Bumper reinforcement

Abstract

The bumper reinforcement (1) of the present invention includes: a metal main body (10), a reinforcing groove member (11), and a resin block (12). Mounting portions for the crash energy absorbing box (2) are formed near each end of the main body (10). The reinforcing groove member (11) includes a web (11A), an upper flange (11C), and a lower flange (11D) that overlap the outer panel, the upper panel (10C), and the lower panel of the main body (10) respectively at the mounting portions of the crash energy absorbing box (2). The reinforcing groove member (11) extends outward from each end of the main body (10). The resin block (12) is provided on the inner surface of the reinforcing groove member (11). The resin block (12) abuts or engages with each end of the main body (10) from the outer panel to the inner panel (10B) of the main body (10), and extends from each end to the outer edge (11E) of the reinforcing groove member (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bumper reinforcement installed at the front or rear of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A bumper reinforcement is installed at the front or rear of a vehicle body. More specifically, the bumper reinforcement is installed at the front ends of a pair of side members via crash energy absorbing boxes. When a vehicle collides, the bumper reinforcement receives an impact force, crushes the crash energy absorbing boxes on both sides, and transmits the impact force to the side members.

[0003] Especially at the front of the vehicle, a body structure effective for a collision in which an impact force is input to the lateral outside of the side member, so-called small overlap crash (sometimes also referred to as small offset crash), is desired. The actual collision form is studied because small overlap crashes occur frequently. To cope with small overlap crashes, a structure in which the end portion of the bumper reinforcement extends more laterally outward than the side member is sometimes adopted.

[0004] When an impact force acts on the central portion between a pair of side members of the bumper reinforcement, the impact force received by the central portion can be transmitted to the two side members while crushing the crash energy absorbing boxes on both sides. However, in the case of a small overlap crash in which an impact force acts on the laterally outer end of the bumper reinforcement, sometimes the end portion bends and cannot sufficiently receive the impact force, and is buckled and cannot sufficiently receive the impact force. In Patent Document 1 below, in consideration of small overlap crashes, a structure using a steel reinforcing pipe that connects the laterally outer end of the bumper reinforcement and the side member (suspension tower) is disclosed.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-535469

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, since an auxiliary reinforcing member for connecting the laterally outer end and the side member is required, the vehicle weight increases. The increase in weight leads to deterioration of the fuel consumption rate. The number of processes during body assembly also increases. In addition, the increase in the weight of the front / rear suspension of the vehicle body has a great influence on the vehicle's motion performance. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and high-strength bumper reinforcement that effectively functions against small overlap crashes. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention is characterized in that a bumper reinforcement is provided, which includes: a reinforcement main body, a reinforcing groove member, and a resin block. Collision energy absorption box mounting portions are formed near the respective ends of the reinforcement main body. The reinforcing groove member has a web, an upper flange, and a lower flange that overlap the outer panel, the upper panel, and the lower panel of the reinforcement main body at the collision energy absorption box mounting portions respectively. The reinforcing groove member is mounted on the respective ends so as to extend outward from the respective ends of the reinforcement main body. The resin block is provided on the inner surface of the reinforcing groove member. The resin block abuts or engages with the respective ends of the reinforcement main body from the outer panel to the inner panel of the reinforcement main body, and extends from the respective ends to the outer edge of the reinforcing groove member.

[0011] Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the above characteristics, it is possible to provide a lightweight and high-strength bumper reinforcement that effectively functions in a small overlap collision. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. is a perspective view of the bumper reinforcement according to the first embodiment as viewed from the outside of the vehicle.

[0014] Figure 2 FIG. is a perspective view of the above bumper reinforcement as viewed from the inside of the vehicle.

[0015] Figure 3A FIG. is an enlarged perspective view of the outer side end portion of the above bumper reinforcement.

[0016] Figure 3B FIG. is Figure 3A An enlarged perspective view of the end portion of the reinforcement main body of the above bumper reinforcement shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 4A FIG. is an enlarged perspective view of the outer side end portion of the bumper reinforcement according to Modification 1.

[0018] Figure 4B FIG. is Figure 4A An enlarged perspective view of the end portion of the reinforcement main body of the above bumper reinforcement shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 5A FIG. is an enlarged perspective view of the outer side end portion of the bumper reinforcement according to Modification 2.

[0020] Figure 5B FIG. is an enlarged perspective view of the outer side end portion of the bumper reinforcement according to Modification 3.

[0021] Figure 5C FIG. is an enlarged perspective view of the outer side end portion of the bumper reinforcement according to Modification 4.

[0022] Figure 6 FIG. is a perspective view in the case where the reinforcing groove member is bolted.

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bumper reinforcement of the second embodiment as observed from the outside of the vehicle.

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the above-described bumper reinforcement as observed from the inside of the vehicle. Detailed Embodiment

[0025] Hereinafter, the bumper reinforcement 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows a state in which a pair of crash energy absorbing boxes 2 are mounted on the bumper reinforcement 1 of the first embodiment. The crash energy absorbing boxes 2 are respectively mounted at the front ends of a pair of longitudinal beams (not shown) of the vehicle body. The bumper reinforcement 1 of the present embodiment is a front bumper reinforcement mounted on the front portion of the vehicle, but may also be a rear bumper reinforcement mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle.

[0027] The bumper reinforcement 1 includes: a metal reinforcement main body 10, reinforcement groove members 11 mounted at both ends of the reinforcement main body 10, and resin blocks 12 provided on the inner surfaces of the reinforcement groove members 11. The reinforcement main body 10 of the present embodiment is a long member having a hollow closed cross-section formed by aluminum extrusion. As Figure 3B shown, the reinforcement main body 10 is composed of an outer panel 10A, an inner panel 10B, an upper panel 10C, and a lower panel 10D. The outer panel 10A is located on the outside of the vehicle. The inner panel 10B is located on the inside of the vehicle. The upper panel 10C connects the upper edges of the outer panel 10A and the inner panel 10B, and the lower panel 10D connects the lower edges of the outer panel 10A and the inner panel 10B.

[0028] In addition, the reinforcement main body 10 only needs to have a hollow cross-section, and may not be a closed cross-section (for example, a C-shaped cross-section with a slit formed in the inner panel 10B in the longitudinal direction). The reinforcement main body 10 of the present embodiment is an aluminum extrusion, but may also be a stamped steel panel. In this case, a slit as described above may be formed. In addition, longitudinal ribs for improving strength and rigidity may be formed on the reinforcement main body 10.

[0029] The reinforcing member main body 10 of the present embodiment further has an inside panel 10E disposed between the outer panel 10A and the inner panel 10B inside thereof. The inside panel 10E is located at the center of the upper panel 10C and the lower panel 10D. In addition, a crash energy absorbing box mounting portion 10X for mounting the crash energy absorbing box 2 is formed near each end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10. The crash energy absorbing box mounting portion 10X of the present embodiment is composed of a pair of bolt insertion holes 10Y formed in the inner panel 10B and a pair of tool access holes 10Z formed in the outer panel 10A.

[0030] The shaft portion of a welding bolt (not shown) fixed to the crash energy absorbing box 2 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole 10Y. The bolt insertion hole 10Y is a horizontally long hole, and bolts are arranged at both ends thereof. A tool (socket) having a nut connected to the welding bolt enters the front end of the bolt through the tool access hole 10Z. The tool access hole 10Z is also a horizontally long hole, and its central axis is located at the same height as the central axis of the bolt insertion hole 10Y. Each crash energy absorbing box 2 is mounted to the crash energy absorbing box mounting portion 10X by four bolts. As will be described later, a tool access hole 11Z corresponding to the tool access hole 10Z is also formed in the reinforcing groove member 11 (see Figure 1 ).

[0031] The reinforcing groove member 11 of the present embodiment is made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic). The reinforcing groove member 11 may be made of FRP using reinforcing fibers other than carbon fiber (for example, glass fiber), or may be made of metal (for example, steel such as aluminum or (ultra) high tensile steel). However, FRP is more helpful for weight reduction than metal. The reinforcing fibers (carbon fibers) of the reinforcing groove member 11 are unidirectional continuous fibers and are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member main body 10. However, FRP using a cloth material in which reinforcing fibers are woven or FRP in which the orientation directions are crossed and laminated using unidirectional materials may also be used. In addition, the matrix resin of the FRP may be a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin.

[0032] The reinforcing groove member 11 has a web 11A, an upper flange 11C, and a lower flange 11D that overlap the outer panel 10A, the upper panel 10C, and the lower panel 10D of the reinforcing member main body 10 at the crash energy absorbing box mounting portion 10X, respectively. In the present embodiment, the reinforcing groove member 11 is integrated with the reinforcing member main body 10 when insert-molded with the reinforcing member main body 10, but may also be fixed to the reinforcing member main body 10 with a structural adhesive. The reinforcing groove member 11 extends outward from each end of the reinforcing member main body 10, and a resin block 12 is provided on the inner surface of the extending portion.

[0033] The resin block 12 of the present embodiment is made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced resin). The resin block 12 may also be made of FRP using reinforcing fibers other than carbon fibers (e.g., glass fibers). The reinforcing fibers (carbon fibers) of the resin block 12 are non-continuous fibers (short fibers), and the resin block 12 is formed by injection molding. Therefore, the matrix resin of the FRP is a thermoplastic resin. That is, the resin block 12 is made of CFRTP (carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic). The method of forming the reinforcing groove member 11 and the resin block 12 at the end of the reinforcing member main body 10 will be described in detail later.

[0034] The resin block 12 of the present embodiment includes: a base portion 12A, an extension portion 12B, and corner reinforcements 12C. The base portion 12A abuts against the end face (edge) of the reinforcing member main body 10. The extension portion 12B extends from the base portion 12A to the outer edge 11E of the reinforcing groove member 11 (see Figure 3A ). The corner reinforcements 12C are formed at both ends of the outer edge 11E, respectively.

[0035] The base portion 12A abuts almost entirely against the end face of the reinforcing member main body 10 (the edges of the panels 10A to 10E). In particular, the base portion 12A abuts against the end face of the reinforcing member main body 10 from the outer panel 10A to the inner panel 10B of the reinforcing member main body 10. In other words, the base portion 12A abuts against both the edge of the outer panel 10A and the edge of the inner panel 10B. The base portion 12A may only abut against the end face of the reinforcing member main body 10, or may further enter the inside of the reinforcing member main body 10 and be jointed to the end face of the reinforcing member main body 10. In the present embodiment, at the time of injection molding of the base portion 12A and the extension portion 12B, by filling the matrix resin into the Figure 3B position shown by the dotted line in the figure, the base portion 12A is jointed to the end face of the reinforcing member main body 10.

[0036] The width of the base 12A side of the extension part 12B (in the front-rear direction) is the same as the width of the reinforcement member main body 10. The width of the outer edge 11E of the extension part 12B is smaller than the width of its base 12A side. That is, the width of the extension part 12B gradually decreases from the base 12A toward the outer edge 11E. In addition, the height of the base 12A side of the extension part 12B gradually increases from the base 12A toward the outer edge 11E. The extension part 12B effectively suppresses the inward buckling of the reinforcement groove member 11. In addition, the corner reinforcement part 12C is formed to maintain the groove shape of the reinforcement groove member 11. In addition, the extension part 12B abuts against the inner panel 10E of the reinforcement member main body 10 via the base 12A. Therefore, the impact force input to the web 11A of the reinforcement groove member 11 is supported by the reinforcement member main body 10 via the extension part 12B and the inner panel 10E. As a result, the inward buckling of the reinforcement groove member 11 can be more firmly suppressed.

[0037] The reinforcement groove member 11 strengthens the collision energy absorption box mounting part 10X of the reinforcement member main body 10 from the outside, so the strength and rigidity of the collision energy absorption box mounting part 10X are improved. Therefore, in the event of a small overlap collision, the bumper reinforcement 1 can be prevented from buckling inward at the collision energy absorption box mounting part 10X. Since the collision energy absorption box mounting part 10X is formed with a bolt insertion hole 10Y and a tool access hole 10Z and is supported by the collision energy absorption box 2 (longitudinal beam) from the rear, it is easily crushed. The reinforcement groove member 11 suppresses this crushing. At this time, the FRP-made reinforcement groove member 11 with excellent tensile strength can effectively withstand the impact force and also contributes to weight reduction.

[0038] Furthermore, the unidirectional continuous fibers of the reinforcement groove member 11 are oriented in the length direction of the reinforcement member main body 10. Therefore, the tensile force acting on the reinforcement groove member 11 caused by the impact force can be effectively resisted. FRP can effectively resist the tensile force acting in the orientation direction of the reinforcing fibers. In addition, as described above, in the case of using a fabric material (cloth material) FRP woven with reinforcing fibers or FRP in which the orientation directions of unidirectional materials are crossed and laminated, the tensile force acting in the length direction of the reinforcement member main body 10 can also be effectively resisted.

[0039] In addition, when the reinforcement groove member 11 is made of metal, weight reduction can be achieved and the impact force can be effectively resisted compared with the case of extending the reinforcement member main body 10. In particular, if the reinforcement member main body 10 is made of lightweight aluminum and the reinforcement groove member 11 is made of (ultra) high-tensile steel with excellent strength and rigidity, the bumper reinforcement 1 can be optimized according to its part from the viewpoints of strength and rigidity.

[0040] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, not only the above-described reinforcing groove member 11 is utilized, but also the resin block 12 is used to suppress the inward buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11. At this time, since the resin block 12 is made of resin, it contributes to weight reduction and can effectively counteract the tensile force acting on the resin block 12 caused by the impact force. In addition, as described above, since the positional relationship between the extended portion 12B of the resin block 12 and the inner panel 10E of the reinforcing member main body 10 is optimized, the inward buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 can also be suppressed from this point of view.

[0041] Therefore, even in a small overlap collision, the impact force can be effectively transmitted to the crash energy absorber 2, and the crash energy absorber 2 can be crushed to effectively absorb energy. Furthermore, even after the crash energy absorber 2 is completely crushed, the impact force can be effectively transmitted to the longitudinal beam. Here, if the resin block 12 enters the interior from the end of the reinforcing member main body 10, the reinforcing member main body 10 can be more effectively prevented from being crushed by the crash energy absorber mounting portion 10X.

[0042] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This represents Modification 1. Hereinafter, only the structures different from those of the above-described Embodiment 1 will be described. For the structures that are the same as or equivalent to those of the above-described First Embodiment, the repeated description thereof will be omitted. In this modification, the reinforcing member main body 10 as an aluminum extruded member has two inner panels 10E. And, the height (in the vertical direction) of the extended portion 12B of the resin block 12 is increased to cover both of these two inner panels 10E.

[0043] By doing so, the extended portion 12B abuts against the two inner panels 10E via the base portion 12A. Therefore, the impact force input to the web 11A of the reinforcing groove member 11 is supported by the reinforcing member main body 10 via the extended portion 12B and the two inner panels 10E. As a result, the inward buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 can be more firmly suppressed.

[0044] In addition, in this modification, the end portion 12D of the resin block 12 on the outer edge 11E side of the reinforcing groove member 11 extends from the lower flange 11D to the upper flange 11C on the web 11A. In other words, the end portion 12D of the resin block 12 is integrally formed with the corner reinforcing portion 12C of the first embodiment. The outer edge 11E of the reinforcing groove member 11 is an open end and is weak from the viewpoints of strength and rigidity. Therefore, by further strengthening the outer edge 11E using the end portion 12D of the resin block 12, the buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 can be more effectively suppressed. This configuration can also be applied to the above-described First Embodiment.

[0045] Furthermore, in this modified example, the base portion 12A extends outward from the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10 along the upper flange 11C and also extends outward from the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10 along the lower flange 11D (refer to a pair of extended portions 12E in FIG. 5). By forming the extended portion 12E in this way, the impact force input to the reinforcing groove member 11 during a small overlap collision can be effectively transmitted to the reinforcing member main body 10 via the upper flange 11C, the lower flange 11D, and the extended portion 12E. Therefore, the buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 inward can be suppressed more effectively. This structure can also be applied to the above-described first embodiment.

[0046] This modified example only increases the weight of the volume increase of one internal panel 10E and the resin block 12 compared to the first embodiment. However, their weights are not that large. Regarding the resin block 12, since it is resin, the weight increase is small. But in return, high strength and rigidity can be achieved. Therefore, any one can be appropriately selected considering factors such as vehicle weight. In addition, as described above, the end portion 12D or the extended portion 12E can also be selectively applied to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figures 5A to 5C Modified examples 2 to 4 regarding the shape of the resin block 12 are respectively shown. For structures that are the same as or equivalent to those of the above-described first embodiment, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted. In Figure 5A In the shown modified example 2, the extended portion 12E of modified example 1 is extended to the corner reinforcing portion 12C. With this structure, the effects of the above-described extended portion 12E can be obtained, and the outer edge 11E (open end) of the reinforcing groove member 11 can be strengthened. In addition, the weight increase of the resin block 12 is also small.

[0048] In Figure 5B In the shown modified example 3, the resin block 12 has an E-shaped cross-section and has a form in which the extended portion 12B and a pair of extended portions 12E (including the corner reinforcing portion 12C) are integrated by a single panel on the inside. Although not observable in Figure 5B the resin block 12 also has a base portion 12A. With this structure, the effects of the extended portion 12E of the above-described modified example 2 can be obtained. In addition, since the extended portion 12B and the extended portion 12E are integrated on the inside, the strength and rigidity of the resin block 12 can be further enhanced.

[0049] In Figure 5CIn the fourth modification example shown, the resin block 12 has a solid rectangular parallelepiped shape that contacts the entire inner surface of the extending portion extending from the reinforcing member main body 10 of the reinforcing groove member 11. That is, in this modification example, the internal space of the resin block 12 in the above-described third modification example is filled (the base portion 12A, the extending portion 12B, and the extending portion 12E including the corner reinforcing portion 12C are all integrated). With this structure, the effects of the resin block 12 in the above-described third modification example can be obtained, and the strength and rigidity of the resin block 12 can be further enhanced.

[0050] Next, a method of forming the reinforcing groove member 11 and the resin block 12 at the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10 will be described. Although various methods can be considered, several examples will be described.

[0051] The reinforcing groove member 11 of the present embodiment is made of FRP, but first, an example in the case where the reinforcing groove member 11 is made of metal will be described. The resin block 12 is formed on the inner surface of the reinforcing groove member 11 in advance. Then, this member is attached to the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10. First, a metal panel is stamped to form the reinforcing groove member 11. A tool access hole 11Z is also formed in the reinforcing groove member 11. Next, the inner surface of the reinforcing groove member 11 that contacts the resin block 12 is subjected to a surface treatment. The surface treatment is a roughening treatment for improving the bonding strength with the resin block 12.

[0052] The roughening treatment may be sandblasting, but in the present embodiment, fine recesses are formed on the inner surface by chemical treatment. The fine recesses formed by chemical treatment have a shape that expands in their depths. Therefore, the resin of the injection-molded resin block 12 enters the fine recesses and cures, exerting an anchoring effect. The resin block 12 is formed by injection molding a discontinuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin in a molding die in which the reinforcing groove member 11 is previously provided inside (so-called insert molding).

[0053] Then, the integrated reinforcing groove member 11 and resin block 12 are attached to the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10 using a structural adhesive. In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the reinforcing groove member 11 and the resin block 12 may also be attached to the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10 by bolts 13B and nuts 13N. In this case, it is possible to access the head of the bolt 13B through the tool access holes 10Z and 11Z. Alternatively, a welding nut may be attached to the reinforcing member main body 10, and the bolt may be tightened from the outside. In addition, the reinforcing groove member 11 and the resin block 12 may also be attached to the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10 by rivets.

[0054] Next, an example of the case where the reinforcing groove member 11 is made of FRP will be described. The reinforcing groove member 11 and the resin block 12 are insert-molded together with the reinforcing member main body 10. Surface treatment is performed on the surface of the reinforcing member main body 10 that comes into contact with the reinforcing groove member 11 and the resin block 12. This surface treatment is the same as the above-described surface treatment, and fine recesses capable of obtaining an anchoring effect are formed by chemical treatment. Here, surface treatment is also performed on the end face (edge) of the reinforcing member main body 10 that comes into contact with the base portion 12A of the resin block 12.

[0055] In addition, here, since the resin block 12 is formed to enter the inside of the reinforcing member main body 10, surface treatment is also performed on the inner surface of the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10. Next, the continuous fiber-reinforced resin forming the reinforcing groove member 11 is set into the molding die. When the continuous fiber-reinforced resin is a thermosetting resin, a preform is set into the molding die. When the continuous fiber-reinforced resin is a thermoplastic resin, a sheet that has been preheated and softened is set into the molding die.

[0056] Next, the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10 is also set into the molding die, the molding die is closed, and the resin block 12 is injection-molded. The resin block 12 is formed by injection-molding a discontinuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin (so-called insert molding). When the continuous fiber-reinforced resin of the reinforcing groove member 11 is a thermosetting resin, the molding die is preheated, and after the thermosetting resin is liquefied and then gelled to start the thermosetting reaction, the resin block 12 is injection-molded. In this case, the cavity in the molding die can also be evacuated. In addition, the tool entry hole 11Z of the reinforcing groove member 11 can be formed in the preform or the sheet in advance, or can be formed after injection molding.

[0057] When injecting the resin block 12, it is necessary to restrict the excessive intrusion of the injected thermoplastic resin into the inside of the reinforcing member main body 10. In the present embodiment, a foamed resin is previously disposed inside the reinforcing member main body 10 to restrict the intrusion of the injected thermoplastic resin. The position of the foamed resin is restricted by a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the molding die inserted into the inside of the reinforcing member main body 10 through the tool entry hole 10Z. Alternatively, a jig for restricting the excessive intrusion of the thermoplastic resin can be disposed inside the reinforcing member main body 10 by using the tool entry hole 10Z. The jig is removed after the injection molding of the resin block 12. Alternatively, a foamed member can be filled inside the reinforcing member main body 10, and when forming the tool entry hole 11Z of the reinforcing groove member 11 after forming the resin block 12, the foamed member is cut simultaneously.

[0058] According to the present embodiment (and its modification examples 1 to 3), at the crash energy absorbing box mounting portion 10X, the reinforcing groove member 11 is mounted on the reinforcing member main body 10. Here, the web 11A, the upper flange 11C, and the lower flange 11D of the reinforcing groove member 11 overlap the outer panel 10A, the upper panel 10C, and the lower panel 10D of the reinforcing member main body 10, respectively. The reinforcing groove member 11 extends outward from each end of the reinforcing member main body 10, and a resin block 12 is provided on the inner surface of the extending portion. The resin block 12 abuts or engages (base portion 12A) with each end of the reinforcing member main body 10 from the outer panel 10A to the inner panel 10B of the reinforcing member main body 10. In addition, the resin block 12 extends from each end of the reinforcing member main body 10 to the outer edge 11E of the reinforcing groove member 11 (extended portion 12B).

[0059] Since the reinforcing groove member 11 covers the crash energy absorbing box mounting portion 10X of the reinforcing member main body 10, buckling of the reinforcing member main body 10 at the crash energy absorbing box mounting portion 10X can be prevented during a small overlap collision. In addition, since a resin block 12 is formed on the inner surface of the extending portion of the reinforcing groove member 11 that extends from the end of the reinforcing member main body 10, buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 inward can be prevented. In particular, the resin block 12 (extended portion 12B) extends from each end of the reinforcing member main body 10 to the outer edge 11E. Further, the resin block 12 (base portion 12A) abuts or engages with each end of the reinforcing member main body 10 from the outer panel 10A to the inner panel 10B. Therefore, the resin block 12 can effectively counter the impact force input to the web 11A of the reinforcing groove member 11 and prevent the reinforcing groove member 11 from buckling inward. That is, via the extended portion 12B and the base portion 12A, the impact force can be effectively borne by the end face (end edge) of the reinforcing member main body 10. As a result, the impact force during a small overlap collision can be reliably transmitted to the crash energy absorbing box 2 and the longitudinal beam. In addition, since the resin block 12 is made of resin, an increase in weight can also be suppressed.

[0060] If only metal is used to implement a bumper reinforcing member having the same strength and rigidity as the present embodiment, its weight will become very heavy. On the other hand, if only FRP is used to implement a bumper reinforcing member having the same strength and rigidity as the present embodiment, the manufacturing cost becomes high and the yield is also poor. In the present embodiment, by forming a hybrid structure of metal and FRP, an increase in weight is suppressed while high strength and rigidity are achieved. At this time, an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed, and a deterioration in yield can also be suppressed.

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment (and its modification examples 1 to 3), the reinforcing groove member 11 is made of metal or continuous fiber FRP, and the resin block 12 is made of discontinuous fiber FRTP. Since the reinforcing groove member 11 is made of metal or continuous fiber FRP, it can effectively withstand the impact force during the above-mentioned small overlap collision. In particular, if the reinforcing groove member 11 is made of continuous fiber FRP, in addition to the resin block 12, the reinforcing groove member 11 is also formed of resin, so that an increase in weight can be further suppressed.

[0062] In addition, since the resin block 12 is made of discontinuous fiber FRTP, the resin block 12 can also effectively withstand the above-mentioned impact force, and the resin block 12 can be formed by injection molding. Since the resin block 12 can be formed by injection molding, the shape of the resin block 12 can be optimized, and an increase in the weight of the resin block 12 can be suppressed. Through such a reinforcing groove member 11 and resin block 12, inward buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 can be more effectively suppressed. By suppressing the inward buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11, a small overlap collision can be effectively resisted.

[0063] Furthermore, here, the reinforcing groove member 11 is made of unidirectional continuous fiber FRP, and the continuous fiber is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member main body 10. When a tensile force acts on the reinforcing groove member 11 during a small overlap collision, it is in the orientation direction of the continuous fiber, so the reinforcing groove member 11 can effectively withstand the tensile force.

[0064] In addition, in Modification Example 1 of the present embodiment (refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B ), the end portion of the resin block 12 on the outer edge 11E side of the reinforcing groove member 11 extends from the lower flange 11D to the upper flange 11C on the web 11A. Therefore, the strength and rigidity of the open end of the reinforcing groove member 11, that is, the outer edge 11E, are improved, and buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 is more effectively prevented.

[0065] In addition, in Modification Examples 1 to 2 of the present embodiment (refer to Figures 4A to 5B ), the base portion 12A of the resin block 12 on the reinforcing member main body 10 side extends outward along the upper flange 11C and the lower flange 11D from each end of the reinforcing member main body 10 (extension portion 12E). Therefore, during a small overlap collision, the impact force input to the reinforcing groove member 11 can be effectively transmitted to the reinforcing member main body 10 via the upper flange 11C, the lower flange 11D, and the extension portion 12E. As a result, inward buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment (and Modifications 1 to 3), the reinforcing member main body 10 has an inner panel 10E, and the end portion on the side of the reinforcing member main body 10 of the extending portion 12B of the resin block 12 (via the base portion 12A) also abuts against the edge of the inner panel 10E. Therefore, the impact force input to the web 11A of the reinforcing groove member 11 is supported by the reinforcing member main body 10 via the extending portion 12B and the inner panel 10E. As a result, buckling of the reinforcing groove member 11 inward can be more effectively suppressed.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment (and Modifications 1 to 3), the resin block 12 (base portion 12A) enters the inside of the reinforcing member main body 10. Therefore, tipping of the resin block 12 relative to the reinforcing member main body 10 can be suppressed, and thus bending of the reinforcing plate 11 inward can be more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the impact force input to the reinforcing groove member 11 can be reliably transmitted to the reinforcing member main body 10 via the resin block 12. Furthermore, the resin block 12 that enters the inside from the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10 effectively prevents the collision energy absorption box mounting portion 10X from being crushed.

[0068] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The bumper reinforcing member 1 showing the second embodiment is described below. Hereinafter, only the structure different from the first embodiment will be described. In addition, the above-described various modifications are also applicable to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the extending portion of the reinforcing groove member 11 extending from the reinforcing member main body 10 is bent inward with respect to the extended imaginary plane VP of the outer panel 10A of the reinforcing member main body 10. The materials and forming methods of the respective components are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. In this way, the same effects as those in the first embodiment described above can also be obtained.

[0069] In terms of aerodynamic design or appearance design, it is required to round off the four corners of the vehicle. If the four corners of the vehicle are rounded off, the handling performance of the vehicle is also improved. In this case, it is necessary to bend the outside of the longitudinal beam of the bumper reinforcing member 1 inward as in the present embodiment. When the entire bumper reinforcing member is formed of a single metal strip material, the extending portion extending from the side beam buckles during a small overlap collision (see the background art). However, according to the present embodiment, since the strength and rigidity of the extending portion can be improved, it is also possible to sufficiently withstand a small overlap collision.

[0070] In addition, in a small overlap collision in which an impact force is input from the front (rear) of the vehicle, if the impact force is input to the extending portion bent inward, a part of the impact force acts as a force for moving the front portion of the vehicle laterally, and the impact force can be offset. As a result, it is also possible to prevent the impact force from being input to the wheel and causing the wheel to collide with the lower portion of the A-pillar (the lowermost portion at the front end of the passenger compartment space). Furthermore, since it is also easy to withstand the impact force obliquely input to the extending portion bent inward, the collision resistance performance is improved.

[0071] Further, in the present embodiment, the above-described extension portion of the reinforcing groove member 11 is bent at an angle with respect to the outer panel 10A. However, the extension portion may be gently bent with respect to the outer panel 10A and disposed inside the extended imaginary plane VP.

[0072] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, when the reinforcing groove member 11 is made of FRP, the pre-integrated reinforcing groove member 11 and the resin block 12 may be attached to the end portion of the reinforcing member main body 10.

[0073] Reference Signs

[0074] 1: Bumper Reinforcing Member

[0075] 2: Crash Box

[0076] 10: Reinforcing Member Main Body

[0077] 10A: Outer Panel

[0078] 10B: Inner Panel

[0079] 10C: Upper Panel

[0080] 10D: Lower Panel

[0081] 10E: Inner Panel

[0082] 10X: Crash Box Attachment Portion

[0083] 11: Reinforcing Groove Member

[0084] 11A: Web

[0085] 11C: Upper Flange

[0086] 11D: Lower Flange

[0087] 11E: Outer Edge

[0088] 12: Resin Block

[0089] 12A: Base

[0090] 12B: Extended Portion

[0091] 12C: Corner Reinforcing Portion

[0092] 12D: End

[0093] 12E: Extension

[0094] VP: Extended Imaginary Plane

Claims

1. A bumper reinforcement, comprising: A reinforcement main body, which is a long metal component with a hollow cross-section; Collision energy absorption box mounting parts, which are formed near each end of the reinforcement main body; Reinforcement groove components, which have webs, upper flanges and lower flanges that overlap the outer panel, upper panel and lower panel of the reinforcement main body respectively at the collision energy absorption box mounting parts, and are mounted at each end in a manner extending outward from each end; Resin blocks, which are provided on the inner surface of the reinforcement groove components, and abut or join with each end from the outer panel to the inner panel of the reinforcement main body, and extend from each end to the outer edge of the reinforcement groove components; The outer edges of the reinforcement groove components are provided with webs, upper flanges and lower flanges, and the resin blocks extend to the outer edges of the webs.

2. The bumper reinforcement according to claim 1, wherein: The extending parts of the reinforcement groove components extending from the reinforcement main body are bent or curved inward with respect to the extended imaginary plane of the outer panel of the reinforcement main body.

3. The bumper reinforcement according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement groove components are made of metal or continuous fiber FRP, and the resin blocks are made of discontinuous fiber FRTP.

4. The bumper reinforcement according to claim 3, wherein: The reinforcement groove components are made of unidirectional continuous fiber FRP, and the continuous fibers are oriented along the length direction of the reinforcement main body.

5. The bumper reinforcement according to claim 1, wherein: The end portions of the resin blocks on the outer edge side of the reinforcement groove components extend from the lower flange to the upper flange on the webs.

6. The bumper reinforcement according to claim 1, wherein: The bases of the resin blocks on the reinforcement main body side extend outward along the upper flanges from each end of the reinforcement main body, and extend outward along the lower flanges from each end of the reinforcement main body.

7. The bumper reinforcement according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement main body has an inner panel provided between the outer panel and the inner panel inside it, The end portions of the resin blocks on the reinforcement main body side of the extending parts extending to the outer edges of the reinforcement groove components abut against the end edges of the inner panel.

8. The bumper reinforcement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The end portions of the resin blocks on the reinforcement main body side enter the interior of the reinforcement main body.

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