Front wall drainage structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a front panel drainage structure comprising a lower inner member, a lower outer member arranged outside the lower inner member and coupled to the lower inner member to define a closed space between the lower inner member and the lower outer member, and an upper outer member coupled to the lower outer member and the lower inner member, wherein the upper outer member comprises a main aperture and a portion of the space defined between the upper outer member and the lower inner member is configured to be in fluid communication with the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drainage structure for the front bulkhead of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The term "front-mounted cab" in vehicle design refers to a vehicle design style in which the A-pillar is moved to the front to maximize interior space.

[0003] like Figure 1A As shown, the angle between the hood 510' and windshield 520' in the front-cab design is significantly increased compared to the angle between the hood 510 and windshield 520 in the conventional design. In the front-cab design, the increased angle between the hood 510' and windshield 520' reduces air resistance and increases the amount of front interior space for passengers in the front seats, thus improving marketability. However, because the cowlpoint is moved further forward than in the conventional design (from P1 to P2 in the front-cab design), the amount of space in the engine compartment is reduced, and the distance between the ends of the cowl and the upper cover is increased, resulting in poorer NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) improvement performance.

[0004] The front bulkhead is used to introduce outside air into the vehicle for ventilation and to expel water that accumulates during rain or washing. As a lateral member connecting the left and right front pillars, the front bulkhead plays a crucial role in ensuring the vehicle's torsional and lateral bending stiffness. Furthermore, because it supports the windshield, wipers, steering column, and other components, the front bulkhead is a vital element in improving NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance.

[0005] like Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, since the length L1 of the front bulkhead of a conventional vehicle is relatively short, sufficient space is ensured for assembling components. Conversely, because the high point of the front bulkhead of a vehicle with a front-mounted cab is moved forward, the length L2 of the front bulkhead increases, reducing the amount of space required to assemble components in the engine compartment. To increase the assembly space as shown in S2', a process of cutting a portion of the front bulkhead, assembling components in the engine compartment, and providing additional component 530 can be applied. In this case, although the assembly space can be increased from S2 to S2', the NVH improvement performance deteriorates due to the assembly of the additional component.

[0006] Furthermore, due to the front-mounted cab design, the length L2 between the ends of the front bulkhead and the front bulkhead cover is significantly increased compared to traditional designs, resulting in poorer NVH performance. To improve NVH performance, the front bulkhead cover with increased length is connected to the fender assembly.

[0007] refer to Figure 2A As described above, to improve the NVH performance of the front bulkhead, the drainage structure of the front bulkhead 540 is connected to the enlarged fender member 550. Here, since large holes must be formed both on the outside and inside of the fender member 550, which greatly contributes to improving collision resistance and NVH performance, the size of the drainage holes 560 must be significantly reduced. Figure 2B As indicated by the arrows, the drainage structure of a conventional vehicle is configured to form both inside and outside the fender member 550. Therefore, the problem is that water falls not only on the outside of the fender member 550 but also inside it (see...). Figure 2B (Shaded area in the image). For this reason, corrosion may occur inside the mudguard component 550, and the impact resistance may be reduced due to the reduced thickness of the mudguard component 550.

[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0521676 describes information relevant to this subject matter.

[0009] The information disclosed in the background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this invention, and therefore the information it may contain does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention relates to a front bulkhead drainage structure for vehicles. A specific embodiment relates to a front bulkhead drainage structure configured to separate the drainage path from the impact load path to prevent corrosion and improve drainage performance.

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention can solve problems related to the prior art. One embodiment of the present invention provides a front bulkhead drainage structure capable of preventing corrosion of mudguard components.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a front bulkhead drainage structure with excellent drainage performance.

[0013] In particular, another embodiment of the invention provides a front bulkhead drainage structure capable of preventing fender component corrosion, which is a common occurrence in vehicles with a front-mounted cab design.

[0014] The features of the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand other features of the embodiments of the present invention not mentioned above from the following description of preferred embodiments.

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention provides a front panel drainage structure comprising: a lower inner member, a lower outer member, and an upper outer member, wherein the lower outer member is disposed outside the lower inner member and connected to the lower inner member to define a closed space between the lower inner member and the lower outer member; the upper outer member is connected to the lower outer member and the lower inner member, and the upper outer member has a main opening therein, wherein a portion of the space defined between the upper outer member and the lower inner member communicates with the outside.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a front bulkhead drainage structure comprising: a lower inner member, a lower outer member, and an upper outer member, wherein the lower inner member is connected to the front bulkhead; the lower outer member is disposed outside the lower inner member and connected to the lower inner member to define a closed space between the lower inner member and the lower outer member; the upper outer member is connected to the lower outer member and the lower inner member, and the upper outer member has a main opening therein, wherein the space defined between the upper outer member and the lower inner member communicates with the front bulkhead.

[0017] Other aspects of the invention and preferred embodiments are discussed below.

[0018] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein generally includes motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, boats including various vessels, aircraft, etc., and includes 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 with two or more power sources, such as both gasoline and electric power.

[0019] The above and other features of the embodiments of the present invention are discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other features of embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to certain exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram showing the displacement of the highest point of the front bulkhead between a vehicle with a conventional design and a vehicle with a front-mounted cab design;

[0022] Figure 1B and Figure 1CIt is a schematic diagram showing a comparison of the front bulkhead length and assembly space in the engine compartment between vehicles with a conventional design and vehicles with a front-mounted cab design;

[0023] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram showing a drainage structure connected to the front bulkhead of a vehicle with a conventional front-mounted cab design;

[0024] Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A The cross-sectional view presented by line A-A' in the diagram;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the front panel drainage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the front panel drainage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a front view of the front panel drainage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view presented by line B-B' in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the front panel drainage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view presented by line C-C' in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shown by line D-D' in the diagram.

[0032] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but only show appropriately simplified depictions of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of embodiments of the invention. Specific design features (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) disclosed in embodiments of the invention will be determined in part by the specific environment in which they are to be applied and used.

[0033] Throughout these figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of embodiments of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The specific structural and functional descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms without departing from its spirit and essential features. The present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather as covering various substitutions, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, the corresponding elements should not be construed as being limited by these terms, which are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, within the scope defined by the concepts of the embodiments of the present invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0036] It should be understood that when an element is said to be "connected" to another element, there may be an intermediate element, or the element may be directly connected to the other element. Conversely, it should be understood that when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, there is no intermediate element. Other expressions explaining the relationship between elements, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent," or "directly adjacent," should be understood in the same way.

[0037] Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts. The terminology used throughout this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this invention and the appended claims, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the said component, step, operation, and / or element, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, corrosion resistance and impact resistance can be improved because the vehicle is equipped with an improved drainage structure associated with the front bulkhead.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the collision load path is separated from the drainage path, the possibility of corrosion can be prevented, and the deterioration of the collision resistance caused by such corrosion can be prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, since the fender component is divided into components that help improve collision resistance and components that help improve NVH performance, and the inner and outer drainage holes are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the size of the drainage holes can be increased without adversely affecting the improvement of NVH performance. Therefore, more efficient drainage can be achieved.

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] like Figures 3 to 9 As shown, the front bulkhead drainage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a lower internal component 20, a lower external component 40, an upper external component 60, and an upper internal component 80.

[0043] The lower internal component 20 guides water and other substances flowing from the front bulkhead 10 to the outside of the vehicle. The lower internal component 20 is connected to the front bulkhead 10 and attached to the vehicle body. In an embodiment of the invention, the lower internal component 20 may be attached to the vehicle's shock absorber housing. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the position of the lower internal component 20 attached to the vehicle body can vary depending on the position of the front bulkhead 10, which differs depending on the vehicle type. In an embodiment of the invention, the lower internal component 20 includes a guide portion 22, a vertical portion 24, and a base portion 26.

[0044] The guide portion 22 is arranged to directly contact and connect to the front bulkhead 10. Specifically, the guide portion 22 may be arranged below the front bulkhead 10 to overlap with it. The curvature of the surface of the guide portion 22 may be the same as the curvature of the surface of the front bulkhead 10.

[0045] The vertical portion 24 extends from the guide portion 22 in a generally downward direction. The phrase "extends in a generally downward direction" does not mean that it is exactly at a right angle relative to the horizontal direction, but rather that it extends in a generally vertical direction.

[0046] The base portion 26 bends at a predetermined angle from the vertical portion 24 and extends from the vertical portion 24. The base portion 26 bends approximately perpendicular to the vertical portion 24 and extends from the vertical portion 24.

[0047] The lower outer member 40 is connected to the lower inner member 20. The lower outer member 40 is connected to the lower inner member 20 to define a closed space 41 between the lower outer member 40 and the lower inner member 20. Therefore, since the lower inner member 20 defines the impact load path and prevents water infiltration, the lower inner member 20 has excellent corrosion resistance and impact resistance. In an embodiment of the invention, the lower outer member 40 includes a support portion 43, an extension portion 45, an upper flange 47, and a lower flange 49.

[0048] The support portion 43 and the extension portion 45 cooperate with the vertical portion 24 and the base portion 26 of the lower internal member 20 to define a closed space 41. The support portion 43 may be formed to be substantially perpendicular to the extension portion 45. The support portion 43 may extend in a substantially horizontal direction, and the extension portion 45 may bend from the support portion 43 and may extend in a substantially vertical direction.

[0049] The upper flange 47 bends from the support portion 43 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support portion 43 and extends from the support portion 43, and the lower flange 49 bends from the extension portion 45 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension portion 45 and extends from the extension portion 45. In an embodiment of the invention, the upper flange 47 may be attached to the vertical portion 24, and the lower flange 49 may be attached to the base portion 26.

[0050] The upper external member 60 is supported by the lower external member 40 and cooperates with the lower internal member 20 to define space 61. The lower end of the upper external member 60 is connected to the lower external member 40, and a portion of the upper end of the upper external member 60 is connected to the lower internal member 20. A portion of the space between the upper external member 60 and the lower internal member 20 can communicate with the outside. Specifically, a portion of the space between the upper external member 60 and the lower internal member 20 can communicate with the front bulkhead 10, and rainwater, etc., from the front bulkhead 10 can enter space 61 through a portion of the space between the upper external member 60 and the lower internal member 20.

[0051] The upper outer member 60 has a main hole 63 therein, through which water and the like, introduced into the space defined between the upper outer member 60 and the lower inner member 20, are discharged. The main hole 63 may be formed in the lower region of the upper outer member 60 and may be arranged adjacent to the lower outer member 40. The main hole 63 is formed in the upper outer member 60 at a position offset from the lower inner member 20 or the guide portion 22 by a predetermined distance. Specifically, the drainage path defined by the front bulkhead 10 and the guide portion 22 may be parallel to each other with the main hole 63, such that the drainage path bends twice. In an embodiment of the invention, the upper outer member 60 has at least one auxiliary hole 65 formed at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the main hole 63. The auxiliary hole 65 may be formed adjacent to the guide portion 22, and when there is a predetermined distance between the auxiliary hole 65 and the guide portion 22, the auxiliary hole 65 may overlap with the guide portion 22. Preferably, the area of ​​the main hole 63 can be larger than the area of ​​the auxiliary hole 65, and the auxiliary hole 65 in the upper external member 60 can be positioned higher than the main hole 63. Therefore, when excessive rainwater is introduced into the space 61, the rainwater is also discharged through the auxiliary hole 65, thereby ensuring excellent drainage performance.

[0052] The upper outer member 60 includes an upper connector 67 that forms the upper periphery of the upper outer member 60. A portion of the upper connector 67 is connected to the lower inner member 20, and another portion of the upper connector 67 is connected to the vehicle body. In embodiments of the invention, depending on the vehicle type, the vehicle body may be a front bulkhead extension (not shown), and other portions of the upper connector 67 may be attached to portions of the vehicle body other than the front bulkhead extension.

[0053] The upper outer member 60 may include a flange portion 69 that forms the lower periphery of the upper outer member 60 and bends from the upper outer member 60. The flange portion 69 may be bent to the same angle as the connecting surface of the lower outer member 40 for connection to the lower outer member 40.

[0054] In some embodiments of the invention, the front bulkhead drainage structure includes an upper internal member 80. A portion of the upper internal member 80 is connected to a lower internal member 20. Another portion of the upper internal member 80 is connected to the vehicle body. As described above, the vehicle body can be an extension of the front bulkhead and can vary depending on the vehicle model.

[0055] The upper internal component 80 has a plurality of openings 82 therein. With a predetermined distance between the plurality of openings 82 and the guide portion 22, the plurality of openings 82 can be arranged to overlap with the guide portion 22. Rainwater, etc., can flow to the outside of the vehicle through the front bulkhead 10, the guide portion 22, and the openings 82.

[0056] Please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The operation of the front bulkhead drainage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 3 In the diagram, R1 represents the collision load path, and R2 represents the drainage path between the front bulkhead 10 and the outside.

[0057] Rainwater flowing from the front bulkhead 10 to the outside of the vehicle flows along the guide portion 22 and is introduced into the space 61 through the opening 82. Rainwater in the space 61 falls onto the lower outer member 40 and is discharged through the main hole 63 formed at the lower end of the upper outer member 60. When excess rainwater is introduced, it is also discharged to the outside through the auxiliary hole 65, which is positioned higher than the main hole 63. Because the drainage paths through the main hole 63 and the drainage paths through the opening 82 are arranged parallel to each other or spaced apart, the front bulkhead drainage structure has excellent NVH improvement capabilities. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to form drainage holes in the lower outer member 40, the front bulkhead drainage structure has excellent corrosion resistance and excellent impact resistance.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mudguard component 550 is divided into an upper group and a lower group. The lower group consists of a lower inner component 20 and a lower outer component 40, while the upper group consists of a lower outer component 40, an upper outer component 60, and a lower inner component 20. The upper group is used to perform drainage and helps improve NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), while the lower group helps to improve collision resistance.

[0059] Because the upper assembly responsible for drainage is suitable for freely setting the size of the drainage holes, its drainage performance is excellent. Since the lower assembly is responsible for impact resistance, the size of the drainage holes can be increased without affecting impact resistance. Furthermore, because the main hole 63 and the guide portion or opening 82 in the upper external member 60 are arranged spaced apart from each other, there are no problems in improving NVH performance.

[0060] Since drainage holes do not need to be formed in the lower group, a constant collision load path can be maintained. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide excellent collision resistance.

[0061] It is evident from the above description that the front bulkhead drainage structure according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively prevent corrosion of the mudguard components.

[0062] Furthermore, the front panel drainage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can achieve efficient drainage of rainwater, etc.

[0063] The effects of the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects of the embodiments of the present invention not mentioned above will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0064] The invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A front bulkhead drainage structure, comprising: Lower internal components; A lower outer member is arranged outside the lower inner member and connected to the lower inner member to define a closed space between the lower inner member and the lower outer member. as well as An upper external component is connected to a lower external component and a lower internal component; wherein the upper external component includes a main hole and a portion of the space defined between the upper external component and the lower internal component is configured to be in fluid communication with the outside, wherein the closed space between the lower internal component and the lower external component is not in fluid communication with the space defined between the upper external component and the lower internal component.

2. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 1, wherein, The main hole is located at the lower part of the upper external component and is arranged to contact the lower external component.

3. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 1, wherein, The upper external component includes auxiliary holes.

4. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 1, further comprising an upper internal member arranged in a portion of the area between the upper external member and the lower internal member.

5. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 4, wherein, The upper internal component includes an opening formed through the upper internal component.

6. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 4, wherein, The upper internal component is connected to the upper part of the lower external component.

7. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 1, wherein, The lower external component includes an upper flange and a lower flange, which are bent at the upper and lower ends of the lower external component and connected to the lower internal component.

8. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 1, wherein, The upper external component is connected to the lower external component.

9. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 1, wherein, The lower internal component includes: The lower external component is connected to the base portion; The vertical portion, which curves upward from the base portion; and The guide portion bends from the vertical portion and extends upward.

10. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 9, wherein, The guide section is connected to the front bulkhead of the vehicle.

11. A front bulkhead drainage structure, comprising: A lower internal component connected to the front bulkhead, wherein the lower internal component includes a guide portion configured to receive water from the front bulkhead; A lower outer member, disposed outside the lower inner member and connected to the lower inner member, defines a closed space between the lower inner member and the lower outer member; and An upper external member, which connects to a lower external member and a lower internal member, the upper external member including a main hole; wherein the space defined between the upper external member and the lower internal member is configured to communicate with the front bulkhead, the guide portion and the main hole being laterally offset from each other.

12. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 11, further comprising an upper internal member disposed between an upper external member and a lower internal member, the upper internal member including an opening.

13. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 12, wherein, The upper internal component is connected to the upper part of the lower external component.

14. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 11, wherein, The lower internal component includes: The vertical portion extends downward from the guide portion; and The base portion is perpendicular to and extends from the vertical portion, wherein the guide portion is connected to the front bulkhead in an overlapping state.

15. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 14, wherein, The lower external component includes: An upper flange, which bends at the upper end of the lower outer member and connects to the vertical portion; and The lower flange bends at the lower end of the lower outer member and connects to the base portion.

16. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 15, wherein, The lower external member includes a support portion extending between the upper flange and the lower flange.

17. The front bulkhead drainage structure according to claim 16, wherein, The lower part of the upper external component is connected to the support portion.

18. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle body, which includes the engine hood and front bulkhead; Lower internal components that are connected to the front bulkhead; A lower outer member is arranged outside the lower inner member and connected to the lower inner member to define a closed space between the lower inner member and the lower outer member. as well as An upper external component is connected to a lower external component and a lower internal component, the upper external component including a main hole; wherein the space defined between the upper external component and the lower internal component is configured to communicate with a front bulkhead, wherein the closed space between the lower internal component and the lower external component is not in fluid communication with the space defined between the upper external component and the lower internal component.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, further comprising an upper interior member disposed between an upper outer member and a lower interior member, the upper interior member including an opening.

20. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein, The lower internal component includes: The guide section is connected to the front bulkhead in an overlapping manner; The vertical portion extends downward from the guide portion; and A base portion that is perpendicular to and extends from the vertical portion; The lower external component includes: The upper flange bends at the upper end of the lower outer member and connects to the vertical portion; A lower flange, which bends at the lower end of the lower outer member and connects to the base portion; and The supporting portion extends between the upper flange and the lower flange.

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