Vehicle soundproofing structure
11358541 ยท 2022-06-14
Assignee
Inventors
- Noritaka Toyama (Anjo, JP)
- Atsuko Kobayashi (Nagoya, JP)
- Keiko Nagatomi (Toyota, JP)
- Keisuke Ito (Okazaki, JP)
Cpc classification
G10K11/178
PHYSICS
B60R13/0815
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
G10K11/17821
PHYSICS
International classification
B60R13/08
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A vehicle soundproofing structure includes: a soundproofing mechanism configured to suppress sound from leaking outside from a vehicle by absorbing, dissipating, or cancelling sound inside a vehicle cabin, and a controller configured to enable operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is stationary, and to disable operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is travelling.
Claims
1. A vehicle soundproofing structure comprising: a soundproofing mechanism configured to suppress sound from leaking outside from a vehicle by absorbing, dissipating, or cancelling sound inside a vehicle cabin; and a controller configured to operate the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is stationary, and to disable operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is travelling.
2. The vehicle soundproofing structure of claim 1, wherein the soundproofing mechanism: includes an air moving device that blows air along a glass pane partitioning between an interior and an exterior of the vehicle cabin; and dissipates sound in a vicinity of the glass pane by blowing air out from the air moving device.
3. The vehicle soundproofing structure of claim 1, wherein the soundproofing mechanism: includes a vibrator attached to a glass pane partitioning between an interior and an exterior of the vehicle cabin, and a microphone to receive sound inside the vehicle cabin; and vibrates the vibrator to thereby cause the glass pane to vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the sound received by the microphone and cancel the sound.
4. The vehicle soundproofing structure of claim 1, wherein: the soundproofing mechanism includes a sunshade that is stowed so as to be deployable along a glass pane partitioning between an interior and an exterior of the vehicle cabin, and that is formed of a soundproofing material.
5. The vehicle soundproofing structure of claim 1, further comprising a pair of glass panes partitioning between an interior and an exterior of the vehicle cabin and disposed with a spacing between each other, wherein the soundproofing mechanism: is configured including a transparent member that is a deformable electrically conductive polymer actuator filled in a space between the glass panes; and soundproofs by deforming the transparent member to form an air layer between the glass panes.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Exemplary Embodiment
(13) Explanation follows regarding a vehicle soundproofing structure according to a first exemplary embodiment, with reference to
(14) As illustrated in
(15) The instrument panel 16 is provided to a front section of the vehicle cabin interior. Side blower outlets 18 are respectively formed in the two vehicle width direction end portions of the instrument panel 16. Air that has been regulated in temperature by an air conditioning unit 24 serving as an air moving device, described later, is blown out into the vehicle cabin through the side blower outlets 18. A central blower outlet 20 is also formed in a vehicle width direction center portion of the instrument panel 16. Air that has been regulated in temperature by the air conditioning unit 24, described later, is blown out into the vehicle cabin through the central blower outlet 20.
(16) A defroster blower outlet 22 is formed in an upper face of the instrument panel 16 at the base of the windshield glass 12. The defroster blower outlet 22 is formed with a long and thin rectangular shape having its length direction along the vehicle width direction, and opening toward the windshield glass 12.
(17) As illustrated in
(18) The second nozzle 27 extends toward the vehicle upper side from an upper face of the air conditioning unit 24 and is connected to the defroster blower outlet 22. Air that has been regulated in temperature by the air conditioning unit 24 thereby passes through the second nozzle 27 and is blown out along the windshield glass 12 through the defroster blower outlet 22. This thereby achieves a configuration to clear condensation on the windshield glass 12.
(19) The air conditioning unit 24 is electrically connected to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 26, serving as a controller, and the air conditioning unit 24 is controlled by the ECU 26. Specifically, the volume and flow rate at which air from the air conditioning unit 24 passes through the second nozzle 27 and is blown out through the defroster blower outlet 22 is controlled.
(20) Note that the present exemplary embodiment is configured such that the volume and flow rate at which air is blown out through the defroster blower outlet 22 and along the windshield glass 12 is different from the volume and flow rate of air employed in a normal defroster so as to provide soundproofing. For example, assuming that most of the noise generated in a vehicle cabin is between 300 Hz and 3000 Hz, the present exemplary embodiment is configured so as to be capable of blowing air at a sufficient volume and flow rate to dissipate the highest frequency 3000 Hz soundwaves.
(21) Moreover, a non-illustrated switch for switching soundproofing mode is provided to the instrument panel 16 in a configuration in which a soundproofing mode can be switched ON and OFF by operating the switch.
(22) The ECU 26 controls the air conditioning unit 24 so that soundproofing air is blown from the air conditioning unit 24 in cases in which a predetermined condition has been satisfied. Specifically, the ECU 26 enables operation of a soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle 10 is stationary, and disables operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle 10 is traveling. Explanation follows regarding this control method, according to the flowchart in
(23) At step S200 in
(24) At step S202, a check is made as to whether the soundproofing mode has been set to ON or OFF. At step S204, determination is made as to whether or not the soundproofing mode is ON. In the present exemplary embodiment, this is performed by determining whether or not the switch for switching soundproofing mode provided to the instrument panel 16 is ON. Processing transitions to step S206 in cases in which the soundproofing mode is ON. Processing returns to step S200 in cases in which the soundproofing mode is OFF.
(25) At step S206, the soundproofing mechanism is operated by the ECU 26. In the present exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning unit 24 is activated as described above by activation of the soundproofing mechanism, such that air starts to be blown along the windshield glass 12 through the defroster blower outlet 22 at the volume and flow rate employed for soundproofing. Sound in the vicinity of the windshield glass 12 is thereby dissipated, suppressing sound from leaking outside from the vehicle.
(26) At step S208, determination is then made as to whether or not the vehicle 10 is in a stationary state. Processing transitions to step S210 in cases in which the vehicle 10 continues to be in a stationary state while the soundproofing mechanism is being operated. In cases in which the vehicle 10 is no longer in a stationary state, processing transitions to step S214 and the soundproofing mechanism is stopped. Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning unit 24 is forcefully stopped, even though the soundproofing mechanism is still in the operational state, in cases in which the vehicle 10 has left the stationary state.
(27) At step S210, a check is made as to whether the soundproofing mode has been set to ON or OFF. Determination is made at step S212 as to whether or not the soundproofing mode is now OFF. In cases in which the soundproofing mode is not OFF (i.e. ON), processing returns to step S208, and the continuing operational state of the soundproofing mechanism is maintained. Cases in which the soundproofing mode is OFF are cases in which the switch for switching soundproofing mode has been switched OFF by operation by an occupant, for example, while the soundproofing mechanism is in the operational state, and so processing transitions to step S214 and the air conditioning unit 24 is stopped.
(28) Operation
(29) Explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplary embodiment.
(30) In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the present exemplary embodiment, the ECU 26 enables operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle 10 is in a stationary state. Namely, the vehicle 10 can be set to a soundproof state by using the air conditioning unit 24. However, in cases in which determination is made that the vehicle 10 is not in a stationary state, such as when the vehicle 10 is traveling, operation of the soundproofing mechanism is disabled. Namely, soundproofing by the air conditioning unit 24 is disabled. This enables sound inside the vehicle cabin to be dissipated as required when the vehicle 10 is stationary, and sound to be suppressed from leaking outside from the vehicle.
(31) The reason operation of the soundproofing mechanism is disabled when the vehicle 10 is traveling is so that sound outside the vehicle whilst traveling can be suppressed from becoming difficult to hear. Namely, switching between a soundproof state and a non-soundproof state can be made at a suitable timing. In particular, in cases in which the vehicle 10 has started traveling while in the soundproof state, the soundproof state is exited without any particular operation being performed by the occupant, so that there is no concern that the vehicle 10 might be driven in a state in which sound outside the vehicle is difficult to hear.
(32) Note that although soundproofing of the windshield glass 12 has been described for the present exemplary embodiment, application may be made to the glass of a window in other locations. For example, application may be made to side glass of a vehicle side section (front side-glass, rear side-glass), or to rear-door glass of a vehicle rear section. In such cases, a soundproof state may be achieved by forming a defroster blower outlet in door trim or the like, and blowing air along the glass through the defroster blower outlet.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
(33) Explanation follows regarding a vehicle soundproofing structure according to a second exemplary embodiment. Note that configuration similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment is appended with the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted as appropriate.
(34) As illustrated in
(35) The glass pane 32A is positioned at the vehicle outer side, and the glass pane 32B is disposed at a spacing on the vehicle inner side of the glass pane 32A so as to be substantially parallel to the glass pane 32A. A gap is thereby formed between the glass pane 32A and the glass pane 32B.
(36) Note that a transparent member 34, formed of an electrically conductive polymer actuator, is provided between the glass pane 32A and the glass pane 32B. The transparent member 34 is filled into the entire region of the windshield glass 32. When an electric field is applied to the transparent member 34, the transparent member 34 curves due to a negative electrode side thereof swelling and a positive electrode side thereof contracting. Namely, the transparent member 34 functions as a transparent actuator.
(37)
(38) However, as illustrated in
(39) Note that a non-illustrated power source is provided to the transparent member 34 to apply voltage to the transparent member 34, and the ECU 26 (see
(40) Operation
(41) Explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplary embodiment.
(42) In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the present exemplary embodiment, soundproofing is performed by deforming the transparent member 34. This enables the situation outside the vehicle to be viewed through the windshield glass 32, even in the soundproof state. Namely, the situation outside the vehicle can be viewed while suppressing sound from leaking outside from the vehicle. Other operation and effects are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment.
(43) Note that although soundproofing of the windshield glass 32 has been described for the present exemplary embodiment, application may be made to the glass of a window in other locations. For example, the present exemplary embodiment may be applied to side glass of a vehicle side section (front side-glass, rear side-glass), or to rear-door glass of a vehicle rear section. In such cases, a double-glazed structure may be adopted for each window glass, and a transparent member disposed therebetween.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
(44) Explanation follows regarding a vehicle soundproofing structure according to a third exemplary embodiment. Note that configuration similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment is appended with the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted as appropriate.
(45) As illustrated in
(46) Note that as illustrated in
(47) A second sunshade 52 is provided at the vehicle cabin interior side of the rear side door 48. The second sunshade 52 is stowable inside a non-illustrated door trim of the rear side door 48 so as to be deployable along the rear side-glass 44.
(48) Due to the first sunshade 50 and the second sunshade 52 being formed from a soundproofing material, soundproofing performance is enhanced by deploying the first sunshade 50 and the second sunshade 52. Note that for ease of explanation,
(49) As illustrated in
(50) The third sunshade 58 is formed of soundproofing material, is stowable inside a non-illustrated door trim of the rear door 56 so as to be deployable along the rear-door glass 54. The soundproofing mechanism of the present exemplary embodiment is configured including the first sunshade 50, the second sunshade 52, and the third sunshade 58.
(51) A deployment mechanism for electrically deploying or stowing the first sunshade 50 is provided inside the door trim of the front side door 46. A deployment mechanism for electrically deploying or stowing the second sunshade 52 is provided inside the door trim of the rear side door 48. A deployment mechanism for electrically deploying or stowing the third sunshade 58 is provided inside the door trim of the rear door 56.
(52) The respective deployment mechanisms are electrically connected to the ECU 26 (see
(53) Operation
(54) Explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplary embodiment.
(55) In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the present exemplary embodiment, when the vehicle 40 is stationary, as well as sunlight being blocked by the first sunshade 50, the second sunshade 52, and the third sunshade 58, sound can also be suppressed from leaking outside from the vehicle thereby. Other operation and effects are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment.
(56) Note that although soundproofing of the front side-glass 42, the rear side-glass 44, and the rear-door glass 54 has been described for the present exemplary embodiment, application may be made to the windshield glass. For example, a soundproof state of the windshield glass can be realized by deploying a sunshade stowed inside an instrument panel positioned below the windshield glass.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
(57) Explanation follows regarding a vehicle soundproofing structure according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. Note that configuration similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment is appended with the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted as appropriate.
(58) As illustrated in
(59) An upper portion of the front side door 68 is configured by front side-glass 70 that is capable of opening and closing in the vertical direction. An exciter 72, serving as a vibrator, is attached to the front side-glass 70. The front side-glass 70 accordingly functions as a diaphragm by causing the exciter 72 to vibrate.
(60) Note that although the exciter 72 is attached to a lower end of a vehicle front-rear direction center portion of the front side-glass 70 in the present exemplary embodiment, there is no limitation thereto, and the exciter 72 may be attached to another location. For example, from the perspective of styling, the exciter 72 can be made non-visible from outside the vehicle by performing ceramic processing on a peripheral edge of the front side-glass 70, providing a black-coated portion thereon, then attaching the exciter 72 to the black-coated portion.
(61) A microphone 74 to receive sound inside the vehicle cabin is provided to a door trim 73 of the front side door 68. The exciter 72 and the microphone 74 are electrically connected to the ECU 26 (see
(62) The present exemplary embodiment is configured such that the soundproofing mechanism is operated according to the flowchart in
(63) Operation
(64) Explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplary embodiment.
(65) In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the present exemplary embodiment, causing the exciter 72 attached to the front side-glass 70 to vibrate causes the front side-glass 70 to vibrate, enabling sound inside the vehicle cabin to be cancelled. Namely, a soundproof state can be realized. Moreover, picking up voices etc. inside the vehicle cabin using the microphone 74 enables the frequency of the sound to be cancelled to be accurately ascertained, enabling soundproofing performance to be enhanced. In particular, for example, in cases in which music is being played inside the vehicle cabin and an occupant is singing in accompaniment to the music, the frequency of the sound to be generated can be ascertained in advance, enabling the exciter 72 to be vibrated so as to match the frequency of sound generated even without employing the microphone 74. Other operation and effects are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment.
(66) Note that soundproofing of the front side-glass 70 has been described for the present exemplary embodiment, application may be made to the glass of a window in other locations. For example, soundproofing may be applied to windshield glass at a vehicle front section, to rear side-glass at a vehicle side section, or to rear-door glass at a vehicle rear section. In such cases, the exciter 72 may be attached to the respective glass pane. The microphone 74 may also receive sound at one location, or plural microphones 74 may be provided.
(67) Vehicle soundproofing structures according to exemplary embodiments have been explained above. However, various embodiments may obviously been implemented within a range not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, although sound in the vicinity of the windshield glass 12 is dissipated by air being blown through the defroster blower outlet 22 at a predetermined volume and flow rate in the first exemplary embodiment, there is no limitation thereto. As another method, a method may be adopted in which the volume of air is changed intermittently so as to generate a predetermined blowing sound that masks sound inside the vehicle cabin. Specifically, a high-pitched sound inside the vehicle cabin can be blocked by generating a low-pitched sound through the defroster blower outlet 22.
(68) As illustrated in
(69) Moreover, although a configuration is adopted in the fourth exemplary embodiment in which the exciter 72 is attached to the front side-glass 70 and the front side-glass 70 is caused to vibrate in the opposite phase, there is no limitation thereto. For example, the exciter 72 may be attached to the sunshade explained in the third exemplary embodiment. In such cases, the exciter 72 is hidden when the sunshade is in the stowed state, enhancing styling.
(70) Furthermore, the exciter 72 may be attached to the door trim 73 of the front side door 68. A soundproof state can be achieved as long as the door trim 73 is caused to vibrate in the opposite phase to the sound inside the vehicle cabin.
(71) A configuration may be adopted in which soundwaves are emitted toward the windshield glass etc. by causing a glass pane, a door trim, or the like to function as a diaphragm using the exciter 72. In such cases, a soundproof state can be achieved by causing the glass pane or the door trim to vibrate in the opposite phase to the sound inside the vehicle cabin in the vicinity of the windshield glass, even in cases in which the soundproofing mechanism is not provided to the windshield glass itself.
(72) The soundproofing mechanisms of the first exemplary embodiment to the fourth exemplary embodiment may be combined. For example, the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment may be combined in a configuration that includes both a soundproofing structure using blown air and a soundproofing structure using a transparent member.