Vehicle air conditioning unit and vehicle front structure

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle air conditioning unit and a vehicle front structure. The vehicle air conditioning unit includes an intake structure arranged at a vehicle front side of an instrument panel and including a flow path for supplying outside air, and an energy absorbing portion provided to at least one of a vehicle width direction side portion and a vehicle height direction side portion of the intake structure, the energy absorbing portion being arranged to span a vehicle front-rear direction and being formed of a metal material capable of plastic deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle air conditioning units and vehicle front structure. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. (JP-A) 2021-059290 discloses an attachment structure for a vehicle air conditioning unit, in which the vehicle air conditioning unit for regulating the interior of the passenger compartment is attached to the dashboard through an opening provided in the dashboard.

[0003] In the attachment structures described in JP-A No. 2021-059290, during a frontal collision, the dashboard is pushed by components of the power unit compartment moving toward the rear of the vehicle, raising concerns that the dashboard may further push equipment (such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems) arranged within the space into the interior, and that such equipment may intrude into the passenger compartment. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the energy absorption efficiency in the power unit compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, this disclosure aims to provide a vehicle air conditioning unit and a vehicle front structure that can improve the energy absorption efficiency of the power unit interior.

[0005] According to the first embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning unit includes: an air intake structuralbody disposed on the front side of the dashboard and including a flow path for supplying external air, and an energy absorption section disposed on at least one of the vehicle width direction side and the vehicle height direction side of the air intake structuralbody, the energy absorption section being arranged across the vehicle longitudinal direction and being formed of a plastically deformable metallic material.

[0006] In the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment, when a collision load is input from the front of the vehicle, the energy absorption section plastically deforms to absorb the energy during the collision, thereby improving the energy absorption efficiency of the power unit interior.

[0007] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the second embodiment has the same structure as the first embodiment, wherein the energy absorption section has a square wave (or battlement) shaped profile or an accordion shaped profile formed along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0008] In the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the second scheme, the air intake structure can be crushed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle due to the square wave (or battlement) shaped outline or the accordion shaped outline.

[0009] The vehicle air conditioning unit according to the third embodiment has the same structure as the first embodiment, wherein the energy absorption section includes a plurality of polygonal hollow ribs arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0010] In the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the third scheme, the air intake structure can be crushed by deforming the hollow ribs.

[0011] According to the fourth embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning unit is constructed as described in any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the air intake structure includes a plate-shaped filter through which the external air passes, and the filter is arranged in a position where its thickness direction is aligned with the vehicle height direction.

[0012] In the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the fourth embodiment, since the filter is arranged in a position where its thickness direction is aligned with the vehicle height direction, the filter deforms when a collision load is input from the front of the vehicle and can help absorb energy.

[0013] According to the fifth embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning unit is constructed as described in any of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the air intake structure serves as an air inlet that connects the air intake of the cowl section to the blower unit.

[0014] In the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the fifth scheme, since the air inlet deforms under the impact load input from the front of the vehicle and absorbs energy during the collision, the energy absorption efficiency inside the power unit can be improved.

[0015] According to the sixth embodiment, the vehicle front structure includes: an instrument panel configured to separate a power unit compartment and a passenger compartment located at the front of the vehicle; and a vehicle air conditioning unit including: an air intake structure located at the front of the instrument panel and including a flow path for supplying external air; and an energy absorption section disposed on at least one side of the air intake structure in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle height direction, the energy absorption section being arranged across the vehicle longitudinal direction and being formed of a plastically deformable metallic material.

[0016] In the vehicle front structure according to the sixth scheme, when the collision load has been input from the front side of the vehicle, the energy absorption part plastically deforms and absorbs energy during the collision, thereby improving the energy absorption efficiency inside the power unit compartment.

[0017] The vehicle front structure according to the seventh embodiment is the same as the construction described in the sixth embodiment, wherein the air intake structure is attached to the instrument panel.

[0018] In the vehicle front structure according to the seventh embodiment, during a frontal collision, the air intake structure can absorb energy with the support of the dashboard on the rear side, thereby effectively absorbing energy inside the power unit compartment.

[0019] The vehicle front structure according to the eighth embodiment is the same as the structure described in the sixth or seventh embodiment, and also includes at least one of a thermal management unit and a drive unit arranged on the front side of the air intake structure in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0020] In the vehicle front structure according to the eighth embodiment, the thermal management unit and drive unit are constructed to be more difficult to crush, so that the air intake structure can be crushed by the thermal management unit or drive unit during a frontal collision.

[0021] The vehicle front structure according to the ninth embodiment is the construction described in any of the sixth to eighth embodiments, wherein the instrument panel is made of a material having a higher hardness than the air intake structure.

[0022] In the front structure of the vehicle according to the ninth design, the air intake structure can be crushed more effectively.

[0023] As described above, the vehicle air conditioning unit and vehicle front structure according to this disclosure can improve the energy absorption efficiency of the power unit interior. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure 1 This is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a vehicle front structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of an air intake structure of a vehicle air conditioning unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 It is an explanation Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the operation and effects of the front structure of the vehicle; Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A planar cross-sectional view of an example of a modified intake structure; and Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the air intake structure of a vehicle air conditioning unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a vehicle front structure according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Note that in this specification and the drawings, the same reference numerals will be applied to structural elements having substantially the same functional construction, and repeated explanations thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, as shown in the drawings, the arrow "front" (FR) indicates the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, while the arrow "up" (UP) indicates the upper side in the vehicle's height direction. The arrow "right" (RH) indicates the right side in the vehicle's width direction. Hereinafter, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms longitudinal, up / down, and left / right directions are simply referred to as longitudinal in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, up / down in the vehicle's height (vertical) direction, and left / right in the vehicle's left / right direction (vehicle width direction).

[0026] Vehicle front structure First, the construction of a vehicle front structure 10, which serves as an example of a vehicle front structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is described below. Figure 1 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an example of the front structure 10 of a vehicle.

[0027] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates the front structure of a vehicle, 10. (Example:) Figure 1 As shown, in the front structure 10 of the vehicle, the dashboard 16 separates the power unit compartment 12, which houses the vehicle's power, from the passenger compartment 14. Examples of vehicles in this exemplary embodiment include vehicles that operate under power generated by a power unit including a drive motor, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

[0028] In this exemplary embodiment, an electric axle 18 (hereinafter referred to as e-axle 18) is installed as an example of a drive motor (i.e., a drive unit). The e-axle 18 is arranged within the power unit compartment 12 and includes a motor body (not shown) and a power transmission mechanism. The motor body is located on the underside of the vehicle compartment 14, more specifically, under the floor panel (omitted in the figure), and is driven by the output of the battery unit 22 housed inside the battery box 20. The output of the motor body is transmitted to the drive shaft (omitted in the figure) via the power transmission mechanism. That is, the output of the e-axle 18 is configured to be transmitted to the front wheels (omitted in the figure) via the drive shaft.

[0029] For example, the e-axle 18 is attached to the vehicle's frame members via suspension members 24. Suspension members 24 include, for example, side members (omitted in the figure) and a front lateral member 24A and a rear lateral member (omitted in the figure), each side member extending in the longitudinal direction on corresponding two vehicle width sides. The front lateral member 24A and the rear lateral member are positioned on the longitudinal direction sides and span between the left and right side members. Suspension members 24 secure the e-axle 18 using mounting attachments (omitted in the figure).

[0030] The vehicle air conditioning unit 30 is attached to the center of the instrument panel 16 in the vehicle height direction. In this exemplary embodiment, for example, the vehicle air conditioning unit 30 includes an HVAC system 40, an air intake structure 50, and an energy absorption unit 60 (see [link to example]). Figure 2 ).

[0031] HVAC system 40 includes, for example, a heater core (not shown) that generates warm air for heating, an evaporator (not shown) that generates cold air for cooling, and a blower unit 42 that blows air into the vehicle compartment 14 and ventilates the interior of the vehicle compartment 14. In this exemplary embodiment, for example, HVAC system 40 includes an air conditioning unit 44 having an integrated heater core and evaporator, and a blower unit 42 including a built-in air mover.

[0032] HVAC system 40 includes a generally circular supply port 42A located on the front face of the blower unit 42 of the vehicle (the end face of which is on the side of the instrument panel 16), the supply port 42A being arranged opposite to the instrument panel 16. HVAC system 40 also includes an exhaust port (not shown) for discharging air, which, for example, faces an interior opening toward the passenger compartment 14. Air whose temperature has been regulated by HVAC system 40 is discharged into passenger compartment 14 from the exhaust port.

[0033] The air intake structure 50 is located on the front side of the instrument panel 16 and is configured to draw in outside air from both outside the vehicle and inside the passenger compartment 14. The air intake structure 50 includes a flow path 52 (see...). Figure 1 Arrows A1 and A2 are used to direct outside air from outside the vehicle and from inside the passenger compartment 14 to the HVAC system 40. That is, the interior of the air intake structure 50 includes a flow path 52 for supplying outside air. In this exemplary embodiment, outside air means air present outside the vehicle air conditioning unit 30, which includes the air intake structure 50.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the intake structure 50 includes, for example, a first duct 54 extending obliquely upward and forward at its upper end. The first duct 54 communicates with a first air inlet 11D (described later) disposed on the front bulkhead portion 11C and supplies external air to a flow path 52 disposed inside the intake structure 50 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1Arrow A1). The intake structure 50 also includes, for example, a second duct 56 extending obliquely upward and rearward at its upper end, which communicates with a second air intake 16A (described later) disposed on the instrument panel 16 and supplies outside air from inside the passenger compartment 14 into a flow path 52 disposed inside the intake structure 50 (see...). Figure 1 (See arrow A2). Note that the first pipe 54 and the second pipe 56 can be integrally formed with the intake structure 50, or they can be formed as separate components.

[0035] In this exemplary embodiment, for example, as Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle front structure 10 includes an engine hood portion 11A located at the upper end of the front of the vehicle, and a front bulkhead portion 11C located near the boundary of the windshield 11B, with the front bulkhead portion 11C situated on the lower end side of the windshield 11B on the rear side of the engine hood portion 11A. The front bulkhead portion 11C is made of, for example, resin material and functions as a rain gutter to receive rainwater, such as rainwater flowing downwards from the windshield 11B during rainy weather.

[0036] A first air intake 11D for supplying outside air to the intake structure 50 is provided on the front bulkhead portion 11C, and the first air intake 11D faces outwards from the vehicle. The aforementioned first duct 54 is attached to the first air intake 11D from its power unit compartment 12 side, and outside air from the first air intake 11D passes through the first duct 54 and is supplied to the flow path 52 inside the intake structure 50 (see [link]). Figure 1 Arrow A1).

[0037] A second air intake 16A for supplying outside air from the interior of the passenger compartment 14 to the air intake structure 50 is located on the upper side of the instrument panel 16, facing the interior of the passenger compartment 14. The aforementioned second duct 56 is attached to the second air intake 16A from its power unit compartment 12 side, and outside air from the interior of the passenger compartment 14 is supplied from the second air intake 16A to the flow path 52 of the air intake structure 50 via the second duct 56 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 Arrow A2).

[0038] Furthermore, the air intake structure 50 is provided with a plate-shaped filter section 58, which allows external air from outside the vehicle and from inside the passenger compartment 14 to enter its interior. In other words, the filter section 58 is disposed inside the air intake structure 50 along the middle of the flow path 52. The filter section 58 is, for example, an air filter fixed inside a plate frame made of resin, steel, or the like, and the air filter has the function of filtering the external air already supplied to the flow path 52. In this exemplary embodiment, the filter section 58 is, for example, arranged in an orientation where the plate thickness direction is aligned with the vehicle height direction.

[0039] For example, the intake structure 50 also has a generally circular connecting pipe 59 at its rear end of the vehicle, located downstream of flow paths A1 and A2, and the connecting pipe 59 is connected to the supply port 42A of the aforementioned blower unit 42. That is, the intake structure 50 serves as an air inlet that connects the first air inlet 11D of the front bulkhead portion 11C and the blower unit 42. This means that an air mover (omitted in the figure) using the blower unit 42 supplies external air to the intake structure 50 from the first air inlet 11D and the second air inlet 16A, and the external air is discharged from the intake structure 50 into the HVAC system 40.

[0040] In this exemplary embodiment, for example, the connecting pipe 59 is inserted through a connecting hole 16B provided on the instrument panel 16 and connected to the supply port 42A of the blower unit 42. The outer periphery of the connecting pipe 59 is attached to the instrument panel 16 by, for example, a bracket (not shown) and fastening members or by adhesives. In this exemplary embodiment, for example, the instrument panel 16 is made of a material harder than the intake structure 50 (i.e., a material with higher hardness or rigidity), and is formed, for example, of resin, steel, etc.

[0041] Note that in this exemplary embodiment, the first conduit 54 includes an intake valve (not shown) for opening and closing the internal flow path, and the intake valve is configured to open when the HVAC system 40 has been set to supply outside air via an operating unit (not shown), etc. In other words, the intake valve is configured to close when the HVAC system 40 is set to cabin recirculation mode.

[0042] Figure 2 A perspective view illustrating an example of the intake structure 50. Note that... Figure 2 The first pipe 54 and the second pipe 56 are omitted in the diagram. Figure 2 The energy-absorbing section 60 shown is provided at each of the two vehicle-width-direction sides of the intake structure 50. The energy-absorbing section 60 has, for example, an accordion-shaped profile, and each is arranged along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The intake structure 50 is, for example, constructed of a box-shaped member made of a plastically deformable metallic material (such as steel). In this exemplary embodiment, the energy-absorbing section 60 is formed on the vehicle-width-direction side of the box-shaped member, and the energy-absorbing section 60 has an accordion-shaped profile. That is, the energy-absorbing section 60 is formed of a metallic material.

[0043] Note that the accordion-shaped outline is an alternating pattern of ridges and valleys. In this exemplary embodiment, each energy absorption section 60 is configured such that the ridges and valleys of the accordion-shaped outline are pleats extending along the vehicle height direction, and is provided to the intake structure 50 such that the ridges and valleys alternately repeat along the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0044] Note that although the intake structure 50 and the energy absorption section 60 are made of metallic materials in this exemplary embodiment, the disclosure is not limited thereto; for example, they may be formed of resin. Note that when the intake structure 50 and the energy absorption section 60 are formed of resin, similar to the exemplary embodiment described above, they are also preferably formed of a material softer than the instrument panel 16.

[0045] Back Figure 1 The thermal management unit 70 is located on the front side of the intake structure 50. The thermal management unit 70 includes a modular compressor 72, etc., and is a system that performs overall control to achieve optimal temperatures for all components, such as the e-axle 18, battery cell 22, and HVAC system 40. The thermal management unit 70 is housed in a relatively crush-resistant housing (i.e., a housing with higher rigidity than the intake structure 50). In this exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management unit 70, the intake structure 50, and the HVAC system 40 are arranged in a row from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle in this order.

[0046] Furthermore, the radiator 80 is arranged at the front of the vehicle, above the e-axle 18, thermal management unit 70, etc., and is angled to further position its upper part towards the rear of the vehicle. A tubular fan shroud 82, an electric fan 84, etc., are positioned at the rear of the radiator 80 to guide air supplied from the radiator 80 to the rear of the vehicle. The radiator 80 is, for example, a structure formed in a generally rectangular frame shape when viewed along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, flattened in the longitudinal direction, with coolant pipes (omitted in the figure) arranged, for example, to meander, so as to extend from one side to the other and return to one side multiple times along the vehicle's width direction. Multiple fans (omitted in the figure) are attached to the coolant pipes, and outside air supplied to the interior of the power unit compartment 12 through the front grille 86 during vehicle operation passes between the fans, cooling the coolant inside the coolant pipes. The coolant pipes circulate together with the internal flow paths of the e-axle 18 and the battery cell 22, and the coolant, which has been supplied under pressure by the pump (omitted in the figure), passes through the coolant pipes and circulates through the interior of the e-axle 18 and the battery cell 22, thereby exchanging heat with them. This cools the e-axle 18 and the battery cell 22.

[0047] In the vehicle front structure 10 constructed as described above, for example, a collision stroke is set from the front end of the vehicle to the vicinity of the front end of the compressor 72 of the thermal management unit 70, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by the middle arrow S.

[0048] Operation and effects of the first exemplary embodiment Next, the operation and effects of the first exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 3This is a side cross-sectional view explaining the operation and effects of the vehicle front structure 10 of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0049] In the vehicle front structure 10 and vehicle air conditioning unit 30 of the first exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the collision stroke is set. Therefore, when a collision load has been input from the front of the vehicle, the thermal management unit 70... Figure 3 The position indicated by the solid line is moved to the position indicated by the double-dotted line. When this occurs, the thermal management unit 70 will not be crushed because it is housed in a relatively crush-resistant housing, instead pressing the intake structure 50 towards the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle air conditioning unit 30 of the first exemplary embodiment is provided with an energy absorption section 60 having an accordion-shaped profile formed along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The energy absorption section 60 is provided on the two vehicle-width-direction sides of the intake structure 50, allowing the intake structure 50 to be crushed in the vehicle's longitudinal direction due to its accordion-shaped profile. In the vehicle front structure 10 and the vehicle air conditioning unit 30 of the first exemplary embodiment, the energy absorption section 60 absorbs energy during a collision, thereby improving the energy absorption efficiency inside the power unit compartment 12.

[0050] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 and vehicle air conditioning unit 30 of the first exemplary embodiment, the air intake structure 50 serves as an air inlet that joins the first air intake 11D of the front bulkhead portion 11C and the blower unit 42 together. This means that when a collision load is input from the front of the vehicle, the energy during the collision is absorbed through the deformation of the air inlet (i.e., the air intake structure 50), thereby improving the energy absorption efficiency inside the power unit chamber 12.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first exemplary embodiment, since the air intake structure 50 is attached to the dashboard 16, energy can be absorbed during a frontal collision due to the support of the dashboard 16 on the rear side of the air intake structure 50. This means that energy can be effectively absorbed inside the power unit chamber 12.

[0052] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first exemplary embodiment, the thermal management unit 70 is arranged on the front side of the air intake structure 50, and since the thermal management unit 70 is constructed to be difficult to crush, the air intake structure 50 can be crushed by the thermal management unit 70 during a frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0053] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first exemplary embodiment, since the dashboard 16 is made of a material that is harder than the air intake structure 50, the air intake structure 50 can be crushed more effectively.

[0054] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first exemplary embodiment, the filter portion 58 is arranged in an orientation in which its thickness direction is aligned with the vehicle height direction. The filter portion 58 typically does not have sufficiently high rigidity to aid in energy absorption. However, as described above, since the filter portion 58 is arranged in an orientation in which its thickness direction is aligned with the vehicle height direction, the filter portion 58 deforms in the event of an input collision load from the front of the vehicle, thereby aiding in energy absorption.

[0055] Modification example of the first exemplary embodiment Although the energy absorption section 60 has an accordion-shaped outline in the air intake structure 50 of the first exemplary embodiment, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A planar cross-sectional view of a modified example of the intake structure 50. Note that... Figure 4 A cross-section taken along the central axis of the connecting pipe 59 is shown.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, energy-absorbing sections 60A spanning the vehicle's longitudinal direction are arranged on the two vehicle-width-direction sides of the intake structure 50A in the modified example. Each energy-absorbing section 60A has a square wave (or crenellation) shaped profile along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Specifically, the energy-absorbing section 60A includes a plurality of protrusions 62 projecting outwards in the vehicle's width direction, the protrusions 62 being arranged at specific intervals along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. When viewed from above, the protrusions 62 project with a generally rectangular profile, and in the side view, each protrusion 62 is formed with a generally rectangular shape along its length in the vehicle's height direction. Note that when viewed from above, the profile of the protrusions 62 is not limited to a generally rectangular shape and can be appropriately modified; it can be a trapezoidal or triangular profile when viewed from above.

[0057] Since each energy absorption section 60A has a square wave-shaped profile along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, as shown in the modified example above, the intake structure 50A can be crushed along the front-rear direction of the vehicle using the square wave-shaped profile.

[0058] Second exemplary embodiment Next, the vehicle front structure 10A according to the second exemplary embodiment of this disclosure will be described (see [link]). Figure 1 ). Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the air intake structure 50B of a vehicle air conditioning unit 30B according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numerals denote constructions in the air intake structure 50B of the second exemplary embodiment that are similar in construction to those in the air intake structure 50 of the first exemplary embodiment, and explanations thereof will be omitted, with detailed descriptions given only for their different portions.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the intake structure 50B of the second exemplary embodiment includes an energy absorption section 60B. The energy absorption section 60B includes a plurality of hexagonal hollow ribs 63 arranged along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Specifically, the intake structure 50B is constructed, for example, as a box-shaped member made of a plastically deformable metallic material (such as steel), and in this exemplary embodiment, the hollow ribs 63 are provided on the vehicle width direction side 57 of the box-shaped member.

[0060] Multiple hollow ribs 63 are formed such that their hollow hexagonal outlines protrude outward from the side 57 in the vehicle width direction, and the energy absorption section 60B includes a honeycomb structure composed of hollow ribs 63, which are arranged side by side without any space between them. That is, the multiple hollow ribs 63 are configured as multiple vehicle height rows arranged along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The hollow ribs 63 are arranged such that the direction connecting their opposite vertices 64 is aligned with the vehicle height direction. In other words, the hollow ribs 63 are arranged such that the straight lines forming a pair of opposite sides 66 are aligned with the vehicle height direction.

[0061] Operation and effects of the second exemplary embodiment Next, the operation and effects of the second exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0062] In the vehicle air conditioning unit 30B of the vehicle front structure 10A in the second exemplary embodiment, the energy absorption part 60B includes a plurality of hexagonal hollow ribs 63, thereby crushing the air intake structure 50B by utilizing the deformation of the hollow ribs 63.

[0063] Remark Note that although the energy absorption sections 60, 60A, and 60B in the above exemplary embodiments are made of a plastically deformable metallic material (such as steel), this disclosure is not limited thereto. The energy absorption sections 60, 60A, and 60B may, for example, be formed of resin. In this case, since the energy absorption sections 60, 60A, and 60B undergo plastic deformation under a collision load input from the front of the vehicle and absorb energy during a collision, the energy absorption efficiency inside the power unit chamber 12 can be improved.

[0064] Furthermore, although in the above exemplary embodiments, the energy absorption units 60, 60A, and 60B are disposed on the vehicle width-direction side of the air intake structures 50, 50A, and 50B, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The energy absorption units 60, 60A, and 60B may be disposed on the height-direction side of the air intake structures 50, 50A, and 50B, and may be disposed on both the vehicle height-direction side and the vehicle width-direction side. Moreover, as long as the energy absorption units 60, 60A, and 60B are arranged transversely along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, they may be disposed on the entire side or on a portion thereof.

[0065] Furthermore, although in the exemplary embodiments described above the intake structures 50, 50A, and 50B are fixed to the instrument panel 16, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and they may be configured not to be fixed to the instrument panel 16. In this case, for example, the blower unit 42 to which the intake structures 50, 50A, and 50B are connected may be fixed to the instrument panel 16.

[0066] Furthermore, although in the above exemplary embodiments the thermal management unit 70 is disposed at the front side of the intake structures 50, 50A, and 50B in the vehicle longitudinal direction, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a drive unit such as e-axle 18 may be disposed at the front side of the intake structures 50, 50A, and 50B in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the thermal management unit 70 and the drive unit such as e-axle 18 may be disposed side by side with each other in the height direction. Since the thermal management unit 70 and the drive unit such as e-axle 18 are constructed to be relatively difficult to crush, the intake structures can be crushed by the thermal management unit 70 and the drive unit such as e-axle 18 during a frontal collision.

[0067] Furthermore, although the energy absorption section 60B in the second exemplary embodiment includes a hollow rib 63 with a hexagonal profile, the hollow rib of this disclosure is not limited to having a hexagonal profile, and may have other polygonal profiles such as an octagonal profile.

[0068] Furthermore, the construction of this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and can be modified to a suitable construction as long as the problem to be solved is thereby resolved.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning unit, comprising: An air intake structure is arranged on the front side of the vehicle's dashboard and includes a flow path for supplying outside air. as well as An energy absorption section is disposed on at least one of the vehicle width direction side and the vehicle height direction side of the air intake structure, the energy absorption section being arranged across the vehicle front-rear direction and being formed of a metal material capable of plastic deformation.

2. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The energy absorption section has a square wave shape or an accordion shape outline formed along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The energy absorption section includes a plurality of polygonal hollow ribs arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The air intake structure includes a plate-shaped filter through which the external air passes, and the filter is arranged in a position where its thickness direction is aligned with the vehicle height direction.

5. The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein, The air intake structure serves as an air inlet, which connects the air intake of the front bulkhead to the blower unit.

6. A front structure for a vehicle, comprising: The dashboard is configured to separate the power unit compartment and the passenger compartment located at the front of the vehicle. as well as The vehicle air conditioning unit according to claim 1.

7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 6, wherein, The air intake structure is attached to the instrument panel.

8. The vehicle front structure according to claim 6 further includes at least one of a thermal management unit and a drive unit disposed on the front side of the air intake structure in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

9. The vehicle front structure according to claim 6, wherein, The instrument panel is made of a material with a higher hardness than the air intake structure.

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