Structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk, comprising: a front longitudinal beam mounted on both sides of a front floor panel of the vehicle in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; a front trunk rod extending between the front longitudinal beams in the width direction of the vehicle and connected to the front longitudinal beams; brackets formed at positions corresponding to the connections between the front trunk rod and each of the front longitudinal beams to couple the front trunk rod to a corresponding one of the front longitudinal beams; at least two motor mounts formed below the front trunk rod in the height direction of the front trunk rod; and a subframe located below the motor mounts in the height direction of the motor mounts and connected to the front longitudinal beams to extend in the width direction of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle frunk, and more particularly, to a structure that improves the position between support members in the frunk space of a vehicle and enhances the support stiffness of the support members in the frunk space by improving the bolt connection direction between the support members. Background Art

[0002] Generally, the front body of a vehicle is a frame located at the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction to define an engine compartment. The front body includes a front end module, headlamps, front fender enclosure members, an instrument panel, etc. The front end module defines the front of the engine compartment and is equipped with a cooling module. The front fender enclosure members define the left and right sides of the engine compartment. Each front fender enclosure member has a space where a suspension is installed and a wheel is mounted. The instrument panel is located at the rear of the engine compartment and separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment, etc.

[0003] In addition, the front side members extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on both sides of the lower part of the engine compartment to enhance the structural stiffness of the front body. The subframe is connected to each front side member at the lower part of the front side member to support the suspension, etc., as well as the engine and transmission installed in the engine compartment.

[0004] In an electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor, since there is no engine, the volume of the engine compartment is reduced, and the remaining space in the engine compartment is used as a cargo space called a frunk.

[0005] In the structure of such a frunk, there may be a situation where not only goods but also people are seated due to abuse. Therefore, a frunk support structure that can withstand a load higher than a certain level is required.

[0006] In a conventional frunk structure, both ends of a cross beam for strengthening the frunk are simply connected to the longitudinal members of the vehicle. In this arrangement, the amount of elastic deformation of the cross beam can increase as the distance from the fixed end of the cross beam increases.

[0007] In addition, since the cross beam for strengthening the frunk is connected in a simple thin bracket mounting manner, this may reduce its ability to resist rotational deformation. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, the cross beam may not function as a load path.

[0008] The above information disclosed in the background art section is only intended to deepen the understanding of the background art of the present invention, and thus the information it may contain does not constitute the prior art already known to those skilled in the art in this country. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk, which includes a front trunk rod, a motor mount, and a subframe that are preferably arranged in a line in the height direction of the vehicle.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk, which couples and fixes the front trunk rod to the front longitudinal beam through a bolt connection structure that passes through the front longitudinal beam along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk, which includes a bracket that is configured to connect the front trunk rod to each front longitudinal beam and has a truss-shaped cross-section.

[0012] The present invention is not limited to the above aspects, and other aspects and advantages of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will become apparent with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Similarly, it is obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that the subject matter and advantages of the present invention can be achieved through the claimed methods and their combinations.

[0013] The above and other aspects can be achieved by providing a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk, including: front longitudinal beams that are mounted on both sides of the front floor panel of the vehicle in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; a front trunk rod that extends between the front longitudinal beams along the width direction of the vehicle and is connected to the front longitudinal beams; brackets that are formed at positions corresponding to the connections between the front trunk rod and each of the front longitudinal beams to couple the front trunk rod to a corresponding one of the front longitudinal beams; at least two motor mounts that are formed below the front trunk rod in the height direction of the front trunk rod; and a subframe that is located directly below (beneath) the motor mounts in the height direction of the motor mounts and is connected to the front longitudinal beams to extend in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0015] The cross-section of the bracket may have a truss shape.

[0016] The front trunk rod may be coupled to each of the front longitudinal beams through the brackets, and the brackets have a bolt connection structure that passes through a corresponding one of the front longitudinal beams along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0017] The motor mounts may be configured to resist loads applied to the front trunk rod in the height direction of the vehicle.

[0018] The structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of a vehicle may further include at least one front trunk rod through - tube, and at least one of the front trunk rod through - tubes is formed by passing through the front trunk rod in the height direction of the front trunk rod at a position corresponding to each of the motor mounts.

[0019] The front trunk rod, the motor mount, and the sub - frame may be positioned in a straight line in the height direction of the vehicle.

[0020] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the present invention are discussed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other features of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments illustrating the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and thus non - restrictive of the present invention, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a front view showing a structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross - sectional view showing one of the brackets in a structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is a view showing a bolt - connection structure of the bracket in a structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 is a view showing a through - tube in a structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, showing a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the present invention. The specific design features of the present invention disclosed herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific target applications and the environment of use.

[0028] In these figures, throughout the several views of the drawings, reference numerals denote the same or equivalent components of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, boats including various boats and ships, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum energy sources). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as a vehicle with both gasoline power and electric power.

[0030] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, it specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the term "comprises" and variations such as "comprising" or "containing" should be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated element but not the exclusion of any other element. In addition, the terms "unit", "-device", "-part", and "module" described in the specification represent units for performing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware or software and combinations thereof.

[0031] In addition, the control logic of the present invention can be embodied as a permanent computer-readable medium on a computer-readable medium, including executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller, etc. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed in network-connected computer systems such that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, such as via a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the drawings and described below. While the present invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0033] In addition, terms such as "component" used herein refer to a unit for handling at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware or software or a combination thereof.

[0034] In addition, the terms "height direction", "width direction" and / or "longitudinal direction" used herein refer to directions indicated based on the vehicle.

[0035] In addition, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "above" or "over" another element, it can be "above" that other element, or there can also be an intermediate element. Conversely, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "below" or "under" another element, it can be "directly below" that other element, or there can also be an intermediate element.

[0036] In addition, the electric vehicles described herein refer to all vehicles that use electricity as power, and can include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that use electricity as part of the power.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle front trunk according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 , a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle front trunk according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: front side members 100, a front trunk bar 200, brackets 300, at least two motor mounts 400, and a subframe 500. Among them, the front side members 100 are mounted on both sides of the front floor panel of the vehicle in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the front trunk bar 200 extends between the front side members 100 in the width direction of the vehicle and is connected to the front side members 100, the brackets 300 connect the front trunk bar 200 to a corresponding one of the front side members 100, at least two motor mounts 400 are formed below the front trunk bar 200 in the height direction of the front trunk bar 200, the subframe 500 is located below the motor mounts 400 in the height direction of the motor mounts 400, and is connected to the front side members 100 to extend in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0039] In addition, the front trunk bar 200, the motor mounts 400, and the subframe 500 can be linearly positioned in the height direction of the vehicle. In particular, the front trunk bar 200, the motor mounts 400, and the subframe 500 can be aligned in the height direction and can have corresponding widths (for example, the motor mounts 400 and the subframe 500 preferably do not exceed the width of the front trunk bar 200).

[0040] The front longitudinal beam 100 can be installed on both sides of the front floor panel of the vehicle along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Preferably, a pair of front longitudinal beams 100 can be provided on each side of the front floor panel. The front longitudinal beam 100 can be made of high-strength steel to stably resist impacts, thereby ensuring the front trunk space and preventing component damage. Each front longitudinal beam 100 can have a closed cross-section "ロ" shape in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0041] The front trunk bar 200 can extend between the front longitudinal beams 100 in the width direction of the vehicle and be connected to the front longitudinal beams 100. The front trunk bar 200 can be used as a support for enhancing the stiffness in the front trunk space. In the case of a vehicle collision, the front trunk bar 200 can absorb the impact applied from the front of the vehicle. The front trunk bar 200 can be made of a high-strength steel material.

[0042] The bracket 300 can be formed at a position corresponding to the connection between the front trunk bar 200 and a corresponding one of the front longitudinal beams 100. In particular, two brackets 300 can be provided to be respectively connected to each front longitudinal beam 100. Preferably, the bracket 300 can be connected to each end of the front trunk bar 200 such that the front trunk bar 200 is connected to the front longitudinal beam 100. Each bracket 300 can resist rotational deformation.

[0043] When a load is applied to the front trunk space, the bracket 300 can generate an upward reaction force in the height direction at each end of the front trunk bar 200 to resist the load.

[0044] At least two motor mounts 400 can be formed below the front trunk bar 200 in the height direction of the front trunk bar 200. Preferably, the two motor mounts 400 can be in contact with the bottom of the front trunk bar 200 and be spaced apart from the lateral center of the front trunk bar 200 at a predetermined interval.

[0045] When a load is applied to the front trunk space, each motor mount 400 can generate an upward reaction force in the height direction from the lateral center of the front trunk bar 200 to resist the load together with the bracket 300.

[0046] Therefore, since the motor mount 400 generates an additional reaction force at the center of the front trunk space, the center of the front trunk bar 200 can be prevented from sagging.

[0047] The motor mount 400 can be configured to surround the motor with an insulating rubber bushing to prevent rotational vibration from being transmitted to the vehicle body. Preferably, the motor mount 400 can have a rectangular cross-sectional shape that is open in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the lower part of the motor mount 400.

[0048] The lower part of the motor mount 400 can be connected to the subframe 500, and one end of the rubber bushing can be coupled to the subframe 500.

[0049] The subframe 500 can be located below the motor mount 400 in the height direction of the motor mount 400 and can be connected to the front longitudinal member 100 to extend in the vehicle width direction. The subframe 500 can be mounted on the front bottom of the front longitudinal member 100 to support components of the power transmission system and the suspension.

[0050] Both the front side and the rear side of the subframe 500 can be fastened to the front longitudinal member 100 through the mounting unit. The subframe 500 can be designed to ensure safety in the case of a frontal collision.

[0051] In the structure for strengthening and supporting the vehicle front trunk according to an embodiment of the present invention, the front trunk bar 200, the motor mount 400, and the subframe 500 can be positioned in a straight line in the vehicle height direction. For example, the motor mount 400 and the subframe 500 can have a width corresponding to but preferably not exceeding the width of the front trunk bar 200.

[0052] Preferably, the lower part of the front trunk bar 200 contacts the upper parts of the two motor mounts 400, which can prevent the center of the front trunk bar 200 from deforming. In addition, the lower part of the motor mount 400 contacts the upper part of the subframe 500, which can improve the support stiffness of the front trunk bar 200 in the height direction of the front trunk bar 200.

[0053] Figure 2 is a front view showing the structure for strengthening and supporting the vehicle front trunk according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2 , the motor mount 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention can resist the load applied to the front trunk bar 200 in the vehicle height direction.

[0054] When a load is applied to the existing front trunk bar in the height direction, since the motor mount connected to the subframe and the front trunk bar are placed on different longitudinal lines, the stiffness of the front trunk bar may not be ensured. On the contrary, since in the present invention, the front trunk bar 200, the motor mount 400, and the subframe 500 are sequentially arranged in a straight line in the vehicle height direction, the support stiffness of the front trunk bar 200 can be improved.

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing one bracket in the structure for strengthening and supporting the vehicle front trunk according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3 , in the structure for strengthening and supporting the vehicle front trunk according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of the bracket 300 can have a truss shape.

[0057] If the bracket 300 is in the form of a simple flange connection structure, the bracket 300 and the front trunk rod 200 may be deformed due to a decrease in the resistance to its rotation. Therefore, when viewed from the top in the height direction, the cross-section of the bracket 300 of the present invention has a truss shape.

[0058] The truss shape of the bracket 300 may be a triangular truss shape or a planar truss shape, and the bracket 300 may be assembled in at least one triangular form. The triangular members of the bracket 300 may be hinged in a node connection manner to freely change their angles. Therefore, since the hinges of the triangular members rotate accordingly, rotational deformation can be resisted.

[0059] Figure 4 It is a view showing a bolt connection structure of a bracket in a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle front trunk according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Refer to Figure 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, the front trunk rod 200 may be coupled to the front longitudinal beam 100 through the bracket 300, and the bracket 300 has a bolt connection structure passing therethrough in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0061] In each bracket 300, at least two bolt connection structures may be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, compared with when passing through the bracket 300 in the height direction, the bolt connection structure can improve the resistance to rotation.

[0062] The front trunk rod 200 may be coupled to each front longitudinal beam 100 through a relevant bolt structure passing longitudinally through the relevant bracket 300. Preferably, in the width direction of the bracket 300, one end of the bracket 300 may be coupled to the front longitudinal beam 100 by welding, and the other end of the bracket 300 may be formed with a hole for the bolt connection structure.

[0063] Accordingly, the bolt connection structure may pass through the bracket 300 in a state where one end of the front trunk rod 200 coupled to the front longitudinal beam 100 is inserted into the bracket 300.

[0064] Figure 5 It is a view showing a through pipe in a structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle front trunk according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Refer to Figure 5 , at least one front trunk rod through pipe 600 may pass through the front trunk rod 200 in the height direction of the front trunk rod 200 at a position corresponding to each motor mount 400. Preferably, two front trunk rod through pipes 600 may be spaced apart from each other at each motor mount 400.

[0066] The front trunk rod through-tube 600 can improve the connection stiffness between the front trunk rod 200 and the motor mounting member 400. Preferably, each front trunk rod through-tube 600 can pass through the upper surface of the relevant motor mounting member 400 by vertically passing through the front trunk rod 200. Therefore, the connection stiffness between the front trunk rod 200 and the motor mounting member 400 can be improved, and additional reaction forces can be generated when a load is applied to the front trunk space.

[0067] In summary, since the structure according to the present invention includes the front trunk rod 200, the motor mounting member 400, and the subframe 500, which are arranged on the same line in the height direction of the vehicle, therefore, by improving the shape of the bracket 300 and the direction of the bolt connection structure, the resistance to vertical loads acting on the front trunk can be increased, and the resistance to rotational deformation of the front trunk rod can be increased.

[0068] As is obvious from the above description, the present invention can achieve the following effects through the construction, combination, and relationship of the components described in the exemplary embodiments.

[0069] Since the structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of the vehicle according to the present invention includes the front trunk rod, the motor mounting member, and the subframe arranged on the same line in the height direction of the vehicle, therefore, the resistance to vertical loads acting on the front trunk can be increased.

[0070] In addition, since the structure connects and fixes the front trunk rod to the front longitudinal beam through a bolt connection structure passing through the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, therefore, the resistance to rotational deformation of the front trunk rod can be increased.

[0071] In addition, since the cross-section of the bracket configured to connect the front trunk rod to a corresponding front longitudinal beam has a truss shape, therefore, the resistance to rotational deformation of the front trunk rod as a strengthening member can be increased.

[0072] In addition, since in the case of a small overlap collision, the front trunk rod causes the lateral behavior of the vehicle, therefore, the contact between the obstacle and the vehicle can be reduced.

[0073] The above detailed description is an illustration of the present invention. In addition, the above description is intended to exemplify and explain the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments. That is, changes or modifications can be made within the scope of the concept of the invention disclosed herein, within the scope of the invention, and / or within the scope of the technology and knowledge in the art. The described embodiments are intended to show the best mode for implementing the technical idea of the present invention, and various changes can be made in the specific applications and uses of the present invention. Therefore, the detailed description of the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It should also be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover such other embodiments.

Claims

1. A structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk, comprising: Front longitudinal beams, which are mounted on both sides of the front floor panel of the vehicle in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; A front trunk rod, which extends between the front longitudinal beams in the width direction of the vehicle and is connected to the front longitudinal beams; Brackets, which are formed at positions corresponding to the connections between the front trunk rod and each of the front longitudinal beams to couple the front trunk rod to a corresponding one of the front longitudinal beams; At least two motor mounts, which are formed below the front trunk rod in the height direction of the front trunk rod; and A subframe, which is located below the motor mounts in the height direction of the motor mounts and is connected to the front longitudinal beams to extend in the width direction of the vehicle; Wherein, the cross-section of the bracket has a truss shape.

2. The structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk according to claim 1, wherein, The front trunk rod is coupled to a corresponding one of the front longitudinal beams through the bracket, and the bracket has a bolt connection structure that passes through a corresponding one of the front longitudinal beams in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

3. The structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk according to claim 1, wherein, The motor mounts are configured to resist loads applied to the front trunk rod in the height direction of the vehicle.

4. The structure for strengthening and supporting a vehicle's front trunk according to claim 1, further comprising at least one front trunk rod through-tube, which is formed by passing through the front trunk rod in the height direction of the front trunk rod at a position corresponding to each of the motor mounts.

5. The structure for strengthening and supporting the front trunk of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The front trunk rod, the motor mounts, and the subframe are linearly positioned in the height direction of the vehicle.

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