Radiator grille and method for manufacturing a radiator grille

Abstract

To prevent occurence of distortion, which is visible from a person around a vehicle, on an upper surface of a lateral crosspiece in a vehicle exterior component made of a resin.SOLUTION: A radiator grille 1 made of a resin includes: a plurality of lateral crosspieces 3 respectively extending in a left-right direction and separated from each other in an up-down direction and disposed in parallel with each other; and vertical crosspieces 4 respectively extending in a vertical direction and connected to the upper lateral crosspiece 3 and the lower lateral crosspiece 3. The vertical crosspiece 4 has an upper lateral crosspiece connection portion 5 connected to the upper crosspiece 3 from below. The upper lateral crosspiece connection portion 5 has a left side surface portion 5a facing the left in the left-right direction and a right side surface portion 5b facing the right in the left-right direction. As viewed in the vertical direction, the left side surface portion 5a and the right side surface portion 5b are parallel to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle exterior parts and a method for manufacturing vehicle exterior parts.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a radiator grill provided in a vehicle. The radiator grill is disposed in front of a radiator disposed inside an engine room. The radiator grill prevents foreign matter from entering the engine room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Not limited to the radiator grill disclosed in Patent Document 1, various vehicle exterior parts are provided on the vehicle. Many of these vehicle exterior parts are formed of resin, for example, by injection molding using a mold. It is conceivable that the vehicle exterior parts include a plurality of horizontal bars each extending in the horizontal direction and arranged in the vertical direction, and vertical bars connecting the horizontal bars, for improving ventilation and design.

[0005] Incidentally, when forming vehicle exterior parts having horizontal and vertical struts as described above by injection molding, the core mold is moved in a front-to-back direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction in which the horizontal struts extend and the vertical direction in which the vertical struts extend. Here, in order to properly release the core mold from the molded body after the resin is molded, it is necessary to apply a draft angle to the core mold. Therefore, when moving the core mold backward to release it, the horizontal thickness dimension of the vertical strut decreases as it moves from front to back when viewed from the vertical direction. In other words, the thickness dimension of the front end of the vertical strut increases as the front-to-back dimension of the vertical strut increases. For this reason, if the front-to-back dimension of the vertical strut is large when viewed from the vertical direction, the thickness dimension of the front end of the vertical strut must be increased. As a result, the volume of the vertical strut increases, and slight distortion may occur on the upper surface of the horizontal strut due to thermal shrinkage during cooling. Since vehicle exterior parts contribute greatly to forming the appearance of the vehicle, it is necessary to prevent the above-mentioned distortion from occurring on the upper surface of the horizontal strut.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to suppress the occurrence of distortion visible to people around the vehicle on the upper surface of the horizontal bar portion of a resin exterior part for a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means to solve the above problems.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a vehicle exterior part made of resin, comprising a plurality of horizontal bars, each extending in the left-right direction and spaced apart in the vertical direction and arranged parallel to each other, and vertical bars, each extending in the vertical direction and connected to the upper horizontal bar and the lower horizontal bar, wherein the vertical bar has an upper horizontal bar connecting portion connected to the upper horizontal bar from below, and the upper horizontal bar connecting portion has a first side portion facing the left side in the left-right direction and a second side portion facing the right side in the left-right direction, and the left side portion and the right side portion are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the first aspect, the vertical bar has a lower horizontal bar connecting portion connected from above to the lower horizontal bar, the lower horizontal bar connecting portion has a third side portion facing left in the left-right direction and a fourth side portion facing right in the left-right direction, the third side portion is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the left as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction which is perpendicular to the left-right direction and the vertical direction, and the fourth side portion is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the right as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the first or second aspect described above, the first side portion is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it is displaced to the left as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and the vertical direction, and is connected to the second side portion and the lower surface of the upper horizontal bar portion, and is provided with a reinforcing rib that protrudes to the right from the second side portion when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the first or second aspect described above, the second side portion is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it is displaced to the right as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and the vertical direction, and is connected to the first side portion and the lower surface of the upper horizontal bar portion, and is provided with a reinforcing rib that protrudes to the right from the first side portion when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a vehicle exterior part made of resin by injection molding of resin using a mold, wherein the vehicle exterior part comprises a plurality of horizontal bars, each extending in the left-right direction and spaced apart in the vertical direction and arranged parallel to each other, and vertical bars, each extending in the vertical direction and connected to the upper horizontal bar and the lower horizontal bar, wherein the vertical bar has an upper horizontal bar connecting portion connected to the upper horizontal bar from below, and the upper horizontal bar connecting portion has a first side portion facing the left side in the left-right direction and a second side portion facing the right side in the left-right direction, and the left side portion and the right side portion are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction, and one of the first side portion and the second side portion is molded with a core mold that moves in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the vertical direction, and the other of the first side portion and the second side portion is molded with a slide mold that is movable in the left-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the vertical bar portion has an upper horizontal bar portion connecting to the upper horizontal bar portion from below. The upper horizontal bar portion connecting portion is formed such that the first side portion facing left and the second side portion facing right are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction. Therefore, according to the present invention, the volume of the portion of the vertical bar portion connected to the upper horizontal bar portion can be reduced, and distortion on the upper surface of the horizontal bar portion can be suppressed. In other words, according to the present invention, in a resin exterior part for a vehicle, it is possible to suppress distortion on the upper surface of the horizontal bar portion that is visible to people around the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view of a vehicle equipped with a radiator grille according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a radiator grille according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear, including the horizontal and vertical bars. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 5]It is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a radiator grill according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a radiator grill according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a radiator grill according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a radiator grill according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a radiator grill according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram seen from the rear side including the horizontal bars and vertical bars of the radiator grill according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a radiator grill according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a radiator grill according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a radiator grill according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle exterior component and a method for manufacturing a vehicle exterior component according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an example in which the vehicle exterior component is a radiator grill will be described. However, the vehicle exterior component of the present invention is not limited to the radiator grill.

[0016] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a vehicle equipped with the radiator grille 1 (vehicle exterior part) of this embodiment. The radiator grille 1 is installed in the center of the front of the vehicle and is positioned in front of the radiator located inside the engine compartment. In this embodiment, the radiator grille 1 is made of resin. The radiator grille 1 may also be plated on its surface. Such a radiator grille 1 is fixed to a vehicle body frame (not shown).

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the radiator grille 1 comprises a frame 2, a plurality of horizontal bars 3, and a plurality of vertical bars 4. Note that the shape of the frame 2, the number of horizontal bars 3, and the number of vertical bars 4 are examples and can be changed.

[0018] Furthermore, in the following description, as shown in Figure 1, the radiator grille 1 is considered the center, and the direction in which the horizontal bar portion 3 extends is defined as the left-right direction. The direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the vertical direction is defined as the front-rear direction, with the side of the radiator grille 1 visible from the outside being defined as the front, and the side of the radiator grille 1 facing inward towards the vehicle being defined as the rear. In this embodiment, the left-right and front-rear directions of the vehicle exterior component (radiator grille 1) coincide with the left-right and front-rear directions of the vehicle. However, the left-right and front-rear directions of the vehicle exterior component do not necessarily coincide with the left-right and front-rear directions of the vehicle. In other words, if the vehicle exterior component is a different vehicle exterior component from the radiator grille, the left-right and front-rear directions of the vehicle exterior component may not coincide with the left-right and front-rear directions of the vehicle.

[0019] The frame portion 2 is the frame-shaped part that surrounds the horizontal bar portion 3 and the vertical bar portion 4 when viewed from the front. When viewed from the front, this frame portion 2 forms the outer edge of the radiator grille 1. In Figure 1, the frame portion 2 is formed as a continuous ring when viewed from the front. However, it is also possible to cut out a part of the frame portion 2.

[0020] The horizontal bars 3 are positioned within the area enclosed by the frame 2 when viewed from the front. Each horizontal bar 3 extends in the left-right direction, with its right and left ends connected to the frame 2. These horizontal bars 3 are arranged vertically and are parallel to each other. In other words, as shown in Figure 1, the horizontal bars 3 are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a space is provided between them.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram viewed from the rear, including the horizontal bars 3 and the vertical bars 4. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, each horizontal bar 3 is formed in a plate shape having an upper surface 3a facing upward and a lower surface 3b facing downward. In other words, the lower surface 3b of the upper horizontal bar 3 and the upper surface 3a of the lower horizontal bar 3 are positioned opposite each other.

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, on the right side of the vertical bar 4, the lower surface 3b of the horizontal bar 3 is inclined to shift upward as it moves to the right. In other words, the lower surface 3b of the horizontal bar 3 is provided with an inclined surface 3b1 that connects to the vertical bar 4 from the right side. This inclined surface 3b1 is the part that comes into contact with the slide mold 12, which will be described later, when the radiator grille 1 is formed by injection molding.

[0023] The vertical crossbar 4 is positioned between the upper and lower horizontal crossbars 3. The vertical crossbar 4 extends vertically and is connected to the upper and lower horizontal crossbars 3. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, three vertical crossbars 4 are provided. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, each vertical crossbar 4 has an upper horizontal crossbar connection part 5 and a lower horizontal crossbar connection part 6. The upper horizontal crossbar connection part 5 forms the upper part of the vertical crossbar 4. The lower horizontal crossbar connection part 6 forms the lower part of the vertical crossbar 4. The upper horizontal crossbar connection part 5 and the lower horizontal crossbar connection part 6 are connected in series in the vertical direction.

[0024] The upper crossbar connecting portion 5 is connected to the upper crossbar portion 3 from below. The upper crossbar connecting portion 5 is formed in a plate shape. This upper crossbar connecting portion 5 has a left side portion 5a (first side portion) facing to the left in the left-right direction and a right side portion 5b (second side portion) facing to the right in the left-right direction.

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 2. As shown in these figures, in this embodiment, the left side portion 5a is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the left as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, etc., the inclination angle of the left side portion 5a with respect to the front-rear direction is shown to be larger than it actually is so that the inclination of the left side portion 5a with respect to the front-rear direction is visually apparent. The inclination angle of the left side portion 5a with respect to the front-rear direction may be, for example, 1 to 2°.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right side portion 5b is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the left as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, etc., the inclination angle of the right side portion 5b with respect to the front-rear direction is shown to be larger than it actually is so that the inclination of the right side portion 5b with respect to the front-rear direction is visually apparent. The inclination angle of the right side portion 5b with respect to the front-rear direction may be, for example, 1 to 2 degrees.

[0027] In this embodiment, the left side portion 5a and the right side portion 5b are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Therefore, the left-right thickness dimension D1 of the rear end of the upper crossbar connection portion 5 is the same as the left-right thickness dimension D2 of the front end of the upper crossbar connection portion 5. In this embodiment, the left side portion 5a is a surface formed by the core mold 11, which will be described later. The right side portion 5b is a surface formed by the slide mold 12, which will be described later.

[0028] The lower crossbar connecting section 6 is connected from above to the crossbar section 3 located below it. The lower crossbar connecting section 6 is formed in a plate shape. This lower crossbar connecting section 6 has a left side surface 6a (third side surface) facing to the left in the left-right direction and a right side surface 6b (fourth side surface) facing to the right in the left-right direction.

[0029] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 2. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, the left side portion 6a is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the left as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction. Note that in Figure 5 and other figures, the inclination angle of the left side portion 6a with respect to the front-rear direction is shown to be larger than it actually is so that the inclination of the left side portion 6a with respect to the front-rear direction is visually apparent. The inclination angle of the left side portion 6a with respect to the front-rear direction may be, for example, 1 to 2°. Also, in this embodiment, the left side portion 6a of the lower crossbar connection portion 6 is in the same plane as the left side portion 5a of the upper crossbar connection portion 5. In other words, the left side portion 6a of the lower crossbar connection portion 6 is flush with the left side portion 5a of the upper crossbar connection portion 5.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right side portion 6b is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the right as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction. Note that in Figure 5 and other figures, the inclination angle of the right side portion 6b with respect to the front-rear direction is shown to be larger than it actually is so that the inclination of the right side portion 6b with respect to the front-rear direction is visually apparent. The inclination angle of the right side portion 6b with respect to the front-rear direction may be, for example, 1 to 2 degrees.

[0031] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the left side portion 6a and the right side portion 6b are spaced apart from each other as viewed from the front to the rear in the vertical direction. Therefore, the left-right thickness dimension D3 of the rear end of the lower crossbar connection portion 6 is smaller than the left-right thickness dimension D4 of the front end of the lower crossbar connection portion 6. In this embodiment, both the left side portion 6a and the right side portion 6b are surfaces formed by the core mold 11 described later. Note that the left-right thickness dimension D3 of the rear end of the lower crossbar connection portion 6 is the same as the left-right thickness dimension D1 of the rear end of the upper crossbar connection portion 5.

[0032] Furthermore, the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment is equipped with reinforcing ribs 7, as shown in Figures 3 and 6. As shown in Figure 3, two reinforcing ribs 7 are provided in the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment. However, the number of reinforcing ribs 7 can be changed.

[0033] Each reinforcing rib 7 is connected to the right side surface 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection 5 and to the lower surface 3b of the upper horizontal bar 3. Each reinforcing rib 7 protrudes to the right from the right side surface 5b when viewed from the vertical direction. These reinforcing ribs 7 improve the joint strength between the vertical bar 4 and the upper horizontal bar 3. In this embodiment, as described above, the left side surface 5a and the right side surface 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection 5 are parallel when viewed from above, so the thickness dimension D2 at the front end of the upper horizontal bar connection 5 is the same as the thickness dimension D1 at the rear end. Therefore, compared to the case where the thickness dimension D2 at the front end of the upper horizontal bar connection 5 is larger than the thickness dimension D1 at the rear end, the joint strength between the vertical bar 4 and the upper horizontal bar 3 is reduced. In contrast, by providing the reinforcing ribs 7, the joint strength between the vertical bar 4 and the upper horizontal bar 3 can be maintained or improved.

[0034] Next, with reference to Figures 6 to 10, the manufacturing method of the radiator grille 1 (manufacturing method for vehicle exterior parts) will be explained.

[0035] The radiator grille 1 is formed by injection molding of resin using a mold 10. The mold 10 has a fixed cavity mold, a movable core mold, and a slide mold that moves in a direction different from the core mold. However, the cavity mold is not shown in Figures 6 to 10. Figure 6 shows the same position as in Figure 2. Figure 7 shows the same position as in Figure 3. Figure 8 shows the same position as in Figure 4. Figure 9 shows the same position as in Figure 5.

[0036] The vertical bar section 4 is formed by a core mold 11, a slide mold 12, and a cavity mold (not shown). The core mold 11 is movable in the front-to-back direction of the radiator grille 1. When demolding, the core mold 11 is moved from front to back. The slide mold 12 is movable in the left-to-right direction of the radiator grille 1. When demolding, the slide mold 12 is moved from left to right.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the right side portion 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5 of the vertical bar portion 4 has an under-shape when viewed from the rear. This right side portion 5b is formed by a slide mold 12, as shown in Figure 6. In addition, the left side portion 5a of the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5, the left side portion 6a of the lower horizontal bar connection portion 6, and the right side portion 6b of the lower horizontal bar connection portion 6 are formed by a core mold 11.

[0038] Molten resin is supplied into the mold 10 and then cooled. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the core mold 11 is moved to the rear. As a result, the core mold 11 detaches from the molded body, separating from the left side surface 5a of the upper crossbar connection 5, the left side surface 6a of the lower crossbar connection 6, and the right side surface 6b of the lower crossbar connection 6. Also, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the slide mold 12 is moved to the right. As a result, the slide mold 12 detaches from the molded body, separating from the right side surface 5b of the upper crossbar connection 5.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the slide mold 12 is provided with a recess 12a for forming the reinforcing rib 7. The recess 12a is formed so as to be recessed from the left side of the slide mold 12 toward the right side. When the slide mold 12 is separated from the molded body, the slide mold 12 separates from the reinforcing rib 7.

[0040] Furthermore, the lower surface 3b of the upper horizontal bar 3 is provided with an inclined surface 3b1 connected to the vertical bar 4. This inclined surface 3b1 is tilted so as it moves to the right, it shifts upward. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, when the slide type 12 is moved to the right, the slide type 12 can be separated from the lower surface 3b of the horizontal bar 3 without sliding the slide type 12 against the lower surface 3b of the horizontal bar 3.

[0041] The radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, as described above, is made of resin. The radiator grille 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of horizontal bars 3 and vertical bars 4. Each of the horizontal bars 3 extends in the left-right direction and is spaced apart in the vertical direction and arranged parallel to each other. The vertical bars 4 extend in the vertical direction and are connected to the upper horizontal bars 3 and the lower horizontal bars 3. Furthermore, the vertical bars 4 have an upper horizontal bar connection part 5. The upper horizontal bar connection part 5 is connected to the upper horizontal bar 3 from below. The upper horizontal bar connection part 5 also has a left side surface part 5a facing left in the left-right direction and a right side surface part 5b facing right in the left-right direction. Also, when viewed from the vertical direction, the left side surface part 5a and the right side surface part 5b are parallel.

[0042] According to the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, the vertical bar portion 4 has an upper horizontal bar portion connecting portion 5 to the upper horizontal bar portion 3 from below. The upper horizontal bar portion connecting portion 5 is formed such that the left side portion 5a facing left and the right side portion 5b facing right are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction. Therefore, according to the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, the volume of the portion of the vertical bar portion 4 connected to the upper horizontal bar portion 3 can be reduced, and distortion on the upper surface 3a of the horizontal bar portion 3 can be suppressed. In other words, according to the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress distortion on the upper surface 3a of the horizontal bar portion 3 that is visible to people around the vehicle in a resin radiator grille 1.

[0043] Furthermore, in the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, the vertical bar portion 4 has a lower horizontal bar portion connecting portion 6 that is connected from above to the lower horizontal bar portion 3. The lower horizontal bar portion connecting portion 6 has a left side portion 6a facing left in the left-right direction and a right side portion 6b facing right in the left-right direction. The left side portion 6a is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the left as you move from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction which is perpendicular to the left-right and vertical directions. The right side portion 6b is also inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the right as you move from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0044] In this embodiment of the radiator grille 1, the left side portion 6a and the right side portion 6b of the lower horizontal bar connection portion 6 can be formed by the core mold 11. Therefore, the lower part of the vertical bar portion 4 can be formed without using the slide mold 12. Consequently, the slide mold 12 can be made smaller than when the lower part of the vertical bar portion 4 is formed using the slide mold.

[0045] Furthermore, with the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, the left-right thickness dimension D4 of the front end of the lower horizontal bar connection portion 6 becomes larger, which may cause slight distortion on the lower surface 3b of the lower horizontal bar portion 3. However, since the lower surface 3b of the lower horizontal bar portion 3 is not visible to people around the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the slight distortion from being seen.

[0046] Furthermore, in the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, the left side surface 5a of the upper horizontal bar connection part 5 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it is displaced to the left as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction which is perpendicular to the left-to-right and vertical directions. In addition, the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment is equipped with reinforcing ribs 7. The reinforcing ribs 7 are connected to the right side surface 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection part 5 and the lower surface 3b of the upper horizontal bar 3, and protrude to the right from the right side surface 5b when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0047] According to this embodiment of the radiator grille 1, the reinforcing ribs 7 can improve the joint strength between the vertical bar portion 4 and the upper horizontal bar portion 3. Furthermore, since the reinforcing ribs 7 protrude to the right from the right side portion 5b, the reinforcing ribs 7 can be formed by the slide mold 12 that forms the right side portion 5b. Therefore, the reinforcing ribs 7 can be easily formed.

[0048] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the radiator grille 1 in this embodiment involves manufacturing a resin radiator grille 1 by injection molding of resin using a mold 10. As described above, the radiator grille 1 comprises a plurality of horizontal bars 3 and vertical bars 4. Each of the horizontal bars 3 extends in the left-right direction and is spaced apart in the vertical direction and arranged parallel to each other. The vertical bars 4 extend in the vertical direction and are connected to the upper horizontal bars 3 and the lower horizontal bars 3. In addition, the vertical bars 4 have an upper horizontal bar connection part 5. The upper horizontal bar connection part 5 is connected to the upper horizontal bar 3 from below. The upper horizontal bar connection part 5 also has a left side surface part 5a facing left in the left-right direction and a right side surface part 5b facing right in the left-right direction. Also, when viewed from the vertical direction, the left side surface part 5a and the right side surface part 5b are parallel. In the manufacturing method of the radiator grill 1 of this embodiment, the left side portion 5a, which is one of the left side portion 5a and right side portion 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5, is formed using a core mold 11 that moves in the front-rear direction. The other side portion 5b, which is the right side portion 5b, is formed using a slide mold 12 that can move in the left-right direction.

[0049] In this embodiment of the manufacturing method for the radiator grille 1, the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5 is formed such that the left side portion 5a facing left and the right side portion 5b facing right are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction. Therefore, in this embodiment of the manufacturing method for the radiator grille 1, the volume of the portion of the vertical bar 4 connected to the upper horizontal bar 3 can be reduced, and distortion on the upper surface 3a of the horizontal bar 3 can be suppressed. In other words, in this embodiment of the manufacturing method for the radiator grille 1, it is possible to suppress distortion on the upper surface 3a of the horizontal bar 3 that is visible to people around the vehicle in a resin radiator grille 1.

[0050] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above will be omitted or simplified.

[0051] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment, viewed from the front, including the horizontal bars 3 and vertical bars 4. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view DD of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view EE of Figure 11. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, each horizontal bar 3 is formed in a plate shape having an upper surface 3a facing upward and a lower surface 3b facing downward. That is, the lower surface 3b of the upper horizontal bar 3 and the upper surface 3a of the lower horizontal bar 3 are positioned opposite each other.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, on the left side of the vertical bar 4, the lower surface 3b of the horizontal bar 3 is inclined to shift upward as it moves to the left. In other words, the lower surface 3b of the horizontal bar 3 is provided with an inclined surface 3b2 that connects to the vertical bar 4 from the left side. This inclined surface 3b2 is the part that comes into contact with the slide mold 22, which will be described later, when the radiator grille 1A is formed by injection molding.

[0053] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, in this embodiment, the left side surface 5a of the upper crossbar connection 5 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the right as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction. Also in this embodiment, the right side surface 5b of the upper crossbar connection 5 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it displaces to the right as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction.

[0054] In this embodiment, the left side portion 5a and the right side portion 5b are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment described above, the left-right thickness dimension D1 of the rear end of the upper crossbar connection portion 5 is the same as the left-right thickness dimension D2 of the front end of the upper crossbar connection portion 5. In this embodiment, the right side portion 5b is a surface formed by a core mold 21, which will be described later. The left side portion 5a is a surface formed by a slide mold 22, which will be described later.

[0055] Each reinforcing rib 7 is connected to the left side surface 5a of the upper horizontal bar connection 5 and to the lower surface 3b of the upper horizontal bar 3. Each reinforcing rib 7 protrudes to the left from the left side surface 5a when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0056] Next, with reference to Figures 14 to 16, the manufacturing method of the radiator grille 1A (manufacturing method for vehicle exterior parts) will be explained.

[0057] The radiator grille 1A is formed by injection molding of resin using a mold 20. The mold 20 has a fixed cavity mold, a movable core mold, and a slide mold that moves in a direction different from the core mold. However, the cavity mold is not shown in Figures 14 to 16. Figure 14 shows the same position as in Figure 11. Figure 15 shows the same position as in Figure 12. Figure 16 shows the same position as in Figure 15.

[0058] The vertical bar section 4 is formed by a core mold 21, a slide mold 22, and a cavity mold (not shown). The core mold 21 is movable in the front-rear direction of the radiator grille 1. When demolding, the core mold 21 is moved from front to back. The slide mold 22 is movable in the left-right direction of the radiator grille 1. When demolding, the slide mold 22 is moved from right to left.

[0059] As shown in Figure 14, the left side surface 5a of the upper horizontal bar connection 5 of the vertical bar 4 has an under-shape when viewed from the rear. This left side surface 5a is formed by a slide mold 22, as shown in Figure 14. The right side surface 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection 5, the left side surface 6a of the lower horizontal bar connection 6, and the right side surface 6b of the lower horizontal bar connection 6 are formed by a core mold 21.

[0060] Molten resin is supplied into the mold 20 and, after further cooling, the core mold 21 is moved to the rear, as shown in Figures 15 and 16. As a result, the core mold 21 detaches from the molded body, separating from the right side 5b of the upper crossbar connection 5, the left side 6a of the lower crossbar connection 6, and the right side 6b of the lower crossbar connection 6. Also, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the slide mold 22 is moved to the left. As a result, the slide mold 22 detaches from the molded body, separating from the left side 5a of the upper crossbar connection 5.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the slide mold 22 is provided with a recess 22a for forming the reinforcing rib 7. The recess 22a is formed so as to be recessed from the left side of the slide mold 22 toward the right side. When the slide mold 22 is separated from the molded body, the slide mold 22 separates from the reinforcing rib 7.

[0062] Furthermore, the lower surface 3b of the upper horizontal bar 3 is provided with an inclined surface 3b1 connected to the vertical bar 4. This inclined surface 3b1 is tilted so as it moves to the left, it shifts upward. Therefore, when the sliding type 22 is moved to the left, the sliding type 22 can be separated from the lower surface 3b of the horizontal bar 3 without sliding the sliding type 22 against the lower surface 3b of the horizontal bar 3.

[0063] In the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment, the left side portion 5a and the right side portion 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5 are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction. Therefore, the volume of the portion of the vertical bar 4 connected to the upper horizontal bar 3 can be reduced, and distortion on the upper surface 3a of the horizontal bar 3 can be suppressed. In other words, according to the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress distortion on the upper surface 3a of the horizontal bar 3 that is visible to people around the vehicle in a resin radiator grille 1A.

[0064] Furthermore, in the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment, the right side surface 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it is displaced to the right as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction which is perpendicular to the left-to-right and vertical directions. In addition, the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment is equipped with reinforcing ribs 7. The reinforcing ribs 7 are connected to the left side surface 5a of the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5 and the lower surface 3b of the upper horizontal bar portion 3, and protrude to the left from the left side surface 5a when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0065] According to this embodiment of the radiator grille 1A, the reinforcing ribs 7 can improve the joint strength between the vertical bar portion 4 and the upper horizontal bar portion 3. Furthermore, since the reinforcing ribs 7 protrude to the left from the left side portion 5a, the reinforcing ribs 7 can be formed by the slide mold 22 that forms the left side portion 5a. Therefore, the reinforcing ribs 7 can be easily formed.

[0066] Furthermore, the manufacturing method for the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment involves manufacturing a resin radiator grille 1A by injection molding of resin using a mold 20. In the manufacturing method for the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment, the right side portion 5b, which is one of the left side portion 5a and right side portion 5b of the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5, is molded with a core mold 21 that moves in the front-rear direction. The other left side portion 5a, which is the other of the left side portion 5a and right side portion 5b, is molded with a slide mold 22 that can move in the left-right direction.

[0067] According to the manufacturing method of the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment, the upper horizontal bar connection portion 5 is formed such that the left side portion 5a facing left and the right side portion 5b facing right are parallel when viewed from the vertical direction. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment, the volume of the portion of the vertical bar 4 connected to the upper horizontal bar 3 can be reduced, and distortion on the upper surface 3a of the horizontal bar 3 can be suppressed. In other words, according to the manufacturing method of the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress distortion on the upper surface 3a of the horizontal bar 3 that is visible to people around the vehicle in a resin radiator grille 1A.

[0068] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the constituent members shown in the above embodiments are examples, and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0069] For example, in the above embodiment, it is also possible to make the left side portion 6a and the right side portion 6b of the lower crossbar connection portion 6 parallel when viewed from above. In such a case, it is possible to make the left side portion 5a of the upper crossbar connection portion 5 and the left side portion 6a of the lower crossbar connection portion 6 flush, and the right side portion 5b of the upper crossbar connection portion 5 and the right side portion 6b of the lower crossbar connection portion 6 flush.

[0070] Furthermore, as described above, the above embodiment described an example in which the vehicle exterior part is a radiator grille. However, the vehicle exterior part of the present invention is not limited to a radiator grille. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a lower bumper grille or to a vehicle exterior part installed on the rear or side of a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1...Radiator grille (vehicle exterior part), 1A...Radiator grille (vehicle exterior part), 2...Frame section, 3...Cross bar section, 3a...Top surface, 3b...Bottom surface, 3b1...Inclined surface, 3b2...Inclined surface, 4...Vertical bar section, 5...Upper cross bar section connection section, 5a...Left side section, 5b...Right side section, 6...Lower cross bar section connection section, 6a...Left side section, 6b...Right side section, 7...Reinforcement rib, 10...Mold, 11...Core mold, 12...Slide mold, 12a...Recess, 20...Mold, 21...Core mold, 22...Slide mold, 22a...Recess

Claims

1. A radiator grille made of resin, When viewed from the front, each of the horizontal bars extends in the left-right direction and is spaced apart in the vertical direction, and is arranged parallel to each other. It extends in the vertical direction and has vertical bars connected to the upper horizontal bar and the lower horizontal bar. Equipped with, The vertical crossbar section has an upper horizontal crossbar section connecting section that is connected to the upper horizontal crossbar section from below. The upper horizontal bar connecting portion has a first side portion facing left in the left-right direction and a second side portion facing right in the left-right direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, the first side portion and the second side portion are parallel, The horizontal and vertical bars are visible when viewed from the front. A radiator grill characterized by the following features.

2. The vertical crossbar section has a lower horizontal crossbar section connecting section that is connected to the lower horizontal crossbar section from above. The lower crossbar connecting portion has a third side portion facing left in the left-right direction and a fourth side portion facing right in the left-right direction. The third side portion is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it is displaced to the left as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and the vertical direction, The fourth side portion is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it is displaced to the right as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction. The radiator grille according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

3. The first side portion is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it is displaced to the left as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and the vertical direction. The second side portion and the lower surface of the upper horizontal bar portion are connected, and the reinforcing rib protrudes to the right from the second side portion when viewed from the vertical direction. A radiator grille according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a radiator grille according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second side portion is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that, when viewed from the vertical direction, it is displaced to the right as it moves from the rear to the front in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and the vertical direction, The first side portion and the lower surface of the upper horizontal bar portion are connected, and the reinforcing rib protrudes to the left from the first side portion when viewed from the vertical direction. A radiator grille according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a radiator grille according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A method for manufacturing a resin radiator grille by injection molding of resin using a mold, The aforementioned radiator grille is When viewed from the front, each of the horizontal bars extends in the left-right direction and is spaced apart in the vertical direction, and is arranged parallel to each other. It extends in the vertical direction and has vertical bars connected to the upper horizontal bar and the lower horizontal bar. Equipped with, The vertical crossbar section has an upper horizontal crossbar section connecting section that is connected to the upper horizontal crossbar section from below. The upper horizontal bar connecting portion has a first side portion facing left in the left-right direction and a second side portion facing right in the left-right direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, the first side portion and the second side portion are parallel, The horizontal and vertical bars are visible when viewed from the front, One of the first side portion and the second side portion is formed by a core mold that moves in a front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and the vertical direction. The other of the first side portion and the second side portion is formed using a sliding mold that is movable in the left-right direction. A method for manufacturing a radiator grille characterized by the following features.

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