Cooling blower cover structure

Abstract

To provide a cover structure of a cooling blower which can reduce operation sound of the cooling blower.SOLUTION: A cover structure of a cooling blower is used for cooling a battery which is mounted on a vehicle. The cooling blower comprises: an intake port cover which includes an intake port capable of replacing air between inside and outside; a lower cover member which covers a lower side of the intake port; and an upper cover member which covers at least up to a top edge of the lower cover member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover structure of a cooling blower.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cover member having an air inlet for taking air into a cooling blower. In Patent Document 1, the battery is cooled by the air taken in through the air inlet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the cooling blower disclosed in Patent Document 1, when taking in air from the air inlet, the operating sound (blowing sound) of the cooling fan is generated, so there is a possibility that the driver may recognize it as an abnormal sound.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a cover structure of a cooling blower capable of reducing the operating sound of the cooling blower.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The cover structure of the cooling blower according to the present disclosure is a cover structure of a cooling blower for cooling a battery mounted on a vehicle, and the cooling blower includes an intake port cover having an intake port capable of exchanging air between the inside and the outside, a lower cover member covering the lower side of the intake port, and an upper cover member covering at least up to the upper end of the lower cover member.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, the operating noise of the cooling blower can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing an example of a typical cooling blower configuration. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view (X1-X1 section in Figure 3) of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, as seen from the front side of the vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, as seen from above the vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, as seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view (Y1-Y1 section in Figure 3) of the cover structure as seen from the front side of the vehicle. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view (Y2-Y2 section in Figure 3) of the cover structure as seen from the left side of the vehicle. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view (Y3-Y3 section in Figure 3) of the cover structure as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view (X1-X1 section in Figure 3) of the cover structure as seen from the front side of the vehicle. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and is a plan view of the upper cover member as seen from below. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view (X1-X1 section in Figure 3) of the cover structure as seen from the front side of the vehicle. [Figure 11]Figure 11 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view (X1-X1 section in Figure 3) of the cover structure as seen from the front side of the vehicle. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and illustrates another form of sound-absorbing material. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a modified example of the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, and illustrates another form of sound-absorbing material. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily replaceable or substantially identical to those that are replaceable by those skilled in the art.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of a typical cooling blower configuration. This cooling blower 101 includes an air intake cover 11 and a cooling fan 12. The air intake cover 11 has multiple openings, providing an air intake 111 that allows for the exchange of air between the inside and outside.

[0011] As the fan 12 inside the air intake cover 11 rotates, cooling air from inside the vehicle (such as air cooled by the air conditioner) is drawn into the air intake cover 11 through the air intake 111. This cool air is then introduced through a path (not shown) to the battery, for example, located under the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the battery is cooled.

[0012] At that time, the operating sound (specifically, the blowing sound) of the fan 12 of the cooling blower 1 is generated. As shown in FIG. 1, this operating sound is transmitted from the fan 12 side upward to the cooling blower 101 and radiated to the outside through the intake port 111. Therefore, especially when the intake port 111 is located under the seat on the passenger side of the vehicle, since the distance between the intake port 111 and the driver is close, there is a risk of causing the driver to feel uneasy by misinterpreting it as abnormal noise. Therefore, in the cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment, a structure that can reduce the operating sound without impairing the cooling performance or the like is proposed.

[0013] The cover structure of the cooling blower according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view when the cover structure of the cooling blower is viewed from the front side of the vehicle, specifically showing the X1-X1 cross-section in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a plan view when the cover structure of the cooling blower is viewed from the upper side of the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a front view when the cover structure of the cooling blower is viewed from the front side of the vehicle. In FIG. 2, as an example, the X1-X1 cross-section in FIG. 3 is shown, but the X1-X1 cross-section, X2-X2 cross-section, and X3-X3 cross-section in FIG. 3 are all the same cross-section and are the same as FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, as an example, a front view when the cover structure of the cooling blower is viewed from the front side of the vehicle is shown, but it is the same as FIG. 4 when viewed from the rear side, left side, and right side of the vehicle.

[0014] The cooling blower 1 is for cooling the battery (driving battery) mounted on the vehicle. This cooling blower 1 is provided, for example, under the seat on the passenger side of the vehicle. The battery cooled by the cooling blower 1 is provided, for example, under the seat on the driver's side of the vehicle.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling blower 1 includes an intake port cover 11, a cooling fan 12, a lower cover member 13, and an upper cover member 14.

[0016] The intake port cover 11 is formed, for example, in a rectangular and box-shaped (bottomed) form. The intake port cover 11 is provided with an intake port 111 which consists of a plurality of openings and enables the exchange of air between the inside and the outside. Also, among the intake port cover 11, the part where the intake port 111 is not provided is embedded in the floor of the passenger compartment, and the part where the intake port 111 is provided is exposed inside the passenger compartment.

[0017] In addition, in FIG. 2, since the lower side of the intake port cover 11 is covered by the lower cover member 13, only some of the intake ports 111 are visible. That is, on the front surface of the intake port cover 11, similar to FIG. 1, for example, intake ports 111 for four rows and three columns (a total of 12) are formed, and in FIG. 2, only intake ports 111 for two rows and three columns (a total of 6) among them are visible. Note that the intake ports 111 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely examples, and the number, shape, and arrangement (number of rows, number of columns) of the intake ports 111 are not limited to those shown in these figures.

[0018] Also, in FIG. 2, an example where intake ports 111 are provided on all surfaces (front surface, left side surface, right side surface, back surface) of the outer surface of the intake port cover 11 is shown. However, for example, like the intake port cover 11A shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, intake ports 111 may be provided on some surfaces of the intake port cover 11. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view corresponding to the Y1 - Y1 cross-section of FIG. 3 when the intake port cover 11A is viewed from the front side of the vehicle. Also, FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view corresponding to the Y2 - Y2 cross-section of FIG. 3 when the intake port cover 11A is viewed from the left side of the vehicle. Also, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view corresponding to the Y3 - Y3 cross-section of FIG. 3 when the intake port cover 11A is viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. Note that when the intake port cover 11A is viewed from the left side of the vehicle, it is the same as FIG. 6. In the intake port cover 11A shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, intake ports 111 are not provided on the back surface of the intake port cover 11A, and intake ports 111 are provided on the other surfaces (front surface, left side surface, right side surface). Returning to FIG. 2, the remaining configuration of the cooling blower 1 will be described.

[0019] The lower cover member 13 is a member for preventing water from entering the air intake port 111. This lower cover member 13 is formed, for example, in a rectangular and cylindrical shape. The lower cover member 13 is provided so as to cover the entire circumference of the air intake port cover 11 and the lower part (for example, the lower half) of the air intake port 111. The lower cover member 13 is also provided so as to cover the perimeter of the portion of the air intake port cover 11 that is exposed from the floor of the vehicle compartment. Furthermore, the lower cover member 13 is provided so as to cover the perimeter of the lower part (for example, the lower half) of the air intake port 111 within the area where the air intake port 111 is formed on the air intake port cover 11.

[0020] The lower end of the lower cover member 13 is set to the same height as the floor of the vehicle compartment. The upper end of the lower cover member 13, i.e., the height of the lower cover member 13, is set to a height that can sufficiently prevent water from entering the air intake 111. In this embodiment, the air intake cover 11 is provided with 4 rows and 3 columns (12 air intakes in total) (see Figure 1), and the lower cover member 13 is provided to cover 2 rows and 3 columns (6 air intakes in total) of these air intakes 111.

[0021] The upper cover member 14 is a component for sound insulation of the operating noise of the cooling blower 1. This upper cover member 14 is formed in a rectangular and box-like (bottomed) shape. The upper cover member 14 is provided to cover the perimeter (entire circumference) of the air intake cover 11 and the lower cover member 13. Furthermore, the upper cover member 14 is provided to cover the outside of the lower cover member 13. Gaps (openings) are provided between the inside of the upper cover member 14 and the air intake cover 11, and between the inside of the upper cover member 14 and the lower cover member 13. Cooling air from inside the vehicle is introduced into the air intake cover 11 through these gaps (see part D in Figure 2).

[0022] In Figure 2, the lower end of the upper cover member 14 is located near the lower end of the lower cover member 13, that is, near the floor of the vehicle compartment. However, the upper cover member 14 only needs to be provided so as to cover at least up to the upper end of the lower cover member 13 (see section C in the same figure). In other words, the lower end of the upper cover member 14 just needs to be set lower than the upper end of the lower cover member 13. The upper cover member 14 is for sound insulation of the operating noise radiated from the air intake port 111. Therefore, by providing it in the area of ​​the air intake port cover 11 that is not covered by the lower cover member 13 (the area where the air intake port 111 is exposed), the operating noise can be effectively insulated.

[0023] The cover structure of the cooling blower according to this embodiment provides the following effects by including these cover members (lower cover member 13, upper cover member 14).

[0024] (1) By blocking the lower side of the air intake 111 with the lower cover member 13, water can be prevented from entering the cooling blower 1. For example, if a vehicle occupant spills water in the back seat, water can be prevented from entering the inside of the cooling blower 1 from the air intake 111, thereby ensuring the water resistance requirements of the vehicle. (2) By blocking only the lower side of the air intake port 111 with the lower cover member 13, and leaving the upper side of the air intake port 111 open as shown in part A of Figure 2, the necessary air intake performance can be secured. (3) As shown in section B of Figure 2, by creating a gap between the inside of the upper cover member 14 and the intake port cover 11 (i.e., the intake port 111), it is possible to secure a distance sufficient to achieve the required intake performance. (4) As shown in section C of Figure 2, by making the lower end of the upper cover member 14 below the upper end of the lower cover member 13, the operating sound radiated from the intake port 111 hits the inner surface of the upper cover member 14, thus preventing the direct propagation of the operating sound to the outside. (5) As shown in section D of Figure 2, the necessary intake performance can be ensured by creating a gap between the inside of the upper cover member 14 and the lower cover member 13.

[0025] As described above, the cover structure of the cooling blower according to this embodiment can simultaneously satisfy the requirements (1) to (5) above, thereby improving water resistance and reducing operating noise while maintaining intake performance.

[0026] Here, the upper cover member 14 may be equipped with a sound-absorbing material 15 that absorbs the operating noise of the cooling blower 1. As shown in Figure 8, this sound-absorbing material 15 is made up of a plate-shaped member of a predetermined thickness. Figure 9 is a view of the upper cover member 14 and the sound-absorbing material 15 from below Figure 8. As shown in the figure, the sound-absorbing material 15 is provided on the inner side of the upper cover member 14.

[0027] In this way, by providing the sound-absorbing material 15 on the inner side of the upper cover member 14, the sound insulation performance of the upper cover member 14 can be further improved. Also, by providing the sound-absorbing material 15 on the upper cover member 14, which is separated from the floor of the vehicle compartment, even if liquids such as water or beverages are spilled on the floor of the vehicle compartment, the sound-absorbing material 15 will not get wet, and therefore its sound absorption performance will not decrease. Thus, the sound absorption performance of the sound-absorbing material 15 can be stably demonstrated. Furthermore, since the upper side of the air intake cover 11 is covered by the upper cover member 14, and the operating sound of the cooling blower 1 is reflected inward, the sound-absorbing material 15 can efficiently absorb the reflected and concentrated operating sound.

[0028] The shape of the sound-absorbing material 15 is not limited to those shown in Figures 8 and 9. For example, as shown in Figure 10, sound-absorbing material 15A provided on the inner side and inner top surface of the upper cover member 14 may be used instead of sound-absorbing material 15. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, sound-absorbing material 15B with an inclined portion provided on the inner side of the upper cover member 14 may be used instead of sound-absorbing material 15. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, triangular sound-absorbing material 15C provided at the corners of the inner side and inner top surface of the upper cover member 14 may be used instead of sound-absorbing material 15. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13, L-shaped sound-absorbing material 15D provided at the corners of the inner side and inner top surface of the upper cover member 14 may be used instead of sound-absorbing material 15. By using these sound-absorbing materials 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D, the operating noise of the cooling blower 1 can be effectively absorbed.

[0029] According to the cooling blower cover structure of the embodiment described above, the operating noise emitted from the intake port 111 can be blocked by the cover members (lower cover member 13, upper cover member 14), thereby reducing the operating noise of the cooling blower 1.

[0030] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0031] For example, the lower cover member 13 shown in Figure 2 may be integrally formed with the air intake cover 11. Similarly, the upper cover member 14 may be integrally formed with the air intake cover 11. Furthermore, the lower cover member 13 and the upper cover member 14 may be integrally formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1,101 Cooling blower 11. Air intake cover 111 Air intake 12 Fans 13 Lower cover member 14 Upper cover member 15,15A,15B,15C,15D Sound absorbing material

Claims

1. A cover structure for a cooling blower used to cool a battery mounted on a vehicle, The cooling blower is, An air intake cover having an air intake that allows for the exchange of air between the inside and outside, A lower cover member that covers the lower side of the air intake port, An upper cover member that covers at least up to the upper end of the lower cover member, Equipped with, The lower end of the lower cover member is set at the same height as the floor of the vehicle's passenger compartment. Inside the upper cover member, the upper side of the air intake that is not covered by the lower cover member is exposed. Cooling blower cover structure.

2. The cover structure for a cooling blower according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover member is provided with a sound-absorbing material that absorbs the operating noise of the cooling blower.

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