Vehicle undercover

Abstract

To reduce sound escaping out of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle undercover 20 is attached to a lower side of a suspension member 14. The vehicle undercover 20 includes: a cover body 21 that covers a lower side of a vehicle body 10; and a sound insulation wall 30 that protrudes upward from the cover body 21. Further, the sound insulation wall 30 is disposed inside the frame-shaped suspension member 14. An upper end of the sound insulation wall 30 is positioned above a lower surface of the suspension member 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an under cover for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] An engine under cover made of synthetic resin is attached to the lower side of the vehicle body in a vehicle (for example, Patent Document 1). Since an engine sound is generated when the engine operates during driving, reduction of the engine sound is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although the engine under cover of Patent Document 1 can prevent the engine sound from leaking downward through the engine under cover, there is a possibility that the engine sound leaks horizontally from between the vehicle body and the engine under cover.

[0005] In view of the above problems in the prior art, the present invention has been proposed to preferably solve these problems, and an object thereof is to provide an under cover for a vehicle that can reduce noise leaking from the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the under cover for a vehicle according to the present invention is an under cover for a vehicle attached to the lower side of a suspension member, comprising a cover body that covers the lower side of the vehicle body, and a sound insulation wall that protrudes upward from the cover body, and is the gist.

[0007] A second embodiment of the vehicle under cover according to the present invention is, in the first embodiment, The sound barrier may be positioned inside the frame-shaped suspension member.

[0008] A third aspect of the vehicle under cover according to the present invention is, in the first or second aspect, The upper end of the sound barrier may be located above the lower surface of the suspension member.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the vehicle under cover according to the present invention is that in any one of the first, second, and third aspects, The sound-insulating portion of the sound-insulating wall of the cover body is a solid plate provided on the inside of the sound-insulating wall, The cover body may also include a porous sound-absorbing section provided on the outside of the sound-insulating wall.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the vehicle under cover according to the present invention is that in any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, The sound barrier may be provided with reinforcing parts that support it from the inside.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the vehicle under cover according to the present invention is that in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, It may also be equipped with porous sound-absorbing material. In this case, it may be placed on top of the reinforcing portion of the fifth embodiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the vehicle undercover of the present invention, noise leaking from the vehicle can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a vehicle under cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the under cover for a vehicle of the first embodiment and the suspension member. Note that the suspension member is shown by a two-dot chain line. [Figure 3] It is an end view of the under cover for a vehicle of the first embodiment cut in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 4] It is an end view of the under cover for a vehicle of the first embodiment cut in the vehicle longitudinal direction. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the under cover for a vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an end view of the under cover for a vehicle of the second embodiment cut in the vehicle width direction.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Next, the under cover for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving preferred examples.

Examples

[0015] (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 3, the under cover 20 for a vehicle according to the first embodiment is attached to the lower side of a suspension member 14 installed at the lower part of a vehicle body 10 in a vehicle such as an automobile. Further, the under cover 20 for a vehicle is disposed between the left and right wheels 12, 12. The suspension member 14 is a part that forms the framework of a suspension that connects the vehicle body 10 and the wheels 12 in a vehicle and prevents the impact and vibration received from the road surface from being transmitted to the passenger compartment. The suspension member 14 has a frame shape. Specifically, the suspension member 14 of the first embodiment is configured by connecting two first members 14a, 14a extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction with two second members 14b, 14b extending in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 3, in the suspension member 14, an opening portion 14c (see FIG. 2) surrounded by the left and right first members 14a, 14a and the front and rear second members 14b, 14b is located below the power unit 16.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle under cover 20 is disposed below the power unit room 15. In the power unit room 15, a power unit 16 that generates sound during driving of an engine, a motor, a compressor, etc. is installed. The power unit 16 of the first embodiment exemplifies an engine having an oil pan (not shown) for storing engine oil below the cylinder block. The vehicle under cover 20 may be referred to as an engine under cover when it is attached particularly below an engine room (corresponding to the power unit room 15) where an engine is installed.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the vehicle under cover 20 is formed in a plate shape. The vehicle under cover 20 includes a cover body 21 that covers the lower side of the vehicle body 10, and a sound insulation wall 30 that protrudes upward from the cover body 21 (see FIG. 3). Further, the vehicle under cover 20 of the first embodiment includes sound absorption portions 22 provided at respective edge portions of the vehicle under cover 20, and a sound insulation portion 24 provided between the left and right sound absorption portions 22. Furthermore, the vehicle under cover 20 includes a support portion 26 that supports the sound absorption portions 22.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle under cover 20 is provided with mounting parts 28 for attaching the vehicle under cover 20 to the vehicle body 10. The mounting parts 28 are formed to protrude upward from the cover body 21 (see Figure 3). Here, the mounting parts 28 are provided on the resin portion of the cover body 21 made of synthetic resin (such as the sound insulation portion 24 and the support portion 26). In the first embodiment, the mounting parts 28 are synthetic resin molded parts formed together with the molding of the resin portion of the cover body 21 (sound insulation wall 30, sound insulation portion 24 and support portion 26). In the first embodiment, the vehicle under cover 20 is attached to the suspension member 14 by passing fastening members such as bolts and rivets through holes provided in the mounting parts 28. The vehicle under cover 20 has a gap between the upper surface of the cover body 21, which is located directly below the suspension member 14, and the lower surface of the suspension member 14 (see Figures 3 and 4). In the first embodiment, the underbody cover 20 for the vehicle has a front edge 21a of the cover body 21 that rises up and is positioned below the front second member 14b, and the front side between the cover body 21 and the suspension member 14 is closed by a vertical wall 21b that connects the front edge 21a and the portion behind the front edge 21a.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the sound barrier 30 is positioned inside the frame-shaped suspension member 14. In the first embodiment, the sound barrier 30 is positioned along the inner edge of the suspension member 14. The sound barrier 30 may be positioned slightly away from the suspension member 14 in the horizontal direction (see Figure 3) or in contact with the suspension member 14. More specifically, the sound barrier 30 consists of a portion extending in the front-rear direction along the inner edge of the front-rear first member 14a and a portion extending in the left-right direction along the inner edge of the rear second member 14b, which extends left-right, and these two portions are connected as one (see Figure 2). In the first embodiment, there is no sound barrier 30 positioned along the inner edge of the front second member 14b, but a sound barrier 30 may be provided along the inner edge of the front second member 14b so that the sound barrier 30 is positioned around the entire inner circumference of the suspension member 14.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the upper end of the sound barrier 30 be positioned above the lower surface of the suspension member 14. The sound barrier 30 is inserted inside the opening 14c of the suspension member 14. The sound barrier 30 is a plate-shaped body made of synthetic resin. In the first embodiment, the sound barrier 30 is a molded part made of synthetic resin formed together with the molding of the resin portion (mounting portion 28, sound insulation portion 24, and support portion 26) of the cover body 21. In the first embodiment, the resin portion (mounting portion 28, sound insulation portion 24, support portion 26, and sound barrier 30) of the cover body 21 is made of solid synthetic resin.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sound-absorbing section 22 is provided on the outside of the sound-insulating wall 30 in the cover body 21. The sound-absorbing section 22 is also positioned near the wheels 12 in the vehicle under cover 20. The sound-absorbing section 22 is preferably positioned away from directly below the power unit 16 (see Figure 3). The vehicle under cover 20 of the first embodiment includes a sound-absorbing section 22 positioned below the left and right first members 14a, 14a of the suspension member 14. Thus, the vehicle under cover 20 is preferably equipped with a sound-absorbing section 22 positioned outside in the vehicle width direction from the inner edges of the left and right first members 14a, 14a of the suspension member 14. The sound-absorbing section 22 is configured to be exposed on the outer surface (road side) of the vehicle under cover 20.

[0022] The sound-absorbing section 22 is composed of a porous plate-like body. As the porous material constituting the sound-absorbing section 22, for example, fibrous material or foam can be used. The sound-absorbing section 22 exhibits the required functions such as sound absorption and heat insulation due to the properties derived from the porous material. As the fibrous material constituting the sound-absorbing section 22, nonwoven or woven fabrics made of polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, aramid fibers, glass fibers, cellulose fibers, nylon fibers, vinylon fibers, rayon fibers, etc., can be used. Furthermore, as the foam constituting the sound-absorbing section 22, polyurethane-based, polyolefin-based, polystyrene-based foams can be used. From the viewpoint of sound absorption, a porous material with good breathability is preferred for the sound-absorbing section 22.

[0023] The porous plate-like body may consist of one layer or two or more layers. For example, the porous plate-like body can have a multi-layer structure including a first layer to ensure the main function required of the sound-absorbing part 22 (sound absorption in the first embodiment) and a second layer placed on top of the first layer to ensure an auxiliary function added to the sound-absorbing part 22 (water repellency in the first embodiment). In this case, the density of the second layer can be set higher than that of the first layer, or water repellency can be ensured by applying a water-repellent material such as silicone resin or fluororesin to the second layer. By applying water repellency to the second layer, which is on the outside of the vehicle in the sound-absorbing part 22, it is preferable to prevent water from entering the sound-absorbing part 22, snow from accumulating on the sound-absorbing part 22, or ice from forming on the sound-absorbing part 22.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sound insulation section 24 is provided inside the sound insulation wall 30 of the cover body 21. As shown in Figure 3, the sound insulation section 24 is positioned below the power unit 16. In the first embodiment, the area directly below the power unit 16 is covered by the sound insulation section 24. The sound insulation section 24 is a solid plate, or in other words, a solid plate made of synthetic resin. Here, "solid" refers to a dense state that does not have many bubbles, voids, or holes, unlike porous materials such as foams or nonwoven fabrics. The sound insulation section 24 has a higher density than the sound absorption section 22. Furthermore, it is preferable from the viewpoint of improving sound insulation that the sound insulation section 24 has lower or no breathability compared to the sound absorption section 22.

[0025] The cover body 21 of the first embodiment is a molded product made by injection molding of synthetic resin, etc., except for the sound-absorbing part 22. Suitable synthetic resins include thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA).

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support portion 26 is the part that supports the front, rear, left, and right edges of the sound-absorbing portion 22 that closes the opening formed by the support portion 26. The support portion 26 is made of solid synthetic resin, similar to the sound-insulating portion 24. In the first embodiment, the support portion 26 is a molded synthetic resin part formed together with the molding of the sound-insulating portion 24. It is also preferable to set the rigidity of the support portion 26 to be higher than that of the sound-absorbing portion 22. In the first embodiment, the support portion 26 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in a trough shape (concave shape) that opens downward (see Figure 3), and this shape makes it difficult to bend. In addition, the support portion 26 extending in the left-right direction is formed in a "T" shape with a cross-section having ribs that protrude upward (see Figure 4), and this shape also makes it difficult to bend. In the first embodiment, the support portion 26 extending in the left-right direction is connected to the sound-insulating wall 30 (see Figures 1 and 2), and the rib shape of the support portion 26 supports the sound-insulating wall 30 from the outside.

[0027] The vehicle under cover 20 can be manufactured in various ways, such as by attaching the sound-absorbing part 22 to a molded product in which the sound-insulating part 24, support part 26, mounting part 28, and sound-insulating wall 30 are integrally molded, or by performing insert molding to form the sound-insulating part 24, support part 26, mounting part 28, and sound-insulating wall 30 in a mold in which the sound-absorbing part 22 is set.

[0028] The vehicle under cover 20, with its sound-insulating wall 30 projecting upward from the cover body 21 that covers the underside of the vehicle body 10, reflects the driving noise (for example, engine noise in the case of an engine) emitted from the power unit 16, thereby reducing sound leakage between the suspension member 14 and the cover body 21. In particular, by positioning the sound-insulating wall 30 inside the frame-shaped suspension member 14, sound leakage between the suspension member 14 and the cover body 21 can be prevented. Furthermore, by positioning the upper end of the sound-insulating wall 30 above the lower surface of the suspension member 14, the sound-insulating wall 30 blocking the space between the suspension member 14 and the cover body 21 can suppress the leakage of noise to the outside of the vehicle. In this way, the vehicle under cover 20 can suppress the leakage of noise such as driving noise generated inside the vehicle, thereby improving the quietness around the vehicle.

[0029] The vehicle undercover 20 has a sound-insulating section 24 made of solid plate material that is less permeable to sound than the porous sound-absorbing section 22, and the porous sound-absorbing section 22 absorbs sound more easily than the solid plate sound-insulating section 24. Since the vehicle undercover 20 has the solid plate sound-insulating section 24 positioned on the underside of the power unit 16, the sound-insulating section 24 can reflect the driving noise (for example, engine noise in the case of an engine) emitted from the power unit 16, preventing the driving noise from leaking to the outside. In addition, since the vehicle undercover 20 is equipped with porous sound-absorbing sections 22 on each of the left and right edges, road noise emitted from the wheels 12 when the vehicle is running can be absorbed and suppressed by the sound-absorbing sections 22 positioned adjacent to the wheels 12.Therefore, the vehicle undercover 20 can reduce noise such as driving noise and road noise generated inside the vehicle, and improve the quietness around the vehicle.

[0030] The vehicle underbody cover 20 has a sound-insulating section 24 made of a solid plate extending between the left and right sound-absorbing sections 22, 22 located on the left and right edges, thereby improving its rigidity. This improved rigidity of the vehicle underbody cover 20 prevents deformation caused by air passing along it during driving and deformation caused by the weight of water when driving on flooded roads. Furthermore, by limiting the area of ​​the sound-absorbing sections 22 to the left and right edges of the vehicle underbody cover 20 and increasing the area of ​​the sound-insulating section 24 made of a solid plate, the cost of the vehicle underbody cover 20 can be reduced.

[0031] The vehicle underbody cover 20 is equipped with a support portion 26 that supports the sound-absorbing portion 22, making it difficult to deform the porous sound-absorbing portion 22, which is relatively difficult to ensure rigidity of. Moreover, by making the support portion 26 a molded product integrally molded with the sound-insulating portion 24, the cost of the vehicle underbody cover 20 can be reduced. The rigidity can be improved by making the support portion 26 solid.

[0032] (Second Embodiment) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vehicle under cover 40 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a reinforcing portion 42 that supports the sound barrier 30 from the inside. The reinforcing portion 42 has a triangular shape, with its upper end surface sloping upward from the sound barrier 24 side towards the sound barrier 30 side (see Figure 6). Furthermore, the reinforcing portion 42 of the second embodiment is a synthetic resin molded portion formed together with the molding of the sound barrier 24 and the sound barrier 30. Note that for configurations not described in the second embodiment, the configuration of the first embodiment can be applied.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vehicle under cover 40 of the second embodiment includes a porous sound-absorbing material 44 placed on top of the sound-insulating section 24. The sound-absorbing material 44 is in the form of a plate. Similar to the sound-insulating section 22, the sound-absorbing material 44 can be made of porous materials such as nonwoven fabric or foam. The sound-absorbing material 44 may be made of one type or a combination of multiple types of materials to form multiple layers. The sound-absorbing material 44 is placed on the inclined upper end surface of the reinforcing section 42, forming a space between the sound-absorbing material 44 and the sound-insulating section 24 (see Figure 6).

[0034] The underbody vehicle cover 40 of the second embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, the underbody vehicle cover 40 of the second embodiment is equipped with a porous sound-absorbing material 44 placed on top of the sound-insulating section 24, which reduces the sound transmitted through the sound-insulating section 24 by attenuating the sound emitted by the power unit 16 with the sound-absorbing material 44. Furthermore, by placing the sound-absorbing material 44 on top of the reinforcing section 42, the sound-absorbing material 44 can be placed away from the sound-insulating section 24, which reduces the noise leaking to the outside of the vehicle by attenuating the sound reflected by the sound-insulating section 24 with the sound-absorbing material 44.

[0035] (Example of change) In addition to the matters mentioned above, the following may also be applied, for example. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions of the examples and the following modifications. (1) The power unit is not limited to individual components such as an engine, motor, or compressor, but may also include devices or mechanisms that produce noise when the engine or other components are in operation. (2) The shape of the suspension member is not limited to the embodiment, and may be a frame shape such as a "U" shape or a "C" shape in plan view. (3) The sound barrier may be placed on the underside of the suspension member. Alternatively, the sound barrier may be placed along the outer edge of the suspension member. (4) The upper end of the sound barrier may be at the same height as the lower surface of the suspension member, or it may be slightly lower than the lower surface of the suspension member. (5) The cover body may be provided with an opening for maintenance and a lid for opening and closing the opening. In this case, a sound barrier may be provided on the lid. (6) The sound-absorbing section may be omitted. (7) The shape of the support portion is not limited to the embodiment, and for example, the support portion extending in the front-rear direction may be rib-shaped, the support portion extending in the left-right direction may be concave (gutter-shaped), flat, or have any other shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 10 Body, 14 Suspension members, 16 Power unit, 20·40 Vehicle undercover, 21 Cover body, 22 Sound-absorbing part, 24 Sound insulation section, 26 Support section, 30 Sound insulation wall, 42 Reinforcement section, 44 Sound absorbing material

Claims

1. A vehicle under cover that is attached to the lower side of the suspension member, The main body of the cover that covers the underside of the vehicle, The cover body comprises a sound-insulating wall that protrudes upward from the cover body, The sound barrier is positioned inside the opening of the frame-shaped suspension member. The upper end of the sound barrier is located above the lower surface of the opening in the suspension member. A vehicle undercover characterized by the following features.

2. The under cover for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the sound-insulating wall is formed to follow the opening edge of the opening portion.

3. The sound-insulating wall, formed along the opening edge of the suspension member that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is arranged on the cover body at intervals in the vehicle width direction, The under cover for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cover body comprises a sound-insulating portion of a solid plate provided on the inside in the vehicle width direction from the sound-insulating wall, and a porous sound-absorbing portion provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction from the sound-insulating wall.

4. The sound barrier is further provided with a reinforcing portion that supports it from the inside in the vehicle width direction, The under cover for a vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising a porous sound-absorbing material placed on the reinforcing portion.

5. A vehicle under cover that is attached to the lower side of a suspension member, The main body of the cover that covers the underside of the vehicle, The cover body comprises a sound-insulating wall that protrudes upward from the cover body, The sound barrier is positioned inside the opening of the frame-shaped suspension member, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle. The cover body comprises a sound-insulating section made of a solid plate provided on the inside in the vehicle width direction relative to the sound-insulating wall, and a porous sound-absorbing section provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction relative to the sound-insulating wall. A vehicle undercover characterized by the following features.

6. A vehicle under cover that is attached to the lower side of a suspension member, The main body of the cover that covers the underside of the vehicle, The cover body comprises a sound-insulating wall that protrudes upward from the cover body, The sound barrier is positioned inside the opening of the frame-shaped suspension member, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle. The cover body is equipped with a reinforcing portion that supports the sound barrier from the inside in the vehicle width direction, The reinforced section is equipped with a porous sound-absorbing material. A vehicle undercover characterized by the following features.

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