JP2007210567A - Joint cover structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a joint cover structure capable of suppressing the projecting amount of a joint cover to a cabin side or preventing projection of the joint cover when external force is applied to the joint cover. <P>SOLUTION: In this joint cover structure 10, in the vicinity of a portion where the steering shaft 11 extended obliquely forwardly and downwardly from a steering penetrates through a partition plate 14 for partitioning a cabin C and an engine room E, a universal joint 15 is provided so as to be bendable. The universal joint 15 is protected by the joint cover 21, and the joint cover 21 is mounted to the partition plate 14 so as to project to the engine room E. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a joint cover structure in which a steering shaft is extended from a steering, a universal joint is provided on the steering shaft, and the universal joint is protected by a joint cover.

A steering shaft is extended from the steering, and a universal joint is provided on the steering shaft in the vicinity of a portion through which the steering shaft penetrates a partition plate that partitions the vehicle compartment and the engine room, and the universal joint is protected by a joint cover. A joint cover structure attached to a partition plate in a form protruding to the engine room is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-280565 (FIG. 2)

Patent document 1 is demonstrated based on the following figure.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the basic configuration of the prior art. A steering shaft structure 100 extends a steering shaft 101 obliquely forward and downward from the steering, and a first universal joint 102 and a second steering shaft 103 are connected to the steering shaft 101. The elastic joint 104 and the third steering shaft 105 are connected in this order, the second universal joint 106 is connected to the third steering shaft 105 in a bendable manner, and the pinion shaft 107 is connected to the second universal joint 106. Become.
Here, the joint cover structure 115 has a structure that covers the joint portion of the steering shaft structure 100, and covers the components such as the second universal joint 106 near the opening 109 opened in the partition plate 108 with the joint covers 110a and 110b. To do. In particular, one joint cover 110 a is attached in a form protruding from the partition plate 108 to the engine room 111.

  FIG. 12 is an operation diagram of FIG. 11, and FIG. 12A is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the joint cover structure 115 and the engine 121, and the engine 121 is arranged on the left side of the figure in front of the joint cover 110 a. .

  (B) That is, it is assumed that the engine 121 has moved by a distance D as indicated by an arrow 122 during a forward collision. As a result, the engine 121 collides with the joint cover 110a. Then, the joint cover 110a is broken by the flange, and the portion excluding the flange is displaced by L1 in the vehicle compartment direction.

  Along with the displacement of the joint cover 110a, a force is applied to the joint cover 110b that is fastened together with the joint cover 110a by the fastening members 113, 113, the flange of the joint cover 110b is broken, and the end 125 of the joint cover 110b is only L2. Displace.

When the engine 121 is displaced as indicated by an arrow 122, the joint cover 110a is displaced, and the joint covers 110a and 110b protrude toward the vehicle compartment side.
Since this protrusion reduces the space volume inside the passenger compartment 112, the smaller the protrusion amount, the better, and it is preferable if the protrusion amount can be suppressed or prevented.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a joint cover structure that can suppress or prevent protrusion of the joint cover to the vehicle compartment when an external force is applied to the joint cover.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the steering shaft is extended from the steering, and the steering shaft is provided with a universal joint in the vicinity of a portion that penetrates the partition plate that partitions the vehicle compartment and the engine room so that the steering shaft can be bent. It is a joint cover attached in a form that protrudes into the engine room so as to cover the universal joint, and a fragile part is provided on the surface of the joint cover so that it is broken when an external force is applied from the engine room side. Features.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the steering shaft is extended from the steering, and the steering shaft is provided with a universal joint in the vicinity of a portion that penetrates the partition plate that partitions the vehicle compartment and the engine room so that the steering shaft can be bent. It is a joint cover attached in a form that protrudes into the engine room so as to cover the universal joint, and this joint cover consists of a bottom portion through which the steering shaft passes and a cylindrical portion that extends from the edge of the bottom portion toward the partition plate. The thickness of the bottom portion is made thinner than the thickness of the cylindrical portion, and the bottom portion is destroyed when an external force is applied from the engine room side.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the steering shaft is extended from the steering, and the steering shaft is provided with a universal joint in the vicinity of a portion passing through the partition plate that partitions the vehicle compartment and the engine room so that the steering shaft can be bent. It is a joint cover attached in a form that protrudes into the engine room so as to cover the universal joint, and this joint cover consists of a bottom part through which the steering shaft passes and a cylinder part that extends from the edge of the bottom part toward the partition plate. Further, the thickness of the tube portion is made thinner than the thickness of the bottom portion, and the tube portion is destroyed when an external force is applied from the engine room side.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the joint cover has a flange at the open end and is made of resin. After the flange is applied to the partition plate, the joint cover is pressed by a metal ring having a larger ground contact area than the flange. It is characterized by being attached to.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 5, a weak part is formed in any one corner | angular part provided in the surface of a joint cover, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

In the invention according to claim 1, a lattice-like weak portion is provided on the surface of the joint cover, and the joint cover is broken when an external force is applied from the engine room side.
Since a weak part is provided on the surface of the joint cover so that the cover itself is easily broken due to stress concentration, energy can be absorbed. As a result, the protrusion amount of the joint cover to the vehicle compartment side can be suppressed or the protrusion can be prevented.

In the invention according to claim 2, the joint cover is configured such that the thickness of the bottom portion is thinner than the thickness of the tube portion, and the thin bottom portion is destroyed when an external force is applied from the engine room side. .
If the thickness of the tube portion and the bottom portion is the same, when the external force is applied to the joint cover, the bottom portion of the joint cover may not be broken.

  In this respect, in the present invention, since the thickness of the bottom portion is made thinner than the thickness of the tube portion so that the tube portion is easily broken, when the external force is applied to the tube portion, the bottom portion breaks down to absorb the energy due to the external force. To do. As a result, the protrusion amount of the joint cover to the vehicle compartment side can be suppressed or the protrusion can be prevented.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the joint cover is formed so that the thickness of the cylindrical portion is thinner than the thickness of the bottom portion, and when the external force is applied from the engine room side, the thin cylindrical portion is easily destroyed. did. When an external force is applied to the tube portion, the tube portion breaks to absorb energy from the external force. As a result, the protrusion amount of the joint cover to the vehicle compartment side can be suppressed or the protrusion can be prevented.

In the invention according to claim 4, the joint cover is provided with a flange at the open end, and after the flange is applied to the partition plate, the joint cover is attached to the partition plate by pressing with a metal ring having a larger ground contact area than the flange. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the joint cover, the force applied to the flange can be dispersed. By pressing the flange with the metal ring, the force applied to the flange is dispersed, so that the breakage at the flange can be made difficult to occur.
By making it difficult for the flange to break, it is possible to prevent the joint cover from entering the passenger compartment.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 5, since a weak part is formed in any one corner | angular part provided in the surface of the joint cover, it can be made to destroy reliably in the corner | angular part of a joint cover.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are viewed in the direction of the reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a joint cover structure according to the present invention. The joint cover structure 10 extends a first steering shaft 11 diagonally forward and downward from a steering, and the first steering shaft 11 is connected to a vehicle compartment C and an engine room E. A universal joint 15 is provided on the first steering shaft 11 in the vicinity of a portion penetrating the partition plate 14 that separates the second steering shaft 12 and the second steering shaft 12 is connected to the universal joint 15. The shaft 12 is protected by being covered with a joint cover 21, and the joint cover 21 is attached to the partition plate 14 so as to protrude into the engine room E. Reference numeral 22 denotes a rubber member.

  The joint cover 21 includes a cover main body 24 and a flange 25 formed on the open end 24 k of the cover main body 24. The cover main body 24 includes a bottom portion 28 that has an opening 27 that protrudes toward the engine room and through which the second steering shaft 12 passes, and a protruding portion 29 that is formed continuously upward from the bottom portion 28. It consists of an upper horizontal portion 291 and an inclined portion 292.

A first corner 51 that is one corner is provided between the horizontal portion 291 and the inclined portion 292, and a second corner 52 that is the other corner is provided between the inclined portion 292 and the bottom portion 28. These corner portions can be regarded as bent portions provided on the surface of the cover.
The overhanging portion 29 is provided with a weak portion 32... Formed by a plurality of grooves 31.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of weak portions 32... Are formed in the horizontal portion 291 and the inclined portion 292 of the overhang portion 29, but the weak portions 32... Are provided in the horizontal portion 291 and the inclined portion 292. In addition, the fragile portion 32 may be formed at the first corner portion 51 or the second corner portion 52.

  If the fragile portion 32 is formed at any one of the first corner portion 51 and the second corner portion 52, the corner portion of the joint cover in which the fragile portion 32 is formed can be surely broken.

  The attachment structure of the joint cover 21 will be described. The joint cover 21 has an opening 27 through which the steering shaft 11 is passed through the partition plate 14, and the joint cover 21 is fitted into the opening 27 from the passenger compartment C side. 25 is pressed by a metal ring 33, and between the metal ring 33 and the partition plate 14 is attached by fastening members 37... Comprising bolts 35.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the joint cover portion according to the present invention. A metal ring 33 having a larger ground contact area than the flange 25 of the joint cover 21 is aligned with the flange 25 of the joint cover 21, and on the projecting side of the flange 25. The surface 25a to be provided is applied to a partition plate (not shown), and a plurality of bolts 35 are inserted from the partition plate side into mounting holes 39 formed in the flange 25, and nuts 36 are provided on the metal ring 33 side. tighten.

In this embodiment, the number of bolts and nuts is three each, but the number of bolts and nuts is not limited to this and can be set to an arbitrary number.
A brittle portion 32 formed in a lattice shape is provided on the overhang portion 29 formed on the surface 21 a of the joint cover 21. The details will be described with reference to the next figure.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and shows the weakened portion 32 formed in the overhang portion 29. FIG.
The fragile portion 32 is a plurality of grooves 31... Formed in a lattice shape on the overhang portion 29 of the joint cover 21. The groove 31 includes left and right vertical wall portions 41 and 41 formed in a straight section, and a semicircular bottom surface portion 42 connecting the lower portions of the vertical wall portions 41 and 41.
In the embodiment, the bottom surface portion 42 is formed in a semicircular shape, but it may be formed in a linear shape.

  Since the fragile portion 32 is a groove 31... Provided in a lattice shape on the overhang portion 29 of the joint cover, when an external force is applied to the joint cover 21, stress concentrates on the fragile portion 32. Since stress concentrates on the fragile portion 32, the fragile portion 32 provided on the surface 21a of the joint cover can be broken.

The operation of the joint cover structure described above will be described next.
Returning to FIG. 1, a lattice-shaped weakened portion (reference numeral 32 in FIG. 3) is provided on the surface 21 a of the joint cover 21, and is configured to be destroyed when an external force is applied from the engine room E side. By adopting a lattice shape, the effect can be exhibited regardless of the direction of external force. Accordingly, when the vehicle type and specifications are different, for example, even if the layout in the engine room is different, there is no need to change one of the vulnerable portions, and versatility is enhanced.

  Since the weakened portion 32 is provided on the surface 21a of the joint cover 21 so that the cover itself is easily broken due to stress concentration, energy can be absorbed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the joint cover 21 from protruding toward the passenger compartment C side. Alternatively, the protruding amount can be suppressed.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the operation of the flange according to the present invention, and is a view of the joint cover attached to the partition plate via a metal ring as viewed from the passenger compartment side.
(A) shows attaching a joint cover part to a partition plate. That is, the metal ring 33 wider than the width of the flange 25 is put on the flange 25 as an attaching portion to the partition plate (reference numeral 14 in FIG. 1), and the fastening member 37 is provided between the partition plate 14 and the metal ring 33. ... and fasten.

  (B) shows the joint cover part at the time of a collision. Since the flange 25 is covered with the metal ring 25 and the partition plate (reference numeral 14 in FIG. 1) and the metal ring 33 are fastened by the fastening members 37..., When the external force due to the collision is applied to the joint cover 21, the external force is Dispersed and no breakage occurs in the flange 25.

FIG. 5 is a comparative example of FIG.
(A) shows attaching a joint cover part to a partition plate. In other words, the partition plate (reference numeral 14 in FIG. 1) and the flange 25 are fastened by the fastening members 37... Without covering the flange 25 with a metal ring.

  (B) shows the joint cover part at the time of a collision. Since the partition plate 14 and the flange 25 are fastened with the fastening members 37... Without pressing the flange 25 with the metal ring 33, when an external force is applied to the joint cover 21, the external force is applied around the fastening members 37. Concentrate and break at flange 25. Alternatively, it protrudes into the passenger compartment without breaking.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the joint cover 21 includes a flange 25 at the open end 24 k of the cover body, and after pressing the flange 25 against the partition plate, the joint cover 21 is pressed by a metal ring 33 having a larger ground contact area than the flange 25. Since it was made to attach to a partition plate, when the external force by a collision is added to the joint cover 21, the pressure concerning a partition plate can be disperse | distributed. As a result, the joint cover (reference numeral 21 in FIG. 1) can be prevented from entering the passenger compartment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another embodiment of FIG. 1, and the joint cover 21B includes a bottom portion 46 through which the second steering shaft 12B passes, and a cylindrical portion 47 extending from the edge of the bottom portion 46 toward the partition plate 14B. The thickness N of the bottom portion 46 is made thinner than the thickness T of the cylindrical portion 47, and the bottom portion 46 is destroyed when an external force is applied from the engine room E side.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 6 and shows that an external force F is applied to the joint cover 21B from the engine room E side.
If the thickness of the tube portion and the bottom portion is the same, when the external force is applied to the joint cover, the bottom portion of the joint cover may not be broken.

  In this respect, in the present invention, the thickness N of the bottom 46 is made thinner than the thickness T of the cylindrical portion 47 (for example, T = 4.5 mm, N = 3.0 mm) to reduce the breaking load. When an external force is applied to the tube portion 47, the bottom portion 46 breaks down to absorb energy from the external force. As a result, the protrusion amount of the joint cover 21 toward the passenger compartment C can be suppressed or the protrusion can be prevented.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of FIG. 1, and the joint cover 21B is composed of a bottom portion 46 through which the second steering shaft 12B passes and a cylindrical portion 47 extending from the edge of the bottom portion 46 toward the partition plate 14B. Thus, the thickness Tb of the cylindrical portion 47 is made thinner than the thickness Nb of the bottom portion 46, and the cylindrical portion 47 is destroyed when an external force due to a collision is applied from the engine room side.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 8. The joint cover 21B has a wall thickness Tb that is thinner than the wall thickness Nb of the bottom portion 46, and when the external force is applied from the engine room side. The thin cylindrical portion 47 is easily broken. When an external force is applied to the tube portion 47, the tube portion 47 breaks up and absorbs energy from the external force. As a result, the amount of protrusion of the joint cover 21B toward the passenger compartment can be suppressed, or protrusion can be prevented.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a joint cover mounting structure according to another embodiment of FIG. 1, except that a sponge rubber-made sponge seal 53 is interposed between the partition plate 14 and the flange 25. is there.
By providing the sponge seal 53, not only the sealing performance can be improved, but also the force applied to the flange 25 can be further dispersed without the external force caused by the collision being directly applied to the partition plate 14. As a result, breakage at the flange 25 can be further prevented.

  In addition, in Claim 1 and Claim 2, the shape of the metal ring which hold | suppresses the flange of a joint cover can be set arbitrarily. In addition, a resin ring may be used instead of the metal ring. Furthermore, the metal ring can be omitted.

  Although the present invention is applied to a four-wheeled vehicle in the embodiment, it can also be applied to a three-wheeled vehicle and can be applied to a general vehicle.

  The joint cover structure of the present invention is suitable for a four-wheeled vehicle.

It is sectional drawing of the joint cover structure which concerns on this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the joint cover part which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. It is action | operation explanatory drawing of the flange which concerns on this invention. It is a comparative example figure of FIG. It is another Example figure of FIG. FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram of FIG. 6. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram of FIG. 8. It is a figure explaining the attachment structure of the joint cover which concerns on another Example of FIG. It is a figure explaining the basic composition of the conventional technology. It is an effect | action figure of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Joint cover structure, 11 ... 1st steering shaft, 12, 12B ... 2nd steering shaft, 14 ... Partition plate, 15 ... Universal joint, 21, 21B ... Joint cover, 21a ... Surface of joint cover, 3 ..., 24k ... Open end, 25 ... Flange, 28, 28B ... Bottom, 32 ... Fragile part, 33 ... Metal ring, 46 ... Bottom, 47 ... Tube part, C ... Car compartment, E ... Engine room.

Claims (5)

A steering shaft is extended from the steering, and a universal joint is provided on the steering shaft in the vicinity of a portion through which the steering shaft penetrates a partition plate that partitions the vehicle compartment and the engine room so that the steering shaft can be bent. A joint cover attached in a form protruding to the engine room,
A joint cover structure characterized in that a fragile portion is provided on the surface of the joint cover so that the joint cover is broken when an external force is applied from the engine room side. A steering shaft is extended from the steering, and the steering shaft is provided with a universal joint in the vicinity of a portion that penetrates a partition plate that partitions the vehicle compartment and the engine room so that the steering shaft can be bent. A joint cover attached in a form protruding to the engine room,
The joint cover includes a bottom portion through which the steering shaft passes, and a cylindrical portion extending from an edge of the bottom portion toward the partition plate. The thickness of the bottom portion is made thinner than the thickness of the cylindrical portion, A joint cover structure, wherein the bottom portion is destroyed when an external force is applied from the engine room side. A steering shaft is extended from the steering, and a universal joint is provided on the steering shaft in the vicinity of a portion through which the steering shaft penetrates a partition plate that partitions the vehicle compartment and the engine room so that the steering shaft can be bent. A joint cover attached in a form protruding to the engine room,
The joint cover includes a bottom portion through which the steering shaft passes, and a cylindrical portion extending from an edge of the bottom portion toward the partition plate. The thickness of the cylindrical portion is made thinner than the thickness of the bottom portion, A joint cover structure characterized in that the cylindrical portion is destroyed when an external force is applied from the engine room side.   The joint cover is provided with a flange at an open end and is made of resin, and is attached to the partition plate by pressing the flange against the partition plate and then pressing it with a metal ring having a larger ground contact area than the flange. The joint cover structure according to claim 1, 2, or 3. 2. The joint cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the fragile portion is formed at any one of corner portions provided on a surface of the joint cover.

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