Front body reinforcement structure

Abstract

A front body reinforcement structure for a vehicle includes a front side member connected to a front dash panel, a front pillar provided in a height direction of the vehicle body, the front pillar having a lower portion connected to the front side member, a front side upper member connecting a front portion of the front side member and an upper portion of the front pillar, and a reinforcement unit connected to the front dash panel and connecting a rear portion of the front side member and the upper portion of the front pillar.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0180559, filed on December 22, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a front vehicle body reinforcement structure. More specifically, this invention relates to a front vehicle body reinforcement structure capable of appropriately distributing collision loads in the event of a vehicle collision. Background Technology

[0004] The statements in this section are provided only as background information relating to the invention and do not constitute prior art.

[0005] Typically, in the event of a forward collision, the impact load is distributed as follows: approximately 30% to the front subframe, approximately 50% to the front longitudinal beams, and approximately 20% to the front upper side member.

[0006] That is, in a typical forward collision scenario, the load path structure can be a three-way multi-load path structure, and the main collision load is transferred through the front longitudinal beam.

[0007] Typical internal combustion engine vehicles can withstand forward collisions using a three-way multi-load path structure. However, we found limitations in handling forward collisions with dedicated electric vehicles weighing over approximately 200 kg using existing multi-load path structures. Specifically, when the front longitudinal beam bears 50% of the impact load, the cross-sectional dimensions from the front to the front bulkhead remain U-shaped. However, the section connecting the front bulkhead to the side beams via the rear lower member gradually widens, and the stiffness of this section decreases, leading to deterioration in impact performance and body rigidity.

[0008] The information disclosed in the background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background art of the present invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a front vehicle body reinforcement structure that can properly distribute impact loads in the event of a forward collision.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front body reinforcement structure may include: a front longitudinal beam connected to the front bulkhead; a front pillar disposed in the height direction of the vehicle body, the front pillar including a lower portion connected to the front longitudinal beam; a front upper member connecting the front portion of the front longitudinal beam and the upper portion of the front pillar; and a reinforcement unit connected to the front bulkhead and connecting the rear portion of the front longitudinal beam to the upper portion of the front pillar.

[0011] The front part of the front longitudinal beam, the front upper member and the reinforcing unit can form a first connection structure with a rhombus shape, and the rear part of the front longitudinal beam, the reinforcing unit and the front column can form a second connection structure with a rhombus shape.

[0012] The reinforcement unit may include: a reinforcement body that protrudes in the forward direction of the vehicle body, a reinforcement side that bends from the reinforcement body, and a reinforcement flange that bends at the reinforcement side and joins to the front bulkhead.

[0013] In another embodiment, the front body reinforcement structure may also include a front shock absorber housing plate connected to the front longitudinal beam, the rear end of which may be engaged with the reinforcement portion.

[0014] The front longitudinal beam may include a front longitudinal beam side surface that is bent at the upper surface of the front longitudinal beam, the upper surface of the front longitudinal beam may be connected to the reinforcement body, and the front longitudinal beam side surface may be connected to the reinforcement side.

[0015] The upper surface of the front longitudinal beam may include a curved end surface, which may be connected to the reinforcement.

[0016] The reinforcing unit may include an upper body and a lower body, which may overlap and connect, with the overlapping portion supporting the upper surface of the front longitudinal beam.

[0017] The front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a partition disposed on the upper surface of the internal support front longitudinal beam of the reinforcement unit.

[0018] The reinforcement unit may also include an upper reinforcing flange that is bent to engage the upper part of the front post.

[0019] The front vehicle body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a rear corner plate inside the front longitudinal beam disposed at the rear of the reinforcement unit, wherein a notch may be formed in the reinforcement unit to support the rear corner plate inside the front longitudinal beam.

[0020] Reinforcing ribs can be formed in the reinforcing unit.

[0021] Electrodeposition drainage ribs can be formed at the bottom of the reinforcement unit.

[0022] Electrodeposition drainage holes can be formed in the lower part of the reinforcement unit.

[0023] The connection between the front column and the reinforcing unit can be formed as a connection between the front upper member and the front column that is lower than that between the front upper member and the front column.

[0024] Based on the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle is in a forward collision, the collision load can be effectively absorbed by distributing the collision load path transmitted to the body to three paths.

[0025] Based on the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement unit can prevent the front longitudinal beam from bending and causing the body to lift upward.

[0026] Based on the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement unit can prevent the front longitudinal beam from entering the front bulkhead during a forward collision of the vehicle.

[0027] Based on the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the event of a small overlap collision, the tires can contact the reinforcement unit before directly contacting the A-pillar, thereby absorbing the collision load.

[0028] Based on the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement unit blocks water that may be transmitted from the road surface through the tires in rainy weather, thereby improving water tightness and drainage performance.

[0029] Furthermore, the effects that can be obtained or predicted through embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed, directly or implicitly, in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, various effects predicted according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in the detailed description that follows.

[0030] Other applications will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that this specification and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To provide a good understanding of the invention, various embodiments thereof are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside of the vehicle body.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from inside the vehicle body.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from inside the vehicle body;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A;

[0036] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcement unit applicable to a front vehicle body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view presented by line VI-VI in the diagram;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the lower side of the vehicle body;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a partial perspective view of a reinforcement unit applicable to a front vehicle body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view of the front vehicle body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0041] Figure 10 This is a comparison diagram of a side view and a front view of a front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0044] 10: Body

[0045] 20: Front longitudinal beam

[0046] 22: Upper surface of the front longitudinal beam

[0047] 24: Side surface of the front longitudinal beam

[0048] 26: End surface

[0049] 28: Front reinforcement component inside the front longitudinal beam

[0050] 40: Front Post

[0051] 60: Front upper component

[0052] 80: Enhancement Unit

[0053] 82: Strengthen the body

[0054] 84: Enhance the sides

[0055] 86: Reinforced flange portion

[0056] 88: Upper Main Body

[0057] 90: Lower Main Body

[0058] 92: Upper reinforcing flange

[0059] 94: Notch

[0060] 96, 97: Reinforcing ribs

[0061] 98: Electrodeposition drainage ribs

[0062] 100: Electrodeposition drainage hole

[0063] 110: partition

[0064] 120: Front panel

[0065] 130: Front shock absorber housing plate

[0066] 140: Rear corner plate inside the front longitudinal beam

[0067] 150: Front shock absorber housing front support component

[0068] C1, C2: First / Second connection structure

[0069] OL: Overlapping part. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the specification and drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0071] In the detailed description below, only some exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown and described by way of illustration.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application.

[0073] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same parts.

[0074] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers, films, plates, regions, etc., is magnified for clarity.

[0075] When we talk about a part, such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate, being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is directly above another part, but also cases where another part exists in between.

[0076] Conversely, when an element is referred to as being directly "on" another element, there is no intervening element.

[0077] Throughout the specification, when a section "includes" a component, it means that other components may be included rather than excluded, unless there is an explicit statement to the contrary.

[0078] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the front body reinforcement structure of the present invention, viewed from the outside of the vehicle body.

[0080] refer to Figure 1 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front body reinforcement structure may include: a front longitudinal beam 20 connected to a front bulkhead 120; a front pillar 40 disposed in the vehicle height direction, with the lower part of the front pillar 40 connected to the front longitudinal beam 20; a front upper member 60 connecting the front part of the front longitudinal beam 20 and the upper part of the front pillar 40; and a reinforcement unit 80 connected to the front bulkhead 120 and connecting the rear part of the front longitudinal beam 20 and the upper part of the front pillar 40.

[0081] The front part of the front longitudinal beam 20, the front upper member 60 and the reinforcing unit 80 can form a first connecting structure C1 with a rhombus shape, and the rear part of the front longitudinal beam 20, the reinforcing unit 80 and the front column 40 can form a second connecting structure C2 with a rhombus shape.

[0082] When the vehicle body 10 collides at the front, a portion of the impact load is transferred to the rear of the vehicle body 10 through the front of the front longitudinal beam 20 and the front upper member 60. Furthermore, another portion of the impact load is transferred to the rear of the vehicle body 10 through the front longitudinal beam 20 and the reinforcing unit 80. Therefore, when the vehicle body 10 collides forward, the impact load can be distributed and transferred to the rear of the vehicle body 10.

[0083] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from inside the vehicle body. Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from inside the vehicle body. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A.

[0084] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The reinforcement unit 80 may include: a reinforcement body 82 protruding in the forward direction of the vehicle body 10, a reinforcement side 84 bending from the reinforcement body 82, and a reinforcement flange 86 bending at the reinforcement side 84 and engaging with the front bulkhead. The strength of the reinforcement unit 80 can be ensured by the bending shape of the reinforcement body 82 and the reinforcement side 84. Furthermore, the reinforcement flange 86 is engaged with the surface of the front bulkhead 120 through contact, and in the event of a vehicle collision, the reinforcement unit 80 suppresses or prevents damage to the front bulkhead 120, thereby preventing injury to passengers.

[0085] The front vehicle body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a front shock absorber housing plate 130 connected to the front longitudinal beam 20, and the rear end of the front shock absorber housing plate 130 can be connected to the reinforcement body portion 82. Since one end of the front shock absorber housing plate 130 is connected to the reinforcement body portion 82, damage to the interior of the vehicle body 10, such as the front bulkhead 120, can be suppressed or prevented by the front shock absorber housing plate 130 during a vehicle collision can be suppressed or prevented. A front shock absorber housing support member 150 is also provided to support the front shock absorber housing plate 130.

[0086] The front longitudinal beam 20 includes a front longitudinal beam upper surface 22 and a front longitudinal beam side surface 24 that bends at the front longitudinal beam upper surface 22. The front longitudinal beam upper surface 22 can be engaged with the reinforcement portion 82, and the front longitudinal beam side surface 24 can be engaged with the reinforcement side portion 84. The front longitudinal beam upper surface 22 is engaged with the reinforcement portion 82. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, the front longitudinal beam 20 can prevent damage to the front bulkhead 120, thereby reducing the possibility of injury to passengers.

[0087] The upper surface 22 of the front longitudinal beam includes an end surface 26 that is bent at one end, and the end surface 26 can be connected to the reinforcement portion 82. That is, the reinforcement portion 82 is supported by the end surface 26 that is bent from the upper surface 22 of the front longitudinal beam to prevent the front longitudinal beam 20 from damaging the front bulkhead 120 in the event of a vehicle collision, thereby reducing the possibility of occupant injury.

[0088] Inside the front longitudinal beam 20, there is an internal front reinforcement 28 to increase the strength of the front longitudinal beam 20, and the internal front reinforcement 28 can be supported by the reinforcement unit 80.

[0089] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcement unit applicable to a front vehicle body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view presented by line VI-VI in the diagram.

[0090] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The reinforcement unit 80 includes an upper body 88 and a lower body 90, which overlap and combine, and the overlapping portion OL can support the upper surface 22 of the front longitudinal beam. The reinforcement unit 80 supports the portion adjacent to the upper surface 22 of the front longitudinal beam through the overlapping portion OL, thereby suppressing or preventing the front longitudinal beam 20 from damaging the front bulkhead 120 in the event of a vehicle collision. Furthermore, this suppresses the possibility of injury to occupants.

[0091] The front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a partition 110 disposed inside the reinforcement unit 80 and supporting the upper surface 22 of the front longitudinal beam. The partition 110 also supports the portion adjacent to the upper surface 22 of the front longitudinal beam to prevent the front longitudinal beam 20 from passing through the reinforcement unit 80 and damaging the front bulkhead 120 in the event of a vehicle collision. Therefore, the possibility of injury to occupants can be suppressed.

[0092] The front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include both the overlapping portion OL and the partition 110, or may include either the overlapping portion OL or the partition 110.

[0093] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the lower side of the vehicle body.

[0094] The reinforcement unit 80 may also include an upper reinforcing flange 92, which is bent to connect to the upper part of the front post 40. The upper reinforcing flange 92 engages with the front post 40 to ensure the strength of the connection with the front post 40.

[0095] Figure 8 This is a partial perspective view of a reinforcement unit that can be applied to a front vehicle body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention also includes an inner rear corner plate 140 of the front longitudinal beam disposed at the rear of the reinforcement unit 80, with a notch 94 formed in the reinforcement unit 80 to support the inner rear corner plate 140 of the front longitudinal beam. Welding operations may be interfered with by the shape of the inner rear corner plate 140 of the front longitudinal beam, or may be impossible to weld due to the formation of a closed section, but the notch 94 supports the inner rear corner plate 140 of the front longitudinal beam to ensure strength.

[0097] Reinforcing ribs 96 and 97 can be formed in the reinforcing unit 80. That is, as shown in the figure. Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the upper body 88 and the lower body 90 have reinforcing ribs 96 and 97 respectively to increase the strength of the reinforcing unit 80.

[0098] An electrodeposition drainage rib 98 can be formed at the bottom of the reinforcing unit 80. The drainage rib 98 allows the electrodeposition liquid to be drained without accumulating.

[0099] An electrodeposition drain hole 100 may be formed below the reinforcing unit 80. The electrodeposition drain hole 100 suppresses coating defects of the electrodeposition solution and provides smooth flow of the electrodeposition solution to suppress coating defects.

[0100] Figure 9This is a side cross-sectional view of the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] refer to Figure 9 The lower part of the reinforcing unit 80 can be inclined in the direction from the front to the rear of the body 10. In rainy weather, water and the like may splash from the tire "T" and flow into the body 10, but such inflow can be blocked by the shape of the lower part of the reinforcing unit 80.

[0102] Figure 10 This is a comparison diagram of a side view and a front view of a front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] refer to Figure 10 The connection between the front pillar 40 and the reinforcing unit 80 is formed to be lower than the connection between the side upper member 60 and the front pillar 40.

[0104] In the front body reinforcement structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the addition of a portion (a) where the front upper member 60 and the front pillar 40 are combined with a portion (b) where the front longitudinal beam 20 and the front pillar 40 are combined, and a portion (c) where the reinforcement unit 80 is combined with the front pillar 40, allows for various distributions of impact loads in the event of a forward impact on the vehicle, thereby enabling appropriate distribution of the impact load.

[0105] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments currently considered practical, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A front body reinforcement structure for a vehicle, comprising: The front longitudinal beam connects to the front bulkhead; A front pillar, which is positioned in the height direction of the vehicle body, the front pillar including a lower part connected to the front longitudinal beam; The front upper component is configured to directly connect the front part of the front longitudinal beam and the upper part of the front column; as well as A reinforcement unit, which is connected to the front bulkhead and configured to directly connect the rear of the front longitudinal beam to the upper part of the front pillar. The enhancement unit includes: The reinforced body is configured to protrude in the forward direction of the vehicle body; The reinforced side portion is configured to bend from the reinforced body portion; and A reinforcing flange is configured to bend at the reinforcing side and engage with the front bulkhead.

2. The front body reinforcement structure of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The front portion of the front longitudinal beam, the front upper member, and the reinforcing unit are configured to form a first connection structure with a rhomboid shape. The rear portion of the front longitudinal beam, the reinforcing unit, and the front column are configured to form a second connection structure with a rhomboid shape.

3. The front body reinforcement structure of the vehicle according to claim 1 further includes a front shock absorber housing plate connected to the front longitudinal beam. in, The rear end of the front shock absorber housing plate is joined to the reinforcement portion.

4. The front body reinforcement structure of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The front longitudinal beam also includes a front longitudinal beam side surface configured to be bent at the upper surface of the front longitudinal beam. The upper surface of the front longitudinal beam is connected to the reinforcing body, and the side surface of the front longitudinal beam is connected to the reinforcing side.

5. The front body reinforcement structure of the vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The upper surface of the front longitudinal beam includes an end surface with a curved end. The end surface is connected to the reinforcing body portion.

6. The front body reinforcement structure of the vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The enhancement unit includes an upper body and a lower body. The upper body and the lower body overlap and are connected, and the overlapping part is configured to support the upper surface of the front longitudinal beam.

7. The front body reinforcement structure of the vehicle according to claim 4 further includes a partition disposed inside the reinforcement unit, the partition being configured to support the upper surface of the front longitudinal beam.

8. The front body reinforcement structure of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcement unit also includes an upper reinforcing flange that is bent to engage the upper part of the front post.

9. The front body reinforcement structure of the vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a rear corner plate disposed inside the front longitudinal beam at the rear of the reinforcement unit. in, A notch is formed in the reinforcing unit to support the rear corner plate inside the front longitudinal beam.

10. The front body reinforcement structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, Reinforcing ribs are formed in the reinforcing unit.

11. The front body reinforcement structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, An electrodeposited drainage rib is formed at the bottom of the reinforcing unit.

12. The front body reinforcement structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, An electrodeposition drainage hole is formed at the lower part of the enhancement unit.

13. The front body reinforcement structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The connection between the front column and the reinforcing unit is formed to be lower than the connection between the front upper member and the front column.

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