TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to an automobile hood.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
Patent Document 1 discloses a hood panel for a vehicle. The principle
purpose of the hood panel is to reduce the degree of injury to a pedestrian if the
pedestrian collides with the hood panel.
[0003]
Patent Document 2 discloses a hood for an automobile as exterior equipment
for an automobile. The principle purpose of the hood for an automobile is to absorb
the energy of contact when a pedestrian comes into contact with the hood for an
automobile, by only deforming by a small amount in the inward direction of the
automobile.
LIST OF PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
PATENT DOCUMENTS
[0004]
Patent Document 1: JP2005-193863A
Patent Document 2: JP2017-1553A
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0005]
In the automobile hood disclosed in Patent Document 1, an inner panel and an
2
outer panel are joined using an adhesive. Mastic sealers and the like are known as
adhesives for joining an inner panel and an outer panel. When assembling an
automobile hood, for example, a mastic sealer is applied to the outer panel, and next, by
superposing the inner panel and the outer panel on each other, the mastic sealer is
sandwiched between the inner panel and the outer panel. By this means, the inner
panel and the outer panel are joined to each other through the mastic sealer.
[0006]
The operation to apply the mastic sealer to the outer panel is performed, for
example, by a robot arm that holds a nozzle to which the sealer is supplied. From the
viewpoint of shortening the time required for the application process through efficient
application of the mastic sealer, the operation to apply the mastic sealer that is
performed by the robot arm is preferably performed while moving the nozzle along the
simplest possible path. On the other hand, if the amount of mastic sealer is reduced in
order to shorten the time required for the operation to apply the mastic sealer, the
strength with which the inner panel supports the outer panel will be lowered.
[0007]
In both Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, there is no particular
disclosure regarding a configuration for efficiently applying an adhesive such as a
mastic sealer.
[0008]
One objective of the present invention is, with respect to an automobile hood,
to enable an increase in the efficiency of an operation for joining an inner panel and an
outer panel while making the joining strength with which the inner panel and the outer
panel are joined to each other sufficiently high.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0009]
The gist of the present invention is an automobile hood which is described
hereunder.
[0010]
3
(1) An automobile hood, including:
an inner panel,
an outer panel,
a sealer, and
a joint that, in the sealer, is a portion which joins the inner panel and the outer
panel,
wherein:
a direction in which a linear sealer region in which the sealer is continuously
arranged linearly extends is defined as a longitudinal direction;
a region of the inner panel that is a region which includes the linear sealer
region and in which both ends in the longitudinal direction reach an outer circumference
of the inner panel is defined as an end-to-end region;
at least three of the linear sealer regions are provided at intervals in at least one
of a front-rear direction of the automobile hood and a width direction of the automobile
hood;
each of three longest linear sealer regions among the plurality of linear sealer
regions has a length that is 40% or more of a length of the end-to-end region to which
the linear sealer region itself belongs, and the joint is formed therein; and
three end-to-end regions that include the three longest linear sealer regions
among the plurality of linear sealer regions do not intersect with each other within a
region that is surrounded by an outer circumferential edge of the inner panel.
[0011]
(2) The automobile hood according to the above (1), wherein the length is a
length when the automobile hood is seen in plan view.
[0012]
(3) The automobile hood according to the above (1) or the above (2), wherein,
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, the joints are intermittently
arranged in the longitudinal direction.
[0013]
(4) The automobile hood according to any one of the above (1) to the above (3),
4
wherein, in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, the joint extends
continuously along the longitudinal direction.
[0014]
(5) The automobile hood according to any one of the above (1) to the above (4),
wherein at least one pair of linear sealer regions among the plurality of the linear sealer
regions are arranged in parallel with each other.
[0015]
(6) The automobile hood according to any one of the above (1) to the above (5),
wherein:
the inner panel includes a unit,
the unit includes a flange that is arranged adjacent to the outer panel, an
inclined wall that extends from the flange so as to separate from the outer panel, and a
bottom portion that is continuous with the inclined wall and is separated from the
flange; and
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, the joint is provided on
the flange.
[0016]
(7) The automobile hood according to the above (6), wherein:
the flange of the unit is formed in an annular shape; and
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, all of the joints are
arranged at places that are offset from a center of the annular-shaped flange.
[0017]
(8) The automobile hood according to the above (6) or the above (7), wherein:
a plurality of the units are provided in the inner panel, and
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, the joint is provided on
the flange in each of a plurality of the units.
[0018]
(9) The automobile hood according to any one of the above (6) to the above (8),
wherein a plurality of the units having the same shape are arranged in the front-rear
direction and the width direction of the automobile hood.
5
[0019]
(10) The automobile hood according to any one of the above (1) to the above
(9), wherein:
the sealer includes a reinforcing sealer,
the linear sealer region includes an end portion joint that is arranged at an
endmost portion in the longitudinal direction among the joints of the linear sealer region,
and
the reinforcing sealer connects together end portions of the end portion joints
of the plurality of linear sealer regions in which the longitudinal directions are different.
[0020]
(11) The automobile hood according to the above (10), wherein the reinforcing
sealer cooperates with the sealers of the plurality of linear sealer regions to form an
annular sealer.
[0021]
(12) The automobile hood according to any one of the above (1) to the above
(11), wherein the inner panel is a steel sheet panel having a thickness of 0.25 mm to
0.80 mm, or is an aluminum alloy panel having a thickness of 0.40 mm to 1.20 mm.
[0022]
(13) The automobile hood according to any one of the above (1) to the above
(12), wherein the outer panel is a steel sheet panel having a thickness of 0.25 mm to
0.80 mm, or is an aluminum alloy panel having a thickness of 0.40 mm to 1.20 mm.
[0023]
(14) The automobile hood according to any one of the above (1) to the above
(13), wherein:
in three longest linear sealer regions, a portion of the sealer that is separated
from either one of the inner panel and the outer panel is a non-joint portion; and
in each of the three longest linear sealer regions, the joint and the non-joint
portion are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT OF INVENTION
6
[0024]
According to the present invention, the efficiency of an operation for joining an
inner panel and an outer panel in an automobile hood can be increased while making the
joining strength with which the inner panel and the outer panel are joined to each other
sufficiently high.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025]
[Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an automobile hood
according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which diagrammatic
representation of a sealer is omitted.
[Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of an inner panel of the automobile hood.
[Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a line III-III in Figure 2.
[Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along a line IV-IV in Figure 2, in which
illustration of a portion that appears to the rear of the cross-section is omitted.
[Figure 5] Figure 5 is a view in which one part of Figure 3 is enlarged.
[Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view in which one part of the inner panel illustrated in
Figure 2 is enlarged.
[Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view in which one part of the inner panel is
enlarged.
[Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of an inner panel of an automobile hood in a
modification in which reinforcing sealers are provided in the embodiment.
[Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of an inner panel and sealers pertaining to a
first modification.
[Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along a line X-X in Figure 9.
[Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view of an inner panel of an automobile hood in a
modification in which reinforcing sealers are provided in the first modification.
[Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view of the inner panel of the modification of the first
modification.
[Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view of the inner panel of the automobile hood in an
7
example in which reinforcing sealers are provided in the modification of the first
modification.
[Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view of an inner panel pertaining to a second
modification of the present invention.
[Figure 15] Figure 15 is a plan view of an inner panel of an automobile hood in an
example in which reinforcing sealers are provided in the second modification.
[Figure 16] Figure 16 is a plan view of an inner panel of a modification of the second
modification.
[Figure 17] Figure 17 is a plan view of the inner panel of the automobile hood in an
example in which reinforcing sealers are provided in the modification of the second
modification.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
[0026]
Hereunder, first, the circumstances leading to the conception of the present
invention will be described, and then an embodiment will be described in detail.
[0027]
[Circumstances leading to conception of present invention]
Generally, in an automobile hood, the outer panel is a relatively flat shape,
while on the other hand the inner panel is a shape having unevenness. Further, a sealer
such as a mastic sealer is applied at places in the inner panel that are convex toward the
outer panel side. The sealer contacts the inner panel and the outer panel and joins
these panels together. Further, in the automobile hood, the height (thickness) in the
vehicle height direction is less than the length in the vehicle length direction and the
length in the vehicle width direction of the automobile. Therefore, when the sealer is
to be applied to the outer panel or inner panel during assembling of the automobile hood,
the amount of movement of a nozzle for applying the sealer in the directions (vehicle
length direction and vehicle width direction) that are orthogonal to the thickness
direction of the automobile hood influences the time taken to perform the sealer
application operation. Hence, taking into consideration the magnitude of the influence
8
on the total movement length of a nozzle for applying sealer during production of one
automobile hood, the present inventors conceived of devising a suitable layout for sealer
by taking a long region of sealer as a target, which is a region that easily contributes to
shortening the sealer application time. As a result, the present invention has been
conceived. Hereunder, one example of the present invention is specifically described.
[0028]
[Description of Embodiment]
Hereunder, an embodiment of the present invention is described while referring
to the accompanying drawings.
[0029]
Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an automobile hood 1
according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which diagrammatic
representation of a sealer 20 is omitted. Figure 2 is a plan view of an inner panel 2 of
the automobile hood 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a line III-III
in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along a line IV-IV in Figure 2, in which
illustration of a portion that appears to the rear of the cross-section is omitted. Note
that, in Figure 3 and Figure 4, an outer panel 3 that does not appear in Figure 2 is
indicated by a chain double-dashed line that is a virtual line.
[0030]
Figure 5 is view in which one part of Figure 3 is enlarged. Figure 6 is a plan
view in which one part of the inner panel 2 shown in Figure 2 is enlarged. Figure 7 is
a perspective view in which one part of the inner panel 2 is enlarged. Hereinafter,
unless otherwise noted, the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1 to
Figure 7 as appropriate.
[0031]
The automobile hood 1 is a front hood provided at the front part of an
automobile, and is also called a "bonnet". An automobile in which the automobile
hood 1 is provided is, for example, a passenger vehicle. A sedan-type passenger
vehicle, a coupe-type passenger vehicle, a hatchback-type passenger vehicle, a
minivan-type passenger vehicle, an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) type passenger vehicle
9
and the like can be mentioned as examples of the passenger vehicle.
[0032]
Note that, in the present description, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right",
and "upper" and "lower" are used taking a time when the automobile hood 1 is mounted
to an automobile and the automobile hood 1 is closed as the basis. The term "front"
refers to the direction in which the automobile advances. The term "rear" refers to the
direction in which the automobile reverses. The term "right" refers to the turning
direction of the automobile when the automobile which is advancing turns to the right.
The term "left" refers to the turning direction of the automobile when the automobile
which is advancing turns to the left. Further, in the present embodiment, the vehicle
width direction of the automobile to which the automobile hood 1 is mounted is referred
to as "width direction X". Further, the vehicle length direction of the automobile to
which the automobile hood 1 is mounted is referred to as "longitudinal direction Y".
Furthermore, the vehicle height direction of the automobile to which the automobile
hood 1 is mounted is referred to as "height direction Z".
[0033]
The automobile hood 1 has the inner panel 2, the outer panel 3 that is supported
by the inner panel 2, sealers 20 provided between the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3,
joints 21 which are portions of the sealers 20 which contact the outer panel 3 and the
inner panel 2 and which are portions that join the panels 2 and 3 to each other, and
non-joint portions 22 as portions of the sealers 20 that are separated from either one of
the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3. Note that, in Figure 2 and Figure 6, the sealers
20 are illustrated using thick lines.
[0034]
In the automobile hood 1, the outer panel 3 is a portion that constitutes a part of
the outer surface of the automobile. The outer panel 3 is formed of, for example, a
metal material such as a mild steel sheet or a high-tensile strength steel sheet.
Examples of the high-tensile strength steel sheet that can be mentioned include steel
sheets having a tensile strength of 340 MPa or more, for example, a steel sheet having a
tensile strength of 590 MPa or more. The outer panel 3 is formed, for example, by
10
subjecting a single steel sheet to press working or the like. In a case where the outer
panel 3 is a steel sheet panel, the sheet thickness of the outer panel 3 is, for example,
0.25 mm to 0.80 mm. The outer panel 3 may be an aluminum alloy sheet. In a case
where the outer panel 3 is an aluminum alloy panel, the sheet thickness of the outer
panel 3 is, for example, 0.40 mm to 1.20 mm. There are no particular restrictions with
regard to the shape of the outer panel 3. Note that, in the present embodiment, the
outer panel 3 has a shape in which the central portion is upwardly convex in the height
direction Z.
[0035]
The inner panel 2 reinforces the outer panel 3 by being joined to an
undersurface 3a of the outer panel 3 using the sealers 20. By this means, the inner
panel 2 increases the panel rigidity of the outer panel 3. The inner panel 2 is formed,
for example, of a metal material such as a steel sheet. The inner panel 2 is formed, for
example, by subjecting a single steel sheet to press working. The inner panel 2 may be
an integrally formed product, or may be formed by joining a plurality of members
together. In the present embodiment, the inner panel 2 is an integrally formed product.
In a case where the inner panel 2 is a steel sheet panel, the sheet thickness of the inner
panel 2 (thickness of the steel sheet) is, for example, 0.25 mm to 0.80 mm. The sheet
thickness of the inner panel 2 may be less than the sheet thickness of the outer panel 3,
may be the same as the sheet thickness of the outer panel 3, or may be greater than the
sheet thickness of the outer panel 3. Note that, the inner panel 2 may be an aluminum
alloy sheet. In a case where the inner panel 2 is an aluminum alloy panel, the sheet
thickness of the inner panel 2 is, for example, 0.40 mm to 1.20 mm.
[0036]
The inner panel 2 has an outer circumferential portion 4 in which a contour
forming portion 5 is provided, and an overhanging structure 6 arranged so as to be
surrounded by the contour forming portion 5.
[0037]
The outer circumferential portion 4 is an outer circumferential part of the inner
panel 2. When the outer panel 3 closes the engine room, the outer circumferential
11
portion 4 of the inner panel 2 is received by the automobile body (not illustrated)
together with the outer circumferential portion of the outer panel 3. By this means, a
load that acts on an upper face 3b of the outer panel 3 is received by the automobile
body through the inner panel 2.
[0038]
The contour forming portion 5 of the outer circumferential portion 4 is a
three-dimensionally shaped portion formed at the outer circumferential part of the inner
panel 2, and is a portion at which the bending rigidity is enhanced among the entire
outer circumferential portion 4 of the inner panel 2. In the present embodiment, the
contour forming portion 5 is formed over the entire area in the circumferential direction
of the outer circumferential portion of the inner panel 2. Note that, the contour
forming portion 5 may be formed only at one part in the circumferential direction of the
outer circumferential portion 4 of the inner panel 2. The contour forming portion 5
includes a portion that rises and falls in the height direction Z when moved in the
horizontal direction over the inner panel 2. The overhanging structure 6 is arranged so
as to be surrounded by the contour forming portion 5.
[0039]
The overhanging structure 6 has a three-dimensional structure which is
provided in order to receive a load acting on the upper face 3b of the outer panel 3.
The overhanging structure 6 has a configuration in which members that have a
hat-shaped cross section (a V-shaped cross section or a U-shaped cross section) are
combined.
[0040]
The overhanging structure 6 has a plurality of incomplete units 8 that are
adjacent to an inner circumferential edge portion 4a of the outer circumferential portion
4 and continuous with the outer circumferential portion 4, and a plurality of units 9.
[0041]
The unit 9 which is adjacent to the outer circumferential portion 4 of the inner
panel 2 is connected to the outer circumferential portion 4 directly or through the
incomplete unit 8.
12
[0042]
The incomplete unit 8 has a configuration equivalent to a configuration in
which one portion of the unit 9 has been cut off along the circumferential direction of
the polygonal (in the present embodiment, hexagonal) unit 9. The incomplete unit 8
has a side portion that is similar to a sub-unit 10 of the unit 9 that is described later.
The side portion is continuous with the inner circumferential edge portion 4a of the
outer circumferential portion 4.
[0043]
Although a configuration may be adopted in which only one unit 9 is provided,
in the present embodiment a plurality of the units 9 are provided. Each unit 9 is
formed in a polygonal (in the present embodiment, hexagonal) annular shape in plan
view in the height direction Z. Hereinafter, when simply the term "plan view" is used,
it means a plan view in the height direction Z. By forming each unit 9 in a small
annular shape (in the present embodiment, a polygonal annular shape), the inner panel 2
can be made lightweight and the inner panel 2 can also be provided with high rigidity.
[0044]
In the present embodiment, each unit 9 is formed in the shape of a substantially
regular hexagon with rounded corners. The term "regular hexagon" means a hexagon
in which the lengths of the respective sides are equal and the interior angles are also a
constant angle of 120 degrees. Further, in the present description, the term
"substantially regular hexagon" refers to a hexagon that can be treated as a regular
hexagon. The respective units 9 are formed so that the shape of each unit 9 is
substantially the same. Note that, the term "substantially the same" in this case
indicates that the configuration is the same except in the respect that the shape of each
unit 9 is caused to match a shape which matches the curved shape of the outer panel 3.
[0045]
Each unit 9 may also be formed in the shape of a hexagon that is other than a
regular hexagon. Examples of a hexagon other than a regular hexagon that can be
mentioned include a hexagon in which the lengths of the respective sides are not
uniform, and a hexagon in which the interior angles are not uniform at 120 degrees.
13
Examples of a hexagon in which the lengths of the respective sides are not uniform that
can be mentioned include a hexagon in which the length of a front end side and the
length of a rear end side are set to a predetermined first length, and which has four sides,
lengths of which are each set to a predetermined second length that is different from the
first length.
[0046]
The overhanging structure 6 has a structure in which a plurality of the units 9
having a hexagonal annular shape are disposed in a close-packed arrangement. In this
case, the term "close-packed" means that a plurality of the units 9 that are adjacent to
each other are arranged without a gap therebetween. Specifically, each unit 9 is
partitioned off from the other units 9 by unit boundaries 14. As illustrated in Figure 5,
a front end 13c (lower end) of a bottom portion 13 forms a boundary of the bottom
portion 13 that includes the front end 13c, to thereby form the unit boundary 14. The
unit boundary 14 is formed in a hexagonal shape in plan view. By having such a
structure in which the units 9 are disposed in a close-packed hexagonal arrangement, the
overhanging structure 6 can withstand loads in substantially the same manner from all
directions including the height direction Z over the whole area in plan view.
[0047]
In a case where flanges 11, described later, of the units 9 are disposed in a
close-packed arrangement, preferably a plurality of the units 9 have the same shape.
Further, the units 9 that have similar forms to each other and have differing shapes may
be disposed in a close-packed arrangement. Note that, in the overhanging structure 6,
the units 9 need not be disposed in a close-packed arrangement, and another portion
may be formed between the units 9 and 9 that are adjacent.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, the plurality of the units 9 are formed
symmetrically in the width direction X as a whole. For example, in the present
embodiment, three of the units 9 are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction
at the center in the width direction X. Note that, there is no constraint on the direction
of the units 9.
14
[0049]
In the present embodiment, in the direction toward the right side from the
aforementioned three units 9 arranged at the central position in the width direction X are
provided, in the following order, four units 9 which are arranged side by side in the
longitudinal direction Y, a further three units 9 which are arranged side by side in the
longitudinal direction Y, a further two units 9 which are arranged side by side in the
longitudinal direction Y, and a further two units 9 which are arranged side by side in the
longitudinal direction Y. Furthermore, similarly to the foregoing arrangement, in the
direction toward the left side from the aforementioned three units 9 arranged at the
central position in the width direction X are provided, in the following order, four units
9 which are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction Y, a further three units 9
which are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction Y, a further two units 9
which are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction Y, and a further two units 9
which are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction Y. Thus, a plurality of the
units 9 having the same shape are arranged in the longitudinal direction Y (front-rear
direction) and the width direction X.
[0050]
As illustrated clearly in Figure 5 and Figure 6, each of the units 9 has six of the
sub-units 10 (10a to 10f). In the present embodiment, in each of the units 9, a front
sub-unit 10a and a rear sub-unit 10d extend along the width direction X, respectively.
Further, in each of the units 9, the remaining four sub-units 10 extend in a direction that
inclines with respect to the longitudinal direction Y in plan view. The unit 9 that has a
polygonal shape is formed by the plurality of sub-units 10 in this way.
[0051]
Each of the sub-units 10 (10a to 10f) has a flange 11, an inclined wall 12
continuous with the flange 11, and the bottom portion 13 that is continuous with the
inclined wall 12 and is separated from the flange 11.
[0052]
The flange 11 is adjacent to the outer panel 3, and in the sub-unit 10, the flange
11 is a portion that is arranged closest to the outer panel 3. The flange 11 is a
15
strip-shaped portion. In a single unit 9, outer circumferential portions of the flanges 11
of the six sub-units 10a to 10f form a hexagonal flange as a whole. Thus, in the
present embodiment, in a single unit 9, the plurality of flanges 11 are formed in an
annular shape as a whole. Note that, the outer circumferential portions of the flanges
11 of the six sub-units 10a to 10f may, as a whole, form a flange having a polygonal
shape other than a hexagon, and may form a substantially circular flange, or may form a
flange having a substantially oval shape. Further, inner end portions 11a of the six
flanges 11 constitute an annular end portion which is centered on the center of the
annular unit 9 as a whole. In the present embodiment, because the inner end portion
11a of each flange 11 is formed in an arc shape which is centered on the center of the
unit 9, the inner end portions 11a of the six flanges 11 are formed in a circular shape as
a whole.
[0053]
Note that, the inner end portions 11a of the six flanges 11 may be formed in a
polygonal shape as a whole, or may be formed in an elliptical shape as a whole. In the
present embodiment, the plurality of flanges 11 in the plurality of units 9 are disposed in
a close-packed arrangement. In an upper face 11b of the flange 11, a width to which a
joint 21 can be applied is preferably 2 mm or more from the viewpoint that a sufficient
amount of the joint 21 can be provided.
[0054]
Each of the two end portions of the flange 11 in the longitudinal direction is
formed in a curved shape in plan view, and smoothly connects with the flange 11 of an
adjacent sub-unit 10. In the present embodiment, in each unit 9, the flanges 11 of at
least some of the sub-units 10 are adhered to the joint 21 at the upper face 11b, and are
adhered to the outer panel 3 through the joint 21. The inclined wall 12 extends
downward from the flange 11.
[0055]
The inclined wall 12 is disposed between the flange 11 and the bottom portion
13, and connects the flange 11 and the bottom portion 13. The inclined wall 12
extends from the flange 11 so as to separate from the outer panel 3. The inclined wall
16
12 is provided over the entire area in a longitudinal direction L of the sub-unit 10 in
which the inclined wall 12 in question is provided. The inclined wall 12 is formed, for
example, in a tapered shape that advances toward the central axis side (the inner end
portion 11a side) of the unit 9 as it approaches the outer panel 3 side.
[0056]
The flange 11 is continuous with the upper end of the inclined wall 12. The
bottom portion 13 is continuous with the lower end of the inclined wall 12. In the unit
9, the bottom portion 13 is a portion that is farthest from the outer panel 3, and is
separated from the flange 11. The bottom portion 13 is formed in a curved shape
which is convex in the downward direction. The bottom portion 13 is provided over
the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the sub-unit 10 in which the inclined wall
12 in question is provided. The flange 11, the inclined wall 12, and the bottom portion
13 are arranged in that order from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction
of the unit 9. The front end 13c of the bottom portion 13 in one unit 9 is integral with
the front end 13c of the bottom portion 13 in another unit 9 that is adjacent thereto.
[0057]
Next, the sealer 20 will be described more specifically while referring mainly
to Figure 2, Figure 5 and Figure 6. The sealer 20 is provided for joining the inner
panel 2 and the outer panel 3. In the present embodiment, the sealer 20 is an adhesive.
A mastic sealer (mastic adhesive) can be exemplified as the adhesive. A resin-based
adhesive can be exemplified as the mastic sealer. The adhesive may have a property of
being cured at normal temperature (for example, 20 degrees Celsius), or may have a
property of being cured by undergoing a heating process or a drying process.
[0058]
The sealer 20 is arranged so as to secure the bonding strength between the
inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 while achieving a reduction in the weight of the
automobile hood 1. In the present embodiment, the sealer 20 is provided in each unit 9
of the inner panel 2. In the present embodiment, the width of the sealer 20 (the
dimension of the sealer 20 in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the
sealer 20 in plan view) is about 5 mm to 25 mm. A portion of the sealer 20 that is in
17
contact with both of the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 constitutes a joint 21.
Specifically, in the sealer 20, a portion that is actually in contact with both of the inner
panel 2 and the outer panel 3 is the joint 21 that joins these panels 2 and 3 to each other.
The joint 21 joins the upper face 11b of the flange 11 and the undersurface 3a of the
outer panel 3. Thus, by the flange 11 of the inner panel 2 that is a flange which
projects to the outer panel 3 side being joined to the outer panel 3 through the joint 21,
the inner panel 2 can support the outer panel 3 with high rigidity.
[0059]
At least one part of the sealer 20 (in the present embodiment, all of the sealer
20) is arranged in a linear sealer region A. The term "linear sealer region A" refers to a
region in which the sealer 20 is continuously provided and extends in a linear shape.
The term "linear shape" in this case is not limited to the case of a true straight line, and
also includes a case where the sealer 20 meanders or curves within a range of about
three times the width of the sealer 20 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal
direction of the sealer 20 in plan view. At least three (in the present embodiment, nine)
of the linear sealer regions A are provided. In the present embodiment, the linear
sealer regions A (A1 to A9) are provided. In the present embodiment, a place where
the sealer 20 is provided is a sealer region (linear sealer region A).
[0060]
In each of the linear sealer regions A1 to A9, the direction in which the relevant
linear sealer region A1 to A9 extends is defined as a longitudinal direction L (L1 to L9).
The longitudinal direction L is a direction on a straight line connecting the center of one
end and the center of the other end of the sealer 20 in each linear sealer region A. In
the present embodiment, the respective longitudinal directions L1 to L6 of the linear
sealer regions A1 to A6 are directions that extend from the lower left to the upper right
in plan view, the longitudinal direction L7 of the linear sealer region A7 is a direction
along the width direction X, and the respective longitudinal directions L8 and L9 of the
linear sealer regions A8 and A9 are directions from the lower left to the upper right.
Although in Figure 2 the longitudinal directions L1 to L6 are indicated collectively, they
are different directions to each other.
18
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the linear sealer region A1 is arranged at the left
end of the linear sealer regions A1 to A9. Further, the linear sealer regions A1 to A6
which are parallel to each other are arranged from the left side to the right side. The
linear sealer region A7 is continuous with the front end of the linear sealer region A1,
and in addition, the linear sealer regions A7 and A8 are continuous with each other.
Further, the linear sealer region A9 is continuous with the rear end of the linear sealer
region A3.
[0062]
Each of the linear sealer regions A1 to A9 is provided within the overhanging
structure 6. The linear sealer regions A1 to A5 extend over a plurality of the units 9.
Specifically, the linear sealer region A1 extends over four of the units 9 that are
arranged in series from the lower left to the upper right. The linear sealer region A2
extends over six of the units 9 that are arranged in series from the lower left to the upper
right. The linear sealer region A3 extends over five of the units 9 that are arranged in
series from the lower left to the upper right. The linear sealer region A4 extends over
five of the units 9 that are arranged in series from the lower left to the upper right. The
linear sealer region A5 extends over four of the units 9 that are arranged in series from
the lower left to the upper right. The linear sealer region A6 is arranged in one of the
units 9. Note that, the linear sealer regions A7 and A8 are arranged in the incomplete
unit 8 at the front end. Further, the linear sealer region A9 is arranged in the
incomplete unit 8 on the rear end side.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, in each unit 9, only one linear sealer region A is
provided. Specifically, in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L of the
linear sealer regions A1 to A6, the linear sealer region A is arranged only on one of a
pair of end portions of each unit 9. In other words, in the linear sealer regions A1 to
A6 as at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, all the joints 21 are arranged
at places that are offset from the center (the center point of the circle of the inner end
portions 11a) of the flanges 11. By means of the above configuration relating to the
19
sealer 20, the total weight of the sealer 20 in the automobile hood 1 can be reduced.
[0064]
As mentioned above, each of the linear sealer regions A1 to A5 extends over a
plurality of the units 9. Therefore, each of the sealers 20 of the linear sealer regions
A1 to A5 extends while rising and falling in the height direction Z. With regard to the
linear sealer region A6 also, the sealer 20 extends while rising and falling in the height
direction Z. Further, in the sealer 20 of each of the linear sealer regions A1 to A6, a
portion that is mounted on the flange 11 constitutes the joint 21. Specifically, the
joints 21 are arranged in each of the linear sealer regions A1 to A6. In each of the
linear sealer regions A1 to A5, the joints 21 are intermittently arranged in the
longitudinal direction L. In the sealer 20 of each of the linear sealer regions A1 to A5,
a place that is mounted on the flange 11 constitutes the joint 21 as described above.
Specifically, the respective sealers 20 of the linear sealer regions A1 to A5 form
respective joints 21 at the flanges 11 of a plurality of the units 9. On the other hand, in
the sealer 20 of each of the linear sealer regions A1 to A6, a place arranged on the
inclined wall 12 or the bottom portion 13 constitutes a non-joint portion 22 which does
not join the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 to each other. In each of the linear
sealer regions A1 to A6, the joints 21 and the non-joint portions 22 are alternately
arranged in the corresponding longitudinal direction L1 to L6. In each of the linear
sealer regions A1 to A5, approximately 70% of the region is the joints 21, and the
remaining about 30% of the region is the non-joint portions 22. In the linear sealer
regions A7 to A9, a portion of the sealer 20 that is mounted on the flange 11 of the
incomplete unit 8 constitutes the joint 21. Thus, in the present embodiment, the joint
21 is formed in each of the linear sealer regions A1 to A9. Note that, it suffices that
the joint 21 is formed in at least three longest linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3
among the plurality of linear sealer regions A1 to A9.
[0065]
In the present embodiment, at least three of the linear sealer regions A are
provided at intervals in at least one of the longitudinal direction Y as the front-rear
direction of the automobile hood 1 and the width direction X. Specifically, in the
20
vicinity of the center of the automobile hood 1 in the width direction X, the linear sealer
region A2 is arranged diagonally to the rear of the linear sealer regions A1, A7, and A8.
In addition, diagonally to the rear of the linear sealer region A2, the linear sealer regions
A3, A4, and A5 are arranged in that order toward the rear. The linear sealer region A9
is arranged to the rear of the linear sealer region A3. Further, the linear sealer region
A6 is arranged on the diagonally rear side of the linear sealer region A5. Thus, in the
present embodiment, at least three of the linear sealer regions A are provided at intervals
in both of the longitudinal direction Y and the width direction X.
[0066]
In the present embodiment, a region of the inner panel 2 which includes one
linear sealer region A and in which both ends in the longitudinal direction L reach the
outer circumferential edge of the inner panel 2 is defined as an end-to-end region B. In
other words, a region of the automobile hood 1 which includes one linear sealer region
A and which is present along the longitudinal direction L is defined as an end-to-end
region B. It can also be said that the end-to-end region B is a region of the inner panel
2 which includes the linear sealer region A and which is aligned in the longitudinal
direction L with the linear sealer region A (which includes the linear sealer region A and
regions aligned with the linear sealer region A).
[0067]
More specifically, end-to-end regions B1 to B9 that include the linear sealer
regions A1 to A9, respectively, are defined. In plan view, the end-to-end region B1 is a
region of the inner panel 2 that includes the linear sealer region A1 and in which both
ends in the longitudinal direction L of the linear sealer region A1 reach the outer
circumferential edge of the inner panel 2. In the present embodiment, a pair of end
portions B1a and B1b of the end-to-end region B1 are located at the left rear edge and
the front edge of the inner panel 2, respectively. Similarly, in plan view, the end-to-end
regions B2 to B4 are regions of the inner panel 2 that include the corresponding linear
sealer regions A2 to A4 and in which both ends in the corresponding longitudinal
directions L2 to L4 of the linear sealer regions A2 to A4 reach the outer circumferential
edge of the inner panel 2. In the present embodiment, the respective pairs of end
21
portions B2a and B2b, B3a and B3b, and B4a and B4b of the end-to-end regions B2 to
B4 are located at the left rear edge and the front edge of the inner panel 2, respectively.
Further, in plan view, the end-to-end regions B5 and B6 are regions of the inner panel 2
that include the corresponding linear sealer regions A5 and A6 and in which both ends
in the corresponding longitudinal directions L5 and L6 of the linear sealer regions A5
and A6 reach the outer circumferential edge of the inner panel 2. In the present
embodiment, the respective pairs of end portions B5a and B5b, and B6a and B6b of the
end-to-end regions B5 and B6 are located at the rear edge and the right edge of the inner
panel 2, respectively.
[0068]
In the present embodiment, three longest linear sealer regions A in lengths in
the longitudinal direction L among the linear sealer regions A1 to A9 are, in order of
longest length, the linear sealer regions A2, A4, and A3. In plan view, the lengths of
the three longest linear sealer regions A2, A4, and A3 among the plurality of linear
sealer regions A are 40% or more of the lengths of the end-to-end regions B2, B4 and
B3 to which the linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3 themselves belong, respectively.
Specifically, in plan view, in these longest linear sealer regions A2, A4, and A3, the
proportion of the respective lengths with respect to the lengths of the corresponding
end-to-end regions B2, B4 and B3 in the corresponding longitudinal directions L2 to L4
is 40% or more respectively. More specifically, in plan view, in the longitudinal
direction L2, the proportion of the length of the linear sealer region A2 with respect to
the length between the end portions B2a and B2b of the end-to-end region B2 is 40% or
more. Further, in plan view, in the longitudinal direction L3, the proportion of the
length of the linear sealer region A3 with respect to the length between the end portions
B3a and B3b of the end-to-end region B3 is 40% or more. Further, in plan view, in the
longitudinal direction L4, the proportion of the length of the linear sealer region A4 with
respect to the length between the end portions B4a and B4b of the end-to-end region B4
is 40% or more.
[0069]
The grounds for setting the respective lengths of the three longest linear sealer
22
regions A2, A4, and A3 among the plurality of linear sealer regions A to 40% or more of
the respective lengths of the corresponding end-to-end regions B2, B4 and B3 to which
the linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3 themselves belong in this way is as follows.
Specifically, in the automobile hood 1, for reasons pertaining to the design and the
design space, in a region up to a maximum of about 30% of an outer circumferential
side portion of the automobile hood 1, (1) the rigidity of the outer panel 3 is high and it
is not necessary for the region to be stiffened using the inner panel 2. Alternatively,
(2) it is difficult to set the linear sealer region A because it is difficult to stiffen the
region using the inner panel 2 due to interference with other components. Therefore, it
is possible to set the length of the sealer region A to (100% - 230% =) 40% or more of
the length of the linear sealer region B. By forming these regions A2, A4 and A3 in a
long linear shape and also providing the joints 21 in each of these regions A2, A4 and
A3, the efficiency of the operation for joining the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3
can be increased while making the joining strength with which the inner panel 2 and the
outer panel 3 are joined to each other sufficiently high.
[0070]
In the present embodiment, the lengths of the linear sealer regions A other than
the three longest linear sealer regions A in lengths in the longitudinal direction L among
the linear sealer regions A1 to A9 are not particularly defined except for the point that
the lengths are shorter than the lengths of the three longest linear sealer regions A2, A4
and A3.
[0071]
Further, in the present embodiment, the end-to-end regions B2, B4 and B3 of
the aforementioned three longest linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3 among the
plurality of linear sealer regions A1 to A9 are arranged so that intersection of the
end-to-end regions B2, B4 and B3 with each other is avoided (the end-to-end regions
B2, B4 and B3 are separated). In the present embodiment, the end-to-end regions B2,
B4 and B3 are arranged in a linear shape extending from the lower left to the upper right
in plan view, and are substantially parallel to each other. Hence, the end-to-end
regions B2, B4 and B3 do not intersect with each other in the region surrounded by the
23
outer circumferential edge of the inner panel 2.
[0072]
In the present embodiment, in each unit 9, the joints 21 of the linear sealer
regions A1 to A6 are arranged over two flanges 11 and 11 that are adjacent to each other.
Specifically, in each unit 9, the joints 21 are arranged over the flanges 11 of the
sub-units 10c and 10d. Further, only one linear sealer region A of the plurality of
linear sealer regions A is passed over one unit 9.
[0073]
Further, in the present embodiment, in plan view, the joints 21 are arranged in a
well-balanced manner in the automobile hood 1. Specifically, the joints 21 are
arranged on both sides of the center of the automobile hood 1 in the width direction X,
and are scattered in a region of at least 40% or more of the total width of the automobile
hood 1. Similarly, the joints 21 are arranged on both sides of the center of the
automobile hood 1 in the longitudinal direction Y, and are scattered in a region of at
least 40% or more of the total length of the automobile hood 1.
[0074]
When assembling the automobile hood 1 having the configuration described
above, first, the inner panel 2, the outer panel 3, and the sealer 20 are prepared. Next,
the inner panel 2 or the outer panel 3 is held by a jig or the like as an application target.
Next, a robot arm applies a sealer nozzle to the application target so as to apply the
sealer 20 to form the arrangement illustrated in Figure 2. Next, a robot arm or the like
is used to fit together the application target and the inner panel 2 or outer panel 3 that is
different from the application target. By this means, some of the sealer 20 comes into
contact with both of the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 to form the joints 21.
Thereafter, for example, the outer circumferential edge portion of the outer panel 3 is
subjected to hemming to complete the automobile hood 1.
[0075]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the three longest
linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3 among the linear sealer regions A1 to A9 are each a
length that is 40% or more of the length of the corresponding end-to-end regions B2, B4
24
and B3 to which the linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3 themselves belong,
respectively, and the joints 21 are formed in these linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3.
Further, the three end-to-end regions B2, B4 and B3 that include the aforementioned
three longest linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3 do not intersect with each other within
the region surrounded by the outer circumferential edge of the inner panel 2. With this
configuration, an operation to apply the sealer 20 can be performed by moving the
nozzle that applies the sealer 20 along a simple path. Hence, during assembly of the
automobile hood 1, the time required for the application process can be made shorter
through the efficient application of the sealer 20. In particular, since the sealer 20 can
be applied in long linear shapes, the movement of the robot arm when applying the
sealer 20 using the robot arm can be made simpler, and the life of the robot arm can be
extended through a reduction in the load on the robot arm in comparison to a case where
the robot arm performs complicated movements. In addition, by making the lengths of
the longest three linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3 long and also arranging at least
these three linear sealer regions A2, A4 and A3 at intervals in the longitudinal direction
Y, the length of the joints 21 can be sufficiently secured and these three linear sealer
regions A2, A4, and A3 can be arranged in a well-balanced manner so as not to intersect
with each other. As a result, the joining strength between the inner panel 2 and the
outer panel 3 can be sufficiently secured using the joints 21. Based on the above
described configuration, for the automobile hood 1, the efficiency of the operation for
joining the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 can be increased while making the
joining strength with which the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are joined to each
other sufficiently high.
[0076]
Further, according to the present embodiment, in the linear sealer regions A1 to
A5, the joints 21 are intermittently arranged in the corresponding longitudinal directions
L1 to L5. According to this configuration, while quickly applying the sealer 20 in
straight lines, the joints 21 can be arranged at places that are suitable for joining the
inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3.
[0077]
25
In particular, in the present embodiment, in each of the three longest linear
sealer regions A2, A4 and A3, the joints 21 and the non-joint portions 22 are alternately
arranged in the longitudinal directions L2, L4 and L3, respectively. According to this
configuration, while simplifying the movement of the robot arm when applying the
sealer 20 using the robot arm, the joints 21 can be applied in a well-balanced manner to
a wider area in the automobile hood 1. Hence, the efficiency of the operation for
joining the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 can be further increased while making the
joining strength with which the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are joined to each
other sufficiently high.
[0078]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of linear sealer
regions A1 to A6 are arranged in parallel with each other. According to this
configuration, the plurality of linear sealer regions A1 to A6 can be collectively formed
by, for example, moving a plurality of (three) nozzles linearly two times. Hence, the
operation to apply the sealer 20 can be performed more quickly.

We Claim:
[Claim 1]
An automobile hood, comprising:
an inner panel,
an outer panel,
a sealer, and
a joint that, in the sealer, is a portion which joins the inner panel and the outer
panel,
wherein:
a direction in which a linear sealer region in which the sealer is continuously
arranged linearly extends is defined as a longitudinal direction;
a region of the inner panel that is a region which includes the linear sealer
region and in which both ends in the longitudinal direction reach an outer circumference
of the inner panel is defined as an end-to-end region;
at least three of the linear sealer regions are provided at intervals in at least one
of a front-rear direction of the automobile hood and a width direction of the automobile
hood;
each of three longest linear sealer regions among the plurality of linear sealer
regions has a length that is 40% or more of a length of the end-to-end region to which
the linear sealer region itself belongs, and the joint is formed therein; and
three end-to-end regions that include the three longest linear sealer regions
among the plurality of linear sealer regions do not intersect with each other within a
region that is surrounded by an outer circumferential edge of the inner panel.
[Claim 2]
The automobile hood according to claim 1, wherein:
the length is a length when the automobile hood is seen in plan view.
[Claim 3]
The automobile hood according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, the joints are
54
intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction.
[Claim 4]
The automobile hood according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3, wherein:
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, the joint extends
continuously along the longitudinal direction.
[Claim 5]
The automobile hood according to any one of claim 1 to claim 4, wherein:
at least one pair of linear sealer regions among the plurality of the linear sealer
regions are arranged in parallel with each other.
[Claim 6]
The automobile hood according to any one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein:
the inner panel includes a unit;
the unit includes a flange that is arranged adjacent to the outer panel, an
inclined wall that extends from the flange so as to separate from the outer panel, and a
bottom portion that is continuous with the inclined wall and is separated from the
flange; and
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, the joint is provided on
the flange.
[Claim 7]
The automobile hood according to claim 6, wherein:
the flange of the unit is formed in an annular shape; and
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, all of the joints are
arranged at places that are offset from a center of the annular-shaped flange.
[Claim 8]
The automobile hood according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein:
a plurality of the units are provided in the inner panel; and
in at least one of the plurality of linear sealer regions, the joint is provided on
the flange in each of a plurality of the units.
[Claim 9]
The automobile hood according to any one of claim 6 to claim 8, wherein:
55
a plurality of the units having the same shape are arranged in the front-rear
direction and the width direction of the automobile hood.
[Claim 10]
The automobile hood according to any one of claim 1 to claim 9, wherein:
the sealer includes a reinforcing sealer;
the linear sealer region includes an end portion joint that is arranged at an
endmost portion in the longitudinal direction among the joints of the linear sealer
region; and
the reinforcing sealer connects together end portions of the end portion joints
of the plurality of linear sealer regions in which the longitudinal directions are different.
[Claim 11]
The automobile hood according to claim 10, wherein:
the reinforcing sealer cooperates with the sealers of the plurality of linear sealer
regions to form an annular sealer.
[Claim 12]
The automobile hood according to any one of claim 1 to claim 11, wherein:
the inner panel is a steel sheet panel having a thickness of 0.25 mm to 0.80 mm,
or is an aluminum alloy panel having a thickness of 0.40 mm to 1.20 mm.
[Claim 13]
The automobile hood according to any one of claim 1 to claim 12, wherein:
the outer panel is a steel sheet panel having a thickness of 0.25 mm to 0.80 mm,
or is an aluminum alloy panel having a thickness of 0.40 mm to 1.20 mm.
[Claim 14]
The automobile hood according to any one of claim 1 to claim 13, wherein:
in three longest linear sealer regions, a portion of the sealer that is separated
from either one of the inner panel and the outer panel is a non-joint portion; and
in each of the three longest linear sealer regions, the joint and the non-joint
portion are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction.