Mounting structure for vehicle approach notification device

Abstract

This mounting structure for a vehicle approach notification device comprises a speaker unit (1), a bumper fascia (2), a hook (3), and an undercover (4). The speaker unit (1) is provided with a sound output surface (5) for outputting a vehicle approach notification sound in a sound output direction (X). The undercover (4) covers the speaker unit (1) from below and is provided with a downward opening (4F) through which the hook (3) is inserted. The speaker unit (1), the hook (3), and the bumper fascia (2) are arranged in this order along the sound output direction (X). The sound output surface (5) is directed toward the bumper fascia (2).

Description

Mounting Structure of Vehicle Approach Notification Device

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure of a vehicle approach notification device.

[0002] In vehicles with low running noise such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), a vehicle approach notification device for notifying pedestrians, bicycles, etc. (hereinafter referred to as pedestrians, etc.) of the approach of the vehicle is installed. The vehicle approach notification device, also called AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System), outputs a vehicle approach notification sound such as a pseudo engine sound when the vehicle is running at low speed with the motor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle approach notification device that outputs a vehicle approach notification sound from a speaker mounted on a vehicle. The speaker is arranged to the left of the left side member of the vehicle and outputs toward the intersection of the center line in the left-right direction of the vehicle and the ground through an opening provided in the towing hook provided in the under cover through which the vehicle approach notification sound passes.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-62958

[0005] However, in the vehicle approach notification device described in Patent Document 1, depending on the material of the road surface, part of the vehicle approach notification sound passing through the opening of the under cover may be absorbed by the road surface, and there is a risk that the volume of the vehicle approach notification sound in the vehicle peripheral area will decrease.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting structure of a vehicle approach notification device that can increase the volume of the vehicle approach notification sound in the vehicle peripheral area.

[0007] The mounting structure of the vehicle approach notification device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a speaker unit, a bumper fascia, a hook, and an under cover. The speaker unit has a sound output surface that outputs a vehicle approach notification sound in the sound output direction. The under cover covers the speaker unit from below and has a downward opening through which the hook is inserted. The speaker unit, the hook, and the bumper fascia are arranged in this order along the sound output direction. And the sound output surface is directed toward the bumper fascia.

[0008] According to the above mounting structure, the volume of the vehicle approach warning sound in the area surrounding the vehicle can be increased.

[0009] Figure 1 is a bottom view of the mounting structure of the vehicle proximity warning device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mounting structure of Figure 1 taken from diagonally below and behind. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mounting structure of Figure 1 taken from diagonally above and behind. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting structure of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a rear view of the mounting structure of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a rear view of the mounting structure of the vehicle proximity warning device according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the mounting structure of the vehicle proximity warning device according to the third embodiment. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the mounting structure of Figure 7.

[0010] The following describes the mounting structures of vehicle proximity warning devices according to several embodiments, with reference to the drawings. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front, and rear are relative to the vehicle. In the drawings, FR and RR indicate the front and rear of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Similarly, LH and RH indicate the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction, and UP and DN indicate the top and bottom of the vehicle in the vertical direction, respectively.

[0011] <First Embodiment> The mounting structure S1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The mounting structure S1 comprises a speaker unit 1, a bumper fascia 2, a hook 3, and an under cover 4.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the speaker unit 1 is located at the bottom of the vehicle body and is equipped with a sound output surface 5 (see Figure 4). The sound output surface 5 is, for example, a speaker cone, which vibrates in response to the supplied power and outputs a vehicle approach warning sound (hereinafter also simply referred to as "warning sound") in the sound output direction X.

[0013] The speaker unit 1 may be attached to a rear side member 7, which is part of the vehicle body, via a bracket 6. The upper end of the bracket 6 is fixed to the lower surface of the rear side member 7 with bolts. The speaker unit 1 may have a housing for housing the sound output surface 5. The housing is made of resin, for example, and has a cylindrical shape with an axial length shorter than its diameter.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the sound output direction X of the sound output surface 5 is the direction of a straight line perpendicular to the sound output surface 5, extending forward from the center O of the sound output surface 5. If the sound output surface 5 is a speaker cone, the sound output direction X coincides with the direction of the speaker axis. In the illustrated example, the sound output surface 5 is directional, and the sound pressure level of the sound output from the sound output surface 5 is highest in the sound output direction X and decreases as the deviation angle from the sound output direction X increases.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the bumper fascia 2 is positioned at the rear end of the vehicle and fixed to the vehicle body. The bumper fascia 2 is located further from the passenger compartment than the under cover 4. In the illustrated example, the bumper fascia 2 is, for example, a molded resin product and has an overall U-shape in plan view. The left and right ends of the bumper fascia 2 extend forward of the vehicle and reach the rear wheel wells 8.

[0016] The bumper fascia 2 comprises a vertical wall 2A facing the vehicle perimeter area PR, and a flange 2B extending inward from the lower edge of the vertical wall 2A toward the front of the vehicle and inward in the vehicle width direction in the illustrated example. The vehicle perimeter area PR is the space around the vehicle, excluding the space below the vehicle. The outer edge and rear edge in the vehicle width direction of the under cover 4 are fixed to the flange 2B by, for example, resin push rivets (snap rivets) 9.

[0017] Hook 3 is a fastening hook used to secure the vehicle body to the floor when transporting the vehicle on a ship, or a towing hook to which a towing rope is attached when towing the vehicle. Hook 3 may be composed of a pair of press-formed and joined steel plates 3A and 3B, as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5.

[0018] In the illustrated example, the steel plate material 3A comprises a flat vertical plate 3V extending substantially vertically, and a flange 3C extending from the outer edge of the vertical plate 3V in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plate 3V. A bead 3D extending substantially vertically is formed in the center of the vertical plate 3V. A pair of bolt holes 3E are formed in the upper part of the vertical plate 3V. Bolts 10 for fixing the steel plate material 3A to the side surface of the rear side member 7 are inserted through the bolt holes 3E. A reinforcing member 3F is joined to the upper part of the vertical plate 3V on the vehicle front side to reinforce the bolt holes 3E.

[0019] Furthermore, the steel plate material 3B includes a flat vertical plate 3V extending substantially vertically, a flat inclined plate 3G that slopes away from the steel plate material 3A as it extends upward from the upper edge of the vertical plate 3V, and a horizontal plate 3H extending substantially horizontally from the upper edge of the inclined plate 3G. Flanges 3C are formed on the outer periphery of the steel plate material 3B, extending perpendicularly to the outer edges of the vertical plate 3V, the inclined plate 3G, and the horizontal plate 3H. A bead 3D is formed in the central part of the steel plate material 3B, spanning the vertical plate 3V, the inclined plate 3G, and the horizontal plate 3H. A pair of bolt holes 3E are formed in the horizontal plate 3H. Bolts 10 for fixing the steel plate material 3B to the lower surface of the rear side member 7 are inserted through the bolt holes 3E. A reinforcing member 3F for reinforcing the bolt holes 3E is joined to the front-facing portion of the horizontal plate 3H.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the vertical plates 3V of the steel plate material 3B are joined to the vertical plates 3V of the steel plate material 3A by overlapping them. Hook holes 3I are formed in the vertical surface 3Va, which is the main surface of the overlapped vertical plates 3V. In this embodiment, the direction of penetration of the hook holes 3I is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the sound output direction X. In addition, the side surface 3Ca of the flange 3C of the hook 3 on the speaker unit 1 side faces the sound output surface 5 and is in a position where it can be seen through the opening 4F from directly below the vehicle. The side surface 3Ca is an inclined surface that slopes away from the speaker unit 1 as it approaches the opening 4F.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the under cover 4 covers the speaker unit 1 from below. The under cover 4 is, for example, a molded resin product and has a lower plate 4A at its lower end for straightening the airflow under the vehicle floor. In the illustrated example, the lower plate 4A is inclined to be positioned upward as it approaches the rear of the vehicle. Multiple mounting holes 4B for attaching push rivets 9 are formed on the outer edge and rear edge in the vehicle width direction of the lower plate 4A. The outer edge and rear edge in the vehicle width direction of the lower plate 4A are fixed to the flange 2B of the bumper fascia 2 by push rivets 9. That is, the lower plate 4A is located below the vertical wall 2A of the bumper fascia 2.

[0022] The under cover 4 is provided with a front wall 4C extending upward from the front edge of the lower panel 4A, and a mounting tab 4D extending forward from the upper edge of the front wall 4C. The mounting tab 4D has a mounting hole 4B for attaching a push rivet 9. The mounting tab 4D is fixed to the lower surface of the rear side member 7 by the push rivet 9. The under cover 4 is provided with a side wall 4E extending upward from the inner edge of the lower panel 4A in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] The under cover 4's lower panel 4A, front wall 4C, and side wall 4E, together with the bumper fascia 2, form a semi-closed space below the rear side member 7, and the speaker unit 1 and hook 3 are positioned within this semi-closed space. Thus, the under cover 4 protects the speaker unit 1 from rainwater, snow, mud, sand, etc., that splash up when the vehicle is in motion.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the under cover 4 has a downward-facing opening 4F through which the hook 3 is inserted. In the illustrated example, a portion of the vertical plate 3V of the hook 3 protrudes downward from the opening 4F, and a portion of the hook hole 3I is located below the vehicle below the bottom plate 4A. The opening 4F is rectangular in shape, and a large gap is formed between the inner edge of the opening 4F and the lower part of the hook 3.

[0025] In the mounting structure S1, the speaker unit 1, hook 3, and bumper fascia 2 are arranged in this order along the sound output direction X. "Arranged along the sound output direction X" does not require that the parts or structures in question be located on a straight line representing the sound output direction X (see, for example, Figure 1). "Arranged along the sound output direction X" means that at least a part of the parts or structures in question are arranged inside a cone with a vertex angle of 60 degrees, with the center O of the sound output surface 5 as its vertex and the straight line representing the sound output direction X as its central axis.

[0026] The sound output surface 5 of the speaker unit 1 is directed toward the bumper fascia 2. In other words, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the straight line representing the sound output direction X penetrates the bumper fascia 2. More specifically, the straight line representing the sound output direction X penetrates the vertical wall 2A of the bumper fascia 2, but does not penetrate the under cover 4.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the speaker unit 1 is positioned such that the sound output surface 5 is above the lower edge of the vertical wall 2A of the bumper fascia 2 and below the upper edge of the vertical wall 2A, and the sound output direction X of the sound output surface 5 is approximately horizontal. The sound output direction X does not have to be parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, the sound output surface 5 may be positioned such that a straight line representing the sound output direction X extends diagonally from the center O of the sound output surface 5 toward the rear of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction. In that case, the straight line representing the sound output direction X may penetrate the vertical wall 2A at the left or right end of the bumper fascia 2.

[0028] In the mounting structure S1, as shown in Figure 5, when viewed from the sound output direction X, the hook 3 does not overlap with the sound output surface 5. That is, when viewed from the sound output direction X, the hook 3 is located outside the outer edge of the sound output surface 5, which is shown by the dashed line in Figure 5. Therefore, when viewed from the sound output direction X, the hook 3 does not overlap with the center O of the sound output surface 5. Also, in the illustrated example, when viewed from the sound output direction X, the rear end of the under cover 4, that is, the rear edge of the bottom plate 4A and the rear edge of the side wall 4E, do not overlap with the sound output surface 5.

[0029] (1) The mounting structure S1 comprises a speaker unit 1, a bumper fascia 2, a hook 3, and an under cover 4. The speaker unit 1 has a sound output surface 5 that outputs a vehicle approach warning sound in the sound output direction X. The under cover 4 covers the speaker unit 1 from below and has a downward-facing opening 4F through which the hook 3 is inserted. The speaker unit 1, the hook 3, and the bumper fascia 2 are arranged in this order along the sound output direction X. The sound output surface 5 is directed toward the bumper fascia 2.

[0030] (1-1) In the mounting structure S1, the sound output surface 5 of the speaker unit 1 is directed toward the bumper fascia 2, so that most of the alarm sound output from the sound output surface 5 passes through the bumper fascia 2 and is radiated into the area PR around the vehicle. In other words, with the mounting structure S1, the volume of the alarm sound radiated from the bumper fascia 2 into the area PR around the vehicle can be increased compared to when the sound output surface 5 is not directed toward the bumper fascia 2. This makes it possible to more reliably alert pedestrians and others near the vehicle to the approach of the vehicle.

[0031] (1-2) In mounting structure S1, since the sound output surface 5 of the speaker unit 1 is directed toward the bumper fascia 2, reflection of the alarm sound by the under cover 4 can be suppressed more effectively than when the sound output surface 5 is directed toward the under cover 4. Also, since the bumper fascia 2 is located further from the passenger compartment than the under cover 4, the reflected sound reflected from the back surface of the bumper fascia 2 is attenuated more significantly before it propagates into the passenger compartment than the reflected sound reflected from the back surface of the under cover 4. In other words, mounting structure S1 suppresses reflection of the alarm sound by the under cover 4 and effectively attenuates the reflected sound from the bumper fascia 2, thereby reducing the intrusion of reflected sound into the passenger compartment and improving the sound environment inside the passenger compartment. In particular, in vehicles with three rows of seats, the annoyance of the alarm sound that passengers in the third row may experience can be greatly reduced.

[0032] (1-3) In the mounting structure S1, the speaker unit 1, hook 3, and bumper fascia 2 are arranged in this order along the sound output direction X, and the opening 4F of the under cover 4 is located between the speaker unit 1 and the bumper fascia 2. As a result, a portion of the alarm sound output from the sound output surface 5 is radiated from the opening 4F into the space below the vehicle. The alarm sound radiated from the opening 4F may be attenuated before it propagates to the area PR around the vehicle due to sound absorption if the road surface is soil, gravel, etc., or due to sound transmission if the road surface is grating (for example, the second floor of a two-story parking garage). With the mounting structure S1, the volume of the alarm sound radiated from the bumper fascia 2 into the area PR around the vehicle can be increased to compensate for the decrease in volume of the alarm sound radiated from the opening 4F due to the above attenuation.

[0033] (2) The hook 3 may be positioned so as not to overlap with the center O of the sound output surface 5 when viewed from the sound output direction X, as shown in the illustrated example. In this case, the alarm sound radiated from the sound output surface 5 in the sound output direction X, that is, the alarm sound with the highest sound pressure level among the alarm sounds radiated from the sound output surface 5, can be transmitted to the bumper fascia 2 without being blocked. This suppresses the decrease in volume of the alarm sound output from the sound output surface 5 and allows the alarm sound to be radiated from the bumper fascia 2 into the area PR around the vehicle.

[0034] (3) The hook 3 and the sound output surface 5 may be arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the sound output direction X, as shown in the illustrated example. Compared to the case where the hook 3 and the sound output surface 5 are arranged to partially overlap when viewed from the sound output direction X, a larger portion of the alarm sound output from the sound output surface 5 can be radiated from the bumper fascia 2 into the area PR around the vehicle.

[0035] (4) The hook 3 may have an inclined surface on the speaker unit 1 side that slopes away from the speaker unit 1 as it approaches the opening 4F. The inclined surface may be made from the side surface 3Ca of the flange 3C, as shown in the illustrated example. In this case, a portion of the alarm sound output from the sound output surface 5 can be reflected by the inclined surface and radiated from the opening 4F into the space below the vehicle. This increases the volume of the alarm sound propagating in the area PR around the vehicle, making it possible to more reliably alert pedestrians and others near the vehicle to the approach of the vehicle.

[0036] (5) The hook 3 may have a hook hole 3I whose penetration direction is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the sound output direction X. In this case, the vertical plate 3V in which the hook hole 3I is formed can be arranged parallel to the sound output direction X, and the shielding of the alarm sound output from the sound output surface 5 by the hook 3 can be reduced compared to the case in which the penetration direction of the hook hole 3I is parallel to the sound output direction X. As a result, a larger portion of the alarm sound output from the sound output surface 5 can be radiated from the bumper fascia 2 to the area PR around the vehicle.

[0037] <Other Embodiments> The mounting structure S2 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 6, and the mounting structure S3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In the second and third embodiments, configurations different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and configurations having the same function as those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0038] (6) In the mounting structure S2, as shown in Figure 6, the hook 3 overlaps with a part of the sound output surface 5 when viewed from the sound output direction X, but does not overlap with the center O of the sound output surface 5. The other configurations are the same as in the mounting structure S1. Therefore, the effects of (1-1) to (1-3), (2), (4) to (5) above can also be obtained in the mounting structure S2.

[0039] (7) In the mounting structure S3, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the direction of penetration of the hook hole 3I is parallel to the sound output direction X. Therefore, the inclined plate 3G extending from the upper edge of the vertical plate 3V is positioned to face the sound output surface 5, and the side surface 3Ga of the inclined plate 3G on the speaker unit 1 side is an inclined surface that slopes away from the speaker unit 1 as it approaches the opening 4F. The width of the inclined plate 3G is greater than the width of the flange 3C. Therefore, the apparent size of the side surface 3Ga in the mounting structure S3, when viewed from the center O of the sound output surface 5, is greater than the apparent size of the side surface 3Ca of the flange 3C in the mounting structure S1. As a result, a larger portion of the alarm sound output from the sound output surface 5 can be reflected by the side surface 3Ga and radiated from the opening 4F into the space below the vehicle. In situations where sound reflection from the road surface can be expected, such as when the road surface material is concrete or asphalt, the volume of the alarm sound propagating into the area PR around the vehicle can be increased. Other components of the mounting structure S3 are the same as those of the mounting structure S1. For example, the hook 3 and the sound output surface 5 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the sound output direction X, as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, the effects described in (1-1) to (1-3), (2) to (4) above can also be obtained with the mounting structure S3.

[0040] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention. The technical scope of the invention is not limited to the specific technical matters disclosed in the embodiments above, but also includes various modifications, changes, and alternative technologies that can be easily derived therefrom.

[0041] For example, in the above embodiment, the mounting structures S1 to S3 were provided at the rear of the vehicle, but the mounting structures S1 to S3 may be provided at the front of the vehicle.

[0042] S1-S3 Mounting Structure 1 Speaker Unit 2 Bumper Fascia 3 Hook 3Ca Side of Flange (Inclined Surface) 3Ga Side of Inclined Plate (Inclined Surface) 3Va Vertical Surface 3I Hook Hole 4 Under Cover 4F Opening 5 Sound Output Surface O Center of Sound Output Surface X Direction of Sound Output

Claims

1. A mounting structure for a vehicle approach warning device, comprising: a speaker unit provided on the lower part of the vehicle body and having a sound output surface that outputs a vehicle approach warning sound in the sound output direction; a bumper fascia; a hook for fastening or towing the vehicle; and an under cover that covers the speaker unit from below and has a downward-facing opening through which the hook is inserted, wherein the speaker unit, the hook, and the bumper fascia are arranged in this order along the sound output direction, and the sound output surface is directed toward the bumper fascia.

2. The mounting structure for the vehicle approach notification device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the direction of sound output, the hook and the center of the sound output surface do not overlap.

3. The mounting structure for the vehicle approach notification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hook and the sound output surface do not overlap when viewed from the sound output direction.

4. The mounting structure for a vehicle approach warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hook has an inclined surface on the speaker unit side that is inclined to move away from the speaker unit as it approaches the opening.

5. The mounting structure for a vehicle approach notification device according to claim 4, wherein the hook has a hook hole whose penetration direction is parallel to the sound output direction, and the hook hole is provided on a vertical surface extending downward from the inclined surface.

6. The mounting structure for a vehicle approach notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hook has a hook hole whose penetration direction is parallel to a direction perpendicular to the sound output direction.

Images