Front portion structure of vehicle body

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle front structure capable of protecting a sensor at the time of collision within a limited arrangement space without impairing the degree of freedom of design and layout of a bumper. A vehicle front structure (1) of the present invention includes a front bumper (2) having a lower opening portion (12), an air guide member (4) arranged behind the front bumper (2) and guiding external air taken in from the lower opening portion (12) to the rear, and a parking sensor (8) attached to the front bumper (2), characterized in that a sensor protection member (13) is arranged between the parking sensor (8) and the air guide member (4), the sensor protection member (13) having a protection wall portion (14) having a gap with the air guide member (4) and extending in the vehicle width direction, and a side wall portion (15) extending forward from an end portion of the protection wall portion (14) on the lower opening portion (12) side and having a front end reaching a position adjacent to the front bumper (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the front structure of a vehicle body. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide pathways to achieve sustainable transportation systems that also take into account vulnerable groups among traffic participants, such as the elderly and children, have become increasingly active. To achieve this, research and development efforts are focused on further improving traffic safety and convenience through advancements involving improvements in vehicle collision safety performance.

[0003] Conventionally, sensor configuration structures for preventing collisions are known, where a sensor is disposed inside the upper component of the bumper (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, in this configuration, the bumper is composed of an upper component and a lower component, and is configured such that the connection between the upper and lower components is close to the longitudinal wall of the bumper beam.

[0004] With this design, even in the event of a collision, the connection between the upper and lower components will first contact the longitudinal wall of the bumper beam, thus preventing damage to the sensors.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-208500 Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, in conventional designs (for example, see Patent Document 1), the connection between the upper and lower components needs to be positioned opposite the longitudinal wall of the bumper beam. Therefore, conventional designs suffer from limitations in the freedom of choice regarding the placement of the bumper beam and the overall layout of the bumper.

[0009] Furthermore, when this structure is applied to the front of the vehicle body, a cooler such as a radiator and an air guide component for directing outside air to the cooler are present in the direction of sensor intrusion during a collision. Therefore, conventional structures also have the problem of difficulty in ensuring space for sensor placement at the front of the vehicle body.

[0010] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a front structure for a vehicle body that improves the vehicle's collision safety performance. Furthermore, it protects sensors during a collision within a limited space without compromising the design and layout freedom of the bumper. Moreover, it contributes to the development of sustainable transportation systems.

[0011] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, comprises: a front bumper having an opening; an air guide member disposed behind the front bumper and guiding external air taken in from the opening rearward; and a sensor mounted on the front bumper. The front vehicle structure is characterized in that a sensor protection member is disposed between the sensor and the air guide member, the sensor protection member having: a protective wall portion having a gap with the air guide member and extending in the vehicle width direction; and a side wall portion extending forward from the end of the protective wall portion on the opening side and reaching a position adjacent to the front bumper.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, a front body structure can be provided that improves the collision safety performance of the vehicle body, and furthermore, protects the sensors in a collision within a limited configuration space without compromising the design and layout freedom of the bumper. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an enlarged view of the front of a vehicle having the front structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view II-II.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of sensors, sensor protection components, air guiding components, and air intake grille in the front structure of the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a magnified 3D view showing what the sensor mounted on the rear side of the front bumper looks like when viewed from slightly above and to the left.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a magnified rear view of the front bumper where the sensors are installed.

[0019] Figure 6A This is a three-dimensional view of the sensor protection components.

[0020] Figure 6B This is a magnified perspective view showing what the sensor protection component covering the sensor mounted on the back side of the front bumper looks like, viewed from slightly above and to the left rear.

[0021] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B VIc-VIc sectional view.

[0022] Figure 7This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the sensor protection components when a collision load is input from the front of the vehicle body.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the action of the front bumper contacting the sensor protection component first, compared to the sensor itself.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 1. Front structure of the vehicle body

[0026] 2 front bumpers

[0027] 12. Lower opening (front bumper opening)

[0028] 4 Air guiding components

[0029] 8. Parking sensors (sensors)

[0030] 8a sensor body

[0031] 13 Sensor Protection Components

[0032] 14 Protective wall section

[0033] 15 Side wall section

[0034] 14a Rear wall portion

[0035] 14b Upper wall

[0036] 14c Anterior wall

[0037] 14d reinforced ribs

[0038] Distance between the rear wall of D1 and the parking sensor

[0039] Distance between the front wall and the front bumper of D2

[0040] 6 air intake grilles

[0041] 6a air intake grille frame

[0042] R is formed in the recess of the air intake grille frame.

[0043] 23 Mounting Base

[0044] 24 Width-direction extending ribs Detailed Implementation

[0045] Next, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description will be provided of the vehicle body front structure used to implement the present invention (implementation method). Furthermore, the arrows in the referenced drawings point in the directions of front, rear, up, down, left, and right, corresponding to the front, rear, up, down, left, and right directions of the vehicle body. Additionally, in the following description, the left-right direction of the vehicle body is sometimes referred to as the vehicle width direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the front structure of the vehicle body is arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, corresponding to the parking sensors arranged on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle body, but they have a symmetrical structure. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the front structure of the left side of the vehicle body is described, and the detailed description of the front structure of the right side of the vehicle body is omitted.

[0047] The following will first describe the vehicle body with this front structure, and then describe the front structure of the vehicle body in detail.

[0048] The Composition of the Car Body

[0049] Figure 1 This is a close-up view of the front of vehicle body 10. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view II-II.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, a front bumper (front bumper exterior part) 2 extends from the left and right at the front of the vehicle body 10. The front bumper 2 has an upper opening 11 and a lower opening 12.

[0051] Furthermore, the lower opening 12 of the upper opening 11 and the lower opening 12 is equivalent to the "opening" of the front bumper 2 as referred to in the technical solution.

[0052] At the lower opening 12 (opening), from the front side of the vehicle body 10 ( Figure 1 The front lower grille 7 with a honeycomb mesh is installed on the paper surface near the front side. Figure 1 In the middle, for ease of drawing, the lower opening 12 (opening) is represented by a dashed line (dotted line).

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower opening 12 is formed at the center of the front bumper 2 in the vehicle width direction, near the lower part. The lower opening 12 is located... Figure 1 The vehicle body shown is a rectangle that extends along the width of the vehicle when viewed from the front.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower opening 12 is positioned below the bumper beam (not shown) that extends along the vehicle width direction immediately behind the front bumper 2.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, a parking sensor 8 is installed on the front bumper 2. This parking sensor 8 is equivalent to the "sensor" referred to in the technical solution. However, the sensor in the front body structure 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the parking sensor 8; there is no particular limitation on the type of sensor as long as it is a device capable of detecting objects located in front of the vehicle body.

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the parking sensor 8 is mounted on the front bumper 2 adjacent to the lower opening 12, on the outer side of the lower opening 12 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, a mesh appearance piece 7a, identical to the lower grille 7, is applied to the lower part of the front bumper 2, such that it is integrally formed with the lower grille 7 even within a defined area where the lower opening 12 is not formed. This mesh appearance piece 7a is composed of mesh-like ribs formed on the surface of the front bumper 2. Thus, even with reduced thickness around the lower part of the front bumper 2, it is endowed with sufficient rigidity to resist greater wind pressure.

[0057] The upper opening 11 is formed above the bumper crossbeam (not shown). A front upper grille 5 with a honeycomb mesh is mounted on the upper opening 11. Although not shown, an air intake mechanism is arranged behind the upper opening 11 to guide air to the intake mechanism and cooling device for the internal combustion engine.

[0058] As Figure 1 Sectional view II-II Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body 10 has, from the front side, a front bumper 2 on which a parking sensor 8 is mounted, a sensor protection component 13, an air guide component 4, and an air intake grille 6. Additionally, although not shown in the diagram, the lower portion of the front bulkhead and the assembly of a cooling system including a radiator faces the rear of the air intake grille 6.

[0059] also, Figure 2 In the attached drawing, reference numeral 21 indicates the opening of the front bumper 2.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the parking sensor 8, sensor protection component 13, air guiding component 4, and air intake grille 6. Furthermore, for ease of drawing, Figure 3 This indicates that it will be installed on the front bumper 2 (see reference). Figure 2 The parking sensor 8 and sensor protection component 13 are retained on the side of the vehicle body 10 and the front bumper 2 (see reference) Figure 2 (This is what it looks like after it's been dismantled.) Also... Figure 3 In the diagram, grid lines are marked on the air guide component 4 to clarify the front-rear relationship between the sensor protection component 13 and the air intake grille 6.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the parking sensor 8 has a sensor body 8a and a connector 8b for connecting cables, such as power lines and signal lines, to the sensor body 8a. Furthermore, the sensor protection component 13 is formed by a plate that protects the parking sensor 8 from the rear. The parking sensor 8 and the sensor protection component 13 will be described in detail below.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, the air guiding component 4 has an upper rectifier 4a, a lower rectifier 4b, and a pair of side plates 4c connecting the two end edges of the upper rectifier 4a and the lower rectifier 4b in the vehicle width direction. However, in Figure 3 Only the left side panel 4c in the vehicle width direction of the pair of side panels 4c is shown.

[0063] And, as Figure 2 As shown, the left side panel 4c extends further forward from the side of the air intake grille 6, gradually moving outward in the direction of vehicle width. Figure 2 The sensor is tilted in a manner that displaces to the left, and is positioned immediately behind the sensor protection member 13 along the rear surface of the sensor protection member 13 outward in the vehicle width direction. Figure 2 (It bends in the way it extends to the left side).

[0064] Although the illustration is omitted, such an air guiding component 4 is in the form of a channel shape composed of a rectangular cross-section prism formed by the upper rectifier plate 4a, the lower rectifier plate 4b and a pair of side plates 4c.

[0065] and, Figure 3 The air guide component 4 shown is positioned on the front side of the air intake grille 6, directing air from the front lower grille 7 (see reference). Figure 1 The incoming airflow is directed toward the open air intake grille.

[0066] Furthermore, the air guiding component 4 in this embodiment is envisioned to be made of an elastomer such as a flexible resin or synthetic rubber. Among these, an air guiding component 4 made of resin is preferred.

[0067] Air intake grille 6 (reference) Figure 3 ) is located in the lower front grille 7 (refer to) Figure 1 The lower opening 12 of the installation (refer to) Figure 1 Behind it, and positioned at the lower front of the radiator (not shown). Figure 3 As shown, the air intake grille 6 in this embodiment is envisioned to have a frame 6a fixed to the front partition (not shown) and a damper portion 6b supported on the frame 6a.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the damper section 6b is configured to mainly include: a plurality of blocking fins 6b1 that rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vehicle width direction around the inner side of the frame 6a to open or block the inner side of the frame 6a in the front-rear direction; and a drive control section (not shown) that rotates these blocking fins 6b1 to control the opening and closing action based on the blocking fins 6b1.

[0069] Such an air intake grille 6 is controlled to be positioned such that it will be positioned above the lower front grille 7 (see reference). Figure 1 The lower opening 12 (refer to) Figure 1) side through channel-shaped air guiding component 4 (refer to Figure 3 The rearward-directed airflow is supplied to the radiator side at specified times as needed, or the aforementioned airflow is blocked.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the left longitudinal member 6a1 of the frame 6a constituting the air intake grille 6 is formed to be wider in the vehicle width direction. The width of this left longitudinal member 6a1 in the vehicle width direction is approximately equal to the width in the vehicle width direction of the sensor protection member 13, which will be described in detail later.

[0071] Furthermore, a recess R is formed on the front surface of the left longitudinal member 6a1 to accommodate the sensor protection member 13 when it tilts backward during a minor collision with the vehicle.

[0072] The recess R is shaped to mimic the rear surface shape of the sensor protection component 13.

[0073] The recess R will be explained together with the tilting action of the sensor protection component 13, which will be described later.

[0074] Front Structure of the Vehicle Body

[0075] Next, the front structure of the vehicle body 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the front structure 1 of the vehicle body in this embodiment is configured to have a sensor protection component 13 that covers and protects the parking sensor 8 mounted on the front bumper 2 from the rear.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the parking sensor 8 has a sensor body 8a with a generally cylindrical shape, which houses an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver; and a sensor body 8a extending outward from the rear of the sensor body 8a in the vehicle width direction. Figure 3 The connector part 8b is set in a protruding manner on the left side.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a magnified perspective view showing the parking sensor 8 mounted on the rear side of the front bumper 2 as seen from a slightly above and slightly diagonally left rear. Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged rear view of the front bumper 2, which is equipped with parking sensors 8.

[0079] In addition, Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 In the attached drawing, reference numeral 12 indicates the lower opening located on the front bumper 2.

[0080] like Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the parking sensor 8 is assembled on the sensor holder 9 and mounted on the front bumper 2 via the sensor holder 9.

[0081] Incidentally, the sensor holder 9 has: a cylindrical portion 9a in which the front portion of the generally cylindrical sensor body 8a is fitted; a pair of claw portions 9b that clamp the rear portion of the sensor body 8a from above and below; and a portion that supports the connector portion 8b from the rear portion of the sensor body 8a outward in the vehicle width direction. Figure 4 The extension 9c extends from the left side.

[0082] Furthermore, the sensor holder 9 is inserted into the mounting hole 22 of the front bumper 2, thereby mounting the parking sensor 8 on the front bumper 2. At this time, the front part of the sensor body 8a faces the front of the front bumper 2 in a manner capable of ultrasonic transmission and reception.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the back of the front bumper 2 has a sensor protection component 13 for mounting (see reference 13), which will be described later. Figure 3 Mounting base 23; width-direction extending rib 24; and sensor protection component 13 (see reference) Figure 3 Positioning part 25.

[0084] These mounting bases 23, the width-direction extending ribs 24, and the positioning parts 25 are configured such that each has a pair in a symmetrical manner in the upper and lower positions where the parking sensor 8 is sandwiched in the middle.

[0085] The mounting base 23 is cylindrical in shape, protruding from the back of the front bumper 2 at a specified height. A sensor protection component 13 (see reference 1) is formed on this mounting base 23. Figure 3 Screw hole 23a for screw fixing. Incidentally, in sensor protection component 13 (refer to...) Figure 3 The mounting base 23 has screw holes 16 formed on it in a manner corresponding to the mounting base 23 (see reference). Figure 6A ).

[0086] The width-direction extending rib 24 is erected on the back of the front bumper 2 at a height approximately the same as that of the mounting base 23, and extends to both sides in the vehicle width direction with the mounting base 23 as the center.

[0087] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the width-direction extending rib 24 has: a connection to the mounting base 23 and an outward extension in the vehicle width direction ( Figure 5 The outer portion 24a extending in the vehicle width direction (left side) with a first width W1; and the portion connected to the mounting base 23 and extending inward in the vehicle width direction ( Figure 5 The inner portion 24b in the vehicle width direction (right side) extends with a second width W2 that is longer than the first width W1.

[0088] Furthermore, the outer portion 24a of the width-direction extending rib 24 extends from the mounting base 23, extending to the outer side in the vehicle width direction compared to the sensor body portion 8a. Additionally, the inner portion 24b of the width-direction extending rib 24 extends from the mounting base 23, extending to the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the sensor body portion 8a.

[0089] like Figure 4 As shown, the positioning part 25 comprises: a rib 25a erected on the back of the front bumper 2 and integrally connected to the end of the rib 24 extending in the vehicle width direction relative to the width direction; and a cross-shaped protrusion 25b formed at the rear end of the rib 25a. Incidentally, the positioning part 25 connects the protrusion 25b to the sensor protection member 13 (described later) Figure 6A ) engagement hole 17 (refer to) Figure 6A The sensor protection component 13 is fitted together, which determines the installation position of the sensor protection component 13 relative to the front bumper 2.

[0090] Furthermore, if relative to the front bumper 2 (refer to...) Figure 2 The sensor protection component 13 is configured at the specified installation location (refer to...). Figure 2 Then, as described later, the width-direction extending rib 24 (refer to...) Figure 6C The rear end of the sensor becomes the sensor protection component 13 (refer to...) Figure 6C Adjacent to each other in the vicinity of ).

[0091] Next, the sensor protection component 13 will be described.

[0092] Figure 6A This is a three-dimensional view of the sensor protection component 13. Figure 6B This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing what the sensor protection component 13, which is covered by the parking sensor 8 mounted on the rear side of the front bumper 2, looks like when viewed from slightly above and to the left rear. Figure 6C yes Figure 6B VIc-VIc sectional view.

[0093] like Figure 6A As shown, the sensor protection component 13 is constructed from a curved plate. In this embodiment, the sensor protection component 13 is envisioned as a rigid resin molded product.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor protection component 13 in this embodiment is envisioned to be formed of a plate that is thicker than the air guiding component 4.

[0095] like Figure 6A As shown, the sensor protection component 13 has a protective wall portion 14 and a side wall portion 15.

[0096] like Figure 2 As shown, the protective wall 14 has a gap between itself and the air guiding component 4 (the left side panel 4c) and extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the sidewall portion 15 extends forward from the end of the protective wall portion 14 on the side of the lower opening 12 of the front bumper 2. Furthermore, the sidewall portion 15 extends to a position where its front end is adjacent to the back of the front bumper 2.

[0098] also, Figure 6A In the attached diagram, reference numeral 16 is used in conjunction with the front bumper 2 (see reference 2). Figure 4 Mounting base 23 (refer to) Figure 4 The screw insertion holes are set in a manner corresponding to the positioning part 25 in the front bumper 2. Figure 4 (Refer to) protrusion 25b ( Figure 4 The locking holes are set in the same manner as (refer to).

[0099] like Figure 6B As shown, the protective wall portion 14 has: a rear wall portion 14a extending in the vehicle width direction behind the parking sensor 8; an upper wall portion 14b extending forward approximately horizontally from the upper end of the rear wall portion 14a above the parking sensor 8; and a front wall portion 14c extending upward from the front end of the upper wall portion 14b.

[0100] In addition, the sensor protection component 13 has a reinforcing rib 14d with a planar shape of a right triangle at the corner of the inner angle formed by the front wall portion 14c and the upper wall portion 14b.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reinforcing ribs 14d are arranged in three along the vehicle width direction, but the number of reinforcing ribs 14d is not limited to this and can be increased or decreased.

[0102] And, as Figure 6B As shown, the sensor protection component 13 is positioned relative to the front bumper 2 by inserting the engagement hole 17 of the sensor protection component 13 into the protrusion 25b of the positioning part 25 of the front bumper 2.

[0103] Thus, the screw insertion hole 16 of the sensor protection component 13 is configured to correspond to the mounting base 23 of the front bumper 2.

[0104] Furthermore, the sensor protection component 13 is mounted on the front bumper 2 by screwing the screw (not shown) through the screw through hole 16 into the screw hole 23a of the mounting base 23.

[0105] like Figure 6CAs shown, the lower part of the front bumper 2, on which the sensor protection component 13 of this embodiment is mounted, is tilted in a manner that gradually shifts backward as it tends to move downward.

[0106] On the other hand, the sensor protection component 13 sandwiches the upper wall portion 14b between the front wall portion 14c and the rear wall portion 14a to absorb the front-to-back layer difference between the front wall portion 14c and the rear wall portion 14a.

[0107] Therefore, on the sensor protection component 13 mounted on the inclined front bumper 2, an upper wall portion 14b, which serves as a horizontal wall, is formed between the front wall portion 14c, which is a vertical wall, and the rear wall portion 14a. Furthermore, the rear wall portion 14a, serving as a vertical wall, is positioned at a predetermined interval relative to the parking sensor 8 in the longitudinal direction. The upper wall portion 14b, serving as a horizontal wall, is positioned at a predetermined interval relative to the parking sensor 8 in the vertical direction.

[0108] Additionally, as will be explained later, it is desirable to set the distance D1 between the rear wall portion 14a and the parking sensor 8 to be greater than the distance D2 between the front wall portion 14c and the front bumper 2 (D1 > D2).

[0109] Furthermore, the rear end of the rib extending in the width direction 24 is configured as described above to be adjacent to the front wall portion 14c and the rear wall portion 14a in the sensor protection member 13.

[0110] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the sensor protection component 13 when a minor collision load F is input from the front of the vehicle body 10.

[0111] like Figure 7 As shown, when a collision load F is input via a collision object (not shown) that contacts the front of the vehicle body 10, because the front bumper 2, on which the sensor protection component 13 is mounted, is tilted as described above, the upper part contacts the collision object first compared to the lower part (not shown). Therefore, the sensor protection component 13 mounted on the front bumper 2 moves along with the front bumper 2... Figure 7 The direction of the white arrow shown indicates rotation. Specifically, the front wall portion 14c rotates rearward around the lower part of the rear wall portion 14a.

[0112] At this time, the sensor protection component 13 and the left side plate 4c of the air guiding component 4 (refer to...) Figure 2 (arrival)

[0113] However, as described above, compared to the sensor protection component 13, which is made of a rigid resin molded article, the air guiding component 4 is formed of an elastomer such as a flexible resin or synthetic rubber. Furthermore, the sensor protection component 13, as described above, is formed of a plate that is thicker than the air guiding component 4.

[0114] Therefore, the sensor protection component 13, which receives the collision load F, deforms the air guiding component 4 while... Figure 7 The central part tilts towards the left longitudinal component 6a1 of the air intake grille 6, as indicated by the dotted line.

[0115] Furthermore, the tilted sensor protection component 13 is housed in the recess R of the left longitudinal component 6a1, which mimics the shape of the rear surface of the sensor protection component 13.

[0116] Effects and Functions

[0117] The following explains the function and effect of the front structure 1 of the vehicle body in this embodiment.

[0118] In the front structure 1 of this embodiment, the sensor protection component 13 is disposed between the parking sensor 8 (sensor) and the air guide component 4. The sensor protection component 13 protects the parking sensor 8 (sensor) from behind it, which is mounted on the front bumper 2.

[0119] According to this front body structure 1, unlike the conventional structure that protects the sensor by limiting the rearward range of the bumper toward the bumper beam (for example, see Patent Document 1), the parking sensor 8 can be protected without compromising the degree of freedom of the layout of the front bumper 2.

[0120] In addition, in the front structure 1 of the vehicle body, the sensor protection component 13 has a protective wall 14 extending in the vehicle width direction behind the parking sensor 8.

[0121] With this front body structure 1, the air guide component 4 can be prevented from directly contacting the parking sensor 8 in the event of a minor collision by means of the protective wall 14. Therefore, the front body structure 1 allows the parking sensor 8 and the air guide component 4 to be positioned close together, increasing design flexibility.

[0122] In addition, in the front structure 1 of the vehicle body, the sensor protection component 13 has a side wall portion 15 extending forward from the end of the protection wall portion 14 on the side of the lower opening portion 12 of the front bumper 2.

[0123] According to this front body structure 1, outside air taken in from the lower opening 12 can be guided to the rear air guide member 4 through the side wall portion 15. Therefore, even in vehicles where a parking sensor 8 is positioned between the front bumper 2 and the air guide member 4, the front body structure 1 will not impair the air guiding function between the lower opening 12 of the front bumper 2 and the air guide member 4. Furthermore, the side wall portion 15 provides more reliable protection for the parking sensor 8.

[0124] In addition, in the front structure 1 of the vehicle body, the sensor protection component 13 has a reinforcing rib 14d at the corner of the inner angle formed by the front wall portion 14c and the upper wall portion 14b.

[0125] According to this front body structure 1, when the collision load during a minor collision is input to the sensor protection component 13, the deformation of the front wall portion 14c and the upper wall portion 14b can be suppressed by the reinforcing rib 14d. As a result, the front body structure 1 can prevent the deformed sensor protection component 13 from contacting the parking sensor 8, thereby more reliably preventing damage to the parking sensor 8 during a minor collision.

[0126] In addition, in the front structure 1 of the vehicle body, the sensor protection component 13 is formed by a plate that is thicker than the air guiding component 4.

[0127] According to this front body structure 1, the sensor protection component 13 can be prevented from deforming even if it is pushed rearward and comes into contact with the air guide component 4 during a minor collision. Thus, the front body structure 1 can prevent the deformable sensor protection component 13 from contacting the parking sensor 8, thereby more reliably preventing damage to the parking sensor 8 during a minor collision.

[0128] In addition, in the front structure 1 of the vehicle body, a recess R is formed on the frame 6a (left longitudinal member 6a1) of the air intake grille 6 to house the sensor protection member 13 that is pushed backward and tilted when a minor collision occurs.

[0129] According to this front body structure 1, the sensor protection component 13, which is pushed backward in the event of a minor collision, is housed in the recess R, thus preventing the sensor protection component 13, which is displaced backward, from contacting and being damaged by other components (including the left longitudinal component 6a1).

[0130] In addition, in the front structure 1 of the vehicle body, the sensor protection component 13 is fixed to the mounting base 23 formed above and below the parking sensor 8 respectively.

[0131] According to this front body structure 1, the mounting base 23 prevents the protection area of ​​the parking sensor 8 formed between the sensor protection component 13 and the front bumper 2 from collapsing due to collision load. Thus, the front body structure 1 more reliably prevents damage to the parking sensor 8 in the event of a minor collision.

[0132] In addition, the front structure 1 of the vehicle body has a width-direction extending rib 24 that is erected on the back of the front bumper 2 and connected to the mounting base 23.

[0133] Based on this front body structure 1, the mounting base 23 can be reinforced by the ribs 24 extending in the width direction.

[0134] Furthermore, in the front structure 1 of the vehicle body, the rear end of the width-direction extending rib 24, which extends rearward from the back of the front bumper 2, is disposed adjacent to the sensor protection member 13. The width-direction extending rib 24 is formed such that it extends inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the sensor body 8a, and also extends outward in the vehicle width direction compared to the sensor body 8a.

[0135] According to this front body structure 1, when a collision load is input, the rear end of the width-direction extending rib 24 contacts the sensor protection component 13 over a wide area in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the collision load input to the sensor protection component 13 via the width-direction extending rib 24 is dispersed. This prevents deformation of the sensor protection component 13 due to the collision load and prevents the collapse of the protection area of ​​the parking sensor 8 formed between the sensor protection component 13 and the front bumper 2. The front body structure 1 more reliably prevents damage to the parking sensor 8 in the event of a minor collision.

[0136] The above describes this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented in various forms.

[0137] In the above embodiment, it is envisioned that the mounting base 23 and the width-direction extending rib 24 are respectively disposed above and below the parking sensor 8 (see reference). Figure 5 However, the positions of the mounting base 23 and the width-direction extending rib 24 are not limited thereto.

[0138] Specifically, although the illustration is omitted, the mounting base 23 and the width-direction extending rib 24 can be configured to be positioned away from the parking sensor 8 in the vehicle width direction.

[0139] Based on this modified front body structure 1, the design freedom regarding the configuration of the mounting base 23 and the width-direction extending rib 24 can be further improved.

[0140] Figure 8 This is an illustration of the action of the sensor protection component 13 in the front structure 1 of the vehicle body in the above-described modified example, which is the first to bring the front bumper 2 into contact with the sensor protection component 13 compared to the parking sensor 8.

[0141] In such a modified example of the front body structure 1, as... Figure 8 As shown, the distance D1 between the rear wall 14a and the parking sensor 8 is greater than the distance D2 between the front wall 14c and the front bumper 2.

[0142] Based on this front body structure 1, Figure 8 As shown by the dotted line, in the event of a minor collision, the front bumper 2 contacts the sensor protection component 13 first, compared to the parking sensor 8.

[0143] In other words, when the front wall portion 14c is pushed rearward from the front bumper 2, the upper wall portion 14b will not deform, while the rear wall portion 14a is pushed rearward. As a result, the parking sensor 8 will not be pushed rearward in interference with the rear wall portion 14a, thus avoiding damage to the parking sensor 8 caused by interference from the rear wall portion 14a.

Claims

1. A front structure of a vehicle body, comprising: A front bumper with an opening; An air guide component disposed behind the front bumper and guiding external air drawn in from the opening rearward; and The sensor is mounted on the front bumper. The characteristic of the front structure of the vehicle body is that... A sensor protection component is disposed between the sensor and the air guiding component. The sensor protection component has: A protective wall portion having a gap between itself and the air guiding component and extending in the vehicle width direction; and The protective wall extends forward from the end on the opening side and its front end reaches the side wall portion adjacent to the front bumper. The protective wall portion has: The rear wall portion extending along the vehicle width direction behind the sensor; Above the sensor, an upper wall portion extending generally horizontally forward from the upper end of the rear wall portion; and The front wall portion extending upward from the front end of the upper wall portion. The distance between the rear wall and the sensor is greater than the distance between the front wall and the front bumper. The upper wall portion is spaced apart from the sensor in the vertical direction.

2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor protection component has reinforcing ribs formed at the corners of the inner corners formed by the front wall and the upper wall.

3. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor protection component is formed of a plate that is thicker than the air guiding component.

4. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, An air intake grille is located behind the air guiding component. The frame of the air intake grille has a recess that accommodates the sensor protection component that moves backward during a collision.

5. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor protection component is fixed to a mounting base extending rearward from the back of the front bumper. The mounting bases are formed above and below the sensor, respectively.

6. The front body structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The front bumper has a width-extending rib that extends from the mounting base in the vehicle width direction and is configured such that the top rear of the vehicle is adjacent to the sensor protection component. The width-direction extending rib extends from the mounting base and is formed such that it extends inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the main body of the sensor, and also extends outward in the vehicle width direction compared to the main body of the sensor.

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