion 13 in the vehicle width direction and the inner end (right end) of the side member 2 in the vehicle width direction slightly overlap when viewed from above. The projection portion 15 extends in the vehicle width direction to near the outer end (left end) of the side member 2 in the vehicle width direction, and the entire projection portion 15 overlaps the side member 2 when viewed from above.

[0026] Thus, the side member 2 is positioned below the chamber 10 such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the chamber 10 when viewed from above (in the illustrated example, the left end of the front-rear extension portion 13 of the chamber 10 and the entire protruding portion 15). In addition, at least a portion of the side member 2 is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction from the chamber 10 (in the illustrated example, the portion excluding the left end of the front-rear extension portion 13 of the chamber 10 and the entire protruding portion 15). With this configuration, water, mud, etc., splashed up by the rear wheels 6 are repelled by the side member 2 and the chamber 10, preventing them from reaching the atmospheric vent 21 located in the box portion 60 directly above the chamber 10, as will be described later.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the leveling pipe 30 and filler pipe 40 are routed in the space S between the tank 5 and the chamber 10.

[0028] The leveling pipe 30 includes a first leveling pipe 30A that connects the tank 5 and the lower part 10B of the chamber 10, and a second leveling pipe 30B that connects the lower part 10B of the chamber 10 to the supply port 7. The first leveling pipe 30A is routed in the space S between the tank 5 and the chamber 10, mainly in the area below the chamber 10 and on the inside in the vehicle width direction. The first leveling pipe 30A is inclined upward as it extends forward from the front of the tank 5, and the front end of the first leveling pipe 30A bends outward (to the left) in the vehicle width direction to connect to the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the lower part 10B of the chamber 10. That is, the point where the first leveling pipe 30A connects to the chamber 10 is the lower end of the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the front end of the front-rear extending portion 13 of the chamber 10. The second leveling pipe 30B extends rearward from the rear surface of the lower part 10B of the chamber 10 and bends from the rear side to connect to the supply port 7. It can also be said that the second leveling pipe 30B extends from the lower part of the rear surface of the front-rear extension portion 13 toward the rear.

[0029] The filler pipe 40 includes a first filler pipe 40A that connects to the tank 5 and extends forward, a second filler pipe 40B that connects to the first filler pipe 40A and makes a U-turn towards the rear and upward, and a third filler pipe 40C that connects to the second filler pipe 40B and extends rearward. The first filler pipe 40A is routed mainly in the area of ​​space S below the chamber 10 and towards the inside in the vehicle width direction. The first filler pipe 40A is slightly inclined upward as it extends forward from the front of the tank 5. The second filler pipe 40B is routed mainly in the area of ​​space S below the chamber 10 and towards the inside in the vehicle width direction. The shape of the second filler pipe 40B when viewed from the vertical direction and the vehicle width direction is approximately U-shaped. The front end of the second filler pipe 40B (the bottom of the approximately U-shape) is located behind the connection point between the first leveling pipe 30A and the chamber 10. The third filler pipe 40C is routed in the area of ​​space S mainly on the inside of the chamber 10 in the vehicle width direction, parallel to the lower part 10B of the chamber 10. The third filler pipe 40C extends behind the chamber 10 and is connected to the supply port 7.

[0030] Thus, the piping such as the leveling pipe 30 and the filler pipe 40 is routed in the space S between the tank 5 and the chamber 10 in the vehicle width direction and in the vertical direction. In contrast, the atmospheric vent pipe 20 is routed to bypass the space S in which the leveling pipe 30 and the filler pipe 40 are routed. That is, the atmospheric vent pipe 20 has a first part 20A located below the space S and a second part 20B located in front of the space S (laterally, one side in the front-rear direction), and is routed to bypass the space S. The second part 20B may be located behind the space S (laterally, one side in the front-rear direction), to the left of the space S (laterally, one side in the vehicle width direction), or to the right of the space S (laterally, one side in the vehicle width direction), etc., so that the atmospheric vent pipe 20 bypasses the space S. That is, the second part 20B may be located to the side of the space S so that the atmospheric vent pipe 20 bypasses the space S.

[0031] In this way, by having the atmospheric vent pipe 20, which has little functional impact even when extended, bypass the space S, the degree of freedom in the layout of the leveling pipe 30 and filler pipe 40 in the space S between the tank 5 and the chamber 10 can be improved. However, extending or bypassing the leveling pipe 30 or filler pipe 40 is undesirable because it may affect the water supply of the additive.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the first portion 20A of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 extends outward (to the left) in the vehicle width direction as it moves forward from the front of the tank 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the vertical direction, the first portion 20A connects to the front of the tank 5 and extends downward as it moves forward, then bends and extends upward as it moves forward. The front end of the first portion 20A connects to the second portion 20B behind the chamber 10.

[0033] Here, the first portion 20A of the atmospheric vent pipe 20, the leveling pipe 30, and the filler pipe 40 each extend in the longitudinal direction, and the first portion 20A of the atmospheric vent pipe 20, the leveling pipe 30, and the filler pipe 40 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Note that "not to overlap when viewed from the vehicle width direction" means that it is sufficient if there are at least some parts that do not overlap. Referring to Figure 5, the first portion 20A of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 and the filler pipe 40 overlap when viewed from the vehicle width direction, but there are also parts that do not overlap, so it falls under the category of "not to overlap when viewed from the vehicle width direction." With this arrangement, the atmospheric vent pipe 20 and the leveling pipe 30 and filler pipe 40 do not strongly interfere with each other in the event of a side collision with the vehicle, thus preventing wear and tear.

[0034] The second portion 20B of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 extends upward and outward (to the left) in the vehicle width direction from the first portion 20A, then bends rearward and is inserted into and supported by a box portion 60 provided on the upper surface of the front end of the chamber 10. As will be described in detail later, an atmospheric vent hole 21 is provided at the tip (rear end) of the second portion 20B, and the atmospheric vent hole 21 is surrounded by the box portion 60. In addition, the second portion 20B of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 is held by a holding portion 11 of the chamber 10 near the box portion 60.

[0035] In this way, since the atmospheric vent pipe 20 extends from the front of the tank 5 to the front of the chamber 10, the detour distance through space S can be shortened, and the flexibility of the piping layout can be efficiently increased.

[0036] As described above, the end of the second portion 20B of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 that is open to the atmosphere is inserted into and supported by a box portion 60 provided on the upper surface of the front end of the chamber 10. The structure of the box portion 60 will be described in detail below.

[0037] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Figure 5. Figure 8 is an enlarged side view showing the area around the box section with the cover removed in Figure 5. Figure 9 is an enlarged side view of the area around the atmospheric vent hole of the atmospheric vent pipe, viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the box portion 60 includes a box body 80 which is integrally formed with the chamber 10 and constitutes the portion of the box portion 60 except for the inner (right) portion in the vehicle width direction, and a cover 90 which constitutes the inner (right) portion of the box portion 60 in the vehicle width direction and is arranged to cover the inner (right) portion of the box body 80 in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] The box body 80 has a bottom on the outside (left side) in the vehicle width direction and is a bottomed container shape with an opening on the inside (right side) in the vehicle width direction. The box body 80 is integrally formed with the chamber 10, and its lower end is connected to the chamber 10. The cover 90 is separate from the box body 80 (chamber 10) and has a substantially planar shape that extends in the vertical and front-rear directions (extending perpendicular to the vehicle width direction). The cover 90 constitutes the inner surface of the box body 60 in the vehicle width direction. In this example, the box body 80 and the cover 90 are separate, but they may be integrally formed.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, a first discharge area T1, a second discharge area T2, and a containment area T3 are formed between the box body 80 and the cover 90, in that order from bottom to top. The lower first and second discharge areas T1 and T2 are areas intended to discharge mud and water, etc., and to prevent mud and water, etc. from entering the containment area T3. The uppermost containment area T3 is an area intended to contain the atmospheric vent hole 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20. The first discharge area T1 and the second discharge area T2 are connected by a first gap U1, and the second discharge area T2 and the containment area T3 are connected by a second gap U2.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, an atmospheric vent 21 is provided at the tip (rear end) of the second portion 20B of the atmospheric vent pipe 20, and the atmospheric vent 21 is surrounded by the box portion 60. In the illustrated example, the atmospheric vent 21 is located in the uppermost containment area T3 within the box portion 60.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the atmospheric vent 21 is fitted with an insect-proof cap 23 to prevent insects from entering. The insect-proof cap 23 is a bottomed cylindrical shape that extends in the front-rear direction with its bottom at the rear of the vehicle. The insect-proof cap 23 has multiple openings 23a, 23a that face outward (left side) in the vehicle width direction. The openings 23a have a mesh structure that is, for example, finer than the size of an insect, preventing insects from entering while allowing air to circulate. Therefore, the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 is opened to the atmosphere through the openings 23a toward the outward (left side) in the vehicle width direction within the containment area T3 of the box section 60.

[0043] Furthermore, the box section 60 has a vent 61 at its lower part that communicates with the outside, and the vent 61 is directed inward (to the right) in the vehicle width direction, connecting the first discharge area T1 of the box section 60 to the outside. Therefore, the atmospheric vent pipe 20 can be vented to the outside through the atmospheric vent hole 21, the opening 23a of the insect-proof cap 23, the containment area T3, the second gap U2, the second discharge area T2, the first gap U1, the first discharge area T1, and the vent 61 of the box section 60.

[0044] Thus, since the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 is surrounded by the box portion 60, the atmospheric vent 21 can be protected from water, mud, etc., splashed up when the vehicle is in motion. Also, water and mud splashed up by the rear wheels 6 tend to fly towards the atmospheric vent 21 from above the vehicle, below the vehicle, and from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, by facing the ventilation opening 61 of the box portion 60 surrounding the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, where water and mud are less likely to splash, the intrusion of water and mud into the box portion 60 can be suppressed. Thus, the atmospheric vent 21 can be protected more reliably from water and mud.

[0045] Furthermore, the atmospheric vent 21 is located at the top of the box section 60, while the ventilation opening 61 is formed at the bottom of the box section 60. In other words, the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 is located above the ventilation opening 61 of the box section 60. Therefore, even if water or mud enters through the ventilation opening 61, it is difficult for it to reach the atmospheric vent 21.

[0046] Furthermore, since the ventilation opening 61 is formed at the lower end of the box section 60, even if water, mud, etc. enter the box section 60, they will not accumulate inside the box section 60 and can be discharged through the ventilation opening 61.

[0047] Furthermore, since the box section 60 is located directly above the chamber 10, the chamber 10 can prevent water, mud, and other debris flying in from below the vehicle from entering the box section 60.

[0048] Furthermore, the box portion 60 is provided at the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface of the front and rear extension portion 13 of the chamber 10 (see Figure 4). As described above, the ventilation opening 61 of the box portion 60 communicates with the outside toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, by providing the box portion 60 at the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface of the front and rear extension portion 13 of the chamber 10, the distance between the ventilation opening 61 of the box portion 60 and the inner surface of the chamber 10 in the vehicle width direction can be set to be longer, so that water, mud, etc. flying in from below the vehicle and from the inside in the vehicle width direction can be prevented by the chamber 10 and more reliably prevented from entering the box portion 60.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the atmospheric vent 21 is positioned directly above the chamber 10, and the side member 2 is positioned below the chamber 10 such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the chamber 10 when viewed from above (in the illustrated example, the left end of the front-to-rear extension portion 13 of the chamber 10 and the entire protruding portion 15). Therefore, water and mud splashed up by the rear wheel 6 are deflected by the side member 2 and the chamber 10, preventing them from reaching the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, most of the front-to-rear extension portion 13 of the chamber 10 is positioned inward (to the right) in the vehicle width direction compared to the side member 2. That is, at least a portion of the side member 2 is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction compared to the chamber 10 (in the illustrated example, the portion excluding the left end of the front-to-rear extension portion 13 of the chamber 10 and the entire protruding portion 15). With this configuration, water, mud, etc., splashed up by the rear wheels are repelled by the side member 2 and the chamber 10, preventing them from reaching the atmospheric vent 21 located in the box portion 60 directly above the chamber 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the box portion 60 of the chamber 10 is positioned further inward in the vehicle width direction than the side member 2. Similarly, the atmospheric vent 21 housed within the box portion 60 is positioned further inward in the vehicle width direction than the side member 2. Since water and mud tend to move from the outside in the vehicle width direction towards the atmospheric vent 21, positioning the side member 2 further outward in the vehicle width direction than the box portion 60 and the atmospheric vent 21 prevents water and mud from reaching the atmospheric vent 21.

[0052] Furthermore, the box portion 60 of the chamber 10 is positioned above the side members 2. Since water and mud tend to move from below towards the atmospheric vent 21, positioning the side members below the box portion prevents water and mud from reaching the atmospheric vent.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the box body 80 has a bottom surface 81 whose inner end 81a (right end) in the vehicle width direction communicates with the ventilation opening 61. The inner end 81a (right end) of the bottom surface 81 in the vehicle width direction is the lowest part of the box body 80 and is the point where it connects to the upper surface of the chamber 10. The inner end 81a (right end) of the bottom surface 81 in the vehicle width direction and the lower end of the cover 90 are separated vertically from each other and the ventilation opening 61 is formed between them.

[0054] The bottom surface 81 is a first inclined surface that slopes upward as it is directed outward (to the left) in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even if water or mud enters through the vent 61, the bottom surface 81, which is the first inclined surface, can discharge the water or mud. The inclination angle of the bottom surface 81 with respect to the horizontal direction is preferably set to an angle that allows water and mud (especially mud) to be discharged, for example, to about 30°.

[0055] Furthermore, the box body 80 has a first wall portion 83 that connects to the outer end (left end) in the vehicle width direction of the bottom surface 81, extends upward, and then extends inward in the vehicle width direction. In the illustrated example, the first wall portion 83 includes an outer wall 83a extending upward from the outer end (left end) in the vehicle width direction of the bottom surface 81, and an upper wall 83b extending inward (right side) in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the outer wall 83a. With such a first wall portion 83 provided, even if water or mud seeps in along the bottom surface 81, the first wall portion 83 can repel the water or mud.

[0056] The cover 90 (the inner surface of the box portion 60 in the vehicle width direction) has a flat plate portion 91 with a substantially planar shape perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, a first protrusion 93 that protrudes from the lower end of the flat plate portion 91 toward the inside of the box portion 60, i.e., toward the outside (left side) in the vehicle width direction, and a second protrusion 95 that protrudes from the vertical middle portion of the flat plate portion 91 toward the outside (left side) in the vehicle width direction. The first protrusion 93 is positioned slightly below the upper wall 83b of the first wall portion 83.

[0057] In the cross-section shown in Figure 7, the region enclosed by the bottom surface 81, the first wall portion 83, and the first protrusion 93 is the first discharge region T1. Also in the cross-section shown in Figure 7, the region enclosed by the inner wall 85a of the second wall portion 85 (described later), the first protrusion 93, the second protrusion 95, and the flat plate portion 91 between the first protrusion 93 and the second protrusion 95 is the second discharge region T2. ​​A first gap U1 is formed between the outer end (left end) in the vehicle width direction of the first protrusion 93 and the inner end (right end) in the vehicle width direction of the upper wall 83b of the first wall portion 83, connecting the upper and lower first and second discharge regions T1 and T2.

[0058] By adopting this configuration, even if water or mud were to enter through the vent 61, it could be repelled by the first protrusion 93 and the first wall portion 83 located above the vent 61. In addition, the vent 61 of the box portion 60 and the atmospheric vent hole 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 can be opened to the atmosphere through the first gap U1.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that the size of the first gap U1 be set so that even if water or mud (especially mud) enters the upper second discharge area T2, it can be discharged downward through the first gap U1. Therefore, the widthwise dimension of the first protrusion 93 is set to be relatively small, and the first protrusion 93 and the upper wall 83b of the first wall 83 do not overlap when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the widthwise dimension of the first protrusion 93 is set to be shorter than the widthwise dimension of the second protrusion 95, which will be described later, to ensure that mud is removed from the second discharge area T2 through the first gap U1.

[0060] The box body 80 has a second wall portion 85 that connects to the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the upper wall 83b of the first wall portion 83, extends upward, and then extends outward (left side) in the vehicle width direction. In the illustrated example, the second wall portion 85 includes an inner wall 85a extending upward from the inner end (right end) in the vehicle width direction of the upper wall 83b of the first wall portion 83, and an inclined wall 85b that slopes upward from the upper end of the inner wall 85a toward the outward (left side) in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface of the inclined wall 85b forms a second inclined surface that slopes upward toward the outward (left side) in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even if water enters through the vent 61 or the first gap U1, the water can be discharged by the inclined wall 85b having the second inclined surface.

[0061] The inclination angle of the inclined wall 85b with respect to the horizontal is preferably set to an angle that allows water to be discharged, for example, to about 15°. As mentioned above, the inclination angle of the bottom surface 81 (first inclined surface) is set to about 30°, which is larger than the inclination angle of the inclined wall 85b (second inclined surface). In this way, by setting a large inclination angle of the bottom surface 81 (first inclined surface) into which mud can penetrate, the discharge of mud by the bottom surface 81 (first inclined surface) is made more reliable. Furthermore, since the mud is repelled by the second protrusion 95, which will be described later, and the possibility of mud penetrating the inclined wall 85b is very low, the inclination angle of the inclined wall 85b is set to about 15°.

[0062] The second protrusion 95 is positioned above the first protrusion 93 and protrudes outward from the flat plate portion 91 in the vehicle width direction. More specifically, the second protrusion 95 is located above the inner end 85c (right end) in the vehicle width direction of the inclined wall 85b (second inclined surface) of the second wall portion 85. In the illustrated example, the second protrusion 95 is positioned at approximately the same height in the vertical direction as the outer end 85d (left end) in the vehicle width direction of the inclined wall 85b (second inclined surface) of the second wall portion 85.

[0063] The outer end (left end) in the vehicle width direction, which is the tip of the second protrusion 95, and the inner end 85c (right end) in the vehicle width direction of the inclined wall 85b (second inclined surface) are positioned to overlap when viewed from above. A second gap U2 is formed between the outer end of the second protrusion 95 in the vehicle width direction and the inner end 85c in the vehicle width direction of the inclined wall 85b of the second wall 85 in the vehicle width direction, in the vertical direction, connecting the left and right second discharge areas T2 and the storage area T3.

[0064] Therefore, even if water or mud enters through the vent 61 or the first gap U1, it can be discharged by the second protrusion 95 and the inclined wall 85b (second inclined surface) of the second wall 85. In addition, the vent 61 of the box section 60 and the atmospheric opening 21 of the atmospheric opening pipe 20 can be opened to the atmosphere via the first gap U1 and the second gap U2. Furthermore, while the first gap U1 connects the upper and lower first discharge area T1 and the second discharge area T2, the second gap U2 connects the left and right second discharge area T2 and the containment area T3, so the orientation of the first gap U1 and the second gap U2 changes, resulting in the effect of making it difficult for water or mud to enter.

[0065] The region above the second protrusion 95 is the containment region T3, and therefore, the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20, which is located in the containment region T3, is positioned above the second protrusion 95. In this way, since the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 is positioned above the first wall portion 83, the second wall portion 85, the first protrusion 93, the second protrusion 95, etc., the possibility of water, mud, etc. entering the atmospheric vent 21 can be made very low.

[0066] Furthermore, the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 opens outward in the vehicle width direction through the opening 23a of the insect-proof cap 23 within the housing area T3 of the box section 60. In other words, while the ventilation opening 61 of the box section 60 opens inward in the vehicle width direction, the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20 opens outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even if water or mud enters through the ventilation opening 61 of the box section 60, it is difficult for the water or mud to reach the atmospheric vent 21 of the atmospheric vent pipe 20.

[0067] Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is also intended and within the scope of protection to be provided for the combination of each configuration of the embodiments, as well as for modifications and applications by those skilled in the art based on the description in the specification and well-known technology.

[0068] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification: [1] A tank for storing additives for purifying vehicle exhaust gases, An atmospheric vent hole that can be opened to the atmosphere, and an atmospheric vent pipe connected to the tank, A box portion surrounding the atmospheric vent hole of the atmospheric vent pipe, Equipped with, The box section has a ventilation opening that communicates with the outside, The aforementioned vents are positioned inward in the vehicle width direction, allowing the box portion to communicate with the outside. Vehicle body structure.

[0069] With this vehicle body structure, the atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe is surrounded by a box-like structure, thus protecting the vent from water, mud, and other debris splashed up during vehicle operation. Furthermore, water and mud splashed up by the tires, which are typically located on the outermost side in the vehicle's width direction, tend to fly upwards, downwards, and from the outside in the vehicle's width direction towards the air vent. Therefore, by facing the vents of the box surrounding the air vent of the air vent pipe toward the inside in the vehicle's width direction, where water and mud are less likely to splash, the intrusion of water and mud into the box can be suppressed. Thus, the air vent can be protected more reliably from water and mud.

[0070] [2] The atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe is positioned above the vent of the box portion. The vehicle body structure described in [1].

[0071] With this vehicle structure, even if water or mud were to enter through the vents, it would be difficult for it to reach the atmospheric vents.

[0072] [3] The ventilation opening is formed at the lower end of the box portion, The vehicle body structure described in [1] or [2].

[0073] With this vehicle structure, even if water or mud enters the box section, it will not accumulate inside the box and can be discharged through the ventilation holes.

[0074] [4] A chamber connected to the tank and capable of storing the additive, The box portion is provided directly above the chamber, The vehicle body structure described in any one of [1] to [3].

[0075] This vehicle structure allows water, mud, and other debris flying in from below the vehicle to be blocked by the chamber, preventing them from entering the box section.

[0076] [5] The box portion is provided on the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface of the chamber, The vehicle body structure described in [4].

[0077] With this vehicle body structure, by positioning the box section at the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface of the chamber, the distance between the vents communicating with the outside toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and the inner surface of the chamber in the vehicle width direction can be set to be longer. This allows the chamber to prevent water, mud, etc., flying in from below the vehicle, from entering the box section more reliably.

[0078] [6] The box portion has a bottom surface whose inner end in the vehicle width direction is in communication with the ventilation opening, The aforementioned bottom surface includes a first inclined surface that slopes upward as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle body structure described in any one of [1] to [5].

[0079] With this vehicle structure, even if water or mud enters through the vents, the first inclined surface on the bottom allows the water or mud to be discharged.

[0080] [7] The box portion has a first wall portion that is connected to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the bottom surface of the box portion and extends inward in the vehicle width direction, The vehicle body structure described in [6].

[0081] With this vehicle body structure, even if water or mud were to penetrate along the bottom surface, including the first inclined surface, the first wall section would be able to repel the water or mud.

[0082] [8] The inner surface of the box portion in the vehicle width direction has a first protrusion that protrudes from its lower part toward the outer surface in the vehicle width direction, A first gap is formed between the outer end of the first protrusion in the vehicle width direction and the inner end of the first wall in the vehicle width direction, connecting the upper and lower regions. The vehicle body structure described in [7].

[0083] With this vehicle body structure, even if water or mud were to enter through the vents, it could be repelled by the first protrusion and first wall above the vents. In addition, the vents in the box section and the atmospheric vent holes in the atmospheric vent pipes can be vented to the atmosphere through the first gap.

[0084] [9] The box portion has a second wall portion that is connected to the inner end of the first wall portion in the vehicle width direction and extends outward in the vehicle width direction, The second wall portion includes a second inclined surface that slopes upward as it is directed outward in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle body structure described in [8].

[0085] With this vehicle structure, even if water were to enter through the vents or the first gap, the water could be discharged by the second inclined surface.

[0086]

[10] The inner surface of the box portion in the vehicle width direction has a second protrusion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction above the inner end of the second inclined surface of the second wall portion in the vehicle width direction, The outer end of the second protrusion in the vehicle width direction and the inner end of the second inclined surface in the vehicle width direction are positioned to overlap when viewed from above and below. A second gap is formed between the outer end of the second protrusion in the vehicle width direction and the inner end of the second inclined surface in the vehicle width direction, connecting the left and right regions. The vehicle body structure described in [9].

[0087] With this vehicle body structure, even if water or mud enters through the vents or the first gap, it can be discharged by the second protrusion above the first gap or the second inclined surface of the second wall. Furthermore, the ventilation openings in the box section and the atmospheric vents in the atmospheric vent pipes can be opened to the atmosphere via the first and second gaps. In addition, the first gap connects the upper and lower regions, while the second gap connects the left and right regions, so the orientation of the first and second gaps is different, making it difficult for water and mud to penetrate.

[0088]

[11] The widthwise dimension of the first protrusion is shorter than the widthwise dimension of the second protrusion. The vehicle body structure described in

[10] .

[0089] This body structure allows the width dimension of the first protrusion to be shorter than that of the second protrusion, ensuring effective mud removal.

[0090]

[12] The atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe is located above the second protrusion, The vehicle body structure described in

[10] or

[11] .

[0091] According to this vehicle body structure, the atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe is located above the first wall section, the second wall section, the first protrusion, the second protrusion, etc., so the possibility of water, mud, etc. entering the atmospheric vent is extremely low.

[0092]

[13] The inclination angle of the first inclined surface on the bottom of the box portion is greater than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface on the second wall portion. The vehicle body structure described in any one of [9] to

[12] .

[0093] This vehicle structure allows for a larger inclination angle of the first inclined surface into which mud can enter, thereby ensuring more reliable mud removal by the first inclined surface.

[0094]

[14] The atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe opens outward in the vehicle width direction within the box portion, The vehicle body structure described in any one of [1] to

[13] .

[0095] With this vehicle body structure, the ventilation openings in the box section open inward in the vehicle width direction, while the atmospheric vent holes in the atmospheric vent pipe open outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even if water or mud enters through the ventilation openings in the box section, it is difficult for the water or mud to reach the atmospheric vent holes in the atmospheric vent pipe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Vehicle body structure 2 Side Members 3. Rear cross member 4. Front cross member 5 tanks 6 Rear wheels 7 Supply port 8 caps 9 SCR System 10 Chambers 10A Upper component 10B Lower parts 11 Holding part 13 Front-rear extension part 15 Protrusion 20. Open pipe to the atmosphere 20A first part 20B Second part 21 Atmospheric vent 23 Insect-proof cap 23a opening 30 Leveling pipes (piping) 30A First Leveling Pipe 30B Second Leveling Tube 40 Filler pipes (piping) 40A First filler tube 40B Second filler tube 40C Third Filler Tube 51 Additive pump 52 Additive Piping 53 Additive Injector 54 Atmospheric release valve 60 Hakobe 61 Ventilation opening 71 Side exterior wall 71a Outside wall 71b Inside wall 71c Front wall 71d Rear wall 80 Box body 81 Bottom surface (first slope) 81a Inner end in the vehicle width direction 83 First wall 83a Outside wall 83b Upper wall 85 Second wall section 85a inner wall 85b Slanted wall (second slope) 85c Inner end in the vehicle width direction 85d Outer edge in the vehicle width direction 90 Cover (inner side of the box section in the vehicle width direction) 91 Flat plate part 93 First protrusion 95 Second protrusion S space T1 First discharge area T2 Second discharge area T3 Third emission area U1 First gap U2 Second Gap

Claims

1. A tank for storing additives for purifying vehicle exhaust gases, An atmospheric vent hole that can be opened to the atmosphere, and an atmospheric vent pipe connected to the tank, A box portion surrounding the atmospheric vent hole of the atmospheric vent pipe, Equipped with, The box section has a ventilation opening that communicates with the outside, The aforementioned vent is open toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Vehicle body structure.

2. The atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe is positioned above the ventilation opening of the box portion. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned ventilation opening is formed at the lower end of the box portion. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It is connected to the aforementioned tank and comprises a chamber capable of storing the aforementioned additive, The box portion is provided directly above the chamber, The vehicle body structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The box portion is provided on the upper surface of the chamber at the outer end in the vehicle width direction, The vehicle body structure according to claim 4.

6. The box portion has a bottom surface whose inner end in the vehicle width direction communicates with the ventilation opening. The aforementioned bottom surface includes a first inclined surface that slopes upward as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle body structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The box portion has a first wall portion that is connected to the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the bottom surface of the box portion and extends inward in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle body structure according to claim 6.

8. The inner surface of the box portion in the vehicle width direction has a first protrusion that extends outward from its lower part in the vehicle width direction, A first gap is formed between the outer end of the first protrusion in the vehicle width direction and the inner end of the first wall in the vehicle width direction, connecting the upper and lower regions. The vehicle body structure according to claim 7.

9. The box portion has a second wall portion that is connected to the inner end of the first wall portion in the vehicle width direction and extends outward in the vehicle width direction. The second wall portion includes a second inclined surface that slopes upward as it is directed outward in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle body structure according to claim 8.

10. The inner surface of the box portion in the vehicle width direction has a second protrusion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, above the inner end of the second inclined surface of the second wall portion in the vehicle width direction. The outer end of the second protrusion in the vehicle width direction and the inner end of the second inclined surface in the vehicle width direction are positioned to overlap when viewed from above and below. A second gap is formed between the outer end of the second protrusion in the vehicle width direction and the inner end of the second inclined surface in the vehicle width direction, connecting the left and right regions. The vehicle body structure according to claim 9.

11. The widthwise dimension of the first protrusion is shorter than the widthwise dimension of the second protrusion. The vehicle body structure according to claim 10.

12. The atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe is located above the second protrusion. The vehicle body structure according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The inclination angle of the first inclined surface on the bottom surface of the box portion is greater than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface on the second wall portion. The vehicle body structure according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The atmospheric vent of the atmospheric vent pipe opens outward in the vehicle width direction within the box portion. The vehicle body structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images