Automotive exterior parts

Abstract

To provide an automobile exterior trim part which weakens a separation flow and a vertical vortex generated by peeling travel wind flowing on a front glass at a front pillar part, and thereby can reduce wind noise.SOLUTION: An automobile exterior trim part 1 is mountable on an outer surface of a front pillar part P of an automobile, includes a wing part 6 which projects to vehicle body outside (left direction in Fig. 12) and whose projection width to outside is increased toward a rear part, in a state of being mounted on the front pillar part P, wherein a vertical wall part 70 inverted upward is formed on the outside end edge of the wing part 6. In the vertical wall part 70, an extension part 70a extends upward in the vicinity of the rear part thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automotive exterior part attached to the front pillar portion of an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] In a running automobile, as shown in FIG. 1, a part of the running wind W flowing on the windshield toward the side of the vehicle body peels off from the vehicle body surface at the front pillar portion P and a peeling flow S returning to the vehicle body side again occurs. Further, a vertical vortex V in which the peeling flow S rises in a spiral shape along the front pillar portion P occurs. It is known that this peeling flow S and the vertical vortex V cause wind noise. As a technique for suppressing the generation of wind noise, for example, in Patent Document 1, a rectifying device is disclosed in which a plurality of substantially horizontal rectifying fins protruding toward the side of the vehicle body are arranged vertically on the surface of the front pillar portion. The rectifying device prevents the development of the vertical vortex V by dividing the vertical vortex V generated at the front pillar portion and developing from the lower part to the upper part along the front pillar portion with the rectifying fins, and aims to reduce the wind noise.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the rectifying device as described above, although the development of the vertical vortex V can be prevented, when the vehicle body is running, since the running wind always flows on the vehicle body surface, there is a possibility that wind noise is generated due to the peeling flow S that continues to be generated by the running wind passing between the rectifying fins.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an automotive exterior part that reduces wind noise by weakening the separation flow and longitudinal vortices generated when the airflow over the windshield separates at the front pillar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 is attachable to the outer surface of the front pillar of an automobile, and when attached to the front pillar, comprises a wing portion that protrudes outward toward the outside of the vehicle body, the wing portion having a vertical wall portion that protrudes upward, In the mounted state, the wing section forms a second inclined surface that slopes upward or downward from the front to the rear of the vehicle body, and the vertical wall section forms a first inclined surface that slopes outward in the left-right direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle body. The aircraft is characterized by guiding the airflow through its wing sections and vertical wall sections. Claim 2 The invention described in the claim 1 In this configuration, the wing portion is provided on the surface of the main body portion which can be attached to the outer surface of the front pillar portion. The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the configuration of claim 1, the upper end of the vertical wall portion is provided in contact with the vehicle body. The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the configuration of claim 2, the upper end of the vertical wall portion is provided in contact with the vehicle body or main body portion.

[0007] In this invention, forming to be thick means forming by increasing the thickness of the plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Claims 1 to 4 According to the invention described above, the airflow is guided by two or more guide units to impart arbitrary directionality, and the guided airflow, which has a different orientation along each guide unit, is directed in a predetermined direction and collides with the longitudinal vortices and separated flow generated around the front pillar. Since the longitudinal vortices and separated flow are canceled out or attenuated by the collision with the guided airflow, wind noise can be reduced. Also, The first inclined surface can generate an outward-directed airflow directed outwards from the vehicle body, and the second inclined surface can generate an upward-directed airflow directed upwards. The resulting outward-directed and upward-directed airflows collide with the longitudinal vortices and separated flows, thereby canceling out or attenuating the longitudinal vortices and separated flows, and thus reducing wind noise. Claim 2According to the invention described above, the contact area with the front pillar is increased by providing the main body, making it possible to securely attach the device to the front pillar. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the front pillar of a vehicle body without the automotive exterior parts of the present invention attached. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of an automotive exterior part of the present invention, where (a) is an oblique view, and (b) and (c) are oblique views showing the airflow induced by the automotive exterior part. [Figure 3] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior part of the present invention, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the vertical inclination angle, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the horizontal inclination angle, which is a cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 3(b). [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle body with the automotive exterior parts of the present invention attached. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the front pillar of a vehicle body with the automotive exterior parts of the present invention installed. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the automotive exterior part of the present invention, which includes the main body. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of an automotive exterior part according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is an end view along line BB in Figure 7(a), and (c) is an enlarged end view along line CC in Figure 7(a). [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the first modified example of the automotive exterior part according to the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is an enlarged end view of the DD line in Figure 8(a). [Figure 9](a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior part of Modification Example 1, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, (c) is an end view taken along line E-E in Fig. 9(b) and shows the inclination angle of the first inclined surface, (d) is an end view taken along line E-E in Fig. 9(b) and shows the inclination angle of the rear end portion of the first inclined surface, (e) is an enlarged end view taken along line F-F in Fig. 9(b) and shows the inclination angle between the main body portion of the second inclined surface, the inclination angle between the main body portion of the lower part of the composite guiding portion, the protruding width of the composite guiding portion, the width length of the guiding portion, and the interval between adjacent composite guiding portions. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of wind around the automotive exterior part of Modification Example 1. (a) shows the outward flow, and (b) shows the upward flow. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram showing another form of Modification Example 1 of the automotive exterior part in the embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a perspective view, (b) is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the round frame M in Fig. 11(a), and (c) is an end view taken along line G-G in Fig. 11(a). [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram showing Modification Example 2 of the automotive exterior part in the embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a plan view. [Figure 13] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior part of Modification Example 2, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of wind around the automotive exterior part of Modification Example 2. (a) shows the outward flow, (b) shows the upward flow, and (c) shows the flow of wind as seen from above. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram showing Modification Example 3 of the automotive exterior part in the embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a front view. [Figure 16] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior part of Modification Example 3, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. [Figure 17]An explanatory drawing showing the air flow around the automotive exterior parts of Modification 3, where (a) shows the outward flow, (b) shows the upward flow, and (c) shows the air flow as seen from above. [Figure 18] An explanatory drawing showing Modification 4 of the automotive exterior parts in the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 19] (a) is an explanatory drawing showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior parts of Modification 4, (b) is an explanatory drawing showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is an explanatory drawing showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. [Figure 20] An explanatory drawing showing the air flow around the automotive exterior parts of Modification 4, where (a) shows the outward flow and (b) shows the upward flow. [Figure 21] An explanatory drawing showing Modification 5 of the automotive exterior parts in the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 22] (a) is an explanatory drawing showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior parts of Modification 5, (b) is an explanatory drawing showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is an explanatory drawing showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. [Figure 23] An explanatory drawing showing the air flow around the automotive exterior parts of Modification 5, where (a) shows the outward flow and (b) shows the upward flow. [Figure 24] An explanatory drawing showing Modification 6 of the automotive exterior parts in the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the H-H line in FIG. 24(a). [Figure 25] (a) is an explanatory drawing showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior parts of Modification 6, (b) is an explanatory drawing showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the I-I line in FIG. 25(b) and showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. [Figure 26] An explanatory drawing showing the air flow around the automotive exterior parts of Modification 5, where (a) shows the upward flow and (b) shows the outward flow.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the automotive exterior part of the present invention, where Figure 2(a) is a perspective view, and Figures 2(b) and 2(c) are perspective views showing the airflow induced by the automotive exterior part. The automotive exterior part 1, when attached to the front pillar P (Figure 4), is provided with guide sections 2a, 2b, and 2c integrally formed, which protrude outward from the vehicle body (to the left in Figure 2) with a roughly triangular cross-section, and which have different inclination angles α, as described later. In the automotive exterior part 1 when attached to the front pillar P, the guide sections 2a and 2c have a first inclined surface T1 that slopes outward from the front to the rear of the vehicle body in the left-right direction, and as shown in Figure 2(b), the airflow W that flows over the first inclined surfaces T1, T1 of the guide sections 2a and 2c is guided outward as an outward guided airflow O toward the outside of the vehicle body. On the other hand, the guide sections 2a, 2b, and 2c have a second inclined surface T2 that slopes upward from the front to the rear of the vehicle body, and as shown in Figure 2(c), the airflow W that flows over the second inclined surfaces T2, T2, T2 in the guide sections 2a, 2b, and 2c is guided upward as an upward guided airflow U.

[0011] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the automobile exterior part 1 is not limited to a roughly triangular shape, but may be a square shape, an arc shape, or other similar shapes. Also, as long as it has a first inclined surface T1 and a second inclined surface T2, the automobile exterior part 1 can be designed in any shape. For example, when attached to the front pillar part P, it may be formed as a plate shape that protrudes outward from the vehicle body and has guide parts 2a, 2b, and 2c on its upper side. Furthermore, in the automotive exterior part 1, the inclined surfaces T1, T2, T1 of the guide sections 2a, 2b, and 2c are provided continuously through their respective boundaries, thereby forming a smooth flow of guided air. On the other hand, although not shown in the figures, the guide sections 2a, 2b, and 2c do not have to be continuous. For example, the guide sections 2a, 2b, and 2c may each be molded as separate guide sections having at least a first inclined surface T1 or a second inclined surface T2, and the combination of these guide sections may constitute the automotive exterior part of the present invention. In this case, the mounting position on the front pillar section P can be set arbitrarily, as long as it is possible to guide the airflow as at least outward guided air O and upward guided air U.

[0012] Figure 3(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior part of the present invention, Figure 3(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and Figure 3(c) is a cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 3(b), which is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. The protrusion width D1 from the front pillar portion P of the automobile exterior part 1 shown in Figure 3(a) is set in the range of 1 mm ≤ D1 ≤ 100 mm, preferably set to 10 mm ≤ D1 ≤ 50 mm. This allows the airflow to be effectively guided as outward guided air O and upward guided air U. Furthermore, the inclination angle α1 of the second inclined surface T2 shown in Figure 3(b) is set in the range of 1° ≤ α1 ≤ 89°, preferably in the range of 10° ≤ α1 ≤ 45°, with reference to the line parallel to the ground L1 when mounted on the front pillar P. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface T1 shown in Figure 3(c) is set in the range of 90°≦θ1≦179°, preferably in the range of 135°≦θ1≦179°, with reference to the parallel line L2 of the center line connecting the front and rear of the vehicle body when it is attached to the front pillar P.

[0013] Next, we will explain how to attach the automotive exterior part 1 to a vehicle and the airflow during driving. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle body with the automotive exterior part of the present invention attached. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the front pillar of the vehicle body with the automotive exterior part of the present invention attached during driving. As shown in Figure 4, the automotive exterior part 1 is attached to the lower outer surface of the front pillar portion P by mounting means (not shown), such as double-sided tape. In this invention, the lower part of the front pillar portion P is defined as the lower half in the direction of inclination of the front pillar portion P.

[0014] As described above, the airflow W is guided by the guide units 2a, 2b, and 2c as outward guided air O and upward guided air U. Then, as shown in Figure 5, near the front pillar P, the outward guided air O and upward guided air U generate vortex currents RV that swirl in the opposite direction to the longitudinal vortices generated during driving. The generated vortex currents RV collide with the separation flow and longitudinal vortices that cause wind noise, canceling out or attenuating the separation flow and longitudinal vortices, thereby reducing wind noise. Furthermore, by providing the guide units 2a, 2b, and 2c in sequence, the outward guided air O and upward guided air U become smooth guided air, effectively canceling out or attenuating the separation flow and longitudinal vortices, and reducing wind noise. Since the area near the lower end of the front pillar P is the starting point for the generation of vertical vortices, attaching the automotive exterior part 1 near the lower end of the front pillar P can effectively reduce wind noise by canceling or attenuating the vertical vortices before they develop.

[0015] The above-described automotive exterior part 1 is attachable to the outer surface of the front pillar portion P of an automobile, and when attached to the front pillar portion P, it is integrally provided with guide portions 2a, 2b, and 2c that protrude outward toward the outside of the vehicle body and guide the airflow W in different directions. With the automotive exterior part 1 configured in this way, the guide units 2a, 2b, and 2c guide the airflow W, giving it upward or outward directionality, and direct it upward and outward as upward guided air U and outward guided air O, causing them to collide with the longitudinal vortices and separation flows generated around the front pillar. Since the longitudinal vortices and separation flows are canceled out or attenuated by the collision with the upward guided air U and outward guided air O, wind noise can be reduced.

[0016] Furthermore, when installed, the guide sections 2a, 2b, and 2c have a first inclined surface T1 that slopes outward in the left-right direction of the vehicle body from the front to the rear, and a second inclined surface T2 that slopes upward from the front to the rear of the vehicle body. Therefore, the first inclined surface T1 can generate an outward-directed airflow O directed outwards from the vehicle body, and the second inclined surface T2 can generate an upward-directed airflow U directed upwards. The resulting outward-directed airflow O and upward-directed airflow U collide with longitudinal vortices and separated flows, thus canceling out or attenuating the longitudinal vortices and separated flows, and thus reducing wind noise.

[0017] Furthermore, when a car is fitted with side visors, turbulence caused by separated airflow being drawn inside the side visor contributes to wind noise. However, by using outward-guided airflow O and upward-guided airflow U to cancel out or attenuate the separated airflow, the amount of airflow drawn inside the side visor can be reduced, thereby reducing wind noise.

[0018] Furthermore, the automotive exterior part 1 may be configured, for example, as shown in Figure 6, to have a plate-shaped main body 50 on the vehicle body side when attached to the front pillar P. By providing the main body portion 50, the mounting area to the front pillar portion P is increased, allowing the automotive exterior part 1 to be securely attached to the front pillar portion P.

[0019] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of an automotive exterior part according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is an end view along line BB in Figure 7(a), and (c) is an end view along line CC in Figure 7(a). When the automotive exterior part 1a is attached to the front pillar P, as shown in Figures 7(a), (b), and (c), the width of the protrusion toward the outside of the vehicle body (to the left in Figure 7) increases as it moves toward the rear, and the composite guide part 3, which is roughly trapezoidal in shape, has a guide part 2d that functions as a first inclined surface T1 and a guide part 2e that functions as a second inclined surface T2, and three protrusions 40 are provided adjacent to each other in the vertical direction along the inclination direction of the front pillar P at predetermined intervals, and are located in front of the outer surface of the main body 50.

[0020] Adjacent composite guide units 3 are arranged with a gap (minimum gap) h1 of at least half the minimum width length H1 of the guide unit 2d (Figure 9). Here, the minimum width length H1 of the guide unit 2d refers to the width length H at the position where the vertical width of the guide unit 2d is smallest, and the minimum gap h1 refers to the gap h at the position where the vertical width between the composite guide units 3 is smallest. With this arrangement, the outward guided wind O and upward guided wind U guided by the multiple composite guide units 3 disrupt, cancel out or attenuate the longitudinal vortices and separated flows, thereby effectively reducing wind noise. Furthermore, the multiple composite guidance units 3 may be provided as a single unit as a protruding portion 40, or they may be provided as separate, independent units, and the number of units provided can be arbitrarily set. However, it is preferable that the number of composite guidance units 3 installed be three or more. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of Modification 1 of the automotive exterior part of the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is an enlarged end view of line DD in Figure 8(a). In another form of the automotive exterior part 1a, the automotive exterior part 1a', as shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), multiple composite guide units 3 are provided as separate, independent units. This creates a passage for airflow between the composite guide units 3 and other composite guide units 3 from the front to the rear end of the automotive exterior part 1a', thereby more effectively reducing wind noise. Furthermore, the composite guide section 3 is not limited to a roughly trapezoidal shape; it may also be triangular or rectangular in shape, as long as it includes a guide section that functions as a first inclined surface and a guide section that functions as a second inclined surface.

[0021] Fig. 9(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior part of Modification 1, Fig. 9(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, Fig. 9(c) is an end view along line E-E of Fig. 9(b) and shows the inclination angle of the first inclined surface, Fig. 9(d) is an end view along line E-E of Fig. 9(b) and shows the inclination angle of the rear end portion of the first inclined surface, and Fig. 9(e) is an enlarged end view along line F-F of Fig. 9(b) and shows the inclination angle between the main body portion of the second inclined surface, the inclination angle between the lower portion of the composite guiding portion and the main body portion, the protruding width of the composite guiding portion, the width length of the guiding portion, and the interval between adjacent composite guiding portions. The protruding width D2 from the front pillar portion P of the automotive exterior part 1a shown in Fig. 9(a) is set within the range of 1 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 100 mm, preferably set within the range of 5 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 13 mm. Also, the minimum value D2(min) and the maximum value D2(max) of the protruding width D2 satisfy the relationship of D2(min) ≤ D2(max) < D2(min) × 7. Further, for the composite guiding portion 3, in the protruding width D2a below and the protruding width D2b above the composite guiding portion shown in Fig. 9(e), the relationship of D2a ≤ D2b is satisfied. Thereby, the running wind can be effectively guided as the outward guiding wind O and the upward guiding wind U. Also, the inclination angle α2a of the second inclined surface T2 shown in Fig. 9(b) is set within the range of 1° ≤ α2a ≤ 89° based on the parallel line L1 with the ground in the mounting state to the front pillar portion P, preferably set within the range of 10° ≤ α2a ≤ 45°. Also, the inclination angle θ2a of the first inclined surface T1 shown in Fig. 9(c) is set within the range of 90° ≤ θ2a ≤ 179° based on the parallel line L2 connecting the front and rear of the vehicle body in the mounting state to the front pillar portion P, preferably set within the range of 135° ≤ θ2a ≤ 179°. Also, the inclination angle θ2b of the rear end portion of the first inclined surface T1 shown in Fig. 9(d) is set within the range of 90° ≤ θ2b ≤ 135° based on the surface of the main body portion 50. Also, the inclination angle α2b between the main body portion 50 of the second inclined surface T2 shown in Fig. 9(e) and the inclination angle α2c between the lower portion of the composite guiding portion 3 and the main body portion 50 are each set within the range of 90° ≤ α2b ≤ 135° and 90° ≤ α2c ≤ 135°. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9(b) and (e), the width H of the guide section 2d is set to an arbitrary value between the minimum width H1 and the maximum width H2. Here, the maximum width H2 refers to the width H at the position where the vertical width of the guide section 2d is largest. The minimum width H1 and the maximum width H2 are H1 ≤ H2. On the other hand, the distance h between adjacent composite guidance units 3 is set to an arbitrary value between the minimum distance h1 and the maximum distance h2. Here, the maximum distance h2 refers to the distance h at the position where the vertical width between the composite guidance units 3 is largest. The minimum distance h1 and the maximum distance h2 are h1 ≤ h2 The width H of the composite guide unit 3 may be smaller at the rear than at the front when mounted on the front pillar P, or larger at the rear than at the front. The same applies to the distance h between adjacent composite guide units 3. In addition, the inclination angle of each part may be set to the same value throughout the entire area of ​​each part within its respective setting range, or the setting value may be varied.

[0022] Next, we will explain the airflow around the exterior parts of the automobile in Modification 1. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the exterior parts of an automobile in Modification 1, where (a) is the outward flow and (b) is the upward flow. Automotive exterior part 1a is attached to the lower part of the front pillar P by mounting means not shown, such as double-sided tape. As shown in Figure 10(a), the guide parts 2d, 2d, 2d guide the airflow W that flows over their surface as outward guided air O toward the outside of the vehicle body. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10(b), the guide parts 2e, 2e, 2e guide the airflow W that flows over their surface as upward guided air U toward the top. As described above, by providing three composite guide units 3,3,3 that guide the running airflow W, three guided airflows are generated, each of which disrupts and cancels out or attenuates the longitudinal vortex and separated flow, thereby further reducing wind noise. ​​

[0023] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of Modification 1 of the automotive exterior part according to the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the circular frame M in Figure 11(a), and (c) is a line end view of Figure 11(a) along line GG. Another form 1a'' of Modification 1, as shown in Figure 11(a), has a recess 50a formed at the front end edge of the protruding portion 40a when attached to the front pillar portion P, thereby forming guide portions 2f and 2g extending from near the lower end to the upper end of the protruding portion 40a. Furthermore, the guide portion 2f functions as a second inclined surface T2, and the guide portion 2g functions as both the first inclined surface T1 and the second inclined surface T2. The inclination angle α2d of the guide section 2f shown in Figure 11(b) is set within the range of 5° ≤ α2d ≤ 20°, with respect to the line L1 parallel to the ground when mounted on the front pillar section P. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ2c of the guide section 2g shown in Figure 11(c) is set within the range of 90° < θ2c ≤ 135°. This allows the airflow to be more effectively guided as outward-guided airflow O and upward-guided airflow U.

[0024] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 2 of the automotive exterior part according to the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an oblique view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a plan view. The automotive exterior part 1b, when attached to the front pillar P, protrudes outward from the vehicle body (to the left in Figure 12), and as shown in Figures 12(a) to (c), it has a wing portion 6 whose outward protrusion width increases towards the rear, and a vertical wall portion 70 that is inverted upward is formed on the outer edge of the wing portion 6. The vertical wall portion 70 has an extended portion 70a that extends further upward near its rear. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(c), the extended portion 70a is formed into a roughly T-shape in cross-section, becoming thicker in the left-right direction of the vehicle body towards the rear. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), the extended portion 70a is provided at an angle towards the vehicle body direction (to the right in Figure 12) from front to rear.

[0025] The wing section 6 forms a guidance section 2h and functions as a second inclined surface T2, while the outer surface 70b of the thickened section of the vertical wall section 70 forms a guidance section 2i and functions as a first inclined surface T1. On the other hand, the inner surface 70c of the thickened section of the vertical wall section 70 forms a guidance section 2j and functions as a second inclined surface T2.

[0026] Furthermore, the vertical wall portion 70 may be formed anywhere on the wing portion 6. For example, it may be formed in the central part of the protruding direction of the wing portion 6, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, or it may be provided only in front of the outer edge of the wing portion 6. Moreover, it may be provided facing downwards of the wing portion 6, or on both the upper and lower sides. In addition, multiple vertical wall portions 70 may be provided on the wing portion 6. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the vertical wall section 70, including the wing section 6, is not limited to the approximately L-shape described above. It may also be approximately U-shaped, approximately T-shaped, approximately F-shaped, or approximately arc-shaped, as shown in the modified example 4 described later. It is not limited to any shape that does not diffuse the airflow.

[0027] Furthermore, the automotive exterior part 1b may be configured, for example, as shown in Figure 6, to have a plate-shaped main body on the vehicle body side when attached to the front pillar P. By providing the main body, the mounting area to the front pillar P is increased, allowing the automotive exterior part 1 to be securely attached to the front pillar P.

[0028] Figure 13(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automobile exterior part of Modified Example 2, Figure 13(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and Figure 13(c) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. The protrusion width D3 from the front pillar portion P of the automotive exterior part 1b shown in Figure 13(a) is set in the range of 1 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 100 mm, preferably set to 10 mm ≤ D3 ≤ 50 mm. This allows the airflow to be effectively guided as outward guided air O and upward guided air U. Furthermore, the inclination angle α3 of the second inclined surface T2 shown in Figure 13(b) is set in the range of 1° ≤ α3 ≤ 89°, preferably in the range of 10° ≤ α3 ≤ 45°, with reference to the line parallel to the ground L1 when mounted on the front pillar P. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ3 of the first inclined surface T1 shown in Figure 13(c) is set in the range of 90°≦θ3≦179°, preferably in the range of 135°≦θ3≦179°, with reference to the parallel line L2 of the center line connecting the front and rear of the vehicle body when it is attached to the front pillar P.

[0029] Next, we will explain the airflow around the exterior parts of the automobile in the second modified example. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the exterior parts of an automobile in Modification 2, where (a) is the outward flow, (b) is the upward flow, and (c) is the airflow viewed from above. Automotive exterior part 1b is attached to the lower part of the front pillar P by mounting means not shown, such as double-sided tape. As shown in Figure 14(a), the guide part 2i guides the airflow W that flows over its surface as outward guided air O toward the outside of the vehicle body. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14(b), the guide parts 2h and 2j guide the airflow W that flows over their surfaces as upward guided air U toward the top. At this time, the airflow W flowing from the windshield is received by the vertical wall part 70 and guided to the guide parts 2h and 2j, making it possible to efficiently guide the airflow W. Furthermore, because the vertical wall portion 70 is provided at an angle toward the vehicle body, the space 80 formed by the vertical wall portion 70 and the outer surface of the front pillar portion P is formed to narrow from front to rear, as shown in Figure 14(c). As a result, the upward guided air U can be accelerated when passing through the space 80, and the outward guided air O and the accelerated upward guided air U can effectively cancel out or attenuate the longitudinal vortices and flow separation, thereby further reducing wind noise.

[0030] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a third modified example of an automotive exterior part according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an oblique view and (b) is a front view. The automotive exterior part 1c, when mounted on the front pillar P, comprises a main body portion 51 whose thickness increases toward the rearward side towards the outside of the vehicle body (to the left in Figure 11), as shown in Figure 15(a), and a projection portion 41 provided near the vertical center in the inclination direction of the front pillar P on the outer surface 51a of the main body portion 51, which protrudes outward when mounted on the front pillar P. The projection portion 41 comprises a wing portion 6 whose outward projection width increases toward the rear, and a vertical wall portion 71 that is inverted toward the upward side is provided at the outer edge of the wing portion 6. The vertical wall portion 71 has an extended portion 71a that extends further upward toward the rear. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15(b), the vertical wall portion 71 is formed such that the space 80 formed by the vertical wall portion 71 and the outer surface 51a of the main body portion 51 is inclined toward the vehicle body direction (to the right in Figure 13) so as to narrow from front to rear. The outer surface 51a of the main body 51 forms a guidance section 2k and functions as a first inclined surface T1, and the wing section 6 forms a guidance section 2h and functions as a second inclined surface T2.

[0031] Furthermore, the wing portion 6 on the main body portion 51 may be placed anywhere on the outer surface 51a of the main body portion 51, not limited to the central area. Furthermore, the portion of the main body 51 with increased thickness facing outwards may be formed only in a limited area. For example, when viewing the automobile exterior part 1c from the side, the thickness may be increased only in the area that overlaps with the vertical wall portion 71.

[0032] Figure 16(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automobile exterior part of modified example 3, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. The protrusion width D4 from the front pillar portion P of the automotive exterior part 1c shown in Figure 16(a) is set in the range of 1 mm ≤ D4 ≤ 100 mm, preferably 10 mm ≤ D4 ≤ 50 mm. This allows the airflow to be effectively guided as outward guided air O and upward guided air U. Furthermore, the inclination angle α4 of the second inclined surface T2 shown in Figure 16(b) is set in the range of 1° ≤ α4 ≤ 89°, preferably in the range of 10° ≤ α4 ≤ 45°, with reference to the line parallel to the ground L1 when mounted on the front pillar P. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ4 of the first inclined surface T1 shown in Figure 16(c) is set in the range of 90°≦θ4≦179°, preferably in the range of 135°≦θ4≦179°, with reference to the line L2 parallel to the center line connecting the front and rear of the vehicle body when it is attached to the front pillar P.

[0033] Next, we will explain the airflow around the exterior parts of the automobile in Modification 3. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the exterior parts of an automobile in Modification 3, where (a) is the outward flow, (b) is the upward flow, and (c) is the airflow viewed from above. The automotive exterior part 1c is attached to the lower part of the front pillar P via the inner surface of the main body 51 (to the right in Figure 17) by mounting means not shown, such as double-sided tape. As shown in Figure 17(a), the guide part 2k guides the airflow W that flows over its surface as outward guided air O toward the outside of the vehicle body. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 17(b), the guide part 2h guides the airflow W that flows over its surface as upward guided air U toward the top. At this time, the airflow W flowing from the windshield is received by the vertical wall 71 and guided to the guide parts 2h and 2k, making it possible to efficiently guide the airflow W.

[0034] Furthermore, since the space 80 is formed to narrow from front to rear, as shown in Figure 17(c), the upward guided wind U and outward guided wind O passing through the space 80 can be accelerated. The accelerated upward guided wind U and outward guided wind O effectively cancel out or attenuate the longitudinal vortices and flow separation, thereby further reducing wind noise.

[0035] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 4 of the automotive exterior part according to the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an oblique view and (b) is a front view. The automotive exterior part 1d, when mounted on the front pillar P, comprises a main body 51 whose thickness increases toward the rearward side towards the outside of the vehicle body (to the left in Figure 18), as shown in Figure 18(a), and a projection 42 that protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle body from the outer surface 51a of the main body 51. The projection 42 has a wing portion 6 that slopes upward toward the rear, and an inverted L-shaped vertical wall portion 72 is provided that is inverted toward the upper side along the entire front-rear direction of the wing portion 6, forming a tunnel-shaped space 81 between the wing portion 6 and the outer surface 51a of the main body 51 together. As shown in Figure 18(b), the vertical wall portion 72 is formed such that the space 81 narrows from front to rear. The upper end of the vertical wall portion 72 does not have to be in contact with the vehicle body, but it is preferable that it is in contact with the vehicle body. The outer surface 51a of the main body 51 forms a guidance section 2k and functions as a first inclined surface T1, and the wing section 6 forms a guidance section 2h and functions as a second inclined surface T2.

[0036] Figure 19(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automobile exterior part of modified example 4, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. The protrusion width D5 of the automotive exterior part 1d from the front pillar P shown in Figure 19(a) is set in the range of 1 mm ≤ D5 ≤ 100 mm, preferably 10 mm ≤ D5 ≤ 50 mm. This allows the airflow to be effectively guided as outward-guided airflow O and upward-guided airflow U. Furthermore, the inclination angle α5 of the second inclined surface T2 shown in Figure 19(b) is set in the range of 1° ≤ α5 ≤ 89°, preferably in the range of 10° ≤ α5 ≤ 45°, with reference to the line parallel to the ground L1 when mounted on the front pillar P. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ5 of the first inclined surface T1 shown in Figure 19(c) is set within the range of 90°≦θ5≦179°, preferably within the range of 135°≦θ5≦179°, with reference to the parallel line L2 of the center line connecting the front and rear of the vehicle body when it is attached to the front pillar P.

[0037] Next, we will explain the airflow around the exterior parts of the automobile in Modification 4. Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the exterior parts of an automobile in Modification 4, where (a) is an outward flow and (b) is an upward flow. The automotive exterior part 1d is attached to the lower part of the front pillar P via the inner surface of the main body 51 (to the right in Figure 20) by mounting means not shown, such as double-sided tape. As shown in Figure 20(a), the guide part 2k guides the airflow W that flows over its surface as outward guided air O toward the outside of the vehicle body. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 20(b), the guide part 2h guides the airflow W that flows over its surface as upward guided air U toward the top. At this time, the airflow W flowing from the windshield is received by the vertical wall 72 and guided to the guide parts 2h and 2k, making it possible to efficiently guide the airflow W.

[0038] Furthermore, since the space 81 is formed to narrow from front to rear, the upward-guided wind U and outward-guided wind O passing through the space 81 can be accelerated. The accelerated upward-guided wind U and outward-guided wind O effectively cancel out or attenuate the longitudinal vortices and flow separation, thereby further reducing wind noise.

[0039] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 5 of the automotive exterior part according to the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an oblique view and (b) is a front view. The automotive exterior part 1e, when mounted on the front pillar P, comprises a main body 51 whose thickness increases toward the rearward side towards the outside of the vehicle body (to the left in Figure 21), as shown in Figure 21(a), and a projection 43 that protrudes outward from the outer surface 51a of the main body 51. The projection 43 is equipped with a wing portion 6 that slopes upward toward the rear, and two straightening fins 9, 9 are provided above the wing portion 6 in parallel, one above the other. In addition, an inverted L-shaped vertical wall portion 72 is provided over the entire front-rear direction of the wing portion 6, inverting upward and forming three tunnel-shaped spaces 82 between the wing portion 6 and the outer surface 51a of the main body 51 together with the wing portion 6 and the straightening fins 9, 9. As shown in Figure 21(b), the vertical wall portion 72 is formed so that the spaces 82 narrow from front to rear. Furthermore, on the outer surface of the vertical wall portion 72, at the locations where the rectifying fins 9, 9 are provided on the inside, ribs R, R are provided that protrude outward in a V-shape. The outer surface 51a of the main body 51 forms an induction section 2k and functions as a first inclined surface T1, the wing section 6 and the straightening fins 9, 9 each form an induction section 2h, and the upper surfaces of the ribs R, R each form an induction section 2l and function as a second inclined surface T2. The position and number of the rectifier fins 9 are not limited as long as they are provided between the main body portion 51 and the vertical wall portion 72. In addition, the left and right edges of the rectifier fins 9 are provided in contact with either one or both of the main body portion 51 and the vertical wall portion 72.

[0040] Furthermore, ribs R and rectifying fins 9 may be appropriately provided on the outer surface 51a of the main body 51, the wing section 6, and the vertical wall section 72 for the purpose of straightening the airflow, or the surface may be molded into an uneven shape instead of ribs R and rectifying fins 9. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the space 82 formed by the wing portion 6 and / or the straightening fin 9, the vertical wall portion 72, and the outer surface 51a of the main body portion 51 can be designed to be any shape other than a roughly rectangular shape, such as a roughly circular shape.

[0041] Figure 22(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automobile exterior part of modified example 5, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. The protrusion width D6 from the front pillar portion P of the automotive exterior part 1e shown in Figure 22(a) is set in the range of 1 mm ≤ D6 ≤ 100 mm, preferably set to 10 mm ≤ D6 ≤ 50 mm. This allows the airflow to be effectively guided as outward guided air O and upward guided air U. Furthermore, the inclination angle α6 of the second inclined surface T2 shown in Figure 22(b) is set in the range of 1° ≤ α6 ≤ 89°, preferably in the range of 10° ≤ α6 ≤ 45°, with reference to the line parallel to the ground L1 when mounted on the front pillar P. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ6 of the first inclined surface T1 shown in Figure 22(c) is set in the range of 90°≦θ6≦179°, preferably in the range of 135°≦θ6≦179°, with reference to the line L2 parallel to the center line connecting the front and rear of the vehicle body when it is attached to the front pillar P.

[0042] Next, we will explain the airflow around the exterior parts of the automobile in Modification 5. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the exterior parts of an automobile in Modification 5, where (a) is the outward flow and (b) is the upward flow. The automotive exterior part 1e is attached to the lower part of the front pillar P via the inner surface of the main body 51 (to the right in Figure 23) by mounting means not shown, such as double-sided tape. As shown in Figure 23(a), the guide part 2k guides the airflow W that flows over its surface as outward guided air O toward the outside of the vehicle body. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 23(b), the guide parts 2h and 2l guide the airflow W that flows over their surfaces as upward guided air U toward the top. At this time, the airflow W flowing from the windshield is received by the vertical wall 72 and guided to the guide parts 2h and 2l, making it possible to efficiently guide the airflow W.

[0043] Furthermore, since the space 82 is formed to narrow from front to rear, the upward-guided wind U and outward-guided wind O passing through the space 82 can be accelerated. The accelerated upward-guided wind U and outward-guided wind O effectively cancel out or attenuate the longitudinal vortices and flow separation, thereby further reducing wind noise.

[0044] Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 6 of the automotive exterior part according to the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a perspective view of the HH line cross-section of Figure 24(b). The automotive exterior part 1f, when attached to the front pillar P, has a thick, plate-shaped main body portion 52 that protrudes outward from the vehicle body (to the left in Figure 24), as shown in Figure 22(a). The main body portion 52 has a groove portion 11 with a substantially V-shaped cross-section, formed in a V-shape when viewed from the side, extending from the lower part of the front edge to the upper part of the rear edge of the main body portion 52, as shown in Figure 24(b). The bottom surface 11a of the rear of the steeply sloped groove 11 forms a guide section 2m and, as shown in Figures 24(b) and (c), slopes upward from the front to the rear of the vehicle body and also slopes outward in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, thus functioning as both a first inclined surface T1 and a second inclined surface T2. In addition, the bottom surface 11b of the front of the gently sloped groove 11 forms a guide section 2n and functions as a second inclined surface T2.

[0045] Furthermore, the cross-section of the groove is not limited to a roughly V-shape, but can be appropriately changed to a roughly U-shape, a roughly U-shape, etc. In addition, the directivity of the guided air can be further improved by providing multiple raised or recessed parts on the bottom surface of the groove.

[0046] Figure 25(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the protruding width dimension of the automotive exterior part of the present invention, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the second inclined surface, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of line II of Figure 25(b), which is an explanatory diagram showing the inclination angle of the first inclined surface. The protrusion width D7 from the front pillar portion P of the automotive exterior part 1f shown in Figure 25(a) is set in the range of 1 mm ≤ D7 ≤ 100 mm, preferably set to 10 mm ≤ D7 ≤ 50 mm. This allows the airflow to be effectively guided as outward guided air O and upward guided air U. Furthermore, the inclination angle α7 of the second inclined surface T2 shown in Figure 25(b) is set in the range of 1° ≤ α7 ≤ 89°, preferably in the range of 10° ≤ α7 ≤ 45°, with reference to the line parallel to the ground L1 when mounted on the front pillar P. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ7 of the first inclined surface T1 shown in Figure 25(c) is set in the range of 90°≦θ7≦179°, preferably in the range of 135°≦θ7≦179°, with reference to the parallel line L2 of the center line connecting the front and rear of the vehicle body when it is attached to the front pillar P.

[0047] Next, we will explain the airflow around the exterior parts of the automobile in Modification 6. Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow around the exterior parts of an automobile in Modification 5, where (a) is an upward flow and (b) is an outward flow. The automotive exterior part 1f is attached to the lower part of the front pillar P via the inner surface of the main body 52 (to the right in Figure 26) by mounting means not shown, such as double-sided tape. As shown in Figure 26(a), the guide parts 2m and 2n guide the airflow W that enters the groove 11 from the opening 12 at the front end of the groove 11 upward as an upward guided airflow U. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 26(b), the guide part 2m guides the airflow W that flows over its surface outward as an outward guided airflow O. At this time, since the upward guided airflow U and the outward guided airflow O pass inside the groove 11, they are less affected by the unguided airflow W, and a more stable upward guided airflow U and outward guided airflow O can be formed, thereby further reducing wind noise.

[0048] The present invention has been described above based on illustrated examples, but its technical scope is not limited thereto. For example, multiple automotive exterior parts may be attached to the front pillar. In this case, different shapes may be combined. Furthermore, while the preferred mounting location for exterior automotive parts is below the front pillar, they can be mounted at any position above the front pillar. Furthermore, the inclination of the guide section may be flat or curved. In the case of a curved surface, the inclination angle of the guide section is set by using a reference line that is parallel to the ground or parallel to the center line connecting the front and rear of the vehicle body, and measuring the angle between the reference line and the tangent to the curved surface. Furthermore, although this specification describes the case where the second inclined surface is upward sloping, it may also be downward sloping. Furthermore, the space formed by the wing section, vertical wall section, and front pillar section or main body section only needs to be a narrow space behind a wide space, and the configuration for this can be designed arbitrarily. For example, the rear of the vertical wall section may be tilted toward the vehicle body or made thicker, or a separate member may be provided on the side of the front pillar section, main body section, or vertical wall section that corresponds to this space, or a different shape may be formed. Furthermore, in automobiles equipped with side visors, the present invention can also be applied to the area around the front pillar above the side visor. Furthermore, all dimensions are set within a range that does not pose any problems in accordance with laws and regulations such as the safety standards for road transport vehicles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1,1a,1a',1a'',1b,1c,1d,1e,1f...Automotive exterior parts, 2a,2b,2c,2d,2e,2f,2g,2h,2i,2j,2k,2l,2 m,2n...guiding part, 40,41,42,43...protruding part, 50, 51,52...body part, P...front pillar part, T1...first inclined surface, T2...second inclined surface.

Claims

1. It can be attached to the outer surface of the front pillar of an automobile, In the state where it is attached to the front pillar, it has a wing portion that protrudes outward toward the outside of the vehicle body, The wing portion has a vertical wall portion that protrudes upward, In the aforementioned mounting state, the wing portion forms a second inclined surface that slopes upward or downward from the front to the rear of the vehicle body, and the vertical wall portion forms a first inclined surface that slopes outward in the left-right direction of the vehicle body from the front to the rear of the vehicle body. An automotive exterior part characterized by guiding the airflow through the wing portion and the vertical wall portion.

2. The wing portion is provided on the surface of the main body portion which can be attached to the outer surface of the front pillar portion, as described in claim 1.

3. The automobile exterior part according to Claim 1, characterized in that the upper end of the vertical wall portion is provided in contact with the vehicle body.

4. The automobile exterior part according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper end of the vertical wall portion is provided in contact with the vehicle body or the main body portion.

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