JP6998091B1 - Movable headlight cowl - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a movable headlight cowl which protects an automobile headlight and has an improved design. SOLUTION: In an automobile provided with a headlight and a front bumper or a front cowl, a first cowl covering the headlight, a first support means for supporting the first cowl, and the first support means. The headlight is covered with the first cowl by moving the first cowl to a predetermined position. The headlight is exposed from the hidden state. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention is a cowl that is installed near an automobile headlight (hereinafter referred to as "headlight" or "headlight") to cover the headlight (hereinafter, may be referred to as "windshield" or "cover"). The present invention relates to a mechanism for moving the cowl to expose or shield the headlights.

Automobile headlights are often installed on the front of an automobile so that they are visible from the outside.
For this reason, the design of the automobile has to have two headlights on the left and right sides of the front part, and there is an inconvenience that it is difficult to give out individuality because the design is similar.
In addition, the lens surface of the headlight was often damaged or soiled by the collision of flying stones and insects while driving.

Therefore, retractable headlights that normally store the headlights and expose them during use such as at night have been adopted.
By using retractable headlights, the headlights can be shielded from the outside when stored, giving the entire vehicle a special atmosphere, giving you more freedom in design and identity. It was expected to have the effect of making it easier to appeal the features.
However, there was a need for a mechanism for storing the headlights in the bonnet, bumper or fender during normal times and exposing the headlight unit when using the headlights.
For example, it is necessary to make the headlight itself movable so that the headlight can be stored or exposed in a bonnet, bumper or fender.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-122342 Jitsukaihei 03-05547

In Patent Document 1, the upper surface plate of the headlight unit constitutes a part of the left and right ends of the tip of the bonnet, and when the headlight is erected, the upper surface of the headlight unit slightly protrudes from the bonnet surface. It has been shown to be in a state.
Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which the headlight itself is fixed and a movable reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the headlight and irradiating the front of the automobile is provided.

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when the headlight is erected, the upper surface of the headlight unit is in a state of slightly protruding from the bonnet surface, so that it is difficult to ensure safety in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. ..
In addition, regarding the headlights that stand up during driving, the headlight unit itself receives the wind during driving and becomes air resistance, disturbs the airflow of the entire vehicle, and downs necessary for the stability of the vehicle body at high speed driving. It was a cause of lowering the force.

Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, the headlight unit itself is fixed, and instead of driving a heavy object called a headlight unit, a reflector having a small mass is made movable to drive the drive unit. We are trying to reduce the size.
However, since the movable reflector protrudes from the bonnet, it has the same problems as Patent Document 1, such as collision safety with pedestrians, air resistance, and influence on downforce. rice field.

As described above, in the conventional technology, since the headlight unit is in a state of protruding from the body such as the bonnet, collision safety with a pedestrian can be ensured, and air resistance when the headlight unit stands up can be increased. It was not possible to avoid the impact on downforce.

Therefore, in the present invention, the headlight is covered with a movable cowl or a cover so that the movable cowl or the cover can be moved and used when the headlight irradiation is required. The purpose is to prevent the lens surface of the headlight from being damaged or soiled by the collision of flying stones or insects.

In addition, when the headlight unit is erected, unlike the conventional retractable headlights when illuminating the headlights, the upper surface of the headlight unit does not protrude slightly from the bonnet surface. By moving the movable cowl or cover of the headlights to make them components such as front bumpers and fenders, or by storing them in the front bumpers and fenders, collision safety with pedestrians, air resistance, and down force can be achieved. The purpose is to solve problems such as impact.

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is to support the first cowl covering the headlight and the first cowl in the automobile provided with the headlight and the front bumper or the front cowl. A first moving means for moving the first cowl by moving the supporting means for the first cowl, and moving the first cowl to a predetermined position. It is desirable to make the headlights exposed from the state where the headlights are covered and hidden by the first cowl.

In this case, when moving the first cowl from the state of covering the headlights, the outside of the front bumper or the front cowl may be moved, or the first cowl may be moved so as to enter the inside of the front bumper or the front cowl. May be.

The second invention is to support the second cowl which constitutes a part of the front bumper or the front cowl of an automobile and the second cowl in the movable headlight cowl according to the first invention. The second cowl is provided with a support means for moving the second cowl and a second moving means for moving the second cowl by moving the support means for the second cowl. It is desirable to move the cowl to a position that does not interfere with the first cowl or the support means for supporting the first cowl.

In this case, as a mechanism for moving the first cowl, it is desirable to have a mechanism for moving the first cowl in a direction parallel to the plane constituting the first cowl (Y-axis direction), but further on the same plane. A mechanism for moving the cowl in another direction, for example, in the X-axis direction may be added.
Further, a mechanism for moving the first cowl in a direction perpendicular to the surface (Z-axis direction) may be provided.
With the latter configuration, the first cowl is moved from the state of covering the headlight and then moved in the Z-axis direction to obtain the outer surface of the first cowl and the outer surface of the headlight. It is possible to make the front bumper around the first cowl or the outer surface of the front cowl flush with each other after movement.

In the third invention, in the movable headlight cowl according to any one of the first invention and the second invention, the first cowl moved to a predetermined position is the front bumper or the front cowl. It is desirable to form a part of.

A fourth aspect of the invention is the movable headlight cowl according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the first cowl is moved from the predetermined position to obtain the headlight. It is desirable that the headlight is covered with the first cowl and hidden from the exposed state.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, in the movable headlight cowl according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, the first moving means for moving the first cowl is the first cowl. It is desirable that it is a means of sliding in a certain direction.

The sixth invention is the movable headlight cowl according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the first support means (fulcrum A) for supporting the first cowl is. Separately, a second support means (fulcrum B) for supporting the first cowl and a guide means for guiding the second support means are provided, and the first cowl is provided at at least two points or more. By supporting the first cowl, it is desirable to stably support the first cowl and to smoothly move the first cowl.

According to the present invention, the headlight is covered with a movable cowl or cover so that the movable cowl or cover can be moved and used when the headlight irradiation is required, so that the headlight can be used while traveling. It is possible to prevent the lens surface of the headlight from being damaged or soiled by the collision of flying stones or insects.

Further, according to the present invention, by shielding the headlights so that they cannot be seen from the outside in normal times, the form of the entire automobile can be made to look like a special atmosphere, and the degree of freedom in design can be expanded. ..

Further, according to the present invention, when the movable cowl or cover is moved from the state of covering the headlight to the state of exposing the headlight, the movable cowl or cover is a front bumper or the like. By forming a part of the front, it is possible to give a feature to the design around the front.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a design that appeals to an identity (individuality) or a feature by expressing the dynamism of movement around the front by moving a movable cowl or a cover. ..

Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, the upper surface of the headlight unit slightly protrudes from the bonnet surface when the headlight is erected like the conventional retractable headlight when irradiating the headlight. By moving the movable cowl or cover of the headlight to make it a component such as the front bumper or fender, or by storing it in the front bumper or fender without putting it in a state, collision safety with pedestrians, It can solve problems such as air resistance and the effect on downforce.

Is a figure showing an example of the configuration of the movable headlight cowl of the present invention. Is a figure showing an example of the process of moving the movable headlight cowl of the present invention. Is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism for moving the first cowl. Is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration example of FIG. Is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for avoiding interference between the first cowl and the second cowl. Is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship with the second cowl when moving the first cowl. Is a diagram showing an example of a uniaxial actuator in which the first cowl can be moved in the Y-axis direction. Is a diagram showing an example of a biaxial actuator in which the first cowl can be moved in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Is an example of a mechanism for moving the second cowl, and is a diagram showing an example of an electric cylinder. Is a diagram showing the structure of the fulcrum B and the guide supporting the movement of the first cowl. Is a diagram showing an example of modifications of FIGS. 1 and 2. Is a figure showing an example of the modification of FIG. Is a figure which shows an example of the modification of FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. Is a modification of FIG. 13, and is a diagram showing an example of modifications of FIGS. 1 to 2 and 4.

<Explanation of terms>
◇ A car is a vehicle that can move on land, on the water, in the air, or underwater by an engine or motor, and is a passenger car (bus, general car), a passenger car, a freight car, a special car, a motorcycle, and a motor. Includes bicycles, bicycles and other vehicles.
The application of the present invention is not limited to the above, and can be used as long as it achieves both reduction of air resistance and design, and whether or not it has wheels, whether it moves on land or not. It doesn't matter if you move on the water, underwater, or in the air. Therefore, those that move at high speed using some kind of power source, such as railroad vehicles, aircraft, and drones, are included in the automobile of the present invention.

◇ A bumper is a part that absorbs an impact in the event of a collision. The front bumper is installed on the front part of the automobile, but in recent years, many of them are designed with consideration for styling and reduction of air resistance, and the shock absorber is increasingly installed on the body or frame separately. Generally, it is often installed at the bottom of the front part of the car, but with an emphasis on design, a front bumper that integrates near the headlights, near the front grille, or near the front fender may be adopted. ..

◇ Cowl is a term often used in aircraft and motorcycles, and refers to a cover-like part that covers the engine and vehicle body in order to rectify the running wind. The first cowl that covers the headlights in the present invention also has a role of not only covering the headlights but also rectifying the running wind. Further, the second cowl provided as needed also forms a part of the front bumper and has a role of rectifying the running wind.
◇ The front cowl is a cowl provided on the front part, and the difference from the front bumper is whether it has a function to absorb shock, but as mentioned above, the front bumper of the car itself absorbs shock. There is no substantial difference because many of the designs are designed with the reduction of air resistance in mind, not for the purpose, and even in the present invention, the front bumper and the front cowl are treated without distinction.
◇ Headlights are lighting devices installed on the front side of automobiles and vehicles that illuminate the front at night, and are also called headlights. Headlights mainly consist of bulbs and lenses that serve as light sources. The headlight unit refers to the entire unit including the structure for assembling the headlight such as the body, but is treated without distinguishing it from the headlight and the headlight.

◇ The "outer surface" of the headlight, first cowl, second cowl, front bumper, front cowl, bonnet, front fender, etc. refers to the surface that each part constitutes when the automobile is viewed from the outside. It is desirable that the respective parts are flush with each other so that the outer surfaces are smoothly connected when the parts are adjacent to each other.
◇ Movable headlight cowl is the entire configuration including the headlight, the first cowl that covers the headlight, the second cowl provided as needed, and the area where the first cowl fits after moving. It is a coined word combined with the term cowl with the meaning of considering not only the appeal of the design but also the aerodynamic performance such as reduction of air resistance.
◇ Movable headlight cowl placement area includes the area where the first cowl, the second cowl provided as needed, and the area where the first cowl is placed before and after the movement are included. Refers to the peripheral area of the movable area of the movable headlight cowl of the present invention.

Hereinafter, examples of the movable headlight cowl of the present invention will be described.
The shape and configuration of the movable headlight cowl described above are merely examples, and can be applied to various modifications.

1. 1. Outline of the present invention First, an outline of the configuration of the automobile of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The peripheral components of the movable headlight cowl of the present invention include a first cowl 10 that covers the headlight 30 (not shown), a second cowl 20 that is installed as needed, and a front fender 40. , Front bumper or front cowl 50, front grille or air duct 60.
The first cowl 10 may have a shape that covers all or part of the headlight 30. Further, the first cowl 10 covers the entire headlight 30 while covering the headlight 30, and also constitutes a part of the front fender 40, the front bumper or the front cowl 50. You may configure a unified design as a shape that integrates the above.

The second cowl 20 may be configured as part of the front bumper or the front cowl 50. Further, the second cowl 20 may have a different material and color scheme from the first cowl 10, the front bumper, or the front cowl 50 in order to have a design feature. For example, a carbon material such as dry carbon is used.

The area where the first cowl 10 moves is provided in a part of the front fender 40 or the front bumper or the front cowl 50 as needed, and after the first cowl 10 moves, the first cowl 10 and its surroundings are provided. A unified design may be configured so as to be integrated with the front bumper or the front cowl 50.
For example, a second cowl 10 including a curved and gently sloping line from the upper side of the first cowl 10 to the bonnet 70, and a slightly horizontal and gently sloping line at the bottom of the second cowl 20 toward the ground. A line surrounding the cowl 10 of 1 and the second cowl 20 provided as needed may be formed.

This line or area, coupled with the design of the surrounding front fender 40 or front bumper or front cowl 50, is also a part that appeals to the design features, and is named after the present invention, hereinafter "movable headlight cowl arrangement". It will be called "region 80".
The movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 is provided with a moving space 82 for moving the first cowl 10, and can also serve as a storage area after the first cowl is moved, if necessary.

2. 2. Outline of Movement of Movable Headlight Cowl of the Present Invention Next, the movable headlight cowl of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a process of moving the movable headlight cowl of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2A, when the first cowl 10 covering the headlights moves diagonally downward from the case where the headlights 30 are shielded as shown in FIG. A part of the headlight 30 is exposed.
The first cowl 10 continues to move in the vicinity of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 by using the moving space 82, and moves to a point where it touches the lower part of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80.
Then, when the first cowl 10 completes the movement, as shown in FIG. 2B, the headlight 30 is exposed and the first cowl 10 covers a part of the front bumper or the front cowl 50. It becomes the state to configure.

According to the present invention, since there is no portion protruding from the surrounding front fender 40 or front bumper or front cowl 50 in the entire process from before, during, and after the movement of the first cowl 10, collision safety with a pedestrian There is no effect on.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to appeal the design features while ensuring the collision safety with a pedestrian, which has been a problem of the conventional retractable headlights.
Further, in the conventional retractable headlight, since the headlight is limited to the movement of moving in and out by the rotational movement, the dynamism of the movement cannot be expressed, but in the present invention, the movement of the first cowl 10 in the moving process. Can appeal to the dynamism of.

In addition, the design features including the first cowl 10 before and after movement and the surrounding Ronto fender 40 or front bumper or front cowl 50 make it possible to make the overall form of the car look special, further designing. In addition to increasing the degree of freedom, it is possible to make it easier to appeal the identity (individuality) and characteristics.

In addition, as an incidental effect, with conventional retractable headlights, it is difficult to adjust the optical axis of the emitted light, such as ensuring the accuracy of alignment of the operating angle, in order to move the headlight unit itself, or it changes over time. However, according to the present invention, since the headlight itself is fixed, there is an advantage that such an adverse effect does not occur.

Here, when the second cowl 20 is not provided, the portion where the second cowl 20 is shown is integrated with the front bumper or the front cowl 50 (hereinafter, "a portion corresponding to the second cowl"). ). In this case, the moved first cowl 10 may be moved on the outside of the front bumper or the front cowl 50, or may be moved on the inside by providing a notch in a part of the front bumper or the front cowl 50.

When moving the first cowl 10 to the outside of the front bumper or the front cowl 50, the part where the first cowl 10 of the front bumper or the front cowl 50 moves is recessed slightly inward in advance to move the first cowl 10. It is possible to prevent interference at the time and to make the outer surface of the first cowl 10 after movement flush with the surrounding outer surface.
On the contrary, in the meeting place where the inside of the front bumper or the front cowl 50 is moved, the part where the first cowl 10 of the front bumper or the front cowl 50 moves is inflated slightly outward in advance, so that interference during movement occurs. Can be prevented.

When the second cowl 20 is provided, the outer surface of the second cowl 20 is retracted inward from the outer surface of the first cowl 10 when viewed from the side on the cut surface. When moving the cowl 10 of 1, the first cowl 10 can be moved without interfering with the second cowl 20.
On the other hand, when the outer surface of the second cowl 20 is flush with the outer surface of the first cowl 10 (see FIG. 5A), when the first cowl 10 is moved, the second cowl 10 is moved. It is desirable to move the cowl 20 inward or outward, and then move the first cowl 10 while preventing interference.

3. 3. Mechanism for Moving the Movable Headlight Cowl of the Present Invention According to the present invention, the headlight 30 is exposed from the shielded state by moving the first cowl 10, or conversely, the headlight. It is possible to change the 30 from the exposed state to the shielded state.

In order to realize this operation, basically, a power source such as an actuator may be provided, and an arm connecting the actuator and the first cowl 10 may be provided.
Here, for convenience of explanation, the place where the arm supports the first cowl 10 will be referred to as a fulcrum A. Although the term fulcrum is used, it may be a line or a surface instead of a point.

However, in order to move the first cowl smoothly even when the car is moving at high speed and under wind pressure, in addition to the fulcrum A of the arm, if necessary, the first cowl is separately added. A mechanism for supporting and guiding the movement of the cowl 10 of 1 may be provided.
Here, for convenience of explanation, the portion that supports the first cowl 10 (at a place different from the fulcrum A) will be referred to as a fulcrum B. Although the term fulcrum is used here as well, it may be a line or a surface instead of a point (see FIG. 12).

There are roughly two methods for guiding the support and movement. When the fulcrum B is provided on the back surface of the first cowl and the guiding means is fixed to the body or the like (FIG. 3). ), And there is a case where the fulcrum B is fixedly installed on the body or the like and a means for guiding is provided on the back surface of the first cowl (FIG. 4).
Hereinafter, an example of a mechanism for moving the movable headlight cowl of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

3-1. About FIG. 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism for moving the movable headlight cowl when the fulcrum B is installed on the back surface of the first cowl 10 and the guide means is installed on the body or the like. ..
FIG. 3 shows a first cowl 10 of the movable headlight cowl of the present invention of the present invention, a second cowl 20 provided as needed, and a headlight 30.
Further, the first cowl 10 is connected to the moving means 100 of the first cowl via the fulcrum A300 and the arm 110.

Here, as an example of the moving means 100 of the first cowl, the uniaxial actuator 100 can be used as shown in FIG. 7.
The uniaxial actuator 100 includes a housing 160 constituting an outer shell, a slide block 120 that slides an arm 110 back and forth, a guide rail 130 that guides the slide operation of the slide block 120, a motor 140 and a ball screw for driving the slide block 120. It is composed of a shaft 150 and the like.
The uniaxial actuator can be slid in the Y-axis direction, and the first cowl 10 can be quickly moved from a predetermined position to a desired position.
Although not shown, a mechanism for moving in another direction on the same plane, for example, in the X-axis direction may be added.

Further, as an example of the moving means 100 of the first cowl, a biaxial actuator 100 can be used as shown in FIG.
Since the biaxial actuator 100 includes a moving portion 180 in the Z-axis direction in addition to the moving portion 170 in the Y-axis direction to enable movement in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, the biaxial actuator 100 moves the first cowl 10. It can be used to avoid interference with other parts, or to adjust so that it is flush with the outer surface of other parts at a place where it fits after movement.
Since the internal structure of the biaxial actuator is the same as that of the uniaxial actuator, the description of the figure will be omitted.
Although not shown, similarly, a mechanism for moving in another direction on the same plane, for example, in the X-axis direction may be added.

The moving means 100 of the first cowl is not limited to the moving means such as the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator shown in FIG. 7, and a belt, a gear, and a motor may be combined, or an electric motor may be used. It may be a hydraulic mechanism or a means of transportation in which a motor, an arm and a link mechanism are combined. In short, any means that can move the first cowl 10 is sufficient.
Since the first cowl moving means is the same as that of the uniaxial actuator in FIG. 7, the same 100 is used for each of the first cowl moving means, the uniaxial actuator, and the biaxial actuator. do.

Although FIGS. 3, 7, and 8 exemplify an actuator that slides linearly in the Y-axis direction, an actuator that is slightly curved so as to move a curved line in the Y-axis direction may be used. good. The same applies to the guide means used in pairs.

According to the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100, the first cowl 10 can be moved within a certain range via the fulcrum A300 and the arm 110.
That is, in FIG. 3A, the headlight 30 is shielded by the first cowl 10, but the headlight 30 is moved by moving the arm 110 by the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100. The headlight 30 can be gradually exposed (FIG. 3 (B)) and finally the headlight 30 can be completely exposed (FIG. 3 (C)).
Similarly, conversely, the headlight 30 can be changed from a completely exposed state to a shielded state.

As described above, the first cowl 10 can be moved by transmitting the power of the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100 to the fulcrum A300 via the arm 110, but the first cowl 10 can be moved if necessary. A fulcrum B310 may be provided inside the fulcrum, and a guide means 320 for guiding the movement of the fulcrum B310 may be provided.

Here, the fulcrum B310 may be installed on the back side of the first cowl 10 by using a screw, a screw, or an adhesive, or may be integrally molded on the back side of the first cowl 10.
Further, the guide means 320 is installed on the frame of the body or the like, and can stably guide the sliding operation of the fulcrum B310 provided inside the first cowl 10.
Further, the fulcrum B310 and the guide means 320 are installed at positions that do not interfere with the second cowl 20 and the electric cylinder 200 for moving the second cowl 20, which are provided as needed.

As shown in FIG. 10, the guide means 320 is composed of a fulcrum 310 or 410 and a guide means 320 or 420.
In the type of FIG. 10A, a ball bearing can be installed inside the fulcrum B for smooth movement, and play of the fulcrum during movement can be reduced.
The type shown in FIG. 10B is a type in which a freely rotatable ball is freely moved in a groove which is a guide means, and a play between a fulcrum and a guide during movement is allowed to some extent and the ball moves smoothly. Can be made to. Further, in the case of this type, it is possible to reduce the cost by integrally molding the guide means with the first cowl 10.

As described above, since the first cowl 10 can be supported by the two points of the fulcrum A300 and the fulcrum B310, the first cowl 10 can be moved more stably and smoothly.
Further, by providing the fulcrum B310 and the guide means 320 separately from the fulcrum A300, the headlight 30 and the second cowl are affected by the wind pressure during traveling when the first cowl 10 moves. It is possible to move the first cowl 10 while stably securing a distance from the 20 or the front bumper 50 and reliably avoiding contact and interference.

It is desirable that the guide means 320 is hidden behind the first cowl 10 and is not visible from the outside of the automobile. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust the shape and size of the first cowl.
Therefore, it is desirable to arrange the guide means 320 so that the upper end thereof is below the lower end of the headlight 30, and it is desirable to adjust the arrangement of the fulcrum B310 in conjunction with the arrangement.

Further, it is desirable that the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100 and the arm 110 are also hidden behind the front bumper, the front cowl 50, etc., and installed in a position invisible from the outside of the automobile. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust not only the position where the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100 is installed, but also the angle at which the actuator is installed, the amount of movement, the angle at which the guide means 320 is installed, and the amount of movement to be guided.
Basically, it is desirable that the angle and the amount of movement to be installed in the Y-axis direction match between the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100 and the guide means 320.

In the above description, the second cowl 20 is not an essential element and may be a part of the front bumper or the front cowl. However, when the second cowl 20 is provided, the first cowl 10 is used. When moving, it is desirable to move the second cowl 20 so as not to interfere with each other, but the mechanism thereof will be described later (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

3-2. About FIG. 4 FIG. 4 shows a mechanism for moving the movable headlight cowl when the fulcrum B provided as needed is installed on the body or the like and the guide means is provided on the back surface of the first cowl. It is a figure which shows.
FIG. 4 shows a first cowl 10 of the movable headlight cowl of the present invention of the present invention, a second cowl 20 provided as needed, and a headlight 30.
Further, the first cowl 10 is connected to the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100 via the fulcrum A300 and the arm 110.

Since the mechanism of movement using the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100 is the same as that in FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted.
Here, the fulcrum B410 is installed on the frame of the body or the like, and the guide means 420 for guiding the fulcrum B410 is installed on the back side of the first cowl 10.
Further, the fulcrum B410 and the guide means 420 are installed at positions that do not interfere with the second cowl 20 and the electric cylinder 200 for moving the second cowl 20, which are provided as needed.

The difference between FIGS. 4 and 3 is that in FIG. 3, the fulcrum B310 is provided inside the first cowl 10 and the guide means 320 is fixed to the body or the like, whereas in FIG. 4, the fulcrum B410 is the body. The point is that the guide means 420 is fixed to the back side of the first cowl 10 and the like.

The guide means 420 is installed on the back side of the first cowl 10, and the first cowl 10 is integrated with the guide means 420 and moves on the fulcrum B410 fixed to the body within a certain range (angle, movement amount). Since it is restricted so as to be performed, the sliding operation of the first cowl 10 can be stably guided.

In addition to the type shown in FIG. 10A, the guide means 420 can use the type shown in FIG. 10B, and is fixed to the back side of the first cowl 10 with screws, screws, an adhesive, or the like. In addition, in the case of the type shown in FIG. 10B, the guide means itself may be integrally molded with a mold or the like.

As described above, since the first cowl 10 can be supported by the two points of the fulcrum A300 and the fulcrum B410, the first cowl 10 can be moved more stably and smoothly.
Further, by providing the fulcrum B410 and the guide means 420 separately from the fulcrum A300, even if the first cowl 10 is affected by the wind pressure during traveling, the headlight 30 and the second cowl are provided. It is possible to move the first cowl 10 while stably securing a distance from the 20 or the front bumper 50 and reliably avoiding contact and interference.

The position, angle, and amount of movement for installing the guide means 420 are adjusted, and the position, angle, and amount of movement for installing the uniaxial actuator or biaxial actuator 100 and arm 110 are the same as in FIG. .. Further, the point that the second cowl 20 is not an essential element is the same as the description of FIG.
Although not shown, the first cowl 10 can be appropriately reinforced, for example, a rib may be provided around the back surface, or a metal frame may be provided on the back surface. In this case, smooth movement can be realized only by the support by the fulcrum A300 without providing the means 320 or 420 for guiding the first cowl.
Further, even when the second cowl 20 provided as needed is provided, the headlight 30 can be shielded from the completely exposed state. In this case, it is possible to avoid mutual interference and contact by first moving the second cowl 20 to a position that does not interfere with the moving area of the first cowl 10, and then moving the first cowl 10. can.

4. Mechanism for avoiding interference between the first cowl and the second cowl Next, using FIGS. 5 and 6, when the second cowl 20 that can be received as needed is provided, the first cowl 10 is used. A mechanism for avoiding interference with the second cowl 20 when moving the cowl will be described.

4-1. About FIG. 5 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism for moving the movable headlight cowl of the present invention, and is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for avoiding interference between the first cowl and the second cowl. ..

FIG. 5A illustrates a state in which the first cowl 10 is flush with the portion in contact with the second cowl 20 in a state of covering the headlight 30.
This is because it is desirable that the outer surface of the first cowl 10 and the outer surface of the second cowl 20 are smoothly continuous in the state of covering the headlight 30 in the design of the automobile.

In such a state, if the first cowl 10 is to be moved in the direction of the second cowl 20, it interferes with the second cowl 20 and cannot be moved smoothly.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an electric cylinder 200 for moving the second cowl 20 inward or outward.
In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, by moving the second cowl 20 inward, the interference between the two can be prevented and the first cowl 10 can be moved downward.

Here, as the moving means 200 of the second cowl, as shown in FIG. 9, an electric cylinder 200 can be used as an example (since there is a relationship between the superordinate concept and the subordinate concept, the same 200 is used. ).
According to FIG. 9, the electric cylinder 200 is composed of a housing 230, a motor 220, and a rod 210, and the internal ball screw can be driven by driving the motor 220 to expand and contract the rod 210.
The second cowl moving means 200 is not limited to the moving means in the Z-axis direction such as the electric cylinder 200 shown in FIG. 9, and in addition to the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, X It may be a means for moving in the direction of the axis, the Y axis or the Z axis. Alternatively, a belt or gear may be combined with a motor, or an electric hydraulic mechanism or a moving means in which a motor, an arm and a link mechanism may be combined may be used.
In short, any means for moving the cowl 10 so as to avoid interference with the first cowl 10 is sufficient.

When the first cowl 10 completes the movement, as shown in FIG. 5C, the headlight 30 is exposed, and the first cowl 10 is partially or wholly the second cowl after the movement. It is in a state of being located outside the 20.
In this case, if the first cowl 10 is provided with a mechanism for moving only horizontally in the Y-axis direction, the first cowl 10 will be in a state of slightly protruding outward with respect to the outer surface of the headlight 30 after the movement. (See FIG. 5 (C)).

On the other hand, when a mechanism for moving the cowl 20 in the direction perpendicular to the Z axis is provided in addition to the horizontal direction of the Y axis as shown in FIG. 8, the second cowl 20 is moved further back to move the first cowl 10 to the back. When it is moved to the back, it can be made flush with the outer surface of the headlight 30 after the movement (see FIG. 5D).
In any case, after the movement of the first cowl 10, by adjusting the shape of the peripheral parts such as the front bumper and the front cowl 50, a part of the peripheral parts such as the front bumper and the front cowl 50 can be adjusted. Since it can be arranged so as to constitute the above, it can be expected to have an effect of facilitating the appeal of design features (see FIGS. 2 (B), 11 (C), and 13 (B)).

Although not shown, the second cowl 20 may be moved outward to move the first cowl 10. In this case, the first cowl 10 may be partially or wholly hidden inside the second cowl 20 after the movement.

4-2. About FIG. 6 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism for moving the movable headlight cowl of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing an example of avoiding interference between the first cowl and the second cowl. be.
According to FIG. 6, in the state where the first cowl 10 covers the headlight 30, the portion in contact with the second cowl 20 is flush with the second cowl 200 by the expansion / contraction operation of the electric cylinder 200. It is shown that the cowl 20 of the second cowl 20 is moved inward to avoid interference while moving the outside of the second cowl 20.

After that, the first cowl 10 is moved by the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100 using the moving space 82, and is in contact with the outer edge of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 provided on the front bumper or the front cowl 50. Stop when you do.
The line at the bottom of the first cowl 10 and the outer edge of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 may be a line that completely coincides with each other so as to be in close contact with each other without any gap. In this case, the first cowl 10 after movement constitutes and integrates a part of the front bumper or the front cowl 50, and a characteristic design in which both are integrated can be realized.

Alternatively, even if all or part of the first cowl 10 is slightly inserted inside the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 (that is, the front bumper or the front cowl 50), or is located outside. good. In this case, the exposed area of the second cowl 20 provided as needed is expanded, and a characteristic design can be realized in another sense.
When moving the first cowl 10 to the outside of the movable headlight cowl placement area 80 (that is, the front bumper or the front cowl 50), the biaxial actuator 100 is used and the shape of the arm 110 is flat. It is possible to deal with this by using an L-shaped one instead of the one.

Further, even when the second cowl 20 is provided, it is only a part of the front bumper or the front cowl 50 in a fixed state without the electric cylinder 200, and the position of the second cowl is simply different color scheme or different. When using a material or when the second cowl 20 is not provided, this "part corresponding to the second cowl" should be recessed inward from the first cowl (that is, headlight). The first cowl 10 can be moved without interfering with any parts (in a state of being flush with the outer surface of the lamp).

Although the fulcrum B (310 or 410) and the guide means (320 or 420) are not shown in FIG. 6, they are arranged at positions that do not interfere with the second cowl 20.

Further, the uniaxial actuator or the biaxial actuator 100, which is an example of the means for moving the first cowl, is also arranged hidden behind the front bumper and the front cowl 50, and is positioned together with the arm 110 so as not to interfere with the second cowl 20. Is located in.
For example, the width of the second cowl 20 is made shorter than the width of the first cowl 10, and a space is provided slightly to the right of the second cowl, where the fulcrum B (310 or 410) and the guide means ( 320 or 420) may be arranged (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

5. In the above description of other modifications, the design of FIGS. 1 and 2 has been mainly described, but the design can be appropriately applied to other designs.
That is, parts such as a first cowl 10, a second cowl 20 provided as needed, a front fender 40 or a front bumper, or a movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 constituting a part of the front cowl 50 (hereinafter, these). By adjusting the shape and design of each (collectively referred to as "movable headlight cowl peripheral parts"), various designs can be provided.

At that time, in order to move the first cowl 10, such as the moving space 82 for moving the first cowl 10, the moving means 100 for the first cowl, and the guide means (320 or 420) provided as needed. As for the mechanism of, the shape, the amount of movement, and the angle of arrangement may be set as appropriate according to the shape of the parts around the movable headlight cowl.
More specifically, the design of FIGS. 1 and 2 is modified to be configured as shown in, for example, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, or the outer edge of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 and FIGS. 13 and 14. be able to.

5-1. 11 and 12 FIG. 11 is an example in which the shapes of the first cowl 10, the second cowl 20, the headlight 30 and the shape of the mobile headlight cowl arrangement region 80 are deformed (FIG. 11). Modification examples of FIGS. 1 and 2).
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism for moving the movable headlight cowl of the present invention, and is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism for moving the first cowl (a modification of FIG. 3).
11 and 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, the locus of movement of the first cowl 10 is not a locus that diagonally crosses over the second cowl, and the outer edge of the first cowl is formed. An example of moving the outer edge of the second cowl with a trajectory that almost traces is shown.

According to FIG. 11, the first cowl 10 and the portion corresponding to the second cowl 20 or the second cowl provided as needed both have substantially the same shape as a substantially parallel quadrilateral shape. ..
In this case as well, similarly, from the state where the first cowl 10 covers the headlight 30 (FIG. 11 (A)), the movement is started and a part of the headlight 30 is started to be exposed. (FIG. 11 (B)), the headlight 30 can be exposed (FIG. 11 (B)).

In the case of this configuration, the movement of the first cowl 10 is simpler than the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the design of the first cowl 10 and the second cowl 20 also provides a slightly orthodox design. can do.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a mechanism for moving the first cowl 10 when the design of FIG. 11 is adopted.
FIG. 12 shows a means 100 for moving a first cowl such as a uniaxial actuator, and an arm 110 extending from the actuator to a fulcrum A300 supporting the first cowl 10.
When the means 100 for moving the first cowl moves the first cowl 10 downward via the arm 110 and the fulcrum A300 (FIG. 12 (A)), the headlight 30 begins to be exposed (FIG. 12 (FIG. 12). B)) When the first cowl 10 finishes moving, the headlight 30 is completely exposed. The reverse is also true.

Further, a guide means 320 is provided as needed to guide the movement of the fulcrum B310 installed on the first cowl 10.
In the case of FIG. 12, unlike FIGS. 2 to 3, the locus of movement of the first cowl 10 is not a locus that diagonally crosses over the second cowl, and the outer edge of the first cowl is the second. Since the outer edge of the cowl is moved so as to be substantially traced, a slit 330 is provided on the left side of the headlight 30, and an L-shaped metal fitting or the like connected to the fulcrum B310 provided on the first cowl 10 is provided. A mechanism for connecting to the guide means 320 via a slit can be provided.
In this case, since the first cowl 10 can be supported on the left and right sides, the first cowl 10 can be moved more stably.

In this case, the means 100 and the fulcrum A300 for moving the first cowl such as the uniaxial actuator and the fulcrum B310 and the guide means 320 for supporting the first cowl 10 are arranged at positions where the left and right are interchanged. You can do it (drive on the left side, guide on the right side).

5-2. Regarding FIG. 13 Alternatively, while adopting the characteristic design as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the locus of movement of the first cowl 10 is not made to be a locus that diagonally crosses over the second cowl. When the outer edge of the first cowl is moved in a trajectory that substantially traces the outer edge of the second cowl, the same configuration as in FIG. 12 can be adopted.

An example of this is FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the movable headlight cowl of the present invention, and is a diagram showing an example of modifications of FIGS. 11 and 12.
FIG. 13A shows that the means 100 for moving the first cowl is installed on the right side of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 (on the left side of the figure).
The first cowl 10 is supported and moved from the right side of the first cowl 10 by the means 100 for moving the first cowl.
In this case, the right side of the first cowl 10 can realize a movement up and down in a substantially vertical direction while touching the right edge of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80 (on the left side of the figure).

In FIG. 2 (B), the first cowl 10 moves in a slightly diagonal direction, whereas in FIG. 11 (B), it moves in a substantially vertical direction. Can be done.
Further, in FIG. 13B, after the first cowl 10 has moved, the portion corresponding to the second cowl 20 or the second cowl provided as needed is substantially hidden by the first cowl 10. It is invisible and can have an identity different from that shown in FIG. 2 (B).

If necessary, a slit 320 (not shown) may be provided on the outside of the headlight 30, and then a fulcrum B310 and a guide means 320 may be provided to guide the movement of the first cowl 10. Since the points are the same as those in FIG. 12, the description thereof will be omitted.
Further, the means 100 and the fulcrum A300 for moving the first cowl such as the uniaxial actuator and the fulcrum B310 and the guide means 320 for supporting the first cowl 10 may be arranged at positions where the left and right sides are interchanged. The same applies to the fact that there is no such thing.
Further, although not shown, the fulcrum B310 of the guide means 320 may be provided at a position as shown in FIG. 3 by adjusting the configuration of the parts of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80.

5-2. About FIG. 14 FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of FIG. 13 and an example of a modified example of FIGS. 1 to 2 and 4.
Since the movement of the first cowl 10 and the second cowl 20 provided as needed is the same as the previous description, the description thereof will be omitted.
Also in this case, by adjusting the configuration of the parts of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80, the fulcrum B410 is installed on the body or the like as necessary, and the guide means 420 is provided on the back surface of the first cowl. You may do it.

For example, the vertical length of the first cowl 10 is configured to be slightly longer than the vertical length of the headlight 30, and the fulcrum B410 of the guide means 420 provided as needed is the headlight 30. It may be installed so that it comes to the lower side.
In this case, by forming the cross section of the first cowl 10 with a curved line and providing the guide means 420 having a thin thickness inside the curved line, it is possible to prevent interference with the headlight 30.
Although not shown, the fulcrum B410 of the guide means 420 may be provided at a position as shown in FIG. 4 by adjusting the configuration of the parts of the movable headlight cowl arrangement area 80.

6. Summary As described above, the shape of the movable headlight cowl peripheral parts composed of the first cowl 10, the second cowl 20 provided as needed, and the front fender 40 or the front bumper or the front cowl 50 and the like. And design, and by appropriately adjusting the arrangement, movement amount and angle of the moving means 100 and the guiding means 320 of the first cowl, the design and movement around the headlight are given dynamism and various designs are provided. be able to.

The movable headlight cowl of the present invention can be used not only for automobiles but also for motorcycles, railroad vehicles, ships, and aircraft.

10 1st cowl 20 2nd cowl 30 Headlight 40 Fender 50 Front bumper or front cowl 60 Front grill 70 Bonnet 80 Movable headlight cowl peripheral area 82 Space for moving the 1st cowl 10 or 1st Storage area after 1 cowl movement 100 Means for moving the first cowl such as a uniaxial or biaxial actuator 110 Supporting means for the first cowl such as an arm 120 Slide block 130 Guide rail 140 Motor 150 Ball screw shaft 160 Housing 170 Moving part in the Y-axis direction 180 Moving part in the Z-axis direction 200 Moving means of the second cowl such as an electric cylinder 210 Rod 220 Motor 230 Housing 300 A fulcrum A
310 fulcrum B
320 Guide means to guide the first cowl 410 Support point B
420 Guide means to guide the first cowl

Claims (6)

In vehicles with headlights and front bumpers or front cowls
The first cowl that covers the headlights,
The first support means for supporting the first cowl, and
A first moving means for moving the first cowl by moving the supporting means for the first cowl ,
The second cowl that forms part of the front bumper or front cowl of the car,
A support means for supporting the second cowl and
A second moving means for moving the second cowl by moving the supporting means for the second cowl is provided.
The first cowl has a different shape from the second cowl and has a different shape.
In the front bumper or the front cowl, a moving space for moving the first cowl and the second cowl before moving and the first cowl which is a region provided separately from them. A movable headlight cowl placement area, including an area where the first cowl is placed after movement, and
When moving the first cowl, the second cowl is moved to a position that does not interfere with the first cowl or the first support means for supporting the first cowl.
A state in which the headlight is covered and hidden by the first cowl by moving the first cowl to a predetermined position by using the moving space in the movable headlight cowl arrangement area. Therefore, while keeping the headlights exposed ,
The first cowl having a shape different from that of the second cowl substantially covers the outer surface of the second cowl, so that the second cowl is substantially hidden inside the first cowl.
By replacing the second cowl that formed a part of the front bumper or the front cowl with the first cowl forming a part of the front bumper or the front cowl.
Instead of the external shape composed of the second cowl and the front bumper or the front cowl, the first cowl having a shape different from the second cowl is integrated with the front bumper or the front cowl. To construct a new appearance shape of the front bumper or front cowl,
Movable headlight cowl featuring. In the movable headlight cowl according to claim 1,
The first cowl has a shape different from that of the second cowl in the first cowl, and is a line of the outer edge of the moving space in the movable headlight cowl placement area under the first cowl. With a shape that includes lines that roughly match
The first cowl is moved toward the moving space in the movable headlight cowl placement area, and at a position in contact with the outer edge of the movable headlight cowl placement area as the predetermined position. Stop and bring the line substantially coincident with the line of the outer edge of the moving space at the bottom of the first cowl and the line of the outer edge of the moving space of the movable headlight cowl placement area to be in close contact with each other without any gap. By
Instead of the second cowl that formed a part of the front bumper or the front cowl, the first cowl forms a part of the front bumper or the front cowl, and also
Instead of the external shape composed of the second cowl and the front bumper or the front cowl, the first cowl having a shape different from the second cowl is integrated with the front bumper or the front cowl. To construct a new appearance shape of the front bumper or front cowl,
Movable headlight cowl featuring. In the movable headlight cowl according to claim 2 .
The first support means and the first support means and the first support means are provided in a portion of the lower portion of the first cowl having a shape including a line substantially coincident with a line of the outer edge of the moving space in the movable headlight cowl arrangement area. By providing the moving means of the above, the first supporting means and the first moving means are prevented from interfering with the second cowl and the supporting means and the second moving means of the second cowl.
To move the first cowl to the predetermined position so that the headlight is exposed from the state where the headlight is covered and hidden by the first cowl.
Movable headlight cowl featuring. In the movable headlight cowl according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
By moving the first cowl from the predetermined position, the headlight is covered with the first cowl and hidden from the exposed state of the headlight.
Movable headlight cowl featuring. In the movable headlight cowl according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The first moving means for moving the first cowl is a means for sliding the first supporting means of the first cowl in a certain direction.
Movable headlight cowl featuring. In the movable headlight cowl according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
Apart from the first support means for supporting the first cowl,
A second support means for supporting the first cowl, and
A guide means for guiding the second support means is provided.
By supporting the first cowl at at least two points or more, the first cowl can be stably supported and the first cowl can be smoothly moved.
Movable headlight cowl featuring.

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