JP2011194965A - Washer tank for automobile and front part structure of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washer tank for an automobile allowing improvement of a degree of freedom in adjustment of impact absorbing performance in a bumper and attaining of reduction of parts price, reduction of weight and space saving.SOLUTION: This washer tank 38 for the automobile for storing washer fluid W for washing a window, etc. of the automobile is disposed between an energy absorbing member 36 having a front end side covered with a bumper face 20 and extending in a vehicle width direction and a cross member lower 28 for supporting the energy absorbing member 36 in a vehicle length direction, and is extended in the vehicle width direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automotive washer tank that stores washer fluid for cleaning a front window, a rear window, a headlamp, and the like, and a vehicle front structure in which the washer tank is disposed at the front of the vehicle.

  Automobiles are equipped with a washer device that injects washer fluid onto the front and rear windows to remove the oil film and dirt in order to ensure the driver's visibility. In addition, there is a washer device configured to inject a washer liquid onto a headlamp for the purpose of preventing a decrease in the amount of light of illumination.

  In such a washer device, the washer tank for storing the washer liquid is disposed in a dead space in the engine room or the fender because there are few restrictions on the shape. The washer tank usually has a capacity capable of storing about 5 liters of washer liquid.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a prior art in which a washer tank is disposed in a space in a shroud panel that is a cover that covers a radiator core and a cooling fan of the radiator.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a prior art in which a front air spoiler disposed under a front bumper has a hollow sealed structure, and the front air spoiler itself is a washer tank.

  Further, Patent Literature 3 and Patent Literature 4 disclose prior art in which a washer tank is built in a bumper.

JP 2006-1336 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-8666 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 58-26845 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 58-168952

  However, in these prior arts, the washer tank is simply arranged using the dead space, so that the number of components is reduced to reduce the price or contribute to the weight reduction of the automobile. The effect is not obtained. In particular, in the case of Patent Document 3, since the washer tank is directly built in with the rib as a buffer member inside the bumper, there is a concern that the shock absorbing performance in the portion of the washer tank is lowered.

  In addition, the shape of the front air spoiler and bumper has a great influence on the design of the car, and since it becomes a dedicated product for each design, when a washer tank is built in these, productivity is significantly reduced and expensive. End up. Furthermore, in the case of a bumper, if the structure is restricted by the incorporation of a washer tank, it is difficult to adjust the shock absorbing performance.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can improve the degree of freedom in adjusting the shock absorbing performance of the bumper, and also achieves reduction of parts price, weight reduction, and space saving. An object of the present invention is to provide a car washer tank and a vehicle front structure.

  An automotive washer tank according to the present invention is an automotive washer tank for storing a washer fluid for cleaning an automobile window or the like, an energy absorbing member whose front end is covered with a bumper face and extends in the vehicle width direction, It is disposed between the vehicle body member that supports the energy absorbing member in the vehicle length direction and extends in the vehicle width direction.

  In the automobile washer tank, the energy absorbing member, the washer tank, and the vehicle body member are disposed at substantially the same height from the road surface.

  In the automobile washer tank, the rigidity is set so as to increase in the order of the energy absorbing member <the washer tank <the vehicle body member.

  In the automobile washer tank, the energy absorbing member and the washer tank are connected by engaging a convex portion formed on one side and a concave portion formed on the other side.

  In the automotive washer tank, the washer tank is fixed to the vehicle body member via a bracket extending from the washer tank to a lower end side of the vehicle body member.

  In the automotive washer tank, the energy absorbing member constitutes a lower bumper disposed below a main bumper disposed on a front end side of the bumper beam.

  The vehicle front structure according to the present invention includes an energy absorbing member whose front end is covered with a bumper face and extending in the vehicle width direction, and an automobile washer tank for storing a washer liquid for washing an automobile window and the like. In the vehicle front portion structure including a vehicle body member extending in the vehicle width direction, the automobile washer tank is disposed between the energy absorbing member and the vehicle body member, and a rear end side is the vehicle body member. The rear end side of the energy absorbing member is fixed to the front end side.

  In the front structure of the vehicle, the rigidity is set so as to increase in the order of the energy absorbing member <the washer tank <the vehicle body member.

  According to the automotive washer tank and the vehicle front structure of the present invention, the washer tank is disposed between the energy absorbing member whose front end is covered by the bumper face and the vehicle body member that supports the energy absorbing member in the vehicle length direction. By doing so, the washer tank replaces a part of the energy absorbing member, so that the energy absorbing member can be miniaturized to reduce the component price, and at the same time, weight reduction and space saving can be achieved simultaneously.

  In addition, since the energy absorbing member is downsized, it is possible to easily and inexpensively change the shape of the energy absorbing member that greatly affects the design of the automobile. Furthermore, since the washer tank has few restrictions on the shape, the degree of freedom of the shape of the energy absorbing member partially replaced by the washer tank is improved. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the shock absorbing performance of the energy absorbing member to a desired performance.

  Further, by arranging the energy absorbing member, the washer tank, and the vehicle body member at substantially the same height from the road surface, the impact force from the outside to the bumper can be effectively absorbed by the energy absorbing member, the washer tank, and the vehicle body member. it can.

  In addition, by setting the rigidity to be stronger from the bumper face side in the order of energy absorbing member <washer tank <body member, the impact force from the outside on the bumper is gradually absorbed to The influence of the impact force on the chamber side can be suitably reduced.

  In addition, the energy absorbing member and the washer tank are engaged with each other through a convex portion formed on one side and a concave portion formed on the other side, so that the energy absorbing member is securely connected to the washer tank, and the washer tank at the time of collision The holding force of the energy absorbing member can be ensured. As a result, the shock absorbing performance by the energy absorbing member is stabilized.

  In addition, by fixing the washer tank to the vehicle body member via a bracket extending from the washer tank to the lower end side of the vehicle body member, for example, in the case of a collision with a small impact force, the washer tank falls off from the vehicle body member. Damage to the vehicle body member due to impact force can be minimized.

It is explanatory drawing of the motor vehicle front part in which the washer tank of this embodiment was integrated. It is the II-II sectional view taken on the line of the motor vehicle front part shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective explanatory view in the vicinity of a lower bumper shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view in the vicinity of a lower bumper in which the washer tank shown in FIG. 2 is incorporated. It is an expanded sectional view near the lower bumper in which the washer tank which is other embodiments was built. It is an expanded sectional view near the lower bumper in which the washer tank which is other embodiments is built.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a front part 10 of an automobile in which a washer tank according to this embodiment is incorporated. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the automobile front portion 10 shown in FIG.

  A front grill 12, a main bumper 14, and a lower bumper 16 are disposed in the automobile front portion 10. A cooling air intake 18 for taking in the cooling air C is formed between the main bumper 14 and the lower bumper 16 (see FIG. 2). A bumper face 20 is mounted on the front surface of the automobile from the front grill 12 to the lower bumper 16. A radiator 22 is disposed in the engine room E of the automobile. The radiator 22 is cooled by the cooling air C taken from the front grill 12 and the cooling air intake 18.

  The main bumper 14 is disposed at a height position in the vicinity of the knee portion H in the pedestrian's leg portion K schematically shown in FIG. Further, the lower bumper 16 is disposed at a height position in the vicinity of the leg K of the leg K. The reason for providing the main bumper 14 and the lower bumper 16 is to disperse the impact applied to the pedestrian's leg K in the event of a collision and to avoid an accident involving the pedestrian. At the time of the collision, the pedestrian's leg K hits the main bumper 14 and the lower bumper 16 almost simultaneously, so that the leg K is in a state of being paid off, and as a result, it is expected that the entanglement accident is avoided. .

  The main bumper 14 has an energy absorbing member 26 attached to the front end side of the bumper beam 24 extending in the vehicle width direction. The energy absorbing member 26 can be formed of a resin foam such as polyurethane or polypropylene. Further, the bumper face 20 disposed on the front end side of the energy absorbing member 26 can be formed of a soft resin having a rigidity lower than that of the energy absorbing member 26.

  The lower bumper 16 is attached to a cross member lower 28 (vehicle body member) extending in the vehicle width direction and supported in the vehicle length direction, as shown in a perspective explanatory view in the vicinity of the lower bumper in FIG. A cross member upper 34 is connected to the upper portion of the cross member lower 28 via brackets 30 a and 30 b and a phosphorus hose member 32. In the engine room E, the radiator 22 is disposed adjacent to the cross member lower 28 and the cross member upper 34.

  3 and 4, the lower bumper 16 extends in the vehicle width direction and stores the washer fluid W in the vehicle width direction. And a washer tank 38.

  The energy absorbing member 36 includes a plurality of ribs 40 arranged in a lattice pattern at a desired interval, and is formed from a soft resin that absorbs an impact. The energy absorbing member 36 can be adjusted to a desired strength by appropriately selecting the number, interval, thickness, and material of the ribs 40. Further, the upper surface portion of the energy absorbing member 36 is an inclined surface 42 that gradually increases from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side. The bumper face 20 is fixed to the lower end side of the energy absorbing member 36 by a bolt 44, and the rear end side in the vehicle length direction is fixed in contact with the front end side of the washer tank 38. The energy absorbing member 36 and the washer tank 38 may be joined to each other in the vehicle length direction with an adhesive, or may be connected only by frictional force, or may be fastened using a fastening member such as a bolt. Good.

  The washer tank 38 has a sealed structure for storing the washer fluid W, and is formed of a soft resin that absorbs an impact, like the energy absorbing member 36. A washer liquid W is supplied to the washer tank 38 from the outside through a connecting portion 39 (see FIG. 3) extending from the side end to the rear of the vehicle, and the washer liquid W is sprayed to a front window or the like by a pump (not shown). A pipe 46 is connected. The washer tank 38 can be adjusted to a desired strength by selecting the thickness and material of the tank.

  Further, the upper surface of the washer tank 38 has an inclined surface 48 that gradually increases from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side so as to guide the cooling air C taken from the cooling air intake 18 to the radiator 22 of the engine room E. (See FIGS. 3 and 4). Specifically, the inclined surface 42 that is the upper surface portion of the energy absorbing member 36 and the inclined surface 48 that is the upper surface portion of the washer tank 38 are integrated to connect the lower end of the cooling air intake 18 and the lower end of the radiator 22. By configuring so as to be substantially parallel to the plane, the cooling air C taken from the cooling air inlet 18 is smoothly guided to the radiator 22. The washer tank 38 is fixed to the front end side of the cross member lower 28.

  The washer tank 38 is fixed to a bracket 54 provided at the upper end of the cross member lower 28 by a bolt 52 via a bracket 50 extending upward from the inclined surface 48. Further, the washer tank 38 is formed on the rear end side in the vehicle length direction, and is fixed to the lower end side of the cross member lower 28 by a bolt 58 via a bracket 56 extending to the lower end side of the cross member lower 28.

  The energy absorbing member 36, the washer tank 38, and the cross member lower 28 are arranged in this order from the front of the vehicle. The bumper face 20, the energy absorbing member 36, the washer tank 38, and the cross member lower 28 constituting the lower bumper 16 have the rigidity of the bumper face 20 <energy absorbing member 36 <washer tank 38 <cross member lower 28. It is set to become stronger in the order of.

  The automobile front portion 10 in which the washer tank 38 of the present embodiment is incorporated is basically configured as described above. Next, the function and effect will be described.

  The washer liquid W stored in the washer tank 38 is sucked by a pump (not shown) through the pipe 46, and is washed, for example, by being injected into the front window. In addition, when the remaining amount of the washer liquid W is reduced, the washer liquid W can be replenished to the washer tank 38 from the outside via the pipe 46. Since the washer tank 38 constitutes the lower bumper 16, the washer tank 38 is located below the engine room E. Therefore, the pipe 46 and the connection portion 39 of the pipe 46 for supplying the washer liquid to the washer tank 38 are provided in the vehicle. It can be installed at a position where it is relatively easy to work from the outside during assembly and repair.

  In addition, traveling wind generated while the automobile is traveling is supplied as cooling air C from the front grill 12 and the cooling air intake 18 to the radiator 22 in the engine room E, thereby cooling the radiator 22. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the washer tank 38 constituting the lower bumper 16 disposed at the lower part of the cooling air intake 18 has an upper surface portion on the cooling air intake 18 side serving as the radiator 22. Since the inclined surface 48 is inclined toward the cooling air, the cooling air C taken from the cooling air intake 18 can be efficiently guided to the radiator 22. As a result, the radiator 22 can be effectively cooled.

  Next, a case where an impact force F is applied to the automobile will be described.

  For example, when the front part of the automobile collides with the pedestrian's leg K while the automobile is running, the impact force F is applied to the upper main bumper 14 and the lower lower bumper 16 as shown in FIG. Distributed. The impact force F applied to the main bumper 14 from the pedestrian's knee H is partially absorbed by the deformation of the bumper face 20 and then further absorbed by the deformation of the energy absorbing member 26. Further, after the impact force F applied to the lower bumper 16 from the lower leg Ka of the pedestrian is partially absorbed by the deformation of the bumper face 20, the energy absorbing member 36, the washer tank 38 and the cross member lower 28 are compressed. It is further absorbed by deformation. And the leg part K of a pedestrian is paid by the main bumper 14 and the lower bumper 16, and it is expected that a serious accident such as an entrainment accident is avoided.

  Further, since the lower bumper 16 is set so that the rigidity becomes stronger in the order of bumper face 20 <energy absorbing member 36 <washer tank 38 <cross member lower 28, in this order from the bumper face 20 side. It is compressed and deformed, and the impact force F is gradually absorbed. Therefore, the influence of the impact force on the engine room E side and the vehicle compartment side in the event of a collision is suitably reduced, and these damages are minimized.

  Further, since the energy absorbing member 36, the washer tank 38, and the cross member lower 28 are arranged in the vehicle length direction in this order and are arranged at substantially the same height from the road surface, the washer tank 38 While generating the drag force that compresses the absorbing member 36, the movement of the energy absorbing member 36 in the vertical direction can be restricted, and the impact force F can be absorbed in a stable state. As a result, the impact force F from the outside on the lower bumper 16 can be effectively absorbed by the energy absorbing member 36, the washer tank 38, and the cross member lower 28.

  The washer tank 38 is fixed to the bracket 54 of the cross member lower 28 via a bracket 50 extending upward from the inclined surface 48, and is a bracket extending from the rear end side to the cross member lower 28 side. It is fixed to the lower end side of the cross member lower 28 through 56. In this case, the bracket 56 is formed substantially parallel to the direction of the impact force F applied in the vehicle length direction. At the time of impact at a low speed, for example, at a low speed, the brackets 50 and 56 have weakened portions and portions where the impact force is concentrated (for example, portions fastened with bolts 52 and 58, brackets 50 and 56 and washers Since the washer tank 38 is detached from the cross member lower 28 in the road surface direction, the damage of the cross member lower 28 is minimized. As a result, a situation in which the engine room E side and the vehicle compartment side of the automobile are greatly damaged is avoided.

  Next, the effect of making the washer tank 38 a part of the energy absorbing member 36 will be described.

  The washer tank 38 functions as a member that absorbs the impact force F together with the energy absorbing member 36. In this case, compared with the case where the energy absorbing member 36 and the washer tank 38 are configured as one “energy absorbing member”, the washer tank 38 substitutes a part of the “energy absorbing member”. The member 36 can be reduced in size and weight. Moreover, the component price of the energy absorbing member 36 can be reduced by downsizing. Furthermore, since the washer tank 38 is incorporated in the lower bumper 16 as a part of the “energy absorbing member”, space saving can be achieved at the same time.

  Further, in order to change the front design of an automobile or to manufacture automobiles with various front designs, conventionally, the entire energy absorbing member has to be manufactured each time. In contrast, according to the vehicle front structure according to the present invention, it is only necessary to change the shape or the like of the energy absorbing member 36 while sharing the washer tank 38. It can be realized easily and inexpensively.

  Further, the washer tank 38 only needs to have a function of storing the washer liquid, and there are few restrictions on the shape, and the washer tank 38 can be adjusted relatively freely. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the function of the washer tank 38 as an energy absorbing member, the shape and structure of the energy absorbing member 36 connected to the washer tank 38 can be easily adjusted according to the design of the automobile and the desired shock absorbing performance. Can be adjusted.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a lower bumper 60 according to another embodiment. The energy absorbing member 62 and the washer tank 64 constituting the lower bumper 60 include a plurality of convex portions 66 formed on the rear end side of the energy absorbing member 62 and a plurality of concave portions 68 formed on the front end side of the washer tank 64. And are connected.

  By engaging the energy absorbing member 62 and the washer tank 64 via the convex portion 66 and the concave portion 68, the energy absorbing member 62 is securely connected to the washer tank 64, and the energy absorbing member 62 by the washer tank 64 at the time of a collision. It is possible to secure the holding power. As a result, since the relative position between the energy absorbing member 62 and the washer tank 64 is difficult to shift during the collapsing / deforming of the energy absorbing member 62 at the time of a collision, desired stable energy absorbing performance by the energy absorbing member 62 is exhibited. The

  Further, the convex portion 66 may be formed on the washer tank 64 side, and the concave portion 68 may be formed on the energy absorbing member 62 side. Further, the convex portion 66 and the concave portion 68 may be formed to extend in the vehicle width direction so as to ensure the holding force of the energy absorbing member 62 by the washer tank 64.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a lower bumper 70 which is still another embodiment. The energy absorbing member 72 and the washer tank 74 constituting the lower bumper 70 are one convex portion 76 formed on the rear end side of the energy absorbing member 72 and one concave portion 78 formed on the front end side of the washer tank 74. And are connected.

  Further, the convex portion 76 may be formed on the washer tank 74 side, and the concave portion 78 may be formed on the energy absorbing member 72 side. Further, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the convex portion 76 and the concave portion 78 may be formed extending in the vehicle width direction.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, It is possible to change in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention.

  For example, the washer tank 38 may be disposed not in the lower bumper 16 disposed in the front part of the automobile but in the lower bumper disposed in the rear part. Further, the washer tank 38 may be different from the length of the energy absorbing member 36 in the vehicle width direction as long as it is a necessary range for absorbing the impact force, and is asymmetric with respect to the axis in the vehicle length direction. There may be.

  Further, the energy absorbing members 36, 62, 72 and the washer tanks 38, 64, 74 are not limited to the above-described connecting structure as long as they can be connected. For example, it is possible to adopt a structure in which one is connected to the other in a slidable state or a structure in which the other is connected by a fitting means other than irregularities.

  Further, the plurality of ribs 40 formed on the energy absorbing members 36, 62, and 72 are not limited to being arranged in a lattice form as long as the impact force can be efficiently absorbed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Automobile front part 12 ... Front grille 14 ... Main bumper 16, 60, 70 ... Lower bumper 18 ... Cooling air intake 20 ... Bumper face 22 ... Radiator 24 ... Bumper beam 26, 36, 62, 72 ... Energy absorption member 28 ... Cross member lower 38, 64, 74 ... Washer tank 40 ... Rib 46 ... Pipe 42, 48 ... Inclined surface 66, 76 ... Convex portion 68, 78 ... Concavity C ... Cooling air F ... Impact force W ... Washer liquid

Claims (8)

In an automobile washer tank that stores washer fluid for cleaning automobile windows,
The front end side is disposed between the energy absorbing member that is covered by the bumper face and extends in the vehicle width direction, and the vehicle body member that supports the energy absorbing member in the vehicle length direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. This is a car washer tank. The automobile washer tank according to claim 1,
The automobile washer tank, wherein the energy absorbing member, the washer tank, and the vehicle body member are disposed at substantially the same height from a road surface. The automobile washer tank according to claim 1 or 2,
The automobile washer tank is characterized in that the strength of rigidity is set in the order of the energy absorbing member <the washer tank <the body member. The automobile washer tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The automobile energy washer tank and the washer tank are connected to each other by engaging a convex portion formed on one side and a concave portion formed on the other side. The automobile washer tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The automotive washer tank, wherein the washer tank is fixed to the vehicle body member via a bracket extending from the washer tank to a lower end side of the vehicle body member. In the automobile washer tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The car washer tank according to claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing member constitutes a lower bumper disposed below a main bumper disposed on a front end side of the bumper beam. An energy absorbing member whose front end is covered with a bumper face and extending in the vehicle width direction, an automobile washer tank for storing washer fluid for cleaning an automobile window and the like, and a vehicle body member extending in the vehicle width direction In the front structure of the vehicle with
The automobile washer tank is disposed between the energy absorbing member and the vehicle body member, the rear end side is fixed to the front end side of the vehicle body member, and the rear end side of the energy absorbing member is fixed to the front end side. A front structure of a vehicle characterized by being made. The vehicle front structure according to claim 7,
A front structure of a vehicle, wherein the rigidity is set so as to increase in the order of the energy absorbing member <the washer tank <the body member.

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