Front body structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle body front structure that has continuity with other components and can further improve the appearance quality. The structure comprises: a hood (4) provided in an opening (3) formed in the front portion (2) of a vehicle (1); a bumper (5) located forward of the hood (4); and a grille (6) provided as a portion of the bumper (5). The hood (4), the bumper (5), and the grille (6) are provided with, at least in part, the same inclined surface portion (11) that is flush with each other in the outward direction of adjacent surfaces when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, as a front structure of a vehicle, there is known a structure that can absorb shock by shearing between the grille and the mounting portion of the bracket (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-78664 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In such a conventional vehicle front structure, the details of the positional relationship between the hood, the bumper, and the grille are not disclosed, and the appearance quality has room for further improvement.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle body front structure that can further improve the appearance quality by having continuity with other components.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The front vehicle body structure of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a hood, which is arranged in an opening formed in the front of the vehicle; a bumper, which is located forward of the hood; and a grille, which is provided as a part of the bumper, and the hood, bumper and grille are provided with the same inclined surface in at least a part, in which the angles of adjacent surfaces are aligned at approximately the same angle when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the vehicle body front structure of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle body front structure capable of further improving the appearance quality by having continuity with other members. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle for explaining the overall structure of a bumper including a grille in the vehicle body front structure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a side view of the left side of the vehicle, illustrating a state where a hood, a bumper, and a grille are attached to the vehicle body front structure according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the front portion of a vehicle with the license plate removed in the vehicle body front portion structure according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, showing a state in which a license plate is attached to the vehicle body front structure according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a side view of the left side of the vehicle, illustrating a state in which a hood, a bumper, and a grille are attached to a vehicle body front structure according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the appropriate figures. Identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted. When describing directions, unless otherwise specified, the description will generally be based on the front-to-back, left-to-right, or top-to-bottom directions as viewed from the driver. The terms "vehicle width direction" and "left-to-right direction" have the same meaning.

[0019] In the vehicle body front structure of this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, a power room E is provided at a front portion 2 of a vehicle 1. An opening 3 is formed on the upper surface of the power room E, vertically connecting the space inside the power room E with the external space. Furthermore, a bumper 5, a grille 6, and a pair of left and right headlights 12, 12 are provided in front of the power room E.

[0020] The opening 3 is provided with an engine hood 4 that can be opened and closed. The engine hood 4 is formed into a substantially square flat plate when viewed from above. The surface 4a of the engine hood 4 is formed to be convexly curved upward. The front edge of the engine hood 4 is formed to gradually descend as it approaches the front of the vehicle (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ).

[0021] The bumper 5 is located forward and downward of the hood 4 and extends over substantially the entire width of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] In the bumper 5 of this embodiment, an upper grille opening 7 and a lower grille opening 8 are formed in parallel vertically. The upper grille opening 7 is formed into an oblong shape with a longitudinal direction in the vehicle width direction. Alternatively, the lower grille opening 8 may be formed into an oblong shape with a longitudinal direction in the vehicle width direction, with the upper half of the opening being oblong and the lower half open toward the vehicle's lower side.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper side portion of the bumper 5 is provided between the upper edge of the upper grille opening 7 and the front edge portion of the hood 4. The surface 5a of the upper side portion is formed so as to gradually descend toward the front of the vehicle.

[0024] In this embodiment, the surface 5a of the upper edge of the bumper 5 and the surface 4a of the front edge of the hood 4 are aligned at the same vertical position at the mating portion, forming a coplanar surface with their outward positions aligned. Furthermore, the mating portion of the surfaces 4a and 5a forms a common inclined surface 11, which aligns the inclination angles of the adjacent surfaces toward the front of the vehicle 1 at the same angle.

[0025] The bumper 5 is provided with a grille 6 as a part of the bumper 5. The grille 6 is divided into an upper grille 9 and a lower grille 10.

[0026] The upper grille 9 is installed in the upper grille opening 7. In addition, the lower grille 10 is installed in the lower grille opening 8.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper grille 9 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of main columns 17 .

[0028] The main pillars 17 are each formed in a high fin shape that is long in the vehicle vertical direction and has a certain width dimension. In addition, the main pillars 17 are arranged at regular intervals across substantially the entire width of the upper grille opening 7 in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] Each main column 17 has a first curved portion 18 curved so as to bulge forward at a middle portion in the vertical direction.

[0030] The first curved portion 18 of the present embodiment has mountain-shaped vertices at substantially the same upper and lower positions of the main pillars 17 when viewed from the front. The vertices are arranged in a substantially horizontal straight line in the vehicle width direction.

[0031] Furthermore, the upper grille 9 of this embodiment has a main pillar 17 positioned at the center in the vehicle width direction, located in front of the vehicle. Furthermore, multiple other main pillars 17 are positioned symmetrically to the rear, with the central main pillar 17 interposed therebetween. As a result, the upper grille 9 is configured such that the multiple main pillars 17 form an arched shape, bulging forward from the center in the vehicle width direction, as seen from above.

[0032] Furthermore, each main column 17 of the upper grille 9 has a second curved portion 19 curved so as to bulge rearward below the first curved portion 18 .

[0033] Therefore, each main pillar 17 of the present embodiment is curved so that the first curved portion 18 bulges forward and the second curved portion 19 bulges rearward, and is formed to meander in a substantially S-shape when viewed from the side.

[0034] like Figure 2As shown, in the vehicle body front structure of this embodiment, identically inclined surface portions 11 are formed on the hood 4, bumper 5, and upper grille 9, which are positioned intermediate between left and right headlights 12, 12 in the vehicle width direction. These identically inclined surface portions 11 align the angles of adjacent surfaces at the same angle. These identically inclined surface portions 11 are formed such that, when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, the adjacent surfaces 4a of the front edge of the hood 4, 5a of the upper edge of the bumper 5, and 9a of the upper grille 9 above the first curved portion 18 formed on the main pillar 17 are aligned at the same inclination angle.

[0035] That is, the identically inclined surface portion 11 of the present embodiment is set so that the inclination angles of the respective surfaces 4 a and 5 a are aligned at the same angle at the mating portion of the hood 4 and the bumper 5 that are adjacent to each other.

[0036] The identical inclined surface portion 11 is set so that the inclined angles of the upper side surface 5 a of the bumper 5 and the upper edge surface 9 a of the upper grille 9 adjacent to each other are aligned at the same angle.

[0037] Furthermore, when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, the same inclined surface portions 11 are aligned on the adjacent surfaces 4 a and 5 a so as to be coplanar with each other at the same out-of-plane position.

[0038] Furthermore, a predetermined step 11a is formed by making the out-of-plane positions of the upper side surface 5a and the upper grille 9 surface 9a different. In this embodiment, the step 11a is set so that the upper grille 9 surface 9a and the bumper 5 surface 5a are further lower.

[0039] In addition, in the present embodiment, the grille 6 is provided in front of the vehicle. Figure 1 License plate 20 is shown. Figure 4 The mounting structure of the license plate 20 of this embodiment to a vehicle is shown.

[0040] The upper end 21 of the license plate 20 of the present embodiment is aligned with the lower end 9 b of the upper grille 9 in the vertical direction.

[0041] The lower end 22 of the license plate 20 projects downward from the lower grille opening 8 by a predetermined dimension h1. Therefore, the lower end 22 is positioned in front of the lower grille 10. Furthermore, when viewed from the front of the vehicle 1, the upper edge of the lower grille 10 and the lower end 22 of the license plate 20 vertically overlap.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, in a portion between the upper grille 9 and the lower grille 10 of the bumper 5 , a ridge line L protruding toward the front of the vehicle extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] The bumper 5 is mounted on the vehicle 1 using a mounting member 23. The mounting member 23 is mounted in the middle of the vehicle width direction, vertically straddling the ridge line L. The back side of the license plate 20 is fixed to the front surface of the mounting member 23. Thus, the license plate 20 is mounted and supported on the bumper 5, straddling the ridge line L.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the bumper 5 includes a first surface 5c located above the ridgeline L and a second surface 5d located below the ridgeline L. The first surface 5c and the second surface 5d form a substantially perpendicular angle when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the first surface 5c and the second surface 5d are oriented with their out-of-plane directions facing obliquely upward and obliquely downward, respectively.

[0045] Furthermore, the license plate 20 of the present embodiment is attached to the first surface 5 c and the second surface 5 d using the attachment member 23 .

[0046] Next, the effects of the vehicle body front structure of this embodiment will be described.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 1 includes a hood 4 provided in an opening 3 formed in a front portion 2 of the vehicle 1, a bumper 5 located forward of the hood 4, and a grille 6 provided as a part of the bumper 5. Figure 2 As shown, the hood 4, the bumper 5 and the grille 6 are provided with the same inclined surface 11 in at least a portion, and when the same inclined surface 11 is observed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, the inclination angles of the adjacent surface 4a of the hood 4 and the surface 5a of the bumper 5 or the surface 5a of the bumper 5 and the surface 9a of the grille 6 are aligned at the same angle.

[0048] Therefore, it has continuity with other adjacent components, which can further improve the appearance quality. Figure 3 As shown, among the adjacent hood 4, bumper 5, and grille 6, the mutually adjacent surfaces 4a of the hood 4 and 5a of the bumper 5, and the adjacent surfaces 5a of the bumper 5 and 9a of the main pillar 17 of the upper grille 9, form identical inclined surface portions 11 having the same inclination angle. Even with the presence of step 11a, identical inclined surface portions 11 maintain a continuous appearance from the hood 4 through the bumper 5 to the grille 6. This improves the appearance quality of the front portion 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0049] The grille 6 also includes a main column 17 extending in the vertical direction. The main column 17 includes a first curved portion 18 curved so as to bulge forward at a middle portion in the vertical direction.

[0050] Therefore, the main column 17 can be modified by setting the apex of the first curved portion 18 bulging forward in the middle portion in the vertical direction. This increases the degree of freedom in shaping and further improves the appearance quality.

[0051] In this embodiment, the main pillars 17 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when viewed from the front of the vehicle, the first curved portions 18 bulging forward from the main pillars 17 can be arranged in a substantially horizontal straight line in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the upper grille 9 has the main pillar 17 disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction positioned closest to the vehicle front, and the other main pillars 17 are disposed symmetrically in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] For example, the upper grille 9 is formed into an arch shape by drawing an arc so that the first curved portion 18 bulges forward in a plan view, thereby obtaining a three-dimensional shape.

[0054] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the main pillar 17 of the grille 6 has a second curved portion 19 below the first curved portion 18 , which is curved so as to bulge rearward.

[0055] In the front portion 2 of the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the main pillar 17 is curved so that the first curved portion 18 bulges forward and the second curved portion 19 bulges rearward. Consequently, the upper grille 9 bulges alternately, with the first curved portion 18 and the second curved portion 19 bulging forward and rearward, respectively. Consequently, the vehicle 1 can improve the efficiency of absorbing the impact caused by the deformation of the upper grille 9 during a frontal collision.

[0056] In addition, in the vehicle body front structure of this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, a license plate 20 is provided on the front of the vehicle and is arranged on the grille 6 .

[0057] The grille 6 is divided into an upper grille 9 and a lower grille 10. Figure 4 As shown, the upper end 21 of the license plate 20 is aligned with the lower end 9b of the upper grille 9 in the vertical direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the vertical dimensions of the first surface 5 c and the second surface 5 d formed on the bumper 5 between the upper grille 9 and the lower grille 10 can be minimized, thereby making the components compact and reducing the weight efficiently.

[0059] Furthermore, when air is introduced from the upper grille 9, the license plate 20 is not in the air passage. Therefore, when air is introduced into the grille 6, the amount of air that contacts the license plate 20 can be reduced to suppress the generation of air resistance. Therefore, good cooling efficiency can be achieved.

[0060] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the lower end 22 of the license plate 20 vertically overlaps the upper edge of the lower grille 10 when viewed from the front of the vehicle 1 .

[0061] Therefore, the vertical dimension of the bumper 5 can be set smaller than when the lower end 22 does not overlap the lower grille 10 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the vertical dimension of the bumpers 5c and 5d can be minimized, and the components can be made compact to reduce weight.

[0062] The portion between the upper grille 9 and the lower grille 10 of the bumper 5 has a first surface 5c above the ridgeline L extending in the vehicle width direction and a second surface 5d below the ridgeline L.

[0063] Furthermore, the license plate 20 is attached within the range of the first surface 5c and the second surface 5d.

[0064] Therefore, the mounting surface of the license plate 20 can be set in two different directions, and the mounting rigidity of the license plate 20 can be improved.

[0065] In this embodiment, the license plate 20 is mounted so as to straddle the first surface 5c and the second surface 5d, which have different vertical angles, as viewed from a surface perpendicular to the vehicle width direction of the bumper 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first surface 5c and the second surface 5d are arranged at a substantially perpendicular angle.

[0066] Therefore, the support force of the license plate 20 against loads applied from multiple directions is increased. As a result, the mounting rigidity of the license plate 20 can be increased compared to the case where the license plate 20 is mounted on a single plane.

[0067] [Modification]

[0068] Figure 5 This is a side view of the left side of a vehicle, illustrating a modified example of a vehicle front structure according to an embodiment, in which a vehicle 101 is equipped with a hood 4, a bumper 5, and a grille 16. It should be noted that the same or equivalent parts as those in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the different parts.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle body front structure of the modified example is configured such that the surface 109a of the upper grille 109 in the grille 106 is flush with the surface 5a of the bumper 5 and the inclination angles are equal.

[0070] Therefore, on the hood 4, bumper 5 and grille 106 of the vehicle 101, at least a portion is provided with a common surface portion 31 in which the surface 4a of the hood 4 and the surface 5a of the bumper 5, or the surface 5a of the bumper 5 and the surface 109a of the upper grille 109, which are adjacent to each other when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, are flush in the out-of-plane direction.

[0071] like Figure 5As shown, in the front vehicle body structure of the modified example, in addition to the effects of the embodiment, the engine hood 4, the bumper 5 and the upper grille 109 form a common surface portion 31 in which the positions of the surface 4a and the surface 5a adjacent to each other or the surface 5a and the surface 109a of the upper grille 109 in the out-of-plane direction are aligned at the same position when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

[0072] As with the embodiment, this creates continuity with adjacent components, further enhancing the appearance. Furthermore, in the modified example, the shared surface 31 creates a continuous appearance from the hood 4 through the bumper 5 to the grille 106, including the upper and lower grilles 109 and 10. Consequently, the appearance of the front portion of the vehicle 101 can be further enhanced.

[0073] Furthermore, in this modified example, the hood 4, bumper 5, and upper grille 109, which are adjacent in the vertical direction of the vehicle, have their surfaces 4a, 5a, and 109a aligned in a coplanar, continuous arcuate pattern. Therefore, in the event of a pedestrian colliding with the front of the vehicle 1, the pedestrian can be smoothly guided onto the hood 4.

[0074] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] In the embodiment, the engine hood 4 is provided in an opening 3 on the upper surface of the power compartment E, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the opening 3 may be an opening in a vehicle compartment housing at least one of the engine and the electric motor, or an opening in a vehicle compartment that does not house the engine or the motor. In other words, the shape, number, material, and purpose of the opening are not limited to maintenance, etc.

[0076] In addition, Figure 5 In the illustrated modification, the vehicle 101 having the coplanar surface 31 in which the adjacent surfaces 4a and 5a or the adjacent surfaces 5a and 9a are flush in the out-of-plane direction is described, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0077] For example, surface 9a of grille 6 may protrude outward relative to surface 5a. In other words, as long as adjacent surfaces 9a and 5a are aligned at the same angle, at least a portion of the grille 6 may have an inclined surface portion, and flush common surface portions 31 do not need to be formed. As described above, the shape, number, material, and combination of adjacent components are not limited.

[0078] Furthermore, the angles of adjacent surfaces of the same inclined surface portion may be aligned at substantially the same angle, and may differ by several to several tens of degrees within a range where the surfaces can be recognized as the same in appearance.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper grille 9 includes a plurality of main pillars 17. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0080] That is, the grille 6 only needs to have a surface portion that forms the same inclined surface portion 11 as the hood 4 or the bumper 5 , and the shape, number, and material of the main pillars 17 are not particularly limited.

[0081] Description of Reference Numerals

[0082] 1 vehicle

[0083] 2 front

[0084] 3 Opening

[0085] 4 Engine hood

[0086] 5 Bumper

[0087] 6 Grille

[0088] 11 Same tilted face

Claims

1. A vehicle front structure, characterized in that: include: an engine hood disposed in an opening formed in the front portion of the vehicle; a bumper located forward relative to the hood; as well as a grille provided as part of the bumper, The grille is divided into an upper grille and a lower grille, The hood, the bumper, and the grille are provided with identical inclined surface portions in at least a portion thereof, wherein the inclination angles of adjacent surfaces thereof are aligned at substantially the same angle when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. The upper grille has a plurality of main columns extending in the vertical direction and arranged in a manner of drawing an arc when viewed from above. Each of the main columns has a first curved portion that is curved in a bulging manner toward the front at a middle portion in the vertical direction; A second curved portion is provided below the first curved portion and is curved so as to bulge rearward.

2. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hood, the bumper, and the upper grille are provided with, at least in part, coplanar portions whose outward positions of mutually adjacent surfaces when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction are flush with each other. The portion between the upper grille and the lower grille in the bumper has a ridgeline extending in the vehicle width direction as a boundary, and has a first surface above the ridgeline and a second surface below the ridgeline. There is a substantially orthogonal angle between the first surface and the second surface, A license plate is installed within the range of the first surface and the second surface.

3. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bumper has a ridgeline protruding toward the front of the vehicle extending in the vehicle width direction, and the license plate is supported on the bumper via a mounting member mounted so as to straddle the ridgeline in the vertical direction. The upper end of the license plate is aligned with the lower end of the upper grille in the up-down direction.

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