Front body structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle body front structure, which can prevent a grille baffle from falling off during a light collision. The vehicle body front structure (1) comprises: a V-shaped grille baffle (30), whose middle portion in the vehicle width direction bulges forward when viewed from above; and a grille support (40) for mounting the grille baffle (30) on the vehicle body. The grille support (40) comprises: a mounting portion (44) mounted on the grille baffle (30) and capable of deforming in the vehicle width direction due to a front collision load; and an energy absorbing portion (45) capable of absorbing the energy of the front collision load. The energy absorbing portion (45) is arranged at a position aligned with the V-shaped apex of the grille baffle (30) in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body front structure. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a structure for opening and closing the opening in front of the vehicle's power compartment, which includes a grille guard installed in the opening of the front bumper. The grille guard is divided into left and right sections, connected at the center in the vehicle's width direction. When viewed from above, it forms a V-shaped shape with the center section bulging forward. The grille guard engages the perimeter of the front bumper opening with upper and lower claws.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5863529 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the structure described in Patent Document 1, since the grille guard is attached by engaging with the claws, the fixation is unstable and the grille guard may fall off in the event of a minor collision.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle body front structure capable of preventing a grille screen from falling off during a minor collision.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the front vehicle body structure of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a V-shaped grille baffle, whose middle portion in the vehicle width direction bulges forward when viewed from above; and a grille support that mounts the grille baffle to the vehicle body, the grille support including: a mounting portion that is mounted to the grille baffle and can be deformed in the vehicle width direction due to a front collision load; and an energy absorbing portion that can absorb the energy of the front collision load, the energy absorbing portion being arranged at a position parallel to the V-shaped apex of the grille baffle in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the grille guard from falling off during a minor collision. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a front view schematically showing a vehicle body front structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2This is a perspective view of the vehicle body front structure according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear, and is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the center upper cross member is omitted.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a grille support according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a grille support according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear.

[0018] Figure 6 1 is a plan view schematically showing a vehicle body front structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the front view is a schematic diagram showing a state where a bumper face is omitted.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the second mounting portion of the grille support according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII.

[0021] Description of Reference Numerals

[0022] 1 Front body structure

[0023] 10 Front bumper exterior parts (front grille)

[0024] 11 Grille (frame)

[0025] 11a Horizontal side

[0026] 11b, 11c beveled edge

[0027] 11d longitudinal edge

[0028] 12 Sloping wall

[0029] 13 Upper wall

[0030] 20 Front upper cross member (body)

[0031] 21 Anterior wall

[0032] 22 Upper wall

[0033] 30 Grille baffle

[0034] 31 Frame

[0035] 32 fins

[0036] 33 Joints

[0037] 34 motor

[0038] 35 Sealing pipes

[0039] 40 Grille support (front body component)

[0040] 41 Main wall (frame)

[0041] 41a Opening (bracket)

[0042] 41b, 41c openings

[0043] 41c1 Bridge

[0044] 41d ribs

[0045] 42 auxiliary wall

[0046] 43 Upper wall part (upper surface part)

[0047] 44 Installation Department

[0048] 44a Mount

[0049] 44b longitudinal wall

[0050] 45 Energy absorption unit

[0051] 45a Vertical wall portion (portion prone to lateral deformation)

[0052] 45b lower flange

[0053] 45c upper flange

[0054] 45d rear wall

[0055] 45e bend

[0056] 46 Installation Department

[0057] 50 radar devices DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In the accompanying drawings, "front and rear" refers to the front and rear directions in the vehicle's travel direction, and "left and right" refers to the left and right directions (vehicle width directions) viewed from the driver's seat.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the vehicle body front structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a front bumper face 10 and a center upper cross member 20 as a vehicle body provided behind the front bumper face 10. Furthermore, the vehicle body front structure 1 includes a grille fascia 30, a grille support 40, and a radar device 50.

[0060] Front bumper exterior (front grille)

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the front bumper appearance part 10 is a resin or metal component that forms the appearance surface of the front part of the vehicle. The front bumper appearance part 10 integrally includes: a grille part 11; a face part 12 provided in the middle part of the grille part 11 in the vehicle width direction; an inclined wall part 13 extending obliquely upward and rearward from the upper end of the grille part 12; and an upper wall part 14 extending rearward from the rear end of the inclined wall part 13 (see FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0062] The grille portion 11 is a lattice-shaped opening that can guide external air from the vehicle into the vehicle's power compartment formed behind the grille portion 11. The grille portion 11 is formed in a triangular lattice shape by a plurality of horizontal side portions 11a extending in the vehicle width direction, a plurality of oblique side portions 11b extending in an oblique direction, and a plurality of oblique side portions 11c extending in an oblique direction opposite to the oblique side portions 11b. In addition, the grille portion 11 has a plurality of vertical side portions 11d extending between the upper edge of the opening portion of the grille portion 11 and the uppermost horizontal side portion 11a. The face portion 12 is a portion for displaying (molding, engraving, etc.) the vehicle logo support portion, etc.

[0063] <Central upper cross member (body)>

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the central upper cross member 20 is a resin or metal frame member (vehicle body) located behind the slanted wall portion 13 of the front bumper exterior 10 and below the upper wall portion 14, extending in the vehicle width direction. The central upper cross member 20 is secured to the front bulkhead, which is located rearward of the central upper cross member, via other components. The central upper cross member 20 integrally comprises a front wall portion 21 and an upper wall portion 22 extending rearward from the upper end of the front wall portion 21.

[0065] <Grill guard>

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the grille guard 30 is provided behind the grille portion 11 and the face portion 12 of the front bumper exterior 10 and is configured to switch between an open state in which outside air can flow into the engine compartment through the lattice-shaped opening of the grille portion 11 and a closed state in which outside air cannot flow.

[0067] like Figure 2As shown, the grille guard 30 comprises a pair of left and right frames 31, 31 and fins 32, 32; a joint 33 connecting the left and right frames 31, 31; a motor 34 that operates the fins 32, 32; and a sealing duct 35 that integrally holds these components. The grille guard 30 is constructed such that the left and right louver sections formed by the frames 31 and fins 32 are connected at the joint 33 in the middle of the vehicle width. The grille guard 30 is attached to the vehicle body in a shape that faces rearward as it moves from the joint 33 in the middle of the vehicle width toward its two end portions in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above. In other words, the middle of the vehicle width direction of the grille guard 30 forms a V-shaped shape that bulges forward when viewed from above.

[0068] Frame and fins

[0069] The frame 31 is a resin member having a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. The fins 32 are provided within the frame 31 and are rotatable by the output of the motor 34 to open and close the opening within the frame 31 .

[0070] 《Joint (V-shaped apex)》

[0071] The joint portion 33 connects the pair of left and right frames 31 , 31 and is a universal joint configured to enable relative movement of the frames 31 , 31 around a vertical axis, a horizontal axis, and a front-rear axis.

[0072] Sealing Pipes

[0073] The sealing duct 35 is a resin component with a rectangular frame shape that, when viewed from the front, is roughly the same shape as the pair of left and right frames 31, 31 and the joint portion 33. The sealing duct 35 is attached to the front side of the frames 31, 31, extending forward from the frames 31, 31 and covering the joint portion 33 from the front. In other words, the sealing duct 35 forms a ventilation path between the grille portion 11 of the front bumper face 10 and the frames 31.

[0074] Grille support (front body part)

[0075] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the grille support 40 is a resin member used to secure the grille dam 30 to the center upper cross member 20 serving as the vehicle body. The grille support 40 includes a main wall portion 41, a secondary wall portion 42, and an upper wall portion 43. Furthermore, the grille support 40 includes a mounting portion 44 connecting the main wall portion 41 and the secondary wall portion 42, an energy absorbing portion 45 connecting the secondary wall portion 42 and the upper wall portion 43, and a mounting portion 46.

[0076] Main Wall

[0077] The main wall portion 41 extends in the vertical direction and width direction of the vehicle. Openings 41a, 41b, 41b, 41c, and 41c are formed in the main wall portion 41. Opening 41a is formed in the middle portion of the main wall portion 41 in the vehicle width direction. Openings 41b and 41b are formed to the sides of opening 41a in the vehicle width direction. Openings 41c and 41c are formed below openings 41b and 41b, respectively. A plurality of bridges 41c1 are provided between the upper and lower edges of openings 41c and 41c.

[0078] The peripheral edge of the openings 41a, 41b, 41b is provided with rectangular frame-shaped ribs 41d, 41d rising from the peripheral edge to the rear. The frame portion of the peripheral edge of the opening 41a constitutes a portion for the radar device 50 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) installed bracket.

[0079] Vice Wall Department

[0080] The auxiliary wall portion 42 is provided obliquely above and rearward of the main wall portion 41 and extends in the vertical direction and the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

[0081] Upper Wall

[0082] The upper wall portion 43 is provided obliquely above and rearward of the auxiliary wall portion 42 and extends in the vehicle longitudinal and width directions. The upper wall portion 43 is fixed to the upper wall portion 14 of the front bumper face 10 and the upper wall portion 22 of the lower center upper cross member 20 by pins P.

[0083] Installation Department

[0084] The mounting portion 44 is mounted on the grille guard 30. The mounting portion 44 includes a mounting seat (lower wall portion) 44a extending rearward from the upper edge of the rib portion 41d, and a pair of vertical walls 44b, 44b extending upward from both ends of the mounting seat 44a in the vehicle width direction. The mounting seat 44a is secured to the upper edge of the sealing duct 34 in the grille guard 30 by pins P.

[0085] The vertical wall portion 44b is arranged to overlap the lattice of the grille portion 11 when viewed from the front. When viewed from the side, it has a triangular shape whose lower width narrows toward the rear. The front end of the vertical wall portion 44b spans between the rear end of the rib portion 41d and the auxiliary wall portion 42. The vertical wall portion 44b of the mounting portion 44 in the middle portion in the vehicle width direction overlaps the vertical side portion 11d when viewed from the front. The vertical wall portion 44b of the mounting portion 44 at the end portions in the vehicle width direction overlaps the peripheral edge of the grille portion 11 or one of the oblique sides 11b or 11c when viewed from the front.

[0086] The mounting portion 44, i.e., the mounting seat 44a, can be deformed in the vehicle width direction by the frontal collision load during a frontal collision. Furthermore, the mounting seat 44a can be twisted and deformed by the frontal collision load in such a manner that it falls over in one direction in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) relative to the rib portion 41d, i.e., in such a manner that the inner end portion in the vehicle width direction moves in one direction upward or downward, and the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction moves in the other direction upward or downward.

[0087] Energy Absorption Department

[0088] The energy absorbing portion 45 is mounted in conjunction with the upper wall portion 43 on the center upper cross member 20 of the vehicle body. Positioned rearward of the mounting portion 44 and forward of the upper wall portion 43, the energy absorbing portion 45 absorbs the energy of the frontal collision load by deforming preferentially over other portions of the grille support 40 during a frontal collision. The energy absorbing portion 45 is positioned parallel to the joint portion 33, the apex of the V-shape of the grille guard 30, in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the energy absorbing portion 45 is positioned at the same position as the joint portion 33, the apex of the V-shape of the grille guard 30, in the front-to-back direction and above the joint portion 33. It should be noted that the energy absorbing portion 45 can be positioned at the same height as the joint portion 33, the apex of the V-shape of the grille guard 30, or below the joint portion 33. The energy absorbing portion 45 integrally includes a longitudinal wall portion 45a extending rearward from the upper end portion of the auxiliary wall portion 42, a lower flange portion 45b extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end portion of the longitudinal wall portion 45a, an upper flange portion 45c extending inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end portion of the longitudinal wall portion 45a, and a rear wall portion 45d extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the rear end portion of the longitudinal wall portion 45a.

[0089] The front portion of the vertical wall portion 45a has a triangular shape in side view, with the upper side width increasing as it approaches the rear. The rear portion of the vertical wall portion 45a has a rectangular shape in side view. The vertical wall portion 45a is inclined outward in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the rear in top view.

[0090] The front portions of the vertical wall portion 45 a and the upper flange portion 45 c constitute a face support portion on which the inclined wall portion 13 of the front bumper face 10 is placed to support the front bumper face 10 .

[0091] The rear wall portion 45d extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the rear end of the vertical wall portion 45a and extends upward from the rear end of the lower flange portion 45b. The rear wall portion 45d faces the front wall portion 21 of the center upper cross member 20. The rear wall portion 45d can either abut the front wall portion 21 or be separated from it by a certain gap.

[0092] The energy absorbing portion 45 has a curved portion 45e at the boundary between the front and rear portions of the vertical wall portion 45a, which bulges inward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above. In other words, the vertical wall portion 45a forms a readily deformable portion that deforms in the vehicle width direction due to the frontal collision load during a frontal collision.

[0093] Installation Department

[0094] The mounting portion 46 is a portion mounted on the grille guard 30. The mounting portion 46 is a mounting seat extending rearward from the lower edge of the rib 41d and is secured to the lower edge of the sealing duct 34 in the grille guard 30 via a pin P. During a frontal collision of the vehicle, the mounting portion 46 can be twisted and deformed such that it collapses in one direction in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) relative to the rib 41d due to the frontal collision load. Specifically, the mounting portion 46 can be twisted and deformed such that its inner end in the vehicle width direction moves either upward or downward, while its outer end in the vehicle width direction moves either upward or downward.

[0095] Radar equipment

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, the radar device 50 is mounted on a bracket that surrounds the opening 30a of the grille support 30. The radar device 50 is located between the front face portion 12 and the rear joint portion 33.

[0097] <Front bumper exterior support method>

[0098] The load (downward drooping load) on the front bumper face 10 acting on the face support portion in front of the energy absorber 45 is converted into a rearward load (moment) centered on the upper wall portion (upper surface) 43 fixed to the upper wall portion 22 of the center upper cross member 20 serving as the vehicle body. Under the action of this rearward load, the rear wall portion (rear surface) 45d of the rear portion of the energy absorber 45 abuts against the front wall portion 21 of the center upper cross member 20 serving as the vehicle body, which faces the rear wall portion 43. This abutment with the front wall portion 21 effectively prevents the front bumper face 10 from sagging.

[0099] How the front vehicle structure deforms during a frontal collision

[0100] During a frontal collision, the rear wall 45d of the energy absorbing member 45 abuts the front wall 21 of the center upper cross member 20 due to the frontal collision load. In this state, the vertical wall 45a of the energy absorbing member 45 bends and deforms at the curved portion 45e, bulging inward in the vehicle width direction. This bending deformation absorbs the energy of the frontal collision load. In this state, the grille guard 30 expands in the vehicle width direction at the joint 33, deforming gently into a V-shape. Furthermore, in this state, the mounting seat 44a undergoes torsional deformation, with its inner end in the vehicle width direction moving downward and its outer end moving upward. Similarly, the mounting portion 46 undergoes torsional deformation, with its inner end in the vehicle width direction moving upward and its outer end moving downward. Furthermore, if, for example, the grille guard 30 deforms into a downwardly bulging V-shape at the joint 33, both the mounting seat 44a and the mounting portion 46 undergo torsional deformation, with their inner ends in the vehicle width direction moving downward and their outer ends moving upward.

[0101] The vehicle body front structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a V-shaped grille fascia 30, whose middle portion in the vehicle width direction bulges forward in a plan view; and a grille support 40 that attaches the grille fascia 30 to the vehicle body (front upper cross member 20). The grille support 40 includes a mounting portion 44 mounted to the grille fascia 30 and capable of deforming in the vehicle width direction in response to a frontal collision load; and an energy absorber 45 capable of absorbing the energy of a frontal collision load. The energy absorber 45 is positioned in the vehicle width direction aligned with the apex of the V-shape of the grille fascia 30 in a plan view. Therefore, when the energy absorber 45 deforms and absorbs energy in response to a frontal collision load (minor collision), the vehicle body front structure 1 allows the mounting portion 44 to deform in the vehicle width direction and the grille fascia 30 to deform from the V-shape to a straight line. In other words, the vehicle body front structure 1 can prevent the grille fascia 30 from being dislodged or damaged by a frontal collision load (minor collision).

[0102] Furthermore, in the vehicle body front structure 1, the mounting portion includes a vertical wall portion 44b extending rearward from the main body portion (main wall portion 41) of the grille support 40, and a mounting seat 44a supported by the vertical wall portion 44b and mounted to the grille guard 30. Therefore, when the grille guard 30 deforms from a V-shaped shape to a straight line, the vertical wall portion 44b is pressed by the grille guard 30 and deforms outward in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the vehicle body front structure 1 can appropriately ensure the vehicle widthwise deformability of the mounting portion 44, and appropriately allow the grille guard 30 to deform from a V-shaped shape to a straight line.

[0103] Furthermore, in the vehicle body front structure 1, the pair of longitudinal walls 44b respectively support both ends of the mounting seat 44a in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, during a frontal collision (minor collision), the vehicle body front structure 1 securely supports the mounting seat 44a by the pair of longitudinal walls 44b, thereby ensuring mobility of the mounting seat 44a in the vehicle width direction and appropriately preventing the grille guard 30 from falling off.

[0104] Furthermore, the vehicle body front structure 1 includes a front grille (grill portion 11) disposed forward of the grille support. The vertical wall portion 44b overlaps with the latticework (beveled sides 11b, 11c, and vertical side portions 11d) of the front grille when viewed from the front. Therefore, the vehicle body front structure 1 can make the vertical wall portion 44b less visible when viewed from the front, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance when viewed from the front.

[0105] Furthermore, in the vehicle body front structure 1, the vertical wall portion 44b is triangular in side view. Therefore, compared with a case where the vertical wall portion 44b is rectangular, the vehicle body front structure 1 can appropriately ensure the deformation of the mounting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction due to a frontal collision load.

[0106] Furthermore, in the vehicle body front structure 1 , the mounting portion 44 is twisted. Therefore, the vehicle body front structure 1 can appropriately allow the grille guard 30 to deform from a V-shape to a straight shape by twisting the mounting portion 44 .

[0107] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the easily transversely deformable portion is not limited to a structure formed by a curved portion that allows it to be easily deformed to bend in one direction in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) when viewed from above; it can also be formed by a rib, a notch, or the like. Furthermore, the joint portion 33, which forms the apex of the V-shape of the grille shutter 30, can be modified as appropriate, as long as it can be opened by a frontal collision load and deform the grille shutter 30 into a nearly linear shape when viewed from above.

Claims

1. A vehicle body front structure, characterized in that: include: The V-shaped grille baffle has a middle portion in the vehicle width direction that bulges forward when viewed from above; as well as A grille support is provided, which mounts the grille baffle to a central upper cross member of the vehicle body, the central upper cross member being arranged behind the front bumper exterior part. The grid support comprises: a mounting portion mounted on the grille guard and capable of deforming in the vehicle width direction due to a front collision load; as well as Energy absorbing part, which can absorb the energy of the front collision load, The energy absorbing portion is provided at a position aligned with a V-shaped apex of the grille guard in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above.

2. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting portion includes: a longitudinal wall portion extending rearward from the main body portion of the grille support; and A mounting seat is supported by the vertical wall portion and mounted on the grille guard.

3. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pair of vertical wall portions respectively support both end portions of the mounting seat in the vehicle width direction.

4. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A front grille is provided, the front grille being arranged in front of the grille support, The vertical wall portion overlaps with the lattice of the front grille when viewed from the front.

5. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 2, wherein: The vertical wall portion is triangular in shape when viewed from the side.

6. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting portion is configured to be twistable.

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