Vehicle front structure

Abstract

The disclosed vehicle front structure (1) is a vehicle front structure (1) including a lamp unit (3) of a vehicle. The lamp unit (3) is provided with a light source (21) and an outer lens (10) covering the front of the light source (21). The outer lens (10) has a bent portion (11) formed by extending a forward protruding portion in the vehicle width direction, an upper surface portion (14) formed in a shape inclined forward with a downward slope and disposed above the bent portion (11), and a lower surface portion (17) extending downward from the bent portion (11). The light source (21) has an upper light source (22) that emits light to the upper surface section (14), and a lower light source (25) that emits light to the lower surface section (17) in a form different from that of the upper light source (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a vehicle front structure including a lamp unit of the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the past, the lighting unit (vehicle headlamp) of a vehicle had a structure in which the front of the light source was covered by an outer lens. Specific examples of light sources include LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps, halogen lamps, HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps, etc. In addition, the shape of the outer lens is appropriately set according to the shape of the part where the outer lens is installed and the shape of the surrounding area. For example, in order to improve the appearance and reduce the air resistance when the vehicle is running, a vehicle headlamp is known in which the outer surface of the outer lens is formed into a smooth curved surface (streamline shape) (see patent document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-228417

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In recent years, lamp units that have multiple light sources of different lighting forms built in have been developed. For example, a lamp unit is known that has a light source that functions as a daytime running light (DRL) that is different from the light source that functions as a headlamp built in. Alternatively, a lamp unit is also known that has a light source that functions as a direction indicator (blinker, turn signal) that is different from the light source that functions as a headlamp built in.

[0008] The above-mentioned lamp unit is preferably capable of clearly displaying information such as the presence of the vehicle and the direction of the turn to the outside world (other vehicles and pedestrians around) in an easily understandable manner. Therefore, the structure and peripheral shape of the outer lens are preferably considered not only for aesthetics and air resistance when the vehicle is running, but also for differences in different forms and visual recognition to the outside world. In the existing technology, it cannot be said that this point has been fully considered, and there is still room for improvement. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present application is created in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and one of its purposes is to provide a vehicle front structure that can clearly display information sent from a lamp unit in an easily understandable manner through a simple structure. In addition, without being limited to this purpose, the effects derived from the various structures shown in the "Implementation Methods for Implementing the Invention" described later and that cannot be achieved by the prior art can also be other purposes of the present application.

[0010] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0011] The disclosed vehicle front structure can be implemented as the following disclosed aspects or application examples to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0012] The disclosed vehicle front structure is a vehicle front structure including a vehicle lamp unit. The lamp unit includes a light source and an outer lens covering the front of the light source. The outer lens includes a bending portion, an upper surface portion, and a lower surface portion. The bending portion is formed by extending a portion protruding toward the front in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface portion is formed in a shape inclined toward the front with a downward slope and is arranged above the bending portion. The lower surface portion extends downward from the bending portion. The light source includes an upper light source and a lower light source. The upper light source irradiates light to the upper surface portion, and the lower light source irradiates light to the lower surface portion in a different form from the upper light source.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] By using the disclosed vehicle front structure, a bent portion is arranged in the outer lens of the lamp unit between the upper surface portion where light is irradiated by the upper light source and the lower surface portion where light is irradiated by the lower light source in a form different from that of the upper light source. Thus, the difference in the form of the light can be clearly distinguished in an easily understandable manner. Therefore, the visual recognizability of the lamp unit relative to the outside of the vehicle can be improved, and information (such as the presence of the vehicle and the direction of the turn) emitted from the lamp unit can be clearly displayed in an easily understandable manner through a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view of a vehicle to which the vehicle front structure is applied.

[0016] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the front structure of the vehicle.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a part of the front structure of the vehicle in an enlarged manner.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an outer lens included in the lamp unit.

[0019] Figure 5This is a perspective view of the main body included in the lamp unit.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The disclosed vehicle front structure can be implemented through the following embodiments. As for the definition of directions in the embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the directions of the components and parts constituting the vehicle front structure mean the directions in the state of being installed in the vehicle. In addition, the front-to-back direction is determined based on the forward and backward directions of the vehicle, and the left-to-right direction is determined based on the front-to-back direction (based on the driver sitting in the driver's seat facing the forward direction). The up-down direction is determined based on the state of the vehicle being stopped on a flat road surface.

[0023] The disclosed vehicle front structure includes a lamp unit. The number of lamp units is not limited. The lamp units described in the following embodiments include a right lamp unit (a lamp unit disposed on the right side of the vehicle as a whole in the vehicle width direction) and a left lamp unit (a lamp unit disposed on the left side of the vehicle as a whole in the vehicle width direction). The left side of the right lamp unit (the right side of the right lamp unit when the vehicle is viewed from the front) and the right side of the left lamp unit (the left side of the left lamp unit when the vehicle is viewed from the front) are also referred to as the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the right side of the right lamp unit (the left side of the right lamp unit when the vehicle is viewed from the front) and the left side of the left lamp unit (the right side of the left lamp unit when the vehicle is viewed from the front) are also referred to as the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] Example

[0025] [1. Composition]

[0026] Figure 1 is a front view of a vehicle to which the vehicle front structure 1 as an embodiment is applied, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle front structure 1, Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing a part of the vehicle front structure 1 (the left front end of the vehicle) in an enlarged manner. A pair of left and right lamp housings 2 are provided at the front end of the vehicle, and a lamp unit 3 and a shield member 30 are mounted on each lamp housing 2. The lamp housing 2 is formed in a shape that is recessed inward from an outer panel forming the outer surface of the vehicle near both ends in the vehicle width direction of the front end of the vehicle. The lamp unit 3 and the shield member 30 are mounted on the inner side of the recess.

[0027] A hood 4 (engine hood) is provided in front of the front windshield of the vehicle. Below the hood 4, there is a space for arranging the vehicle's drive source (engine, motor, etc.), transmission, heat exchanger (radiator, intercooler, air conditioning condenser, air conditioning evaporator, etc.), and auxiliary equipment. This space is called an engine room or a motor room. The lamp unit 3 is provided in front of this space. Figure 1 In the front view of the vehicle shown, the lamp unit 3 is arranged adjacent to right below the left and right end portions of the hood 4 .

[0028] A radiator grille 5 is provided at a portion of the front end of the vehicle sandwiched between the left and right lamp housing portions 2 (the front portion of the vehicle). The radiator grille 5 is formed in a mesh shape through which air can pass. When the vehicle is running, the running air passing through the radiator grille 5 is introduced into the space under the hood 4 and is used as a refrigerant for cooling a heat exchanger, for example. Figure 1 The overall shape of the radiator grille 5 shown is a trapezoidal shape with an upper base shorter than a lower base. An upper frame portion 40 is disposed on the upper portion of the radiator grille 5 (above the upper base of the trapezoid), and a vertical frame portion 44 is disposed between the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3 (to the side of the legs of the trapezoid).

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the lamp unit 3 includes an outer lens 10 and a main body 20. The main body 20 is a member to which a light source 21 and a wiring harness connected to the light source 21 are fixed, and is a shell member. In addition, the outer lens 10 is a member installed on the main body 20 in a manner covering the front of the light source 21, and is a cover member formed of a transparent or translucent material. The outer lens 10 has the function of preventing water and foreign matter from adhering to the light source 21 and allowing the light irradiated from the light source 21 to pass through and radiate to the outside. The light source 21 is a light-emitting device arranged on the inner side (rear of the vehicle) of the outer lens 10, and includes, for example, an LED lamp, a halogen lamp, an HID lamp, etc. An inner lens, a reflector, a polarizing plate, etc. (not shown) for adjusting the direction, light quantity distribution, polarization state, etc. of the light irradiated from the light source 21 can be sandwiched between the light source 21 and the outer lens 10.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the outer lens 10 included in the lamp unit 3, Figure 5 2 is a perspective view of the main body 20 with the light source 21 installed. Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 3, Figure 7 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 3 .

[0031] like Figure 4As shown, the outer lens 10 is provided with a bending portion 11, an upper surface portion 14, a lower surface portion 17 and an edge portion 51. The bending portion 11 is provided with a first bending portion 12 and a second bending portion 13, and the upper surface portion 14 is provided with a first upper surface portion 15 and a second upper surface portion 16. In addition, the lower surface portion 17 is provided with a first lower surface portion 18 and a second lower surface portion 19, and the edge portion 51 is provided with a first edge portion 52 and a second edge portion 53.

[0032] The bending portion 11 is a portion formed by extending the portion protruding forward in the vehicle width direction. The bending portion 11 is equivalent to the ridgeline that is the boundary between the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17 formed in a planar shape. The cross-sectional shape when the outer lens 10 is cut in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is a shape in which the bending portion 11 is bent in a "く" shape. The bending portion 11 is preferably formed as a portion that does not emit light when observed from the outside of the vehicle (a portion where the light irradiated from the light source 21 is hardly emitted). Alternatively, the bending portion 11 may be made non-luminous (making it difficult for light from the light source 21 to pass through the bending portion 11) by processing the inner surface of the bending portion 11 to suppress the transmission of light or by arranging a reflective material.

[0033] The upper surface portion 14 is a planar portion disposed above the bent portion 11 and is formed in a shape that is inclined downward toward the front. The upper surface portion 14 is provided with a first upper surface portion 15 extending in the vehicle width direction and a second upper surface portion 16 extending in the vertical direction. Figure 4 As shown, the first upper surface portion 15 is arranged at the portion of the upper surface portion 14 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the second upper surface portion 16 is arranged at the portion of the upper surface portion 14 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the second upper surface portion 16 is arranged adjacent to the first upper surface portion 15 and connected to the end of the first upper surface portion 15. The outer surfaces of the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 are formed into smoothly continuous curved surfaces.

[0034] The lower surface portion 17 is a planar portion disposed below the bent portion 11 and extending downward from the bent portion 11. The lower surface portion 17 is provided with a first lower surface portion 18 (first lens portion) extending in the vehicle width direction and a second lower surface portion 19 (second lens portion) extending in the vertical direction. Thus, the overall shape of the lower surface portion 17 is substantially L-shaped (the shape of the Chinese character “へ”). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, the first lower surface portion 18 is arranged at the portion of the lower surface portion 17 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the second lower surface portion 19 is arranged at the portion of the lower surface portion 17 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the second lower surface portion 19 is arranged adjacent to the first lower surface portion 18 and is connected to the end of the first lower surface portion 18. The outer surfaces of the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 are formed into a smoothly continuous curved surface. In addition, the upper end side of the first lower surface portion 18 is the bent portion 11 (first bent portion 12).

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the bending portion 11 of the present embodiment is provided with a first bending portion 12 and a second bending portion 13. The first bending portion 12 is a portion sandwiched by the first upper surface portion 15 and the first lower surface portion 18, and the second bending portion 13 is a portion sandwiched by the second upper surface portion 16 and the second lower surface portion 19. The first bending portion 12 is arranged at a portion of the bending portion 11 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the second bending portion 13 is arranged at a portion of the bending portion 11 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the second bending portion 13 is arranged to be adjacent to and connected to the end of the first bending portion 12. The outer surfaces of the first bending portion 12 and the second bending portion 13 are formed as smoothly continuous curved surfaces.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the edge 51 is an edge-shaped portion formed at the lower portion of the lower surface portion 17. The outer surface of the edge 51 is formed in a shape that is recessed from the lower surface portion 17 toward the inner side of the lamp housing portion 2 (in the direction approaching the space below the hood 4). In addition, the boundary between the edge 51 and the lower surface portion 17 is formed in a shape that protrudes in a peak shape toward the front of the vehicle. This boundary portion is called a ridge portion 50. The overall shape of the ridge portion 50 is roughly L-shaped (the shape of the Chinese character "へ"), similar to the overall shape of the lower surface portion 17.

[0037] The edge portion 51 is provided with a first edge portion 52 located below the first lower surface portion 18 and a second edge portion 53 (inclined edge portion) located inside the second lower surface portion 19 in the vehicle width direction. The first edge portion 52 is provided to extend in a planar manner from the lower end of the first lower surface portion 18 toward the rear and downward of the vehicle. The second edge portion 53 is a portion arranged adjacent to the vehicle width direction outer side of the first inclined surface 31 of the shield member 30 described later, and is provided to extend in a planar manner from the vehicle width direction inner side end of the second lower surface portion 19 toward the rear and inner side of the vehicle width direction. In other words, the second edge portion 53 is formed in a planar shape that is inclined toward the vehicle front toward the vehicle outer side in the vehicle width direction. Since the surface of the first edge portion 52 is covered by the shield member 30, it is a portion that cannot be seen from the outside of the vehicle (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 6 ). In contrast, the second edge portion 53 is not covered by the shield member 3, and thus becomes a portion visible from the outside of the vehicle (see Figure 7 ).

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the light source 21 includes an upper light source 22 and a lower light source 25. The upper light source 22 is a light source 21 that irradiates light to the upper surface portion 14, and the lower light source 25 is a light source 21 that irradiates light to the lower surface portion 17 in a form different from that of the upper light source 22. In other words, the forms of the irradiated light of the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25 are different from each other. Therefore, the forms of light passing through the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17 are also different from each other. The form mentioned here refers to the state of the way the light emitted from the light source 21 is observed (light-emitting form) by the outside of the vehicle (other vehicles, surrounding pedestrians). For example, the color, intensity, illumination, light-emitting time, shape of the light-emitting part, the state of the light-emitting form (the period of change, the period of change over time), etc. are included in the form mentioned here.

[0039] Preferably, different functions (in other words, different roles and meanings) are assigned to the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25. For example, the functions mentioned here include the function as a light source of a headlamp (a function as a low beam light source, a function as a high beam light source), the function as a light source of a daytime running light, the function as a light source of a direction indicator, the function as a light source of a fog lamp, the function as a light source of a width lamp (small lamp), etc.

[0040] In addition, instead of making the light emission modes of the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25 different, the light observation mode can also be changed by making the composition and structure of the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17 different. For example, the lower surface portion 17 can also be formed to transmit or reflect light in a different manner from the upper surface portion 14. In this case, the lower light source 25 does not need to be a light emission mode different from that of the upper light source 22, and the lower light source 25 can be omitted to achieve multiple light observation modes with a single light source 21.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper light source 22 of this embodiment is provided with a first upper light source 23 and a second upper light source 24. The first upper light source 23 is a light source 21 that irradiates light to the first upper surface portion 15, and the second upper light source 24 is a light source 21 that irradiates light to the second upper surface portion 16. Figure 6 As shown, the first upper light source 23 is arranged on the inner side of the first upper surface portion 15, and the second upper light source 24 is arranged on the inner side of the second upper surface portion 16. The first upper light source 23 and the second upper light source 24 both serve as light sources for daytime running lights (DRL) and direction indicators (turn signals), and also serve as position lights (width marker lights) at night. The shapes of the lighting parts of the first upper light source 23 and the second upper light source 24 are both planar. The first upper light source 23 lights up substantially the entire first upper surface portion 15 in a planar shape (panel-shaped light emission), and the second upper light source 24 lights up substantially the entire second upper surface portion 16 in a planar shape (panel-shaped light emission). Figure 5In the example shown, the lighting portion of the first upper light source 23 and the lighting portion of the second upper light source 24 are integrated.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, in the present embodiment, the lower light source 25 is provided with a first lower light source 26 and a second lower light source 27. The first lower light source 26 is a light source 21 that irradiates light to the first lower surface portion 18, and the second lower light source 27 is a light source 21 that irradiates light to the second lower surface portion 19 and the second edge portion 53. The first lower light source 26 functions as a light source for a headlamp, and the second lower light source 27 functions as a light source for a daytime running lamp (DRL) and a direction indicator (turn signal), and also functions as a position lamp at night.

[0043] The shape of the lighting portion of the first lower light source 26 is planar, whereas the shape of the lighting portion of the second lower light source 27 is linear. The first lower light source 26 lights up substantially the entire first lower surface portion 18 in a planar manner (panel-shaped light emission), while the second lower light source 27 lights up a portion of the second lower surface portion 19 in a linear manner (linear light emission). Figure 5 In the example shown, the second lower light source 27 is configured to light up in a manner that a plurality of substantially parallel lines are drawn on the second bent portion 13. The number of the first lower light source 26 and the second lower light source 27 can be set arbitrarily. Figure 5 In the example shown, two first lower light sources 26 are provided (two sides), and five second lower light sources 27 are provided (five lines).

[0044] Table 1 below shows the respective roles (functions) and lighting shapes of the first upper light source 23, the second upper light source 24, the first lower light source 26, and the second lower light source 27 in this embodiment. The roles and lighting shapes shown here are only one of the specific examples of the roles and lighting shapes that can be set in this embodiment. The roles and lighting shapes of the light source 21 are not limited to those shown in Table 1.

[0045] [Table 1]

[0046]

[0047] The shield member 30 is a plate-shaped member installed inside the lamp housing portion 2 so as to be adjacent to the lower side of the lamp unit 3. The shield member 30 is formed in a shape that is recessed from the lamp unit 3 toward the inner side of the lamp housing portion 2 (in the direction approaching the space below the hood 4). In addition, the shield member 30 is arranged below the first lower surface portion 18 (first lens portion) and inside the second lower surface portion 19 in the vehicle width direction. Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the shield member 30 is provided with a first inclined surface 31 , a second inclined surface 32 , and a third inclined surface 33 .

[0048] The first inclined surface 31 is a surface-shaped portion that is inclined toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and toward the rear of the vehicle. That is, the cross-sectional shape when the first inclined surface 31 is cut by a horizontal plane is set to be a shape that is inclined toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and toward the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the cross-sectional shape when the first inclined surface 31 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is, for example, formed into a shape that is close to vertical, and is preferably set to be a shape that is inclined downward toward the front.

[0049] The second inclined surface 32 is a portion disposed adjacent to the upper portion of the first inclined surface 31 directly below the first lower surface portion 18 (first lens portion). The second inclined surface 32 is formed into a surface that is inclined upward in the front direction of the vehicle. That is, the cross-sectional shape when the second inclined surface 32 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is set to a shape that is inclined upward in the front direction of the vehicle. In addition, the cross-sectional shape when the second inclined surface 32 is cut by a horizontal plane is set to a shape that is inclined toward the outside in the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle, for example, similar to the first inclined surface 31. Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the second inclined surface 32 of the present embodiment is formed in a triangular planar shape whose up-down dimension increases as it goes outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] The third inclined surface 33 is a portion disposed adjacent to the lower portion of the first inclined surface 31. The third inclined surface 33 is formed in a plane shape that is inclined downward toward the front of the vehicle. That is, the cross-sectional shape when the third inclined surface 33 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is set to a shape that is inclined downward toward the front of the vehicle. In addition, the cross-sectional shape when the third inclined surface 33 is cut by a horizontal plane is set to a shape that is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction, for example, like the first inclined surface 31 and the second inclined surface 32.

[0051] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second inclined surface 32 is provided so as to cover the first edge 52 of the outer lens 10 when the shield member 30 is fixed to the vehicle. In contrast, the first inclined surface 31 and the third inclined surface 33 are provided so as to expose the second edge 53 of the outer lens 10 when the shield member 30 is fixed to the vehicle (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 ). Therefore, the second edge portion 53 becomes a portion that can be seen from the outside of the vehicle. When the second lower light source 27 is turned on, its light passes through the second lower surface portion 19 and the second edge portion 53 and is radiated to the outside.

[0052] Furthermore, the inner edge of the first inclined surface 31, which is the inner side in the vehicle width direction, extends obliquely downward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the inner end of the first lower surface 18 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the outer edge of the first inclined surface 31, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction, extends obliquely downward and outward in the vehicle width direction along the inner side of the second edge 53 in the vehicle width direction. The upper edge of the third inclined surface 33 extends outward in the vehicle width direction along the lower sides of the second lower surface 19 and the second edge 53.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , an upper frame portion 40 is disposed on the upper portion of the radiator grille 5. The upper frame portion 40 is a portion extending in the vehicle width direction along the front end edge of the hood 4 and supporting the upper end edge of the radiator grille 5. In other words, the upper frame portion 40 is a portion of the frame-shaped portion surrounding the radiator grille 5 to which the upper portion of the radiator grille 5 is fixed. Figure 1 As shown, the position of the upper frame portion 40 when the vehicle is viewed from the front is set, for example, to a position directly below the hood 4 and substantially horizontally connecting the upper ends of the left and right lamp units 3 .

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper frame portion 40 is provided with an upper frame bending portion 41, an upper frame upper surface portion 42, and an upper frame front portion 43. Like the bending portion 11 of the outer lens 10, the upper frame bending portion 41 is a portion formed by extending the portion protruding toward the front in the vehicle width direction. The upper frame bending portion 41 is arranged at a position where the bending portion 11 of the outer lens 10 is directly extended inward in the vehicle width direction. That is, in the vehicle front structure 1, the position of the upper frame bending portion 41 is set in a design that realizes a smooth connection between the upper frame bending portion 41 and the bending portion 11. In addition, the cross-sectional shape when the upper frame portion 40 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is the same as the cross-sectional shape when the outer lens 10 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. The cross-sectional shape is a shape in which the upper frame bending portion 41 is bent into a "く" shape.

[0055] The upper frame upper surface portion 42 is a planar portion disposed above the upper frame bent portion 41, and is formed in a shape that is inclined with a downward slope toward the front. The upper frame upper surface portion 42 is disposed at a position that directly extends the surface of the upper surface portion 14 of the outer lens 10 inward in the vehicle width direction. That is, in the vehicle front structure 1, the position of the upper frame upper surface portion 42 is set in a design that realizes a smooth connection between the upper frame upper surface portion 42 and the upper surface portion 14.

[0056] The upper frame front portion 43 is a planar portion disposed below the upper frame bent portion 41, and extends downward from the upper frame bent portion 41. The upper frame front portion 43 is disposed at a position extending directly inward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the lower surface portion 17 of the outer lens 10. That is, in the vehicle front structure 1, the position of the upper frame front portion 43 is set in a design that realizes a smooth connection between the upper frame front portion 43 and the lower surface portion 17.

[0057] A longitudinal frame portion 44 is disposed between the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3. The longitudinal frame portion 44 is a portion of the frame-shaped portion surrounding the radiator grille 5 to which the left and right ends of the radiator grille 5 are fixed. The longitudinal frame portion 44 is extended along the shape of the left and right ends of the radiator grille 5. The longitudinal frame front portion 45 is provided in the longitudinal frame portion 44, and the longitudinal frame front portion 45 is formed in a surface shape connected to the upper frame front portion 43. The longitudinal frame front portion 45 is extended in a straight line from the end portion of the upper frame front portion 43 on the outside in the vehicle width direction toward the outside and downward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the longitudinal frame front portion 45 is provided as a straight line inclined along the inner edge of the side of the first inclined surface 31 that is on the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a lower face portion 46 and a bumper face portion 47 are provided below the lamp housing portion 2, and a fender face portion 48 and a fender arch portion 49 are provided outside the lamp housing portion 2 in the vehicle width direction. They are all part of the outer panel constituting the front end of the vehicle, and are all formed of a metal plate or resin. The lower face portion 46, the bumper face portion 47, the fender face portion 48, and the fender arch portion 49 may be formed as one body, or may be partially (or entirely) formed as separate bodies.

[0059] The lower surface portion 46 is a portion adjacent to the lower portion of the lamp housing portion 2 and is provided below the shield member 30. The lower surface portion 46 is smoothly connected to the longitudinal frame front portion 45. The cross-sectional shape when the lower surface portion 46 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is a shape that is inclined downward toward the front of the vehicle. In addition, the cross-sectional shape when the lower surface portion 46 is cut by a horizontal plane is a shape that is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Preferably, the lower surface portion 46 is formed into a curved surface, and the outer end of the lower surface portion 46 in the vehicle width direction is smoothly connected to the fender surface portion 48.

[0060] The bumper face 47 is a planar portion located below the lower face 46. The cross-sectional shape when the bumper face 47 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is a shape that is inclined upward toward the front of the vehicle. In addition, the cross-sectional shape when the bumper face 47 is cut by a horizontal plane is a shape that is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Preferably, the bumper face 47 is formed into a curved surface, and the end of the bumper face 47 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is smoothly connected to the fender arch 49.

[0061] The fender arch 49 is a planar portion arranged along the outer edge of the wheel housing of the front wheel. The overall shape of the fender arch 49 is a semicircular arc. In addition, the fender face portion 48 is a planar portion provided to connect the fender arch 49 with the hood 4, and is a portion forming the side surface of the front end portion of the vehicle. The fender face portion 48 is provided adjacent to the outer side of the lamp housing portion 2 in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] [2. Action, effect]

[0063] (1) In the vehicle front structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the lamp unit 3 includes a light source 21 and an outer lens 10 covering the front of the light source 21. The outer lens 10 includes a bent portion 11 formed by extending a portion protruding toward the front in the vehicle width direction, an upper surface portion 14 formed in a shape inclined with a downward slope toward the front and disposed above the bent portion 11, and a lower surface portion 17 extending downward from the bent portion 11. In addition, the light source 21 includes an upper light source 22 and a lower light source 25. The upper light source 22 irradiates light to the upper surface portion 14, and the lower light source 25 irradiates light to the lower surface portion 17 in a different form from the upper light source 22.

[0064] With the above-mentioned structure, in the outer lens 10 of the lamp unit 3, a bent portion 11 is arranged between the upper surface portion 14 irradiated with light by the upper light source 22 and the lower surface portion 17 irradiated with light by the lower light source 25 in a form different from that of the upper light source 22. Thus, the difference in the form of the light can be clearly distinguished in an easily understandable manner. Therefore, the visual recognition of the lamp unit 3 relative to the outside of the vehicle can be improved, and the information (such as the presence of the vehicle and the direction of the turn) emitted from the lamp unit 3 can be clearly displayed in an easily understandable manner through a simple structure.

[0065] (2) In this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the bending portion 11 has a first bending portion 12. In addition, the upper surface portion 14 has a first upper surface portion 15 along the first bending portion 12, and the first upper surface portion 15 is a shape extending in the vehicle width direction, and the lower surface portion 17 has a first lower surface portion 18 along the first bending portion 12, and the first lower surface portion 18 is a shape extending in the vehicle width direction. In addition, Figure 5 As shown, the upper light source 22 includes a first upper light source 23 that irradiates light toward the first upper surface portion 15 , and the lower light source 25 includes a first lower light source 26 that irradiates light toward the first lower surface portion 18 .

[0066] Thus, by arranging the first bent portion 12 between the first upper surface portion 15 and the first lower surface portion 18 extending in the vehicle width direction, the difference in the form of light in the lamp unit 3 expressing the illumination area having a horizontally long shape can be clearly distinguished. This structure is suitable for the case where it is desired to clearly distinguish and display the headlights that are required to irradiate light more widely in the left and right directions than in the pitch direction and the illumination other than the headlights (for example, daytime running lights, direction indicators).

[0067] (3) In this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the bending portion 11 has a second bending portion 13. In addition, the upper surface portion 14 has a second upper surface portion 16 above the second bending portion 13, and the second upper surface portion 16 is a shape extending in the vertical direction, and the lower surface portion 17 has a second lower surface portion 19 below the second bending portion 13, and the second lower surface portion 19 is a second lower surface portion 19 extending in the vertical direction. Figure 5 As shown, the upper light source 22 includes a second upper light source 24 that irradiates light toward the second upper surface portion 16 , and the lower light source 25 includes a second lower light source 27 that irradiates light toward the second lower surface portion 19 .

[0068] Thus, by arranging the second bent portion 13 between the second upper surface portion 16 and the second lower surface portion 19 extending in the vertical direction, the difference in the form of light in the lamp unit 3 expressing the illumination area having a longitudinal shape can be clearly distinguished. This structure is suitable for use in a daytime running lamp that is expected to have the effect of attracting attention of not only other vehicles in front but also other vehicles and pedestrians around the vehicle. In addition, this structure is suitable for the case where it is desired to clearly distinguish and display the lighted portions of different shapes in the daytime running lamp and the direction indicator (for example, the case where the lighted portions are different in shape to attract attention of other vehicles and pedestrians around the vehicle).

[0069] (4) In this embodiment, the second bent portion 13 is connected to the end of the first bent portion 12, the second upper surface portion 16 is connected to the end of the first upper surface portion 15, and the second lower surface portion 19 is connected to the end of the first lower surface portion 18. Figure 4 As shown, the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 13 are formed to be adjacent and continuous, the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 are formed to be adjacent and continuous, and the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 are formed to be adjacent and continuous.

[0070] By such a structure, the sense of unity of the lighting area of ​​the lamp unit 3 can be improved, and a projection state that is easy to intuitively understand can be achieved naturally and without a sense of incongruity. Therefore, the visual recognizability of the lamp unit 3 can be further improved. In addition, the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 13 are formed to be adjacent and continuous, so the flow of air is less likely to be disturbed, and air resistance can be reduced. In addition, this structure is suitable for situations where the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 are expected to emit light in the same form (for example, the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 are expected to function as daytime running lights or direction indicators as a whole), and the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 are expected to emit light in the same form (for example, the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 are expected to function as headlights as a whole).

[0071] (5) In the present embodiment, an upper frame portion 40 is arranged on the upper part of the radiator grille 5 of the vehicle. The upper frame portion 40 includes: an upper frame bent portion 41 formed by extending a portion protruding toward the front in the vehicle width direction; an upper frame upper surface portion 42 formed in a shape inclined with a downward slope toward the front and arranged above the upper frame bent portion 41; and an upper frame front portion 43 extending downward from the upper frame bent portion 41. In addition, the upper frame bent portion 41 is arranged at a position extending the bent portion 11 in the vehicle width direction.

[0072] In this way, by aligning the upper frame bent portion 41 and the bent portion 11 to form a continuous curve (or straight line), the visual recognition of the lamp unit 3 can be improved. In addition, compared with the case where there is no upper frame bent portion 41, the flow of the running wind is less likely to be disturbed, and the air resistance can be reduced. Furthermore, since the upper end of the outer lens 10 and the upper frame portion 40 is designed to be smoothly continuous, the gap with the front end of the hood 4 is a substantially constant width, so that the front face of the vehicle can leave a clean impression.

[0073] (6) In the present embodiment, a longitudinal frame portion 44 is disposed between the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3. The longitudinal frame portion 44 has a longitudinal frame front portion 45, which is formed in a planar shape connected to the upper frame front portion 43 and extends from the end portion of the upper frame front portion 43 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction toward the outer side and downward in the vehicle width direction. With such a structure, the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3 can be clearly divided, and the visual recognition of the lamp unit 3 can be improved. In addition, the running wind received by the upper frame front portion 43 can be smoothly guided downward and outward of the vehicle, and the air resistance can be reduced.

[0074] (7) In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in Table 1, the upper light source 22 and the second lower light source 27 are light sources that function as daytime running lights and direction indicators, and also function as position lights at night. On the other hand, the first lower light source 26 is a light source that functions as a headlamp. With such a configuration, the portion that lights up as daytime running lights, direction indicators, and vehicle width lights and the portion that lights up as headlamps can be clearly distinguished, and the visual recognition of the lamp unit 3 can be improved.

[0075] (8) In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in Table 1, the second upper light source 2 illuminates the entire second upper surface portion 16 in a planar manner (panel-shaped light emission), and the second lower light source 27 illuminates a portion of the second lower surface portion 19 in a linear manner (linear light emission). With such a configuration, the planar portion and the linear portion can be clearly distinguished, and the visual recognition of the lamp unit 3 can be improved.

[0076] [3. Others]

[0077] The above-mentioned embodiments are merely illustrative and do not mean to exclude various deformations and technical applications not clearly indicated in the present embodiment. The various components of the present embodiment can be implemented in various deformations within the scope of their main purpose. In addition, the various components of the present embodiment can be selected or discarded as needed, or can be appropriately combined.

[0078] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the light source 21 is fixed to the main body 20, but the light source 21 may be fixed to the outer lens 10, or the main body 20 may be omitted and the light source 21 may be fixed to the vehicle body. The light source unit 3 only needs to include the light source 21 and the outer lens 10 covering the front of the light source 21. At least, the outer lens 10 is formed with a bent portion 11, an upper surface portion 14, and a lower surface portion 17, so that the light source 21 includes an upper light source 22 and a lower light source 25, and the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25 irradiate light in different forms, thereby realizing a vehicle front structure 1 having the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0079] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the outer lens 10 in which the bending portion 11 includes the first bending portion 12 and the second bending portion 13 is illustrated, but either the first bending portion 12 or the second bending portion 13 may be omitted. In the case where either the first bending portion 12 or the second bending portion 13 is omitted, the other one that is not omitted is substantially defined as the bending portion 11. The same is true for the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17. Either the first upper surface portion 15 or the second upper surface portion 16 may be omitted, and either the first lower surface portion 18 or the second lower surface portion 19 may be omitted. In these cases, the other one that is not omitted is substantially defined as the upper surface portion 14 or the lower surface portion 17.

[0080] In the case where the first bent portion 12, the first upper surface portion 15, and the first lower surface portion 18 are omitted, the outer lens 10 may be formed without these portions, or the outer lens 10 may be formed in a shape in which the first upper surface portion 15 and the first lower surface portion 18 are connected in a plane. Similarly, in the case where the second bent portion 13, the second upper surface portion 16, and the second lower surface portion 19 are omitted, the outer lens 10 may be formed without these portions, or the outer lens 10 may be formed in a shape in which the second upper surface portion 16 and the second lower surface portion 19 are connected in a plane.

[0081] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle front structure 1 is illustrated in which the second bent portion 13 is connected to the end of the first bent portion 12, but it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 13 are not connected but are separated. The same is true for the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17. The first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 may be separated and not connected, and the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 may be separated and not connected.

[0082] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle front structure 1 is exemplified in which the upper frame portion 40 is formed on the upper portion of the radiator grille 5, but the upper frame portion 40 can be omitted. Similarly, the upper frame bent portion 41, the upper frame upper surface portion 42, and the upper frame front portion 43 can also be omitted. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle front structure 1 is exemplified in which the vertical frame portion 44 is formed between the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3, but the vertical frame portion 44 can also be omitted. Similarly, the vertical frame front portion 45 can also be omitted.

[0083] Possibility of Industrial Application

[0084] The present invention can be utilized in the manufacturing industry of the vehicle front structure, the manufacturing industry of the lamp unit included in the vehicle front structure, and the manufacturing industry of the vehicle to which the vehicle front structure is applied.

[0085] Explanation of symbols

[0086] 1 vehicle front structure, 2 lamp housing portion, 3 lamp unit, 4 hood, 5 radiator grille, 10 outer lens, 11 bent portion, 12 first bent portion, 13 second bent portion, 14 upper surface portion, 15 first upper surface portion, 16 second upper surface portion, 17 lower surface portion, 18 first lower surface portion (first lens portion), 19 second lower surface portion (second lens portion), 20 main body portion, 21 light source, 22 upper light source, 23 first upper light source, 24 second upper light source, 25 Lower light source, 26 first lower light source, 27 second lower light source, 30 shield component, 31 first inclined surface, 32 second inclined surface, 33 third inclined surface, 40 upper frame portion, 41 upper frame bending portion, 42 upper frame upper surface portion, 43 upper frame front portion, 44 longitudinal frame portion, 45 longitudinal frame front portion, 46 lower face portion, 47 bumper face portion, 48 fender face portion, 49 fender arch portion, 50 ridge portion, 51 edge portion, 52 first edge portion, 53 second edge portion (inclined edge portion).

Claims

1. A vehicle front structure, comprising a vehicle lamp unit, characterized in that: The lamp unit includes a light source and an outer lens covering the front of the light source. The outer lens has a bent portion, an upper surface portion, and a lower surface portion. The bent portion is formed by extending a portion protruding forward in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface portion is formed in a shape inclined forward with a downward slope and is arranged above the bent portion. The lower surface portion extends downward from the bent portion. The light source includes an upper light source and a lower light source. The upper light source irradiates light toward the upper surface portion, and the lower light source irradiates light toward the lower surface portion in a different form from that of the upper light source.

2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bending portion has a first bending portion, The upper surface portion has a first upper surface portion along the first bent portion, and the first upper surface portion is shaped to extend in the vehicle width direction. The lower surface portion has a first lower surface portion along the first bent portion, and the first lower surface portion is shaped to extend in the vehicle width direction. The upper light source includes a first upper light source, and the first upper light source irradiates light toward the first upper surface portion. The lower light source includes a first lower light source that irradiates light toward the first lower surface portion.

3. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bending portion has a second bending portion, The upper surface portion has a second upper surface portion above the second bent portion, and the second upper surface portion is shaped to extend in the up-down direction. The lower surface portion has a second lower surface portion below the second bent portion, and the second lower surface portion is shaped to extend in the up-down direction. The upper light source includes a second upper light source, and the second upper light source irradiates light toward the second upper surface portion. The lower light source includes a second lower light source that irradiates light toward the second lower surface portion.

4. The vehicle front structure according to claim 3 as referenced by claim 2, characterized in that: The second bending portion is connected to the end of the first bending portion. The second upper surface portion is connected to the end of the first upper surface portion. The second lower surface portion is arranged to be connected to an end portion of the first lower surface portion.

5. The vehicle front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: An upper frame portion is provided, the upper frame portion being arranged on an upper portion of a radiator grille of the vehicle, The upper frame portion includes an upper frame bent portion, an upper frame upper surface portion, and an upper frame front portion, wherein the upper frame bent portion is formed by extending a portion protruding toward the front in the vehicle width direction, the upper frame upper surface portion is formed in a shape inclined toward the front with a downward slope, and is arranged above the upper frame bent portion, and the upper frame front portion extends downward from the upper frame bent portion. The upper frame bent portion is arranged at a position where the bent portion is extended in the vehicle width direction.

6. The vehicle front structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: A vertical frame portion is provided, the vertical frame portion being arranged between the radiator grille and the lamp unit, The vertical frame portion has a vertical frame front portion that is formed in a planar shape connected to the upper frame front portion and extends outward and downward in the vehicle width direction from an end portion of the upper frame front portion on the vehicle width direction outer side.

7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 6 as referenced by claim 2, characterized in that: The first upper light source is a light source that functions as a daytime running light and a direction indicator. The first lower light source is a light source that functions as a headlight.

8. The vehicle front structure according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 7 as referenced by claim 3, characterized in that: The second upper light source illuminates the entire second upper surface portion in a planar manner. The second lower light source lights a portion of the second lower surface portion in a linear shape.

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