Vehicle cover

Abstract

A vehicle (20) includes: a front wheel (21); a suspension arm (25) that links the front wheel (21) and a suspension member (28); and a tire house (23) that houses the front wheel (21) and the suspension arm (25). A suspension under cover (40) is applied to the vehicle (20). The suspension under cover (40) is provided with a cover body (41) and moving parts (43). The cover body (41) covers a lower portion of the suspension arm (25) in a lower opening of the tire house (23). The moving parts (43) are configured so as to be capable of moving, in the vehicle width direction and in accordance with the actual steering angle of the front wheel (21), the outer edge portion (412) of the cover body (41) on the side closer to the front wheel (21) in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Vehicle Cover

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle covers.

[0002] A vehicle such as an automobile includes a steering wheel, a suspension arm that connects the steering wheel to a suspension member, and a wheel well that houses the steering wheel and the suspension arm. The wheel well is provided on the underside of the vehicle so as to open downward.

[0003] In recent years, it has been proposed to provide a cover that covers the underside of a vehicle in order to protect the underside of the vehicle and improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] JP 2019-166984 A

[0005] In the above-described vehicle, when the actual steering angle of the steering wheel changes, the positional relationship between the steering wheel and the wheel well changes accordingly. Therefore, when the cover is used to cover the vehicle underside, including the lower opening of the wheel well, it is necessary to design the cover so that the steering wheel and the cover do not come into contact with each other regardless of the actual steering angle of the steering wheel. In this case, the area of ​​the vehicle underside covered by the cover becomes narrow. This reduces the effect of the cover in protecting the vehicle underside and improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle cover for use in a vehicle having a steering wheel, a suspension arm connecting the steering wheel to a suspension member, and a wheel well housing that houses the steering wheel and the suspension arm. The vehicle cover includes a cover body that covers a portion of the suspension arm that is located at a lower opening of the wheel well and is on the vehicle lower side, and a moving part that is configured to move an end of the cover body that is closer to the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction in accordance with the actual steering angle of the steering wheel.

[0007] 1 is a bottom view of the suspension undercover of the first embodiment and its periphery as viewed from below the vehicle. FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the schematic configuration of a vehicle to which the suspension undercover of the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the suspension undercover as viewed from below the vehicle when turning right. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the suspension undercover as viewed from below the vehicle when turning left. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a vehicle cover of a second embodiment as viewed from below the vehicle. A cross-sectional view showing the locking structure of the cover body using a guide pin. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the suspension undercover of the second embodiment and its periphery as viewed from below the vehicle when turning right. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the suspension undercover of the second embodiment as viewed from below the vehicle when turning left. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a suspension undercover of a modified example as viewed from below the vehicle. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a suspension undercover of another modified example as viewed from below the vehicle.

[0008] 1 to 4, a vehicle cover according to a first embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the width direction of the vehicle will be referred to as the vehicle width direction X, the front-rear direction of the vehicle will be referred to as the front-rear direction Y, and the up-down direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned on a horizontal plane will be referred to as the up-down direction Z. In addition, the right and left sides in the vehicle width direction X will be referred to simply as the "right side" and "left side," respectively, the front and rear sides in the front-rear direction Y will be referred to simply as the "front side" and "rear side," respectively, and the upper and lower sides in the up-down direction Z will be referred to simply as the "upper side" and "lower side," respectively.

[0009] 2, the vehicle 20 is a four-wheel vehicle having two front wheels 21 and two rear wheels 22. In detail, the vehicle 20 has a right front wheel 21R which is the front wheel 21 on the right side, a left front wheel 21L which is the front wheel 21 on the left side, a right rear wheel 22R which is the rear wheel 22 on the right side, and a left rear wheel 22L which is the rear wheel 22 on the left side.

[0010] The vehicle 20 has four wheel wells 23 that respectively accommodate a right front wheel 21R, a left front wheel 21L, a right rear wheel 22R, and a left rear wheel 22L. Each wheel well 23 is provided on the lower part of the vehicle 20 so as to open downward.

[0011] <Suspension Device 24> The vehicle 20 has a suspension device 24 that suspends the front wheels 21. More specifically, the suspension device 24 is composed of a suspension device 24R that suspends the right front wheel 21R and a suspension device 24L that suspends the left front wheel 21L.

[0012] 1, the suspension device 24 has a suspension arm 25 and a suspension spring (not shown). The suspension arm 25 extends in the vehicle width direction X to connect the front wheel 21, more specifically, a hub 26 to which the front wheel 21 is attached, to a suspension member 28 that constitutes a part of a vehicle body 27. One end of the suspension arm 25 is connected to the suspension member 28, and the other end of the suspension arm 25 is connected to the hub 26 for the front wheel 21. The suspension spring is installed between the vehicle body 27 and the suspension arm 25.

[0013] 2, suspension unit 24R is housed together with right front wheel 21R in the wheel well 23 corresponding to right front wheel 21R. Suspension unit 24L is housed together with left front wheel 21L in the wheel well 23 corresponding to left front wheel 21L.

[0014] <Steering Device 29> The vehicle 20 is a front-wheel steering vehicle in which the front wheels 21 are steered. The vehicle 20 is provided with a steering device 29 that changes the actual steering angle (so-called turning angle) of the front wheels 21.

[0015] The steering device 29 includes a steering mechanism 30 and tie rods 31. The steering mechanism 30 is primarily composed of, for example, a rack-and-pinion mechanism. The steering mechanism 30 is provided between the two front wheels 21, i.e., between the right front wheel 21R and the left front wheel 21L. In the steering mechanism 30, a pinion shaft of the rack-and-pinion mechanism is connected to a steering wheel 32. In the steering mechanism 30, both ends of a rack shaft of the rack-and-pinion mechanism in the vehicle width direction X are connected to tie rods 31. More specifically, the right end of the rack shaft is connected to the right tie rod 31R, and the left end of the rack shaft is connected to the left tie rod 31L. Each tie rod 31R, 31L extends in the vehicle width direction X. The right end of the right tie rod 31R is connected to the hub 26 to which the right front wheel 21R is attached. On the other hand, the left end of the left tie rod 31L is connected to the hub 26 to which the left front wheel 21L is attached.

[0016] In this embodiment, the steering device 29 converts the rotational movement of the steering wheel 32 into linear movement of the tie rod 31 in the vehicle width direction X. In this embodiment, the actual steering angle of the right front wheel 21R is changed by the linear movement of the right tie rod 31R, and the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L is changed by the linear movement of the left tie rod 31L.

[0017] The vehicle 20 is provided with a front undercover 33, a center undercover 34, and a suspension undercover 40 as cover members that cover the underside of the vehicle 20. The front undercover 33 is fixed to the bottom of the vehicle 20 so as to cover the front portion of the underside of the vehicle 20.

[0018] The center undercover 34 is fixed to the lower part of the vehicle 20 so as to cover a central portion of the underside of the vehicle 20 in the fore-and-aft direction Y. The suspension undercover 40 is attached to the lower part of the vehicle 20 so as to cover a portion of the lower opening of the tire well 23 corresponding to the front wheel 21, more specifically, the lower portion of the suspension arm 25. The suspension undercover 40 is composed of a suspension undercover 40R for the right front wheel 21R and a suspension undercover 40L for the left front wheel 21L. The suspension undercover 40R is shaped to cover a portion of the lower opening of the tire well 23 corresponding to the right front wheel 21R. The suspension undercover 40L is shaped to cover a portion of the lower opening of the tire well 23 corresponding to the left front wheel 21L. This suspension undercover 40 is the vehicle cover of this embodiment.

[0019] <Suspension undercover 40> The structure of the suspension undercover 40 will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the suspension undercover 40R for the right front wheel 21R and the suspension undercover 40L for the left front wheel 21L have the same basic structure. Therefore, the following will describe the details of the suspension undercover 40L for the left front wheel 21L, and will omit a detailed description of the suspension undercover 40R for the right front wheel 21R.

[0020] 1, the suspension undercover 40L has a cover main body 41 and a moving portion 43. <Cover main body 41> The cover main body 41 is sheet-shaped and extends in the vehicle width direction X and the front-rear direction Y. The cover main body 41 is shaped to cover a portion of the lower opening of the tire housing 23 corresponding to the left front wheel 21L, more specifically, the lower portion of the suspension arm 25. The cover main body 41 is formed from an elastic material (for example, a synthetic rubber material).

[0021] A portion of the cover main body 41 is formed by a bellows portion 44. In the bellows portion 44, mountain folds and valley folds are alternately repeated in the vehicle width direction X. In this embodiment, by providing the bellows portion 44, the cover main body 41 is configured to be expandable and contractible in the vehicle width direction X. Moreover, since the mountain-shaped portions and valley-shaped portions of the bellows portion 44 extend in the front-rear direction Y, the air flow near the cover main body 41 can be rectified to flow in the front-rear direction Y. This can improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 20.

[0022] An end of the cover body 41 farther from the left front wheel 21L in the vehicle width direction X, specifically an inner end in the vehicle width direction X (hereinafter referred to as the inner end 411), extends in the front-to-rear direction Y along the suspension member 28 that constitutes part of the vehicle body 27. The inner end 411 of the cover body 41 is fixed to the suspension member 28 by a locking pin 45.

[0023] The end of the cover body 41 in the vehicle width direction X near the left front wheel 21L, specifically the outer end in the vehicle width direction X (hereinafter referred to as the outer end 412), extends linearly in the fore-and-aft direction Y.

[0024] In this embodiment, the cover body 41 is attached so that the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 and the side surface of the left front wheel 21L are substantially parallel in a plan view when the vehicle 20 is in a steering state (the state shown in FIG. 1 ) in which the vehicle 20 travels straight ahead. The outer end 412 of the cover body 41 is fixed to a portion of the moving part 43 (described later) that moves in conjunction with the left front wheel 21L, specifically, to an operating rod 46 fixed to the hub 26 and a bracket 47 provided integrally with the tie rod 31.

[0025] <Moving portion 43> The moving portion 43 is configured to be able to move the outer end portion 412 of the cover main body 41 in the vehicle width direction X in accordance with the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L. The moving portion 43 has an operating rod 46 and a bracket 47.

[0026] <Operating Rod 46> The operating rod 46 has a rod-like shape that extends linearly. The operating rod 46 extends along the rotation center C1 of the left front wheel 21L. The operating rod 46 is provided integrally with the hub 26 for the left front wheel 21L, i.e., the hub 26 to which the left front wheel 21L is attached. More specifically, the outer end of the operating rod 46 in the vehicle width direction X is fixed to a portion of the hub 26 that is forward of the rotation center C1. The hub 26 has a base portion that is configured to be unrotatable relative to the vehicle body 27, and a rotating portion that is configured to be rotatable relative to the base portion. The operating rod 46 is fixed to the base portion of the hub 26.

[0027] In this embodiment, the operating rod 46 is provided integrally with the hub 26, and therefore swings integrally with the hub 26 in accordance with changes in the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L. Specifically, when the vehicle 20 turns right, the operating rod 46 moves integrally with the hub 26, thereby moving inward in the vehicle width direction X. On the other hand, when the vehicle 20 turns left, the operating rod 46 moves integrally with the hub 26, thereby moving outward in the vehicle width direction X.

[0028] A front end portion (hereinafter referred to as the first portion 41F) of the outer end portion 412 of the cover main body 41 is fixed to the inner end portion of the operating rod 46 in the vehicle width direction X. <Bracket 47> The bracket 47 is an attachment member used to attach the cover main body 41. The bracket 47 is provided integrally with the tie rod 31L. A rear end portion (hereinafter referred to as the second portion 41R) of the outer end portion 412 of the cover main body 41 is fixed to the bracket 47.

[0029] In this embodiment, the bracket 47 is provided integrally with the tie rod 31L, and therefore swings integrally with the tie rod 31L in accordance with changes in the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L. Specifically, when the vehicle 20 turns right, the bracket 47 moves integrally with the tie rod 31L, thereby moving outward in the vehicle width direction X. On the other hand, when the vehicle 20 turns left, the bracket 47 moves integrally with the tie rod 31L, thereby moving inward in the vehicle width direction X.

[0030] <Function of Suspension Under-Cover 40> Hereinafter, the function of the suspension under-cover 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. FIG.

[0031] In this embodiment, the action of the suspension under-cover 40R for the right front wheel 21R is the same as the action of the suspension under-cover 40L for the left front wheel 21L. Therefore, the following will describe the action of the suspension under-cover 40L for the left front wheel 21L, and a detailed description of the action of the suspension under-cover 40R for the right front wheel 21R will be omitted.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows the state of the suspension undercover 40L when the vehicle 20 is traveling straight. Fig. 3 shows the state of the suspension undercover 40L when the vehicle 20 is turning right. Fig. 4 shows the state of the suspension undercover 40L when the vehicle 20 is turning left.

[0033] 1, when the vehicle 20 is traveling straight, the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 extends in the front-to-rear direction Y. As a result, a predetermined distance W1 is maintained between the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 and the side surface of the left front wheel 21L in a plan view, and the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 and the side surface of the left front wheel 21L are substantially parallel to each other in a plan view.

[0034] <When the vehicle 20 turns right> As shown in Figure 3, when the vehicle 20 turns right, the operating rod 46 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X (toward the bottom in Figure 3) as the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes. A front first portion 41F at the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 is fixed to the operating rod 46. Therefore, when the operating rod 46 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X, the front first portion 41F of the cover main body 41 also moves inward in the vehicle width direction X in response to this movement. At this time, the front portion of the cover main body 41, including the first portion 41F, is contracted in the vehicle width direction X.

[0035] On the other hand, the tie rod 31L for the left front wheel 21L moves outward in the vehicle width direction X (upward in FIG. 3 ). A rear second portion 41R at the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 is fixed to the tie rod 31L via a bracket 47. Therefore, when the tie rod 31L moves outward in the vehicle width direction X, the rear second portion 41R of the cover main body 41 also moves outward in the vehicle width direction X in conjunction with this movement. At this time, the rear portion of the cover main body 41, including the second portion 41R, is stretched in the vehicle width direction X.

[0036] In this way, when the vehicle 20 turns right, the front first portion 41F of the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X, and the rear second portion 41R of the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X. Through such movement of the various parts of the cover body 41, large partial changes in the distance in a plan view between the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 and the side surface of the left front wheel 21L are suppressed.

[0037] Therefore, when the vehicle 20 turns right, even though the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes, the position of the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 can be changed in accordance with the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L so as to maintain the distance between the cover main body 41 and the left front wheel 21L. This allows the cover main body 41 to cover a wide area of ​​the lower opening of the tire house 23 for the left front wheel 21L, more specifically, the lower side of the suspension arm 25, while maintaining the distance between the cover main body 41 and the left front wheel 21L.

[0038] Therefore, compared to when a cover main body that is configured to be immovable relative to the vehicle body 27 is provided, the lower opening of the tire house 23 for the left front wheel 21L, more specifically, the area covered by the cover main body 41 on the underside of the suspension arm 25, can be made larger. Therefore, the cover main body 41 can protect the underside of the suspension arm 25 over a wide area, and the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 20 can be improved.

[0039] <When the vehicle 20 turns left> As shown in Figure 4, when the vehicle 20 turns left, the operating rod 46 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X (upper side in Figure 4) as the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes. A front first portion 41F at the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 is fixed to the operating rod 46. Therefore, when the operating rod 46 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X, the front first portion 41F of the cover main body 41 also moves outward in the vehicle width direction X in response to this movement. At this time, the front portion of the cover main body 41, including the first portion 41F, is stretched in the vehicle width direction X.

[0040] On the other hand, the tie rod 31L for the left front wheel 21L moves inward in the vehicle width direction X (toward the bottom in FIG. 4 ). A rear second portion 41R at the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 is fixed to the tie rod 31L via a bracket 47. Therefore, when the tie rod 31L moves inward in the vehicle width direction X, the rear second portion 41R of the cover main body 41 also moves inward in the vehicle width direction X in response to this movement. At this time, the rear portion of the cover main body 41, including the second portion 41R, is contracted in the vehicle width direction X.

[0041] In this way, when the vehicle 20 turns left, the front first portion 41F of the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X, and the rear second portion 41R of the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X. Through such movement of the various parts of the cover body 41, large partial changes in the distance in a plan view between the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 and the side surface of the left front wheel 21L are suppressed.

[0042] Therefore, when the vehicle 20 turns left, even though the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes, the position of the outer end 412 of the cover main body 41 can be changed in accordance with the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L so as to maintain the distance between the cover main body 41 and the left front wheel 21L. This allows the cover main body 41 to cover a wide area of ​​the lower opening of the tire house 23 for the left front wheel 21L, more specifically, the underside of the suspension arm 25, while maintaining the distance between the cover main body 41 and the left front wheel 21L. Therefore, just as when the vehicle 20 turns right, the cover main body 41 can protect a wide area of ​​the underside of the suspension arm 25 and improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 20.

[0043] <Effects of First Embodiment> The effects of the first embodiment will be described below. (1-1) The suspension undercover 40 includes a cover main body 41 and a moving portion 43. The cover main body 41 is shaped to cover a lower portion of the suspension arm 25 at the lower opening of the wheel well 23. The moving portion 43 is configured to be able to move an outer end portion 412 of the cover main body 41 that is closer to the front wheel 21 in the vehicle width direction X in accordance with the actual steering angle of the front wheel 21.

[0044] According to the above configuration, the area of ​​the lower opening of the wheel well 23 covered by the cover body 41 can be increased compared to when a cover body that is configured to be immovable relative to the vehicle body 27 is provided. Therefore, the cover body 41 can protect a wide area of ​​the lower part of the vehicle 20, and the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 20 can be improved.

[0045] (1-2) The cover body 41 has an inner end 411, which is located farther from the front wheel 21 in the vehicle width direction X, fixed to the suspension member 28. The cover body 41 is configured to be extendable and contractible in the vehicle width direction X.

[0046] According to the above configuration, the cover body 41 can be extended in the vehicle width direction X by pulling the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 away from the suspension member 28. In addition, the cover body 41 can be contracted in the vehicle width direction X by returning the outer end 412 to the side of the suspension member 28. This allows the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 to move in the vehicle width direction X.

[0047] (1-3) The cover body 41 is made of an elastic material. A part of the cover body 41 is configured as a bellows portion 44. The bellows portion 44 has mountain folds and valley folds alternately repeated in the vehicle width direction X.

[0048] According to the above configuration, the cover body 41 can be configured to be expandable and contractible by the bellows portion 44. Moreover, the air flow near the cover body 41 can be rectified to flow in the front-rear direction Y, thereby improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 20.

[0049] (1-4) The moving portion 43 moves the outer end portion 412 of the cover body 41 so that one of the front first portion 41F and the rear second portion 41R moves outward in the vehicle width direction X, and the other moves inward in the vehicle width direction X.

[0050] According to the above configuration, the cover main body 41 can cover a wide area of ​​the lower opening of the wheel well 23 while maintaining the distance between the cover main body 41 and the front wheel 21. (1-5) The moving part 43 has an operating rod 46 and a bracket 47. The operating rod 46 has one end fixed to the front portion of the hub 26 to which the front wheel 21 is attached, and the other end fixed to the first portion 41F of the cover main body 41. The bracket 47 is provided integrally with the tie rod 31. The second portion 41R of the cover main body 41 is fixed to the bracket 47.

[0051] According to the above configuration, one of the first portion 41F and the second portion 41R of the cover main body 41 can be moved outward in the vehicle width direction X, and the other can be moved inward in the vehicle width direction X, depending on the actual steering angle of the front wheels 21. Moreover, by using the tie rod 31, the complexity of the structure can be reduced.

[0052] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a vehicle cover according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, focusing on differences from the vehicle cover according to the first embodiment.

[0053] The vehicle cover of this embodiment differs from the vehicle cover of the first embodiment in the structure of the moving part. The moving part of this embodiment will be described below. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and corresponding components are given corresponding reference numerals, so that redundant explanations of those components will be omitted.

[0054] 5, the moving portion 53 of the suspension undercover 50 serving as a vehicle cover has an operating rod 56 and a rear guide portion 70. <Operating Rod 56> The operating rod 56 has an outer end in the vehicle width direction X fixed to the hub 26 for the front wheel 21, i.e., the hub 26 to which the front wheel 21 is attached, and extends in the vehicle width direction X in a manner that allows it to be bent midway. Specifically, the operating rod 56 has a support portion 60, a front guide portion 61, and a connecting portion 62.

[0055] The support portion 60 constitutes an outer portion of the operating rod 56 in the vehicle width direction X. The support portion 60 has a cylindrical shape. The outer end of the support portion 60 in the vehicle width direction X is fixed to the hub 26.

[0056] The front guide portion 61 has a rod portion 63. The rod portion 63 constitutes the inner portion of the operating rod 56 in the vehicle width direction X. The rod portion 63 has a C-shaped cross section that opens downward. The rod portion 63 is provided with one fixing pin 64 and three guide pins 65 as locking members used to lock the cover main body 51.

[0057] The fixing pin 64 is fixed to the rod portion 63. In this embodiment, the fixing pin 64 is inserted into a through-hole provided in the cover body 51, thereby locking the cover body 51 to the fixing pin 64. A front portion (hereinafter referred to as a first portion 51F) of the outer end portion 512 of the cover body 51 is locked to the fixing pin 64.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6 , the guide pins 65 are individually attached to the rod portion 63 so as to be slidable along the rod portion 63. Specifically, the guide pins 65 are composed of an engagement portion 651 and a pin portion 652. The engagement portion 651 is housed inside the rod portion 63 so as not to fall off. The upper portion of the pin portion 652 is integral with the engagement portion 651. The lower portion of the pin portion 652 protrudes downward from the rod portion 63 through an opening in the C-shaped cross section of the rod portion 63. In this embodiment, the guide pins 65 and the rod portion 63 form a sliding mechanism. In this embodiment, the cover main body 51 is engaged with the guide pins 65 by inserting the guide pins 65 into through holes provided in the cover main body 51. As shown in FIG. 5 , the front portions of the cover main body 51 are engaged with the three guide pins 65, respectively.

[0059] The connecting portion 62 has a hinge structure and is provided between the support portion 60 and the front guide portion 61. The connecting portion 62 connects the support portion 60 and the front guide portion 61 in a foldable manner.

[0060] <Rear guide portion 70> The rear guide portion 70 is fixed to the tie rod 31 so as to be disposed below the tie rod 31. The rear guide portion 70 is an attachment member used to attach the cover main body 51. The rear guide portion 70 has the same basic structure as the front guide portion 61 (see FIG. 6).

[0061] The rear guide portion 70 has a rod portion 73. The rod portion 73 is fixed to the tie rod 31. The rod portion 73 has a C-shaped cross section that opens downward. The rod portion 73 is provided with one fixing pin 74 and two guide pins 75 as locking members that lock the cover main body 51.

[0062] The fixing pin 74 is fixed to the rod portion 73. In this embodiment, the cover body 51 is locked to the fixing pin 74 by inserting the fixing pin 74 into a through-hole provided in the cover body 51. A rear portion (hereinafter, second portion 51R) of the outer end portion 512 of the cover body 51 is locked to the fixing pin 74.

[0063] The guide pins 75 are individually attached to the rod portions 73 so as to be slidable along the rod portions 73. In this embodiment, the cover body 51 is locked to the guide pins 75 by inserting the guide pins 75 into through holes provided in the cover body 51. The three guide pins 75 are locked to the rear portions of the cover body 51, respectively.

[0064] <Function of Suspension Under-Cover 50> Hereinafter, the function of the suspension under-cover 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. FIG.

[0065] In this embodiment, the action of the suspension under-cover 50R for the right front wheel 21R is the same as the action of the suspension under-cover 50L for the left front wheel 21L. Therefore, the following will describe the action of the suspension under-cover 50L for the left front wheel 21L, and a detailed description of the action of the suspension under-cover 50R for the right front wheel 21R will be omitted.

[0066] Fig. 5 shows the state of the suspension undercover 50L when the vehicle is traveling straight, Fig. 7 shows the state of the suspension undercover 50L when the vehicle is turning right, and Fig. 8 shows the state of the suspension undercover 50L when the vehicle is turning left.

[0067] <When the vehicle is traveling straight> As shown in Figure 5, when the vehicle 20 is traveling straight, a predetermined distance is left between the outer end 512 of the cover body 51 and the side of the left front wheel 21L in a planar view, and the outer end 512 of the cover body 51 and the side of the left front wheel 21L are approximately parallel in a planar view.

[0068] <When the vehicle turns right> As shown in Figure 7 , when the vehicle turns right, the support portion 60 of the operating rod 56 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X (toward the lower side in Figure 7 ) as the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes. Accordingly, the operating rod 56 bends so that the angle between the support portion 60 and the rear guide portion 70 decreases. At this time, the fixing pin 64 of the operating rod 56, i.e., the portion of the outer end 512 of the cover main body 51 to which the front first portion 51F is fixed, moves inward in the vehicle width direction X (toward the lower side in Figure 7 ). As a result, the front first portion 51F of the outer end 512 of the cover main body 51, which is engaged with the fixing pin 64, also moves inward in the vehicle width direction X. At this time, the front portion of the cover main body 51, including the first portion 51F, is contracted in the vehicle width direction X.

[0069] On the other hand, when the vehicle is turned right, the rear guide portion 70 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X (upward in FIG. 7 ) together with the tie rod 31L for the left front wheel 21L. The rear second portion 51R at the outer end portion 512 of the cover main body 51 is fixed to the rear guide portion 70 via a fixing pin 74. Therefore, when the rear guide portion 70 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X, the rear second portion 51R of the cover main body 51 also moves outward in the vehicle width direction X in conjunction with this movement. At this time, the rear portion of the cover main body 51, including the second portion 51R, is stretched in the vehicle width direction X.

[0070] In this way, when the vehicle turns right, the front first portion 51F of the outer end 512 of the cover body 51 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X, and the rear second portion 51R of the outer end 512 of the cover body 51 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X. Through such movement of the various parts of the cover body 51, large partial changes in the distance in a plan view between the outer end 512 of the cover body 51 and the side surface of the left front wheel 21L are suppressed.

[0071] Therefore, when the vehicle turns right, even though the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes, the position of the outer end 512 of the cover main body 51 can be changed in accordance with the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L so as to maintain the distance between the cover main body 51 and the left front wheel 21L. This allows the cover main body 51 to cover a wide area of ​​the lower opening of the tire house 23 for the left front wheel 21L, more specifically, the lower side of the suspension arm 25, while maintaining the distance between the cover main body 51 and the left front wheel 21L.

[0072] Therefore, compared to when a cover main body is provided that is configured to be immovable relative to the vehicle body 27, the area of ​​the lower opening of the wheel well 23, more specifically, the area of ​​the underside of the suspension arm 25 that is covered by the cover main body 51 can be increased. Therefore, the underside of the suspension arm 25 can be protected over a wide area by the cover main body 51, and the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle can be improved.

[0073] In this embodiment, the front portion of the cover main body 51 is engaged with three guide pins 65 of the front guide portion 61. When the front portion of the cover main body 51 contracts during a right turn of the vehicle, the portions of the cover main body 51 engaged with the guide pins 65 (support points) also move accordingly. In this embodiment, the three guide pins 65 slide individually along the rod portion 63 of the front guide portion 61 at this time. This maintains the state in which the cover main body 51 is engaged with the guide pins 65. According to this embodiment, the front portion of the cover main body 51, which contracts in the vehicle width direction X as the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes, can be supported from below by the front guide portion 61.

[0074] In this embodiment, the rear portion of the cover body 51 is engaged with two guide pins 75 of the rear guide portion 70. When the rear portion of the cover body 51 extends during a right turn of the vehicle, the portions of the cover body 51 engaged with the guide pins 75 also move accordingly. In this embodiment, the two guide pins 75 slide independently along the rod portion 73 of the rear guide portion 70. This maintains the state in which the cover body 51 is engaged with the guide pins 75. According to this embodiment, the rear portion of the cover body 51, which extends in the vehicle width direction X as the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes, can be supported from below by the rear guide portion 70.

[0075] <When the vehicle turns left> As shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle turns left, the support portion 60 of the operating rod 56 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X (upward in FIG. 8) as the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes.

[0076] Accordingly, the operating rod 56 bends so that the angle between the support portion 60 and the rear guide portion 70 increases. At this time, the fixing pin 64 of the operating rod 56, i.e., the portion of the outer end portion 512 of the cover main body 51 to which the front first portion 51F is fixed, moves outward in the vehicle width direction X (upper side in FIG. 8 ). As a result, the front first portion 51F of the outer end portion 512 of the cover main body 51, which is engaged with the fixing pin 64, also moves outward in the vehicle width direction X. At this time, the front portion of the cover main body 51, including the first portion 51F, is stretched in the vehicle width direction X.

[0077] Meanwhile, the rear guide portion 70 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X (toward the bottom in FIG. 8 ) together with the tie rod 31L for the left front wheel 21L. The rear second portion 51R at the outer end 512 of the cover main body 51 is fixed to the rear guide portion 70 via a fixing pin 74. Therefore, when the rear guide portion 70 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X, the rear second portion 51R at the outer end 512 of the cover main body 51 also moves inward in the vehicle width direction X in conjunction with this movement. At this time, the rear portion of the cover main body 51, including the second portion 51R, is contracted in the vehicle width direction X.

[0078] In this way, when the vehicle turns left, the front first portion 51F of the outer end 512 of the cover body 51 moves outward in the vehicle width direction X, and the rear second portion 51R of the outer end 512 of the cover body 51 moves inward in the vehicle width direction X. Through such movement of the various parts of the cover body 51, large partial changes in the distance in a plan view between the outer end 512 of the cover body 51 and the side surface of the left front wheel 21L are suppressed.

[0079] Therefore, when the vehicle turns left, even though the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes, the position of the outer end 512 of the cover main body 51 can be changed in accordance with the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L so as to maintain the distance between the cover main body 51 and the left front wheel 21L. This allows the cover main body 51 to cover a wide area of ​​the lower opening of the tire housing 23 for the left front wheel 21L, more specifically, the underside of the suspension arm 25, while maintaining the distance between the cover main body 51 and the left front wheel 21L. Therefore, just like when the vehicle turns right, the cover main body 51 can protect a wide area of ​​the underside of the suspension arm 25 and improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

[0080] In this embodiment, the front portion of the cover main body 51 is engaged with three guide pins 65 of the front guide portion 61. When the front portion of the cover main body 51 extends during a left turn of the vehicle, the portions of the cover main body 51 engaged with the guide pins 65 also move accordingly. In this embodiment, the three guide pins 65 slide individually along the rod portion 63 of the front guide portion 61 at this time. This maintains the state in which the cover main body 51 is engaged with the guide pins 65. According to this embodiment, the front portion of the cover main body 51, which extends in the vehicle width direction X as the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes, can be supported from below by the front guide portion 61.

[0081] In this embodiment, the rear portion of the cover body 51 is engaged with two guide pins 75 of the rear guide portion 70. When the rear portion of the cover body 51 contracts during a left turn of the vehicle, the portions of the cover body 51 engaged with the guide pins 75 also move accordingly. In this embodiment, the two guide pins 75 slide independently along the rod portion 73 of the rear guide portion 70. This maintains the state in which the cover body 51 is engaged with the guide pins 75. According to this embodiment, the rear portion of the cover body 51, which contracts in the vehicle width direction X as the actual steering angle of the left front wheel 21L changes, can be supported from below by the rear guide portion 70.

[0082] <Effects of Second Embodiment> The following describes the effects of the second embodiment. According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1-1) to (1-4) above, the following effects described in (2-1) to (2-3) can be obtained.

[0083] (2-1) The moving unit 53 has an operating rod 56 and a rear guide portion 70. The outer end of the operating rod 56 in the vehicle width direction X is fixed to the front portion of the hub 26 to which the front wheel 21 is attached. The middle portion of the operating rod 56 is fixed to the first portion 51F of the cover main body 51. The rear guide portion 70 is provided integrally with the tie rod 31. The second portion 51R of the cover main body 51 is fixed to the rear guide portion 70.

[0084] According to the above configuration, one of the first portion 51F and the second portion 51R of the cover main body 51 can be moved outward in the vehicle width direction X and the other can be moved inward in the vehicle width direction X in accordance with the actual steering angle of the front wheels 21. Moreover, by using the tie rod 31, the complexity of the structure can be reduced.

[0085] (2-2) The suspension undercover 50 has a front guide portion 61. The front guide portion 61 has a rod portion 63 that constitutes part of the operating rod 56, and a guide pin 65 that is attached to the rod portion 63 so as to be slidable along the rod portion 63. The outer end of the operating rod 56 in the vehicle width direction X is fixed to the hub 26 for the front wheel 21. The front portion of the cover main body 51 is engaged with the guide pin 65.

[0086] According to the above configuration, in the suspension undercover 50 in which the front portion of the cover body 51 expands and contracts in the vehicle width direction X in accordance with changes in the actual steering angle of the front wheels 21, the front portion of the cover body 51 can be supported from below by the front guide portion 61. This prevents the front portion of the cover body 51 from sagging, and allows the cover body 51 to maintain an appropriate shape extending in the vehicle width direction X and the front-rear direction Y.

[0087] (2-3) The suspension undercover 50 has a rear guide portion 70. The front guide portion 61 has a rod portion 73 fixed to the lower portion of the tie rod 31 and a guide pin 75 attached to the rod portion 73 so as to be slidable along the rod portion 73. The rear portion of the cover main body 51 is engaged with the guide pin 75.

[0088] According to the above configuration, in the suspension undercover 50 in which the rear portion of the cover body 51 expands and contracts in the vehicle width direction X in accordance with changes in the actual steering angle of the front wheels 21, the rear portion of the cover body 51 can be supported from below by the rear guide portion 70. This makes it possible to prevent the rear portion of the cover body 51 from sagging, thereby maintaining the cover body 51 in an appropriate shape extending in the vehicle width direction X and the front-rear direction Y.

[0089] <Modifications> The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the shape of the operating rod 46 can be changed to any shape, such as a rod shape that is partially or entirely curved and extends, as long as it can connect the front first portion 41F at the outer end 412 of the cover body 41 to the hub 26.

[0091] In the first embodiment, an operating rod may be provided instead of the bracket 47. In this case, one end of the operating rod is fixed to the rear portion of the hub 26, and the other end of the operating rod is fixed to the rear second portion 41R of the outer end portion 412 of the cover main body 41. In this configuration, the operating rod corresponds to the mounting member.

[0092] In the first embodiment, either the operating rod 46 or the bracket 47 may be omitted. In this case, the shape of the cover body 41 may be changed so that it does not come into contact with the front wheel 21 or the hub 26. Furthermore, if the operating rod 46 is omitted, a structure may be adopted in which the first portion 41F of the cover body 41 is held immovably. Furthermore, if the bracket 47 is omitted, a structure may be adopted in which the second portion 41R of the cover body 41 is held immovably.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the shape of the operating rod 56, including the support portion 60 and the front guide portion 61, can be changed as desired. For example, the support portion 60 and the front guide portion 61 can be formed into a rod shape that is partially or entirely curved. The key point is that the shape of the operating rod 56 may be any shape that can connect the front first portion 41F at the outer end portion 412 of the cover main body 51 to the hub 26 and that can appropriately move the guide pin 65 in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the front portion of the cover main body 51.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the rear guide portion 70 can be provided so as to constitute a part of the tie rod 31. In the second embodiment, the rear guide portion 70 is not limited to being integral with the tie rod 31, but can be one having one end fixed to the rear portion of the hub 26 and the other end fixed to the second rear portion 51R of the cover main body 51.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the number of guide pins 65 of the front guide portion 61 and the number of guide pins 75 of the rear guide portion 70 can be changed as desired. In the second embodiment, the method of fixing the cover body 51 to the fixing pins 64, 74 or the guide pins 65, 75 is not limited to the method of inserting and locking the fixing pins 64, 74 or the guide pins 65, 75 into the through holes of the cover body 51, and any fixing method can be used. Such fixing methods can include, for example, heat caulking or adhesive bonding.

[0096] In the second embodiment, either the guide pin 65 of the front guide portion 61 or the guide pin 75 of the rear guide portion 70 may be omitted. In the second embodiment, the structure for sliding the guide pins 65, 75 as locking members is not limited to the structure shown in Fig. 6 and can be modified as desired. For example, the structure may include a rod portion and a guide ring as a locking member that is inserted into the rod portion.

[0097] In the second embodiment, either the operating rod 56 or the rear guide portion 70 may be omitted. In this case, the shape of the cover main body 51 may be changed so that it does not come into contact with the front wheel 21 or the hub 26. Furthermore, if the operating rod 56 is omitted, a structure may be adopted in which the second portion 51R of the cover main body 51 is held immovable. Furthermore, if the rear guide portion 70 is omitted, a structure may be adopted in which the first portion 51F of the cover main body 51 is held immovable.

[0098] In each embodiment, the entire cover body 41, 51 may be formed in a bellows shape with alternating mountain folds and valley folds in the vehicle width direction X. In each embodiment, the cover body 41, 51 may be provided with reinforcing ribs, thick portions that are partially thick, notches, slits, thin portions that are partially thin, etc. This allows the cover body 41, 51 to have a shape that is less likely to sag or is more easily deformed.

[0099] In each embodiment, the material forming the cover main body 41, 51 is not limited to a synthetic rubber material and can be any elastic material having elasticity. In each embodiment, the bellows portion 44 may be omitted as long as each portion of the cover main body 41, 51 sufficiently expands and contracts in response to changes in the actual steering angle of the front wheel 21. In other words, the cover main body 41, 51 may be formed in a flat sheet shape. In this case, it is preferable to use a soft elastic material, such as an elastomer, as the material forming the cover main body 41, 51.

[0100] For example, as in the suspension undercover 80 shown in FIG. 9 and the suspension undercover 90 shown in FIG. 10, the cover bodies 81, 91 may be formed of a hard material such as a metal material or a hard resin material.

[0101] The structure of the suspension undercover 80 shown in Figure 9 will be described. As shown in Figure 9, the cover body 81 of the suspension undercover 80 has a base portion 82, a front movable portion 83, and a rear movable portion 84. The base portion 82, the front movable portion 83, and the rear movable portion 84 are made of a hard material.

[0102] The base portion 82 has a flat plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction X and the front-rear direction Y. The base portion 82 is connected to the suspension member 28 via a hinge 85. The front movable portion 83 has a fan shape with a center C2 at the midpoint in the front-rear direction Y. The front movable portion 83 has a structure in which multiple (e.g., four) fan-shaped divided plates 831 are stacked. In the suspension undercover 80, the divided plates 831 rotate relative to each other around the center C2, thereby changing the arc length of the entire fan-shaped front movable portion 83. The multiple divided plates 831 are connected to each other. The divided plates 831 on the base portion 82 side are connected to the front end of the base portion 82 on the front wheel 21 side. The divided plates 831 on the front wheel 21 side are connected to the front end of the hub 26 for the front wheel 21 via an operating rod 86.

[0103] The rear movable part 84 is fan-shaped with the center C2 as its center. The rear movable part 84 is configured with a plurality of (for example, four) fan-shaped divided plates 841 stacked on top of each other. In the suspension undercover 80, the divided plates 841 rotate relatively around the center C2, thereby changing the arc length of the entire fan-shaped rear movable part 84. The divided plates 841 are connected to each other. The divided plates 841 on the base part 82 side are connected to the rear part of the end of the base part 82 on the front wheel 21 side. The divided plate 831 on the front wheel 21 side is connected to the rear part of the hub 26 for the front wheel 21 via an operating rod 87.

[0104] The action and effect of the suspension undercover 80 will now be described. As shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 9, when the vehicle turns left, the front movable portion 83 extends so that the arc of its fan shape becomes longer, and the rear movable portion 84 contracts so that the arc of its fan shape becomes shorter. On the other hand, when the vehicle turns right, the front movable portion 83 contracts so that the arc of its fan shape becomes shorter, and the rear movable portion 84 extends so that the arc of its fan shape becomes longer. By providing the suspension undercover 80, it is possible to maintain the distance between the suspension undercover 80 and the front wheel 21, and for the suspension undercover 80 to cover a wide area of ​​the lower opening of the tire well 23 for the front wheel 21, more specifically, the lower side of the suspension arm 25.

[0105] The suspension undercover 90 shown in Figure 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the cover body 91 of the suspension undercover 90 is made of a hard material and is formed into a rectangular plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction X and the front-rear direction Y. The suspension undercover 90 is configured to be rotatable around a virtual line extending in the up-down direction Z as a rotation center C3. The rotation center C3 is set at a position between the front wheel 21 and the suspension member 28, below the suspension arm 25. By connecting the cover body 91 to the hub 26 for the front wheel 21 or by controlling the operation of an actuator connected to the cover body 91, the cover body 91 can be rotated in accordance with the actual steering angle of the front wheel 21, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 10 as an example.

[0106] In each embodiment, an actuator for moving the outer end portions 412, 512 of the cover bodies 41, 51 in the vehicle width direction X and a control device for controlling the operation of the actuator may be provided. With this configuration, the outer end portions 412, 512 of the cover bodies 41, 51 can be moved in the vehicle width direction X in accordance with the actual steering angle of the front wheels 21 through the control of the operation of the actuator by the control device.

[0107] The vehicle covers according to the above embodiments can be applied to the front wheels of a front-wheel steering vehicle, as well as the rear wheels of a rear-wheel steering vehicle, and the front and rear wheels of a four-wheel steering vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle cover to be applied to a vehicle, the vehicle having a steering wheel, a suspension arm connecting the steering wheel to a suspension member, and a wheel well that houses the steering wheel and the suspension arm, the vehicle cover comprising: a cover main body that covers a portion of the suspension arm on the underside of the vehicle at the lower opening of the wheel well, and a moving part configured to be able to move the end of the cover main body that is closer to the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction in accordance with the actual steering angle of the steering wheel.

2. A vehicle cover as described in claim 1, wherein the end of the cover body farther from the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the suspension member and is configured to be expandable and contractible in the vehicle width direction.

3. A vehicle cover as described in claim 2, wherein the cover body is formed from an elastic material, and at least a portion of the cover body is accordion-shaped with alternating mountain folds and valley folds in the vehicle width direction.

4. A vehicle cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the moving portion is configured to move the end portion of the cover body closer to the steering wheel so that one of a first portion on the front side of the vehicle and a second portion on the rear side of the vehicle at the end portion moves outward in the vehicle width direction, and the other moves inward in the vehicle width direction.

5. A vehicle cover as described in claim 4, wherein the moving part has an operating rod and an attachment member, the operating rod has one end fixed to a front portion of the vehicle at a hub to which the steering wheel is attached, and the other end fixed to the first portion of the cover body, the attachment member being integral with the tie rod, and the second portion of the cover body being fixed to the attachment member.

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