Under-cover support structure

An under-cover support structure comprising: a dash panel provided in a front part of a vehicle cabin; a dash insulator attached to and extending along a cabin-side surface of the dash panel; an instrument panel mounted on the dash insulator in an inner side of the vehicle cabin; and an under cover member bridged between the cabin-side surface of the dash panel and a forward edge of a lower edge portion of the instrument panel, and covering a lower side of the instrument panel, the under cover member having a press-fit end portion on a side of the dash insulator, wherein the dash insulator is provided with a supporting portion which is elastically deformable by the press-fit end portion of the under cover member being pressed against the supporting portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a structure for supporting a vehicle interior cover, and particularly to a structure for supporting an under cover that covers the lower side of an instrument panel.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-268865 discloses an under-cover support structure for supporting an under cover member that is bridged between a dash panel and an instrument panel to cover the lower side of the instrument panel.

In this structure, the dash panel is provided in the front part of the vehicle cabin. The dash panel has stud bolts protruding from the cabin-side surface of the dash panel. The bolt holes are formed in an end portion on the side of the dash-panel of the under cover member. The stud bolts are inserted into the bolt holes, and thereby support the under cover member.

Clips are provided at the rearward edge portion of the under cover member to serve as engaging members. Clip holes are formed in the lower forward edge portion of the instrument panel extending toward the dash panel. The clips are inserted into the clip holes from beneath to be locked therein.

In this under-cover support structure, the under cover member is secured the dash panel and the instrument panel as follows. Firstly, the stud bolts provided on the dash panel are inserted into the bolt holes formed in the under cover member, so that the dash-panel-side end portion of the under cover member is engaged with the dash panel. Thereafter, the rearward edge portion of the under cover member is lifted upward, and the under cover member is thereby rotated about the locked dash-panel-side end portion of the under cover member. Consequently, the clips are inserted into the clip holes from beneath to be locked therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the above-described under-cover support structure, the stud bolts, which are provided on the dash panel in a protruding manner, need to be aligned with the bolt holes, which are formed in the dash-panel-side end portion of the under cover member, before being inserted thereto, for attaching the under cover member.

This makes the attachment work difficult. Moreover, the under cover member may possibly be damaged due to contact of the tip of the stud bolt with a peripheral part of the bolt hole of the under cover member.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an under-cover support structure which facilitates the attachment work of the under cover member.

An aspect of the present invention is an under-cover support structure comprising: a dash panel provided in a front part of a vehicle cabin; a dash insulator attached to and extending along a cabin-side surface of the dash panel; an instrument panel mounted on the dash insulator in an inner side of the vehicle cabin; and an under cover member bridged between the cabin-side surface of the dash panel and a forward edge of a lower edge portion of the instrument panel, and covering a lower side of the instrument panel, the under cover member having a press-fit end portion on a side of the dash insulator, wherein the dash insulator is provided with a supporting portion which is elastically deformable by the press-fit end portion of the under cover member being pressed against the supporting portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

An under-cover support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this embodiment, description will be given mainly of a structure for supporting an under cover member12provided on the passenger-seat side in a left-hand drive automobile (on the right side in the vehicle). An under cover member is provided also on the driver-seat side (on the left side in the vehicle) as well as on the passenger-seat side, and has the substantially same configuration as that of the passenger-seat side. Accordingly, the description is omitted herein.

The vehicle body1of the automobile includes an engine room2for housing an engine (not shown) therein, and a passenger compartment3located on the rear side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, which serves as a vehicle cabin for passengers to be seated in. In this embodiment, a dash panel4is provided between the engine room2and the passenger compartment3, and defines the engine room2and the passenger compartment3.

As shown inFIG. 2, a dash insulator5serving as a sound-absorbing member is adhered to a surface4aof the dash panel4on a side of the vehicle cabin (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cabin-side surface4a”).

On a cabin-side surface of the dash insulator5, a recessed portion6serving as a supporting portion for supporting the forward edge portion of the below-mentioned under cover member12is formed.

As shown inFIG. 2, the recessed portion6is a recess that extends approximately horizontally in the vehicle-width direction, and that substantially has a shape of a slotted hole when seen from the front thereof. The recessed portion6includes a bottom portion7having an elongated narrow shape, and a guide slope portion8formed around the periphery of the bottom portion7. The guide slope portion8has a curved surface whose angle of inclination α gradually increases to a right angle as the measuring point of the angle of inclination α moves from the periphery of the recessed portion6to the bottom portion7. In a semicircular part at each end of the recessed portion6, the angle of inclination α is an angle which a tangent to a surface of the guide slope portion8in the cross section including the symmetry axis of the semicircular part makes with respect to a major plane surface, of the cabin-side surface of the dash insulator5, around the recessed portion6. Meanwhile, in the parts other than the semicircular parts, the angle of inclination α is an angle which a tangent to a surface of the guide slope portion8in a cross section perpendicular to the long axis of the recessed portion6makes with respect to the major plane surface, of the cabin-side surface of the dash insulator5, around the recessed portion6.

The guide slope portion8of the recessed portion6is formed of the same composite member as that constituting a portion of the dash insulator5around the recessed portion6, and is elastically deformable when pressure is applied from the cabin side.

Moreover, a hollow portion15is formed on the front side of an upper periphery8aof the guide slope portion8as shown inFIG. 3, which serves as a more deformable portion to make the upper periphery8amore deformable, or, specifically, more elastically deformable under relatively small pressure, compared to a lower periphery8bof the guide slope portion8.

The hollow portion15is a gap having a fixed width d that is formed between portions of the dash insulator5and the dash panel4above the recessed portion6.

An instrument panel9is mounted, as shown inFIG. 5, on the rear side of the dash insulator5, that is, in the inner side of the vehicle cabin.

A steering member10for supporting a steering column (not shown) is provided inside the instrument panel9so as to extend in the vehicle-width direction.

As shown inFIG. 4, the steering member10includes a main body10ahaving an approximate cylindrical pipe shape, and a pair of side brackets10bintegrally provided respectively at right and left ends of the main body10a.

The dash panel4is provided, at both ends thereof in the vehicle-width direction, with a pair of inner-side panels11each integrally extending rearward from the end of the dash panel4. The right and left side brackets10bof the steering member10are fixedly attached to inner surfaces11aof the inner side panels11, respectively. Thereby, the steering member10is fixed to the vehicle body1.

An H-bag-side fixing arm or a central fixing arm10cis provided on the main body10aof the steering member10so as to extend downward from the proximity of the center of the main body10ain the vehicle-width direction.

A side-panel-side fixing arm10dis integrally formed to extend from the side bracket10bon the right side of the vehicle.

Bolt holes10gand10hare formed on a seating face10eof the H-bag-side fixing arm10cand a seating face10fof the side-panel-side fixing arm10d, respectively, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, by means of hole-boring process. Each of the seating faces is formed approximately perpendicular to but slightly inclined rearward with respect to a virtual plain including the long axis of the recessed portion6and the center of the corresponding bolt hole.

Between the dash insulator5attached to and extending along the cabin-side surface4aof the dash panel4and a forward edge9aof the lower edge portion of the instrument panel9, an under cover member12is bridged to cover the lower side of the instrument panel9(seeFIG. 8).

The under cover member12, as shown inFIG. 11, is mainly constituted of a sound insulation board13, which is a plain plate having an approximately trapezoidal shape in plan view. The shape of the plain plate conforms to the shape of a downward opening formed between the dash insulator5and the forward edge9aof the lower edge portion of the instrument panel9.

Duct insertion openings12aand12bare formed in the sound insulation plate13(seeFIG. 12).

A press-fit end portion14on the side of the dash insulator (hereinafter, referred to as a dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14), which is to be press-fitted into the recessed portion6formed in the dash insulator5, is formed at the forward edge portion of the sound insulation plate13(seeFIGS. 8 and 11).

At the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14, a plurality of perpendicular ribs16are provided at regular intervals, along the forward edge of the sound insulation plate13of the under cover member12, the perpendicular ribs16each being perpendicular to the upper or lower surface of the sound insulation plate13. Each of the perpendicular ribs16is formed in a standing manner to extend from the upper or lower surface of the forward edge of the sound insulation plate13, and is formed in a plain plate shape having a normal vector almost parallel to the vehicle-width direction or the forward edge of the sound insulation plate13. Moreover, each of the perpendicular ribs16has an R-shape at the forward edge thereof, or an R-shape extending from the forward edge thereof to the upper or lower edge thereof.

Moreover, reinforcing ribs17are provided on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the sound insulation plate13, to connect each perpendicular rib16. The reinforcing ribs17are perpendicular to the upper or lower surfaces of the sound insulation plate13, and are extended approximately parallel to the vehicle-width direction or the forward edge of the sound insulation plate13.

Furthermore, an engaging blade13bin a horizontal plate shape having a predetermined length in the vehicle-width direction is formed integrally at the rearward edge portion (cabin-side side edge)13aof the sound insulation plate13, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 10. The engaging blade13bis extended rearward and has its rearward edge extending along the vehicle-width direction.

The engaging blade13bis placed on the forward edge9aof the lower edge portion of the instrument panel9from above in an overlapping manner, and is engaged with the forward edge9aserving as a rear supporting portion. Specifically, the rear supporting portion is engaged with the rearward edge portion13aof the under cover member12in the vertical direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the press-fitting of the under cover member12.

Right and left fixing pieces13cand13dare formed, on the right and left outer sides of the engaging blade13b, to protrude from the rearward edge portion13aof the under cover member12. Each of the fixing pieces13cand13dextends upward approximately perpendicular to but slightly inclined rearward with respect to the major surface of the sound insulation plate13of the under cover member12.

In the right and left fixing pieces13dand13c, fixing holes13fand13eare formed, respectively. The fixing holes13eand13fare formed in the positions corresponding to the bolt holes10gand10hformed in seating faces10eand10fof the H-bag-side fixing arm10cand the side-panel-side fixing arm10d, respectively, when the under cover member12is fitted.

Bolt members20are inserted into the fixing holes13eand13f, respectively, from rear side. The inserted bolt members20are screwed into and fixed to the bolt holes10gand10h, and then the right and left fixing pieces13dand13care fastened on seating faces10fand10e. Thereby, the rearward edge portion13aof the under cover member12is fixed to the H-bag-side fixing arm10cand the side-panel-side fixing arm10d.

On the upper-surface side of the under cover member12, a duct insulator member18is set to cover the upper-surface side thereof, as shown inFIG. 12. As shown inFIG. 4, the duct insulator member18is configured to be positioned between the under cover member12and a duct member19, which is an air conditioner, after the under cover member12is fitted.

As shown inFIG. 1, duct insertion openings18aand18b, into which parts of the duct member19are inserted, are formed on the duct insulator member18at positions corresponding to the duct insertion openings12aand12b.

A side-panel-side fixing piece19aof the duct member19is fixed to a duct fixing face10iof the side-panel-side fixing arm10dwith another bolt member20, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 7.

Next, effects of the vehicle under-cover structure according to this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, the steering member10as the one shown inFIG. 5is fixed between the right and left inner side panels11shown inFIG. 2, and the instrument panel9is thereby mounted on the cabin-side surface4aof the dash panel4of the vehicle body1.

The air conditioner duct member19is attached to the instrument panel9in advance, as shown inFIG. 4.

The dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14of the under cover member12is press-fitted into the recessed portion6, which is formed in the dash insulator5adhered to the dash panel4, from rear to front in a direction approximately parallel to the vehicle front-rear direction, as indicated by an arrow inFIG. 4.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the guide slope portion8is formed in the periphery of the recessed portion6. Accordingly, the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14slides on and is guided by the guide slope portion8when being press-fitted, and is consequently aligned to the center O of the bottom portion7of the recessed portion6. Thereby, the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14falls into a desired fitting position.

Here, even when the inserting position of the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14is not exactly aligned with the center O, the press-fit end portion14can be fitted into the desired fitting position due to the sliding guide function of the guide slope portion8, as long as the inserting position of the press-fit end portion14remains within the range inside the outer peripheral edge of the guide slope portion8of H1in height and W1in width. Hence, the use of guide slope portion8makes the attachment of the under cover member12easier.

Then, as shown inFIG. 4, the under cover member12is rotated about the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14inserted into the recessed portion6, by lifting the rearward edge portion13aupward.

The duct insulator member18is adhered to the upper-surface side of the under cover member12. Accordingly, when the under cover member12is rotated to the position in which the sound insulation board13takes an approximately horizontal position, the duct insulator member18results in being positioned along the lower side of the duct member19, and covers the lower side of the duct member19, as shown inFIG. 8.

In the above fitting process, the dash insulator5supports the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14of the under cover member12while being changed in shape by the contact pressure attributable to the press-fit pressure, as shown inFIG. 3. The dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14of the under cover member12is supported by the dash panel4with the dash insulator5interposed therebetween. In this case, the press-fit end portion14is not touching the cabin-side surface4aof the dash panel4, i.e., the dash insulator5is not completely compressed between the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14and the cabin-side surface4aof the dash panel4. Thus, fitting of the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14of the under cover member12is completed only by pushing the under cover member12into the recessed portion6of the dash insulator5from the inner side of the vehicle cabin.

Thereafter, the forward pressure applied to the under cover member12is further increased once, and, at the same time, the under cover member12is rotated to a position in which the rearward edge portion13aof the under cover member12passes over the forward edge9aof the lower edge portion of the instrument panel9. Then, the pressure is released. The under cover member12is thereby pushed rearward by the elastic force of the dash insulator5, and the engaging blade13bof the rearward edge portion13aof the under cover member12is consequently positioned on the forward edge9aof the lower edge portion of the instrument panel9in an overlapping manner, as shown inFIG. 10. Thereby, the under cover member12is engaged with the instrument panel9.

In this state, the fixing hole13eof the left fixing piece13cis positioned to face the bolt hole10gformed in the seating face10eof the H-bag-side fixing arm10c, as shown inFIG. 6. Similarly, the fixing hole13fof the right fixing piece13dis positioned to face the bolt hole10hformed in the seating face10fof the side-panel-side fixing arm10d, as shown inFIG. 7. The right and left fixing pieces13dand13cbeing formed respectively on the right and left outer sides of the engaging blade13bin a protruding manner.

The bolt members20are inserted respectively into the fixing holes13eand13ffrom rear, and are then screwed respectively into the bolt holes10gand10h, to fasten the right and left fixing pieces13dand13crespectively to the seating faces10fand10e. Thereby, the rearward edge portion13aof the under cover member12can be easily fixed to the H-bag-side fixing arm10cand the side-panel-side fixing arm10d.

As described above, the attachment of the under cover member12is completed only by press-fitting the under cover member12into the recessed portion6of the dash insulator5from the inner side of the vehicle cabin, and by fixing the under cover member12with the bolt members20from the inner side of the vehicle cabin, in this embodiment. Hence, the attachment of the under cover member12can be easily performed.

In addition, the recessed portion6of the dash insulator5is constituted of the elastically deformable and flexible composite member, which is the same as that constituting other portions of the dash insulator5. Accordingly, it is unlikely that the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14of the under cover member12is damaged when being fitted to the dash insulator5.

Moreover, there is no necessity to additionally provide any cushioning material having cushioning properties, such as urethane foam. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the number of components.

Furthermore, the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14of the under cover member12is pressed into the elastically deformable recessed portion6of the dash insulator5, and is supported in the state of being press-fitted against the guide slope portion8of the recessed portion6, which is elastically deformed by the pressure.

With this configuration, a dimension error or an assembly error of the under cover member12due to manufacturing variation can be compensated by the guide slope portion8of the recessed portion6being elastically deformable. In addition, the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14of the under cover member12can be supported by the cabin-side surface4aof the dash panel4without having any gap between the dash insulator5and itself.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 10, in this embodiment, the engaging blade13bof the rearward edge portion13aof the under cover member12is set on the forward edge9aof the lower edge portion of the instrument panel9in an overlapping manner, and is engaged with the forward edge9ain the vertical direction orthogonal to the vehicle front-rear direction, that is, to the press-fitting direction of the under cover member12.

Accordingly, by adjusting the overlap width, a dimension error or an assembly error between the vehicle body1and the instrument panel9due to manufacturing variation can also be compensated besides a dimension error or an assembly error of the under cover member12due to manufacturing variation. This makes it possible to leave no gap around the under cover member12, and also to achieve good sound insulation performance.

Furthermore, the plural perpendicular ribs16are provided on the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14at regular intervals in this embodiment.

With this configuration, the under cover member12can be reduced in weight. At the same time, a reduction in the amount of a material, such as synthetic resin, to be used for molding makes it possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost.

Here, the perpendicular ribs16are each in a plain plate shape having an R-shaped tip, and hence have small sliding resistance. Accordingly, the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14can be smoothly press-fitted into the recessed portion6. Hence, this respect also contributes to the easy attachment of the under cover member12.

As shown inFIG. 3, in this embodiment, the hollow portion15constituting the more deformable portion is formed in a position between the dash insulator5and the cabin-side surface4aof the dash panel4, the position being on the side of the upper periphery8aof the guide slope portion8.

With the hollow portion15formed therebetween, the upper periphery8aof the recessed portion6is more deformable, compared to the lower periphery8bof the recessed portion6, by the pressure applied to the guide slope portion8when the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14is press-fitted into the recessed portion6, and is hence elastically deformable by smaller pressure.

Meanwhile, the lower periphery8bmaintains its strength and rigidity higher than the upper periphery8a, although the lower periphery8bis constituted of the same composite member as that of other portions such as the upper periphery8a. Accordingly, the lower periphery8bcan support the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14from below with deformation smaller than that of the upper periphery8a. Consequently, the guide slope portion8of the recessed portion6, as a whole, functions as a stepped portion with the lower side thereof projecting to a larger extent.

Thus, with the hollow portion15provided, it is possible to increase the length of stroke in the press-fitting direction, to moderately reduce the pressure required for press-fit, and also to obtain reaction force that is required for supporting the weight of the under cover member12and a load applied by the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14, by employing a configuration in which the lower periphery8bhas high strength compared to the upper periphery8a.

In addition, since the lower periphery8bcan be set to have smaller deformation than that of the upper periphery8awhen supporting the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion14, the high accuracy of the fitting position of the under cover member12in the vertical direction can be obtained.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 11, in this embodiment, the reinforcing ribs17are integrally provided to extend on the upper-surface side of the sound insulation board13in the vehicle-width direction, or approximately parallel to the forward edge of the sound insulation board13, to connect the perpendicular ribs16.

With this configuration, the strengths of the perpendicular ribs16to a bending load are increased. In addition, vibrations of the sound insulation board13and the perpendicular ribs16are suppressed, whereby a good sound insulation performance can be achieved.

Moreover, a further improved sound insulation performance can be achieved by forming the reinforcing ribs17, for example, in positions such that the air flow between the upper side and the lower side of the sound insulation board13is reduced or blocked.

FIRST EXAMPLE

FIG. 13shows a vehicle under-cover structure of a first example of the above-described embodiment of the present invention.

Here, components which are the same as, or similar to, those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the first example, reinforcing ribs27for connecting the perpendicular ribs16are provided on an upper surface of a sound insulation board23constituting an under cover member22, the perpendicular ribs16being provided on a dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion24.

The reinforcing ribs27are provided on the upper surface of the sound insulation board23so as to each extend approximately perpendicularly upward. Upper edges27aof the reinforcing ribs27are positioned flush with the upper edges16aof the perpendicular ribs16.

The upper edges27aof the reinforcing ribs27are configured to abut against the upper periphery8aof the guide slope portion8across the entire width of the forward edge of the sound insulation board23in a state where the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion24is press-fitted into the recessed portion6of the dash insulator5.

The under-cover support structure of the first example configured as described above has the following effect in addition to those of the above-described embodiment. The upper edges27aof the reinforcing ribs27abut against the upper periphery8aof the guide slope portion8in a state where the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion24is press-fitted into the recessed portion6.

Accordingly, the air flow between the upper side and the lower side of the sound insulation board23is blocked by the reinforcing ribs27. Hence, a further improved sound insulation performance can be achieved.

Since other configurations and effects of this under-cover support structure are same as, or similar to, those of the above-described embodiment, descriptions thereof are omitted here.

SECOND EXAMPLE

FIG. 14shows a vehicle under-cover structure according of a second example of the above-described embodiment of the present invention.

Here, components which are the same as, or similar to, those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the second embodiment, reinforcing ribs37and38for connecting each perpendicular rib16are provided respectively on an upper surface and a lower surface of a sound insulator board33constituting an under cover member32, the perpendicular ribs16being provided on a dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion34.

The reinforcing ribs37are provided on the upper surface of the sound insulation board33so as to each extend approximately perpendicularly upward, while the reinforcing ribs38are provided on the lower surface of the sound insulation board33so as to each extend approximately perpendicularly downward. The upper edges37aof the reinforcing ribs37is positioned flush with the upper edges16aof the perpendicular ribs16that are on the upper side, and the lower edges38aof the reinforcing ribs38is positioned flush with the lower edges16bof the perpendicular ribs16that are on the lower side.

The upper edges37aof the reinforcing ribs37and the lower edges38aof the reinforcing ribs38are configured to abut respectively against the upper periphery8aand the lower periphery8bof the guide slope portion8across the entire width of the forward edge of the sound insulation board33in a state where the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion34is press-fitted into the recessed portion6.

The under-cover support structure of the second example configured as described above has the following effect in addition to those of the above-described embodiment and the first example. The upper edges37aof the reinforcing ribs37and the lower edges38aof the reinforcing ribs38abut respectively against the upper periphery8aand the lower periphery8bof the guide slope portion8in a state where the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion34is press-fitted into the recessed portion6.

Accordingly, the air flow between the upper side and the lower side of the sound insulation board33is securely blocked by the reinforcing ribs37and38. Hence, a further improved sound insulation performance can be achieved.

Since other configurations and effects of this under-cover support structure are same as, or similar to, those of the above-described embodiment and the first example, descriptions thereof are omitted here.

THIRD EXAMPLE

FIG. 15shows a vehicle under-cover structure of a third example of the above-described embodiment of the present invention.

Here, components which are the same as, or similar to, those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the third embodiment, reinforcing ribs47for connecting each perpendicular rib16are provided on a lower surface of a sound insulation board43constituting an under cover member42, the perpendicular ribs16being provided on a dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion44.

The reinforcing ribs47are provided on the lower surface of the sound insulation board43so as to each extend approximately perpendicularly downward. Lower edges47aof the reinforcing ribs47are positioned flush with the lower edges16bof the perpendicular ribs16that are provided on the lower side.

The lower edges47aof the reinforcing ribs47are configured to abut against the lower periphery8bof the guide slope portion8across the entire width of the forward edge of the sound insulation board43in a state where the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion44is press-fitted into the recessed portion6.

The under-cover support structure of the third example configured as described above has the following effect in addition to those of the above-described embodiment, and the first and second examples. The lower edges47aof the reinforcing ribs47abut against the lower periphery8bof the guide slope portion8in a state where the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion44is press-fitted into the recessed portion6. Accordingly, the air flow between the upper side and the lower side of the sound insulation board43is securely blocked by the reinforcing ribs47. Hence, a further improved sound insulation performance can be achieved.

Moreover, this under-cover support structure does not include the reinforcing ribs37for the upper side. Accordingly, the improved sound insulation performance can be achieved with less material compared to that of the second example.

Since other configurations and effects of this under-cover support structure are same as, or similar to, those of the above-described embodiment, and the first and second examples, descriptions thereof are omitted here.

FOURTH EXAMPLE

FIG. 16shows a vehicle under-cover structure of a fourth example of the above-described embodiment of the present invention.

Here, components which are the same as, or similar to, those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the fourth example, reinforcing ribs57for connecting each perpendicular rib16are provided on an upper surface of a sound insulation board53constituting an under cover member52, the perpendicular ribs16being provided on a dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion54.

The reinforcing ribs57are provided on the upper surface of the sound insulation board53so as to each extend approximately perpendicularly upward. Upper edges57aof the reinforcing ribs57are positioned lower, in the vertical direction, than the upper edges16aof the perpendicular ribs16that are provided on the upper side.

The upper edges57aof the reinforcing ribs57are configured to abut against the upper periphery8aof the guide slope portion8across the entire width of the forward edge of the sound insulation board53in a state where the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion54is press-fitted into the recessed portion6.

In the under-cover support structure of the fourth example configured as described above, the upper periphery8aof the guide slope portion8elastically deforms to a larger extent than the lower periphery8b, because of the hollow portion15provided, as a more deformable portion, between the cabin-side surface4aof the dash panel4and the dash insulator5. Consequently, the upper periphery8abulges out to abut against the upper edges57aof the reinforcing ribs57.

With this configuration, this under-cover support structure has the following effect in addition to those of the above-described embodiment, and the first to third examples. The upper edges57aof the reinforcing ribs57securely abut against the upper periphery8aof the guide slope portion8in a state where the dash-insulator-side press-fit end portion54is press-fitted into the recessed portion6. Accordingly, the air flow between the upper side and the lower side of the sound insulation board53is securely blocked by the reinforcing ribs57.

Thus, an improved sound insulation performance can be achieved with less material compared to the third example using the reinforcing ribs47on the lower side.

Since other configurations and effects of this under-cover support structure are same as, or similar to, those of the above-described embodiment, and the first to third examples, descriptions thereof are omitted here.

The preferred embodiment and the first to fourth examples described herein are illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention may be practiced or embodied in other ways without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. Specifically, in the descriptions of the embodiment and the first to fourth examples, the reinforcing ribs17or the like for connecting each perpendicular rib are provided at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the sound insulation board13or the like. However, the reinforcing ribs are not limited to the above configuration, and may be in any shape, may be of any number, and may be formed of any material. For example, the reinforcing ribs17may be omitted, or may be arranged in parallel on one of, or both, the upper and lower surfaces of the sound insulation board13. The scope of the invention being indicated by the claims, and all variations which come within the meaning of claims are intended to be embraced herein.

The present disclosure relates to subject matters contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-209718, filed on Aug. 10, 2007, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.