Vehicle front structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle front structure, which is provided with left and right front side frames extending in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle at both sides of the front of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. A deformation portion that is compressed and deformed in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a frontal collision is provided at the front end of the left and right front side frames. At the upper side of the vehicle corresponding to the left and right front side frames, left and right front longitudinal beams that support the floor portion of the vehicle cabin extend in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. The front portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams and the left and right deformation portions are connected by left and right connecting parts. The left and right connecting parts are configured to be more easily plastically deformed with respect to the collision load of a frontal collision than the left and right front longitudinal beams.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the vehicle body front structure described in Japanese Utility Model Gazette No. 62-139787, a front bumper is installed at the front end of a chassis frame (front side frame) via a bumper stay. The bumper stay has a folded portion. A main door sill (front longitudinal beam) is arranged on the vehicle rear side and on the vehicle upper side of the front side frame relative to the bumper stay. A front panel constituting the floor portion of the driver's seat is fixed to the upper surface of the front longitudinal beam. The front end of the front longitudinal beam is connected to the front end of the front side frame via a pair of cab hinge brackets (connecting parts). A front cross beam opening on the front side of the vehicle is connected to the front end of the front longitudinal beam. A front beam is connected to the front portion of the front cross beam. The front beam has a front extension portion formed with transverse reinforcing ribs.

[0003] In this vehicle front structure, when a dynamic external force acts on the vehicle body, the folded portion of the bumper stay contracts in the front-rear direction of the vehicle or the transverse reinforcement is destroyed, thereby absorbing the dynamic external force. The area on the rear side of the vehicle has greater strength in the front-rear direction of the vehicle than the folded portion and the transverse reinforcement, and is less damaged.

[0004] In the above-mentioned prior art, the dynamic external force on the vehicle body is absorbed in a narrow range closer to the front side of the vehicle than the front side frame and the front cross beam. However, when the collision speed of the vehicle increases, for example, the collision load cannot be completely absorbed in the above-mentioned range, and the damage to the range closer to the rear side of the vehicle than the above-mentioned range increases. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in terms of improving the collision load absorption performance. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure takes the above-mentioned facts into consideration and achieves a vehicle front structure capable of improving the absorption performance of a collision load.

[0006] The vehicle front structure of the first scheme of the present disclosure comprises: left and right front side frames, which extend in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle at both sides of the front part of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and the front end parts of the left and right front side frames are respectively provided with deformation parts that are compressed and deformed in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is hit head-on; left and right front longitudinal beams, which extend in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle at the upper side of the vehicle corresponding to the left and right front side frames and support the floor part of the vehicle cabin; and left and right connecting parts, which are configured to be more easily plastically deformed with respect to the collision load of the head-on collision than the left and right front longitudinal beams, and connect the front parts of the left and right front longitudinal beams to each of the deformation parts.

[0007] In the first scheme, the front end portions of the left and right front side frames extending in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle are respectively provided with deformation portions at the two sides in the vehicle width direction of the front portion of the vehicle. The left and right deformation portions are compressed and deformed in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a frontal collision. At the upper side of the vehicle corresponding to the left and right front side frames, the left and right front longitudinal beams extend in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. The floor portion of the vehicle compartment is supported by these front longitudinal beams. The front portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams and the above-mentioned left and right deformation portions are connected by left and right connecting members. Thus, the front portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams are supported by the left and right deformation portions via the left and right connecting members. The left and right connecting members are configured to be more easily plastically deformed with respect to the collision load of the frontal collision than the left and right front longitudinal beams, and thus plastically deform when the left and right deformation portions are compressed and deformed. Therefore, even if the left and right connecting members are connected to the left and right deformation portions, the compression deformation of the left and right deformation portions can be prevented from being hindered by the left and right connecting members. Thus, the deformation stroke of the left and right deformation portions can be set to be longer in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. Moreover, the left and right connecting members are also used as collision load absorbing members. With the above structure, the collision load absorption performance can be improved.

[0008] A vehicle front structure according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle front structure according to the first aspect, wherein the left and right connecting members are arranged in a posture inclined upwardly toward the rear side of the vehicle.

[0009] In the second embodiment, the left and right connecting members connecting the deformation portions provided at the front portions of the left and right front side frames and the front portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams are arranged to be inclined upwardly toward the rear side of the vehicle. Thus, the upper ends of the left and right connecting members can be connected to the middle portion of the front portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, the deflection of the middle portion can be suppressed by the left and right connecting members under normal circumstances.

[0010] The vehicle front structure of the third scheme of the present disclosure is based on the second scheme, in which a front cross beam extending in the vehicle width direction is combined with the front end portion of the left and right front longitudinal beams, and the two end portions of the front cross beam in the vehicle width direction are supported on the left and right deformation portions via left and right column components, and the left and right connecting components are arranged at the rear of the vehicle of the left and right column components and are installed in an oblique manner between the left and right column components and the left and right front longitudinal beams.

[0011] In the third embodiment, both ends of the front cross beam in the vehicle width direction connected to the front ends of the left and right front longitudinal beams are supported on the deformation parts of the left and right front side frames via the left and right column members. The left and right connecting members are arranged at the rear of the vehicle of the left and right column members and are bridged between the left and right column members and the left and right front longitudinal beams in an oblique manner. Thus, the left and right column members and the left and right front longitudinal beams can be reinforced by the oblique left and right connecting members under normal circumstances.

[0012] A vehicle front structure according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein rear portions of the left and right front side frames and the left and right front side members include bent portions that are inclined downwardly toward the vehicle rear.

[0013] According to the fourth scheme, when the vehicle collides head-on, the left and right front side frames and the left and right front longitudinal beams are deformed at the bent portions inclined as described above. The collision load can also be absorbed by this deformation, so the collision load absorption performance can be further improved. Moreover, through the above-mentioned deformation, the left and right front side frames and the left and right front longitudinal beams are displaced toward the upper and oblique sides of the rear of the vehicle in a state of being parallel or substantially parallel to each other. As a result, the floor portion of the vehicle compartment supported by the left and right front longitudinal beams can be retreated toward the upper and oblique sides of the rear of the vehicle, that is, the side opposite to the collision object that collides with the vehicle. As a result, it is easy to ensure the safety of the occupants.

[0014] A vehicle front structure according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a structure according to the fourth aspect, and includes a power unit that is disposed between the left and right front side frames and supported by the left and right front side frames.

[0015] In the fifth scheme, when the vehicle is hit head-on, the left and right front side frames and the left and right front longitudinal beams are deformed at the respective bent portions and displaced obliquely upward to the rear of the vehicle in a state of being parallel or substantially parallel to each other. At this time, the power unit disposed between the left and right front side frames and supported by the left and right front side frames and the floor portion of the vehicle compartment supported by the left and right front longitudinal beams are displaced obliquely upward to the rear of the vehicle together. As a result, the power unit can be prevented from colliding with the floor portion of the vehicle compartment, thereby preventing damage to the power unit caused by the collision.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle front structure according to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, and includes a cross member connecting front end portions of the bent portions of the left and right front side members in a vehicle width direction.

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the front end portions of the bent portions of the left and right front side members are connected in the vehicle width direction by the cross member. This can stabilize the deformation of the bent portions of the left and right front side members, for example.

[0018] A vehicle front structure according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle front structure according to the sixth aspect, and includes a seat frame having a front end portion supported by the cross member and supporting a seat of the vehicle.

[0019] In the seventh embodiment, the front end of the seat frame supporting the seat of the vehicle is supported by the cross beam. When the vehicle is hit head-on, the left and right front longitudinal beams are deformed at the respective bent portions, and the cross beams, the left and right front longitudinal beams and the seat frame are displaced toward the upper and oblique rear side of the vehicle. As a result, the seat supported by the seat frame can be moved away toward the side opposite to the collision object.

[0020] A vehicle front structure according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the left and right front side members form a closed cross section together with the floor portion, and the left and right connecting members include a portion formed in an open cross section.

[0021] In the eighth aspect, since it is configured as described above, it is easy to plastically deform the left and right connecting members in response to the collision load of the frontal collision, compared with the left and right front side members.

[0022] As described above, in the vehicle front structure of the present disclosure, the collision load absorption performance can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a side view showing a partial structure of the front portion of a vehicle to which the vehicle front portion structure according to the embodiment is applied.

[0025] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 The structure shown is a cross-sectional view showing a state cut slightly toward the center in the vehicle width direction of the front side frame on the left side of the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 3 It is a top view showing a partial structure of the front portion of the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a partial structure of the front portion of the vehicle as viewed from the obliquely lower left side of the vehicle.

[0028] Figure 5 Yes Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged representation of a portion of the structure shown.

[0029] Figure 6 It means along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the cut surface along the F6-F6 line.

[0030] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a part of a connecting member included in the vehicle.

[0031] Figure 8 It means along Figure 7A cross-sectional view of the cut surface along the F8-F8 line.

[0032] Fig. 9 It is used to explain the deformation of the front part of the vehicle during a frontal collision. Figure 1 A schematic side view corresponding to a portion of the diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 9 The vehicle front structure 10 of one embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. It should be noted that in the various figures, some of the figure marks are sometimes omitted due to the ease of viewing the figures. In addition, the arrows FR, LH, and UP appropriately recorded in the various figures represent the front of the vehicle (the direction of travel), the left side of the vehicle, and the top of the vehicle, respectively. In the following, when the front and rear, left and right, and up and down directions are simply used for description, unless otherwise specified, they represent the front and rear of the vehicle front and rear direction, the left and right of the vehicle left and right direction (vehicle width direction), and the up and down of the vehicle up and down direction.

[0034] (structure)

[0035] like Figure 1 to Figure 5 As shown, a vehicle 12 to which the vehicle front structure 10 of the present embodiment is applied is a so-called frame vehicle in which a body 40 is supported by a ladder frame 14, and is a bus as an example. Although not shown in the figure, the body 40 of the vehicle 12 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The vehicle 12 is an electric car as an example. First, the skeleton structure of the vehicle 12 is described in general.

[0036] The above-mentioned ladder frame 14 includes a pair of left and right side frames 16 and a plurality of cross beams 22, 24. The left and right side frames 16 extend in the front-rear direction at both sides of the vehicle 12 in the vehicle width direction. The plurality of cross beams 22, 24 are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction and extend in the vehicle width direction. The left and right side frames 16 are connected in the vehicle width direction by the plurality of cross beams 22, 24.

[0037] The left and right side frames 16 are composed of left and right front side frames 18, left and right center side frames 20, and left and right rear side frames (not shown). The left and right front side frames 18 extend in the front-to-back direction at both sides of the front part of the vehicle 12 in the vehicle width direction. The left and right center side frames 20 extend in the front-to-back direction at both sides of the center part of the vehicle 12 in the vehicle width direction. The left and right rear side frames extend in the front-to-back direction at both sides of the rear part of the vehicle 12 in the vehicle width direction. The front side frame 18, the center side frame 20, and the rear side frame are formed into a square tube shape by, for example, steel, and have a closed cross-section that is rectangular when viewed from the front-to-back direction. It should be noted that a plurality of cross beams, not shown in the figure, are also provided between the left and right center side frames 20 and between the left and right rear side frames.

[0038] The front portion 18F of the left and right front side frames 18 extends linearly in the front-to-back direction. The front end portion of each front portion 18F (i.e., the front end portion of the left and right front side frames 18) is a deformation portion 18F1 that undergoes axial compression deformation in the front-to-back direction when the vehicle 12 is subjected to a head-on collision. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 19 extending in the up-down direction are formed on the left and right side surfaces of each deformation portion 18F1 in the front-to-back direction as an example. As a result, each deformation portion 18F1 is more fragile with respect to the load in the front-to-back direction than other portions of each front portion 18F. The middle portions of each front portion 18F in the front-to-back direction are connected in the vehicle width direction by a cross beam 22. In addition, a suspension tower 26 is fixed to the outer side surface in the vehicle width direction of each front portion 18F.

[0039] The front portion of the rear portion 18R of the left and right front side frames 18 is a bent portion 18R1 that is inclined downwardly toward the rear side, and the rear portion extends in a straight line in the front-to-rear direction. Each rear portion 18R is bent into a substantially crank shape at the bent portions 181 and 182 on the front and rear sides of the bent portion 18R1. The bent portion 181 on the front side is bent to bulge toward the upper side and the rear side, and the bent portion 182 on the rear side is bent to bulge toward the lower side and the front side. The front portion of each bent portion 18R1 (i.e., the front portion of each rear portion 18R) is connected in the vehicle width direction by a cross beam 24. The front end portion of the left and right central side frames 20 is coupled to the rear end portion of each rear portion 18R.

[0040] An electric motor 32 for driving the vehicle 12 is disposed between the left and right front side frames 18. The electric motor 32 is supported by the left and right front side frames 18 via the cross beams 22, 24, support members not shown, and the like. An electronic unit 34 for controlling the power supplied to the electric motor 32 is disposed above the electric motor 32. The electronic unit 34 is supported by the left and right front side frames 18 via a support frame 36. The support frame 36, as an example, has a pair of front and rear cross-bracing frame parts (the reference numerals are omitted) spanned between the left and right front side frames 18 and a pair of left and right side frame parts (the reference numerals are omitted) spanned between the front and rear cross-bracing frame parts, and has a ladder shape when viewed from above. The electric motor 32 and the electronic unit 34 constitute a power unit 30.

[0041] The vehicle body 40 supported from below by the ladder frame 14 of the above structure has a floor panel 44 constituting a floor portion of a vehicle cabin 42. The floor panel 44 includes a front floor panel 46 constituting a floor portion of the front portion of the vehicle cabin 42, a center floor panel 47 constituting a floor portion of a middle portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle cabin 42, and a rear floor panel (not shown) constituting a floor portion of the rear portion of the vehicle cabin 42. The front floor panel 46, the center floor panel 47, and the rear floor panel are formed of, for example, steel plates.

[0042] The front portion of the front floor panel 46 is a driver's seat floor portion 46F extending in the front-to-back direction and the vehicle width direction. The rear portion of the front floor panel 46 is an inclined portion 46R inclined in a downhill manner toward the rear side of the vehicle. The driver's seat floor portion 46F is separately arranged on the upper side relative to the front portion 18F of the left and right front side frames 18, and the inclined portion 46R is separately arranged on the upper side relative to the rear portion 18R of the left and right front side frames 18. The aforementioned electronic unit 34 is arranged below the driver's seat floor portion 46F. The front end portion of the central floor panel 47 is connected to the rear end portion of the inclined portion 46R. The central floor panel 47 extends in the front-to-back direction and the vehicle width direction. A battery (not shown) for storing power for supplying to the aforementioned electric motor 32 is arranged below the central floor panel 47.

[0043] The front floor panel 46 is supported by the left and right front side frames 18 via a pair of left and right front longitudinal beams 48. The left and right front longitudinal beams 48 extend in the front-rear direction at the upper side and the outer side in the vehicle width direction corresponding to the left and right front side frames 18. The left and right front longitudinal beams 48 are manufactured by, for example, stamping a steel plate and are joined to the lower surface of the front floor panel 46 by welding or the like. Figure 6 As shown, each front longitudinal member 48 has a hat-shaped cross section that is open upward when viewed from the front-rear direction, and is joined to the lower surface of the front floor panel 46 at the left and right flange portions 481 provided at the upper end. Thus, a closed cross section extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is formed by each front longitudinal member 48 and the front floor panel 46.

[0044] The front portion 48F of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 extends linearly in the front-to-back direction and is joined to the lower surface of the driver's seat floor portion 46F of the front floor panel 46. The rear portion 48R of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 is a bent portion 48R that is inclined downwardly toward the rear side of the vehicle and is joined to the lower surface of the inclined portion 46R of the front floor panel 46. Each bent portion 48R is bent into a substantially crank shape at the bent portions 481 and 482 on the front and rear sides. The bent portion 481 on the front side is bent to bulge toward the upper side and the rear side, and the bent portion 482 on the rear side is bent to bulge toward the lower side and the front side.

[0045] A front cross member 50 extending in the vehicle width direction is disposed at the front end portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48. The front cross member 50 is made of, for example, a steel plate and has a hat-shaped cross section that is open toward the front side when viewed in the vehicle width direction. A flange portion that overlaps with, for example, the rear surface of the front cross member 50 is provided at the front end portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48, and the flange portion is fixed to the rear surface of the front cross member 50 by bolt fastening or the like. Thus, the front end portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 are connected in the vehicle width direction via the front cross member 50.

[0046] Both ends of the front cross beam 50 in the vehicle width direction are supported on the front ends of the left and right front side frames 18 (i.e., each deformation portion 18F1) via the left and right front side column components 52. The left and right front side column components 52 correspond to the "left and right column components" in the present disclosure. The left and right front side column components 52 are formed by, for example, stamping a steel plate, and are in a box shape with the front side and the upper side open. Each front side column component 52 is fixed to the front cross beam 50 by means of welding, bolting, etc., by means of a flange portion (not shown) formed at the upper end. The lower ends of each front side column component 52 are fixed to the front side frames 18 via brackets 54. Each bracket 54 is fixed to the outer surface of each deformation portion 18F1 in the vehicle width direction by means of welding, etc. Each front side column component 52 is placed on the upper surface of each bracket 54 and fixed to each bracket 54 by means of bolting, etc.

[0047] The front end of each bent portion 48R in the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 is supported on the left and right front side frames 18 via the left and right rear side column components 56. The left and right rear side column components 56 are formed by, for example, stamping a steel plate, and are in a box shape with the center side and the upper side open in the vehicle width direction. Each rear side column component 56 is fixed to the front end of each bent portion 48R by means such as welding, for example, by a flange portion formed at the upper end. The lower end of each rear side column component 56 is fixed to the front side frame 18 via a bracket 58. Each bracket 58 is fixed to the outer surface of the front end of each bent portion 48R in the vehicle width direction by means such as welding. Each rear side column component 56 is placed on the upper surface of each bracket 58 and fixed to each bracket 58 by means such as bolt fastening.

[0048] The left and right front longitudinal beams 48 are supported from below by the left and right front side frames 18 via the above-mentioned front cross beam 50, front side pillar member 52, bracket 54, rear side pillar member 56, and bracket 58. Furthermore, the front floor panel 46 is supported from below by the left and right front longitudinal beams 48. An instrument panel 60 is placed and fixed on the upper surface of the front portion of the front floor panel 46.

[0049] The front end portions of the bent portions 48R of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 are connected to the seat cross beam 62 (see Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ) and connected in the vehicle width direction. The seat cross beam 62 is equivalent to the "cross beam" in the present disclosure. The seat cross beam 62 is formed of, for example, steel in a square tube shape and extends in the vehicle width direction. Both ends of the seat cross beam 62 in the vehicle width direction are connected to the front ends of each bent portion 48R by welding or other means. The rear end of the driver's seat floor portion 46F is connected to the upper surface of the seat cross beam 62 by welding or other means. The seat cross beam 62 supports the front end of the seat frame 64 from the lower side.

[0050] The seat frame 64 is a frame that supports the driver's seat 66, which is a seat of the vehicle 12, from the lower side. The seat frame 64 includes a pair of left and right vertical portions 641 extending in the up-down direction and a horizontal portion 642 extending rearward from the upper ends of the left and right vertical portions 641. An oblique portion 643 is provided in an oblique manner between the lower end of the vertical portion 641 and the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the horizontal portion 642. The lower end of the vertical portion 641 is fixed to the rear end of the driver's seat floor portion 46F and the seat cross member 62 by bolt fastening or the like. The rear end of the horizontal portion 642 is fixed to the middle portion in the up-down direction of a pair of left and right pillars 68 erected from the front end of the center floor panel 47.

[0051] The left and right pillars 68 are formed of, for example, steel in a square tube shape, extending in the up-down direction and arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction. A plurality of passenger seats 70 are arranged on the rear side of the left and right pillars 68. The plurality of passenger seats 70 are arranged in the vehicle width direction and fixed to the left and right pillars 68 via brackets or the like. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, a plurality of passenger seats not shown in the figure are also provided in the rear portion of the vehicle compartment 42.

[0052] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the present embodiment, the deformation portions 18F1 of the left and right front side frames 18 and the front portions 48F of the left and right front side members 48 are connected by left and right connecting members 72. The vehicle front structure 10 is configured to be bilaterally symmetrical as an example.

[0053] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the left and right connecting members 72 include an upper fixing portion 74 fixed to the front portion 48F of the left and right front side members 48, a lower fixing portion 76 fixed to the left and right front side pillar members 52 and the bracket 54, and an intermediate connecting portion 78 connecting the upper fixing portion 74 and the lower fixing portion 76. The upper fixing portion 74, the lower fixing portion 76, and the intermediate connecting portion 78 are manufactured by press-forming a steel plate, for example.

[0054] like Figures 4 to 6As shown, the upper fixing portion 74 is formed into a long strip shape that is longer in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and has a substantially L-shaped cross section when viewed from the front-rear direction. The upper fixing portion 74 integrally includes a lower wall 741 that overlaps with the lower surface of the front longitudinal beam 48, a side wall 742 that extends upward from the outer end of the lower wall 741 in the vehicle width direction and overlaps with the outer side surface of the front longitudinal beam 48 in the vehicle width direction, and a flange portion 743 that extends outward from the upper end of the side wall 742 in the vehicle width direction and overlaps with the lower surface of the flange portion 481 of the front longitudinal beam 48. The upper fixing portion 74 is fixed to the front longitudinal beam 48 by welding or other means. The front side of the upper fixing portion 74 is bent toward the obliquely downward side of the front, and protrudes from the front longitudinal beam 48 toward the obliquely downward side of the front of the vehicle. The middle connecting portion 78 is fixed to the protruding portion.

[0055] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the intermediate connecting portion 78 is formed into a long strip shape, extending from the above-mentioned protruding portion of the upper fixing portion 74 toward the front obliquely downward side. The intermediate connecting portion 78 has a cross-section that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the length direction, similar to the upper fixing portion 74, and has a lower wall 781, a side wall 782, and a flange portion 783 as a whole. The lower wall 781, the side wall 782, and the flange portion 783 of the intermediate connecting portion 78 overlap with the lower wall 741, the side wall 742, and the flange portion 743 of the upper fixing portion 74. As an example, the side wall 782 of the intermediate connecting portion 78 and the side wall 742 of the upper fixing portion 74 are connected by bolts 80 (see Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 ; Figure 1 Reference numerals omitted) and nuts ( Figure 7 Illustration omitted. Figure 2 The reference numerals are omitted) to fasten and fix.

[0056] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the lower fixing portion 76 integrally includes a fixing wall 761 sandwiched between the lower surface of the front side pillar component 52 and the upper surface of the bracket 54, an inclined wall 762 extending from the rear end of the fixing wall 761 to the rearward and obliquely upward side, a side wall 763 extending from the outer end of the inclined wall 762 in the vehicle width direction to the front side, and a flange portion 764 extending from the front end of the side wall 763 to the outer side in the vehicle width direction and having a lower end connected to the rear end of the fixing wall 761. The fixing wall 761 is fixed to the lower surface of the front side pillar component 52 by means of welding or the like, and is also fixed to the bracket 54 by means of bolt fastening or the like. The inclined wall 762 and the side wall 763 of the lower fixing portion 76 overlap with the lower wall 781 and the side wall 782 of the intermediate connecting portion 78. As an example, the side wall 763 of the lower fixing portion 76 and the side wall 782 of the intermediate connecting portion 78 are fastened by bolts 82 (see Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 ; Figure 1 Reference numerals omitted) and nuts ( Figure 7 Illustration omitted. Figure 2 The reference numerals are omitted) to fasten and fix.

[0057] The connecting member 72 of the above structure is arranged at the vehicle rear side of the front side pillar member 52 in a posture inclined upwardly toward the vehicle rear side, and is bridged in an oblique manner between the front side pillar member 52 and the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the front portion 48F of the front longitudinal beam 48. The connecting member 72 forms the middle connecting portion 78 and its periphery into an L-shaped cross section (i.e., an open cross-sectional shape). The connecting member 72 is configured to be more easily plastically deformed than the front longitudinal beam 48 with respect to the collision load of the frontal collision of the vehicle 12.

[0058] (Function and Effect)

[0059] Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0060] In the vehicle front structure 10 of the above structure, the front end portions of the left and right front side frames 18 extending in the front-to-back direction at the two sides in the vehicle width direction of the front of the vehicle 12 are respectively provided with deformation portions 18F1. The left and right deformation portions 18F1 are compressed and deformed in the front-to-back direction when the vehicle is subjected to a head-on collision. At the upper side corresponding to the left and right front side frames 18, the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 extend in the front-to-back direction. The front floor panel 46 of the vehicle compartment is supported by these front longitudinal beams 48. The front portions 48F of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 and the left and right deformation portions 18F1 are connected by the left and right connecting members 72. As a result, the front portions 48F of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 are supported on the left and right deformation portions 18F1 via the left and right connecting members 72. As a result, the support rigidity of the front portions 48F of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 for the front floor panel 46 can be increased under normal circumstances.

[0061] Furthermore, the left and right connecting members 72 are configured to be more easily plastically deformed with respect to the collision load of the frontal collision than the left and right front longitudinal beams 48, and thus plastically deformed when the left and right deforming parts 18F1 are compressed and deformed. Therefore, even in a structure in which the left and right connecting members 72 are connected to the left and right deforming parts 18F1, it is possible to prevent the compression deformation of the left and right deforming parts 18F1 from being hindered by the left and right connecting members 72. Thus, the deformation stroke of the left and right deforming parts 18F1 can be set longer in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the left and right connecting members 72 are also used as collision load absorbing members. With the above structure, the collision load absorption performance can be improved.

[0062] Furthermore, the left and right connecting members 72 are arranged to be inclined upwardly toward the rear side of the vehicle. Therefore, the upper end portions of the left and right connecting members 72 can be connected to the middle portion in the front-to-rear direction of the front portion 48F of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48. Thus, the bending of the middle portion in the front-to-rear direction of the front portion 48F can be suppressed by the left and right connecting members 72 under normal circumstances. As a result, the support rigidity of the front portion 48F for the front floor panel 46 can be effectively improved.

[0063] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, both ends in the vehicle width direction of the front cross member 50 connected to the front ends of the left and right front longitudinal members 48 are supported by the deformation portions 18F1 of the left and right front side frames 18 via the left and right front side pillar members 52. The left and right connecting members 72 are arranged behind the left and right front side pillar members 52 and are spanned in an oblique manner between the left and right front side pillar members 52 and the left and right front longitudinal members 48. Thus, the left and right front side pillar members 52 and the left and right front longitudinal members 48 can be reinforced by the oblique left and right connecting members 72 in normal times.

[0064] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the left and right front side frames 18 and the rear portions 18R, 48R of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 have bent portions 18R1, 48R that are inclined downwardly toward the rear side of the vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle 12 is hit head-on, stress is concentrated on the bent portions 181, 182, 481, 482 of the bent portions 18R1, 48R, and the bent portions 18R1, 48R are deformed at the bent portions 181, 182, 481, 482 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9 The front side frame 18 and the front side member 48 are indicated by two-dot chain lines in the figure. The collision load can also be absorbed by this deformation, so the collision load absorption performance can be further improved.

[0065] Moreover, by the above deformation, the left and right front side frames 18 and the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 are displaced to the upper and oblique sides of the vehicle rear in a state parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Fig. 9 The vehicle occupants are easily protected from the collision by the vehicle occupants (not shown in the figure).

[0066] Furthermore, during the above deformation, the power unit 30 supported by the left and right front side frames 18 and the front floor panel 46 of the vehicle cabin 42 supported by the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 are displaced toward the upper and oblique rear side of the vehicle. As a result, the electronic unit 34 of the power unit 30 can be prevented from colliding with the lower surface of the front floor panel 46 of the vehicle cabin 42, thereby preventing damage to the power unit caused by the collision.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the front end portions of the bent portions 48R of the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 are connected by the seat cross beam 62 (see Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ) and are connected in the vehicle width direction. Thus, for example, the deformation at each bent portion 48R in the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 can be stabilized.

[0068] Furthermore, the seat cross member 62 supports the front end of the seat frame 64 supporting the driver's seat 66 of the vehicle 12. When the vehicle 12 is hit head-on, the left and right front longitudinal members 48 are deformed at the respective bent portions 48R, and the seat cross member 62 is displaced toward the upper and oblique rear side of the vehicle together with the left and right front longitudinal members 48 and the seat frame 64. Thus, the driver's seat 66 supported by the seat frame 64 can be moved away toward the side opposite to the collision object.

[0069] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 form a closed cross section together with the front floor panel 46, and the left and right connecting members 72 form the middle connecting portion 72 etc. into an open cross section. Due to such a configuration, the left and right connecting members 72 are more likely to be plastically deformed than the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 with respect to the collision load of a frontal collision.

[0070] It should be noted that, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the left and right connecting members 72 are structured to include a portion formed into an open cross-section shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure of the left and right connecting members can be appropriately changed. It is also possible to form a structure in which the left and right connecting members are manufactured by, for example, a cylindrical material.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the seat cross member 62 is provided to connect the front ends of the bent portions 48R of the left and right front longitudinal members 48 in the vehicle width direction, and the front ends of the seat frames 64 are supported by the seat cross member 62, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The arrangement positions of the cross member connecting the left and right front longitudinal members 48 in the vehicle width direction and the seat frames can be changed as appropriate.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the driver's seat 66 is supported by the seat frame 64, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the seat supported by the seat frame may be other than the driver's seat (eg, a passenger seat).

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the power unit 30 is disposed between the left and right front side frames 48 and supported by the left and right front side frames 48, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The power unit may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the left and right front side frames 18 and the left and right front side members 48 have the bent portions 18R1 and 48R at their rear portions, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the left and right connecting members 72 are provided between the left and right front column members 52 (column members) and the left and right front longitudinal beams 48 in an oblique manner, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be formed in which the lower ends of the left and right connecting members are connected to the deformation portions of the left and right front side frames without passing through the left and right column members.

[0076] In addition, the present disclosure can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it is needless to say that the scope of rights of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

Claims

1. A vehicle front structure comprising: Left and right front side frames extend in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle at both sides of the front part of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and each front end of the left and right front side frames is provided with a deformation part that is compressed and deformed in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is hit head-on; Left and right front longitudinal beams extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at the upper side of the vehicle corresponding to the left and right front side frames to support the floor portion of the vehicle compartment; and The left and right connecting members are configured to be more easily plastically deformed than the left and right front side members with respect to the collision load of the frontal collision, and connect the front portions of the left and right front side members to the respective deformed portions. The left and right connecting members are arranged to be inclined upwardly toward the rear side of the vehicle. A front cross member extending in the vehicle width direction is connected to the front end portions of the left and right front longitudinal members. Both ends of the front cross member in the vehicle width direction are supported by the left and right deformation portions via left and right pillar members. The left and right connecting members are arranged at the vehicle rear of the left and right pillar members and are bridged between the left and right pillar members and the left and right front side members in an oblique manner. The rear portions of the left and right front side frames and the left and right front longitudinal beams have bent portions that are inclined downwardly toward the rear side of the vehicle. The vehicle front structure includes a power unit, the power unit is arranged between the left and right front side frames and supported by the left and right front side frames. The vehicle front structure includes a seat cross member connecting front end portions of the bent portions of the left and right front side members in a vehicle width direction. The vehicle front structure includes a seat frame having a front end portion supported by the seat cross member and supporting a seat of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: The left and right front side members form a closed cross section together with the floor portion, and the left and right connecting members include a portion formed in an open cross section.

3. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The left and right front side frames constitute a part of the ladder frame.

4. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: The power unit includes an electric motor and an electronic unit. The electronic unit is disposed on an upper side of the vehicle with respect to the electric motor and controls electric power supplied to the electric motor.

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