VEHICLE FRONT STRUCTURE

Abstract

A vehicle front structure (10) comprises a dashboard module (20) separating an inside and an outside of a vehicle cabin, wherein the dashboard module (20) has a channel (24) for a coolant extending in the vehicle transverse direction, and at least one heat generating device (34, 36) arranged in contact with or near the dashboard module (20).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle front structure. 2. Description of the related art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-207616 discloses a gasoline-powered vehicle having an auxiliary battery disposed adjacent to an instrument panel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In a battery-electric vehicle, because the grille opening is narrower than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle, air may remain inside an engine compartment where an engine is located as a power source. Therefore, if an auxiliary battery and an integrated electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as ECU) located near an instrument panel generate heat, heat dissipation may become insufficient, potentially leading to deterioration in functionality.

[0004] The present invention provides a vehicle front structure capable of cooling a heat generating device using an instrument panel module.

[0005] A vehicle front structure according to a first aspect includes an instrument panel module separating an inside and an outside of a vehicle cabin, the instrument panel module having a channel for a cooling refrigerant extending in a vehicle width direction, and at least one heat generating device arranged in contact with or near the instrument panel module.

[0006] In the vehicle front structure according to the first aspect, the instrument panel module has the cooling refrigerant passage extending in the vehicle width direction, and the at least one heat generating device is arranged in contact with or close to the instrument panel module having the cooling refrigerant passage. Since the cooling refrigerant flowing through the passage cools the instrument panel module, the at least one heat generating device arranged in contact with or close to the instrument panel module can be cooled.

[0007] The at least one heat generating device can be mounted directly on the module.

[0008] Since the at least one heat generating device in the vehicle front structure is mounted directly on the dashboard module, the at least one heat generating device can be efficiently cooled by the dashboard module.

[0009] The dashboard module can be attached to a frame element of a vehicle.

[0010] Because the dashboard module is mounted on the vehicle frame member in the front end structure, the dashboard module and the vehicle frame member are separate bodies. The dashboard module, which is separate from the vehicle frame member, allows the dashboard module to have a closed section. This allows the channel to be formed inside the dashboard module.

[0011] The instrument panel module may include an instrument panel having a plate shape, and the channel may be provided inside the instrument panel.

[0012] Since the duct is provided in the vehicle front structure within the instrument panel with a plate shape, the cooling refrigerant flowing within the instrument panel cools the instrument panel module. Accordingly, the at least one heat generating device can be cooled by arranging the at least one heat generating device in contact with the instrument panel module or in proximity to the instrument panel module.

[0013] The instrument panel module may include an instrument panel having a plate shape and a plate member attached to the instrument panel. The channel may be defined by the plate member and the instrument panel.

[0014] Since, in the vehicle front structure, the plate member and the instrument panel having a plate shape define the channel, the at least one heat generating device can be cooled by arranging the at least one heat generating device in contact with or near the plate member and / or the instrument panel.

[0015] The instrument panel module may include an instrument panel having a plate shape and a plate member attached to the instrument panel. The channel may be provided in the plate member.

[0016] Since the channel in the vehicle front structure is formed in the plate member attached to the instrument panel, the cooling refrigerant flowing through the channel formed in the plate member cools the instrument panel module. Accordingly, the at least one heat generating device can be cooled by mounting the at least one heat generating device in contact with the instrument panel module or near the instrument panel module.

[0017] At least a part of the duct may face the at least one heat generating device in a vehicle front / rear direction.

[0018] In the vehicle front structure, the at least one heat generating device can be cooled efficiently since at least a part of the channel faces the at least one heat generating device in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0019] The at least one heat generating device may comprise a first heat generating device and a second heat generating device mounted on the instrument panel module such that the second heat generating device and the first heat generating device are opposed to each other, the instrument panel module being disposed between the second heat generating device and the first heat generating device.

[0020] Since the second heat generating device is mounted on the instrument panel module in the vehicle front structure such that the second heat generating device and the first heat generating device face each other with the instrument panel module interposed therebetween, the first heat generating device and the second heat generating device can be arranged facing each other with the duct interposed therebetween. Accordingly, the first heat generating device and the second heat generating device can be efficiently cooled.

[0021] The channel may extend at least in the vehicle width direction and include a plurality of channels in the vehicle height direction. The instrument panel module may have a projection projecting toward the front and rear of the vehicle in a portion corresponding to each of the channels. The projection may have a flat end surface.

[0022] In the vehicle front structure, the instrument panel module has the protrusion protruding toward the front and rear of the vehicle in the portion corresponding to each of the ducts, and the protrusion has the flat end surface. Thus, compared to a case where the end surface is formed into a spherical shape, for example, it is possible to increase the surface area corresponding to the at least one heat generating device and improve the cooling capacity.

[0023] The duct may have an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port are provided on one side in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] Since the inlet port and outlet port of the duct are provided on one side in the vehicle width direction in the vehicle front structure, a refrigerant path in the vehicle can be simplified.

[0025] The at least one heat generating device may be an auxiliary battery or an integrated control unit.

[0026] Since the at least one heat generating device in the vehicle front structure is the auxiliary battery or the integrated control unit, the auxiliary battery or the integrated control unit can be cooled.

[0027] The first heat generating device may be an auxiliary battery and the second heat generating device may be an integrated control unit.

[0028] Since in the vehicle front structure the first heat generating device is the auxiliary battery and the second heat generating device is the integrated control unit, the auxiliary battery and the integrated control unit can be cooled efficiently.

[0029] As described above, the vehicle front structure according to the invention can cool the heat generating device by means of the instrument panel module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters designate like elements and in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a vehicle front structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a left side view schematically showing an example of the vehicle front structure of Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of an instrument panel module in the vehicle front structure of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a modification of the instrument panel module of Fig. 4 shows; Fig. 6 is a left side sectional view schematically showing an example of an instrument panel module of a vehicle front structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line IIV-IIV of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a modification of the instrument panel module of Fig. 7 shows; Fig. 9 is a left side sectional view schematically showing an example of an instrument panel module of a vehicle front structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a left side sectional view schematically showing an example of an instrument panel module of a vehicle front structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 11 is a left side sectional view schematically showing an example of an instrument panel module of a vehicle front structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSFirst embodiment

[0031] Hereinafter, a vehicle front structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the present specification and the drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description. Furthermore, in each drawing, the arrow FR indicates the front side in the vehicle height direction, and the arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vehicle height direction. The arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction.When the terms “front” and “rear”, “top” and “bottom”, and “right” and “left” are used below, they mean the terms “front” and “rear” in the vehicle front-rear direction, “top” and “bottom” in the vehicle height direction, and “right” and “left” in the vehicle right-left direction (vehicle width direction), unless expressly stated otherwise. Configuration of the vehicle front structure

[0032] First, the configuration of a vehicle front structure 10 as an example of the vehicle front structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the vehicle front structure 10, and Fig. 2 is a left side view schematically showing an example of the vehicle front structure 10 of Fig. 1 shows.

[0033] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 schematically illustrate the vehicle front structure 10, including a structure comprising a frame of a front portion of a vehicle. In the present embodiment, examples of the vehicle include a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that travel using power generated by a power unit.

[0034] The vehicle front structure 10 includes a pair of right and left front side members (not shown). The right and left front side members are front frame members of the vehicle and are arranged on the right and left sides of the front portion of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, respectively. The front side members extend toward the front and rear of the vehicle, and a rear portion of each of the front side members toward the front and rear of the vehicle is provided with a Fig. 1. Wheel wells 14, each of which houses a tire as a tire-wheel assembly (not shown), are provided outside the front side members in the vehicle width direction, and the right and left wheel wells 14 are connected by the cross member 12.

[0035] The apron upper parts 16 are arranged behind the right and left front side members. One of the apron upper parts 16 is arranged outside the right front side member in the vehicle width direction and above the right front side member in the vehicle height direction. The other of the apron upper parts 16 is arranged outside the left front side member in the vehicle width direction and above the left front side member in the vehicle height direction. Each of the apron upper parts 16 is a frame member that forms an upper side frame in the vehicle front structure 10 and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction along the corresponding front side part.The front side members and the apron top members 16 have a substantially rectangular open cross-sectional shape provided with an opening on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, in other words, a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape open on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The opening in each apron top member 16 is not shown in the drawings.

[0036] A pair of right and left fender skirts 17 are arranged inside the skirt uppers 16 in the vehicle width direction. Each of the fender skirts 17 has an upper end connected to the skirt upper 16 and a lower end connected to the front side member. A suspension tower 18 and the wheel house 14 are integrally formed with the fender skirt 17. The suspension tower 18 is arranged outside the front side member in the vehicle width direction and above the front side member in the vehicle height direction. An upper end surface of the suspension tower 18 is provided with a through hole 18A in which an upper end of a suspension (not shown) is arranged.

[0037] A dashboard module 20 is arranged between the right and left apron upper parts 16. As in Fig. 2, the instrument panel module 20 is a member that separates an engine compartment 11A, which is a space in which an engine 30 is housed outside a vehicle cabin 11B, and the vehicle cabin 11B. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 2, the instrument panel module 20 extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle height direction, with its thickness direction aligned with the vehicle front and rear directions. The instrument panel module 20 has end portions in the vehicle width direction connected to the fender skirts 17 and a lower end portion connected to the cross member 12. Although in the present embodiment, the instrument panel module 20 is a plate-shaped member having a size corresponding to a plate for separating the engine compartment 11A and the vehicle cabin 11B from each other, the present invention is not limited to this mode.

[0038] An air conditioning unit 32, which is an air conditioner, is mounted on a rear side of the instrument panel module 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction at a substantially central portion in the vehicle width direction of the rear side, and an integrated control unit (hereinafter referred to as an integrated ECU) 34 is mounted on a right portion of the rear side of the instrument panel module 20. Furthermore, an auxiliary battery 36 is mounted on a front side of the instrument panel module 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction at a right portion of the front side.

[0039] The air conditioner 32 regulates the temperature, humidity, and the like in the vehicle cabin 11B. The integrated control unit 34 integrally controls the entire vehicle systems and functions, which are complicated to control many devices and functions. The auxiliary battery 36 is a battery used as an auxiliary power source when the electric power of a battery (not shown) is insufficient, for example, when an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is used. In the present embodiment, the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 are heat generating devices, and the auxiliary battery 36 corresponds to the second heat generating device of the present invention. The structure of the instrument panel module 20 will be described in detail below.

[0040] The cross member 12 is connected at its lower end to a lower instrument panel 13. The lower instrument panel 13 extends in the vehicle width direction along the instrument panel module 20. The lower instrument panel 13 functions as a so-called footboard on which the feet of a passenger sitting in a front seat are placed. A brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, and the like are arranged on the lower instrument panel 13, although these are not shown.

[0041] Front pillars 19 extending in the vehicle height direction are connected to the rear side of each of the fender skirts 17 in the vehicle front-rear direction. Rear end portions 19A of the front pillars 19 on the lower side in the vehicle height direction extend in the vehicle height direction and are connected to rocker panels (not shown) that form a frame of side portions of a vehicle body.

[0042] A floor panel 42, which forms a floor of the vehicle, is arranged between the right and left pair of sills. The floor panel 42 is connected to a rear end portion of the lower instrument panel 13 and, for example, forms the floor of the vehicle together with the lower instrument panel 13. In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, a battery unit 40 is arranged under the floor panel 42 in the vehicle cabin 11B. The battery unit 40 includes, for example, a casing having a casing shape and a plurality of battery cells arranged inside the casing. The battery cell is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, or an all-solid-state battery.

[0043] The vehicle front structure 10 of the present embodiment includes, for example, the pair of front side members (not shown), the cross member 12, the wheel arches 14, the apron tops 16, the fender skirts 17, and the suspension towers 18, which are integrally formed by aluminum die casting. Dashboard module configuration

[0044] Next, the configuration of the dashboard module 20 is described. Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the instrument panel module 20 in the vehicle front structure 10 of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3. The instrument panel module 20 of the present embodiment has a cooling function. As shown in Fig. 3, the instrument panel module 20 includes, for example, an instrument panel 22 and an interior space 24 formed inside the instrument panel 22. In the present embodiment, the interior space 24 functions as a channel through which a cooling refrigerant flows, and the cooling function is provided by the cooling refrigerant flowing through the interior space 24.

[0045] The instrument panel 22 includes a plurality of protrusions 22A (six protrusions 22A in the present embodiment) projecting in the vehicle height direction, and each of the protrusions 22A has a flat tip. The instrument panel 22 also has recesses 22B recessed in the vehicle height direction between the protrusions 22A adjacent to each other in the vehicle height direction. The protrusions 22A and the recesses 22B extend in the vehicle width direction. The protrusions 22A are formed at opposite positions on both side surfaces in the vehicle front and rear directions, and the recesses 22B are formed at opposite positions on both side surfaces in the vehicle front and rear directions.

[0046] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the interior space 24 serving as a duct includes a plurality of main ducts 24A in the vehicle height direction, each of the main ducts 24A having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape in side view, and a plurality of communication ducts 24B that enable communication between the adjacent main ducts 24A in the vehicle height direction. For example, the interior space 24 of the present embodiment includes six main ducts 24A and five communication ducts 24B. As shown in Fig. 3, each of the main passages 24A is arranged at a position corresponding to the projection 22A. In addition, the interior space 24 includes, for example, terminal passages 24C communicating with the main passages 24A at both ends in the vehicle height direction.

[0047] As in Fig. 4, the main channels 24A, the connecting channels 24B and the end channels 24C extend in the vehicle width direction. In Fig. 4, the main ducts 24A are shown hatched for convenience. In the present embodiment, for example, each of the uppermost and lowermost main ducts 24A in the vehicle height direction on the right side in the vehicle width direction is provided with an inflow-outflow duct 24D that communicates with the outside of the instrument panel 22 and through which the cooling refrigerant flows in or out. In the present embodiment, the upper inflow-outflow duct 24D is used as an inflow port, and the lower inflow-outflow duct 24D is used as an outflow port. For example, the upper and lower inflow-outflow ducts 24D are each connected to a pipe (not shown) through which the cooling refrigerant flows into the interior of the engine compartment 11A.Examples of pipes connected to the upper and lower inflow-outflow channels 24D are pipes used in the power unit 30 and the air conditioner 32, and a pipe used for cooling the battery unit 40.

[0048] The instrument panel 22 having the above-described structure is made, for example, of a resin, particularly a thermoplastic elastomer. In the present embodiment, the instrument panel 22 is manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

[0049] The air conditioning unit 32, the integrated control unit 34, and the auxiliary battery 36 described above are mounted on the instrument panel module 20, which is configured as described above. As shown in Fig. 3, the integrated control unit 34 is secured at its upper portion to the rear of the instrument panel module 20 with a bracket 34A having a substantially L-shaped cross section. Similarly, the auxiliary battery 36, for example, is secured at its upper portion to the front of the instrument panel module 20 with a bracket 36A having a substantially L-shaped cross section. Although not shown, the air conditioner 32 is also secured to the instrument panel module 20 with a bracket in a similar manner. Effects and consequences of the first embodiment

[0050] The actions and effects of the first embodiment are described below.

[0051] In the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, the instrument panel module 20 has the interior space 24 as a passage for the cooling refrigerant, and the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 as heat generating devices are mounted in contact with the instrument panel module 20 and the interior space 24. Therefore, when the cooling refrigerant flows in through the upper inflow-outflow passage 24D of the instrument panel module 20 and flows through the interior space 24, the cooling refrigerant flowing through the interior space 24 cools the instrument panel module 20. Thus, the heat generating devices in contact with the instrument panel module 20 can be cooled.

[0052] In addition, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, since the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 as heat generating devices are directly mounted on the instrument panel module 20, the heat generating devices can be efficiently cooled by the instrument panel module 20.

[0053] Since the duct in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment is provided inside the instrument panel 22 constituting the instrument panel module 20, the cooling refrigerant flowing inside the instrument panel 22 cools the instrument panel module 20. Accordingly, the heat generating devices can be cooled by mounting the heat generating devices in contact with the instrument panel module 20 or near the instrument panel module 20. In the technique of the present disclosure, "being near" is intended to refer to a range X within which heat propagation can occur, and the range X is preferably, for example, 0 X < ≤ 10 mm.

[0054] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, each of the projections 22A of the instrument panel module 20, which protrudes rearward toward the vehicle front in the portion corresponding to the main passage 24A, has a flat end surface. Compared with a case where the end surface is formed, for example, spherically, it is thus possible to increase the surface area corresponding to the heat generating devices and improve the cooling capacity. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the integrated control unit 34 is mounted in contact with the instrument panel 22. This allows a shaded area R1, which is a portion in contact with the end surface of the projection 22A, to be cooled more efficiently.

[0055] In addition, the auxiliary battery 36 has, for example, an outer peripheral surface that protrudes more at its upper end than at the other part. Thus, in the auxiliary battery 36, the region R1 indicated by the shading at the upper end portion is a portion in contact with the end surface of the protrusion 22A, and a region R2 indicated by a lighter shading than the shading of the region R1 is a portion near the end surface of the protrusion 22A. Thus, the auxiliary battery 36 is cooled more efficiently in the region R1 than in the region R2. The shape of the auxiliary battery 36 is not limited to the shape described above, and the outer peripheral surface on the rear side may be flat in the vehicle height direction. In this case, since the outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary battery 36 on the rear side can be kept in contact with the instrument panel 22, the auxiliary battery 36 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0056] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, since the auxiliary battery 36 is mounted on the instrument panel module 20 such that the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated control unit 34 face each other with the instrument panel module 20 interposed therebetween, the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 can be arranged to face each other with the interior space 24 serving as the passage therebetween. This allows the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 to be cooled by the interior space 24 in a region overlapping the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated control unit 34 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. This allows the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0057] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, since the inflow-outflow passages 24D serving as the inflow port and the outflow port of the interior space 24 are provided on one side in the vehicle width direction (on the right side in this embodiment), a refrigerant path in the vehicle equipped with the vehicle front structure 10 can be simplified. The inflow-outflow passages 24D on both sides in the vehicle height direction may be provided on the left side instead of the right side, or one of the inflow-outflow passages 24D may be provided on the right side and the other of the inflow-outflow passages 24D may be provided on the left side. The arrangement of the inflow-outflow passages 24D can be changed according to the refrigerant path of the vehicle.

[0058] In the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, since the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 are mounted on the instrument panel module 20 as heat generating devices, the instrument panel module 20 can cool the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36. The heat generating device mounted on the instrument panel module 20 is not limited to the above, and another heat generating device may be mounted, or only the integrated control unit 34 or the auxiliary battery 36 may be mounted. Furthermore, another heat generating device may be mounted.

[0059] In addition, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, since the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 are arranged opposite to each other with the interior space 24 serving as the passage therebetween, the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 can be efficiently cooled.

[0060] In the vehicle front end structure 10 of the first embodiment, the instrument panel module 20 and the vehicle frame member are separate bodies because the instrument panel module 20 is mounted on the vehicle frame member, which is manufactured by die-casting. The instrument panel module 20 being separate from the vehicle frame member allows the instrument panel module 20 to have a closed cross-section. Thus, the interior space 24 serving as a channel can be formed inside the instrument panel module 20. Modification of the first embodiment

[0061] Although in the first embodiment, the interior space 24 is formed substantially in the entire instrument panel module 20 in the vehicle width direction, as shown in Fig. 4, the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a modification of the instrument panel module 20 of Fig. 4 shows. As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 5, an interior space 24 of an instrument panel module 20A of the modification is provided in a region from a right end portion to a substantially central portion in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the interior space 24 is provided in an area overlapping both the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 when viewed from the front to the rear of the vehicle.

[0062] By providing the interior space 24 serving as a duct only in the area facing the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36, i.e., the heat-generating devices in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the heat-generating devices can be cooled with less cooling refrigerant than in the first embodiment. Thus, the instrument panel module 20A of the modified version can cool the heat-generating devices more efficiently.

[0063] Furthermore, in the instrument panel module 20A of the modification, the auxiliary battery 36 is mounted on the instrument panel module 20A such that the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated control unit 34 face each other, with the instrument panel module 20A interposed therebetween. In this way, the area of ​​the interior space 24 that overlaps the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated control unit 34 can be reduced when viewed from the front / rear direction of the vehicle. This allows the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 to be cooled more efficiently. Second embodiment

[0064] Next, a vehicle front structure 10A (see Fig. 1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a left side sectional view schematically showing an example of an instrument panel module 20B of the vehicle front structure 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a sectional view along the line IIV-IIV of Fig. 6. In the instrument panel module 20B of the second embodiment, configurations similar to those of the instrument panel module 20 of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit the description thereof, and only the differences will be described in detail.

[0065] The vehicle front structure 10A of the second embodiment comprises the Fig. 6. While the interior space 24 formed within the instrument panel 22 serves as a channel of the instrument panel module 20 in the first embodiment described above, a refrigerant line 26 arranged within an instrument panel 23 serves as a channel of the instrument panel module 20B of the second embodiment.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 6, the instrument panel 23 includes six projections 22A in the vehicle height direction, like the instrument panel 22 of the first embodiment described above, and each of the projections 22A has a flat tip. The instrument panel 23 also has recesses 22B between the projections 22A adjacent to each other in the vehicle height direction. The projections 22A and the recesses 22B extend in the vehicle width direction. The projections 22A are formed at opposite positions on both side surfaces in the vehicle front and rear directions, and the recesses 22B are formed at opposite positions on both side surfaces in the vehicle front and rear directions.

[0067] The instrument panel 23 has, for example, a substantially uniform thickness and has an interior space 23A. For example, an inner wall 23B that defines the interior space 23A has a shape that is smaller than the outer shape of the instrument panel 23 by the thickness of the instrument panel 23. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant line 26, which is a pipe that serves as a channel through which a cooling refrigerant circulates, is arranged in the interior space 23A. Since the refrigerant pipe 26 is in Fig. 6, the refrigerant pipe 26 is not in contact with the inner wall 23B of the internal space 23A corresponding to the protrusion 22A. In fact, however, the refrigerant line 26 is arranged in contact with the inner wall 23B of the internal space 23A corresponding to the protrusion 22A and has a size that allows the refrigerant line 26 to be in contact with the inner wall 23B.

[0068] As in Fig. 7, the refrigerant pipe 26 extends in the vehicle width direction and includes a plurality of tubes (six tubes in the present embodiment) arranged parallel to each other in a meandering shape in the vehicle height direction. The refrigerant pipe 26 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape and is made of metal and resin. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 26 has inflow-outflow channels 26A formed as openings at both ends of the refrigerant pipes 26. One of the inflow-outflow channels 26A is arranged corresponding to the uppermost protrusion 22A on the right side of the interior space 23A in the vehicle width direction, and the other of the inflow-outflow channels 26A is arranged corresponding to the lowermost protrusion 22A on the right side of the interior space 23A in the vehicle width direction.The inflow-outflow passages 26A of the refrigerant piping 26 communicate with the outside of the instrument panel 23, and the cooling refrigerant flows in or out through the inflow-outflow passages 26A. In the present embodiment, for example, the upper inflow-outflow passage 26A is used as the inflow port, and the lower inflow-outflow passage 26A is used as the outflow port. As in the first embodiment described above, the upper and lower inflow-outflow passages 26A are connected to the pipe (not shown) through which the cooling refrigerant flows into the interior of the engine compartment 11A.

[0069] The instrument panel 23, for example, is divided substantially in the middle toward the front and rear of the vehicle and includes two components, namely an outer panel 23C on the engine compartment 11A side and an inner panel 23D on the vehicle cabin 11B side. After the refrigerant pipe 26 is fixed to the interior space 23A of one of the outer panels 23C and the inner panel 23D, the other panel is fixed to form the instrument panel module 20B with the refrigerant pipe 26 arranged in the interior space 23A. Actions and effects of the second embodiment

[0070] The actions and effects of the second embodiment are described below.

[0071] In the vehicle front structure 10A of the second embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 26 serves as a passage within the instrument panel module 20B. Even if the refrigerant pipe 26 serves as a passage in this way, similar effects to those in the first embodiment can be achieved. Modification of the second embodiment

[0072] Although in the dashboard module 20B of the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the refrigerant pipe 26 is arranged substantially in the entire interior space 23A in the vehicle width direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig. Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a modification of the instrument panel module 20B of Fig. 7 shows. As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 8, a refrigerant pipe 26 of an instrument panel module 20C of the modification is arranged in a region from a right end portion to a substantially central portion in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the refrigerant pipe 26 is provided in a region overlapping both the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 when viewed from the front and rear of the vehicle.

[0073] By providing the refrigerant line 26 serving as a channel only in the area facing the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36, i.e., the heat-generating devices in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the heat-generating devices can be cooled with less cooling refrigerant than in the second embodiment. Thus, the instrument panel module 20C of the modified version can cool the heat-generating devices more efficiently.

[0074] Furthermore, in the instrument panel module 20C of the modification, the auxiliary battery 36 is mounted on the instrument panel module 20C such that the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated control unit 34 face each other, with the instrument panel module 20C interposed therebetween. Thus, the area of ​​the interior space 23A that overlaps the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated control unit 34 when viewed from the front to the rear of the vehicle can be reduced. This allows the integrated control unit 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 to be cooled more efficiently. Third embodiment

[0075] Below, a vehicle front structure 10B (cf. Fig. 1) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a left side sectional view schematically showing an example of an instrument panel module 20D of the vehicle front structure 10B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle front structure 10B of the third embodiment includes the Fig. 9. The instrument panel module 20D of the third embodiment includes an instrument panel 25 and a plate member 50. In the instrument panel 25 of the third embodiment, configurations similar to those of the instrument panel 22 of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit their description, and only the differences will be described in detail.

[0076] As in Fig. 9 as an example, the instrument panel 25 has the shape of a front portion of the instrument panel 22 of the above-described first embodiment when the instrument panel 22 is divided substantially in the middle toward the front and rear of the vehicle. That is, the instrument panel 25 has recessed passages 25A on its rear side toward the front and rear of the vehicle, which form front portions of the main passages 24A and the communication passages 24B toward the front and rear of the vehicle. The recessed passages 25A include main recessed passages 25B. Each of the main recessed passages 25B forms the main passage 24A and is formed at a position corresponding to the projection 22A.

[0077] The plate member 50 is made of metal, for example. As an example, the plate member 50 has the shape of a rear portion of the instrument panel 22 of the above-described first embodiment when the instrument panel 22 is divided substantially in the middle in the vehicle front-rear direction. That is, the plate member 50 includes six projections 52A in the vehicle height direction that project in the vehicle front and rear directions, and each of the projections 52A has a flat tip. The plate member 50 also has recesses 52B that are recessed in the vehicle height direction between the projections 52A that are adjacent to each other in the vehicle height direction. The projections 52A and the recesses 52B extend in the vehicle width direction.The plate member 50 has recessed passages 50A on its front side toward the front and rear of the vehicle, which form rear portions of the main passages 24A and the connecting passages 24B toward the front and rear of the vehicle. The recessed passages 50A include recessed main passages 50B. Each of the recessed main passages 50B forms the main passage 24A and is formed at a location corresponding to the projection 52A.

[0078] The instrument panel module 20D is formed by connecting the plate member 50 to the instrument panel 25, which is configured from the rear of the vehicle in the front-to-rear direction as described above. The instrument panel 25 and the plate member 50 are connected to each other such that each of the recessed passages 25A of the instrument panel 25 is opposed to a corresponding one of the recessed passages 50A of the plate member 50. The recessed passages 25A of the instrument panel 25 and the recessed passages 50A of the plate member 50 form the interior space 27 serving as a channel. Actions and effects of the third incarnation

[0079] The actions and effects of the third embodiment are described below.

[0080] In the vehicle front structure 10B of the third embodiment, the instrument panel 25 and the plate member 50 define the interior space 27 serving as a duct. Even if the instrument panel 25 and the plate member 50 define the interior space 27 serving as a duct in this way, similar effects to those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0081] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10B of the third embodiment, since the plate member 50 and the instrument panel 25 define the interior space 27 serving as a channel at the projections 22A, 52A, the heat generating devices can be cooled by disposing the heat generating devices in contact with or near the projections 52A of the plate member 50 and the projections 22A of the plate member 25. Fourth embodiment

[0082] Below, a vehicle front structure 10C (cf. Fig. 1) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Fig. 10 is a left side sectional view schematically showing an example of an instrument panel module 20E of the vehicle front structure 10C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle front structure 10C of the fourth embodiment includes the Fig. 10. The dashboard module 20E of the fourth embodiment includes an instrument panel 28 and a plate element 60.

[0083] In contrast to the embodiments described above, the instrument panel 28 does not have a channel. In the present embodiment, an interior space 29, which serves as a channel, is arranged within the plate element 60. The interior space 29 is, for example, similar to the interior space 24 of the instrument panel 22 of the first embodiment in Fig. 3. The plate element 60 has a substantially flat front side which is attached to the instrument panel 28. A rear side of the plate element 60 has, for example, projections 62A and recesses 62B, like the rear side of the instrument panel 22 of the Fig. 3, and each of the projections 62A has a flat end face. The instrument panel 28 and the plate member 60 are connected to each other at their upper portions in the vehicle height direction, for example, with a screw 64.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the integrated control unit 34 is mounted on the rear side of the plate member 60. Although not shown, the auxiliary battery 36 is mounted on a front side of the instrument panel 28 at a position opposite to the integrated control unit 34 in the vehicle front direction, as in the above embodiments. Actions and effects of the fourth embodiment

[0085] The measures and effects of the fourth embodiment are described below.

[0086] In the instrument panel module 20E of the vehicle front structure 10C of the fourth embodiment, the internal space 29 serving as a channel is formed not in the instrument panel 28 but in the plate member 60. Thus, the cooling refrigerant flowing through the internal space 29 serving as a channel formed in the plate member 60 can cool the heat generating devices. Fifth embodiment

[0087] Next, a vehicle front structure 10D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig.11 is a left side sectional view schematically showing an example of a main portion including an instrument panel module 20E of the vehicle front structure 10D according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle front structure 10D of the fifth embodiment includes, for example, the instrument panel module 20E of the above-described fourth embodiment. In the vehicle front structure 10D of the fifth embodiment, for example, the heat generating device such as the integrated control unit 34 is mounted on the instrument panel module 20E with a metal plate 70 or the like interposed therebetween. That is, the integrated control unit 34 is mounted close to the instrument panel module 20E. The metal plate 70 may be, for example, a part of a bracket used when the integrated control unit 34 is mounted on the instrument panel module 20E.The dashboard module 20E may be one of the dashboard modules of the first to third embodiments.

[0088] Effects and consequences of the fifth embodiment

[0089] The measures and effects of the fifth embodiment are described below.

[0090] In the vehicle front structure 10D of the fifth embodiment, the metal plate 70 is arranged between the instrument panel module 20E and the heat generating device such as the integrated control unit 34. Thus, the heat generating device is not in contact with the instrument panel module 20E, but is mounted near the instrument panel module 20E, that is, indirectly on the instrument panel module 20E. Even if the heat generating device is mounted near the instrument panel module 20E in this way, the cooling refrigerant introduced into the interior space 29 cools the instrument panel module 20E. Thus, the heat generating device can be cooled by the cooled instrument panel module 20E. Remarks

[0091] Although in each of the above-described embodiments, the vehicle front structure 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is integrally formed by die casting, the present invention is not limited thereto. The vehicle front structure 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D need not be manufactured by die casting.

[0092] Although in each of the above-described embodiments, each main passage of the internal space 24, 27, 29 has a substantially circular cross-section in side view, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the main passage may have a substantially rectangular cross-section and is not limited to a specific shape, as long as the cooling refrigerant can be passed through the main passage.

[0093] Although in each of the above-described embodiments, each main passage of the interior space 24, 27, 29 extends in the vehicle width direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. The main passage may also extend in the vehicle height direction. Furthermore, the interior space 24, 27, 29 may be provided with only main ducts, for example, and each main duct may be provided with an inflow port at one end and an outflow port at the other end. Similarly, the refrigerant pipe 26 may extend in the vehicle height direction. Furthermore, a plurality of refrigerant pipes 26 may be provided, the refrigerant pipes 26 may be arranged parallel to each other, and each refrigerant pipe 26 may be provided with an inflow port at one end and an outflow port at the other end.

[0094] Although in each of the above-described embodiments, each communication channel of the interior 24, 27, 29 extends in the vehicle width direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. The shape of the communication channel is not limited to a specific shape, as long as the communication channel can enable communication between the main channels adjacent in the vehicle height direction.

[0095] Although in the vehicle front structure 10A of the second embodiment described above, the refrigerant pipe 26 is arranged in the interior space 23A of the instrument panel 23, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the refrigerant pipe 26, a metal member having a channel may be arranged inside it.

[0096] Although in each of the vehicle front structures 10, 10A to 10C of the above-described embodiments, at least a part of the duct is arranged opposite to the heat generating device in the vehicle front-rear direction, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the duct and the heat generating device are arranged offset from each other in the vehicle front-rear direction, the instrument panel module can cool the heat generating device. At least a part of the duct may be provided on the entire surface of the heat generating device. At least a part of the duct may be provided on 50% or more of the surface of the heat generating device on the duct side. At least a part of the duct may be provided on 80% or more of the surface of the end face of the heat generating device on the duct side.At least a portion of the channel may be provided on 30% or more of the area of ​​the end face of the heat generating device on the channel side. Furthermore, the "area of ​​the end face of the heat generating device on the channel side" may be the sum of the area of ​​the end face of the auxiliary battery 36 on the interior space 24 side and the area of ​​the end face of the integrated control unit 34 on the interior space 24 side, may be the area of ​​only the end face of the auxiliary battery 36, or may be the area of ​​only the end face of the integrated control unit 34.

[0097] The configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be arbitrarily changed as long as the problems can be solved. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2008-207616

[0002]

Claims

[1] Vehicle front structure (10) comprising: an instrument panel module (20) separating an inside and an outside of a vehicle cabin, the instrument panel module (20) having a channel (24) for a cooling refrigerant extending in a vehicle width direction; and at least one heat generating device (34, 36) arranged in contact with or close to the instrument panel module (20). [2] The vehicle front structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one heat generating device (34, 36) is mounted directly on the instrument panel module (20). [3] A vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the instrument panel module (20) is mounted on a frame member (12, 17) of a vehicle. [4] A vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: the dashboard module (20) comprises a dashboard having a plate shape; and the channel (24) is provided within the dashboard. [5] A vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: the instrument panel module (20) comprises an instrument panel (22) having a plate shape and a plate element (50) fixed to the instrument panel (22); and the channel (24) is limited by the plate element (50) and the instrument panel (22). [6] A vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: the instrument panel module (20) comprises an instrument panel (22) having a plate shape and a plate element (60) fixed to the instrument panel (22); and the channel (24) is provided in the plate element (60). [7] A vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the duct (24) is arranged to face the at least one heat generating device (34, 36) in a vehicle front-rear direction. [8] Vehicle front structure according to claim 7, wherein the at least one heat generating device (34, 36) a first heat generating device (36) and a second heat generating device (34) mounted on the instrument panel module (20) such that the second heat generating device (34) and the first heat generating device (36) face each other with the instrument panel module (20) disposed between the second heat generating device (34) and the first heat generating device (36). [9] A vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: the channel (24) extends at least in the vehicle width direction and has a plurality of channels provided in a vehicle height direction; and the instrument panel module (20) has a projection (52A) projecting in a portion corresponding to each of the channels (24) in a vehicle front-rear direction, the projection (52A) having a flat end surface. [10] The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the duct (24) has an inflow port and an outflow port, the inflow port and the outflow port being provided on one side in the vehicle width direction.

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