Front structure of a vehicle

Abstract

The front structure of the vehicle according to the present invention can achieve both the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel during normal times and the pedestrian protection performance during a frontal collision, even in a vehicle with a relatively high vehicle height. The present invention includes: a bumper outer panel support member (18) that extends in the vehicle width direction in front of a body member (15, 17) provided at the front of the vehicle body and has a mounting portion (18a) for mounting the bumper outer panel (3); a plurality of brackets (20, 30) that connect and fix the body member (15, 17) and the bumper outer panel support member (18); a bumper beam (12) that extends in the vehicle width direction below the bumper outer panel support member (18); and a support member (40) that connects the bumper outer panel support member (18) and the bumper beam (12) in the vertical direction. Among them, the support member (40) has a deformation promoting portion (43) that is bent and deformed when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a front structure of a vehicle, the front structure of the vehicle including a bumper outer panel disposed at the front of the vehicle and a body member that supports the bumper outer panel from behind the bumper outer panel in the front part of the body. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a bumper mounting structure in which a bumper outer panel is mounted on a protruding piece portion that protrudes forward from a radiator upper support (an upper shroud member provided at the upper part of a radiator shroud) as a body member.

[0003] As exemplified in Patent Document 1, a structure is conventionally known in which a bumper outer panel provided further forward of the body is supported in a cantilever shape by a body member such as an upper shroud member provided at the front part of the body.

[0004] Generally, in a vehicle with a relatively high vehicle height, the front end portion of the engine hood located at the upper front end of the vehicle is at the height of a pedestrian's thigh. Therefore, in a vehicle with a relatively high vehicle height, a structure is known in which, when the vehicle collides with a pedestrian, in order to satisfy pedestrian protection conditions such as mitigating the impact on a pedestrian's knee ligament, the front end portion of the engine hood is retracted from the foremost part of the vehicle.

[0005] In addition, a latch that is locked by engaging with a latch that protrudes downward from the engine hood is generally provided on a body member such as an upper shroud member when the engine hood is closed. Therefore, in a vehicle with a relatively high vehicle height, as described above, as the front end portion of the engine hood retracts, the body member such as the upper shroud member also retracts together with the engine hood.

[0006] However, in the above structure, the distance in the vehicle front-rear direction between the bumper outer panel and the body member such as the upper shroud member that supports the bumper outer panel in a cantilever shape from behind is long. Therefore, the load applied to a bracket that connects the bumper outer panel and the body member in the vehicle front-rear direction may be large, and the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel may be reduced.

[0007] In view of the above technical problems, a structure in which the bumper outer panel is supported from below by a bumper beam or the like provided immediately below the bumper outer panel via a support member is also considered.

[0008] Here, in the past, when a vehicle collided with a pedestrian, the buffer effect of the engine hood was expected to push aside the pedestrian's feet and cause the upper body of the pedestrian to fall onto the engine hood, protecting the head of the pedestrian who collided with the engine hood. However, the higher the vehicle height, the closer the area where the pedestrian's head collides with the engine hood is to the front part from the rear side of the engine hood. Therefore, as described above, since there is a support member that supports the bumper outer panel from below immediately outside the bumper outer panel, if the front part of the engine hood becomes rigid, a new technical problem of reduced pedestrian protection performance will occur.

[0009] Prior Art Documents

[0010] Patent Documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-196443. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0013] In view of the above technical problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a front structure of a vehicle, according to which, even in a vehicle with a high vehicle height, the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel during normal times and the pedestrian protection performance during a frontal collision can be both achieved.

[0014] Technical Means for Solving the Technical Problem

[0015] The front structure of the vehicle of the present invention includes: a body member provided at the front of the vehicle body; a bumper outer panel support member extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the body member and having an installation portion for installing the bumper outer panel; a plurality of brackets connecting and fixing the body member and the bumper outer panel support member; a bumper beam extending in the vehicle width direction below the bumper outer panel support member; a support member connecting the bumper outer panel support member and the bumper beam in the vertical direction; wherein the support member has a deformation promoting portion that is bent and deformed when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member.

[0016] According to the above structure, there is a support member that withstands the downward load input to the bumper outer panel support member during normal times. Thus, the downward deformation of the bumper outer panel support member can be suppressed, and the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel during normal times can be improved. On the other hand, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member, the deformation promoting portion is bent and deformed. Therefore, the damage value of the colliding object can be reduced, and the pedestrian protection performance during a collision can be ensured.

[0017] As a form of the present invention, it may be: the bracket includes an indirect bracket that connects and fixes a cowl upper member as the body member and the bumper outer panel support member via the support member, and the indirect bracket connects and fixes the cowl upper member and the support member between the cowl upper member and the support member.

[0018] According to the above structure, the support member can support the bumper outer panel support member in a state supported by the indirect bracket, so that the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel under normal conditions can be further improved.

[0019] As a form of the present invention, it may be: the support member has a first extension portion extending downward, and a second extension portion that is inclined more forward downward from the lower end of the first extension portion via a bent portion as the deformation promoting portion.

[0020] According to the above structure, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member, the load transmitted from the bumper outer panel support member to the support member will be concentrated on the bent portion. Therefore, the support member can be effectively bent and deformed with the bent portion as the starting point of deformation, and the deformation promoting portion can be constituted by such a simple structure that a part of the support member is bent.

[0021] As a form of the present invention, it may be: the support member is connected to the bumper outer panel support member via a connection plate, and the connection plate includes a horizontal plate portion extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and supporting the bumper outer panel support member, and a vertical plate portion extending downward from the horizontal plate portion and fixed to an upper position of the support member compared with the deformation promoting portion.

[0022] According to the above structure, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member, the horizontal plate portion can effectively receive the impact load in the downward direction, and the load can be efficiently transmitted to the deformation promoting portion below in the support member via the vertical plate portion.

[0023] That is, when the load is transmitted from the bumper outer panel support member to the support member, there will be no accidental bending stress acting on the support member or the like to cause the support member to deform at a portion other than the deformation promoting portion, and it can be made to deform effectively at the target portion (deformation promoting portion).

[0024] As a form of the present invention, it may be: the vertical plate portion extends downward from the rear end of the horizontal plate portion, and the horizontal plate portion supports the bumper outer panel support member in front of the vertical plate portion.

[0025] According to the described structure, the vertical plate portion extends downward from the rear end of the horizontal plate portion. Thus, the horizontal plate portion supports the bumper outer panel support member from the front relative to the vertical plate portion. Thereby, it is possible to strongly support the bumper outer panel support member at the front end position of the vehicle by the horizontal plate portion without arranging the support member itself forward.

[0026] Therefore, it is allowed that as the front end of the engine hood is strongly retracted, the distance between the bumper outer panel support member (bumper outer panel) and the hood upper member in the vehicle front-rear direction becomes longer, and the length of the indirect bracket in the vehicle front-rear direction is suppressed. Thereby, the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel in the normal state can be ensured.

[0027] As a form of the present invention, it can be: the front end of the indirect bracket extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is installed at a position above the deformation promoting portion in the up-down direction of the support member.

[0028] According to the described structure, even in a structure where the bumper outer panel support member is arranged in front of the body member, the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel in the normal state can be ensured.

[0029] As a form of the present invention, the installation position of the indirect bracket on the support member is located below the horizontal plate portion.

[0030] According to the described structure, it is possible to support the upper portion of the support member by the indirect bracket at a position below the horizontal plate portion and closer to the deformation promoting portion. Thus, in a minor collision, when the support member bends at the deformation promoting portion, it is possible to prevent the lower end of the upper portion (the first extended portion) from protruding rearward, and thereby it is possible to suppress damage to auxiliary machines such as a radiator by the support member.

[0031] As a form of the present invention, it can be: in the extension direction of the support member, a support member reinforcing ridge line continuously extending across the deformation promoting portion is formed, and in the extension direction of the connecting plate, a connecting plate reinforcing ridge line continuously extending across the vertical plate portion and the horizontal plate portion is formed. In a state where the vertical plate portion is fixed to the support member, the support member reinforcing ridge line and the connecting plate reinforcing ridge line are formed at substantially the same position in the vehicle width direction.

[0032] According to the described structure, a support member reinforcing ridge line is formed on the support member. Therefore, it will not accidentally deform at the deformation promoting portion due to a load from below in the normal state, and the bending stiffness can be ensured.

[0033] In addition, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member, the impact load can be efficiently transmitted from the connecting plate reinforcing ridge line along the support member reinforcing ridge line to the horizontal plate portion, the vertical plate portion, and the support member in sequence.

[0034] Therefore, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member, the support member can be deformed reliably at the deformation promoting portion.

[0035] Advantages of the Invention

[0036] According to the above structure, even in a vehicle with a high vehicle height, it is possible to achieve both the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel during normal times and the pedestrian protection performance during a frontal collision. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle according to the present embodiment as seen obliquely from the outside;

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle according to the present embodiment;

[0039] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a magnified perspective view as seen from the front in;

[0040] Figure 4 is a top view of the main part of the front portion of the vehicle according to the present embodiment;

[0041] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a magnified perspective view of the central portion in the vehicle width direction with the bumper outer panel support member removed and further magnified in;

[0042] Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the Figure 4 A - A line of;

[0043] Figure 7 is Figure 5 a magnified sectional view taken along the B - B line of;

[0044] Figure 8 is a perspective sectional view taken along the Figure 4 A - A line illustrating a situation where an impact object is about to collide with the front end of the engine hood from above;

[0045] Figure 9 is a perspective sectional view corresponding to and illustrating the stress distribution acting on the support member after an impact object has just collided with the front end of the engine hood from above and Figure 8 ; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below together with the following attached Figure One drawings.

[0047] In the drawings, arrow F indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow U indicates the upper part of the vehicle, arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle, and arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle.

[0048] A vehicle having the front structure of the present invention is applicable to vehicles such as SUVs and minivans that are higher in vehicle height than cars, hatchbacks, etc. And the front structure of this embodiment is substantially symmetrical about the left and right.

[0049] As Figure 1 shown, at the front of the vehicle, there are provided: an engine hood 2 covering the upper part of a power unit compartment 1 (not shown in the figure) that houses a power unit such as an engine, and a synthetic resin bumper outer panel 3 disposed at the very front of the vehicle. A front side opening 4 for taking fresh air (traveling wind) into the vehicle body is formed in the bumper outer panel 3. Figure 2

[0050] The front side opening 4 is formed in the upper part and the center in the vehicle width direction of the bumper outer panel 3, and is an external air inlet for introducing cooling external air into the power unit compartment 1 in order to dissipate heat from a radiator 19 (refer to Figure 8 ) provided on the front side of the power unit compartment 1 behind the bumper outer panel 3.

[0051] The front side opening 4 is covered by a front grille 5 while ensuring air permeability into the power unit compartment 1. Front headlight openings 6 for arranging front headlights 6a (refer to Figure 4 ) are provided in the upper left and right parts of the bumper outer panel 3.

[0052] The front grille 5 extends to the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the front headlight openings 6 provided on both sides of the front side of the vehicle at a position corresponding to the front side opening 4 at the center in the vehicle width direction of the bumper outer panel 3 in the front view, and is mounted on the bumper outer panel 3.

[0053] At the upper end side of the bumper outer panel 3, there is a bumper outer panel upper member 7 that constitutes the upper end portion of the bumper outer panel 3 and is connected to the front end 2f of the engine hood 2. The bumper outer panel upper member 7 is a part integrally formed with the main body portion 3a (lower part) of the bumper outer panel 3, and divides the upper side parts of the front side opening 4 and the left and right front headlight openings 6. The bumper outer panel upper member 7 is a flat plate member having an upper side surface, and the inclination of the upper side surface is substantially the same as the front - low - rear - high inclination of the upper side surface of the engine hood 2.

[0054] The rear end of the engine hood 2 is pivotally supported on the vehicle body via a hinge (not shown in the figure), and the engine hood 2 opens and closes the upper part of the power unit compartment 1.

[0055] As Figure 6 shown, the engine hood 2 is formed by integrally bonding an engine hood outer panel 2a and an engine hood inner panel 2b through hemming processing, and an engine hood reinforcement member (not shown in the figure) is adhesively fixed to the lower side surface side of the engine hood outer panel 2a.

[0056] A latch (not shown) that locks by engaging with a latch (not shown) provided on the vehicle body side is provided at the front of the center portion in the vehicle width direction of the inner panel 2b of the engine hood 2 in a state of protruding downward.

[0057] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, front side frames 8 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction are provided on both the left and right sides of the power unit compartment 1 inside the front portion of the vehicle as described above. An energy absorbing box (crash can) 11 extending forward of the vehicle is mounted at the front end of the front side frame 8 via a fixing plate 9 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0058] In addition, as Figures 2 to 4 shown, a bumper beam 12 (also referred to as a bumper reinforcement) extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the front ends of the left and right paired energy absorbing boxes (crash can) 11 is provided at a position behind the lower part of the bumper outer panel 3 and in front of the power unit compartment 1.

[0059] As Figure 2 , Figure 3 shown, the bumper beam 12 is roughly divided into a bumper beam main body portion 12a having a substantially hat-shaped cross section that is open at the front and a closing plate portion 12b that closes the front opening portion of the bumper beam main body portion 12a, and a closed cross section 12c extending in the vehicle width direction is formed between the bumper beam main body portion 12a and the closing plate portion 12b. As Figure 6 shown, the bumper beam 12 is located at the front end 2f of the engine hood 2 in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0060] Inside the front portion of the vehicle, there are also provided left and right paired skirt reinforcements 13 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and above the vehicle compared to the front side frames 8.

[0061] Figure 2 , Figure 3 The number 14 in

[0062] is a fender panel that forms the outer side surface of the front portion of the vehicle body, and is supported by the skirt reinforcement 13. Figures 2 to 4 As

[0063] shown, a shroud upper panel 15 extending linearly in the vehicle width direction between the front ends of the left and right paired skirt reinforcements 13 is connected to the front ends of the left and right paired skirt reinforcements 13 in the vehicle width direction via shroud members 16 on each side. Figure 4 Latches (not shown) that serve as locking devices and engage with a latch (not shown) provided on the engine hood 2 side are provided on the shroud members 16 on each side.

[0064] As shown Figure 4 in the figure, the front portions of the left and right front side frames 8 are located below the left and right outer side portions immediately above the shield upper panel 15. And as shown Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 in the figure, the shield member 16 and the front portion of the front side frame 8 are connected by a shield upper member support frame 17 extending in the vertical direction therebetween.

[0065] That is, as described above, the shield upper panel 15 is supported by the left and right pair of skirt plate reinforcing members 13 via the shield member 16, and is supported by the left and right pair of front side frames 8 via the shield member 16 and the shield upper member support frame 17.

[0066] As shown Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 in the figure, the shield upper member support frame 17 has a longitudinal wall-shaped vehicle width direction inner surface portion 17a having a plate thickness in the vehicle width direction, and a front side surface portion 17b which extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the front end of the vehicle width direction inner surface portion 17a and has a plate thickness in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is integrally formed by the above members.

[0067] The left and right pair of skirt plate reinforcing members 13, the shield upper panel 15, the left and right pair of front side frames 8, the left and right pair of shield upper member support frames 17, the left and right pair of shield members 16, and the bumper beam 12 are all body members.

[0068] In addition, as shown Figures 2 to 4 in the figure, inside the front portion of the vehicle, in front of the vehicle compared to the shield upper panel 15, a bumper outer panel support member 18 is provided. A bumper outer panel mounting hole 18a is formed in the bumper outer panel support member 18, and the bumper outer panel mounting hole 18a is used to mount the bumper outer panel 3 (refer to Figure 1 ) through a fastening module (bolts and nuts) (not shown).

[0069] The bumper outer panel support member 18 extends in the vehicle width direction with a length slightly shorter than that of the bumper beam 12 (refer to Figure 4 ), and is disposed at a position corresponding to the front portion of the engine hood 2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, in other words, at a position substantially the same as that of the bumper beam 12 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, at a height substantially the same as that of the shield upper panel 15 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0070] A plurality of bumper outer panel mounting holes 18a are provided in the vehicle width direction of the bumper outer panel support member 18. In the present embodiment, 4 are provided on each of the left and right sides excluding the center in the vehicle width direction, for a total of 8 (refer to Figure 2 ,Figure 4 ).

[0071] On the other hand, as Figure 6 shown, inside the above-mentioned bumper outer panel 3, there is an outer panel upper member support member 71 that supports the bumper outer panel upper member 7 from below immediately below the bumper outer panel upper member 7 provided in the bumper outer panel 3. The outer panel upper member support member 71 can support the bumper outer panel 3 and extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0072] And, as Figure 6 shown, the outer panel upper member support member 71 mainly includes two members, an upper member 71a with a substantially cap-shaped cross-section that is open at the bottom and a lower member 71b that closes the lower opening of the upper member 71a. A closed cross-section 71c extending in the vehicle width direction is formed between the upper member 71a and the lower member 71b.

[0073] At the lower rear end of the outer panel upper member support member 71, there is a rear flange portion 71d that extends rearward and can abut against the bumper outer panel support member 18 from above (refer to Figure 6 , Figure 8 ). The rear flange portion 71d extends in the vehicle width direction with substantially the same length as the bumper outer panel support member 18 and bumper outer panel support member mounting holes (not shown) are formed at positions corresponding to the respective bumper outer panel mounting holes 18a.

[0074] In addition, in a state where the rear flange portion 71d is supported by the bumper outer panel support member 18, the mutually communicating bumper outer panel support member mounting holes (not shown) and the bumper outer panel mounting holes 18a are joined to each other using, for example, bolts and nuts (not shown) as a fastening module. With the above structure, the bumper outer panel 3 is supported by the bumper outer panel support member 18.

[0075] In addition, as Figure 8 shown, a radiator grille 10 is disposed behind the bumper outer panel support member 18 and in front of the power unit compartment 1. The radiator grille 10 is supported by body members (such as a grille upper panel 15, a front side frame 8, etc.).

[0076] The radiator grille 10 is in a rectangular frame shape in a front view between the front side frames 8 on the front side of the power unit compartment 1 and supports the radiator 19 and the like. The radiator grille 10 and the radiator 19 are erected and arranged and face the front side opening 4 from the rear of the vehicle.

[0077] And, as Figures 2 to 6As shown, a plurality of brackets 20, 30 for connecting and fixing the vehicle body members (15, 17) and the bumper outer panel support member 18 are provided at the front of the vehicle body, and a support member 40 for connecting the bumper outer panel support member 18 and the bumper beam 12 in the vertical direction.

[0078] The brackets 20, 30 include: two outer brackets 20 arranged on both outer sides in the vehicle width direction and one middle bracket 30 arranged at the middle position in the vehicle width direction (i.e., coinciding with the support member 40 in the vehicle width direction), a total of three.

[0079] As Figure 5 shown, the outer brackets 20 on both the left and right sides have a bilaterally symmetric shape, and each includes: a side wall portion 21 extending in the vertical direction and the vehicle front-rear direction, and an eaves-shaped flange portion 22 that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the side wall portion 21 through a corner portion 23 and is formed by bending, such as by stamping a metal plate, to form the outer bracket 20.

[0080] In other words, the outer bracket 20 includes: a fixing portion 24 for the upper shield support bracket 17 as a vehicle body member, a base portion 25 extending forward from the fixing portion 24, and an inclined portion 26 inclined with respect to the base portion 25.

[0081] The outer bracket 20 has high-rigidity portions 63U, 63D at least partially located in the inclined portion 26 and having high rigidity against loads input in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the outer bracket 20, and vulnerable portions 62, 61f, 61r that can be deformed against the input load in the vehicle front-rear direction. The high-rigidity portions 63U, 63D and the vulnerable portions 62, 61f, 61r are arranged adjacent to each other in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0082] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the middle bracket 30 has: a bracket main body portion 31 extending linearly in the vehicle front-rear direction in a plan view of the vehicle between the support member 40 and the upper shield panel 15, a front flange portion 32, and a rear flange portion 33, and is integrally formed by the above components. In the present embodiment, the middle bracket 30 is formed by bending, such as by stamping, a plate extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction.

[0083] As Figure 6 shown, the bracket main body portion 31 is slightly inclined with respect to a line horizontal in the vehicle front-rear direction and is located lower toward the front of the vehicle. It extends linearly in the vehicle front-rear direction, and its front end is located slightly above the upper end of the support member 40, and its rear end is located at the lower end of the lower flange portion 15a that extends downward from the front end of the upper shield panel 15. As Figure 5 、 Figure 6 shown, on the upper side surface 31a of the bracket main body portion 31, the latch 34 of the safety lock device stands upright upward.

[0084] At the front center of the engine hood 2, a locking lever 55 of a safety lock device is provided (refer to Figure 8 ), and the locking lever 55 can engage with and disengage from the latch 34. The safety lock device is a well-known device for preventing the engine hood 2 from accidentally opening due to wind pressure during vehicle travel. Therefore, even if the locking device (not shown) is accidentally unlocked, the movement of the engine hood 2 in the opening direction is restricted, and the engine hood 2 is maintained in a slightly open state. In the present embodiment, as described above, the safety lock device is disposed at a position different from the locking device (refer to the area LR surrounded by the imaginary line in Figure 4 ). (Refer to Figure 4 ).

[0085] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 shown, the front flange portion 32 extends downward from the front end of the bracket main body portion 31, and the bracket main body portion 31 extends from the rear of the vehicle toward the front and the front portion straddles and supports the upper end of the support member 40 from above. Thus, the front flange portion 32 abuts against the upper portion (the upper portion of the upper flange portion 41 described later) of the support member 40 from the front side of the vehicle.

[0086] The length of the front flange portion 32 in the vehicle width direction is substantially the same as that of the upper flange portion 41 (refer to Figure 5 ). Therefore, the front flange portion 32 and the upper flange portion 41 are in a state of abutting against each other across the entire length in the vehicle width direction.

[0087] In addition, the upper flange portion 41 and the front flange portion 32 are joined to each other by spot welding. In the present embodiment, the upper flange portion 41 and the front flange portion 32 are spot welded at a total of three locations, namely, the central portion Sa and the two outer side portions Sb, Sc in their respective vehicle width directions. In addition, Figure 5 the "×" marks in

[0088] represent the welding spots of the spot welding. That is, the joint portions (Sa, Sb, Sc) of the intermediate bracket 30 and the support member 40 are located above the first bending portion 43, which is a deformation promoting portion, in the support member 40. Figure 6 ).

[0089] On the other hand, the rear flange portion 33 extends upward from the rear end of the bracket main body portion 31 and abuts against the lower flange portion 15a of the hood upper panel 15 from the front side of the vehicle. In addition, the rear flange portion 33 of the intermediate bracket 30 and the lower flange portion 15a of the hood upper panel 15 are fastened to each other by bolts B2 and nuts N2 as a fastening module (refer to

[0090] As Figure 2, Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the support member 40 vertically connects the bumper outer panel support member 18 and the bumper beam 12 at the substantially center in the vehicle width direction in front of the power unit compartment 1. Thus, the bumper outer panel support member 18 is supported by the bumper beam 12 via the support member 40.

[0091] The support member 40 is formed of a long metal plate material having a wide width in the vehicle width direction and extending in the up-down direction.

[0092] Specifically, if Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the support member 40 includes: an upper flange portion 41, a first extension portion 42 extending linearly downward from the lower end of the upper flange portion 41 in a direction consistent with the up-down direction (vertical direction), a second extension portion 44 extending linearly from the lower end of the first extension portion 42 via the first bent portion 43 in a manner inclined more forward as it goes downward, and a lower flange portion 46 extending downward from the lower end of the second extension portion 44 via the second bent portion 45.

[0093] The first bent portion 43 is a deformation promoting portion that bends and deforms when a downward impact load is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18. In the present embodiment, the first bent portion 43 makes the angle formed by the first extension portion 42 and the second extension portion 44 be, for example, about 150 degrees.

[0094] The length of the upper flange 41 and the lower flange 46 in the vehicle width direction is slightly longer (ie, wider) than the portion between the upper flange 41 and the lower flange 46 in the vertical direction of the support member 40 (ie, the first extension 42 and the second extension 44 ).

[0095] The lower portion of the upper flange portion 41 gradually increases in width from the upper end of the first extension portion 42 toward the upper side. The upper portion of the lower flange portion 46 gradually increases in width from the lower end of the second extension portion 44 toward the lower side.

[0096] The support member 40 has a cross section orthogonal to the up-down direction (extending direction) that is substantially horizontal along the vehicle width direction over the entire length.

[0097] However, if Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in the support member 40, a step portion 143 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction exists between the outer portion 141 in the vehicle width direction and the central portion 142, so that the outer portion 141 in the vehicle width direction is located behind the vehicle relative to the central portion 142.

[0098] The step portion 143 is formed continuously in the vertical direction at a portion other than the upper portion of the upper flange portion 41 in the vertical direction of the support member 40 (see Figure 5 ). Therefore, if Figure 5 ,Figure 7 As shown, on both sides of the support member 40 in the vehicle width direction, support member reinforcing ridges 144 are formed at the corners of the stepped portion 143 and the central side portion 142 in the vehicle width direction, and support member reinforcing ridges 145 are formed at the corners of the stepped portion 143 and the outer side portion 141 in the vehicle width direction.

[0099] In the extending direction (vertical direction) of the support member 40, including the first bent portion 43 and the second bent portion 45 as well, the support member reinforcing ridges 144 and 145 continuously extend.

[0100] The lower flange portion 46 is fixed by bolts B3 and nuts N3 in a state of abutting against the upper portion of the closing plate portion 12b at the center in the vehicle width direction of the bumper beam 12 from the rear of the vehicle.

[0101] Moreover, locking claws 48 are formed to protrude from the base (upper portion) of the lower flange portion 46, and the locking claws 48 protrude forward of the vehicle and their front ends protrude downward. The locking claws 48 are locked to the upper end of the closing plate portion 12b in the bumper beam 12 in a state where the lower flange portion 46 abuts against the upper portion of the closing plate portion 12b from the rear of the vehicle as described above.

[0102] As Figure 5 、 Figure 6 shown, the support member 40 is connected to the bumper outer panel support member 18 via a connection plate 50.

[0103] The connection plate 50 includes a horizontal plate portion 51 that extends horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction and supports the bumper outer panel support member 18 from below, and a vertical plate portion 52 that extends downward from the rear end of the horizontal plate portion 51. The connection plate 50 is integrally formed from a metal plate that extends in an inverted L shape in a side view of the vehicle and has a width in the vehicle width direction.

[0104] The connection plate 50 is located at the center in the vehicle width direction of the bumper outer panel support member 18, and the bumper outer panel support member 18 and the horizontal plate portion 51 disposed immediately below the bumper outer panel support member 18 are fastened and fixed by a fastening module (bolts B4 and nuts N4). That is, the bumper outer panel support member 18 is cantilevered and supported in front with respect to the vertical plate portion 52 by the horizontal plate portion 51 that extends forward from the upper end of the vertical plate portion 52.

[0105] The connection plate 50 has the same width over the entire length in the extending direction and is formed with substantially the same length as the central side portion 142 of the support member 40 in the vehicle width direction. Especially as Figure 7As shown, bending portions 151 are formed at both outer portions in the vehicle width direction of the connection plate 50. The bending portions 151 are bent and deformed and stand up toward one side in the plate thickness direction across the entire length in the extension direction. In the present embodiment, the bending portions 151 are bent downward in the horizontal plate portion 51 and bent forward in the vehicle direction in the vertical plate portion 52, and are continuously formed along the extension direction of the connection plate 50.

[0106] Accordingly, at the base end portions of the bending portions 151 (the boundary portions between the bending portions 151 and the flat vehicle width direction central portion), connection plate reinforcing ridges 153 that continuously extend across the entire length in the extension direction of the connection plate 50 (the vertical plate portion 52 and the horizontal plate portion 51) are formed (refer to Figure 7 ).

[0107] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 shown, the vertical plate portion 52 is fixed to an upper position in the vertical direction of the support member 40 compared to the first bent portion 43, that is, the upper flange portion 41.

[0108] The vertical plate portion 52 abuts against the central side portion 142 in the vehicle width direction of the upper flange portion 41 from the vehicle front, and in this state, is fastened to the base portion (lower portion) of the upper flange portion 41 by a fastening module (bolt B5 and nut N5) (refer to the main part enlarged view in Figure 6 , Figure 7 ).

[0109] Here, as described above, regarding the front end portion (upper portion) of the upper flange portion 41, the front side flange portion 32 of the intermediate bracket 30 abuts against the entire length in the vehicle width direction of the upper flange portion 41 from the vehicle front.

[0110] Therefore, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 shown, in a state where the vertical plate portion 52 abuts against the upper flange portion 41 from the vehicle front and is fastened to each other as described above, the front side flange portion 32 of the intermediate bracket 30 is held in a state of being sandwiched between the vertical plate portion 52 and the upper flange portion 41 in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0111] And, in this state, the upper flange portion 41 and the front side flange portion 32 are joined to each other by spot welding as described above. And Figure 5 , Figure 6 the number 54 in the main part enlarged view of

[0112] In the above connecting plate 50, a longitudinal plate portion 52 that extends upward relative to the upper end of the support member 40 and the intermediate bracket 30 is fixed to the support member 40, and a transverse plate portion 51 extends forward from the upper end of the longitudinal plate portion 52. Therefore, the connecting plate 50 is mounted on the support member 40, and the transverse plate portion 51 is located above the mounting position where the intermediate bracket 30 is supported by the support member 40.

[0113] In addition, as Figure 7 shown, in a state where the longitudinal plate portion 52 is fixed to the support member 40, the support member reinforcing ridge line 144 and the connecting plate reinforcing ridge line 153 are formed at the same position in the vehicle width direction.

[0114] Next, use Figure 8 、 Figure 9 to illustrate the operation of the support member 40 when the collision object 100 collides with the front of the vehicle from above.

[0115] Figure 8 is a perspective sectional view along the A-A line of Figure 4 showing the situation where the collision object 100 is about to collide with the front of the vehicle from above, Figure 9 is a perspective sectional view showing the result of analyzing the operation of the front of the vehicle immediately after the collision object 100 collides using a simulation experiment and Figure 8 corresponding thereto.

[0116] Figure 9 In

[0117] the stress distribution of the load input to the support member 40 is shown based on the shading of points, and the darker the points, the higher the bending stress. Figure 8 When the collision object 100 collides with the front of the vehicle from above as shown in Figure 9 , the collision load input from above to the upper side surface of the front of the vehicle is sequentially transmitted downward to the bumper outer panel upper member 7, the outer panel upper member support member 71, the connecting plate 50, and the support member 40 (see

[0118] ). In addition, the collision load input to the upper flange portion 41 of the support member 40 is further transmitted downward, that is, through the first extension portion 42 to the first bent portion 43 as a deformation promoting portion. As Figure 9 shown, stress concentration occurs at the first bent portion 43.

[0119] From this, it can be clearly understood that during a collision, the support member 40 does not resist the downward collision load, but can be effectively deformed at the first bent portion 43.

[0120] As Figures 2 to 6As shown, the front structure of the vehicle according to the present embodiment is characterized in that it includes: body members (15, 17) provided at the front of the vehicle body; a bumper outer panel support member 18 extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the body members (15, 17) and having a bumper outer panel mounting hole 18a (mounting portion) for mounting the bumper outer panel 3 (refer to Figure 1 ), (refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 ); a plurality of brackets 20, 30 (left and right outer brackets 20 and intermediate brackets 30) connecting and fixing the body members (15, 17) and the bumper outer panel support member 18; a bumper beam 12 extending in the vehicle width direction below the bumper outer panel support member 18; a support member 40 connecting the bumper outer panel support member 18 and the bumper beam 12 in the vertical direction; as Figure 5 , Figure 6 shown, the support member 40 has a deformation promoting portion (43) that is bent and deformed when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18.

[0121] According to the above structure, even in a vehicle with a high vehicle height, it can have both the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel 3 during normal times and the pedestrian protection performance during a frontal collision.

[0122] Specifically, due to the self - weight of the bumper outer panel 3 and the bumper outer panel support member 18, and when a person opens and closes the engine hood 2 and presses the bumper outer panel 3 by hand, etc., a load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18 even during normal times.

[0123] Here, in a vehicle with a high vehicle height, the front end portion of the engine hood generally lies at the height of the pedestrian's thigh. Therefore, from the perspective of alleviating the impact on the pedestrian's knee ligament during a collision, there is a structure like that of the vehicle according to the present embodiment, where the front end portion of the engine hood is retracted from the foremost part of the vehicle (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0124] In addition, in such a vehicle, as the front end portion of the engine hood is retracted, body members such as the shroud member 16 and the shroud upper panel 15 that are the locking devices of the engine hood 2 also retract together with the front end portion of the engine hood.

[0125] In this way, the distance in the vehicle front - rear direction between the bumper outer panel support member 18 that supports the bumper outer panel 3 and the body members (15, 17) such as the shroud upper panel 15 that support the bumper outer panel support member 18 in a cantilever - like manner from the rear becomes longer. Therefore, especially in a vehicle with a high vehicle height, when the above - mentioned downward load is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, there is a concern that the load applied to the brackets 20, 30 connecting the bumper outer panel support member 18 and the body members (15, 17) in the vehicle front - rear direction becomes larger.

[0126] In view of this problem, according to the described structure, the bumper outer panel support member 18 and the bumper beam 12 are connected in the vertical direction by the support member 40. Thus, as described above, the support member 40 withstands the downward load normally input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, thereby being able to suppress the downward deformation of the bumper outer panel support member 18 and improve the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel 3 in the normal state.

[0127] On the other hand, the higher the vehicle height, when a collision object collides with the vehicle from the front, the input point of the collision load to the upper side of the front part of the vehicle body input from above is closer to the front of the vehicle. As described above, in a structure having a support member that supports the bumper outer panel 3 below the bumper outer panel 3 on the upper side immediately in front of the vehicle, the front part of the vehicle body that is the load input point of the collision object from above is strong, and there is a concern that it is difficult to reduce the damage value of the collision object.

[0128] In view of this problem, according to the described structure, by providing a deformation promoting portion (43) in the support member 40, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, the deformation promoting portion (43) will be bent and deformed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the damage value of the collision object and improve the pedestrian protection performance during a collision.

[0129] Therefore, according to the described structure, even in a vehicle with a high vehicle height, it is possible to make it have both the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel 3 in the normal state and the pedestrian protection performance during a frontal collision.

[0130] As Figures 2 to 6 shown, as an embodiment of the present invention, the brackets (20, 30) include an intermediate bracket 30 (indirect bracket) that connects and fixes the hood upper panel 15, which is a body member, and the bumper outer panel support member 18 via the support member 40. The intermediate bracket 30 is between the hood upper panel 15 and the support member 40 and connects and fixes the hood upper panel 15 and the support member 40.

[0131] According to the described structure, the support member 40 can support the bumper outer panel support member 18 in a state supported by the intermediate bracket 30, so that the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel 3 in the normal state can be further improved.

[0132] As Figure 5 、 Figure 6 shown, as an embodiment of the present invention, the support member 40 has: a first extension portion 42 extending downward, and a second extension portion 44 that is inclined forward more and more downward from the lower end of the first extension portion 42 via a first bent portion 43 (bent portion) serving as a deformation promoting portion.

[0133] According to the above structure, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, the load transmitted from the bumper outer panel support member 18 to the support member 40 will concentrate on the first bending portion 43. Therefore, the support member 40 can be effectively bent and deformed starting from the first bending portion 43, and a deformation promoting portion can be provided in the support member 40 by bending a part of the support member 40 to form such a simple structure.

[0134] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 shown, as an embodiment of the present invention, the support member 40 is connected to the bumper outer panel support member 18 via a connecting plate 50 (refer to Figure 4 , Figure 6 ). The connecting plate 50 includes a horizontal plate portion 51 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and supports the bumper outer panel support member 18, and a vertical plate portion 52 that extends downward from the horizontal plate portion 51 and is fixed to an upper position of the support member 40 compared to the first bending portion 43.

[0135] According to the above structure, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, the downward impact load can be effectively received by the horizontal plate portion 51 and efficiently transmitted to the first bending portion 43 below in the support member 40 via the vertical plate portion 52.

[0136] That is, when transmitting the load from the bumper outer panel support member 18 to the support member 40, there will be no accidental bending stress acting on the support member 40 or the like to cause the support member 40 to deform at a position other than the first bending portion 43, and the support member 40 can be effectively deformed at the target portion (the first bending portion 43).

[0137] Moreover, by fixing the support member 40 and the vertical plate portion 52 to each other, the overlapping portion will become stronger. Therefore, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, the load can be efficiently transmitted downward to the support member 40, effectively preventing the upper portion of the support member 40 from bending.

[0138] In addition, different from directly connecting the support member 40 and the bumper outer panel support member 18, by connecting the support member 40 to the bumper outer panel support member 18 via the connecting plate 50, it is easy to finely adjust the assembly height of the bumper outer panel support member 18 using the connecting plate 50.

[0139] As Figure 5 , Figure 6 shown, as an embodiment of the present invention, the vertical plate portion 52 extends downward from the rear end of the horizontal plate portion 51, and the horizontal plate portion 51 can support the bumper outer panel support member 18 in front of the vertical plate portion 52 (refer to Figure 4 , Figure 6 ).

[0140] According to the described structure, the vertical plate portion 52 extends downward from the rear end of the horizontal plate portion 51. Therefore, the horizontal plate portion 51 supports the bumper outer panel support member 18 from a position in front of the vertical plate portion 52. Thus, it is possible to support the bumper outer panel support member 18 at the front end position of the vehicle by the horizontal plate portion 51 as much as possible without arranging the support member 40 itself forward, and it is possible to shorten the length of the intermediate bracket 30 in the vehicle front-rear direction as much as possible.

[0141] Therefore, for example, in a vehicle with a high vehicle height, as the front end 2f of the engine hood 2 is retracted as much as possible, the distance between the bumper outer panel 3 and the upper shroud panel 15 in the vehicle front-rear direction becomes longer. However, the present invention allows the above structure and can suppress the length of the intermediate bracket 30 in the vehicle front-rear direction, thereby further ensuring the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel 3 in the normal state.

[0142] As Figure 5 、 Figure 6 shown, as an embodiment of the present invention, the front flange portion 32 (front end) of the intermediate bracket 30 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is mounted at a position above the first bent portion 43 in the up-down direction of the support member 40.

[0143] According to the described structure, even in a structure in which the bumper outer panel support member 18 is arranged in front of the upper shroud panel 15 as a body member, it is possible to ensure the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel 3 in the normal state. Moreover, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18 during a frontal collision, it is possible to minimize damage to auxiliary machines such as the radiator 19 caused by the deformation of the support member 40.

[0144] Specifically, as described above, in a structure in which the bumper outer panel support member 18 is supported in a cantilever manner from a position in front of the vertical plate portion 52 by the horizontal plate portion 51, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, a bending stress that causes the first extension portion 42 (upper portion compared to the first bent portion 43) of the support member 40 and the horizontal plate portion 51 to bend forward (tilt forward) acts on the first bent portion 43.

[0145] In this way, the support member 40 is also likely to bend at the first bent portion 43 due to the input of a load in the downward direction even in the normal state, which is not preferable.

[0146] In addition, if the first extension portion 42 of the support member 40 bends forward (tilts forward) and deforms, the first bent portion 43 will protrude rearward and deform, and the support member 40 may damage auxiliary machines such as the radiator 19, which is not preferable.

[0147] Regarding this problem, in the present embodiment, the front flange portion 32 of the intermediate bracket 30 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is installed at a position above the first bending portion 43 in the support member 40. Thus, when there is a downward load input to the bumper outer panel support member 18 under normal conditions, it is possible to prevent the upper portion of the support member 40 from being accidentally deformed in a forward-tilted posture. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the support rigidity and assembly accuracy of the bumper outer panel 3 under normal conditions.

[0148] On the other hand, when there is a downward impact load input to the bumper outer panel support member 18 during a collision, the upper portion of the support member 40 can be deformed at the first bending portion 43 in a posture that does not tilt forward. Therefore, it is possible to minimize damage to auxiliary machines such as the radiator 19.

[0149] As Figure 5 、 Figure 6 shown, as an embodiment of the present invention, the installation position of the intermediate bracket 30 on the support member 40 is below the horizontal plate portion 51.

[0150] According to the above structure, during a minor collision, in order to cause the first bending portion 43 of the support member 40, which is a deformation promoting portion, to bend and prevent the first bending portion 43 from facing the side of auxiliary machines such as the radiator 19 (the rear of the vehicle), the upper portion of the support member 40 relative to the first bending portion 43 is supported by the intermediate bracket 30 at a position below the horizontal plate portion 51, that is, at a position closer to the first bending portion 43. Thus, during a minor collision, it is possible to prevent the support member 40 from bending at the first bending portion 43 and the lower end of the first extension portion 42 from protruding rearward, thereby suppressing damage to auxiliary machines such as the radiator 19 by the support member 40.

[0151] As Figures 5 to 7 shown, as an embodiment of the present invention, support member reinforcing ridges 144 and 145 that continuously extend across the first bending portion 43 are formed in the extending direction of the support member 40, and a connecting plate reinforcing ridge 153 that continuously extends across the vertical plate portion 52 and the horizontal plate portion 51 is formed in the extending direction of the connecting plate 50. In a state where the vertical plate portion 52 is fixed to the support member 40, as Figure 7 shown, the support member reinforcing ridges 144 and the connecting plate reinforcing ridge 153 are formed at the same position in the vehicle width direction.

[0152] According to the above structure, the support member 40 will not accidentally deform at the first bending portion 43 under a downward load during normal conditions due to the support member reinforcing ridges 144 and 145, and it is possible to ensure the bending resistance.

[0153] In addition, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, the impact load can be efficiently transmitted to the horizontal plate portion 51, the vertical plate portion 52, and the support member 40 in sequence along the ridge lines (153, 144). That is, when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member 18, even in the process from the horizontal plate portion 51 to the vertical plate portion 52 where the direction needs to be changed from the vehicle front-rear direction to the up-down direction, or between different members from the vertical plate portion 52 to the support member 40, the impact load can be efficiently transmitted, and the support member 40 can be deformed effectively at the first bending portion 43.

[0154] The structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be formed in various embodiments.

[0155] Number description

[0156] 3…Bumper outer panel

[0157] 12…Bumper beam

[0158] 15…Upper shield panel (upper shield member, body member)

[0159] 18…Bumper outer panel support member

[0160] 18a…Bumper outer panel mounting hole (mounting portion)

[0161] 20…Outer bracket (bracket)

[0162] 30…Intermediate bracket (bracket, indirect bracket)

[0163] 40…Support member

[0164] 32…Front flange portion (front end)

[0165] 42…First extension portion

[0166] 43…First bending portion (deformation promoting portion, bending portion)

[0167] 44…Second extension portion

[0168] 51…Horizontal plate portion

[0169] 52…Vertical plate portion

[0170] 144…Support member reinforcing ridge line

[0171] 153…Connecting plate reinforcing ridge line

Claims

1. The front structure of a vehicle, characterized in that Comprising: A body member provided at the front of the vehicle body; A bumper outer panel support member extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the body member and having a mounting portion for mounting a bumper outer panel; A plurality of brackets connecting and fixing the body member and the bumper outer panel support member; A bumper beam extending in the vehicle width direction below the bumper outer panel support member; A support member connecting the bumper outer panel support member and the bumper beam in the vertical direction; wherein, The support member has a deformation promoting portion that is bent and deformed when an impact load in the downward direction is input to the bumper outer panel support member.

2. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket includes an indirect bracket that connects and fixes a shroud upper member as the body member and the bumper outer panel support member via the support member; The indirect bracket connects and fixes the shroud upper member and the support member between the shroud upper member and the support member.

3. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support member has a first extension portion extending downward, and a second extension portion that is inclined more forward as it goes downward from the lower end of the first extension portion via a bent portion as the deformation promoting portion.

4. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The support member is connected to the bumper outer panel support member via a connection plate, The connection plate includes: a horizontal plate portion extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and supporting the bumper outer panel support member, and a vertical plate portion extending downward from the horizontal plate portion and fixed to an upper position of the support member compared to the deformation promoting portion.

5. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The vertical plate portion extends downward from the rear end of the horizontal plate portion, and the horizontal plate portion supports the bumper outer panel support member in front of the vertical plate portion.

6. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front end of the indirect bracket extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is mounted at an upper position in the vertical direction of the support member compared to the deformation promoting portion.

7. The front structure of a vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The mounting position of the indirect bracket on the support member is located below the horizontal plate portion.

8. The front structure of a vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: A support member reinforcing rib line that continuously extends across the deformation promoting portion is formed in the extension direction of the support member. On the other hand, A connection plate reinforcing rib line that continuously extends across the vertical plate portion and the horizontal plate portion is formed in the extension direction of the connection plate, In a state where the vertical plate portion is fixed to the support member, the support member reinforcing rib line and the connection plate reinforcing rib line are formed at substantially the same position in the vehicle width direction.

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