JP2006266155A - Impact-absorbing hollow member - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an easily recyclable impact-absorbing hollow member formed in such an impact absorbing structure that can absorb impact in an unbroken state allowing the further deformation of a bonnet by the retreat of an intake system part for a vehicle when an external load from the bonnet deformed by an obstacle acts thereon particularly when the member is applied to the intake system part for the vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: This impact-absorbing hollow member comprises a first member 1 having a first joining end part 10 and a second member 2 having a second joining end part 20 fittedly joined to the first joining end part 10. A line engagement recessed part 11 is formed in the inner surface of the first joining end part 10, and a line engagement projected part 21 is formed on the outer surface of the second joining end part 20. The line engagement projected part 21 and the line engagement recessed part 11 are engaged with each other so that the first member 1 and the second member 2 can be moved relative to each other in such a direction that the fitting of the first joining end part 10 to the second joining end part 20 can be enhanced by the disengagement of the engagement of the recessed part from the projected part when the external load beyond a prescribed value acts thereon. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a shock absorbing hollow member, and more particularly, to a shock absorbing hollow member having a shock absorbing function capable of absorbing a shock when an external load is applied. The shock absorbing hollow member of the present invention can be suitably used for, for example, an intake duct, a resonator, an air cleaner, or the like as a vehicle intake system component.

  Intake ducts, resonators, air cleaners, and the like as vehicle intake system components are arranged directly under the hood in the engine room. As described above, when the hood is deformed due to the collision of an obstacle or the like, an external load from the hood may act on the vehicle intake system parts arranged immediately below the hood. At this time, if the vehicle intake system component can absorb the impact by its own deformation or the like, the bonnet can be further deformed, so that the impact when an obstacle or the like collides with the bonnet can be allowed. Absorption is possible, which is convenient for vehicle safety.

  Therefore, an air cleaner having an impact absorbing structure is known as a vehicle intake system component that can absorb an impact by its own deformation or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this air cleaner, a weak portion such as an annular thin portion is provided on the side wall of the case. For this reason, in this air cleaner, when an external load from the bonnet acts on the upper surface, the thin-walled portion as the fragile portion is deformed or broken, and the upper part of the case above the thin-walled portion moves downward, so that the impact is applied. Can be absorbed.
JP 2004-98811 A

  However, the conventional air cleaner absorbs an impact when the fragile portion is deformed or broken. For this reason, once the fragile portion breaks, it becomes difficult to reuse the air cleaner.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is an impact-absorbing hollow member that has an impact-absorbing structure that can absorb an impact in a non-damaged state and that can be easily reused. When the hood of the vehicle is deformed by an obstacle or the like and an external load from the bonnet acts on the intake system parts for the vehicle, the hood It is a technical problem to be solved to provide a shock-absorbing hollow member capable of allowing further deformation of the above.

  The impact-absorbing hollow member of the present invention that solves the above problems includes a first member having a first coupling end, and a second member having a second coupling end that is fitted and coupled to the first coupling end. An impact-absorbing hollow member that forms a hollow body with the first member and the second member in which the first coupling end and the second coupling end are held in a coupled state. One of the coupling end and the second coupling end has an engaging projection on one of the outer surface and the inner surface, and of the first coupling end and the second coupling end. The other of the outer surface and the inner surface has an engagement recess that can be engaged with the engagement protrusion, and the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess include the first member and the second When an external load greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied to at least one of the members, the uneven engagement is disengaged, whereby the first coupling end and Serial to a second direction fitted between the coupling ends are length increasing the first member and the second member is characterized in that the engaged uneven engagement as acceptable to the relative movement.

  In this shock-absorbing hollow member, the first coupling end and the second coupling end are positioned at predetermined positions by the concave and convex engagement of the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion, and the coupling state by fitting is maintained. A hollow body is comprised by the 1st member and the 2nd member. The engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion are provided with the first coupling end portion by releasing the concave-convex engagement when an external load of a predetermined value or more is applied to at least one of the first member and the second member. In addition, the first member and the second member are allowed to move relative to each other in a direction in which the fitting between the second coupling ends is increased. The concave-convex engagement is released with the side walls of both members elastically deforming in the direction in which the side surfaces of the first member and the second member facing each other are separated from each other. For this reason, when an external load of a predetermined value or more acts on at least one of the first member and the second member, the first member and the fitting direction between the first coupling end and the second coupling end are increased. The second member moves relatively. Thus, the relative movement of the first member and the second member makes it possible to absorb an impact when an external load is applied to the impact absorbing hollow member.

  As described above, the shock absorbing hollow member of the present invention can absorb the shock by the relative movement of the first member and the second member which are combined by fitting without being damaged, and thus can be easily reused. can do.

  In a preferred aspect of the shock absorbing hollow member of the present invention, the first member or the second member in which the engagement recess is provided in the first coupling end or the second coupling end is the first coupling. The engagement recess is provided with a relief recess into which the engagement projection enters when the first member and the second member move relative to each other in a direction in which the fitting between the end and the second coupling end is increased. On the outer or inner surface.

  In this shock absorbing hollow member, when the first member and the second member move relative to each other in the direction in which the fitting between the first coupling end and the second coupling end is increased, the engagement convex portion escapes and enters the concave portion. . For this reason, compared with the case where the escape recessed part is not provided, the movement amount which both members can move relatively in the fitting and increasing direction is increased within the range in which the side walls of the first member and the second member are elastically deformed. This is advantageous.

  In a preferred aspect of the shock absorbing hollow member of the present invention, at least one of the first coupling end and the second coupling end is fitted in the first coupling end and the second coupling end. And a seal rib that extends over the entire coupling end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side and can contact the side surface of the mating counterpart.

  In this shock absorbing hollow member, the sealing rib between the first coupling end and the second coupling end can be improved by fitting the sealing rib extending over the entire coupling end into contact with the side surface of the mating counterpart. Therefore, the shock absorbing hollow member can be suitably used for a part that must ensure high airtightness and liquid tightness inside the hollow body, for example, a vehicle washer tank.

  In a preferred aspect of the shock absorbing hollow member of the present invention, at least the first coupling end of the first member and / or at least the second coupling end of the second member is made of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. ing.

  In this shock absorbing hollow member, at least the first coupling end portion of the first member is made of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer, and / or at least the second coupling end portion of the second member is made of a rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. Therefore, it is advantageous to increase the amount of movement of the two members relative to each other in the fitting and extending direction within a range in which the side walls of the first member and the second member are elastically deformed. In addition, since the first coupling end portion and / or the second coupling end portion is made of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer, it is advantageous for improving the sealing performance between the first coupling end portion and the second coupling end portion. Become.

  The impact-absorbing hollow member of the present invention can be suitably used for a vehicle intake system component disposed immediately below a vehicle hood. According to this aspect, when the bonnet is deformed by the collision of an obstacle or the like and an external load from the bonnet is applied to the vehicle intake system components, the first member and the second member are accompanied by relative movement. By retracting the intake system parts, further deformation of the bonnet can be allowed. For this reason, it becomes possible to absorb the impact when an obstacle collides with the bonnet, which is preferable in terms of vehicle safety. In addition, the vehicle intake system component itself can absorb the impact.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the shock absorbing hollow member of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
In this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the shock absorbing hollow member of the present invention is applied to an intake duct as an intake system component for a vehicle disposed directly under a vehicle hood.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the shock absorbing hollow member includes a first member 1 having a pair of first coupling end portions 10 and 10 and a pair of first coupling portions that are fitted and coupled to the first coupling end portions 10. And a second member 2 having two coupling ends 20, 20.

  The first member 1 is an injection-molded product made of a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene or nylon, and is a substantially U-shaped member having a cross-section of a cylindrical body having a substantially rectangular cross section. And the part of the lower end side opening edge part of the side wall of the 1st member 1 is made into a pair of 1st coupling | bonding edge part 10 and 10 extended in strip shape.

  The second member 2 is an injection-molded product made of a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene or nylon. Like the first member 1, the second member 2 is a substantially U-shaped member having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape divided into two. It is. And the part of the upper end side opening edge part of the side wall of the 2nd member 2 is made into a pair of 2nd coupling | bonding edge part 20 and 20 extended in strip shape.

  The outer surface of each second coupling end 20 of the second member 2 is disposed at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the second coupling end 20 extending in a strip shape, and the longitudinal direction of the second coupling end 20 ( A plurality of line engagement protrusions 21 are provided as a plurality of engagement protrusions extending in the line in a direction substantially orthogonal to the fitting direction of the first member 1 and the second member 2 (see FIG. 4). ).

  On the inner surface of each first coupling end portion 10 of the first member 1, a predetermined interval is provided in the longitudinal direction of the first coupling end portion 10 extending in a strip shape at a predetermined position corresponding to each of the linear engagement convex portions 21. Wires as a plurality of engaging recesses that extend in the longitudinal direction of the first coupling end portion 10 (a direction substantially orthogonal to the fitting direction of the first member 1 and the second member 2). An engaging recess 11 is provided (see FIG. 4). Further, the first coupling end portion 10 and the second coupling end portion 20 are fitted to each other on the inner side surface of the side wall of the first member 1 in which the linear engagement recess 11 is provided in each first coupling end portion 1. A plurality of relief recesses 12 into which the linear engagement protrusions 21 enter when the first member 1 and the second member 2 move relative to each other in the direction in which they are increased are provided. Furthermore, it extends over the entire first coupling end 10 in the longitudinal direction of the first coupling end 10 to the lower end opening end of each first coupling end 10 (lower end opening end of the side wall of the first member 1). A pair of seal ribs 13, 13 that can come into contact with the outer surface of the second member 2 that is the mating counterpart is provided.

  The shock absorbing hollow member having the above-described components is formed by fitting the first coupling end portion 10 of the first member 1 into the second coupling end portion 20 of the second member 2 and engaging the linear coupling of the first coupling end portion 10. By engaging the concave and convex portions 11 and the line-engaging convex portions 21 of the second coupling end portion 20, the normal coupling state is maintained (the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In this state, an intake passage made of an internal space having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed in the first member 1 and the second member 2, and the first member 1 and the second member 2 constitute a cylindrical hollow body. .

  Here, in this coupled state, only the tip surface of the seal rib 13 is on the outer surface of the second coupling end 20 between the inner surface of the first coupling end 10 and the outer surface of the second coupling end 20. Abutting in the pressure contact state and forming a slight gap at other portions such as between the linear engagement concave portion 11 and the linear engagement convex portion 21, and the sealing function of the seal rib 13 is ensured. Has been.

  Further, the positional relationship between the first coupling end portion 10 and the second coupling end portion 20 (the amount of fitting with each other), the resistance force to the external load acting on the first member 1 and the like are determined by the line engaging recess 11 and the wire It can be appropriately set by changing the size (height, width, etc.), shape, etc. of the strip engagement convex portion 21 and adjusting the engagement force of the concave / convex engagement. That is, in this embodiment, when a small external load less than a predetermined value is applied to the first member 1 or the like, or when no external load is applied at all, the internal space maintains the volume required as the intake passage of the intake duct. As described above, the first coupling end portion 10 is held at a predetermined position with respect to the second coupling end portion 20 by the concave-convex engagement of the linear engagement concave portion 11 and the linear engagement convex portion 21, and the first member When an external load of a predetermined value or more is applied to 1 or the like, the side wall of the first member 1 including the first coupling end 10 and the side wall of the second member 2 including the second coupling end 20 are separated from each other. The first member 1 is moved relative to the second member 2 in a direction in which the engagement between the concave and convex portions is released and the fitting between the first coupling end portion 10 and the second coupling end portion 20 is increased. The size of the line engaging concave part 11 and the line engaging convex part 21 so that it can move There has been set.

  Therefore, in this shock absorbing hollow member, for example, when an external load of a predetermined value or more acts on the upper surface of the first member 1, the engagement of the linear engagement convex portion 21 and the linear engagement concave portion 11 is disengaged, and the first The first member 1 moves relative to the second member 2 in the direction in which the fitting between the first coupling end 10 and the second coupling end 20 is increased. Thus, the relative movement of the first member 1 and the second member 2 can absorb an impact when an external load is applied to the impact absorbing hollow member (see FIG. 3).

  As described above, the shock absorbing hollow member of the embodiment can absorb the shock by the relative movement of the first member 1 and the second member 2 that are combined by fitting without being damaged. Can be reused.

  Further, in the shock absorbing hollow member of the present embodiment, when the first member 1 and the second member 2 relatively move in the direction in which the fitting between the first coupling end portion 10 and the second coupling end portion 20 is increased, The first member 1 in which the linear engagement concave portion 11 is provided in the first coupling end portion 10 is provided on the inner side surface of the side wall. For this reason, when the first member 1 and the second member 2 move relative to each other in the direction in which the fitting between the first coupling end portion 10 and the second coupling end portion 20 is increased, the linear engagement convex portion 21 is released. It enters the recess 12. Therefore, compared with the case where the relief recess 12 is not provided, both the members 1 and 2 can move relative to each other in the fitting and increasing direction within a range in which the side walls of the first member 1 and the second member 2 are elastically deformed. This is advantageous for increasing the amount of movement. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the members 1 and 2 move relative to each other until the upper end side opening end of the second coupling end portion 20 abuts on the lower surface of the ceiling wall of the first member 1. It has become possible.

  Therefore, when the shock absorbing hollow member of the present embodiment is used as an intake duct disposed immediately below the hood of a vehicle, the bonnet is deformed due to an obstacle or the like, and an external load from the hood is When acting on the upper surface, the intake duct is retracted with the relative movement of the first member 1 and the second member 2, thereby allowing further deformation of the bonnet. For this reason, it becomes possible to absorb the impact when an obstacle collides with the bonnet, which is preferable in terms of vehicle safety. In addition, the intake duct can absorb impact.

  Furthermore, in the shock absorbing hollow member of the present embodiment, the first coupling end 10 is in the direction substantially perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first coupling end 10 and the second coupling end 20. 10 has a seal rib 13 that extends over the entirety of 10 and can come into contact with the outer surface of the side wall of the second member 2 that is a fitting counterpart. For this reason, the first coupling end is either in the normal time when an external load of a predetermined value or more is not applied, or after the external load of a predetermined value or more is applied and the first member 1 and the second member 2 are relatively moved. Since the seal rib 13 extending over the entire portion 10 abuts on the outer surface of the second member 2, the sealing performance between the first coupling end 10 and the second coupling end 20 can be improved. Therefore, according to this shock absorbing hollow member, airtightness and liquid tightness in the intake passage can be sufficiently ensured, and air, water, dust and the like can be reliably prevented from entering the intake passage. It becomes possible.

(Embodiment 2)
In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the stopper step 14 is provided in the escape recess 12 in the first embodiment.

  That is, an escape recess 12 that does not reach the ceiling wall of the first member 1 is formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the first member 1 in this embodiment, and a stopper step 14 is provided on the upper end side of the escape recess 12. Is provided.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when the external load more than a predetermined value acts and the 1st member 1 and the 2nd member 2 move relatively, the linear engagement convex part 21 provided in the 2nd coupling | bonding end part 20 is provided. Both members 1 and 2 can move relative to each other until the stopper step 14 abuts. Therefore, it is advantageous in that the first member 1 can be prevented from being excessively deformed.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
The present embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is obtained by changing the shapes of the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion and omitting the formation of the escape concave portion 12 in the first embodiment.

  That is, a plurality of engagement members disposed on the outer surface of each second coupling end portion 20 of the second member 2 in this embodiment at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the second coupling end portion 20 extending in a strip shape. A hemispherical engagement convex portion 22 as a joint convex portion is provided. Here, among the plurality of hemispherical engagement convex portions 22, the specified predetermined number (one or plural) may be a positioning hemispherical engagement convex portion formed while controlling the formation position with high accuracy. 22a.

  Further, on the inner surface of each first coupling end portion 10 of the first member 1, a positioning hemispherical engagement recess serving as an engagement recess is provided at a predetermined position that accurately corresponds to the positioning hemispherical engagement projection 22 a. 15a is provided, and a predetermined interval is provided in the longitudinal direction of the first coupling end portion 10 extending in a strip shape at a predetermined position corresponding to each of the other hemispherical engagement convex portions 22 other than the positioning hemispherical engagement convex portion 22a. Position adjusting linear engagement recesses 15b are provided as a plurality of engagement recesses that are spaced apart and extend in the longitudinal direction.

  Note that only the positioning hemispherical engagement recess 15a, the position adjusting linear engagement recess 15b, and the seal rib 13 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the first member 1, and the escape recess 12 is not formed. .

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first coupling end 10 and the second coupling end 20 are coupled by fitting, the positioning hemispherical engagement convex portion 22a and the positioning hemispherical engagement concave portion 15a are Align and fit. At this time, even if the formation positions of the other hemispherical convex portion 22 other than the positioning hemispherical engaging convex portion 22a and the position adjusting linear engagement concave portion 15b are slightly shifted in the longitudinal direction, the hemispherical convexity The portion 22 can be fitted into the position adjusting linear engagement recess 15b. For this reason, the 1st coupling end 10 and the 2nd coupling end 20 can be combined easily and surely by fitting.

  Since the escape recess 12 is not provided, the amount of movement by which both the members 1 and 2 can move relative to each other in the fitting and increasing direction is performed within the range in which the side walls of the first member 1 and the second member 2 are elastically deformed. Slightly less than that of Form 1. On the other hand, the amount of absorbed energy that can be absorbed by the relative movement of the first member 1 and the second member 2 increases.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
This embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by changing the material of the first member 1 and omitting the formation of the escape recess 12 in the first embodiment.

  That is, the first member 1 in this embodiment is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Further, only the linear engagement recess 11 and the seal rib 13 are formed on the inner side surface of the side wall of the first member 1, and the escape recess 12 is not formed.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, since the whole 1st member 1 is comprised by the thermoplastic elastomer which has rubber-like elasticity, the side wall etc. of the 1st member 1 can be elastically deformed largely. Accordingly, regardless of the presence or absence of the escape recess 12, the side wall of the first member 1 is greatly elastically deformed to increase the amount of movement that the first member 1 and the second member 2 can relatively move in the fitting and increasing direction. Can do.

  Further, the sealing performance by the seal rib 13 can be further enhanced.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Instead of the entire first member 1 made of thermoplastic elastomer, at least a portion including the first coupling end 10 (the whole or part of the side wall of the first member 1) is partially made of thermoplastic elastomer. In this case, substantially the same effect can be obtained. Further, instead of the first member 1 side, a thermoplastic elastomer may be adopted on the second member 2 side, or a thermoplastic elastomer may be adopted on both the first member 1 and the second member. Furthermore, rubber can be employed instead of the thermoplastic elastomer, and in this case, the same operational effects as when the thermoplastic elastomer is employed can be obtained.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the example in which the first coupling end portion 10 of the first member 1 is fitted to the outside of the second coupling end portion 20 of the second member 2 has been described. The first coupling end 10 may be fitted inside the second coupling end 20. When the first coupling end portion 10 is fitted inside the second coupling end portion 20, the line engagement convex portion 21 or the like as the engagement convex portion is formed on the outer surface of the first coupling end portion 10. The line engaging recess 11 as the joint recess, the relief recess 12 and the like are formed on the inner surface of the second coupling end 20. In other words, it means that the shock absorbing hollow member of Embodiments 1 to 4 may be used upside down for use. It is of course possible to use the impact-absorbing hollow members of Embodiments 1 to 4 in such a manner that the first member 1 and the second member 2 face sideways in the horizontal direction.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the example in which the seal rib 13 is provided in the first coupling end 10 has been described. However, the seal rib 13 may be provided on the second coupling end 20 side, or the first coupling end. The seal rib 13 may be provided on both the 10 and the second coupling end 20. A separate seal member may be interposed between the first coupling end 10 and the second coupling end 20.

It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the shock absorption hollow member which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the shock absorption hollow member which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and shows the state where the external load is not acting. It is sectional drawing which shows the impact-absorbing hollow member which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and shows the state which the external load acted. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the shock absorption hollow member which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and shows the state before an assembly. It is sectional drawing which shows the impact-absorbing hollow member which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and shows the state where the external load is not acting. It is sectional drawing which shows the impact-absorbing hollow member which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, and shows the state where the external load is not acting. It is sectional drawing which shows the impact-absorbing hollow member which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention, and shows the state where the external load is not acting.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st member 2 ... 2nd member 10 ... 1st coupling end part 11 ... Line engagement recessed part 12 ... Escape recessed part 13 ... Sealing rib 15a ... Hemispherical engagement recessed part 15b for positioning ... Line engagement recessed part for position adjustment DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... 2nd coupling end part 21 ... Line | wire engagement convex part 22 ... Hemispherical engagement convex part 22a ... Hemispherical engagement convex part for positioning

Claims (5)

A first member having a first coupling end; and a second member having a second coupling end fitted into and coupled to the first coupling end, the first coupling end and the second coupling An impact-absorbing hollow member that forms a hollow body with the first member and the second member whose ends are held in a coupled state,
One of the first coupling end and the second coupling end has an engaging projection on one of the outer surface and the inner surface, and the first coupling end and the second coupling end. The other of the parts has an engagement recess that can be engaged with the engagement protrusion on the other of the outer surface and the inner surface,
The engagement protrusion and the engagement recess are disengaged when the external load of a predetermined value or more acts on at least one of the first member and the second member. The concave and convex engagement is performed to allow the first member and the second member to move relative to each other in a direction in which the fitting between the coupling end and the second coupling end is increased. Shock absorbing hollow member.   In the first member or the second member in which the engagement recess is provided in the first coupling end or the second coupling end, the first coupling end and the second coupling end are fitted to each other. There is an escape recess into which the engagement protrusion enters when the first member and the second member move relative to each other in the direction of increase, on the outer surface or the inner surface provided with the engagement recess. The shock absorbing hollow member according to claim 1.   At least one of the first coupling end and the second coupling end extends over the entire coupling end in a direction substantially orthogonal to the fitting direction of the first coupling end and the second coupling end. The shock absorbing hollow member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a seal rib that extends and can be brought into contact with a side surface of the mating counterpart.   At least the first coupling end of the first member and / or at least the second coupling end of the second member is made of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. 3. The shock absorbing hollow member according to 3.   5. The shock absorbing hollow member according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing hollow member is a vehicle intake system component disposed immediately below a vehicle bonnet.

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