Vehicle front structure

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle front structure. The vehicle front structure is provided with: a suspension tower rod for connecting the upper parts of a pair of left and right suspension towers at the front part of a vehicle; a cross member that is disposed in front of the suspension tower and below the vehicle, and that connects the left and right vehicle body structures; a pair of brackets which are erected between the suspension tower and the cross member and are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction; and an equipment module. The device module is configured so as to include a plurality of devices of a refrigeration cycle used in the temperature regulation of the vehicle interior air and the battery for travel. The device module is disposed between the pair of brackets and is fixed to the pair of brackets, respectively.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification discloses a front structure of a vehicle having a suspension tower bar that links a pair of suspension towers. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle having a suspension tower bar that links upper portions of a pair of suspension towers at the front of the vehicle to each other is known. The suspension tower bar suppresses body deformation caused by tensile or torsional forces received from the suspension towers via the tires and the suspension during running of the vehicle, thereby increasing the rigidity of the vehicle body.

[0003] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-230489, a vehicle having a suspension tower bar is disclosed. SUMMARY

[0004] A structure is desired that can restrict movement of the suspension tower bar in the vehicle width direction during running of the vehicle or when the vehicle is subjected to a side collision, thereby suppressing body deformation.

[0005] In the present specification, a front structure of a vehicle that can suppress movement of a suspension tower bar in the vehicle width direction during running of the vehicle or when the vehicle is subjected to a side collision is disclosed.

[0006] The front structure of the vehicle disclosed in the present specification has:

[0007] a suspension tower bar that links upper portions of a pair of suspension towers at the front of the vehicle to each other;

[0008] a cross member disposed in front of the suspension tower bar and below the vehicle and linking left and right vehicle body structures;

[0009] a pair of brackets erected between the suspension tower bar and the cross member and disposed at a left and right spaced interval;

[0010] an equipment module configured in a manner that includes a plurality of equipment used in temperature adjustment of the cabin interior air and the running storage battery.

[0011] The equipment module is disposed between and fixed to the pair of brackets.

[0012] According to the above structure, during running of the vehicle, a force in one of the vehicle width direction (left and right direction of the vehicle) that is generated on the suspension tower bar due to a force received from the suspension tower can be transmitted to the vehicle body structure linked to the cross member via the pair of brackets and the equipment module. Therefore, movement of the suspension tower bar in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed, and torsion of the body during running of the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the above structure, when a vehicle is subjected to a side collision, the load generated on the suspension towers in the direction of vehicle width (left-right direction) due to the collision load can be transferred to the body structure connected to the lateral members via a pair of brackets and equipment modules. Therefore, the movement of the suspension towers in the direction of vehicle width can be suppressed, thereby reducing the intrusion of the colliding object relative to the vehicle body.

[0014] In the vehicle front structure disclosed herein, the following approach may also be adopted, namely,

[0015] The pair of brackets each includes an upper portion fixed to the suspension tower and extending forward of the vehicle, a column portion extending downward of the vehicle from the top of the upper portion on the front side of the vehicle, and a lower portion extending forward of the column portion and fixed to the lateral member. The device module is fixed to the upper and lower portions of the pair of brackets.

[0016] According to the above structure, the equipment module is fixed to the upper part of the bracket on which the suspension tower is fixed and the lower part of the bracket on which the lateral member is fixed. Therefore, loads generated on the suspension tower in the direction of vehicle width (left-right direction) can be efficiently transferred from the suspension tower to the vehicle body structure via the equipment module and the lateral member.

[0017] In the vehicle front structure disclosed herein, the following approach may also be adopted, namely,

[0018] The left and right pair of suspension towers and the left and right vehicle body structures connecting the lateral members are part of a cast component integrally formed.

[0019] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, it is possible to suppress the movement of suspension towers in the vehicle width direction when the vehicle is in motion or when the vehicle is subjected to a side collision. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the front structure of the vehicle involved in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the bracket and its surrounding components.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a front view schematically illustrating the front structure of the vehicle involved in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a thermal management system. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, identical symbols will be used for equivalent elements, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, statements expressing directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down refer to directions and orientations related to the vehicle. In each drawing, the arrow marked FR indicates forward, the arrow marked UP indicates upward, and the arrow marked LH indicates left.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the front structure of the vehicle 10 according to the embodiment, and a portion of the power unit compartment located at the front of the vehicle is shown. The vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) equipped with a battery that supplies electricity to an electric motor, which serves as a power source. Alternatively, the vehicle 10 may also be, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), etc., and the type of vehicle 10 is not limited.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 includes cast component 14, suspension tower rod 18, a pair of brackets 60L and 60R, equipment module 40, and lateral member 19. Additionally, in Figure 1 The image shows a portion of the cast component 14.

[0028] Cast component 14 is a cast product made of a light metal such as aluminum. Cast component 14 is a large cast product, referred to as gigacasting or megacasting, and has a bilaterally symmetrical or substantially bilaterally symmetrical shape. Cast component 14 includes a pair of left and right suspension towers 16L, 16R, a pair of left and right side panels 32L, 32R, a pair of left and right bottom structures 20L, 20R (also called body structures), and a connecting panel 34.

[0029] Side panels 32L and 32R are panel portions extending in the longitudinal direction from each of the suspension towers 16L and 16R, respectively. Bottom structures 20L and 20R are located below the side panels 32L and 32R. A connecting panel 34 connects the left and right pairs of side panels 32L and 32R. A front bulkhead (not shown) that separates the passenger compartment from the power unit compartment is attached to this connecting panel 34.

[0030] Suspension tower struts 18 are fixed to the upper surface of a pair of suspension towers 16L and 16R on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The suspension tower struts 18 connect the upper parts of the pair of suspension towers 16L and 16R together.

[0031] The suspension tower 18 is configured, for example, to include two stamped steel plates (an upper steel plate and a lower steel plate). The suspension tower 18 is constructed by joining the flange of the upper steel plate, which is machined into a cap-shaped cross-section, and the flange of the lower steel plate, which is machined into an inverted cap-shaped cross-section. The left and right ends of the suspension tower 18 are respectively fastened to the upper surfaces of the suspension towers 16L and 16R by two bolts. Thus, fastening points C1 and C2 are provided at the left and right ends of the suspension tower 18, respectively.

[0032] A pair of brackets 60L and 60R are fixed on the lower surface of the suspension tower 18. The pair of brackets 60L and 60R are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and are erected between the suspension tower 18 and the transverse member 19.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a side view showing bracket 60R and its surrounding components, and shows the side of bracket 60R inside in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, although bracket 60R and its mounting structure are described below, bracket 60L also has a shape that is symmetrical to bracket 60R and has the same mounting structure as bracket 60R.

[0034] The bracket 60R is a folded plate component comprising an upper part 64, a pillar part 63, and a lower part 62. The upper part 64 is fixed to the suspension tower 18 and extends in the longitudinal direction. The pillar part 63 extends from the front top end of the upper part 64 downwards towards the vehicle. The lower part 62 extends forward from the lower end of the pillar part 63 and is fixed to the transverse member 19.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown (referring to the top of the lower part 62 of bracket 60R), bracket 60R has a shape in which both ends are bent in the short side direction. The two ends of the lower part 62 of bracket 60R are bent downwards. The two ends of the column part 63 are bent backwards. The two ends of the upper part 64 are bent downwards.

[0036] The upper surface of the upper part 64 of the bracket 60R is fastened to the lower surface of the suspension tower 18 by two bolts. Thus, two fastening points C3 and C4 arranged in the front-rear direction are provided on the upper part 64 of the bracket 60R.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, the upper part 64 of the bracket 60R has a support 66 provided by extending a portion of its inner end in the vehicle width direction downwards. The support 66 is located on the outer side of the upper arm 42R of the equipment module 40 in the vehicle width direction. The support 66 has bolt through holes 67 and 68 arranged in the front-rear direction, and two weld nuts (not shown) are provided on the outer side of the support 66 in the vehicle width direction at positions corresponding to the bolt through holes 67 and 68. Two bolts pass through the upper arm 42R of the equipment module 40 and through the bolt through holes 67 and 68, thereby being fastened to the two weld nuts of the support 66. Thus, two fastening points C7 and C8 are provided. With this structure, the upper part 64 of the bracket 60R maintains the upper right part of the equipment module 40.

[0038] The lower portion 62 of the bracket 60R is positioned below the transverse member 19. The upper surface of the lower portion 62 of the bracket 60R is fastened to the lower surface of the transverse member 19 by bolts, thereby... Figure 1 The fastening point C5 is set as shown.

[0039] The lateral member 19 is positioned in front of and below the suspension tower 18, connecting the left and right underbody structures 20L and 20R (body structures). The lateral member 19 has a hollow, generally rectangular cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction. The lateral member 19 is, for example, an extruded metal piece. The lower surfaces of the left and right ends of the lateral member 19 are fastened to the upper surfaces of the underbody structures 20L and 20R, respectively, by bolts. Thus, fastening points C6 are provided at the left and right ends of the lateral member 19.

[0040] The equipment module 40 is disposed between a pair of brackets 60L and 60R, and is fixed to the pair of brackets 60L and 60R respectively. The equipment module 40 has a module body 41. The module body 41 is configured to include cabin air and a driving battery 173 (see reference). Figure 4 Multiple devices using the refrigeration cycle 150 in temperature regulation.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a thermal management system 100 mounted on a vehicle 10. The thermal management system 100 cools the passenger compartment's air conditioning and the battery 173 (a battery that supplies power to the vehicle 10's drive motor). The module body 41 of the equipment module 40 includes [a component located in...]. Figure 4 The module body 41 is configured such that the equipment inside the single-dot dashed line is included. That is, the module body 41 includes a compressor 151, expansion valves 152 and 155, and a cooler 160. Alternatively, the module body 41 may also be configured to include other equipment of the thermal management system 100 (water pump, heat exchanger, valve, etc.).

[0042] The thermal management system 100 includes a refrigeration cycle 150, a high-temperature circuit 110, and a battery circuit 170. In the refrigeration cycle 150, refrigerant circulates. In the high-temperature circuit 110, a heat transfer medium (warm water) circulates. In the battery circuit 170, a heat transfer medium (coolant) circulates.

[0043] The refrigeration cycle 150 includes a compressor 151, a condenser 140, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an expansion valve 155, and a cooler 160. The refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of a first path and a second path. The first path is: compressor 151 - condenser 140 - expansion valve 152 - evaporator 153 - compressor 151. The second path is: compressor 151 - condenser 140 - expansion valve 155 - cooler 160 - compressor 151.

[0044] The condenser 140 heats the heat medium (warm water) of the high-temperature circuit 110 using the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 150. The evaporator 153 cools the air conditioning air (air inside the vehicle) blown into the passenger compartment using the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 150. The cooler 160 cools the heat medium (coolant) of the battery circuit 170 using the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 150.

[0045] The high-temperature circuit 110 includes a water pump (W / P) 111, a condenser 140, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a radiator 121. Warm water circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of a first path and a second path. The first path is: water pump 111 - condenser 140 - three-way valve 113 - heater core 114 - water pump 111. The second path is: water pump 111 - condenser 140 - three-way valve 113 - radiator 121 - water pump 111.

[0046] The heater core 114 heats the air conditioning air (air inside the carriage) blown out of the carriage through the warm water in the high-temperature circuit 110.

[0047] The battery circuit 170 includes a water pump (W / P) 171, a cooler 160, and a battery 173. The coolant circulating in the battery circuit 170 circulates between the water pump 171, the cooler 160, and the battery 173. The battery 173 is cooled by the coolant in the battery circuit 170.

[0048] Furthermore, the thermal management system 100 is not limited to Figure 4 The method shown can be used in other ways. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-77237... Figure 2The present invention discloses a thermal management system (thermal management loop) that, in addition to the battery, also regulates the temperature of a buck-boost converter, a power control unit (PCU), a smart power unit (SPU, a unit for controlling battery charging and discharging), and an oil cooler (O / C). The module body 41 of the device module 40 (see reference) Figure 1 For example, it can also be configured as multiple devices including the thermal management system disclosed in this publication.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the device module 40 has a pair of upper arms 42L and 42R on the left and right, a pair of forearms 43L and 43R on the left and right, and a pair of feet 45L and 45R on the left and right.

[0050] The upper arm 42R protrudes upward from the right end of the upper surface of the module body 41. The upper arm 42R is positioned on the support portion 66 of the upper part 64 of the bracket 60R (see reference). Figure 2 The upper arm 42L (refer to the vehicle width direction) is fastened to the support 66 by two bolts. Thus, two fastening points C7 and C8 are provided. Additionally, the upper arm 42L (refer to the vehicle width direction) is fastened to the support 66 by two bolts. Figure 1 It also has a position and shape that are symmetrical to the upper arm 42R, and is fastened to the support portion (not shown) of the upper part 64 of the bracket 60L by means of the same mounting structure as the upper arm 42R.

[0051] Forearm 43R protrudes outward from the right side of module body 41. Forearm 43R is disposed on the front surface of post 63 of bracket 60R and is fastened to post 63 by bolts. A fastening point C9 is thus provided. Additionally, forearm 43L also has a position and shape symmetrical to forearm 43R, and is fastened to post 63 of bracket 60L by bolts using the same mounting structure as forearm 43R.

[0052] Foot 45R is located on the lower right end surface of the front of module body 41. Foot 45R is positioned on the upper surface of the lower part 62 of bracket 60R and is fastened to the lower part 62 by bolts. A fastening point C10 is thus provided. Additionally, foot 45L has a position and shape symmetrical to foot 45R and is fastened to the lower part 62 of bracket 60L by bolts using the same mounting structure as foot 45R.

[0053] Next, the effects of the implementation methods described above will be explained.

[0054] Figure 3This is a schematic front view of the front structure of the vehicle 10 according to the embodiment. When the vehicle 10 is in motion, loads that deform the suspension towers 16L and 16R are input from the tires (not shown) and the suspension 17L and 17R. As a result, a load is generated that causes the suspension tower arms 18 to move in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction).

[0055] like Figure 3 As illustrated, when a load is input to the suspension tower 16R from the suspension 17R in an upward-sloping direction, as shown by the dashed line in the figure, the suspension tower 16R tilts inward in the vehicle width direction. Consequently, a load is generated on the suspension tower 18 in the direction to the left of the vehicle. Figure 3 The load F is in the right direction. Although this load F can be borne by the suspension tower 16L on the opposite side, when the load F is large, the suspension tower 18 will move to the left of the vehicle. Figure 3 The body moves to the right, thus causing the main body to twist.

[0056] However, according to the embodiment described above, the suspension tower 18 is connected to the underbody structures 20L and 20R (body structures) via a pair of brackets 60L and 60R, the equipment module 40, and the lateral member 19. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the suspension tower 18's tendency to move towards the left of the vehicle. Figure 3 (Movement to the right). Therefore, it can suppress the torsion of the main body of the vehicle during operation. It can improve the rigidity of the vehicle body.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In the example, the load F of the suspension tower 18 is input from the left and right fastening points C3, C4 to a pair of brackets 60L, 60R. On bracket 60R, a load is generated in the leftward direction of the vehicle. Figure 3 A load is applied to the upper arm 42R, forearm 43R, and foot 45R of the device module 40, respectively, causing the module body 41 to be tilted to the left of the vehicle. Figure 3 The loads F1, F2, and F3 are applied in the rightward direction. Furthermore, these loads F1, F2, and F3 generate pressure on the upper arm 42L, forearm 43L, and foot 45L of the device module 40, respectively, causing the bracket 60L to move to the left of the vehicle. Figure 3 The loads F4, F5, and F6 are applied in the rightward direction. These loads F4, F5, and F6 are borne by the bottom structure 20L via the bracket 60L and the lateral member 19. Therefore, the leftward (towards the vehicle) pressure of the suspension tower rod 18 can be suppressed. Figure 1 (Move to the right).

[0058] Specifically, in the embodiment described above, the upper arms 42L, 42R of the device module 40 are fixed to the upper part 64 of the brackets 60L, 60R (see reference). Figure 3Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the feet 45L and 45R of the device module 40 are fixed to the lower part 62 of the brackets 60L and 60R. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the example, a large load F1 is input from the suspension tower 18 to the upper arm 42R of the equipment module 40. This load F1 can then be transferred to the lower part 62 of the bracket 60L, which is located relatively close to the bottom structure 20L in the vertical direction. That is, the load F1 generated on the suspension tower 18 and directed towards the left of the vehicle can be efficiently transferred. Figure 3 The load F (in the right direction) is transmitted to the bottom structure 20L via the lower part 62 of the equipment module 40 and the bracket 60L. Therefore, the rightward (leftward) load F of the suspension tower 18 can be effectively suppressed. Figure 3 (Move to the right).

[0059] Additionally, although mentioned above, this creates a leftward direction on the suspension tower 18 ( Figure 3 The case of a load F (in the right direction) was described, but the case of a load F generated on the suspension tower 18 in the right direction of the vehicle was not described. ​ The same effect can be achieved when the load is applied to the left (the direction of the load).

[0060] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the load F can be transferred via a pair of brackets 60L, 60R and the device module 40 to the bottom structure 20L, 20R connected to the lateral member 19. The load F is the load generated on the suspension tower 18 in the direction of vehicle width (left-right direction) due to the collision load when the vehicle 10 is subjected to a side collision. Therefore, the movement of the suspension tower 18 in the direction of vehicle width can be suppressed, thereby reducing the intrusion of the colliding object relative to the vehicle body.

Claims

1. A front structure for a vehicle, comprising: Suspension towers connect the upper parts of a pair of left and right suspension towers at the front of the vehicle. A lateral member is positioned in front of and below the suspension tower of the vehicle and connects the left and right body structures. A pair of brackets are mounted between the suspension tower and the transverse member and are arranged with left and right intervals; The equipment module is configured to include multiple devices for a refrigeration cycle used in the temperature regulation of the air inside the vehicle compartment and the running battery. The device module is configured between the pair of brackets and is fixed to the pair of brackets respectively.

2. The vehicle front structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The pair of brackets each include an upper portion fixed to the suspension tower and extending forward of the vehicle, a column portion extending downward of the upper portion from the front side of the vehicle, and a lower portion extending forward of the column portion and fixed to the lateral member. The device module is fixed to the upper and lower parts of the pair of brackets.

3. The vehicle front structure as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The left and right pair of suspension towers and the left and right vehicle body structures connecting the lateral members are part of a cast component integrally formed.

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