JP2004262367A - Engine cooling structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an engine cooling structure capable of enhancing degree of freedom in design of a vehicle and using an upper side of an engine room as a trunk room, etc. <P>SOLUTION: In this engine cooling structure 10, an engine 16 is mounted in the engine room 14 formed on a rear side of a cabin 12, an air intake port 19 for introducing cooling air is provided on a front side of the engine 16 and a lower part 18 of a vehicle body, cooling air is taken into the engine room 14 from the air intake port 19, the taken cooling air is passed through the engine room 14 to be introduced into a rear side of the vehicle body and to be discharged from a rear part 22 of the vehicle body. In the structure 10, a guide plate 70 is provided to have upward gradient toward the rear side of the vehicle body in the air intake port 19, and cooling air is guided to an upper side of the engine room 14 by the guide plate 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an engine cooling structure for cooling an engine mounted behind a vehicle compartment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some vehicles have an engine mounted behind the vehicle compartment. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Patent No. 2689608 (page 2, FIG. 1)
[0004]
According to Patent Literature 1, an engine room is formed behind a vehicle compartment, and an engine is mounted in the engine room. In order to cool the engine, air guide ports communicating with the engine rooms are provided on the side surfaces of the vehicle located in front of the left and right rear wheels, ie, on the left and right rear fender side surfaces.
Cooling air is taken in from these air guide openings, the taken-in cooling air is guided into the engine room, and the engine in the engine room is cooled by the cooling air.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Here, in order to efficiently take in the cooling air from the air guide port, it is preferable that the air guide port protrudes outward from the left and right fender side surfaces. However, projecting the air guide ports from the left and right fender side surfaces is not preferable from the viewpoint of vehicle design.
Further, even when the air guide openings are not projected from the left and right fender side surfaces, the design of the vehicle is restricted by providing the air guide holes on the left and right fender side surfaces.
[0006]
On the other hand, some vehicles having an engine mounted in the rear of the vehicle compartment are provided with an opening at an upper end of an engine room so that heat in the engine room is released from the opening.
However, if an opening is provided at the upper end of the engine room and heat is released from the opening to the upper part of the engine room, it is difficult to use the upper part of the engine room for a trunk room or the like.
[0007]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to guide cooling air into the engine room behind the passenger compartment, to increase the degree of freedom in vehicle design, and to use the upper part of the engine room as a trunk room. It is to provide an engine cooling structure that can be used.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is to mount an engine in an engine room formed at the rear of a vehicle compartment, and to provide a wind guide port for introducing cooling air in front of the engine and at a lower portion of the vehicle. An engine cooling structure for introducing cooling air into the engine room, guiding the introduced cooling air to the rear of the vehicle through the engine room, and discharging the cooling air from the rear of the vehicle. And a guide plate for guiding the cooling air above the engine room.
[0009]
A wind guide port for introducing cooling air was provided at the lower part of the vehicle, and a guide plate was provided at the wind guide port.
By providing the wind guide port and the guide plate at the lower part of the vehicle, the wind guide port and the guide plate can be hidden by the vehicle so that the wind guide port and the guide plate do not affect the appearance of the vehicle.
Furthermore, by forming the guide plate so as to be inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle, the guide plate guides the cooling air above the engine room, and guides the cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine. Can be.
[0010]
In addition, the cooling air guided to the upper part of the engine is guided to the rear of the vehicle and discharged from the rear of the vehicle. By discharging the cooling air from the rear part of the vehicle in this way, it is not necessary to release heat in the engine room from above the engine room, so that the upper part of the engine room can be used for a trunk room or the like.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the guide plate is attached to the vehicle body frame so as to be vertically swingable, and a spring member for urging the guide plate so as to reduce the opening degree of the air guide port is provided. Providing a pressure receiving portion such that a downward slope is provided, and when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value, the guide plate swings against the urging force of the spring member by wind pressure applied to the pressure receiving portion, and the opening degree of the air guide port is increased. It is characterized in that it is configured to be large.
[0012]
The guide plate is configured to be swingable, and the guide plate is urged by a spring member so as to reduce the opening of the air guide port. Then, when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value, the opening degree is increased by swinging the guide plate against the urging force of the spring member by wind pressure.
[0013]
Therefore, when the vehicle travels on a general road and runs at a low speed, the opening of the air guide port is reduced by the guide plate, so that dust does not easily enter the engine room from the air guide port.
In addition, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the guide plate is moved upward to separate the guide plate from the road surface, thereby preventing the guide plate from interfering with the projection even when the unevenness exists on the general road.
[0014]
On the other hand, when the vehicle travels on a highway and travels at high speed, the guide plate is swung downward by wind pressure against the urging force of the spring member to increase the opening of the air guide port.
Therefore, a large amount of cooling air is guided above the engine room by the guide plate, and a large amount of cooling air is guided to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine.
[0015]
Here, by swinging the guide plate downward, the tip of the guide plate approaches the road surface, but since the highway is a flat road, the tip of the guide plate is prevented from interfering with the road surface.
Further, by opening the guide plate using wind pressure, a simple configuration in which only a spring member is added to the guide plate can be achieved.
[0016]
Claim 3 provides an actuator for swinging the guide plate up and down, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed, and a control unit for controlling the actuator based on a vehicle speed detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor. When the vehicle speed detected in step (b) is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the control unit controls the actuator to hold the guide plate at a position where the opening of the air guide opening is reduced, and the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is equal to the threshold value. When exceeding, by controlling the actuator by the control unit, the opening degree of the air guide port, the guide plate is configured to be held at a position larger than the opening degree equal to or less than the threshold value, I do.
[0017]
The guide plate is configured to be freely swingable, and when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the guide plate is swung by the actuator to reduce the opening of the air guide opening. Further, when the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold value, the guide plate is swung by the actuator so that the opening of the air guide opening is larger than the opening when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than the threshold.
[0018]
Therefore, when the vehicle travels on a general road and travels at a low speed, the guide plate reduces the opening of the air guide port. This makes it difficult for dust to enter the engine room from the air guide opening.
In addition, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the guide plate can be held upward and the guide plate can be separated from the road surface. Therefore, even when there is an uneven portion on a general road, it is possible to prevent the guide plate from interfering with the projection.
[0019]
On the other hand, when the vehicle travels on the highway and runs at high speed, the guide plate is swung downward by the actuator to increase the opening of the air guide opening.
[0020]
Therefore, a large amount of cooling air is guided above the engine room by the guide plate, and a large amount of cooling air is guided to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine.
Here, by swinging the guide plate downward, the tip of the guide plate approaches the road surface, but since the highway is a flat road, the tip of the guide plate is prevented from interfering with the road surface.
[0021]
Further, the vehicle speed of the vehicle is detected by a vehicle speed sensor, and when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the opening of the guide plate is reduced by the actuator. When the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold value, the opening of the guide plate is increased by the actuator. It was configured to be.
Therefore, it is possible to more accurately switch the opening degree of the air guide port by the guide plate according to the vehicle speed.
[0022]
According to the fourth aspect, the control unit controls the actuator such that when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor exceeds the threshold value, the opening of the ventilation opening is changed according to the change in the vehicle speed. And
[0023]
By changing the opening of the ventilation port in a sliding manner, that is, continuously, according to the change in the vehicle speed, the amount of cooling air guided into the engine room can be suitably adjusted according to the vehicle speed.
[0024]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an engine is mounted in an engine room formed at the rear of the vehicle compartment, and a wind guide port for introducing cooling wind is provided in front of the engine and at a lower portion of the vehicle. An engine cooling structure for introducing the introduced cooling air to the rear of the vehicle through the engine room and discharging the cooling air from the rear of the vehicle, wherein a guide plate is provided at the wind guide port so as to be inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle. The guide plate guides the cooling air above the engine room, and a trunk floor separating the engine room and the trunk room above the engine room is projected toward the trunk room side, so that the trunk floor and the rear of the engine are provided. A ventilation hole is provided between the provided cross member and the cooling air above the engine room through the ventilation hole. Characterized by being configured to direct backward.
[0025]
The trunk floor protrudes toward the trunk room, and a ventilation hole is provided between the cross member provided behind the engine and the trunk floor.
Therefore, heat in the upper part of the engine room can be efficiently guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” follow the direction seen from the driver. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
The engine cooling structure 10 has an engine room 14 formed behind the cabin 12 of the vehicle 11, an engine 16 is mounted in the engine room 14, and a cooling air is introduced forward of the engine 16 and into a lower portion 18 of the vehicle. An air vent 19 is provided, and a guide means 20 for guiding the cooling air into the engine room 14 is provided in the air guiding port 19, and the cooling air is taken into the engine room 14 from the air guiding port 19 by the guide means 20, and the taken-in cooling air is removed. The vehicle is guided to the rear of the vehicle through the engine room 14 and discharged to the outside of the vehicle 11 from the vehicle body rear portion 22 (for example, the bumper 101).
[0027]
The engine room 14 is provided with left and right rear fenders (not shown) outside right and left rear side frames 24 and 25, and provided with a lower partition panel 29 which forms a part of the air guide port 19 in front of the engine 16. A fuel tank 27 is provided in front of the panel 29, a central cross member 31 is provided in front of the fuel tank 27, and a rear floor panel 32 is extended rearward from the central cross member 31 with an upward slope. An upper partition panel 34 is provided in an upwardly sloped manner, and a cylindrical cross member 35 is provided at an upper end 34a of the upper partition panel 34. The left and right rear side frames 24 are spaced from the cross member 35 at a certain distance rearward of the vehicle. , 25, the trunk floor 37 is attached to the rear ends 24a, 25a (see FIG. 2 for 24a). An opening 39 is formed at the upper edge 34b of the front edge 37a and the upper partition panel 34 of Nkufuroa 37, a space formed by closing detachably the opening 39 in the lid 41.
28 is a seat, and 33 is an intake manifold.
[0028]
The engine 16 is mounted on the sub-frame 43, and the sub-frame 43 is attached to the left and right rear side frames 24 and 25, so that the engine 16 is arranged in the engine room 14.
The engine 16 is, for example, a V-type engine in which front cylinders 44... And rear cylinders 45.
[0029]
A first front catalyst 47 is connected to the front cylinders 44 via a front exhaust pipe 46, and a first rear catalyst 49 is connected to the rear cylinders 45 via a rear exhaust pipe 48. The first front catalyst 47 and the first rear catalyst 49 are connected to a second catalyst 52 via a connection pipe 51, and the second catalyst 52 is sequentially connected to a sub-silencer 53 and a main silencer.
[0030]
By arranging the lower partition panel 29, the upper partition panel 34, the lid 41, and the trunk floor 37, which constitute the engine room 14, at predetermined intervals from the engine 16, the cooling air for guiding the cooling air into the engine room 14 is provided. A guide path 57 is formed.
The cooling air guide path 57 is a flow path extending from the lower front part of the engine 16 to the upper part along the front part, and extending from the upper part to the bumper 101 of the rear part 22 of the vehicle body along the trunk floor 37.
The bumper 101 is formed with an opening serving as a passage for cooling air, for example, a louver 101a.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
The sub-frame 43 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame, and the front corners 43a, 43a of the frame are provided with left and right front mounting portions 61, 61, respectively, and the rear corners 43b, 43b are respectively provided with left and right rear mounting portions. 62, 62 are provided.
[0032]
The left and right front attachment portions 61, 61 are attached to the left and right rear side frames 24, 25 with bolts 65, 65, and the left and right rear attachment portions 62, 62 are attached to the left and right rear side frames 24, 25 with bolts 65, 65.
Thus, the engine 16 mounted on the sub-frame 43 is arranged in the engine room 14.
[0033]
A rear cross member (cross member) 64 is arranged behind the engine 16 in the vehicle width direction, and the rear cross member 64 is attached to the left and right rear frames 24 and 25.
The front end portion 37b of the trunk floor 37 is overlapped at a predetermined interval above the rear cross member 64, and the trunk floor 37 is extended rearward along the left and right rear side frames 24, 25. Mount on top.
[0034]
On the other hand, the air guide port 19 is provided between the lower partition panel 29 and the front frame (body frame) 66 of the sub-frame 43, and the guide means 20 is provided at the center of the front frame 66 in the vehicle width direction.
The length L of the guide plate 70 of the guide means 20 is set according to the length of the engine 16. By setting the length L of the guide plate 70 in accordance with the length of the engine 16, the guide plate 70 can efficiently guide the cooling air to the cooling air guide path 57 (see FIG. 1).
[0035]
A left rear wheel (not shown) is attached to the left side of the subframe 43 via a suspension, and a right rear wheel (not shown) is attached to the right side of the subframe 43 via a suspension. I have.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the guide means of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
The guide means 20 is for attaching left and right support members 67, 68 at predetermined intervals to the front frame portion 66 of the sub-frame 43, and attaching them to the left and right support members 67, 68 with bolts 71.
[0037]
The guide means 20 includes left and right mounting brackets 80 and 81 which are fixed to the left and right support members 67 and 68 with bolts 71... Respectively, and the left and right mounting brackets 80 and 81 are connected via left and right pins 86 and 87, respectively. The guide plate 70 is provided so as to freely swing in the vertical direction.
[0038]
The left mounting bracket 80 is a member having a horizontal portion 82 and a vertical portion 83 which are bent into a substantially L-shaped cross section.
The right mounting bracket 81 is a member having a horizontal portion 84 and a vertical portion 85 which are bent into a substantially L-shaped cross section similarly to the left mounting bracket 80.
[0039]
The guide plate 70 is formed by bending left and right ends of the substantially rectangular member upward to form left and right bent portions 73 and 74 on the left and right sides of the main body portion 72, respectively. Is formed.
The pressure receiving portion 75 is formed so as to have a downward slope toward the front of the vehicle by being bent downward.
The main body 72 is a flat plate formed in a substantially rectangular shape.
[0040]
The right bent portion 74 is rotatably connected with a right pin 87 in a state where the right bent portion 74 is superimposed on the vertical portion 85 of the right mounting bracket 81, and a right spring member (spring member) 89 is attached to the right pin 87, and the right One end 89a of the spring member 89 is engaged with the engaging hole 74a of the right-turn part 74, and the other end 89b is engaged with the engaging hole 85a of the vertical part 85.
[0041]
Similarly, in a state where the left bent portion 73 is overlapped with the vertical portion 83 of the left mounting bracket 80, the left bent member 73 is rotatably connected with the left pin 86, and a left spring member (spring member) 88 is attached to the left pin 86. One end 88a of the attached left spring member 88 is locked in the engagement hole of the left bent portion 73, and the other end 88b is locked in the engagement hole of the vertical portion 83.
[0042]
A pair of bolt holes 84a, 84a are formed in the horizontal portion 84 of the right mounting bracket 81, bolts 71, 71 are inserted into the respective mounting holes 84a, 84a, and the inserted bolts 71, 71 are screwed to the right support member 68. Thus, the right mounting bracket 81 is mounted on the right support member 68.
[0043]
Similarly, a pair of bolt holes 82a, 82a are formed in the horizontal portion 82 of the left mounting bracket 80, bolts 71, 71 are inserted into the respective mounting holes 82a, 82a, and the inserted bolts 71, 71 are inserted into the left support member 67. The left mounting bracket 80 is mounted on the left support member 67 by screw connection.
[0044]
The left and right pins 86 and 87 are arranged coaxially, and the guide plate 70 is supported swingably up and down around the left and right pins 86 and 87.
Since the left and right spring members 88 and 89 are provided, the guide plate 70 swings in the direction of arrow {circle around (1)}, that is, upwards, by the spring force (biasing force) of the left and right spring members 88 and 89.
[0045]
As a result, the left protruding piece 105 provided on the left bent portion 73 comes into contact with the left stopper piece 91, and the right protruding piece 106 provided on the right bent portion 74 comes into contact with the right stopper piece 92. 1), the guide plate 70 is held at the first position P1 where the opening degree is reduced.
[0046]
Here, the state in which the opening degree of the air introduction port 19 (see FIG. 1) at the first position P1 is small is necessary for cooling the engine 16 in a relatively low speed region when the vehicle travels on a general road. A state in which the air guide port 19 is opened to such an extent that a sufficient amount of cooling air can be taken in.
[0047]
On the other hand, when wind pressure against the spring force of the left and right spring members 88 and 89 is applied to the pressure receiving portion 75 as indicated by an arrow from the front of the vehicle 11 (see FIG. 1), the left and right spring members 88 and 89 It is possible to swing the guide plate 70 in the direction of arrow {circle around (2)}, that is, downward, to the second position P2 where the degree of opening of the air guide port 19 (see FIG. 1) is increased against the spring force (biasing force).
[0048]
Here, the state where the degree of opening of the air introduction port 19 (see FIG. 1) at the second position P2 is large means that the engine 16 needs to be cooled in a relatively high speed region when the vehicle travels on a highway. A state in which the air guide port 19 is opened to the extent that a sufficient amount of cooling air can be taken in.
[0049]
When the guide plate 70 swings to the second position P2, the rear end 73b of the left bent portion 73 comes into contact with the left stopper piece 91 provided on the left mounting bracket 80, and the rear end 74b of the right bent portion 74 is moved. , Abuts against a right stopper piece 92 provided on the right mounting bracket 81. Thereby, the guide plate 70 is held at the second position P2.
[0050]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of the guide means constituting the first embodiment.
The right pin 87 is inserted into each mounting hole (not shown) of the right bent portion 74 and the vertical portion 85 in a state where the right bent portion 74 of the guide plate 70 is overlapped with the vertical portion 85 of the right mounting bracket 81. Thereby, the right bending part 74 is rotatably connected to the vertical part 85.
[0051]
Here, a stopper piece 92 is provided at the rear end of the vertical portion 85. The stopper piece 92 is bent toward the right bending portion 74.
As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical portion 83 of the left mounting bracket 80 is also provided with a stopper piece 91 at the rear end, similarly to the right mounting bracket 81. The stopper piece 91 is bent to the left bent portion 73 side.
[0052]
A right spring member 89 is attached to the right pin 86, and one end 89a of the attached right spring member 89 is engaged with the engagement hole 74a of the right bent portion 74, and the other end 89b is engaged with the engagement hole 85a of the vertical portion 85. To stop.
Similarly to the right spring member 89, the left spring member 88 (see FIG. 3) is attached to the left pin 86, then one end 88a is engaged with the engagement hole of the left bent portion 73, and the other end 88b is attached to the left. The bracket 80 is engaged with an engagement hole formed in the vertical portion 83 (see FIG. 3).
[0053]
The guide plate 70 is swung upward in the direction of arrow {circle around (1)} by the spring force of the left and right spring members 88 and 89 (see FIG. 3 for the left spring member 88).
When the guide plate 70 moves to the first position P1 (see FIG. 3), the right protruding piece 106 provided on the right bent portion 74 comes into contact with the right stopper piece 92 and is provided on the left bent portion 73 shown in FIG. The left projecting piece 105 contacts the left stopper piece 91.
[0054]
On the other hand, when wind pressure against the spring force of the left and right spring members 88 and 89 is applied to the pressure receiving portion 75 (see FIG. 3) from the front side of the vehicle, the wind pressure is opposed to the spring force of the left and right spring members 88 and 89. The guide plate 70 is swung in the direction of arrow (2) to the second position P2 (see FIG. 3).
When the guide plate 70 swings to the second position P2, the rear ends 73b, 74b of the left and right bent portions 73, 74 abut against the left and right stopper pieces 91, 92, respectively (the left stopper piece 91 is shown in FIG. 3). .
[0055]
FIG. 5 is a side view showing the guide means of the first embodiment.
The guide plate 70 is attached to a front frame 66 (vehicle frame) of the sub-frame 43 via left and right support members 67 and 68 so as to be able to swing up and down.
The right and left spring members (spring members) 88 and 89 (the right spring member 89 hold the guide plate 70 at the first position P1 by urging the guide plate 70 so as to reduce the opening of the air guide port 19. (See FIG. 3).
Further, a pressure receiving portion 75 is provided at the tip of the guide plate 70 so as to have a downward slope toward the front of the vehicle.
[0056]
The guide plate 70 is swung upward by the left and right spring members 88 and 89 so that the left and right projecting pieces 105 and 106 (reference numeral 106 in FIG. 3) of the guide plate 70 abut against the left and right stopper pieces 91 and 92. .
Thus, the guide plate 70 is held at the first position P1 where the opening of the air guide port 19 is reduced.
[0057]
On the other hand, when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value, wind pressure against the spring force (biasing force) of the left and right spring members 88 and 89 is applied to the pressure receiving portion 75 from the front side of the vehicle 11. Therefore, the guide plate 70 swings downward to the second position P2 where the opening degree of the air guide port 19 is increased against the spring force of the left and right spring members 88 and 89.
[0058]
When the guide plate 70 swings downward to the second position P2, the rear ends 73b, 74b of the left and right bent portions 73, 74 respectively move to the left and right stopper pieces 91, 92 (the right bent portion 74 and the right stopper piece 92). (See FIG. 3).
At this time, the guide plate 70 is inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle, whereby the cooling air is guided upward by the guide plate 70 and is guided above the engine room 14.
[0059]
In this manner, by increasing the opening of the guide plate 70 by using the wind pressure, a simple configuration in which the left and right spring members 88 and 89 are added to the guide plate 70 can be achieved, and the engine cooling structure can be assembled. It can be facilitated.
[0060]
In addition, a wind guide port 19 for introducing cooling air is provided in the lower part 18 of the vehicle, and a guide plate 70 that is inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle is provided in the wind guide port 19.
By providing the wind guide port 19 and the guide plate 70 in the lower portion 18 of the vehicle, the wind guide port 19 and the guide plate 70 can be hidden by the vehicle 11, and the wind guide port 19 and the guide plate 70 affect the appearance of the vehicle 11. There is no.
Therefore, the design of the vehicle is not restricted by the air guide port 19 and the guide plate 70, and the degree of freedom of design can be increased.
[0061]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of the engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
By attaching the trunk floor 37 to the rear upper ends of the left and right rear side frames 24 and 25, the trunk floor 37 partitions the engine room 14 and the trunk room 94 above the engine room 14.
[0062]
A portion 95 of the trunk floor 37 located inside the left and right rear side frames 24, 25 is inclined downward from the front end portion 95a to the substantially center 95b toward the rear of the vehicle, that is, toward the trunk room 94, that is, upward. Protruded.
Hereinafter, a portion protruding toward the trunk room 94 will be referred to as a “protruding portion 98”.
The front end 98a of the protrusion 98 is located above a rear cross member 64 provided behind the engine 16 (see FIG. 1), and the front end 98a of the protrusion 98 and the rear cross member 64 provide substantially rectangular ventilation. The mouth 97 is formed.
[0063]
FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a main part of an engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
The protruding portion 98 is protruded toward the trunk room 94 so as to be inclined downward toward the rear of the vehicle, and a front end portion 98a of the protruding portion 98 and the rear cross member 64 form a ventilation port 97. It was on the upper side of the room 14 and on the rear side.
[0064]
Therefore, the cooling air in the upper part of the engine room 14 is guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes 97 as shown by the arrow (3). As a result, the heat in the upper part of the engine room 14 can be efficiently guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes 97 together with the cooling air, and the cooling effect of the engine can be sufficiently enhanced.
[0065]
Further, by projecting the projecting portion 98 toward the trunk room 94 so as to have a downward slope toward the rear of the vehicle, a relatively large interval 99 between the projecting portion 98 and the sub-silencer 53 is ensured.
Therefore, the cooling air guided as indicated by the arrow (3) is guided toward the rear of the vehicle as indicated by the arrow (4).
Further, a louver 101a was formed in the bumper 101 at the rear portion 22 of the vehicle body to secure a passage for cooling air.
Therefore, the cooling wind guided as indicated by arrow <4> is guided toward the rear of the vehicle as indicated by arrow <5>.
[0066]
Next, the operation of the engine cooling structure will be described.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of a first operation of the engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
In (a), the vehicle 11 is driven by driving left and right rear wheels (not shown) by an engine.
When the engine 16 is driven, exhaust gas is discharged from the front and rear cylinders 44,. The discharged exhaust gas enters the first front catalyst 47 and the first rear catalyst 49 via the front and rear exhaust pipes 46 and 48.
[0067]
The exhaust gas that has entered the catalysts 47 and 49 flows into the second catalyst 52 via the connecting pipe 51, and then passes through the sub-silencer 53 and the main silencer 54 in that order. The exhaust gas that has passed through the main silencer 54 is exhausted from the exhaust pipe 55 to the outside of the vehicle 11.
[0068]
Here, considering the case where the vehicle travels on a general road and runs at a low speed, since the wind pressure applied to the pressure receiving portion 75 from the front of the vehicle 11 is small, the guide means 20 includes the left and right spring members 88 and 89 (FIG. 3). (See FIG. 7) to urge the guide plate 70 upward.
As a result, the left and right projecting pieces 105 and 106 of the guide plate 70 abut against the left and right stopper pieces 91 and 92 (see FIG. 3), and the guide plate 70 is moved to the first position where the opening of the air guide port 19 is reduced. Hold at P1.
As described above, by reducing the opening degree of the air guide port 19 by the guide plate 70, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the engine room 14 from the air guide port 19.
[0069]
In addition, the guide plate 70 holds the guide plate 70 upward by reducing the opening of the air guide port 19 with the guide plate 70. Therefore, when the vehicle 11 is traveling at low speed, the guide plate 70 can be separated from the road surface.
This can prevent the guide plate 70 from interfering with the road surface (not shown) even when the uneven portion exists on the general road.
[0070]
Here, of the air flowing along the vehicle lower part 18, a part of the air is guided by the guide plate 70 as shown by the arrow, and passes through the air opening 19 having a small opening to the cooling air guide path 57 as shown by the arrow. To enter as.
Since the guide plate 70 is arranged at an upward slope, the cooling air is guided along the cooling air guide path 57 above the engine room 14 as indicated by an arrow, and is guided to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine 16.
By guiding the cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine 16, the relatively high temperature portion is efficiently cooled.
[0071]
In addition, the cooling air guided to the upper portion of the engine 16 is guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes 97 as shown by arrows. The cooling wind guided to the rear of the vehicle is discharged to the outside through the louver 101a of the bumper 101 at the rear portion 22 of the vehicle from the rear portion 22 of the vehicle as indicated by an arrow.
By guiding the cooling air above the engine room 14 to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes 97 and discharging it from the rear portion 22 of the vehicle, the heat above the engine room 14 is efficiently guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes 97 together with the cooling air, The cooling effect of the engine can be sufficiently enhanced.
[0072]
On the other hand, of the air flowing along the vehicle lower part 18, the remaining air flows below the guide plate 70 as shown by the arrow (6) and flows to the rear of the vehicle.
[0073]
In (b), considering the case where the vehicle 11 travels on a highway and travels at high speed, the wind pressure applied to the pressure receiving unit 75 from the front of the vehicle 11 increases as indicated by an arrow {circle around (7)}.
Thus, the guide plate 70 swings in the direction of arrow {circle around (2)}, that is, downwards, against the spring force (biasing force) of the left and right spring members 88 and 89 (the right spring member 89 is shown in FIG. 3).
[0074]
FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a second operation of the engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
In (a), when the guide plate 70 swings downward to the second position P2 at which the opening of the air guide opening 19 is increased, the rear end 73b of the left bent portion 73 is attached to the left stopper piece provided on the left mounting bracket 80. The rear end 74b of the right bent portion 74 comes into contact with the right stopper piece 92 provided on the right mounting bracket 81 while being in contact with the right mounting bracket 81.
Even in this state, the guide plate 70 keeps the upward slope toward the rear of the vehicle 11 and guides a large amount of cooling air upward by the guide plate as shown by the arrow (8). Let me enter.
[0075]
In (b), the cooling air is guided by the guide plate 70 along the cooling air guide path 57 as shown by the arrow (9). The cooling air is guided above the engine room 14 along the cooling air guide path 57 as indicated by an arrow (9), and the cooling air is guided to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine 16.
By guiding the cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine 16, the relatively high temperature portion can be efficiently cooled.
[0076]
In addition, the cooling air guided to the upper part of the engine 16 is guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation port 97 as shown by the arrow (3). The cooling wind guided as indicated by arrow <3> is guided toward the rear of the vehicle as indicated by arrow <4>. Further, the cooling air guided as shown by the arrow (4) is discharged to the outside from the vehicle body rear portion 22 as shown by the arrow (5) through the louver 101a of the bumper 101 of the vehicle body rear portion 22.
[0077]
By guiding the cooling air above the engine room 14 to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes 97 and discharging it from the rear portion 22 of the vehicle, the heat above the engine room 14 is efficiently guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes 97 together with the cooling air, The cooling effect of the engine can be sufficiently enhanced.
[0078]
By discharging the cooling air from the rear part 22 of the vehicle body in this way, it is not necessary to release heat in the engine room 14 from above the engine room 14, so that the upper part of the engine room 14 can be used for the trunk room 94 and the like. .
[0079]
Next, a second embodiment of the engine cooling structure will be described with reference to FIG. Note that in the second embodiment, the same members as those of the engine cooling structure 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the guide means of the engine cooling structure (second embodiment) according to the present invention.
The engine cooling structure 110 of the second embodiment is characterized in that a guide unit 112 is provided instead of the guide unit 20 of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0080]
The guide means 112 is rotatably connected with a right pin 114 in a state where the right bent portion 74 of the guide plate 113 is superimposed on the vertical portion 85 of the right mounting bracket 81, and the large diameter gear 115 is connected to the right pin 114. The small-diameter gear 116 is engaged with the large-diameter gear 115, the small-diameter gear 116 is attached to the shaft 117a of the drive motor (actuator) 117, and the support member 118 for holding the drive motor 117 is fixed to the front frame 66 by bolts 119. The left bent portion 73 of the guide plate 113 is rotatably connected to the vertical portion 83 of the left mounting bracket 80 by a left pin 120 in a state of being overlapped.
[0081]
In addition, the guide unit 112 includes a control unit 121 that controls the drive motor 117, and includes a vehicle speed sensor 122 that transmits vehicle speed data to the control unit 121.
The guide plate 113 is different from the guide plate 70 of the first embodiment only in that the pressure receiving portion 75 is removed, and the other shapes are the same as those of the guide plate 70.
[0082]
The vehicle speed sensor 122 is, for example, an electromagnetic sensor that detects the number of teeth of the transfer gear 123 and transmits the detected data to the control unit.
The control unit 121 calculates the vehicle speed by counting the number of teeth of the transfer gear 123 based on the detection data from the vehicle speed sensor 122.
[0083]
When the vehicle speed obtained by the control unit 121 is equal to or less than a preset threshold value, the guide plate 113 is swung upward about the left and right pins 114 and 120 as shown by an arrow {circle around (1)}. The drive motor 117 is controlled.
As a result, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the guide plate 113 is held at the first position P1 as shown in FIG.
[0084]
On the other hand, when the vehicle speed obtained by the control unit 121 exceeds a preset threshold value, the guide plate 113 is swung downward with the left and right pins 114 and 120 as axes {circle around (2)}. The drive motor 117 is controlled so as to perform the operation.
Thereby, when the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold value, the guide plate 113 is held at the second position P2 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. Make the opening larger than when opening.
[0085]
According to the engine cooling structure 110 of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the vehicle travels on a general road at a low speed, the guide plate 113 opens the air guide port 19 (see FIG. 5). Can be reduced to prevent dust from entering the engine room 14 from the air guide opening 19.
In addition, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the guide plate 113 can be held above and the guide plate 113 can be separated from a road surface (not shown). Therefore, even when there is an uneven portion on a general road, it is possible to prevent the guide plate 113 from interfering with the protrusion.
[0086]
In this state, the cooling air guided by the guide plate 113 is guided above the engine room 14 through the air opening 19 having a small opening, and the cooling air is guided to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine 16.
[0087]
On the other hand, when the vehicle travels on the highway and travels at high speed, the guide plate 113 is swung downward by the drive motor 177 so that the opening degree of the air guide port 19 (see FIG. 5) is lower than the threshold value. Larger than the opening.
The guide plate 113 guides a large amount of cooling air above the engine room 14 and guides a large amount of cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine 16.
[0088]
As described above, by guiding the cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine 16, the relatively high temperature portion can be efficiently cooled.
Here, by swinging the guide plate 113 downward, the front end 113a of the guide plate 113 approaches the road surface (not shown). However, since the highway is a flat road, the front end 113a of the guide plate 113 interferes with the road surface. Can be prevented.
[0089]
Furthermore, since the guide plate 113 of the second embodiment does not include the pressure receiving portion 75 (see FIG. 3) unlike the guide plate 70 of the first embodiment, when the guide plate 113 swings downward, The tip 113a of the guide plate 113 can be held at a relatively high position from the road surface. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the tip 113a of the guide plate 113 from interfering with the road surface.
[0090]
In addition, according to the second embodiment, the vehicle speed of the vehicle is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 122, and when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the guide plate 113 is swung upward by the drive motor 117 so that the air guide port 19 (FIG. 5), and when the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold value, the guide plate 113 is swung downward by the drive motor 117 to increase the opening of the air inlet 19 (see FIG. 5). Configured.
Therefore, the setting of the opening of the air guide port 19 by the guide plate 113 can be performed more accurately in accordance with the vehicle speed.
[0091]
Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, when the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold, the guide plate 113 is swung from the first position P1 to the second position P2 to switch the opening degree of the air guide port 19 from a small state to a large state. Although the example has been described, the modification of the second embodiment is such that the opening degree of the air guide port 19 is slidably changed, that is, continuously changed according to a change in the vehicle speed.
[0092]
That is, in the modification of the second embodiment, when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 122 exceeds the threshold value, the opening of the ventilation opening 19 (FIGS. 1 and 5) is slid in accordance with the acceleration of the vehicle speed. That is, the drive motor (actuator) 117 is controlled by the control unit 121 so as to continuously increase the opening degree of the ventilation port 19 in a sliding manner, that is, continuously decrease in accordance with the deceleration of the vehicle speed.
[0093]
By changing the degree of opening of the ventilation opening 19 in a sliding manner, that is, continuously, according to the change in the vehicle speed, the amount of cooling air guided from the ventilation opening 19 into the engine room 14 (see FIG. 1) can be changed according to the vehicle speed. It can be suitably adjusted appropriately.
Thereby, the cooling effect of the engine 16 (see FIG. 1) can be further enhanced.
[0094]
By the way, in the modification of the second embodiment, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the opening of the ventilation port 19 (FIGS. 1 and 5) is kept constant in a small state, and the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold value. After that, the opening degree of the ventilation opening 19 is configured to be slidable, that is, continuously changed according to the vehicle speed. However, as another example, the threshold value is set to 0 km / h, and the vehicle speed is increased from 0 km / h to the maximum. Up to the speed, the opening of the ventilation port 19 may be slidably changed, that is, continuously changed according to the vehicle speed.
[0095]
In the above-described embodiment, the guide plates 70 and 113 are configured to swing vertically so that the opening of the air guide port 19 is reduced at a relatively low speed and the opening of the air guide port 19 is increased at a relatively high speed. Although the swing type described above has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to attach a fixed type guide plate that keeps the opening of the air guide port 19 constant without swinging the guide plate.
Also in this case, the guide plate is provided so as to be inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle body, and the cooling air is guided by the guide plate above the engine room, so that the cooling air is efficiently guided into the engine room. The same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.
[0096]
Further, in the second embodiment, the drive motor 117 has been described as an example of an actuator that swings the guide plate 113 in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another actuator such as a cylinder may be used. is there.
[0097]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which an electromagnetic sensor is employed as the vehicle speed sensor 122 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another sensor such as an optical sensor may be used.
[0098]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the air introduction port 19 is slightly opened to keep the opening degree small, but the invention is not limited to this, and the vehicle speed is not limited. When the value is equal to or smaller than the value, the guide plate 70 or 113 may be configured to close the air guide port 19.
[0099]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the engine 16 is described as a V-type engine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to apply the present invention to other types of engines such as an in-line type.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the following effects by the above configuration.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an air inlet for introducing cooling air is provided at a lower portion of the vehicle, and a guide plate is provided at the air inlet.
By providing the wind guide port and the guide plate at the lower part of the vehicle, the wind guide port and the guide plate can be hidden by the vehicle so that the wind guide port and the guide plate do not affect the appearance of the vehicle.
Thus, the degree of freedom in design can be increased without restricting the design of the vehicle with the air guide port and the guide plate.
[0101]
Further, by forming the guide plate so as to be inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle, the guide plate guides the cooling air above the engine room, and guides the cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine.
In this way, by guiding the cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine, the relatively high temperature portion can be efficiently cooled.
[0102]
In addition, the cooling air guided to the upper part of the engine is guided to the rear of the vehicle and discharged from the rear of the vehicle. By discharging the cooling air from the rear part of the vehicle in this way, it is not necessary to release heat in the engine room from above the engine room, so that the upper part of the engine room can be used for a trunk room or the like.
As a result, the range of use of the vehicle can be increased, and applications can be expanded.
[0103]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the guide plate is configured to be swingable, and the guide plate is urged by a spring member so as to reduce the opening of the air guide port. Then, when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value, the opening degree is increased by swinging the guide plate against the urging force of the spring member by wind pressure.
[0104]
Therefore, when the vehicle travels on an ordinary road and travels at a low speed, the guide plate can reduce the degree of opening of the air guide port, thereby making it difficult for dust to enter the engine room from the air guide port.
In addition, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the guide plate is moved upward to separate the guide plate from the road surface, thereby preventing the guide plate from interfering with the protrusions even when there is an uneven portion on the general road. Can be.
[0105]
On the other hand, when the vehicle travels on a highway and travels at high speed, the guide plate is swung downward by wind pressure against the urging force of the spring member to increase the opening of the air guide port.
[0106]
Therefore, a large amount of cooling air can be guided above the engine room by the guide plate, and a large amount of cooling air can be guided to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine.
As described above, by introducing a large amount of cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion in the upper part of the engine, a relatively high temperature portion can be efficiently cooled.
Here, by swinging the guide plate downward, the tip of the guide plate approaches the road surface, but since the highway is a flat road, it is possible to prevent the tip of the guide plate from interfering with the road surface.
[0107]
Further, by opening the guide plate using the wind pressure, a simple configuration in which only a spring member is added to the guide plate can be achieved, and the assembly of the engine cooling structure can be facilitated.
[0108]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the guide plate is configured to be freely swingable, and when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the guide plate is swung by the actuator to reduce the opening of the air guide port. Further, when the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold value, the guide plate is swung by the actuator so that the opening of the air guide opening is larger than the opening when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than the threshold.
[0109]
Therefore, when the vehicle travels on a general road and travels at a low speed, the guide plate reduces the opening of the air guide port. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for dust to enter the engine room from the air guide opening.
In addition, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the guide plate can be held upward and the guide plate can be separated from the road surface. Therefore, even when there is an uneven portion on a general road, it is possible to prevent the guide plate from interfering with the protrusion.
[0110]
On the other hand, when the vehicle travels on the highway and runs at high speed, the guide plate is swung downward by the actuator to increase the opening of the air guide opening.
[0111]
Therefore, a large amount of cooling air is guided above the engine room by the guide plate, and a large amount of cooling air is guided to a relatively high temperature portion above the engine.
As described above, by introducing a large amount of cooling air to a relatively high temperature portion in the upper part of the engine, a relatively high temperature portion can be efficiently cooled.
Here, by swinging the guide plate downward, the tip of the guide plate approaches the road surface, but since the highway is a flat road, it is possible to prevent the tip of the guide plate from interfering with the road surface.
[0112]
Further, the vehicle speed of the vehicle is detected by a vehicle speed sensor, and when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the opening of the guide plate is reduced by the actuator. When the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold value, the opening of the guide plate is increased by the actuator. It was configured to be.
Therefore, switching of the opening degree of the air guide port by the guide plate can be performed more accurately in accordance with the vehicle speed.
[0113]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the amount of the cooling air guided into the engine room can be appropriately adjusted according to the vehicle speed by changing the opening of the ventilation port in a sliding manner, that is, continuously, according to the vehicle speed. it can.
Thereby, the cooling effect of the engine in the engine room can be further enhanced.
[0114]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the trunk floor protrudes toward the trunk room, and an air vent is provided between the cross member provided behind the engine and the trunk floor.
Therefore, heat in the upper part of the engine room can be efficiently guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation holes, and the cooling effect of the engine can be sufficiently enhanced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing guide means of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of a guide means constituting the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing the guide means of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of an engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a first operation explanatory view of the engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a second operation explanatory view of the engine cooling structure (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing guide means of the engine cooling structure (second embodiment) according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference numerals 10, 110: engine cooling structure, 11: vehicle body, 12: vehicle compartment, 14: engine room, 16: engine, 18: lower body, 22: rear body, 19: air vent, 37: trunk floor, 64: rear cross Member (cross member), 66: front frame portion (body frame), 70, 113: guide plate, 75: pressure receiving portion, 76: tip, 88: left spring member (spring member), 89: right spring member (spring member) ), 94: trunk room, 117: drive motor (actuator), 121: control unit, 122: vehicle speed sensor.

Claims (5)

An engine is mounted in the engine room formed in the rear of the cabin, and a wind guide port for introducing cooling air is provided in front of the engine and at the lower part of the vehicle body. Cooling air is taken into the engine room from this wind guide port, and cooling taken in An engine cooling structure that guides the wind to the rear of the vehicle body through the engine room and discharges it from the rear of the vehicle body,
An engine cooling structure, characterized in that a guide plate is provided in the wind guide port so as to be inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle body, and the guide plate guides the cooling air above an engine room. Attaching the guide plate to the body frame so as to freely swing up and down, and providing a spring member for urging the guide plate so as to reduce the opening of the air guide port,
At the tip of the guide plate, a pressure receiving portion is provided such that it has a downward slope toward the front of the vehicle body,
When the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value, the guide plate swings against the urging force of the spring member by the wind pressure applied to the pressure receiving portion, and the opening of the air guide port is increased. The engine cooling structure according to claim 1. An actuator for swinging the guide plate up and down is provided, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed is provided, and a control unit for controlling the actuator based on a vehicle speed detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor is provided.
When the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is equal to or lower than a threshold, by controlling the actuator by the control unit, the guide plate is held at a position where the opening of the air guide opening is reduced,
When the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor exceeds a threshold, by controlling the actuator by the control unit, a guide plate is provided at a position where the opening of the air guide opening is larger than the opening equal to or less than the threshold. The engine cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein the engine cooling structure is configured to be held. When the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor exceeds a threshold value, the control unit controls the actuator so as to change the opening of the ventilation hole according to a change in the vehicle speed. Item 4. An engine cooling structure according to item 3. An engine is mounted in the engine room formed in the rear of the cabin, and a wind guide port for introducing cooling air is provided in front of the engine and at the lower part of the vehicle body. Cooling air is taken into the engine room from this wind guide port, and cooling taken in An engine cooling structure that guides wind to the rear of the vehicle through the engine room and discharges it from the rear of the vehicle,
A guide plate is provided on the wind guide port so as to have an upward slope toward the rear of the vehicle, and the guide plate guides the cooling air above the engine room,
By providing a trunk floor separating the engine room and a trunk room above the engine room, by projecting the trunk room side, a ventilation opening is provided between the trunk floor and a cross member provided behind the engine,
An engine cooling structure characterized in that cooling air above the engine room is guided to the rear of the vehicle through the ventilation opening.

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