Vehicle front assembly and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of vehicle front components, including engine cover inner plate, bumper bracket and the car light component extending along the transverse direction of vehicle, car light component is assembled to the front of bumper bracket, engine cover inner plate covers bumper bracket and car light component from above, bumper bracket includes edge portion adjacent to car light component and the abutment portion protruding from edge portion towards engine cover inner plate, and vehicle front component further includes support, the first end of support is fixedly connected with engine cover inner plate, the second end opposite to the first end of support is abutted to abutment portion, second end is made of flexible material, and car light component is not higher than second end in vertical direction.According to the vehicle front component of the present application, by setting the positional relationship between the flexible part of support and the front car light component, when the vehicle front collision occurs, the flexible part can absorb the impact force of the front car light component by itself deformation, to avoid driving engine cover inner plate deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of vehicle body construction, and more specifically, to a front component of a vehicle and a vehicle including such a front component. Background Technology

[0002] For some vehicle models, the front of the vehicle includes a hood, bumper brackets, and laterally extending headlight assemblies. The headlight assemblies are mounted in front of the bumper brackets, and the hood covers the bumper brackets and headlight assemblies from above. A support member is provided between the hood and the bumper brackets, with its upper end fixedly connected to the hood and its lower end abutting against the bumper brackets.

[0003] When a frontal collision occurs, the headlight assembly is impacted and moves rearward relative to the hood, potentially striking a support structure. However, because the support structure is fixed to the hood, the impact force is transmitted to the hood, causing it to deform.

[0004] Furthermore, there is a gap between the bumper bracket and the headlight assembly. When the hood is open, users can see components underneath, such as pipes or other peripheral structures, through this gap. This affects the overall aesthetics of the front of the vehicle when the hood is open, reducing the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle front component that can prevent engine hood deformation in the event of a frontal collision.

[0006] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle front assembly including an inner hood panel, a bumper bracket, and a headlight assembly extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The headlight assembly is mounted in front of the bumper bracket relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The inner hood panel covers the bumper bracket and the headlight assembly from above in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The bumper bracket includes an edge portion adjacent to the headlight assembly and an abutment portion protruding from the edge portion toward the inner hood panel. The vehicle front assembly further includes a support member, a first end of which is fixedly connected to the inner hood panel, and a second end of which, opposite to the first end, abuts against the abutment portion. The second end is made of a flexible material, and the headlight assembly is not higher than the second end in the vertical direction.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the abutting portion and the edge portion define a cavity, the cavity having an opening toward the headlight assembly.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the abutting portion includes a first wall that abuts against the support member, and the first wall is provided with a first weakening portion.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first weakening portion is an opening disposed in the first wall.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the second wall of the edge portion opposite to the first wall is configured to have a closed structure without openings.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the headlight assembly includes: a housing, which is spaced apart from the first wall in the longitudinal direction; and a rib that extends from a first outer surface of the housing toward the bumper bracket to at least partially cover the gap.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the housing further includes a second weakening portion disposed on a second inner surface of the housing opposite to the first outer surface, wherein the second weakening portion extends along the transverse direction and is aligned with the rib in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the support member includes: a snap-fit ​​portion that snaps into the inner panel of the hood and forms the first end; a central shaft, one end of which passes through the snap-fit ​​portion and is fixedly connected to the snap-fit ​​portion; and a buffer portion that is sleeved on the other end of the central shaft and forms the second end.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the buffer portion is made of rubber material.

[0015] A second aspect of the invention provides a vehicle including a vehicle front assembly according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the vehicle front assembly according to the present invention has several advantages, especially: by providing a support member with a flexible portion between the inner panel of the hood and the bumper bracket, and by setting the positional relationship between the flexible portion of the support member and the headlight assembly, the flexible portion can absorb the impact force of the headlight assembly through its own deformation when the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, so as to avoid causing the inner panel of the hood to deform. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts.

[0018] Figure 1This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle front assembly according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the front components of the vehicle at the support structure;

[0020] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from plane BB in the middle;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the supporting components;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The image shows a partial 3D view of the vehicle's front components, with the hood panel obscured, but the magnified portion shows the support structure.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the housing of the headlight assembly in the front components of a vehicle.

[0024] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken from plane CC. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The implementation and use of specific embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0026] In this manual, the descriptions of the structural positions of various components, such as "up," "down," "top," "bottom," "vertical," and "horizontal," are not absolute but relative. These directional descriptions are appropriate when the components are in their normal operating state as shown in the figure; however, these directional descriptions should be changed accordingly when the positions of the components change.

[0027] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this specification and accompanying drawings, "front" and "rear" are defined with reference to the X-direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the X-direction represents the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (i.e., the direction of travel), the Y-direction represents the lateral direction of the vehicle (i.e., the left-right direction at a 90-degree angle relative to the direction of travel), and the Z-direction represents the vertical direction of the vehicle (i.e., the up-down direction).

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the vehicle front assembly A according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the vehicle front assembly A of the present invention includes an inner hood panel 3, a bumper bracket 2, and a headlight assembly 1 extending along the X-direction of the vehicle. The headlight assembly 1 is mounted in front of the bumper bracket 2 relative to the X-direction of the vehicle. The inner hood panel 3 covers the bumper bracket 2 and the headlight assembly 1 from above relative to the Z-direction of the vehicle. The bumper bracket 2 includes an edge portion 22 adjacent to the headlight assembly 1 and an abutment portion 23 protruding from the edge portion 22 toward the inner hood panel 3. One abutment portion 23 is shown in the figure; however, multiple abutment portions 23 may be provided as needed, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the front assembly of the vehicle also includes a support member 4. The first end 41 (upper end) of the support member 4 is fixedly connected to the inner panel of the hood 3, and the second end 42 (lower end) of the support member 4 abuts against the abutment portion 23 opposite to the first end 41. The first end 41 can be designed with various connection methods with the inner panel of the hood 3, such as snap-fit, bolt-fixed, or plug-in, to adapt to different assembly processes. The second end 42 is made of flexible material, and the headlight assembly 1 is not higher than the second end 42 in the Z direction. "Not higher" here means that the top of the headlight assembly 1 is not higher than the top of the second end 42 in the Z direction, i.e., not higher than the top of the flexible part. Therefore, in the event of a low-speed collision, the headlight assembly 1 moves rearward relative to the inner panel of the hood 3 in the X direction and impacts the flexible part of the support member 4. The flexible part can absorb the impact force of the headlight assembly 1 through its own deformation to avoid deforming the inner panel of the hood 3.

[0032] according to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 4 includes a snap-fit ​​portion 43, a central shaft 44, and a buffer portion 45. The snap-fit ​​portion 43 engages with the inner hood panel 3 to form the first end 41 described above. The upper end of the central shaft 44 passes through the snap-fit ​​portion 43 and is fixedly connected to it. The buffer portion 45 is fitted onto the lower end of the central shaft 44 to form the second end 42 described above. The buffer portion 45 is made of, for example, rubber, but other flexible materials, such as polyurethane, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomers, can be selected as needed to provide different cushioning performance and durability.

[0033] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the abutment portion 23 and the edge portion 22 define a cavity 232, which preferably has an opening 231 facing the headlight assembly 1. The opening in the abutment portion 23 allows it to collapse in the X direction during a low-speed collision, thereby absorbing collision energy. The collision energy is effectively absorbed and dispersed through the collapse of the abutment portion 23 and the structure of the cavity 232, reducing the energy directly transmitted to the support member 4 and the inner hood panel 3.

[0034] The abutment portion 23 includes a first wall 233 that abuts against the support member 4, and the first wall 233 is preferably provided with a first weakening portion 235. For example, the first weakening portion 235 is four arc-shaped openings provided along the edge of the first wall 233 within the first wall 233. Depending on other embodiments, the weakening portion can be designed as openings or recesses of different shapes and sizes, such as circular, elliptical, or elongated openings or recesses, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The weakening design of the first wall 233 enables it to preferentially fracture or deform upon impact, thereby efficiently absorbing energy and reducing the impact on the inner hood panel 3 and the headlight assembly 1.

[0035] The second wall 2343 of the edge portion 22, opposite the first wall 233, is preferably configured as a closed structure without openings. This design provides stable support for the abutment portion 23 and the support member 4 when the vehicle is in normal driving or when the hood is open or closed, preventing the inner panel 3 of the hood from shaking or misaligning, and ensuring the structural stability of the front components of the vehicle. At the same time, the closed structure of the second wall 234 avoids the problem of visibility when the hood is open, that is, the user will not see the components under the bumper bracket 2, so that the front of the vehicle still presents a simple and beautiful visual effect when the hood is open, improving the overall design quality.

[0036] Therefore, the abutment portion 23 achieves efficient absorption of collision energy through the weakened design of the first wall 233, and provides stable support through the rigid design of the second wall 234. This rigidly balanced design not only ensures the safety of the vehicle in low-speed collisions, but also takes into account the reliability and aesthetics of long-term use.

[0037] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the front light assembly 1 includes a housing 12 and a rib 121. In the X direction, the housing 12 is spaced apart from the first wall 233 of the abutment portion 23 by a gap D. The rib 121 protrudes from the first outer surface 122 (i.e., the rear surface) of the housing 12 toward the bumper bracket 2 to at least partially cover the gap D, thereby improving the aesthetics of the front assembly of the vehicle when the hood is open.

[0038] The housing 12 preferably also includes a second weakening portion 124, which is disposed on a second inner surface 125 of the housing 12 opposite to the first outer surface 122. The second weakening portion 124 extends in the Y direction and is aligned with the rib 121 in the X direction. The second weakening portion 124 is configured as a recessed structure on the second inner surface 125, meaning the rear wall of the housing 12 is thinner at this location compared to other parts. This design allows the housing 12 to preferentially fracture along the weakening portion during a low-speed collision, thereby effectively absorbing collision energy, reducing the load transmitted to the support member 4, and further protecting the inner hood panel 3 from damage.

[0039] The rib 121 and the weakened portion 124 of the front headlight assembly 1 achieve a balance between stiffness and energy absorption through synergistic action. The rib 121 enhances local stiffness through geometric reinforcement, thereby improving structural stability and aesthetics, while the weakened portion reduces stiffness through local thinning, allowing it to fracture preferentially during a collision to absorb energy. Through the combination of their positions and functions, the ribs balance the safety, reliability, and aesthetics of the front headlight assembly 1.

[0040] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the above-disclosed concept under the creative idea of ​​the present invention, but all of these shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0041] The above description of the embodiments is exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A front assembly (A) for a vehicle, comprising an inner hood panel (3), a bumper bracket (2), and a headlight assembly (1) extending in the lateral direction (Y) of the vehicle, the headlight assembly (1) being mounted in front of the bumper bracket (2) relative to the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle, the inner hood panel (3) covering the bumper bracket (2) and the headlight assembly (1) from above relative to the vertical direction (Z) of the vehicle. Its features are, The bumper bracket (2) includes an edge portion (22) adjacent to the headlight assembly (1) and an abutment portion (23) protruding from the edge portion (22) toward the inner hood panel (3), and The vehicle front assembly (A) further includes a support member (4), the first end (41) of which is fixedly connected to the inner panel of the hood (3), and the second end (42) of the support member (4) opposite to the first end (41) abuts against the abutment portion (23). The second end (42) is made of a flexible material, and the headlight assembly (1) is not higher than the second end (42) in the vertical direction (Z).

2. The vehicle front assembly (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abutting portion (23) and the edge portion (22) define a cavity (232) having an opening (231) facing the headlight assembly (1).

3. The vehicle front assembly (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abutting part (23) includes a first wall (233) that abuts against the support member (4), and the first wall (233) is provided with a first weakening part (235).

4. The vehicle front assembly (A) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first weakening part (235) is an opening provided in the first wall (233).

5. The vehicle front assembly (A) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second wall (234) of the edge portion (22) opposite to the first wall (233) is configured to have a closed structure without openings.

6. The vehicle front assembly (A) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The front light assembly (1) includes: The housing (12), in the longitudinal direction (X), is separated from the first wall (233) by a gap (D); and Rib (121) protrudes from the first outer surface (122) of the housing (12) toward the bumper bracket (2) to at least partially cover the gap (D).

7. The vehicle front assembly (A) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing (12) further includes a second weakening portion (124), which is disposed on a second inner surface (125) of the housing (12) opposite to the first outer surface (122), wherein the second weakening portion (124) extends along the transverse direction (Y) and is aligned with the rib (121) in the longitudinal direction (X).

8. The vehicle front assembly (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (4) includes: The snap-fit ​​part (43) engages with the inner panel of the hood (3) and forms the first end part (41); A central shaft (44), one end of which passes through the locking part (43) and is fixedly connected to the locking part (43); and A buffer portion (45) is sleeved on the other end of the central shaft (44) and forms the second end portion (42).

9. The vehicle front assembly (A) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The buffer section (45) is made of rubber material.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the vehicle front assembly (A) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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