Vehicle front structure

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle front structure. The vehicle front structure includes a frame body and a first cover member. The frame body includes: a front side member; a pair of left and right upper member portions disposed above the front side member and curved or inclined in a downward direction; and a suspension tower, which is disposed further inward in the vehicle width direction than the upper member portions. The first cover member covers the pair of left and right upper member portions in the longitudinal direction, and when viewed in a vehicle side view, the first cover member is fixed to a position further forward of the upper member portions than the portion of the upper member portions overlapping the suspension towers in the longitudinal direction, and the first cover member is fixed to the position of the upper member portions overlapping the suspension towers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a front structure of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese utility model publication CN 217,496,273 discloses a vehicle front structure in which the upper component, the front side component, and the suspension tower are integrally formed by casting. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the vehicle front structure described in Chinese Utility Model Publication CN 217,496,273, when an impact occurs from the front of the vehicle, the frame body may be damaged before the impact absorbing portion of the front component is properly axially compressed, and if the frame body is damaged, there is a problem that the impact load will not be adequately absorbed.

[0004] In view of the above, this disclosure provides a vehicle front structure that can ensure the necessary amount of energy absorption.

[0005] A vehicle front structure related to a first aspect of this disclosure includes: a frame body portion integrally formed comprising: a pair of left and right front side member portions extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction; a pair of left and right upper member portions, which, when viewed in a vehicle side view, are disposed above the front side member portions and are curved or tilted in a vehicle downward direction; a pair of left and right suspension tower portions, which, compared to the upper member portions, are further disposed inward in a vehicle width direction; and a first cover member, which is configured to cover each of the left and right upper member portions along the vehicle longitudinal direction, the first cover member being fixed to a position further forward of the upper member portion than the position of the upper member portion overlapping the suspension tower portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Furthermore, when viewed in a vehicle side view, the first cover member is fixed to the position of the upper member portion overlapping the suspension tower portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0006] In the integrally formed frame body as described above, the upper member is inclined or curved downwards, thus generating a moment in the direction that counteracts the lifting of the entire frame body. However, in a frontal impact, the frame body may be damaged before the impact-absorbing portion of the front member is properly axially compressed, and if the frame body is damaged, it promotes the lifting of the entire frame body. If the frame body is damaged in this way, the location near the upper member, when viewed in a vehicle side view, corresponding to the front end of the suspension tower in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, is considered the origin of damage in a frontal impact.

[0007] In the vehicle front structure related to the first aspect of this disclosure, a first cover member is configured to cover each of a pair of upper member portions on the left and right sides along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Furthermore, when viewed in a vehicle side view, the first cover member is fixed to a position further forward of the upper member portion than the position where it overlaps with the suspension tower portion in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the first cover member is also fixed to the upper member portion at the position where it overlaps with the suspension tower portion in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. That is, when viewed in a vehicle side view, the first cover member is fixed to the upper member portion near the position corresponding to the front end of the suspension tower portion, i.e., in front of and behind the portion considered to be the point of failure during a frontal impact. Since the first cover member covers the portion considered to be the point of failure during a frontal impact, it can suppress upward deformation or damage to the frame body portion during a frontal impact. Impact absorption through axial compression of the front member portion during a frontal impact can be appropriately performed, thereby ensuring the necessary amount of energy absorption.

[0008] The vehicle front structure associated with the second embodiment of this disclosure is a configuration of the first aspect, wherein the first cover member covers the curved portion of the upper member portion from the upper side of the vehicle.

[0009] In the vehicle front structure relating to the second aspect of this disclosure, a first cover member covers the curved portion of the upper member portion from the upper side of the vehicle, thereby obtaining a reaction force against the bending moment applied to the curved portion of the upper member portion.

[0010] The vehicle front structure relating to the third aspect of this disclosure is a configuration of the second aspect, wherein the first cover member covers the suspension tower portion and is fixed to the suspension tower portion.

[0011] In the vehicle front structure relating to the third aspect of this disclosure, the first cover member covers and is fixed to the suspension tower portion, so that the reaction force against the bending moment applied to the bending portion of the upper member portion can be obtained by the suspension tower portion as a member with high yield strength.

[0012] The vehicle front structure related to the fourth aspect is a configuration of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the frame body portion includes a transverse portion extending in the vehicle width direction at the front side of the frame body portion, and the transverse portion has a curved portion that bends inward in the vehicle width direction, and the first cover member extends to the curved portion and is fixed to the transverse portion.

[0013] In the vehicle front structure relating to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, the first cover member extends to the curved portion of the frame body and is fixed to the transverse portion, thereby suppressing deformation and damage of the frame body during a frontal impact. Furthermore, even if the transverse portion is damaged during a frontal impact, the first cover member has the function of pulling the frame body in the downward direction of the vehicle, thus suppressing the lifting of the frame body.

[0014] The vehicle front structure relating to the fifth aspect of this disclosure is a configuration of any of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the vehicle front structure includes a second cover member extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and covering the outer surface of the upper member portion in the vehicle width direction, and the second cover member is fixed to the frame body portion.

[0015] In the vehicle front structure relating to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the second cover member covers the outer surface of the upper member portion, thereby suppressing deformation or damage to the side surface of the upper member portion.

[0016] The vehicle front structure relating to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is the configuration of the fifth aspect, wherein the second cover member is integrally formed with the first cover member.

[0017] In the vehicle front structure relating to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the first cover member and the second cover member are integrally formed, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0018] The vehicle front structure relating to the seventh aspect of this disclosure is a configuration of any of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the vehicle front structure includes suspension towers that interconnect the left and right pairs of suspension towers in the vehicle width direction, and the first cover member has a fixing portion for fixing to the suspension towers.

[0019] In the vehicle front structure relating to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, the fixing portion of the first cover member is fixed to the suspension tower rod, thereby obtaining a larger reaction force against the bending moment applied to the bending portion of the upper member and improving load transferability in small overlap collisions.

[0020] The vehicle front structure relating to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is a configuration of any of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the vehicle front structure includes a neck section that interconnects the left and right pairs of upper member sections in the vehicle width direction, and the vehicle front structure has a load transfer section that interconnects the neck section and the first cover member in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0021] In the vehicle front structure relating to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the neck section and the first cover member are interconnected via a load transfer section, so that the reaction force against the bending moment applied to the upper member section can also be obtained from the neck section via the load transfer section. Furthermore, in the event of a frontal impact, the load from the front can be transferred to the neck section via the load transfer section.

[0022] The vehicle front structure relating to the ninth aspect of this disclosure is a configuration of any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the first cover member is composed of a member having greater ductility than the frame body portion.

[0023] In the vehicle front structure relating to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, the first cover member is made of a member having higher ductility than the frame body, so that even if the frame body deforms or breaks in a frontal impact, the bending load in the vehicle longitudinal direction can be borne by the first cover member.

[0024] As stated above, the vehicle front structure in relation to this disclosure ensures the necessary energy absorption. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a vehicle front structure in relation to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the frame body of the front structure of a vehicle. Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 Plan view of the main body of the frame; Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A plan view of the front structure of the vehicle; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the main parts of the cover component, viewed from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 6 It is viewed from the inside and front sides in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 4 A perspective view of the area inside the dashed box A; Figure 7 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example variant of the vehicle's front structure; Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of the main parts of the vehicle front structure in relation to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of the main parts of the vehicle front structure in relation to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a vehicle front structure in relation to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the frame body of the vehicle front structure in relation to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure, viewed from the left rear. Figure 12 It is schematically shown that includes Figure 11 A plan view of the main components of the vehicle's front structure within the frame body; and Figure 13 This is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the vehicle front structure in relation to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] <First Embodiment>

[0027] The vehicle front structure 10 in relation to the first embodiment of this disclosure will now be described using the accompanying drawings. It will be noted that redundant descriptions of components having substantially the same functional configuration will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to them. Furthermore, the arrow FR, appropriately shown in the drawings, indicates the forward direction in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the arrow UP indicates the upward direction in the vehicle's vertical direction. The arrow LH indicates the leftward direction in the vehicle's width direction, and in this embodiment, the outward direction in the vehicle's width direction. When the directions are simply described below as front / rear, up / down, and left / right, unless otherwise stated, this will mean front / rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, up / down in the vehicle's vertical direction, and left / right in the vehicle's left / right direction (vehicle width direction).

[0028] (Illustrative configuration of the front of the vehicle)

[0029] First, the configuration of the vehicle front structure 10 will be described as an example of a vehicle front structure in relation to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The vehicle front structure 10 is applied to vehicles such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which rely on power generated by a power unit for operation.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a vehicle front structure 10 related to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates the main components of the front frame of the vehicle. (Example:) Figure 1 As shown, the front of the vehicle is provided with a vehicle front structure 10, which serves as the frame of the vehicle. As an example, the vehicle front structure 10 includes a frame body 12, a cover member 30 serving as a first cover member, a collision box 70, a suspension member 60, and a bumper reinforcement member 80 (hereinafter referred to as "bumper RF 80").

[0031] (Configuration of frame body part 12)

[0032] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the frame body 12 of the vehicle's front structure 10, viewed from the left rear side. Furthermore, Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A plan view of an example of the frame body 12 of the vehicle's front structure 10. (See attached image.) Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the frame body portion 12 includes a pair of left and right front side member portions 14, which are front frame members of the vehicle and are disposed on both sides in the width direction of the front of the vehicle. The front side member portions 14 extend in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the front side member portions 14 is connected to the lateral member portion 16. In addition, the front end of the front side member portions 14 is connected to the collision box 70.

[0033] Wheel well sections 15 are provided on the outer sides of the pair of front side member sections 14 in the width direction. Tires serving as wheels (not shown) are provided in the wheel well sections 15, and the left and right wheel well sections 15 are interconnected by transverse member sections 16. The front side member sections 14 are provided in the wheel well sections 15 on the extension line of a side beam (not shown), which forms a frame on the lower side of the vehicle.

[0034] A barrier upper member 18 serving as an upper member is provided on the outer side in the width direction and the upper side in the vertical direction of the left and right front member portions 14. The barrier upper member 18 is a frame member that forms the upper frame of the vehicle front structure 10, and extends in the longitudinal direction like the front member portions. When viewed in a vehicle side view, the barrier upper member 18 is provided on the upper side of the front member portions 14, and includes a curved portion 18A that bends downward at the front side. The curved portion 18A will be described in further detail below.

[0035] As an example, the front member portion 14 and the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure have a generally rectangular open cross-sectional shape in which openings are provided on their outer sides in the width direction, i.e., a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape that opens outwards in the width direction. As an example, each of the front member portions 14 includes, in its open cross-section on its outer side in the width direction, a horizontal rib 14A extending in the front-rear direction and a plurality of vertical ribs 14B extending in the vertical direction. The impact-absorbing structure that absorbs energy upon impact is composed of the horizontal ribs 14A and the vertical ribs 14B. It should be noted that the impact-absorbing structure is not limited to... Figure 2 The structure shown can be used, and known structures can also be used. Furthermore, as an example, each of the upper component parts 18 of the enclosure includes an impact-absorbing structure that is substantially similar to the impact-absorbing structure of the front component part 14.

[0036] Furthermore, a pair of mudguard portions 20 are located on the outer side of the front member portion 14 in the width direction and on the inner side of the upper member portion 18 in the width direction. The upper end of the mudguard portion 20 is joined to the upper member portion 18, and the lower end of the mudguard portion 20 is joined to the front member portion 14. The suspension tower portion 22 and the wheel well portion 15 are integrally formed. The suspension tower portion 22 is located on the upper side of the front member portion 14 and on the outer side of the front member portion 14 in the width direction, and the lower side of the suspension tower portion 22 is joined to the mudguard portion 20. A through hole 22A is provided on the upper surface of the suspension tower portion 22, and the upper end of the suspension (not shown) is disposed in the through hole 22A. The mudguard portions 20 are formed to protrude inward in the width direction, and these protrusions form the wheel well portion 15, in which the tire (not shown) is accommodated in a steerable manner.

[0037] Furthermore, the instrument panel 24 is located at the rear of the front member 14 and between the left and right pairs of front member 14s. The instrument panel 24 is a member that separates the space housing the power unit (not shown) from the passenger compartment (not shown), and extends in both the width and vertical directions, with its thickness direction aligned with the front-rear direction. The width end of the instrument panel 24 is connected to the fender retainer 20, and the upper end of the instrument panel 24 is connected to the transverse member 16.

[0038] The rear end portion 20A of the mudguard portion 20 located at the rear of the wheel well portion 15 extends in the longitudinal direction and connects to the sill 13 that forms the frame of the vehicle body side (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0039] The suspension tower 22 is configured to protrude in a generally tubular shape from the wheel well section 15 of the fender retainer 20 in the upward direction. The suspension tower 22 houses a shock absorber and a spring that constitute a suspension (not shown) that supports the tires used as front wheels housed in the wheel well section 15.

[0040] Furthermore, as an example, the frame body portion 12 of this embodiment includes Figure 2 The left and right pair of front side component parts 14, left and right pair of wheel well parts 15, lateral component parts 16, left and right pair of upper fender components 18, left and right pair of mudguard components 20, left and right pair of suspension tower parts 22, and instrument panel part 24 shown are integrally formed by casting, for example, using aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy as the material. Each of the components including the front side component parts 14, wheel well parts 15, lateral component parts 16, upper fender components 18, and suspension tower parts 22 has an open section that is open in the direction of mold removal during casting.

[0041] It should be noted that in this embodiment, one side and the other side in the width direction can be used for the mold removal direction. Therefore, the cross-section of each component is an open cross-section that opens to at least one of the outer and inner sides in the width direction. It should be noted that, although Figure 1 The outer side (left side) of the left wheel well section 15 is not shown, but it is actually as follows: Figure 2 The diagram shows an open section. Note that the left and right halves of the frame body 12 can be formed integrally.

[0042] (Crash box 70 and bumper RF 80)

[0043] The collision box 70 has a closed cross-sectional shape and is formed, for example, by aluminum extrusion. The rear end of the collision box 70 is joined to the front ends of a pair of left and right front member portions 14, and the front end of the collision box 70 is joined to the bumper RF80. The bumper RF80 is a hollow beam-shaped frame portion and extends along its width. The bumper RF80 is connected with its outer end in the width direction protruding outwards beyond the front end of the collision box 70. Furthermore, the bumper RF80 is gently curved such that its middle portion in the width direction protrudes in the forward direction of the vehicle, as shown in the plan view.

[0044] In this embodiment, as an example, the collision box 70 and the bumper RF80 are integrally formed. It should be noted that although the collision box 70 is described as an integral part of the bumper RF80 in this embodiment, the collision box 70 and the bumper RF80 can be separate. Furthermore, the joint between the front end of the front member portion 14 and the collision box 70 is bridged by a joint transverse portion 72 extending in the width direction.

[0045] (Suspension component 60)

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the suspension member 60 includes a pair of side rails 62 extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other in the width direction, and a front lateral member 64 interconnecting the front ends of the pair of side rails 62 in the width direction. Furthermore, the suspension member 60 is configured to include a rear lateral member (not shown) that interconnects the rear portions of the pair of side rails 62 in the width direction. As an example, the pair of side rails 62, the front lateral member 64, and the rear lateral member of the suspension member 60 are integrally formed and each has a generally E-shaped open cross section opening downwards. The suspension member 60 can be formed by die casting with the die removed in the vertical direction. Note that integrally forming the suspension member 60 is not necessary. The front and rear ends of the suspension member 60 are attached to the front side member portion 14 at their ends in the width direction.

[0047] (Cover component 30)

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover member 30 covers the upper surface of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure in the front-rear direction. Here, the point of failure B of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure will be described. In the frame body portion 12 configured as described above, in the event of a frontal impact, the impact load transmitted from the front is input to the front member portion 14 via the impact box 70 and is absorbed by the impact absorption structure of the front member portion 14.

[0049] However, as Figure 2 As shown, since the upper component portion 18 of the enclosure includes a curved portion 18A that bends downwards on its front side, the load can be pulled downwards at the curved portion 18A during a frontal impact. It should be noted that although the upper component portion 18 of the enclosure includes the curved portion 18A in this embodiment, the upper component portion 18 of the enclosure is not limited to including the curved portion 18A and may include an inclined portion with an inclination. Thus, since the load is pulled downwards at the curved portion 18A, a bending moment can be generated that causes the entire frame body portion 12 to rotate about an axis along the width direction, i.e., a moment in the direction that counteracts the mode in which the entire frame body portion 12 is lifted. However, during a frontal impact, the frame body portion 12 may be damaged before the impact-absorbing structure of the front component portion 14 is properly axially compressed, and if the frame body portion 12 is damaged, it promotes the mode in which the entire frame body portion 12 is lifted.

[0050] If the front side of the front component 14 rotates upward due to this destructive deformation, the surface of the front component 14 that generates the impact absorption reaction force may no longer be parallel to the load input surface, i.e., the axial direction of the collision box 70, which reduces the impact absorption performance caused by the axial compression of the front component 14.

[0051] The frame body 12 has a failure origin B, which serves as the origin for deformation and failure during a frontal impact. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the failure point B is located at the front end of the suspension tower portion 22. Typically, the suspension tower portions 22 are relatively large parts of the frame body portion 12, and therefore are configured to have high yield strength relative to bending. For this reason, the front end of the suspension tower portion 22 is considered to have a high probability of becoming the failure point within the frame body portion 12.

[0052] Therefore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of this embodiment, the point of destruction B is covered by the cover member 30. Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A plan view of the front structure 10 of the vehicle. As an example, the cover member 30 is formed of a plate-like member, and as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, it is positioned on the left and right sides in the width direction. The cover member 30 is constructed of a member having greater ductility than the frame body 12.

[0053] The cover member 30 includes cover body portions 32 formed in a generally triangular shape on both sides in the width direction. The cover body portions 32 are configured such that their base ends on the outer sides in the width direction in the plan view overlap with the upper end of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure, and are configured such that their apex sides on the inner sides in the width direction in the plan view overlap with the suspension tower 40 described below. In this embodiment, as an example, the cover body portions 32 are formed to cover the curved portion 18A of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure from above. Recesses and protrusions are formed in the cover body portions 32, which match recesses and protrusions on the upper surface of the frame body portion 12.

[0054] Furthermore, the cover body 32 is configured to cover the destruction origin B in the front-rear direction (see...). Figure 3 In other words, as observed in the top view, the cover body portion 32 extends in both the forward and rearward directions across the front end of the suspension tower portion 22 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, as an example, the cover body portion 32 is formed to cover the suspension tower portion 22. It should be noted that although in this embodiment the cover member 30 is formed to cover the suspension tower portion 22, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 3 As shown in the shaded area, the cover member 30 only needs to cover the area including at least the destruction origin B at the upper end surface of the upper member part 18 of the enclosure.

[0055] The cover body 32 is fixed to the suspension tower 22 by a fastening part T. As a method of fixing the cover body 32 at the fastening part T, fastening with bolts or rivets can be used.

[0056] Furthermore, the cover member 30 includes a side surface cover portion 34 serving as a second cover member, and the side surface cover portion 34 is integrally formed with the cover body portion 32. It should be noted that although in this embodiment the side surface cover portions 34 are integrally formed with the cover body portion 32, they may also be formed separately from the cover body portion 32.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the main part, including the cover member 30, viewed from the outside in the width direction. (Example) Figure 5 As shown, the side surface cover portion 34 extends downward from the outer end of the cover body portion 32 in the width direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The side surface cover portion 34 is configured to cover the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure (see...). Figure 1 The outer surface of the side surface cover 34 is fixed to the frame body 12 by a fastener T. In this embodiment, as an example, the side surface cover 34 is fixed to the upper member 18 of the enclosure. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, the fastening part T is set on both sides of the failure origin B in the front-back direction.

[0058] In other words, such as Figure 5As shown, the side surface cover 34 is fixed to the front portion 18F of the upper component portion 18 of the enclosure, each of the front portions 18F being positioned further forward than the position where it overlaps with the suspension tower portion 22 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., breaking the origin B), and the side surface cover 34 is fixed to the rear portion 18R of the upper component portion 18 of the enclosure, each of the rear portions 18R being positioned at the position where it overlaps with the suspension tower portion 22 in the longitudinal direction, as observed in the vehicle side view (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0059] Figure 6 It is viewed from the inside and front sides in the width direction. Figure 4 A perspective view of the area inside the dashed box A. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the frame body 12 includes suspension towers 40, and the suspension towers 40 interconnect a pair of left and right suspension tower sections 22 in the width direction. Figure 6 As shown, as an example, the suspension tower 40 includes a lower member 42 positioned on the lower side and having a rectangular open cross-sectional shape that opens in the upward direction, and an upper member 44 positioned on the upper side and having a rectangular open cross-sectional shape that opens in the downward direction. Figure 4 As shown, the suspension tower 40 is formed such that it gradually becomes wider from the inside to the outside of the suspension tower portion 22 in the width direction.

[0060] Furthermore, the upper end of the lower member 42 and the lower end of the upper member 44 include flanges 46 that engage with each other in the front-rear direction, and these flanges 46 engage together to form the suspension tower 40.

[0061] The cover body 32 has an open cross-sectional shape, wherein its inner ends in the width direction cover the upper part of the upper member 44. Specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, the inner ends of the cover body portion 32 in the width direction are each formed into a downwardly opening cap shape. Figure 6 As shown, as an example, the cover body portions 32 are formed such that they gradually widen from the inside to the outside in the width direction. The cover body portions 32 have a lower surface portion 38 that is lower than the upper portion 36 covering the suspension tower 40, and the lower surface portion 38 is fixed to the flange portion 46. That is, the cover body portions 32 are fixed to the suspension tower 40 at the locations where they overlap with the flange portion 46, as shown in the top view. Note that the lower surface portion 38 corresponds to the fixing portion.

[0062] (Functions and Effects)

[0063] Next, the function and effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[0064] In the frame body 12 integrally formed by casting as described above, the upper member 18 of the barrier bends downwards. Therefore, in a frontal impact, for example, a moment in the direction that counteracts the lifting of the entire frame body 12 can be generated. However, in a frontal impact, the frame body 12 can be damaged before the impact-absorbing structure of the front member 14 is properly axially compressed, and if the frame body 12 is damaged, it promotes the lifting of the entire frame body 12. In the case that the frame body 12 is damaged in this way, the point of failure during a frontal impact may be near the position of the upper member 18 of the barrier, as observed in the vehicle side view, corresponding to the front end of the suspension tower 22.

[0065] In the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, a cover member 30, serving as a first cover member, is configured to cover each of the left and right pair of upper member portions 18 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the cover member 30 is fixed to the front portion 18F of the upper member portion 18 at a position further forward than the suspension tower portion 22. As observed in the vehicle side view, the cover member 30 is also fixed to the rear portion 18R of the upper member portion 18 at a position overlapping with the suspension tower portion 22. That is, as observed in the vehicle side view, near the position corresponding to the front end of the suspension tower portion 22, i.e., in front of and behind the point of failure B during a frontal impact, the cover member 30 is fixed to the upper member portion 18. Since the cover member 30 covers the portion considered to be the point of failure B during a frontal impact, deformation or damage to the frame body portion 12 protruding upwards during a frontal impact can be suppressed. Impact absorption by axial compression of the front member portion 14 during a frontal impact can be appropriately performed, thus ensuring the desired amount of energy absorption.

[0066] Furthermore, the cover body portion 32 of the cover member 30 covers the curved portion 18A of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure from the upper side of the vehicle, so the cover body portion 32 can obtain the reaction force against the bending moment applied to the curved portion 18A of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure.

[0067] Furthermore, since the cover member 30 covers the suspension tower portion 22 and is fixed to the suspension tower portion 22, the reaction force against the bending moment applied to the bending portion 18A of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure can be obtained through the suspension tower portion 22, which is a member with high yield strength.

[0068] Furthermore, the side surface cover portion 34, which serves as the second cover member, covers the outer surface of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure, thereby suppressing deformation or damage to the side surface of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure.

[0069] Furthermore, the side surface cover portion 34 is integrally formed with the cover member 30. That is, the cover body portion 32 and the side surface cover portion 34 are integrally formed, thus reducing the number of parts.

[0070] Furthermore, the lower surface portion 38, which serves as the fixing portion of the cover member 30, is fixed to the flange portion 46 of the suspension tower 40, thereby obtaining a larger reaction force against the bending moment applied to the bending portion 18A of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure, and improving load transfer in the event of a small overlap collision.

[0071] Furthermore, the cover member 30 is made of a member with higher ductility than the frame body 12, so even if the frame body 12 deforms or breaks during a frontal impact, the cover member 30 can bear the bending load in the front-to-back direction.

[0072] <Example Variation>

[0073] Although in the first embodiment the cover member 30 is disposed on both sides in the width direction, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 7 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example variant of the vehicle's front structure 10. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, the cover member 30 includes a cover body portion 32A, wherein the cover body portions 32 disposed on both sides in the width direction are interconnected at the center portion in the width direction of the cover member 30. That is, a cover member 30 is disposed in the front structure 10 of the vehicle.

[0074] By making the cover member 30 a single unit, the number of parts of the cover member 30 can be reduced.

[0075] <Second Embodiment>

[0076] Next, the vehicle front structure 10A in relation to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of the main parts of the vehicle front structure 10A in relation to the second embodiment. Note that in the vehicle front structure 10A, the same components as described in the first embodiment are assigned the same numbers, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, the vehicle front structure 10A of the second embodiment includes a cover member 30A. The cover member 30 of the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment includes a cover body portion 32 covering the upper surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier and a side surface cover portion 34 covering the outer surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier, while the cover member 30A used as the first cover member of the second embodiment includes the side surface cover portion 34 covering the outer surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier.

[0078] Note that the method of fixing the side surface cover 34 to the upper component 18 of the enclosure is the same as that referred to in the first embodiment. Figure 5The fixing method described is the same. That is, the side surface cover portion 34 of the cover member 30A is fixed from the outer surface side in the width direction to the front portion 18F and the rear portion 18R of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure. The front portion 18F is positioned further forward than the position where it overlaps with the suspension tower portion 22 in the front-rear direction (i.e., breaking the origin B), and the rear portion 18R is located at the position where it overlaps with the suspension tower portion 22, as observed in the side view of the vehicle.

[0079] (Functions and Effects)

[0080] Next, the function and effects of the second embodiment will be described.

[0081] In the vehicle front structure 10A of the second embodiment, the cover member 30A, which serves as the first cover member, is composed of a side surface cover portion 34, so the outer surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier is covered by the side surface cover portion 34. Even when the outer surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier is covered by the cover member 30A in this manner, the upper member portion 18 of the barrier can be reinforced. That is, the cover member 30A covers the outer surface of the portion of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier that is considered to be the point of failure B in a frontal impact, thus suppressing damage and deformation of the outer surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier.

[0082] (Third Embodiment)

[0083] Next, the vehicle front structure 10B in relation to the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of the main parts of the vehicle front structure 10B in relation to the third embodiment. Note that in the vehicle front structure 10B, the same components as described in the first embodiment are assigned the same numbers, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0084] like Figure 9 As shown, the vehicle front structure 10B of the third embodiment includes a cover member 30B. The cover member 30 of the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment includes a cover body portion 32 covering the upper surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier and a side surface cover portion 34 covering the outer surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier, while the cover member 30B used as the first cover member of the third embodiment includes a cover body portion 32 covering the upper surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier.

[0085] The cover body portion 32 of the cover member 30B is fixed from the upper side of the vehicle to the front portion 18F of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure. The front portion 18F is further forward than the position where it overlaps with the suspension tower portion 22 (i.e., the point of failure B), as can be seen in the side view of the vehicle. The cover body portion 32 is also fixed to the rear portion 18R of the upper member portion 18 of the enclosure, which is located at the position where it overlaps with the suspension tower portion 22.

[0086] (Functions and Effects)

[0087] Next, the function and effects of the third embodiment will be described.

[0088] In the vehicle front structure 10B related to the third embodiment, the cover member 30B, which serves as the first cover member, is composed of a cover body portion 32, so the upper surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier is covered by the cover body portion 32. Even when the upper surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier is covered by the cover member 30B in this manner while the outer surface is not covered, the upper member portion 18 of the barrier can be reinforced. That is, the cover member 30B covers the upper surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier, which is considered to be the part that will be damaged at the origin B in a frontal impact, so damage and deformation of the upper surface of the upper member portion 18 of the barrier can be suppressed.

[0089] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0090] Next, the vehicle front structure 10C in relation to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 10 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a vehicle front structure 10C according to a fourth embodiment. Note that in the vehicle front structure 10C, the same components as described in the first embodiment are assigned the same numbers, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0091] like Figure 10 As shown, the vehicle front structure 10C of the fourth embodiment includes a neck 50, which interconnects a pair of left and right upper guardrail components 18 in the width direction at the upper rear end of the frame body 12.

[0092] The cover member 30C used as the first cover member in this embodiment includes a cover body portion 32A, which, as in the example variant of the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, is provided on both sides in the width direction and interconnected at the center portion in the width direction of the cover member 30C. That is, one cover member 30C is provided in the vehicle front structure 10. The cover member 30C also includes two load transfer portions 37, which interconnect the neck 50 and the cover body portion 32A in the front-rear direction. The load transfer portions 37 are provided on both sides in the width direction near the boundary between the generally triangular portion of the cover body portion 32A and the straight portion covering the suspension tower 40. As an example, the load transfer portions 37 are formed such that they become wider in the width direction from the cover body portion 32A to the neck 50. Furthermore, the load transfer portions 37 are integrally formed with the cover body portion 32A.

[0093] (Functions and Effects)

[0094] Next, the function and effects of the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0095] In the vehicle front structure 10C related to the fourth embodiment, the neck 50 and the cover body 32A are interconnected via a load transfer section 37. Therefore, the reaction force of the bending moment applied to the bending portion 18A of the upper member portion 18 can also be obtained from the neck 50 via the load transfer section 37. Furthermore, in the event of a frontal impact, the load from the front can be transferred to the neck 50 via the load transfer section 37.

[0096] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0097] Next, the vehicle front structure 10D in relation to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the frame body 12 of the vehicle front structure 10 of the fifth embodiment, viewed obliquely from the left rear. Figure 12 It is schematically shown that includes Figure 11 A plan view of the main part of the vehicle front structure 10, frame body portion 12. The frame body portion 12D of the vehicle front structure 10D in the fifth embodiment further includes a transverse portion 52 compared to the frame body portion 12 of the first embodiment. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the transverse portion 52 extends on the front side of the frame body portion 12D and includes a curved portion 52A that bends inward in the width direction. The transverse portion 52 extends between the curved portions 52A in the width direction.

[0098] like Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the cover member 30D extends to the bend 52A. In this embodiment, as an example, the portion of the cover member 30D covering the bend 52A is fixed from above to the transverse portion 52. Note that the cover member 30D has an uneven shape that matches the unevenness in the upper end surfaces of the frame body portion 12 and the transverse portion 52.

[0099] (Functions and Effects)

[0100] Next, the function and effects of the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0101] In the vehicle front structure 10D related to the fifth embodiment, the cover member 30D, which serves as the first cover member, extends to the curved portion 52A of the frame body portion 12D and is fixed to the transverse portion 52. Therefore, deformation and damage to the frame body portion 12D during a frontal impact can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the transverse portion 52 is damaged during a frontal impact, the cover member 30D has the function of pulling the frame body portion 12D in the downward direction of the vehicle, thus suppressing the lifting of the frame body portion 12D.

[0102] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0103] Next, the vehicle front structure 10E in relation to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 13This is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the vehicle front structure 10E according to the sixth embodiment. The cover member 30E, which serves as the first cover member of the vehicle front structure 10E, also includes an extension 33 relative to the cover member 30 of the first embodiment. The extension 33 extends from the rear ends of the cover member 30 in both width directions along the rearward direction of the vehicle, and its rear end extends to the attachment of the A-pillar (not shown in the figure).

[0104] (Functions and Effects)

[0105] Next, the function of the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0106] In the vehicle front structure 10E related to the sixth embodiment, the cover member 30E extends to the attachment of the A-pillar. Therefore, the cover member 30E covers the attachment, thereby preventing the upper member part 18 of the enclosure from bending upward and the A-pillar from moving backward (deforming).

[0107] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed herein are not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified as long as they can solve the technical problems of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A front structure for a vehicle, comprising: The frame body portion, which is integrally formed to include: - A pair of left and right front component parts, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. - A pair of upper left and right component parts, when viewed in a vehicle side view, are positioned above the front component part and are curved or tilted in the downward direction of the vehicle. - The left and right pair of suspension towers are further positioned inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the upper component portion; and A first cover member is configured to cover each of the pair of left and right upper component portions along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. When viewed in a vehicle side view, the first cover member is fixed to a position further forward of the upper component portion that overlaps with the suspension tower portion in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the first cover member is fixed to the position of the upper component portion that overlaps with the suspension tower portion in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein, The first cover member covers the curved portion of the upper member from the upper side of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2, wherein, The first cover member covers the suspension tower portion and is fixed to the suspension tower portion.

4. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: The frame body includes a transverse portion extending in the vehicle width direction at the front side of the frame body, and the frame body has a curved portion that curves inward in the vehicle width direction. The first cover member extends to the curved portion and is fixed to the transverse portion.

5. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2, wherein, The vehicle front structure includes a second cover member that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and covers the outer surface of the upper member in the vehicle's width direction. The second cover component is fixed to the frame body.

6. The vehicle front structure according to claim 5, wherein, The second cover member is integrally formed with the first cover member.

7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 3, wherein, The vehicle's front structure includes suspension towers, which interconnect the left and right pairs of suspension tower sections in the vehicle's width direction. The first cover member has a fixing part that is fixed to the suspension tower.

8. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The vehicle front structure includes a neck section that interconnects the left and right upper component sections in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle front structure has a load transfer section that interconnects the neck and the first cover member in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

9. The vehicle front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first cover member is composed of a member having a higher degree of ductility than the frame body.

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