Engine intake sound amplifier

Abstract

To suppress a change of amplification frequency of intake noise due to radiant heat from an engine and enhance flexibility of layout in an intake noise amplification device.SOLUTION: An intake noise amplification device 20 amplifies intake noise transmitted from an engine 3 mounted to an engine room 2 of a vehicle 1 to a cabin 7. The intake noise amplification device 20 includes: a first passage 30 branched from an intake passage 10 introducing intake air to the engine 3; a device body 40 including a vibration body 42 vibrated through pulsation of the intake air and connected to the downstream side of the first passage 30; and a second passage 50 connected to the downstream side of the device body 40 and extending to the cabin 7 side. The device body 40 is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of a side frame 5 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction for partitioning of inside and outside of the engine room 2 in the vehicle width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intake sound amplification device for an engine. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an intake sound amplifier for amplifying intake sound transmitted from an engine mounted in an engine room of a vehicle to a passenger compartment. For example, the intake sound amplifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first passage branched from an intake pipe that supplies fresh air to the engine at an upstream of a throttle valve, a vibration part provided at an end of the first passage opposite to the intake pipe, a second passage having one end connected to the vibration part and the other end facing the passenger compartment, and a muffling part provided in the middle of the second passage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-066930 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The intake sound amplifier is usually disposed in an engine room, and amplifies the intake sound of a predetermined frequency that is set in advance.

[0005] However, if the intake sound amplifier is disposed inside the engine compartment, radiant heat from the engine is transmitted to the intake sound amplifier, causing a change in the amplified frequency of the intake sound produced by the intake sound amplifier.

[0006] In addition, since various devices such as the intake and exhaust systems and the reduction gear are arranged in the engine room, even if an intake sound amplifier is to be arranged in the engine room, the available space is small, and it is difficult to freely design the size of the intake sound amplifier (the size of the vibrating part, the length of the passage, etc.). Note that the size of the intake sound amplifier is related to the performance of the intake sound amplifier (for example, the amplification frequency, etc.).

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to suppress changes in the amplified frequency of intake sound caused by radiant heat from the engine and to increase layout freedom in an intake sound amplification device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The intake sound amplification device according to the present disclosure is an engine intake sound amplification device that amplifies intake sound transmitted from an engine mounted in an engine room of a vehicle to a vehicle cabin, and includes a first passage branched off from an intake passage that introduces intake air into the engine, a device main body that includes a vibrating body that vibrates due to pulsation of the intake air and is connected to the downstream side of the first passage, and a second passage that is connected to the downstream side of the device main body and extends toward the vehicle cabin, and at least a portion of the device main body is located outside in the vehicle width direction relative to a side frame that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and divides the inside and outside of the engine room in the vehicle width direction. The second passage includes an outer portion arranged outboard of the side frame in the vehicle width direction and an inner portion arranged inboard of the side frame in the vehicle width direction, and the passage length of the outer portion is longer than the passage length of the inner portion.

[0009] According to this, since the device body of the intake sound amplifier is disposed on the outer side of the side frame in the vehicle width direction, the heat radiated from the engine is blocked by the side frame and is less likely to be transmitted to the vibrator included in the device body, which makes it possible to suppress changes in the amplified frequency of the intake sound due to the influence of the heat radiated from the engine.

[0010] In addition, since the device body of the intake sound amplifier is disposed outside the side frame in the vehicle width direction, i.e., outside the engine compartment, the size of the intake sound amplifier, which is related to its performance (the size of the device body, the lengths of the first and second passages, etc.), can be designed relatively freely without having to worry about interference with various devices disposed in the engine compartment. In other words, the layout freedom of the intake sound amplifier is increased.

[0011] As described above, in the intake sound amplifier, it is possible to suppress changes in the amplified frequency of the intake sound caused by radiant heat from the engine, and to increase the degree of freedom in layout. By locating most of the second passage on the outer side of the side frames in the vehicle width direction, the degree of freedom in layout of the second passage can be further increased.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device main body is located at a position overlapping the side frame when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0013] This is more advantageous in suppressing the change in amplified frequency of the intake sound caused by radiant heat from the engine.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first passage is located outboard of the side frame in the vehicle width direction.

[0015] This makes it possible to protect the first passage from radiant heat of the engine, which is more advantageous in suppressing the change in the amplified frequency of the intake sound. Also, the degree of freedom in the layout of the first passage can be increased.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first passage passes through an underside of the side frame and is connected to the device body.

[0017] According to this, the space below the side frame can be effectively utilized, thereby further increasing the degree of freedom in the layout of the first passage.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the device body is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the fender panel.

[0021] This makes it possible to effectively utilize the dead space between the side frame and the fender panel (inside the fender) for disposing the intake sound amplification device. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, in an intake sound amplification device, it is possible to suppress changes in the amplified frequency of the intake sound caused by radiant heat from the engine, and to increase the degree of freedom in layout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the front part of a vehicle including an intake sound amplification device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the intake sound amplifier. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the intake sound amplifier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or its uses.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a plan view from above of the front part of a vehicle 1 including an intake sound amplifier 20 described below. As shown in Fig. 1, an engine 3 is mounted in an engine room 2 at the front part of the vehicle 1. The engine 3 is a vertically mounted multi-cylinder engine with multiple cylinders (not shown) aligned in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle (the up-down direction in Fig. 1). Although not shown, a reduction gear is connected to the engine 3 in the engine room 2. Although not shown, a supercharger, a motor, a battery, etc. are also housed in the engine room 2.

[0026] The engine room 2 is partitioned by a front cross member 4 extending in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) at the front of the vehicle, left and right side frames (front side members) 5 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on both sides in the vehicle width direction, and a dash panel 6 extending in the vehicle width direction on the rear side of the front cross member 4. Note that FIG. 1 shows only the side frame 5 on the left side in the vehicle width direction as viewed in the vehicle traveling direction.

[0027] The front cross member 4 and dash panel 6 divide the engine room 2 into an interior and an exterior in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. In particular, the dash panel 6 divides the engine room 2 into a passenger compartment 7. The side frames 5 divide the engine room 2 into an interior and an exterior in the vehicle width direction. The side frames 5 are formed from steel such as channel steel, H-shaped steel, or square tube steel. The side frames 5 extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle from the vehicle width direction end of the front cross member 4 to near the dash panel 6.

[0028] A plate 8 is attached to the inner surface in the vehicle width direction at the end of the side frame 5 on the vehicle rear side. The plate 8 is arranged so that its thickness direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. The plate 8 is arranged between the side frame 5 and the dash panel 6 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The side frame 5 and the plate 8 are in approximately the same position in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] A fender panel 9 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) is provided on the outer side of the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. The fender panel 9 covers the wheels (front wheels in detail, not shown) and protects passengers and pedestrians from the rotating wheels themselves or from stones, mud, water, and the like that may be splashed up by the wheels. The fender panel 9 is also an outer plate arranged at the outer end of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] A gap (space) is formed between the side frame 5 and the fender panel 9 in the vehicle width direction.

[0031] The engine 3 includes an intake passage 10 that introduces intake air (fresh air) into the engine 3. The intake passage 10 includes an intake duct 11 that takes in the intake air, an air cleaner 12 that filters the intake air, a throttle valve 13 that adjusts the amount of intake air, an intake manifold 14 that introduces the intake air into each cylinder of the engine 3, and an intake pipe 15 through which the intake air flows from the intake duct 11 to the intake manifold 14. The intake passage 10 is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the side frames 5. Although not shown, an exhaust passage is connected to the engine 3.

[0032] The engine 3 is equipped with an intake sound amplifier 20. The intake sound amplifier 20 amplifies the intake sound transmitted from the engine 3 mounted in the engine compartment 2 to the vehicle interior 7. The intake sound amplifier 20 is equipped with a first passage 30, a device main body 40, and a second passage 50.

[0033] The first passage 30 branches off from the intake passage 10. The device body 40 is connected to the downstream side of the first passage 30. The second passage 50 is connected to the downstream side of the device body 40.

[0034] The first passage 30 is tubular and made of resin. The first passage 30 branches off from a branching portion 16 between the air cleaner 12 and the throttle valve 13 in the intake pipe 15. The first passage 30 starts from the branching portion 16, passes under the side frame 5, extends outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the side frame 5, and then extends toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0035] Although details will be described later, the device body 40 is located on the outer side of the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. That is, the first passage 30 passes under the side frame 5 and is connected to the device body 40. In addition, the downstream end 31 of the first passage 30 is located on the outer side of the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the intake sound amplifier 20 in a side view seen from the left side. Fig. 3 shows the intake sound amplifier 20 in a vertical cross section. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the downstream end 31 of the first passage 30 is inclined so as to extend upward as it extends toward the rear of the vehicle (downstream side). A flange 32 is provided on the opening edge of the downstream end 31 of the first passage 30.

[0037] 1, as described above, the device body 40 is located outboard of the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. The device body 40 is also located inboard of the fender panel 9 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the device body 40 is located between the side frame 5 and the fender panel 9 in the vehicle width direction. The device body 40 is connected to the downstream end (downstream side) 31 of the first passage 30.

[0038] 2, a part of the device body 40 is located so as to overlap with the side frame 5 when viewed in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the device body 40 is located at the same height as the side frame 5.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the device main body 40 has a housing 41, a vibrator (resonator) 42, and a mounting portion 43. The housing 41 is cylindrical with a bottom that opens to the front side (upstream side) of the vehicle. A flange 41a is provided on the edge of the opening on the front side of the vehicle of the housing 41. The housing 41 and the downstream end 31 of the first passage 30 are connected to each other by the flanges 32, 41a. An opening 41c is provided in a bottom wall portion 41b on the rear side (downstream side) of the housing 41. The cylindrical housing 41 extends horizontally in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The housing 41 is made of resin.

[0040] The vibrating body 42 is cylindrical with a bottom that opens toward the front side (upstream side) of the vehicle, and is accommodated inside the housing 41. The vibrating body 42 includes a cylindrical portion 42a, a bottom wall portion 42b, and a flange 42c. The vibrating body 42 is made of rubber. The vibrating body 42 is formed in a film shape.

[0041] The cylindrical portion 42a extends horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction, similar to the housing 41. The cylindrical portion 42a is formed in a bellows shape so as to be elastically deformable. The bottom wall portion 42b covers the opening of the cylindrical portion 42a on the vehicle rear side. The bottom wall portion 42b faces the opening of the downstream end portion 31 of the first passage 30. The flange 42c is provided on the edge of the opening on the vehicle front side of the cylindrical portion 42a. The flange 42c fits into a recess 41d provided in the flange 41a of the housing 41. In this way, the vibrating body 42 is fixed to the housing 41.

[0042] Since the cylindrical portion 42a is formed in a bellows shape, the bottom wall portion 42b of the vibrating body 42 vibrates (membrane vibration) due to the pulsation (pressure wave) of the intake air that branches off from the intake passage 10 and flows into the device body 40 via the first passage 30. When the vibrating body 42 vibrates due to the intake pulsation, the intake sound is resonated and amplified in a specific frequency band.

[0043] The attachment portion 43 is fixed to the outer periphery of the housing 41. The attachment portion 43 is fixed to the lower surface of the side frame 5, whereby the device main body 40 is attached to the side frame 5.

[0044] The second passage 50 is tubular and made of resin. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the upstream end 51 of the second passage 50 is connected to the opening 41c of the housing 41 of the device body 40. That is, the upstream end 51 of the second passage 50 is located outside the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. The upstream end 51 of the second passage 50 is inclined so as to extend upward as it extends toward the rear side of the vehicle (downstream side), similar to the downstream end 31 of the first passage 30. The upstream end 51 of the second passage 50 may be integrally formed with the housing 41 of the device body 40.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the second passage 50 starts from the opening 41c of the housing 41 and extends toward the vehicle rear side, i.e., toward the passenger compartment 7. In detail, the second passage 50 starts from the opening 41c of the housing 41, extends toward the vehicle rear side and upper side, then bends and extends toward the vehicle rear side and lower side. The second passage 50 further bends and extends toward the vehicle width direction inner side, and then bends toward the vehicle rear side. That is, the opening of the downstream end 52 of the second passage 50 faces the passenger compartment 7 side. In addition, the opening of the downstream end 52 of the second passage 50 is close to the dash panel 6. Although the details will be described later, the downstream end 52 of the second passage 50 is located on the vehicle width direction inner side than the side frame 5.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the second passage 50 is composed of an outer portion 53 and an inner portion 54. The outer portion 53 is disposed outward from the plate 8 in the vehicle width direction. The inner portion 54 is disposed inward from the plate 8 in the vehicle width direction. Here, as described above, the side frame 5 and the plate 8 are at approximately the same position in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the outer portion 53 is disposed outward from the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. The inner portion 54 is disposed inward from the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] In the second passage 50, the outer portion 53 and the inner portion 54 are formed of different members, with the plate 8 as the boundary. A hole (not shown) is formed in the plate 8 so that the outer portion 53 and the inner portion 54 communicate with each other. The upstream end 51 is included in the outer portion 53. The downstream end 52 is included in the inner portion 54.

[0048] In the second passage 50, the passage length of the outer portion 53 is longer than the passage length of the inner portion 54.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, the device body 40 of the intake sound amplifier 20 is disposed outside the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction, so that the radiant heat from the engine 3 is blocked by the side frame 5 and is less likely to be transmitted to the vibrator 42 included in the device body 40. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the amplified frequency of the intake sound due to the influence of the radiant heat from the engine 3.

[0050] In detail, by suppressing deformation of the rubber vibrating body 42 and deformation of the resin first passage 30 and second passage 50 caused by radiant heat from the engine 3, changes in the amplified frequency of the intake sound can be suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, because the device body 40 of the intake sound amplifier 20 is disposed outside the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction, i.e., outside the engine compartment 2, the size of the intake sound amplifier 20 (the size of the device body 40, the lengths and widths of the first passage 30 and the second passage 50, etc.) which is related to the performance of the intake sound amplifier 20 can be designed relatively freely without having to worry about interference with various devices (e.g., the intake and exhaust system, the reduction gear, etc.) disposed in the engine compartment 2. In other words, the layout freedom of the intake sound amplifier 20 is increased.

[0052] As described above, in the intake sound amplifier 20, it is possible to suppress a change in the amplified frequency of the intake sound caused by radiant heat from the engine 3, and to increase the degree of freedom in layout.

[0053] Since the device body 40 of the intake sound amplifier 20 is located so as to overlap the side frame 5 when viewed in the vehicle width direction, this is more advantageous in suppressing changes in the amplified frequency of the intake sound caused by radiant heat from the engine 3.

[0054] A part of the first passage 30, specifically, the downstream end portion 31, is located outside the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to protect the first passage 30 from radiant heat from the engine 3, which is more advantageous in suppressing changes in the amplified frequency of the intake sound. In addition, the degree of freedom in the layout of the first passage 30 can be increased.

[0055] Since the first passage 30 passes under the side frame 5 and is connected to the device main body 40, the space under the side frame 5 can be effectively utilized, thereby further increasing the layout freedom of the first passage 30.

[0056] Since the passage length of the outer portion 53 of the second passage 50 is longer than the passage length of the inner portion 54, by arranging most of the second passage 50 on the outer side of the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction, the layout freedom of the second passage 50 can be further increased.

[0057] Since the device body 40 is positioned inside the fender panel 9 in the vehicle width direction, the dead space between the side frame 5 and the fender panel 9 (inside the fender) can be effectively utilized to place the intake sound amplification device 20.

[0058] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments, such description is not limiting, and various modifications are possible.

[0059] A part of the device body 40 of the intake sound amplifier 20 may be located directly below the side frame 5. That is, it is sufficient that at least a part of the device body 40 is located outside the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. The first passage 30 may be connected to the device body 40 on the inside of the side frame 5 in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] The first passage 30 may be connected to the device main body 40 by passing above the side frame 5. In the middle of the second passage 50, a device such as a silencer may be provided.

[0061] Plate 8 may be omitted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present disclosure is applicable to an engine intake sound amplification device and is therefore extremely useful and has high industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 vehicle 2. Engine Room 3 Engine 5 Side frame 6 Dash Panel 7 Cabin 8 Plate 9 Fender Panel 10 Intake passage 20. Intake sound amplifier 30 1st aisle 40 Device body 41 Housing 42 Vibration Body 50 2nd aisle 53 Outer part 54 Inner part

Claims

1. An engine intake sound amplifier that amplifies intake sound transmitted from an engine mounted in an engine room of a vehicle to a vehicle cabin, a first passage branched off from an intake passage that introduces intake air into the engine; a main body including a vibrator that vibrates due to pulsation of the intake air and is connected to a downstream side of the first passage; a second passage connected to the downstream side of the device body and extending toward the vehicle compartment, At least a portion of the device body is located outside in the vehicle width direction relative to a side frame that extends in a vehicle front-rear direction and divides the engine compartment into an inside and an outside in a vehicle width direction, The second passage is an outer portion disposed outboard of the side frame in the vehicle width direction; an inner portion disposed more inward in the vehicle width direction than the side frame, An engine intake sound amplification device, wherein a passage length of the outer portion is longer than a passage length of the inner portion.

2. The engine intake sound amplifier according to claim 1, The engine intake sound amplification device, wherein the device main body is located so as to overlap the side frame when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

3. The engine intake sound amplifier according to claim 1 or 2, An engine intake sound amplification device, wherein at least a portion of the first passage is located outboard of the side frame in the vehicle width direction.

4. The engine intake sound amplifier according to claim 3, The first passage passes under the side frame and is connected to the main body.

5. The engine intake sound amplifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An engine intake sound amplification device, wherein at least a portion of the device body is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to a fender panel.

Images