Vehicle sound systems

Abstract

To prevent reduction in aerodynamic performance during vehicle traveling and reduction in vehicle appearance by suppressing transmission of a pseudo traveling sound into a cabin.SOLUTION: A speaker body 2 is surrounded by a resin cover 3 including a base 3a that surrounds the emission surface 2a of the speaker body 2, an extension 3b that substantially cylindrically extends from the base 3a toward an opening 5 of a front bumper grill 4 to be integrally formed with the front end of the base 3a, and a sound insulation part 3c that covers the surface 2b of the speaker body 2 opposite the emission surface 2a. By covering the surface 2b of the speaker body 2 opposite the emission surface 2a by the sound insulation part 3c, leakage of a pseudo traveling sound into a cabin is blocked, and a pseudo traveling sound issued from the speaker body 2 to the outside of the vehicle is converged by the extension 3b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle acoustic device that emits a pseudo running sound to notify the approach of a vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In vehicles including hybrid vehicles (HEV vehicles) and battery electric vehicles (BEV vehicles), when traveling with a motor as a drive source in a predetermined speed range, it is stipulated by regulations that a sound must always be emitted to notify pedestrians of the approach of the vehicle with a pseudo running sound. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a device for notifying the approach of a vehicle with a pseudo running sound is mounted on the vehicle.

[0003] In a conventional device of this type, when it is provided at the front of the vehicle and emits a pseudo running sound to pedestrians in front of the vehicle, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, an approach notification speaker S is arranged immediately behind the front bumper grill G of the vehicle, and the running sound from the approach notification speaker S is configured to be emitted to the outside of the vehicle through the opening K formed in the front bumper grill G.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, according to legal regulations, the sound emitted from the proximity warning speaker S must have a specified sound pressure at predetermined positions P1 and P2 diagonally in front of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 10, in the 1 / 3 octave frequency band, including, for example, OA (overall value). To achieve this, the volume of the simulated driving sound emitted from the proximity warning speaker S must be increased. However, if the volume of the simulated driving sound emitted from the proximity warning speaker S is increased, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 10, the simulated driving sound will leak from the rear side of the proximity warning speaker S and be transmitted into the vehicle interior, which may cause discomfort to the occupants inside the vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to reduce the simulated driving sound emitted from the proximity warning speaker S and alleviate discomfort to occupants in the vehicle cabin, while ensuring the specified sound pressure as the sound pressure in the specified frequency band at the specified positions P1 and P2, the opening area is made as large as possible by forming multiple openings K in the front bumper grille G or by making the openings K larger, as shown in Figure 10. However, when the opening area is increased, wind can easily enter the engine compartment when the vehicle is in motion, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 10, which creates resistance during driving, leading to a decrease in the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle while it is in motion, and also creates a new problem of degrading the appearance of the vehicle's exterior.

[0007] Furthermore, problems such as discomfort to occupants due to the simulated driving sound transmitted from the proximity warning speaker S into the vehicle cabin, a decrease in aerodynamic performance during vehicle operation, and a decrease in the vehicle's appearance can occur not only when the proximity warning speaker S is placed at the front of the vehicle, but also when it is placed at the rear or side of the vehicle.

[0008] The present invention aims to suppress the transmission of simulated driving noise into the vehicle cabin, thereby preventing a decrease in aerodynamic performance and a deterioration in the vehicle's appearance during operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a vehicle sound device that emits a simulated driving sound to signal the vehicle's movement to the outside, comprising: a sound device body disposed inside a vehicle structure having an opening, with the emitting surface for emitting the simulated driving sound facing outwards and the opposite side facing into the vehicle interior; and a cover member surrounding the sound device body, wherein the cover member comprises a base portion surrounding the emitting surface, an extension portion extending cylindrically from the base portion toward the opening, and a sound-insulating portion covering the side opposite to the emitting surface to block the leakage of the simulated driving sound into the vehicle interior. The extension portion has a parabolic inner surface and is spaced apart from the vehicle structure. It is characterized by the following.

[0010] In this configuration, the sound device body is positioned inside the body structure with the emitting surface that emits simulated driving sound facing outwards and the opposite surface facing into the vehicle interior. The sound device body is then surrounded by a cover member comprising a base that surrounds the emitting surface, an extension that extends cylindrically from the base toward the opening, and a sound-insulating section that covers the surface opposite to the emitting surface to block the leakage of simulated driving sound into the vehicle interior.

[0011] Therefore, the sound-insulating portion of the cover member blocks the transmission of simulated driving noise into the vehicle cabin, thereby reducing discomfort for occupants inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the extended portion of the cover member prevents the diffusion of simulated driving noise from the sound device body, allowing it to be emitted outside the vehicle. This reduces the number and size of openings required in the vehicle structure, preventing a decrease in aerodynamic performance during vehicle operation and a deterioration in the vehicle's appearance.

[0012] Also, The aforementioned opening should preferably be formed facing the direction of travel. The extension widens as it approaches the opening. It is fine, in this case Furthermore, the extended portion, which widens towards the opening, allows the simulated driving sound from the emission surface of the sound device body to be emitted outside the vehicle in a focused state without diffusion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, by covering the surface on the opposite side of the sound emission surface of the acoustic device temperate zone with the sound insulation part of the cover member, the transmission of pseudo running sound into the vehicle interior can be suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the passengers in the vehicle interior from feeling discomfort due to the leakage of pseudo running sound. Further, by the extending part of the cover member, the diffusion of pseudo running sound from the acoustic device main body can be prevented and emitted to the outside of the vehicle, and since it is sufficient to form openings with a small number and a small opening area as the openings formed in the vehicle structure, it is possible to prevent a decrease in aerodynamic performance during vehicle running and a decrease in the appearance of the vehicle exterior.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a cutaway plan view of an embodiment of the vehicle acoustic device of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a partial perspective view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the acoustic device main body (speaker main body) which is a part of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a bracket which is another part of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a cover member which is still another part of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the base part and the extending part of the cover member of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the sound insulation part of the cover member of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view showing the acoustic effect on the outside of the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a partial cutaway plan view of a conventional example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] An embodiment of the vehicle acoustic device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. Here, front, rear, left, and right in this embodiment mean front, rear, left, and right as viewed in the state of sitting on the seat.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the vehicle acoustic device 1 in the present embodiment includes a speaker main body 2 that is an acoustic device main body, and a cover member 3 that surrounds the speaker main body 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the speaker main body 2 has a well-known configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, inside the front bumper grill 4, behind the opening 5 formed in the front bumper grill 4, which is one of the vehicle structures, a speaker cone that emits a pseudo-running sound is arranged with the emission surface 2a facing the outside of the vehicle, and the speaker main body 2 is arranged with the surface 2b opposite to the emission surface 2a facing the inside of the vehicle compartment.

[0018] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower end 7a of a bracket 7 having a T shape in a front view is fixed to another vehicle structure 6 (see FIG. 2) other than the front bumper grill 4 by bolts. The left and right sides of the speaker main body 2 are fitted and held at the U-shaped upper end 7b of the cross-section of the bracket 7, and the speaker main body 2 is fixed to the vehicle structure 6 via the bracket 7.

[0019] The cover member 3 is formed by resin molding. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, it includes a base portion 3a that surrounds the periphery of the emission surface 2a of the speaker main body 2, an extension portion 3b that extends substantially cylindrically from the base portion 3a toward the opening 5 of the front bumper grill 4 and is integrally formed at the front end of the base portion 3a, and a sound insulation portion 3c that covers the surface 2b opposite to the emission surface 2a of the speaker main body 2. After the base portion 3a is attached so as to surround the outer periphery of the speaker main body 2 fixed to the vehicle structure 6 by the bracket 7, the sound insulation portion 3c is attached to the rear end of the base portion 3a, and the cover member 3 is attached to the speaker main body 2. Note that the base portion 3a does not necessarily need to cover the entire outer periphery of the speaker main body 2, and it may have a structure with openings or cutouts in the base portion 3a and only partially cover the outer periphery of the speaker main body 2.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the extension portion 3b expands as it goes toward the opening 5 of the front bumper grill 4, and its inner surface release is formed in a parabolic shape so that the pseudo-running sound emitted from the emission surface 2a of the speaker main body 2 is focused by the extension portion 3b when it is emitted to the outside of the vehicle through the opening 5.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, the sound-insulating section 5c is detachably and separately attached to the rear end of the base 5a, and in the attached state, it covers and shields the speaker body 2's emission surface 2a and the opposite surface 2b, thereby blocking the leakage of simulated driving sound into the vehicle interior.

[0022] Thus, the simulated driving sound emitted from the speaker body 2's emission surface 2a toward the outside of the vehicle is produced by the inner surface. release The sound is focused by the extended portion 3b of the cover member 3, which has a parabolic shape. As a result of measuring the sound pressure in the 1 / 3 octave frequency band, including the overall value (OA), at predetermined positions P1 and P2 (see Figure 1) diagonally in front of the vehicle as stipulated by regulations, the results are shown in Figure 9. The inventors of this application have verified that, due to the focusing effect of the extended portion 3b of the cover member 3, a higher sound pressure can be obtained compared to the sound pressure of simulated driving sound from a conventional speaker body without focusing, and that the sound pressure stipulated by regulations can be sufficiently achieved at the predetermined positions P1 and P2 without increasing the volume of the simulated driving sound. Furthermore, it was verified that the leakage of simulated driving sound into the vehicle interior is suppressed by the sound insulation portion 3c.

[0023] Furthermore, the extension portion 3b of the cover member 3 prevents the diffusion of the simulated driving sound from the speaker body 2, allowing it to be focused and emitted outside the vehicle. As a result, fewer openings 5 ​​and a smaller opening area are required to form in the front bumper grille 4, which is a vehicle structure. As shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1, when the vehicle is in motion, the wind that enters the engine compartment through the opening 5 is prevented from entering further inside by the extension portion 3b that extends to the opening 5, and is expelled outside the vehicle through the opening 5. This reduces wind resistance during driving, improves aerodynamic performance, and prevents a decrease in the appearance of the vehicle's exterior.

[0024] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the sound-insulating portion 3cb of the cover member 3 can block the simulated driving noise from entering the vehicle interior, thereby suppressing the transmission of the simulated driving noise into the vehicle interior and preventing occupants in the vehicle interior from experiencing discomfort.

[0025] Furthermore, the extension portion 3b of the cover member 3 prevents the diffusion of simulated driving sound from the speaker body 2, allowing it to be emitted outside the vehicle. This also means that fewer openings 5 ​​are needed and the opening area is small for the front bumper grille 4, which is a vehicle structure. As a result, a decrease in aerodynamic performance during vehicle operation can be prevented, as well as a decrease in the appearance of the vehicle's exterior.

[0026] Furthermore, by making the inner surface of the extension portion 3b of the cover member 3 parabolic, the simulated driving sound from the emission surface 2a of the speaker body 2 can be easily focused to predetermined positions P1 and P2 outside the vehicle.

[0027] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0028] For example, in the embodiment described above, the inner surface of the extension portion 3b of the cover member 3 was formed in a parabolic shape. However, the extension portion 3b is not limited to a parabolic shape; any shape that widens towards the opening 5 and can focus the simulated running sound from the emission surface 2a of the speaker body 2 to a predetermined position without diffusion is acceptable.

[0029] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the case in which the sound-insulating portion 3c of the cover member 3 is detachable from the base portion 3a was explained. However, the extension portion 3b may also be detachable from the base portion 3a, which would allow for easy replacement of the extension portion 3b if necessary.

[0030] Furthermore, the cover member 3 does not have to be made of resin; it may be made of metal.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a vehicle sound device that emits a simulated driving sound to signal the vehicle's movement to the outside. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 1 ... Vehicle sound system 2. Speaker unit (sound device unit) 2a ... Discharge surface 2b ... opposite side 3 ... Cover component 3a...Base 3b...extending part 3c ... Sound insulation part 4. Front bumper grille (vehicle structure) 5…Opening

Claims

1. A vehicle sound device that emits a simulated driving sound to signal the vehicle's movement to those outside the vehicle, An acoustic device body is disposed inside a vehicle structure with an opening, with the sound-emitting surface that emits simulated driving sounds facing outwards and the surface opposite to the sound-emitting surface facing inwards. The device comprises a cover member that surrounds the main body of the sound device, The cover member is A base portion surrounding the aforementioned emission surface, An extension portion that extends cylindrically from the base toward the opening, It includes a sound-insulating section that covers the surface opposite to the emission surface to block the leakage of the simulated driving sound into the vehicle interior, The extension portion has a parabolic inner surface and is spaced apart from the vehicle structure. A vehicle sound device characterized by the following features.

2. The vehicle sound device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening is formed facing the direction of travel.

3. The vehicle sound device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the extension portion widens as it approaches the opening.

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