JP2008195125A - Vehicle body reinforcing member structure formed integrally with duct - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a vehicle body reinforcing member from being dew-condensed. <P>SOLUTION: In this vehicle body reinforcing part 38 formed integrally with a duct, an air conditioner duct 31 connected to an air conditioner unit 25 is disposed in the metal hollow vehicle body reinforcing member 22 extending in the substantially vehicle lateral direction 21. A heating element 53 capable of heating air 52 in the gap 51 formed between the vehicle body reinforcing member 22 and the air conditioner duct 31 or the vehicle reinforcing member 22 is installed in the vehicle body reinforcing part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a duct-integrated vehicle body strength member structure.

  A vehicle such as an automobile is provided with an instrument panel in the front part of the vehicle interior.

  Inside the instrument panel, a hollow metal body strength member made of metal that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right body panel is provided. The vehicle body strength member is called a cross car beam or a steering support member.

  On the other hand, an air conditioning duct that is connected to the air conditioning unit and can distribute the air for air conditioning to various locations in the passenger compartment is disposed inside the instrument panel. Among these, the side ventilator duct and the side defroster duct are disposed substantially along the above-described vehicle body strength member.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the air-conditioning duct 1 described above has a water-absorbing material 3 such as a sponge for preventing dripping of the condensed water 2 adhering to the surface by passing air-conditioning air (cold air) through the lower part or the like. Is pasted.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14, an air conditioning duct 1 (side ventilator duct or side defroster duct) is provided inside the vehicle body strength member 4 to form a duct-integrated vehicle body strength member 5. A device that can improve the space efficiency has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Here, the vehicle body strength member 4 includes side brackets 6 for attachment to the corresponding vehicle body panels at both ends (only one end side is shown). Further, the vehicle body strength member 4 is provided with a stay 7 at the center thereof for extending substantially downward and supporting the floor panel. This stay 7 is usually provided in a pair of left and right, and an air conditioning unit 8 is disposed between them. In addition, a large number of device fixing brackets for fixing various devices and the like are attached to various portions of the vehicle body strength member 4 although not particularly illustrated.

  The air conditioning unit 8 and the air-conditioning air inlet side portion of the air-conditioning duct 1 are connected by a connection duct 9. For this purpose, the vehicle body strength member 4 is formed with an entrance opening 10 through which the connecting duct 9 is passed. The entrance-side opening 10 is provided in a portion (substantially central portion) of the vehicle body strength member 4 corresponding to the air conditioning unit 8.

  In addition, an air-conditioning air outlet side portion of the air-conditioning duct 1 is connected to an air blowing grill member installed on the instrument panel. For this purpose, the vehicle body strength member 4 is formed with an outlet opening 11 through which an air blowing grill member is passed. The outlet openings 11 are provided on the rear surface portions in the vicinity of both ends of the vehicle body strength member 4.

In this duct-integrated vehicle body strength member 5, as shown in FIG. 15, the condensation air 2 adhered to the surface is dropped by passing air-conditioning air (cold air) through the air-conditioning duct 1 in the lower portion of the vehicle body strength member 4. In order to prevent this, a water absorbing material 3 such as a sponge is affixed, and a heat insulating material (not shown) for preventing condensation is provided on the vehicle body strength member 4. Alternatively, a rust preventive coating is applied to the vehicle body strength member 4.
JP2001-246922

  However, in the single air conditioning duct 1 and the duct-integrated vehicle body strength member 5 described above, the water absorbing material 3 such as a sponge is adhered to prevent the condensation water 2 from dripping. There was a problem that it took.

  In particular, in the case of the duct-integrated vehicle body strength member 5, it is necessary to further provide a heat insulating material or a rust-proof coating, and the range in which the heat-insulating material is provided or the range in which the rust-proof coating is applied is fixed to the equipment. Because it extends to the bracket for the machine, a wide range of measures are required, making it more difficult.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the invention described in claim 1, a duct is provided in which an air conditioning duct connected to an air conditioning unit is disposed inside a metal hollow vehicle body strength member extending substantially in the vehicle width direction. The body-type vehicle body strength section is characterized by a duct-integrated vehicle body strength member structure provided with a heating element capable of heating air in a gap formed between the vehicle body strength member and the air conditioning duct or the vehicle body strength member. Yes.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the vehicle body strength member is provided with an air inlet portion and an air outlet portion capable of communicating between the gap and the outside, and heat generated to heat the air in the gap. The duct-integrated vehicle body strength member structure according to claim 1, wherein a body is provided in the air intake opening.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the duct-integrated vehicle body strength member structure according to claim 1, wherein a heating element capable of heating the vehicle body strength member is provided so as to be able to transfer heat to the vehicle body strength member. It is said.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the duct-integrated vehicle body strength portion in which the air conditioning duct connected to the air conditioning unit is disposed inside the hollow metal vehicle body strength member extending substantially in the vehicle width direction, the vehicle body strength is increased. By providing the air in the gap formed between the member and the air conditioning duct or the heating element capable of heating the vehicle body strength member, the heating element heats the air in the gap or the vehicle body strength member. By doing so, it becomes possible to keep the vehicle body strength member above the dew point temperature, so it is possible to prevent condensation of the vehicle body strength member. It is possible to eliminate the need to provide a rust preventive coating. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce component cost and the number of sticking steps.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the heating element capable of heating the air in the gap is provided with an air inlet portion and an air outlet portion that can communicate between the gap and the outside of the vehicle body strength member. However, since the air intake opening is provided with the air intake opening, the air can be heated and taken into the gap, so that the air can be efficiently heated. . In addition, a small heating element can be used.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the heating element capable of heating the vehicle body strength member is provided so as to be able to transfer heat to the vehicle body strength member, the vehicle body strength member can be forcibly heated by the heating element. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described together with illustrated examples.

  1 to 9 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  First, the configuration will be described.

  A vehicle such as an automobile is provided with an instrument panel in the front part of the vehicle interior.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a metal hollow body strength member 22 that extends in the vehicle width direction 21 and connects the left and right body panels is provided inside the instrument panel. The vehicle body strength member 22 is called a cross car beam or a steering support member.

  Here, the vehicle body strength member 22 includes side brackets 23 for attachment to the corresponding vehicle body panels at both ends thereof. Further, the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided with a stay 24 at the center thereof that extends substantially downward and is supported by the floor panel. The stay 24 is usually provided in a pair of left and right, and an air conditioning unit 25 is disposed between the pair of left and right stays 24 and below the vehicle body strength member 22. Note that there may be a single stay 24. In this case, the air conditioning unit 25 is disposed in the vicinity of the stay 24 and below the vehicle body strength member 22. In addition, a large number of device fixing brackets 26 for fixing various devices and the like are attached to various portions of the vehicle body strength member 22. The device fixing bracket 26 includes, for example, a column bracket 27 for fixing a steering column, an instrument panel fixing bracket for fixing an instrument panel, and an airbag fixing for fixing an airbag module. There are brackets and audio fixing brackets for fixing audio devices.

  On the other hand, a large number of air conditioning ducts 31 connected to the air conditioning unit 25 and capable of distributing air conditioning air 28 (see FIG. 3; the same applies hereinafter) to various locations in the passenger compartment are disposed inside the instrument panel.

  Here, the air conditioning duct 31 includes various types such as a center ventilator duct 32, a side ventilator duct 33 (see FIG. 2, etc.), a center defroster duct, a side defroster duct, and a rear seat ventilator duct. Is present.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the space efficiency inside the instrument panel is improved by disposing an air conditioning duct 31 inside the vehicle body strength member 22 to form a duct-integrated vehicle body strength portion 38. To get. The air-conditioning duct 31 that can be disposed inside the vehicle body strength member 22 includes, for example, a side ventilator duct 33 and a side defroster duct. For convenience, the side ventilator duct 33 will be described as an example.

  At this time, the connection duct 42 (air-conditioning duct 31) connects the air-conditioning unit 25 and the air-conditioning duct 31 (side ventilator duct 33) between the air-conditioning air 28 and the inlet side portion (air-conditioning air inlet 43). Connected. For this purpose, the vehicle body strength member 22 is formed with an entrance opening 41 through which the connecting duct 42 is passed. The entry side opening 41 is provided in a portion of the vehicle body strength member 22 corresponding to the air conditioning unit 25 (substantially central portion in the vehicle width direction 21) (see FIG. 2).

  Further, the outlet side portion (air conditioning air outlet 45) of the air conditioning air 28 in the air conditioning duct 31 (side ventilator duct 33) is an air blowing grill member 46 (in this case, installed in the instrument panel). It is connected to the side ventilator grille, see FIG. For this purpose, the vehicle body strength member 22 is formed with an outlet opening 44 through which an air blowing grill member 46 is passed. The outlet openings 44 are respectively provided in the rear surface portions in the vicinity of both end portions of the vehicle body strength member 22. Accordingly, the air-conditioning air outlet 45 is installed at a position corresponding to the outlet opening 44. For this purpose, for example, in FIG. 2, the air conditioning duct 31 is closed at the (outer) end, and the air outlet 45 for air conditioning is formed in the rear surface portion near the (outer) end. It has become. Further, for example, in FIG. 3, the air-conditioning duct 31 has an (outer) end portion as an air-conditioning air outlet 45, and the (outer) end portion of the air-conditioning duct 31 is bent so as to be inside the outlet opening 44. It is trying to arrange to. Accordingly, a resin-made closing member 48 having a guide surface 47 directed to the outlet opening 44 is attached to the end of the vehicle body strength member 22.

  In this case, the side ventilator duct 33 may be separate on the left and right or may be integrated on the left and right. When left and right are separated, the air conditioning air inlet 43 is formed on the inner end side of the left and right side ventilator ducts 33, and the air conditioning air outlet 45 is on the outer end side of the left and right side ventilator ducts 33. Will be formed. Further, when the left and right are integrated, the air conditioning air inlet 43 is formed at a substantially central portion of the side ventilator duct 33 in the vehicle width direction 21, and the air conditioning air outlet 45 is connected to the side ventilator duct 33. It will be formed at the left and right ends.

  And in the thing of this Example with respect to the above basic structures, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, the clearance gap 51 is provided between the vehicle body strength member 22 and the air-conditioning duct 31 disposed therein. Form. It is most efficient and preferable that the gap 51 is substantially uniform and continuous with respect to the circumferential direction and the longitudinal direction (vehicle width direction 21). For this purpose, for example, the air conditioning duct 31 and the vehicle body strength member 22 are arranged substantially concentrically with the inner diameter of the air conditioning duct 31 being smaller than the inner diameter of the vehicle body strength member 22. In this case, the air-conditioning duct 31 and the vehicle body strength member 22 have a substantially rectangular cross section with similar shapes, but are not limited thereto. For example, both of them may be round sections. Further, although the gap 51 is not uniform in the circumferential direction, both may have different cross-sectional shapes. Alternatively, if the required gap 51 is formed, the efficiency is lowered, but it is possible to arrange it not concentrically.

  Also, a heating element 53 capable of heating the air 52 in the gap 51 or the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided. Thereby, the gap 51 has a function as a heated air reservoir.

  Further, an air inlet portion 54 and an air outlet portion 55 that can communicate between the gap 51 and the outside are provided for the vehicle body strength member 22. Thereby, the clearance gap 51 has a function as a heating air path. A heating element 53 capable of heating the air 52 in the gap is provided at the air inlet 54.

  Here, the air inlet portion 54 and the air outlet portion 55 are provided to be separated from each other.

  In particular, the air inlet portion 54 of the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided on the side (position) corresponding to the air conditioning air inlet portion 43 of the air conditioning duct 31, and the air outlet portion 55 is the air conditioning air outlet of the air conditioning duct 31. It is preferable to be provided on the side (position) corresponding to the portion 45.

  The air inlet portion 54 can also use the inlet side opening portion 41. For example, in FIGS. 3-6, the code | symbol is illustrated as 54 (41). Moreover, the air inlet part 54 can also be provided exclusively. In this case, for example, it can be provided as a dedicated one at a position outside the pair of stays 24 in FIG.

  In addition, the air outlet 55 can be provided exclusively, but the outlet opening 44 can also be used. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 3, the outlet opening 44 is made slightly larger than the air conditioning air outlet 45, and an air blowing grill member 46 is connected to the outlet opening 44 to The outlet 45 is a free end or the like, and the air outlet 55 is provided between the outlet opening 44 and the air conditioning air outlet 45, so that the air blowing air is supplied from the air blowing grill member 46. The air 52 (warm air) in the gap 51 is sucked and discharged from the air blowing grill member 46 by the negative pressure generated by blowing out the air. It is also possible to provide mechanical means such as a fan or a blower to force the air 52 (warm air) in the gap 51 to flow (suction / discharge etc.).

  And the heat generating body 53 which can heat the air 52 in a clearance gap is good also as the heating wire 56 etc. which were constructed so as to cross the air inlet part 54, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. As the heating wire 56, for example, a nichrome wire can be used.

  Further, the heating element 53 capable of heating the air 52 in the gap may be a heat source device 58 disposed in contact with the inside of the air inlet portion 54 as shown in FIG. 6, for example. For the heat source device 58, for example, a thermoelectric element such as a PTC heater can be used. In FIG. 6, a flange portion is provided in the air inlet portion 54, and the heat source device 58 is disposed in contact with the inner wall portion of the flange portion.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a temperature measuring device 69 capable of measuring the temperature of the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided. Then, the heating element 53 is configured to be turned on / off based on the detected temperature from the temperature measuring device 69. This configuration is common to the following embodiments, but will be described here.

  The temperature measuring device 69 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the entry side opening 41 in the vehicle body strength member 22.

  Then, when the temperature detected by the temperature measuring device 69 falls close to the dew point of the vehicle body strength member 22, the heating element 53 (the power source thereof, the same applies hereinafter) is turned on. When it becomes high, the heating element 53 (the power source thereof, the same applies hereinafter) is turned off.

  More specifically, the heating element 53 can also be configured to operate directly according to the temperature detected by the temperature measuring device 69.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the heating element 53 can be controlled using a control device 71. The control device 71 can be provided independently, but an air conditioning control device 72 for controlling the air conditioning unit 25 can also be used.

  According to FIG. 7, the air conditioning control device 72 sends a control signal to the air conditioning unit 25 to control the air conditioning unit 25, and from the temperature measuring device 69 (duct temperature / humidity sensor). A configuration is added in which the detection signal (detection temperature and detection humidity) is input to the control device 71 (air conditioning control device 72), and the air conditioning control device 72 can control the heating element 53 based on the detection signal. The In the figure, reference numeral 73 is a battery, and 74 is a ground.

  And when the control apparatus 71 is the air-conditioning control apparatus 72, the internal structure part 75 which can perform an internal process as shown to the flowchart of FIG. 8, for example is provided.

  That is, the internal configuration unit 75 includes at least a processing start unit 76, a processing end unit 77, an ignition switch on / off determination unit 78, an air conditioning unit on / off determination unit 79, an outlet temperature reading unit 80, and a (duct unit). A temperature / humidity sensor reading unit 81 (temperature sensor reading unit), a dew point temperature calculating unit 82, an operating temperature adjusting unit 83, a (heating element) power-on operating unit 84, a (heating element) power-off operating unit 85, The repeater 86 is provided.

  The air-conditioning control device 72 includes a (air-conditioning wind) blowing temperature sensor 88 as shown in FIG. The temperature measuring device 69 is a duct temperature / humidity sensor capable of measuring not only temperature but also humidity. In FIG. 8, the process start unit 76 is configured to start the process. The process end unit 77 is configured to end the process. The ignition switch on / off determination unit 78 is configured to determine on / off of the ignition switch. The air conditioning unit on / off determination unit 79 is configured to determine whether the air conditioning unit 25 is on or off. The blowing temperature reading unit 80 is configured to read the detected temperature from the blowing temperature sensor 88. (Duct section) Temperature / humidity sensor reading section 81 is configured to read a detection signal (detection temperature (and detection humidity)) from temperature measuring instrument 69 (duct section temperature / humidity sensor). The dew point temperature calculation unit 82 is configured to calculate the dew point temperature T based on the detection signal from the temperature measuring device 69 (duct temperature / humidity sensor) using the relationship shown in FIG. The operating temperature adjustment unit 83 is configured to perform an on determination when the dew point temperature is T + b (° C.) and to perform an off determination when the dew point temperature is T + a (° C.). However, b and a are set so that b> a> 0 (° C.). The power-on operation unit 84 is configured to be able to turn on the heating element 53 when an on determination is made. On the other hand, the power-off operation unit 85 is configured to turn off the heating element 53 when the air conditioning unit 25 is off or when an off determination is made. The repeater 86 is configured to return the process to the process starter 76.

  And by employ | adopting the above structures, the water absorption material, heat insulating material, rust prevention coating, etc. which were provided until now are abolished fundamentally. Note that these can be provided as a double measure, but in that case, they are only preliminary.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  When the air conditioning unit 25 is activated, the air conditioning air 28 can be blown out to various places in the vehicle compartment via the air conditioning duct 31. The occupant can freely select the blowing mode and temperature of the air-conditioning air 28.

  In the duct-integrated vehicle body strength portion 38, the air-conditioning air 28 is supplied through the air-conditioning duct 31 disposed in the vehicle body strength member 22 and is blown out from the air blowing grill member 46 into the vehicle interior. Become.

  For this reason, when the air-conditioning air 28 is cold air, the vehicle body strength member 22 may be cooled to cause condensation on the surface, but the air 52 (warmth) is formed in the gap 51 between the vehicle body strength member 22 and the air-conditioning duct 31. If the vehicle body strength member 22 is warmed to a temperature equal to or higher than the dew point through the wind, condensation of the vehicle body strength member 22 can be prevented.

  Therefore, the air 52 taken into the gap 51 is heated by the heating element 53 provided at the air inlet 54 of the vehicle body strength member 22.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 3, the air 52 (warm air) in the gap 51 is sucked by the negative pressure generated when the air-conditioning air 28 is blown from the air blowing grill member 46, and the air outlet 55 and the air It is discharged from the blowout grill member 46.

  As a result of this negative pressure suction, the air 52 is taken into the gap 51 through the air inlet 54 and heated by the heating element 53 at the air inlet 54. The flow of the air 52 (warm air) is small and gentle. Thereby, mechanical means such as a fan and a blower for supplying the air 52 (warm air) to the gap 51 are unnecessary. It is also possible to provide mechanical means such as a fan or a blower to force the air 52 to circulate.

  Then, a temperature measuring device 69 capable of measuring the temperature of the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided, and the heating element 53 can be turned on / off based on the detected temperature from the temperature measuring instrument 69, whereby the heating element 53 can be turned on / off. It is possible to automate the off operation.

  At this time, the temperature measuring device 69 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance opening 41 (air conditioning air inlet 43) in the vehicle body strength member 22, so that the temperature of the vehicle body strength member 22 is at the lowest temperature. Therefore, the heating element 53 can be operated with high accuracy.

  Also, when the temperature detected by the temperature measuring device 69 falls to a temperature close to the dew point of the vehicle body strength member 22, the heating element 53 is turned on, and conversely, when the temperature rises sufficiently higher than the dew point of the vehicle body strength member 22. By configuring the heating element 53 to be turned off, the amount of air 52 (warm air) can be suppressed to the minimum necessary, so that the influence on the air conditioning function can be suppressed to a minimum.

  And it can be set as the simplest and cheapest structure by comprising so that the heat generating body 53 can be directly act | operated with the detected temperature of the temperature measuring device 69. FIG.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to perform highly accurate control by configuring the heating element 53 to be controlled using the control device 71. In particular, the air conditioning control device 72 can be effectively used by using the air conditioning control device 72 for the air conditioning unit 25. Further, it is possible to link with other functions of the air conditioning unit 25.

  The internal processing when the control device 71 is the air conditioning control device 72 and the air conditioning control device 72 includes the above-described internal configuration unit 75 is, for example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  That is, when the processing is started by the processing start unit 76, the ignition switch on / off determination unit 78 determines whether the ignition switch of the vehicle is on or off. If the ignition switch is off, the process end unit 77 ends the process.

  Conversely, when the ignition switch is on, the air conditioning unit on / off determination unit 79 determines whether the air conditioning unit 25 is on or off. When the air conditioning unit 25 is off, the power-off operation unit 85 turns off the power of the heating element 53, and then the repeating unit 86 returns the processing to the processing start unit 76.

  On the contrary, when the air conditioning unit 25 is on, the blowing temperature reading unit 80 reads the detected temperature from the blowing temperature sensor 88, and the (duct unit) temperature / humidity sensor reading unit 81 (temperature sensor reading unit) The detection signal (detection temperature (and detection humidity)) from the temperature measuring device 69 (duct temperature / humidity sensor) is read, and the dew point temperature calculation unit 82 uses the detection signal from the temperature measuring device 69 (duct temperature / humidity sensor). Based on this, the dew point temperature T is calculated. By using the temperature measuring device 69 as a duct portion temperature / humidity sensor, the dew point temperature T can be accurately calculated based on the humidity. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the cooling is applied when the temperature is 30 ° C. and the humidity is 70%, the humidity becomes 100% (saturated state) when the temperature reaches 24 ° C. When the temperature falls to 24 ° C., condensation occurs on the vehicle body strength member 22. Therefore, the dew point temperature T = 24 ° C. is obtained. Note that the dew point temperature T may be set to a preset temperature without providing the dew point temperature calculation unit 82.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the operating temperature adjustment unit 83 makes an ON determination when the dew point temperature is T + b (° C.) and makes an OFF determination when the dew point temperature is T + a (° C.). Note that b and a satisfy b> a> 0 (° C.). When the ON determination is made, the power-on operation unit 84 turns on the power of the heating element 53, and then the repeating unit 86 returns the processing to the processing start unit 76. On the other hand, when an off determination is made, the power-off operation unit 85 turns off the power of the heating element 53, and then the repeating unit 86 returns the processing to the processing start unit 76. This process is continued until the end. The internal processing when such a control device 71 is provided is the same for the following embodiments.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, the duct-integrated vehicle body strength in which the air conditioning duct 31 connected to the air conditioning unit 25 is disposed inside the hollow metal vehicle body strength member 22 extending substantially in the vehicle width direction 21. In the portion 38, the heating element 53 that can heat the air 52 in the gap 51 formed between the vehicle body strength member 22 and the air conditioning duct 31 is provided. By heating, the vehicle body strength member 22 can be held at the dew point temperature or more, so it becomes possible to prevent the vehicle body strength member 22 from condensing, so that a water-absorbing material such as sponge can be attached, It is possible to eliminate the need for providing a heat insulating material or applying a rust preventive coating. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce component cost and the number of sticking steps. This is a common action / effect in the following embodiments.

  In this embodiment, the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided with an air inlet portion 54 and an air outlet portion 55 that can communicate between the gap 51 and the outside, and heat that can heat the air 52 in the gap 51. Since the body 53 is provided in the air inlet portion 54, the air 52 can be heated and taken into the gap 51 at the air inlet portion 54, so that the air 52 can be efficiently warmed. . In addition, a small heating element 53 can be used.

  The air inlet 54 and the air outlet 55 are provided apart from each other, so that the heated air 52 can be spread over a wide range of the vehicle body strength member 22.

  Further, the air inlet portion 54 of the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided on the side (position) substantially corresponding to the air conditioning air intake portion 43 of the air conditioning duct 31, and the air outlet portion 55 is provided with the air conditioning air intake of the air conditioning duct 31. By being provided on the side (position) substantially corresponding to the outlet portion 45, it becomes possible to associate the flow of the air-conditioning air 28 with the flow of the air 52 in the gap 51. It can be summarized or simplified.

  And since the heat generating body 53 which can heat the air 52 in the clearance gap 51 is the heating wire 56 constructed so that the cross section of the air inlet part 54 may be crossed, the air 52 is heated with a simple and cheap structure. It becomes possible.

  Further, since the heating element 53 capable of heating the air 52 in the gap 51 is the heat source device 58 disposed in contact with the inside of the air inlet portion 54 or the like, the air 52 and the vehicle body strength member 22 (particularly, the air inlet) It is possible to heat the periphery of the portion 54 at the same time.

  FIGS. 11-13 shows Example 2 which actualized this invention. Note that the description of the basic configuration already described in the above embodiment, the configuration common to all the embodiments, and the like will be omitted to avoid duplication. It can be described in the examples. In other cases, the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the preceding embodiments are treated as the same or equivalent to the preceding embodiments, and the description of the embodiments is described with the description thereof. It can be.

  First, the configuration will be described. In the second embodiment, the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided so as to be able to transfer heat (directly or indirectly) to the vehicle body strength member 22. To do.

  The heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 can be disposed in direct contact with the vehicle body strength member 22 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example.

  In this case, the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is a heat source device 58 disposed in contact with the outer wall portion of the vehicle body strength member 22. For the heat source device 58, for example, a thermoelectric element such as a PTC heater can be used. The heat source device 58 can be attached to the vehicle body strength member 22 over a wide range. In this case, it is attached to the portion between the air inlet portion 54 and the air outlet portion 55 on the lower surface of the vehicle body strength member 22.

  Further, the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 can be indirectly connected to the vehicle body strength member 22 via a heat transfer member 61, as shown in FIG.

  In this case, the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is an electronic board 62 disposed in the vicinity of the vehicle body strength member 22. As this electronic substrate 62, for example, a harness module disposed along the vehicle body strength member 22 can be used. In particular, the heat transfer member 61 is interposed as a heat sink between a heat source (for example, a MOS-FET or a three-terminal regulator) in the electronic substrate 62 and the vehicle body strength member 22.

  In the case of this embodiment, the gap 51 between the vehicle body strength member 22 and the air conditioning duct 31 is not essential, but is effective because the gap 51 can be used as a heat insulating space. In this case, when the air inlet portion 54 and the air outlet portion 55 capable of communicating between the gap 51 and the outside are provided for the vehicle body strength member 22, the air generated by the heat of the heated vehicle body strength member 22 is provided. 52 natural trends can be expected.

  Since the configuration other than the above is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, the description of the second embodiment can be applied to the common portions by the description of the first embodiment. Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

  When the air conditioning unit 25 is activated, the air conditioning air 28 can be blown out to various places in the vehicle compartment via the air conditioning duct 31. The occupant can freely select the blowing mode and temperature of the air-conditioning air 28.

  In the duct-integrated vehicle body strength portion 38, the air-conditioning air 28 is supplied through the air-conditioning duct 31 disposed in the vehicle body strength member 22 and is blown out from the air blowing grill member 46 into the vehicle interior. Become.

  Therefore, when the air-conditioning air 28 is cold air, the vehicle body strength member 22 may be cooled to cause condensation on the surface. However, if the vehicle body strength member 22 is warmed to a temperature higher than the dew point, the vehicle body strength member 22 22 condensation can be prevented.

  Therefore, the vehicle body strength member 22 is heated by the heating element 53.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, the duct-integrated vehicle body strength in which the air conditioning duct 31 connected to the air conditioning unit 25 is disposed inside the hollow metal vehicle body strength member 22 extending substantially in the vehicle width direction 21. Since the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided in the portion 38, the heating element 53 can heat the vehicle body strength member 22 so that the vehicle body strength member 22 can be maintained at a dew point temperature or higher. As a result, it is possible to prevent dew condensation on the vehicle body strength member 22, thereby eliminating the need to attach a water-absorbing material such as a sponge, to provide a heat insulating material, or to apply a rust preventive coating. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce component cost and the number of sticking steps.

  In this embodiment, the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is provided so as to be able to transfer heat to the vehicle body strength member 22, whereby the vehicle body strength member 22 is forcibly heated by the heating element 53. Is possible.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is disposed in direct contact with the vehicle body strength member 22, thereby reliably heating the vehicle body strength member 22. It becomes possible.

  In this case, since the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is the heat source device 58 disposed in contact with the outer wall portion of the vehicle body strength member 22, a heat source is applied to the outer wall portion of the vehicle body strength member 22. The device 58 can be installed freely.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is indirectly connected to the vehicle body strength member 22 via the heat transfer member 61, thereby generating heat at a distant position. The heat of the body 53 can be transmitted to the vehicle body strength member 22 via the heat transfer member 61 and used effectively.

  In this case, since the heating element 53 capable of heating the vehicle body strength member 22 is the electronic substrate 62 disposed in the vicinity of the vehicle body strength member 22, the heat of the electronic substrate 62 is radiated to the vehicle body strength member 22. Therefore, the heat of the electronic substrate 62 can be effectively used and the temperature of the electronic substrate 62 can be lowered.

  Further, by using, for example, a harness module disposed along the vehicle body strength member 22 as the electronic substrate 62, the vehicle body strength member 22 and the harness module can be provided side by side in a shared manner.

  In particular, the heat transfer member 61 is interposed between a heat generation source (for example, a MOS-FET or a three-terminal regulator) in the electronic substrate 62 and the vehicle body strength member 22, so that the vehicle body strength member 22 is heat sink. It can be used as

  About parts other than the above, it has the same composition as the above-mentioned example, and can obtain the same operation and effect. Further, the details of the parts that are omitted from the description can be explained with reference to the above-described embodiment.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the embodiments are only examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Needless to say, design changes and the like within a range not departing from the gist of the invention are included in the present invention. For example, when each embodiment includes a plurality of configurations, it goes without saying that possible combinations of these configurations are included. In addition, when a plurality of embodiments and modifications are shown, it is needless to say that possible combinations of configurations straddling these are included.

1 is an overall perspective view of a duct-integrated vehicle body strength member structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged transverse sectional view (AA sectional view) of FIG. 1. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (BB sectional drawing) of FIG. 1 which has a heating wire as a heat generating body. It is the figure which looked at the heating wire of FIG. 4 from the downward direction. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 which has a heat source device as a heat generating body. It is a control system diagram of this embodiment (common to each embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the internal process of FIG. 7 (common to each Example). It is a moist air diagram which shows the relationship between the temperature for calculating | requiring dew point temperature, and the amount of water vapor | steam (common to each Example). It is a partial back view of the duct integrated body strength member structure concerning Example 2 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 which has a heat source device as a heat generating body. It is the same longitudinal cross-sectional view as FIG. 11 which has an electronic substrate as a heat generating body. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air-conditioning duct concerning a prior art example. FIG. 10 is a partial rear view of a duct-integrated vehicle body strength portion according to a conventional example. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

21 Vehicle width direction 22 Car body strength member 25 Air conditioning unit 31 Air conditioning duct 38 Duct-integrated vehicle body strength part 51 Gap 52 Air 53 Heating element 54 Air inlet part 55 Air outlet part

Claims (3)

In the duct-integrated vehicle body strength portion in which the air conditioning duct connected to the air conditioning unit is disposed inside the metal hollow vehicle body strength member extending substantially in the vehicle width direction,
A duct-integrated vehicle body strength member structure characterized in that air in a gap formed between the vehicle body strength member and an air conditioning duct or a heating element capable of heating the vehicle body strength member is provided. An air inlet and an air outlet that can communicate between the gap and the outside are provided for the vehicle body strength member,
2. The duct-integrated vehicle body strength member structure according to claim 1, wherein a heating element capable of heating the air in the gap is provided in the air intake opening.   2. The duct-integrated vehicle body strength member structure according to claim 1, wherein a heating element capable of heating the vehicle body strength member is provided so as to be able to transfer heat to the vehicle body strength member.

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