Vehicle front structure

Abstract

A vehicle front structure (1) of the disclosure is a structure (1) comprising a vehicle lighting unit (3). The lighting unit (3) comprises a light source (21) and an outer lens (10) covering the front of the light source (21). The outer lens (10) comprises: a lower surface section (17) having a curved section (11) projecting forward and extending in the direction of the vehicle width; an upper surface section (14) formed in a forward-inclined shape with a downward slope and arranged above the curved section (11); and a lower surface section (17) extending downward from the curved section (11). The light source (21) comprises: an upper light source (22) illuminating the upper surface section (14) with light; and a lower light source (25) illuminating the lower surface section (17) with light in a mode different from that of the upper light source (22).

Description

Vehicle front structure

[0001] The present case relates to a vehicle front structure including a vehicle lamp unit.

[0002] Conventionally, vehicle lamp units (vehicle headlights) have a structure in which the front of a light source is covered by an outer lens. Specific examples of light sources include LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps, halogen lamps, and HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps. The shape of the outer lens is appropriately determined depending on the shape of the portion to which the outer lens is attached and the surrounding shape. For example, a vehicle headlight is known in which the outer surface of the outer lens is formed into a smoothly curved (streamlined) shape to enhance aesthetics while reducing air resistance during vehicle travel (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-228417

[0004] In recent years, lamp units incorporating multiple light sources with different lighting modes have been developed. For example, a lamp unit incorporating a light source that functions as a daytime running light (DRL) separately from a light source that functions as a headlight is known. Alternatively, a lamp unit incorporating a light source that functions as a turn signal (blinker, turn lamp) separately from a light source that functions as a headlight is also known.

[0005] It is desirable for the lamp unit described above to be able to clearly and easily display information such as the presence of a vehicle and turning direction to the outside (other vehicles and surrounding pedestrians). Therefore, it is desirable to design the structure and peripheral shape of the outer lens taking into consideration not only aesthetics and air resistance when the vehicle is moving, but also differences in appearance and visibility to the outside. Existing technology does not sufficiently take these points into consideration, and there is room for improvement.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was invented in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a vehicle front structure that can clearly and easily display information emitted from a lamp unit with a simple configuration. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the respective configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which are not obtainable with conventional technology.

[0007] The disclosed vehicle front structure can be realized as the following disclosed aspects or application examples, and solves at least part of the above-mentioned problems. The disclosed vehicle front structure is a vehicle front structure including a lamp unit for a vehicle. The lamp unit includes a light source and an outer lens covering the front of the light source. The outer lens has a bent portion formed by extending a portion protruding forward in the vehicle width direction, an upper surface portion formed in a shape that slopes downward toward the front and is located above the bent portion, and a lower surface portion extending downward from the bent portion. The light source has an upper light source that irradiates light to the upper surface portion, and a lower light source that irradiates light to the lower surface portion in a manner different from the upper light source.

[0008] In the disclosed vehicle front structure, a bent portion is disposed in the outer lens of the lamp unit between an upper surface portion where the upper light source emits light and a lower surface portion where the lower light source emits light in a manner different from the upper light source. This allows the difference in light modes to be clearly and easily distinguished. This improves the visibility of the lamp unit from the outside of the vehicle, and allows the information emitted from the lamp unit (such as the presence of a vehicle and turning direction) to be clearly and easily displayed with a simple configuration.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a front view of a vehicle to which the vehicle front structure is applied; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle front structure; Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the vehicle front structure; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an outer lens included in a lamp unit; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a main body included in a lamp unit; Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lamp unit; Fig. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit;

[0010] The disclosed vehicle front structure can be implemented by the following embodiments. Regarding the definition of directions in the embodiments, the directions of the parts and portions constituting the vehicle front structure refer to the directions when they are attached to the vehicle, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the front-rear direction is defined based on the forward and backward direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction is defined based on the front-rear direction (based on the driver seated in the driver's seat facing forward). The up-down direction is defined based on the state in which the vehicle is stopped on a flat road surface.

[0011] The disclosed vehicle front structure includes lamp units. The number of lamp units is not limited. The lamp units described in the following embodiments include a right lamp unit (a lamp unit arranged on the right side of the entire vehicle in the vehicle width direction) and a left lamp unit (a lamp unit arranged on the left side of the entire vehicle in the vehicle width direction). The left side of the right lamp unit (the right side of the right lamp unit when viewed from the front of the vehicle) and the right side of the left lamp unit (the left side of the left lamp unit when viewed from the front of the vehicle) are also referred to as the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the right side of the right lamp unit (the left side of the right lamp unit when viewed from the front of the vehicle) and the left side of the left lamp unit (the right side of the left lamp unit when viewed from the front of the vehicle) are also referred to as the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] [1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a front view of a vehicle to which a vehicle front structure 1 according to an embodiment is applied, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle front structure 1, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion (the left front end portion of the vehicle) of the vehicle front structure 1. A pair of left and right lamp housings 2 are provided at the front end portion of the vehicle, and a lamp unit 3 and a shield member 30 are attached to each lamp housing 2. The lamp housing 2 is formed in a shape recessed inward from the outer panel that forms the outer surface of the vehicle, near both ends in the vehicle width direction of the front end portion of the vehicle. The lamp unit 3 and the shield member 30 are attached inside the recess.

[0013] A hood 4 (bonnet) is provided in front of the vehicle's windshield. A space is provided below the hood 4 in which, for example, the vehicle's drive source (engine, motor, etc.), a transmission, heat exchangers (radiator, intercooler, air conditioning condenser, air conditioning evaporator, etc.), and auxiliary equipment are arranged. This space is called an engine room or a motor room. The lamp unit 3 is provided forward of this space. In addition, in a front view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 , the lamp unit 3 is disposed adjacent to and immediately below both left and right ends of the hood 4.

[0014] A radiator grille 5 formed in a mesh shape that allows air to pass through is provided in the front end of the vehicle, in a portion sandwiched between the left and right lamp housing portions 2 (the front portion of the vehicle). When the vehicle is moving, air passing through the radiator grille 5 is introduced into the space below the hood 4 and is used, for example, as a coolant to cool a heat exchanger. The overall shape of the radiator grille 5 shown in FIG. 1 is a trapezoid whose upper base is shorter than its lower base. An upper frame portion 40 is disposed at the top of the radiator grille 5 (above the upper base of the trapezoid), and vertical frame portions 44 are disposed between the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3 (to the sides of the legs of the trapezoid).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 , the lamp unit 3 includes an outer lens 10 and a main body 20. The main body 20 is a housing member to which the light source 21 and the wire harness connected thereto are fixed. The outer lens 10 is a cover member made of a transparent or translucent material and attached to the main body 20 so as to cover the front of the light source 21. The outer lens 10 functions to transmit light emitted from the light source 21 and radiate it to the outside while preventing water and foreign matter from adhering to the light source 21. The light source 21 is a light-emitting device disposed inside the outer lens 10 (at the rear of the vehicle), and includes, for example, an LED lamp, a halogen lamp, an HID lamp, etc. An inner lens, a mirror, a polarizing plate, etc. (not shown) may be interposed between the light source 21 and the outer lens 10 to adjust the traveling direction, light intensity distribution, polarization state, etc. of the light emitted from the light source 21.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the outer lens 10 included in the lamp unit 3, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the main body 20 to which the light source 21 is attached. Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 3, and Fig. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lamp unit 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the outer lens 10 has a bent portion 11, an upper surface 14, a lower surface 17, and an edge portion 51. The bent portion 11 has a first bent portion 12 and a second bent portion 13, and the upper surface 14 has a first upper surface 15 and a second upper surface 16. The lower surface 17 has a first lower surface 18 and a second lower surface 19, and the edge portion 51 has a first edge portion 52 and a second edge portion 53.

[0017] The bent portion 11 is a portion formed by extending a portion protruding forward in the vehicle width direction. The bent portion 11 corresponds to a ridgeline that forms the boundary between the planar upper surface portion 14 and the planar lower surface portion 17. When the outer lens 10 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, the cross-sectional shape is a "U" shape bent at the bent portion 11. The bent portion 11 is preferably formed as a portion that does not glow when viewed from outside the vehicle (a portion from which almost no light emitted from the light source 21 is emitted). The bent portion 11 may be made non-glowing (so that light from the light source 21 is less likely to pass through the bent portion 11) by applying a treatment that suppresses light transmission or by arranging a reflective material on the inner surface of the bent portion 11.

[0018] The upper surface portion 14 is a planar portion disposed above the bent portion 11 and is formed in a shape that slopes downward toward the front. The upper surface portion 14 is provided with a first upper surface portion 15 that extends in the vehicle width direction and a second upper surface portion 16 that extends in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the first upper surface portion 15 is disposed on the inner portion of the upper surface portion 14 in the vehicle width direction, and the second upper surface portion 16 is disposed on the outer portion of the upper surface portion 14 in the vehicle width direction. The second upper surface portion 16 is disposed adjacent to the first upper surface portion 15 and is connected to an end of the first upper surface portion 15. The outer surfaces of the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 are formed to form a smoothly continuous curved surface.

[0019] The lower surface portion 17 is a planar portion located below the bent portion 11 and extends downward from the bent portion 11. The lower surface portion 17 is provided with a first lower surface portion 18 (first lens portion) extending in the vehicle width direction and a second lower surface portion 19 (second lens portion) extending in the up-down direction. As a result, the overall shape of the lower surface portion 17 is substantially L-shaped. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the first lower surface portion 18 is located on the inner side of the lower surface portion 17 in the vehicle width direction, and the second lower surface portion 19 is located on the outer side of the lower surface portion 17 in the vehicle width direction. The second lower surface portion 19 is located adjacent to the first lower surface portion 18 and connected to an end of the first lower surface portion 18. The outer surfaces of the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 are formed to form a smoothly continuous curved surface. The upper edge of the first lower surface portion 18 is the bent portion 11 (first bent portion 12).

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4 , the bent portion 11 of this embodiment is provided with a first bent portion 12 and a second bent portion 13. The first bent portion 12 is a portion sandwiched between the first upper surface portion 15 and the first lower surface portion 18, and the second bent portion 13 is a portion sandwiched between the second upper surface portion 16 and the second lower surface portion 19. The first bent portion 12 is disposed on an inner portion of the bent portion 11 in the vehicle width direction, and the second bent portion 13 is disposed on an outer portion of the bent portion 11 in the vehicle width direction. The second bent portion 13 is disposed so as to be connected to and adjacent to an end of the first bent portion 12. The outer surfaces of the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 13 are formed to form a smoothly continuous curved surface.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the edge portion 51 is an edge-like portion formed at the bottom of the underside portion 17. The outer surface of the edge portion 51 is formed in a shape that is recessed more inward of the lamp housing portion 2 (in the direction approaching the space below the hood 4) than the underside portion 17. The boundary between the edge portion 51 and the underside portion 17 is formed in a shape that protrudes like a peak toward the front of the vehicle. This boundary portion is called a ridge portion 50. The overall shape of the ridge portion 50 is approximately L-shaped (like the Japanese character "V"), similar to the overall shape of the underside portion 17.

[0022] The edge portion 51 includes a first edge portion 52 located below the first lower surface portion 18 and a second edge portion 53 (inclined edge portion) located on the vehicle widthwise inner side of the second lower surface portion 19. The first edge portion 52 extends in a planar shape from the lower end of the first lower surface portion 18 toward the vehicle rear and downward. The second edge portion 53 is a portion located adjacent to the vehicle widthwise outer side of a first inclined surface 31 of the shield member 30 (described later), and extends in a planar shape from the vehicle widthwise inner end of the second lower surface portion 19 toward the vehicle rear and inner side in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the second edge portion 53 is formed in a planar shape that slopes toward the vehicle widthwise outer side and toward the vehicle front. The first edge portion 52 has a surface covered by the shield member 30, and is therefore invisible from the outside of the vehicle (see FIG. 6). In contrast, the second edge portion 53 has a surface not covered by the shield member 30, and is therefore visible from the outside of the vehicle (see FIG. 7).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5 , the light source 21 includes an upper light source 22 and a lower light source 25. The upper light source 22 is a light source 21 that irradiates light onto the upper surface portion 14, and the lower light source 25 is a light source 21 that irradiates light onto the lower surface portion 17 in a manner different from that of the upper light source 22. In other words, the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25 irradiate light in different ways. Therefore, the manner in which light passes through the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17 also differs. The "mode" here refers to the appearance (how the light emitted from the light source 21 shines) to the outside of the vehicle (other vehicles and surrounding pedestrians). For example, the "mode" here includes the color, brightness, illuminance, timing of lighting, shape of the lit portion, and lighting state (cycle of fluctuation, duration of time-dependent fluctuation), etc.

[0024] Preferably, different functions (in other words, different roles or meanings) are assigned to the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25. For example, the functions referred to here include a function as a light source for a headlight (a function as a low beam light source and a function as a high beam light source), a function as a light source for a daytime running light, a function as a light source for a turn signal, a function as a light source for a fog lamp, a function as a light source for a side lamp (small lamp), and the like.

[0025] Instead of differentiating the way the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25 emit light, it is also possible to change the way light appears by differentiating the composition or structure of the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17. For example, the lower surface portion 17 may be formed to transmit or reflect light in a manner different from that of the upper surface portion 14. In this case, the lower light source 25 does not have to emit light in a manner different from that of the upper light source 22, or the lower light source 25 may be omitted and multiple light appearances may be achieved with a single light source 21.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5 , the upper light source 22 of this embodiment is provided with a first upper light source 23 and a second upper light source 24. The first upper light source 23 is a light source 21 that irradiates the first upper surface portion 15, and the second upper light source 24 is a light source 21 that irradiates the second upper surface portion 16. As shown in FIG. 6 , the first upper light source 23 is disposed inside the first upper surface portion 15, and the second upper light source 24 is disposed inside the second upper surface portion 16. Both the first upper light source 23 and the second upper light source 24 serve as light sources for daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signals (turn lamps), and also serve as position lamps (sidelights) at night. The lighting portions of both the first upper light source 23 and the second upper light source 24 are planar. The first upper light source 23 illuminates substantially the entire first upper surface portion 15 in a planar manner (panel-shaped illumination), and the second upper light source 24 illuminates substantially the entire second upper surface portion 16 in a planar manner (panel-shaped illumination). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the lit portion of the first upper light source 23 and the lit portion of the second upper light source 24 are integrated.

[0027] 5, the lower light source 25 of this embodiment is provided with a first lower light source 26 and a second lower light source 27. The first lower light source 26 is a light source 21 that irradiates light onto the first lower surface portion 18, and the second lower light source 27 is a light source 21 that irradiates light onto the second lower surface portion 19 and the second edge portion 53. The first lower light source 26 serves as a light source for the headlight, and the second lower light source 27 serves as a light source for the daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn indicators (turn lamps), and also serves as a position lamp at night.

[0028] The first lower light source 26 has a planar shape, while the second lower light source 27 has a linear shape. The first lower light source 26 lights up almost the entire first lower surface portion 18 in a planar shape (panel-shaped light emission), and the second lower light source 27 lights up a part of the second lower surface portion 19 in a linear shape (line-shaped light emission). In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the shape of the lighting portion of the second lower light source 27 is set so that it forms multiple lines that are almost parallel to the second bend portion 13. The number of each of the first lower light sources 26 and the second lower light sources 27 can be set arbitrarily. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , two first lower light sources 26 (two surfaces) are provided, and five second lower light sources 27 (five lines) are provided.

[0029] The roles (functions) and lighting shapes of the first upper light source 23, the second upper light source 24, the first lower light source 26, and the second lower light source 27 in this embodiment are shown in Table 1 below. The roles and lighting shapes shown here are merely specific examples of roles and lighting shapes that can be set in this embodiment. The role and lighting shape of the light source 21 are not limited to those shown in Table 1.

[0030]

[0031] The shield member 30 is a plate-shaped member that is attached inside the lamp housing portion 2 so as to be adjacent to and below the lamp unit 3. The shield member 30 is formed in a shape that is recessed more inward of the lamp housing portion 2 than the lamp unit 3 (in a direction approaching the space below the hood 4). The shield member 30 is also disposed below the first lower surface portion 18 (first lens portion) and inside the second lower surface portion 19 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the shield member 30 is provided with a first inclined surface 31, a second inclined surface 32, and a third inclined surface 33.

[0032] The first inclined surface 31 is a portion formed in a plane that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction and toward the rear of the vehicle. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the first inclined surface 31 when cut by a horizontal plane is a shape that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction and toward the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the first inclined surface 31 when cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is, for example, formed into a shape that is close to vertical, and preferably a shape that slopes downward toward the front.

[0033] The second inclined surface 32 is located directly below the first lower surface portion 18 (first lens portion) and adjacent to the upper portion of the first inclined surface 31. The second inclined surface 32 is formed as a surface that slopes upward toward the front of the vehicle. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the second inclined surface 32 when cut along a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is a shape that slopes upward toward the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the second inclined surface 32 when cut along a horizontal plane is a shape that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle, similar to the first inclined surface 31, for example. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the second inclined surface 32 in this embodiment is formed as a triangular plane whose vertical dimension increases toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] The third inclined surface 33 is a portion disposed adjacent to the lower portion of the first inclined surface 31. The third inclined surface 33 is formed as a surface that slopes downward toward the front of the vehicle. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the third inclined surface 33 when cut along a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is a shape that slopes downward toward the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the third inclined surface 33 when cut along a horizontal plane is a shape that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle, similar to, for example, the first inclined surface 31 and the second inclined surface 32.

[0035] 3 and 6 , the second inclined surface 32 is provided so as to cover the first edge portion 52 of the outer lens 10 when the shield member 30 is fixed to the vehicle. In contrast, the first inclined surface 31 and the third inclined surface 33 are provided so as to expose the second edge portion 53 of the outer lens 10 when the shield member 30 is fixed to the vehicle (see FIG. 7 ). Therefore, the second edge portion 53 is visible from outside the vehicle. When the second lower light source 27 is turned on, its light passes through the second lower surface portion 19 and the second edge portion 53 and is radiated to the outside.

[0036] An inner edge portion forming the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the first inclined surface 31 extends obliquely downward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the inner end portion in the vehicle width direction of the first lower surface portion 18. An outer edge portion forming the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first inclined surface 31 extends obliquely downward and outward in the vehicle width direction so as to follow the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the second edge portion 53. An upper edge portion of the third inclined surface 33 extends outward in the vehicle width direction so as to follow the lower sides of the second lower surface portion 19 and the second edge portion 53.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, an upper frame portion 40 is disposed above the radiator grille 5. The upper frame portion 40 extends in the vehicle width direction along the front edge of the hood 4 and supports the upper edge of the radiator grille 5. In other words, the upper frame portion 40 is a frame-shaped portion surrounding the radiator grille 5 to which the upper portion of the radiator grille 5 is fixed. As shown in Fig. 1, the position of the upper frame portion 40 in a front view of the vehicle is set, for example, directly below the hood 4 at a position that connects the upper ends of the left and right lamp units 3 approximately horizontally.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3 , the upper frame portion 40 is provided with an upper frame bending portion 41, an upper frame upper surface portion 42, and an upper frame front surface portion 43. Like the bending portion 11 of the outer lens 10, the upper frame bending portion 41 is formed by extending a portion that protrudes forward in the vehicle width direction. This upper frame bending portion 41 is positioned at a position that directly extends the bending portion 11 of the outer lens 10 inward in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the position of the upper frame bending portion 41 is set so that a design in which the upper frame bending portion 41 and the bending portion 11 are smoothly connected in the vehicle front structure 1 is realized. Note that the cross-sectional shape when the upper frame portion 40 is cut in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is a "L"-shaped bent shape at the upper frame bending portion 41, similar to the cross-sectional shape when the outer lens 10 is cut in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

[0039] The upper frame upper surface portion 42 is a planar portion located above the upper frame bent portion 41, and is formed in a shape that slopes downward toward the front. The upper frame upper surface portion 42 is located at a position where the surface of the upper surface portion 14 of the outer lens 10 is extended inward in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the position of the upper frame upper surface portion 42 is set so that the vehicle front structure 1 achieves a design in which the upper frame upper surface portion 42 and the upper surface portion 14 are smoothly connected.

[0040] The upper frame front surface portion 43 is a planar portion located below the upper frame bending portion 41, and extends downward from the upper frame bending portion 41. The upper frame front surface portion 43 is located at a position where the surface of the lower surface portion 17 of the outer lens 10 is extended inward in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the position of the upper frame front surface portion 43 is set so that the vehicle front structure 1 achieves a design in which the upper frame front surface portion 43 and the lower surface portion 17 are smoothly connected.

[0041] A vertical frame portion 44 is disposed between the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3. The vertical frame portion 44 is a frame-shaped portion surrounding the radiator grille 5, to which the left and right ends of the radiator grille 5 are fixed. The vertical frame portion 44 extends along the shapes of the left and right ends of the radiator grille 5. The vertical frame portion 44 is provided with a vertical frame front portion 45 formed in a plane shape that connects to the upper frame front portion 43. The vertical frame front portion 45 extends linearly from the outer end of the upper frame front portion 43 in the vehicle width direction toward the outside and downward in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the vertical frame front portion 45 is provided so as to form an inclined straight line along the inner edge portion that forms the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the first inclined surface 31.

[0042] 2 and 3 , a lower surface portion 46 and a bumper surface portion 47 are provided below the lamp housing portion 2, and a fender surface portion 48 and a fender arch portion 49 are provided on the vehicle width direction outer side of the lamp housing portion 2. All of these are part of the outer panel that constitutes the front end portion of the vehicle and are formed from a metal plate or resin. The lower surface portion 46, the bumper surface portion 47, the fender surface portion 48, and the fender arch portion 49 may be formed integrally, or some (or all) of them may be formed separately.

[0043] The lower surface portion 46 is a portion adjacent to the lower side of the lamp housing portion 2 and is provided below the shield member 30. The lower surface portion 46 is smoothly connected to the vertical frame front portion 45. The cross-sectional shape of the lower surface portion 46 when cut along a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is a shape that slopes downward toward the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the lower surface portion 46 when cut along a horizontal plane is a shape that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle. Preferably, the lower surface portion 46 is formed into a curved surface, and the outer end of the lower surface portion 46 in the vehicle width direction is smoothly connected to the fender surface portion 48.

[0044] The bumper surface portion 47 is a planar portion located below the lower surface portion 46. When the bumper surface portion 47 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, the cross-sectional shape thereof slopes upward toward the front of the vehicle. When the bumper surface portion 47 is cut along a horizontal plane, the cross-sectional shape thereof slopes outward in the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle. Preferably, the bumper surface portion 47 is formed into a curved surface, and the outer end of the bumper surface portion 47 in the vehicle width direction is smoothly connected to the fender arch portion 49.

[0045] The fender arch portion 49 is a planar portion that is arranged along the outer edge of the wheel housing of the front wheel. The overall shape of the fender arch portion 49 is a semicircular arc. The fender surface portion 48 is a planar portion that is provided to connect the fender arch portion 49 and the hood 4, and forms a side surface at the front end of the vehicle. The fender surface portion 48 is provided adjacent to the lamp housing portion 2 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0046] [2. Actions and Effects] (1) In the vehicle front structure 1 according to this embodiment, the lamp unit 3 includes a light source 21 and an outer lens 10 that covers the front of the light source 21. The outer lens 10 has a bent portion 11 formed by extending a portion that protrudes forward in the vehicle width direction, an upper surface portion 14 that is formed in a shape that slopes downward toward the front and is disposed above the bent portion 11, and a lower surface portion 17 that extends downward from the bent portion 11. The light source 21 also has an upper light source 22 that irradiates light onto the upper surface portion 14, and a lower light source 25 that irradiates light onto the lower surface portion 17 in a manner different from that of the upper light source 22.

[0047] In the above configuration, the bent portion 11 is disposed in the outer lens 10 of the lamp unit 3 between the upper surface portion 14, from which the upper light source 22 emits light, and the lower surface portion 17, from which the lower light source 25 emits light in a manner different from that of the upper light source 22. This allows the difference in the manner of light to be clearly and easily distinguished. This improves the visibility of the lamp unit 3 from the outside of the vehicle, and allows the information emitted from the lamp unit 3 (such as the presence of a vehicle and turning direction) to be clearly and easily displayed with a simple configuration.

[0048] (2) In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4 , the bent portion 11 has a first bent portion 12. Furthermore, the upper surface portion 14 has a first upper surface portion 15 that extends in the vehicle width direction along the first bent portion 12, and the lower surface portion 17 has a first lower surface portion 18 that extends in the vehicle width direction along the first bent portion 12. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5 , the upper light source 22 has a first upper light source 23 that irradiates light onto the first upper surface portion 15, and the lower light source 25 has a first lower light source 26 that irradiates light onto the first lower surface portion 18.

[0049] In this way, by arranging the first bent portion 12 between the first upper surface portion 15 and the first lower surface portion 18, which are shaped to extend in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to clearly distinguish and express the difference in the form of light in the lamp unit 3, which has a horizontally elongated illumination area. This configuration is suitable when it is necessary to clearly distinguish and display headlights, which are required to emit light more widely in the left-right direction than in the elevation direction, from lighting other than headlights (for example, daytime running lights and turn signals).

[0050] (3) In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4 , the bent portion 11 has a second bent portion 13. Furthermore, the upper surface portion 14 has a second upper surface portion 16 that extends in the vertical direction above the second bent portion 13, and the lower surface portion 17 has a second lower surface portion 19 that extends in the vertical direction below the second bent portion 13. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5 , the upper light source 22 has a second upper light source 24 that irradiates light onto the second upper surface portion 16, and the lower light source 25 has a second lower light source 27 that irradiates light onto the second lower surface portion 19.

[0051] In this way, by disposing the second bent portion 13 between the second upper surface portion 16 and the second lower surface portion 19, which are shaped to extend in the vertical direction, it is possible to clearly distinguish and express the differences in the light modes of the lamp unit 3, which has a vertically elongated illumination area. This configuration is suitable for application to daytime running lights, which are expected to have the effect of alerting not only vehicles ahead but also other vehicles and pedestrians in the vicinity of the vehicle. This configuration is also suitable for daytime running lights and turn signals, when it is desired to clearly distinguish and display lighting parts with different shapes (for example, when it is desired to draw the attention of other vehicles and pedestrians in the vicinity by using different shapes of lighting parts).

[0052] (4) In this embodiment, the second bent portion 13 is arranged connected to an end of the first bent portion 12, the second upper surface portion 16 is arranged connected to an end of the first upper surface portion 15, and the second lower surface portion 19 is arranged connected to an end of the first lower surface portion 18. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 13 are formed adjacent to each other and continuously, the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 are formed adjacent to each other and continuously, and the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 are formed adjacent to each other and continuously.

[0053] This configuration enhances the sense of unity of the illumination area of ​​the lamp unit 3, achieving a natural, natural projection state that allows the role and purpose of the lighting to be intuitively understood. Therefore, the visibility of the lamp unit 3 can be further improved. Furthermore, because the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 13 are formed adjacent and continuous, air flow is less likely to be disturbed, reducing air resistance. This configuration is suitable for cases where the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 are desired to emit light in the same manner (e.g., when the entire first upper surface portion 15 and the entire second upper surface portion 16 are desired to function as daytime running lights or turn signals), or when the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 are desired to emit light in the same manner (e.g., when the entire first lower surface portion 18 and the entire second lower surface portion 19 are desired to function as headlights).

[0054] (5) In this embodiment, an upper frame portion 40 is disposed above the vehicle radiator grille 5. The upper frame portion 40 has an upper frame bent portion 41 formed by extending a portion that protrudes forward in the vehicle width direction, an upper frame upper surface portion 42 formed in a shape that slopes downward toward the front and is disposed above the upper frame bent portion 41, and an upper frame front surface portion 43 that extends downward from the upper frame bent portion 41. Furthermore, the upper frame bent portion 41 is disposed at a position that is an extension of the bent portion 11 in the vehicle width direction.

[0055] In this way, by aligning the upper frame bent portion 41 and the bent portion 11 to form a continuous curve (or straight line), the visibility of the lamp unit 3 can be improved. Also, compared to when the upper frame bent portion 41 is not present, the flow of wind during driving is less likely to be disturbed, reducing air resistance. Furthermore, the design allows the upper ends of the outer lens 10 and the upper frame portion 40 to be smoothly continuous, and the gap with the front end of the hood 4 is of a nearly constant width, giving the front mask of the vehicle a sophisticated impression.

[0056] (6) In this embodiment, a vertical frame portion 44 is disposed between the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3. The vertical frame portion 44 has a planar shape that is connected to the upper frame front portion 43 and has a vertical frame front portion 45 that extends downward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the upper frame front portion 43 in the vehicle width direction. This configuration makes it possible to clearly separate the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3, thereby improving the visibility of the lamp unit 3. Furthermore, it is possible to smoothly guide the wind received by the upper frame front portion 43 downward and outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby reducing air resistance.

[0057] (7) In this embodiment, as shown in Table 1, the upper light source 22 and the second lower light source 27 function as daytime running lights and direction indicators, and also as position lamps at night. On the other hand, the first lower light source 26 is a light source that functions as a headlight. With this configuration, the portions that light up as daytime running lights, direction indicators, and sidelights can be clearly distinguished from the portions that light up as headlights, thereby improving the visibility of the lamp unit 3.

[0058] (8) In this embodiment, as shown in Table 1, for example, the second upper light source 24 lights up the entire second upper surface portion 16 in a planar manner (panel-like light emission), and the second lower light source 27 lights up a part of the second lower surface portion 19 in a linear manner (line-like light emission). With this configuration, the area that lights up in a planar manner and the area that lights up in a linear manner can be clearly distinguished from each other, improving the visibility of the lamp unit 3.

[0059] [3. Other] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0060] For example, in the above embodiment, the lamp unit 3 is exemplified, in which the light source 21 is fixed to the main body 20, but the light source 21 may be fixed to the outer lens 10, or the main body 20 may be omitted and the light source 21 may be fixed to the vehicle body. The lamp unit 3 may be any one that includes the light source 21 and the outer lens 10 that covers the front of the light source 21. By forming at least the bent portion 11, the upper surface portion 14, and the lower surface portion 17 in the outer lens 10, including the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25 in the light source 21, and irradiating the upper light source 22 and the lower light source 25 with light in different modes, it is possible to realize a vehicle front structure 1 that achieves the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the outer lens 10 is exemplified in which the bending portion 11 includes the first bending portion 12 and the second bending portion 13, but either one of the first bending portion 12 or the second bending portion 13 may be omitted. When either one of the first bending portion 12 or the second bending portion 13 is omitted, the other portion that is not omitted is substantially defined as the bending portion 11. The same applies to the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17; either one of the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 may be omitted, or either one of the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 may be omitted. In these cases, the other portion that is not omitted is substantially defined as the upper surface portion 14 or the lower surface portion 17.

[0062] When the first bent portion 12, the first upper surface portion 15, and the first lower surface portion 18 are omitted, the outer lens 10 may be formed without these portions, or the outer lens 10 may be formed with a shape in which the first upper surface portion 15 and the first lower surface portion 18 are connected in a plane. Similarly, when the second bent portion 13, the second upper surface portion 16, and the second lower surface portion 19 are omitted, the outer lens 10 may be formed without these portions, or the outer lens 10 may be formed with a shape in which the second upper surface portion 16 and the second lower surface portion 19 are connected in a plane.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the vehicle front structure 1 is illustrated as having the second bent portion 13 connected to the end of the first bent portion 12, but it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 13 are arranged discontinuously and separately. The same applies to the upper surface portion 14 and the lower surface portion 17; the first upper surface portion 15 and the second upper surface portion 16 may be arranged discontinuously and separately, or the first lower surface portion 18 and the second lower surface portion 19 may be arranged discontinuously and separately.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the vehicle front structure 1 is illustrated as having the upper frame portion 40 formed above the radiator grille 5, but the upper frame portion 40 can be omitted. Similarly, the upper frame bent portion 41, the upper frame upper surface portion 42, and the upper frame front portion 43 can also be omitted. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vehicle front structure 1 is illustrated as having the vertical frame portion 44 formed between the radiator grille 5 and the lamp unit 3, but the vertical frame portion 44 can also be omitted. Similarly, the vertical frame front portion 45 can also be omitted.

[0065] The present invention is applicable to the manufacturing industry of vehicle front structures, the manufacturing industry of lamp units included in vehicle front structures, and the manufacturing industry of vehicles to which vehicle front structures are applied.

[0066] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle front structure 2 lamp housing section 3 lamp unit 4 hood 5 radiator grille 10 outer lens 11 bent section 12 first bent section 13 second bent section 14 upper surface section 15 first upper surface section 16 second upper surface section 17 lower surface section 18 first lower surface section (first lens section) 19 second lower surface section (second lens section) 20 main body section 21 light source 22 upper light source 23 first upper light source 24 second upper light source 25 lower light source 26 first lower light source 27 second lower light source 30 shielding member 31 first inclined surface 32 second inclined surface 33 third inclined surface 40 upper frame section 41 upper frame bent section 42 upper frame upper surface section 43 upper frame front section 44 vertical frame section 45 vertical frame front section 46 lower surface section 47 Bumper surface portion 48 Fender surface portion 49 Fender arch portion 50 Ridge line portion 51 Edge portion 52 First edge portion 53 Second edge portion (inclined edge portion)

Claims

1. A vehicle front structure including a lamp unit for a vehicle, wherein the lamp unit comprises a light source and an outer lens that covers the front of the light source, the outer lens having a bent portion formed by extending a portion that protrudes forward in the vehicle width direction, an upper surface portion that is formed in a shape that slopes downward toward the front and is positioned above the bent portion, and a lower surface portion that extends downward from the bent portion, the light source comprising an upper light source that irradiates light onto the upper surface portion, and a lower light source that irradiates light onto the lower surface portion in a manner different from the upper light source.

2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: the bent portion has a first bent portion; the upper surface portion has a first upper surface portion that extends in the vehicle width direction along the first bent portion; the lower surface portion has a first lower surface portion that extends in the vehicle width direction along the first bent portion; the upper light source has a first upper light source that irradiates light onto the first upper surface portion; and the lower light source has a first lower light source that irradiates light onto the first lower surface portion.

3. A vehicle front structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: the bent portion has a second bent portion; the upper surface portion has a second upper surface portion that extends in the vertical direction above the second bent portion; the lower surface portion has a second lower surface portion that extends in the vertical direction below the second bent portion; the upper light source has a second upper light source that irradiates light onto the second upper surface portion; and the lower light source has a second lower light source that irradiates light onto the second lower surface portion.

4. A vehicle front structure as set forth in claim 3, which cites claim 2, characterized in that the second bent portion is disposed connected to an end of the first bent portion, the second upper surface portion is disposed connected to an end of the first upper surface portion, and the second lower surface portion is disposed connected to an end of the first lower surface portion.

5. A vehicle front structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises an upper frame portion arranged above the radiator grille of the vehicle, the upper frame portion having an upper frame bent portion formed by extending a portion that protrudes forward in the vehicle width direction, an upper frame upper surface portion formed in a shape that slopes downwardly forward and is arranged above the upper frame bent portion, and an upper frame front portion extending downward from the upper frame bent portion, the upper frame bent portion being arranged at a position where the bent portion is extended in the vehicle width direction.

6. A vehicle front structure as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a vertical frame portion disposed between the radiator grille and the lamp unit, the vertical frame portion being formed in a plane shape connected to the upper frame front portion and having a vertical frame front portion extending outward and downward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the upper frame front portion in the vehicle width direction.

7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 6 which cite claim 2, characterized in that the first upper light source is a light source which functions as a daytime running light and a direction indicator, and the first lower light source is a light source which functions as a headlight.

8. A vehicle front structure as set forth in claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 7 which cite claim 3, characterized in that the second upper light source lights up the entire second upper surface portion in a planar manner, and the second lower light source lights up a part of the second lower surface portion in a linear manner.

Images