Vehicle front structure

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle front structure capable of cooling heat-generating devices by a dash module.SOLUTION: A vehicle front structure 10 comprises: a dash module 20 which has a channel 24a for a cooling medium arranged to extend in a vehicle width direction, and which partitions between the inside of a cabin and the outside of the cabin; and heat-generating devices 34 and 36 disposed in contact with or in proximity to the dash module 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle front structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a gasoline-powered vehicle in which an auxiliary battery is disposed adjacent to the dash panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-207616 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In electric vehicles, the grill opening is narrower than that of gasoline-powered vehicles, which can cause air to stagnate in the power unit compartment where the power unit serving as the drive source is located. As a result, when the auxiliary battery and integrated control device (hereinafter referred to as the Electronic Control Unit (ECU)) located near the dash panel generate heat, the heat is not sufficiently dissipated, which can result in a decrease in functionality.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a vehicle front structure capable of cooling heat-generating devices using a dash module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle front structure of the first aspect comprises a dash module having a cooling refrigerant flow path arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction and separating the interior and exterior of the vehicle, and a heat-generating device arranged in contact with or adjacent to the dash module.

[0007] In the vehicle front structure according to the first aspect, the dash module has a flow path for the cooling refrigerant arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction, and the heat-generating equipment is arranged in contact with or adjacent to the dash module having the flow path for the cooling refrigerant. Therefore, the dash module is cooled by the cooling refrigerant flowing through the flow path, and the heat-generating equipment arranged in contact with or adjacent to the dash module can be cooled.

[0008] A vehicle front structure according to a second aspect is the configuration according to the first aspect, wherein the heat-generating device is directly attached to the dash module.

[0009] In the vehicle front structure according to the second aspect, the heat-generating equipment is directly attached to the dash module, so that the heat-generating equipment can be efficiently cooled by the dash module.

[0010] A vehicle front structure according to a third aspect is the configuration according to the first or second aspect, wherein the dash module is attached to a frame member of the vehicle.

[0011] In the vehicle front structure according to the third aspect, the dash module is attached to a frame member of the vehicle, so dash module 20 is separate from the frame member of the vehicle. By separating the dash module from the frame member of the vehicle in this way, a closed cross section can be formed in the dash module, and a flow path can be formed inside the dash module.

[0012] A vehicle front structure according to a fourth aspect is a configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the dash module includes a plate-shaped dash panel, and the flow path is provided inside the dash panel.

[0013] In the vehicle front structure according to the fourth aspect, the flow path is provided inside the plate-shaped dash panel, so the dash module is cooled by the cooling refrigerant flowing inside the dash panel. This allows the heat-generating devices to be cooled by contacting them with the dash module or arranging them in close proximity to the dash module.

[0014] A vehicle front structure according to a fifth aspect is a configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the dash module includes a plate-shaped dash panel and a plate member fixed to the dash panel, and the flow path is formed by the plate member and the dash panel.

[0015] In the vehicle front structure according to the fifth aspect, a flow path is formed by the plate member and the plate-shaped dash panel, and the heat-generating equipment can be cooled by contacting or bringing the heat-generating equipment close to at least one of the plate member and the dash panel.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the vehicle front structure of the present invention is a configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the dash module includes a plate-shaped dash panel and a plate member fixed to the dash panel, and the flow path is formed in the plate member.

[0017] In the vehicle front structure according to the sixth aspect, the flow passages are formed in the plate member fixed to the dash panel, so the dash module is cooled by the cooling refrigerant flowing through the flow passages formed in the plate member. This makes it possible to cool heat-generating devices by bringing them into contact with the dash module or by attaching them in close proximity to the dash module.

[0018] The vehicle front structure of the present invention described in a seventh aspect is a configuration described in any of the first to sixth aspects above, in which the flow path is arranged so as to face at least the heat-generating device in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0019] In the vehicle front structure according to the seventh aspect, the flow path is disposed so as to face at least the heat-generating device in the vehicle longitudinal direction, so that the heat-generating device can be cooled efficiently.

[0020] The vehicle front structure according to an eighth aspect is the configuration described in the seventh aspect, further comprising a second heat-generating device attached to the dash module so as to face the heat-generating device across the dash module.

[0021] In the vehicle front structure according to the eighth aspect, the second heat-generating device is attached to the dash module so as to face the heat-generating device across the dash module, so that the heat-generating device and the second heat-generating device can be disposed facing each other across the flow path, thereby enabling efficient cooling of the heat-generating device and the second heat-generating device.

[0022] A vehicle front structure according to a ninth aspect is a configuration according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the flow paths extend at least in the vehicle width direction and are provided in multiple locations in the vehicle vertical direction, and the dash module is formed so that the portion corresponding to the flow paths is convex in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the tip surface of the convex portion is formed flat.

[0023] In the vehicle front structure according to the ninth aspect, the tip end surface of the protrusion formed to be convex in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the portion corresponding to the flow path of the dash module is flat, which allows for a larger surface area corresponding to the heat-generating device compared to when the tip end surface is formed in a spherical shape, for example, thereby improving cooling capacity.

[0024] A vehicle front structure according to a tenth aspect is the configuration according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the inlet and outlet of the flow path are provided on one side in the vehicle width direction.

[0025] In the vehicle front structure according to the tenth aspect, the inlet and outlet of the flow path are provided on one side in the vehicle width direction, so that the refrigerant path in the vehicle can be simplified.

[0026] The vehicle front structure according to an eleventh aspect is the configuration according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the heat-generating device is an auxiliary battery or an integrated control device.

[0027] In the vehicle front structure according to the eleventh aspect, the heat-generating device is the auxiliary battery or the integrated control device, so that the auxiliary battery or the integrated control device can be cooled.

[0028] A vehicle front structure according to a twelfth aspect is the configuration according to the eighth aspect, wherein the heat-generating device is an auxiliary battery, and the second heat-generating device is an integrated control device.

[0029] In the vehicle front structure according to the twelfth aspect, the heat-generating device is the auxiliary battery and the second heat-generating device is the integrated control device, so that the auxiliary battery and the integrated control device can be cooled efficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] As described above, the vehicle front structure according to the present invention can cool heat-generating devices using the dash module. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view that schematically shows an example of a vehicle front structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view schematically showing an example of the vehicle front structure of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a dash module in the vehicle front structure of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the dash module of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a left cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a dash module of a vehicle front structure relating to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the dash module of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a left cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a dash module of a vehicle front structure relating to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a left cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a dash module of a vehicle front structure relating to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a left cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a dash module of a vehicle front structure relating to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] (First embodiment) A vehicle front structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. The arrow FR, appropriately indicated in each drawing, indicates the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction. The arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction. Hereinafter, when the directions "front-rear," "up-down," and "left-right" are used in the description, they refer to "front-rear" in the vehicle longitudinal direction, "up-down" in the vehicle vertical direction, and "left-right" in the vehicle horizontal direction (vehicle width direction), unless otherwise specified.

[0033] (Vehicle front structure configuration) First, a configuration of a vehicle front structure 10 will be described as an example of a vehicle front structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the example of the vehicle front structure 10, and Fig. 2 is a left side view schematically showing the example of the vehicle front structure 10 of Fig. 1.

[0034] 1 and 2 schematically show a vehicle front structure 10 showing a structure including the skeleton of the front part of a vehicle. In this embodiment, examples of the vehicle include an electric vehicle (BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)) that runs on power generated by a power unit, a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle)), a hybrid vehicle (HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)), and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)).

[0035] The vehicle front structure 10 is a front frame member of the vehicle and includes a pair of left and right front side members (not shown) arranged on both sides of the front of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. The front side members extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the rear end of the front side members is connected to a cross member 12 shown in Fig. 1. Wheel houses 14 in which tires (not shown) serving as wheels are arranged are provided on the outer sides of each of the pair of front side members in the vehicle width direction, and the left and right wheel houses 14 are connected by the cross member 12.

[0036] Apron upper members 16 are disposed on the rear sides of the left and right front side members, outward in the vehicle width direction and above them in the vehicle up-down direction. The apron upper members 16 are skeletal members that form the framework of the upper sides of the vehicle front structure 10, and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction along the front side members. The front side members and the apron upper member 16 each have a substantially rectangular open cross-sectional shape with an opening on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, in other words, a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape that is open on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Note that the opening in the apron upper member 16 is not shown in the drawings.

[0037] Furthermore, a pair of left and right fender aprons 17 are arranged inside the apron upper member 16 in the vehicle width direction. The upper end of the fender apron 17 is joined to the apron upper member 16, and the lower end is joined to the front side member, and a suspension tower 18 and the wheel house 14 are integrally formed. The suspension tower 18 is provided above the vehicle outside the front side member in the vehicle width direction, and a through hole 18A is provided in the upper end surface of the suspension tower 18, into which the upper end of a suspension (not shown) is placed.

[0038] A dash module 20 is disposed between the pair of left and right apron upper members 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the dash module 20 is a member that separates a power unit room 11A, which is a space outside the vehicle cabin in which the power unit 30 is housed, from the vehicle cabin interior 11B. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dash module 20 extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction, with its plate thickness direction being the vehicle front-rear direction. An end of the dash module 20 in the vehicle width direction is connected to the fender apron 17, and a lower end is connected to the cross member 12. Note that, in this embodiment, the dash module 20 represents a plate-like member having a size equivalent to that of a panel for separating the power unit room 11A from the vehicle cabin interior 11B, but the present invention is not limited to this form.

[0039] An air conditioning unit 32, which is an air conditioning device, is attached to the rear surface of the dash module 20 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction, and an integrated control device (hereinafter referred to as integrated ECU) 34 is attached to the right side. In addition, an auxiliary battery 36 is attached to the right side of the front surface of the dash module 20 in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0040] The air conditioning unit 32 adjusts the temperature, humidity, etc., of the vehicle interior 11B. The integrated ECU 34 controls the entire vehicle system and functions, which have become complicated in order to control many devices and functions. The auxiliary battery 36 is a battery used as an auxiliary battery when the battery (not shown) is short of power, and is, for example, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). In this embodiment, the integrated ECU 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 dash module 20 will be described in detail later.

[0041] The lower end of the cross member 12 is joined to a dash panel lower 13. The dash panel lower 13 extends in the vehicle width direction along the dash module 20. The dash panel lower 13 functions as a toe board on which the feet of passengers sitting in the front seats are placed. Although not shown, a brake pedal, an engine pedal, etc. are disposed on the dash panel lower 13.

[0042] A front pillar 19 extending in the vehicle vertical direction is joined to the rear side of the fender apron 17 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. A rear end portion 19A on the vehicle lower side of the front pillar 19 extends along the vehicle longitudinal direction and is connected to a rocker (not shown) that forms the framework of the side of the vehicle body.

[0043] A floor panel 42 that forms the floor surface of the vehicle is disposed between the pair of left and right rockers. The floor panel 42 is connected to the rear end of the dash panel lower 13 and, for example, forms the floor surface of the vehicle together with the dash panel lower 13. As shown in FIG. 2, a battery unit 40 is disposed below the floor panel 42 in the passenger compartment 11B. For example, the battery unit 40 is configured by arranging a plurality of battery cells (single cells) inside a housing-like case. For example, the battery cells are configured by lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries, all-solid-state batteries, or the like.

[0044] In addition, the vehicle front structure 10 of this embodiment, as an example, includes a pair of front side members (not shown), a cross member 12, a wheelhouse 14, an apron upper member 16, a fender apron 17, and a suspension tower 18, which are integrally molded by aluminum die casting.

[0045] (Dash module configuration) Next, the configuration of dash module 20 will be described. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of dash module 20 in vehicle front structure 10 of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3. Dash module 20 of this embodiment has a cooling function. As shown in Fig. 3, dash module 20 includes, as an example, a dash panel 22 and an internal space 24 formed inside dash panel 22. In this embodiment, this internal space 24 functions as a flow path through which a cooling refrigerant flows, and the cooling function is exerted by the cooling refrigerant flowing through internal space 24.

[0046] The dash panel 22 has a plurality of (six in this embodiment) protruding portions 22A extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, with the tips of the protruding portions 22A formed flat. The dash panel 22 also has recessed portions 22B recessed in the vehicle longitudinal direction between adjacent protruding portions 22A in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The protruding portions 22A and the recessed portions 22B are formed to extend in the vehicle width direction, and are formed at opposing positions on both side surfaces in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0047] 3 and 4, the internal space 24 as a flow path includes a plurality of main passages 24A each having a substantially circular cross section in a side view and a plurality of communication passages 24B in the vertical direction of the vehicle that connect adjacent main passages 24A in the vertical direction of the vehicle. As an example, the internal space 24 of this embodiment includes six main passages 24A and five communication passages 24B. As shown in FIG. 3, the main passages 24A are disposed at positions corresponding to the protrusions 22A. Furthermore, as an example, the internal space 24 includes end passages 24C on both ends in the vertical direction of the vehicle that connect to the main passages 24A.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the main passage 24A, the communication passage 24B, and the endmost passage 24C are formed to extend in the vehicle width direction. Note that in FIG. 4, the main passage 24A is shown shaded for convenience. In this embodiment, as an example, the uppermost main passage 24A and the lowermost main passage 24A in the vehicle vertical direction are provided with an inlet / outlet passage 24D on the right side in the vehicle width direction, which communicates with the outside of the dash panel 22 and through which the cooling refrigerant flows. In this embodiment, as an example, the upper inlet / outlet passage 24D is used as an inlet, and the lower inlet / outlet passage 24D is used as an outlet. The upper and lower inlet / outlet passages 24D are each connected to, for example, piping (not shown) within the power unit compartment 11A through which the cooling refrigerant flows. Note that, as an example, the piping to be connected may be piping used for the power unit 30, the air conditioning unit 32, etc., and piping used to cool the battery unit 40.

[0049] The dash panel 22 having the above-described structure is formed, for example, from a resin, specifically, from a thermoplastic elastomer, for example. In this embodiment, the dash panel 22 is formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0050] The above-described air conditioning unit 32, integrated ECU 34, and auxiliary battery 36 are attached to the dash module 20 configured as described above. As shown in Fig. 3, the upper end of the integrated ECU 34 is attached to the rear surface of the dash module 20 by, for example, a bracket 34A having a generally L-shaped cross section. Similarly, the upper end of the auxiliary battery 36 is attached to the front surface of the dash module 20 by, for example, a bracket 36A having a generally L-shaped cross section. Although not shown, the air conditioning unit 32 is also attached to the dash module 20 by using a bracket in a similar manner.

[0051] (Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment) Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] In the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, the dash module 20 has an internal space 24 as a flow path for a cooling refrigerant, and the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 as heat generating devices are attached in a state of being in contact with the dash module 20 having the internal space 24. Therefore, when the cooling refrigerant flows into the inflow / outflow path 24D on the upper side of the dash module 20 and the cooling refrigerant flows through the internal space 24, the dash module 20 is cooled by the cooling refrigerant flowing through the internal space 24. Thus, it is possible to cool the heat generating devices attached in a state of being in contact with the dash module 20.

[0053] Also, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, since the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 as heat generating devices are directly attached to the dash module 20, the dash module 20 can efficiently cool the heat generating devices.

[0054] Also, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, since the flow path is provided inside the dash panel 22 that constitutes the dash module 20, the dash module 20 is cooled by the cooling refrigerant flowing through the inside of the dash panel 22. Thereby, the heat generating device can be cooled by bringing the heat generating device into contact with the dash module 20 or attaching it in proximity to the dash module 20. In the technology of the present disclosure, "proximity" is intended to mean a range X in which heat transfer can occur, and the range X is preferably, for example, 0 < X ≤ 10 mm.

[0055] Also, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, the tip surface of the convex portion 22A of the dash module 20 formed so as to be convex in the vehicle front-rear direction at a portion corresponding to the main passage 24A is formed flat. Therefore, the surface area corresponding to the heat generating device can be made larger compared to the case where the tip surface is formed, for example, in a spherical shape or the like, and the cooling capacity can be improved. In the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the integrated ECU 34 is attached in contact with the dash panel 22. Therefore, the region R1 indicated by shading, which is the portion in contact with the tip surface of the convex portion 22A, is cooled more efficiently.

[0056] In addition, as an example, the outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary battery 36 protrudes from the other outer peripheral surfaces at its upper end. Therefore, the shaded region R1 of the upper end of the auxiliary battery 36 is in contact with the tip surface of the protrusion 22A, and the shaded region R2, which is thinner than the region R1, is in close proximity to the tip surface of the protrusion 22A. Therefore, the region R1 of the auxiliary battery 36 is cooled more efficiently than the region R2. Note that the shape of the auxiliary battery 36 is not limited to the above, and the outer peripheral surface on the rear side may be flat in the vehicle vertical direction. In this case, the outer peripheral surface on the rear side of the auxiliary battery 36 can be brought into contact with the dash panel 22, thereby allowing the auxiliary battery 36 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0057] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, the auxiliary battery 36 is attached to the dash module 20 so as to face the integrated ECU 34 via the dash module 20, so that the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 can be disposed facing each other via the internal space 24, which is a flow path. This allows the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 to be cooled by the internal space 24 in an area that overlaps with the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated ECU 34 when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, so that the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0058] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, the inlet and outlet passages 24D serving as the inlet and outlet of the interior space 24 are provided on one side in the vehicle width direction (the right side in this embodiment), which simplifies the refrigerant path in a vehicle equipped with the vehicle front structure 10. Note that the inlet and outlet passages 24D at both ends in the vehicle vertical direction may be provided on the left side instead of the right side, or one may be provided on the right side and the other on the left side. The arrangement of the inlet and outlet passages 24D can be changed as appropriate depending on the refrigerant path of the vehicle.

[0059] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 are attached to the dash module 20 as heat-generating devices, and therefore the dash module 20 can cool the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36. Note that the heat-generating devices attached to the dash module 20 are not limited to those described above, and other heat-generating devices may be attached, or only the integrated ECU 34 or only the auxiliary battery 36 may be attached. Furthermore, other heat-generating devices may be attached in addition to those described above.

[0060] In addition, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 are arranged opposite each other with the internal space 24 acting as a flow path, so that the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 can be efficiently cooled.

[0061] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10 of the first embodiment, the dash module 20 is attached to a vehicle frame member that is integrally molded by die casting, and therefore the dash module 20 and the vehicle frame member are separate entities. By making the dash module 20 a separate entity from the vehicle frame member in this way, a closed cross section can be formed in the dash module 20, and therefore an internal space 24 serving as a flow path can be formed inside the dash module 20.

[0062] (Modification of the first embodiment) As shown in Fig. 4, the dash module 20 of the first embodiment has the interior space 24 extending over substantially the entire width of the vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified version of the dash module 20 of Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 5, the interior space 24 of the modified dash module 20A is provided in a range from the right end to approximately the center in the width direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the interior space 24 is provided in a range that overlaps both the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0063] In this way, by providing the internal space 24 as a flow path only in the area facing the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36, i.e., the heat-generating devices in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, it is possible to cool the heat-generating devices with less cooling refrigerant than in the first embodiment. Therefore, the dash module 20A of the modified example can cool the heat-generating devices more efficiently.

[0064] Furthermore, in the dash module 20A of the modified example, the auxiliary battery 36 is attached to the dash module 20 so that it faces the integrated ECU 34 via the dash module 20. Therefore, the area of ​​the interior space 24 that overlaps with the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated ECU 34 can be made smaller when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, and the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0065] (Second embodiment) Next, a vehicle front structure 10A (see FIG. 1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6 is a left side view schematically showing an example of a dash module 20B of the vehicle front structure 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 6. In the dash module 20B of the second embodiment, components similar to those of the dash module 20 of the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described here again, with only the differences being described in detail.

[0066] The vehicle front structure 10A of the second embodiment includes a dash module 20B shown in Fig. 6. While the flow path of dash module 20 of the first embodiment described above is configured by an internal space 24 formed inside dash panel 22, the flow path of dash module 20B of the second embodiment is configured by refrigerant piping 26 arranged inside dash panel 23.

[0067] 6, dash panel 23 has six protrusions 22A in the vehicle vertical direction, similar to dash panel 22 of the first embodiment described above, and the tips of protrusions 22A are formed flat. Dash panel 23 also has recesses 22B between adjacent protrusions 22A in the vehicle vertical direction. Protrusions 22A and recesses 22B are formed to extend in the vehicle width direction, and are formed at opposing positions on both side surfaces in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0068] Dash panel 23 is formed, for example, with approximately the same thickness and defines interior space 23A. For example, inner wall 23B that defines interior space 23A has an outer shape that is smaller than the thickness of dash panel 23. In this embodiment, refrigerant piping 26, which serves as a flow path through which a cooling refrigerant circulates, is disposed in interior space 23A. Note that, because refrigerant piping 26 is shown schematically in FIG. 6 , it does not abut against inner wall 23B of interior space 23A corresponding to protrusion 22A. However, in reality, refrigerant piping 26 is disposed in abutment against inner wall 23B of interior space 23A corresponding to protrusion 22A and is sized to allow such abutment.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7 , the refrigerant pipes 26 extend in the vehicle width direction and are arranged in parallel and serpentine fashion in the vehicle up-down direction. The refrigerant pipes 26 are, for example, substantially cylindrical and made of, for example, metal, resin, or the like. In this embodiment, for example, inlet and outlet passages 26A, which are openings at both ends of the refrigerant pipes 26, are arranged on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the internal spaces 23A corresponding to the uppermost and lowermost protrusions 22A, respectively. The inlet and outlet passages 26A of the refrigerant pipes 26 communicate with the outside of the dash panel 23, through which the cooling refrigerant flows. In this embodiment, for example, the upper inlet and outlet passage 26A is used as an inlet, and the lower inlet and outlet passage 26A is used as an outlet. As in the first embodiment, the upper and lower inlet and outlet passages 26A are each connected to a pipe (not shown) through which the cooling refrigerant flows within, for example, the power unit compartment 11A.

[0070] As an example, dash panel 23 is divided at approximately the center in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is composed of two parts: outer panel 23C on the power unit compartment 11A side and inner panel 23D on the passenger compartment 11B side. After refrigerant piping 26 is attached to the inner space 23A side of one of outer panel 23C and inner panel 23D, the other panel is attached to form dash module 20B in which refrigerant piping 26 is arranged in inner space 23A.

[0071] (Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment) Next, the effects of the second embodiment will be described.

[0072] In the vehicle front structure 10A of the second embodiment, the flow path provided inside the dash module 20B is formed by the refrigerant piping 26. In this way, even when the flow path is formed by the refrigerant piping 26, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0073] (Modification of the second embodiment) As shown in Fig. 7, the dash module 20B of the second embodiment has the refrigerant pipes 26 arranged throughout the interior space 23A in the vehicle width direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the dash module 20B of Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 8, the refrigerant pipes 26 of the modified dash module 20C are arranged in a range from the right end to approximately the center in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the refrigerant pipes 26 are arranged in a range that overlaps both the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0074] In this way, by providing the refrigerant pipe 26 as a flow path only in the area facing the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36, i.e., the heat-generating devices in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, it is possible to cool the heat-generating devices with less cooling refrigerant than in the second embodiment. Therefore, the dash module 20C of the modified example can cool the heat-generating devices more efficiently.

[0075] Furthermore, in the dash module 20C of the modified example, the auxiliary battery 36 is attached to the dash module 20 so that it faces the integrated ECU 34 via the dash module 20. Therefore, the area of ​​the internal space 23A that overlaps with the auxiliary battery 36 and the integrated ECU 34 can be made smaller when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, and the integrated ECU 34 and the auxiliary battery 36 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0076] (Third embodiment) Next, a vehicle front structure 10B (see FIG. 1) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a left side view schematically showing an example of a dash module 20D of the vehicle front structure 10B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle front structure 10B according to the third embodiment is equipped with the dash module 20D shown in FIG. 9. The dash module 20D according to the third embodiment is equipped with a dash panel 25 and a plate member 50. In the dash panel 25 according to the third embodiment, components similar to those of the dash panel 22 according to the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described here again; only the differences will be described in detail.

[0077] 9, dash panel 25 has the shape of the front portion of dash panel 22 of the first embodiment described above when it is divided at approximately the center in the vehicle longitudinal direction. That is, dash panel 25 has recessed passages 25A on its rear surface that form the front sides of main passage 24A and communication passage 24B. Of recessed passages 25A, main recessed passage 25B that forms main passage 24A is formed in a position corresponding to protrusion 22A.

[0078] The plate member 50 is formed of, for example, metal and has the shape of the rear portion of the dash panel 22 of the first embodiment described above when it is divided approximately at the center in the vehicle longitudinal direction. That is, the plate member 50 has six protruding portions 52A in the vehicle vertical direction, each protruding in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the tips of the protruding portions 52A are formed flat. The plate member 50 also has recessed portions 52B recessed in the vehicle longitudinal direction between adjacent protruding portions 52A in the vehicle vertical direction. The protruding portions 52A and the recessed portions 52B are formed to extend in the vehicle width direction. The plate member 50 also has recessed passages 50A on its front surface that form the vehicle rear sides of the main passage 24A and the communication passage 24B. Of the recessed passages 50A, the main recessed passage 50B that forms the main passage 24A is formed at a position corresponding to the protruding portions 52A.

[0079] Dash module 20D is formed by joining plate member 50 to dash panel 25 configured as described above from the rear side of the vehicle. Dash panel 25 and the plate member are joined so that recessed passage 25A of dash panel 25 faces recessed passage 50A of the plate member. Recessed passage 25A of dash panel 25 and recessed passage 50A of the plate member form internal space 27 as a flow path.

[0080] (Actions and Effects of the Third Embodiment) Next, the effects of the third embodiment will be described.

[0081] In the vehicle front structure 10B of the third embodiment, the internal space 27 serving as a flow path is formed by the dash panel 25 and the plate member 50. In this way, even when the internal space 27 serving as a flow path is formed by the dash panel 25 and the plate member 50, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0082] Furthermore, in the vehicle front structure 10B of the third embodiment, an internal space 27 as a flow path is formed by the plate member 50 and the dash panel 25 at the convex portions 22A, 52A, so that the heat-generating equipment can be cooled by contacting or bringing the heat-generating equipment close to the convex portion 52A of the plate member 50 and the convex portion 22A of the dash panel 25.

[0083] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a vehicle front structure 10C (see FIG. 1) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a left side view schematically showing an example of a dash module 20E of the vehicle front structure 10C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle front structure 10C according to the fourth embodiment includes the dash module 20E shown in FIG. 10. The dash module 20E according to the fourth embodiment includes a dash panel 28 and a plate member 60.

[0084] Unlike the above-described embodiment, the dash panel 28 does not have a flow path. In this embodiment, an internal space 29 serving as a flow path is disposed inside a plate member 60. The internal space 29 is similar to the internal space 24 of the dash panel 22 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, for example. The front surface of the plate member 60, which is attached to the dash panel 28, is formed to be substantially flat. The rear surface of the plate member 60 is formed with a protrusion 62A and a recess 62B, similar to the rear surface of the dash panel 22 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, for example, and the tip surface of the protrusion 62A is formed to be flat. The dash panel 28 and the plate member 60 are fastened to each other by bolts 64 or the like at their upper ends in the vehicle vertical direction, for example.

[0085] In this embodiment, the integrated ECU 34 is attached to the rear surface of the plate member 60. Although not shown, an auxiliary battery 36 is also attached to the front surface of the dash panel 28 in a position facing the integrated ECU 34 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, similar to the above-described embodiment.

[0086] (Actions and Effects of the Fourth Embodiment) Next, the effects of the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0087] In dash module 20E of vehicle front structure 10C of the fourth embodiment, internal space 29 serving as a flow path is formed in plate member 60 rather than in dash panel 28. Therefore, heat-generating devices can be cooled by the cooling refrigerant flowing through internal space 29 serving as a flow path formed in plate member 60.

[0088] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a vehicle front structure 10D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a left side view schematically illustrating an example of a main part including a dash module 20E of the vehicle front structure 10D according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle front structure 10D according to the fifth embodiment includes, as an example, the dash module 20E according to the fourth embodiment. In the vehicle front structure 10D according to the fifth embodiment, a heat-generating device such as an integrated ECU 34 is attached to the dash module 20E via a metal plate 70 or the like. That is, the integrated ECU 34 is attached to the dash module 20E in close proximity. Here, the metal plate 70 may be, for example, a part of a bracket used when attaching the integrated ECU 34 to the dash module 20E. The dash module 20E may be any of the dash modules according to the first to third embodiments.

[0089] (Actions and Effects of the Fifth Embodiment) Next, the effects of the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0090] In the vehicle front structure 10D of the fifth embodiment, a metal plate 70 is disposed between the dash module 20E and a heat-generating device such as the integrated ECU 34. Therefore, the heat-generating device is attached to the dash module 20E in a state of proximity, i.e., indirectly, rather than in a state of abutment. Even if the heat-generating device is attached to the dash module 20E in a state of proximity, the dash module 20E is cooled by the cooling refrigerant supplied to the interior space 29, and the cooled dash module 20E can cool the heat-generating device.

[0091] [remarks] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle front structures 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are integrally formed by die casting, but the present invention is not limited to this, and they do not have to be formed by die casting.

[0092] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the main passages of the internal spaces 24, 27, 29 have a cross section that is approximately circular when viewed from the side, but the present invention is not limited to this and may have, for example, an approximately rectangular shape, and the shape is not limited as long as it is possible to flow the cooling refrigerant.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the main passages of the interior spaces 24, 27, and 29 extend in the vehicle width direction, but the present invention is not limited to this and may extend in the vehicle vertical direction. Alternatively, for example, only main passages may be provided in the interior spaces 24, 27, and 29, with an inlet and an outlet at each end of each main passage. Similarly, the refrigerant pipes 26 may be arranged to extend in the vehicle vertical direction. Alternatively, multiple refrigerant pipes 26 may be arranged in parallel, with an inlet and an outlet at each end of each refrigerant pipe 26.

[0094] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the communication passages of the internal spaces 24, 27, 29 extend in the vehicle width direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape is not limited as long as it can connect adjacent main passages in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0095] In addition, 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 dash panel 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a metal member or the like having a flow path therein may be arranged instead of the refrigerant pipe 26.

[0096] In the vehicle front structures 10, 10A to 10C of the above-described embodiments, the flow path is disposed so as to face at least the heat-generating device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the flow path and the heat-generating device are disposed at positions offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the heat-generating device can be cooled by the dash module.

[0097] Furthermore, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the configuration can be changed as appropriate as long as the problem can be solved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C Vehicle front structure 11A Power unit compartment (outside the vehicle) 11B Inside the vehicle 20, 20A~20E Dash Module 22 Dash panel 22A convex part 23 Dash panel 24 Internal space (flow path) 25 Dash Panel 26 Refrigerant piping (piping, flow path) 27 Internal space (flow path) 28 Dash Panel 29 Internal space (flow path) 34 Integrated ECU (integrated control unit, heat generating equipment) 36 Auxiliary battery (heat generating device) 50 Plate members 52A convex part 60 Plate members 62A convex part

Claims

1. a dash module having a cooling refrigerant flow path arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction and separating the interior and exterior of the vehicle; a heat-generating device disposed in contact with or adjacent to the dash module.

2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein the heat-generating device is directly attached to the dash module.

3. 2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the dash module is attached to a frame member of the vehicle.

4. the dash module includes a plate-shaped dash panel, The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path is provided inside the dash panel.

5. The dash module includes a plate-shaped dash panel and a plate member fixed to the dash panel, The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path is formed by the plate member and the dash panel.

6. The dash module includes a plate-shaped dash panel and a plate member fixed to the dash panel, The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path is formed in the plate member.

7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path is disposed so as to face at least the heat-generating device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

8. 8. The vehicle front structure according to claim 7, further comprising a second heat-generating device attached to the dash module so as to face the heat-generating device across the dash module.

9. The flow passage extends at least in the vehicle width direction and is provided in a plurality of flow passages in the vehicle up-down direction, 2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the dash module has a portion corresponding to the flow path that is convex in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a tip end surface of the convex portion is flat.

10. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein the inlet and outlet of the flow path are provided on one side in the vehicle width direction.

11. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein the heat-generating device is an auxiliary battery or an integrated control device.

12. 9. The vehicle front structure according to claim 8, wherein the heat-generating device is an auxiliary battery, and the second heat-generating device is an integrated control device.

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