Vehicle front structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle front part structure capable of effectively transmitting a collision load to a front pillar in a head-on collision in a structure in which a front part of a vehicle is integrally formed by die casting.SOLUTION: The vehicle front structure includes a skeleton body 10 that is integrally formed by die casting and constitutes a skeleton of a vehicle front portion, and a first fastening portion 48 and a second fastening portion 49 that extend in a vehicle up-down direction and are set at least on a vehicle width direction outer side and a vehicle upper side of the skeleton body 10. The front pillar 30 that is mechanically fastened to the frame body 10 is provided, the front pillar 30 is configured to include the pillar main body portion 32 that configures the outer surface and the pillar reinforcement portion 34 that is at least partially disposed inside the pillar main body portion 32, the pillar main body portion 32 and the first fastening portion 48 are mechanically fastened to each other, and the pillar reinforcement portion 34 and the second fastening portion 49 are mechanically fastened to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a front pillar that uses a reinforcing pipe as a frame member. Specifically, the front pillar disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a reinforcing pipe, an outer reinforcement that supports the front end of the reinforcing pipe, an inner panel that is arranged inside the reinforcing pipe in the vehicle width direction, and a side member outer panel that is arranged outside the reinforcing pipe in the vehicle width direction. In addition, a first joint portion formed on the outer reinforcement and a second joint portion formed on the side member outer panel are joined to the upper end of the reinforcing pipe in a state where they are adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction, thereby suppressing stress concentration at the front end of the front pillar. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-147116 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, a structure in which the front portion of a vehicle is integrally formed by die casting has been studied in order to reduce the number of parts and improve strength. However, the joining structure between the die-cast front portion of the vehicle body and the front pillar has not been considered, and there is room for improvement in terms of effectively transmitting collision load to the front pillar during a frontal collision.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle front structure in which the front of the vehicle is integrally formed by die casting, and which can effectively transmit a collision load to the front pillars in the event of a frontal collision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle front structure of claim 1 comprises a skeleton main body that is integrally molded by die-casting and that constitutes the skeleton of the vehicle front, and a front pillar that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle and is mechanically fastened to the skeleton main body by at least a first fastening portion that is set on the outer side of the skeleton main body in the vehicle width direction and a second fastening portion that is set on the upper side of the vehicle, wherein the front pillar includes a pillar main body portion that constitutes the outer surface and a pillar reinforcement portion that is at least partially disposed inside the pillar main body portion, and the pillar main body portion and the first fastening portion are mechanically fastened, and the pillar reinforcement portion and the second fastening portion are mechanically fastened.

[0007] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 1, the frame body is integrally formed by die casting, which allows the number of parts to be reduced compared to when the frame body is formed from steel plate or the like.

[0008] The vehicle also includes a front pillar extending in the vehicle vertical direction, and the front pillar is mechanically fastened to the frame body at at least a first fastening portion set on the outer side of the frame body in the vehicle width direction and a second fastening portion set on the upper side of the vehicle. Because the front pillar is mechanically fastened to the frame body at two locations in this way, the fastening state between the front pillar and the frame body can be maintained favorably even if a collision load is input from the frame body to the front pillar during a frontal collision of the vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "frontal collision").

[0009] Furthermore, the front pillar is reinforced by the pillar reinforcement, and both the pillar main body and the pillar reinforcement are fastened to the frame body. This allows the collision load input from the frame body to the front pillar to be distributed and transmitted between the pillar main body and the pillar reinforcement. Also, because there is no need to make the pillar main body thicker, the front pillar does not obstruct the occupant's field of vision.

[0010] The vehicle front structure of claim 2 is the same as claim 1, in which the pillar reinforcement portion is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axial direction being the extension direction of the pillar main body portion, and the fastening portion of the pillar reinforcement portion with the second fastening portion is formed in a flat shape.

[0011] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 2, by forming the pillar reinforcement part in a cylindrical shape, it is possible to transmit a collision load along the pillar reinforcement part while suppressing an increase in weight of the front pillar. Also, by forming the fastening part of the pillar reinforcement part with the second fastening part in a flat shape, it is possible to ensure a larger contact area between the skeleton main body and the pillar reinforcement part compared to a cylindrical case, making it easier to transmit the collision load.

[0012] The vehicle front structure of claim 3 is the same as claim 1, in which the skeleton main body includes a front-to-rear extending portion extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the fastening portion between the front pillar and the second fastening portion is provided on the front-to-rear extending portion.

[0013] In the vehicle front structure of claim 3, the front-to-rear extending portion of the skeleton body and the front pillar are connected in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle via the second fastening portion, so that collision load can be smoothly transmitted from the skeleton body to the front pillar in the event of a frontal collision.

[0014] The vehicle front structure of claim 4 is the same as claim 1, in which the skeleton main body includes a front pillar lower portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the fastening portion between the front pillar and the first fastening portion is provided in the front pillar lower portion.

[0015] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 4, the front pillar lower portion is provided on the frame main body, so that the front pillar can be connected to the frame of the lower part of the vehicle, such as the rocker, via the front pillar lower portion.

[0016] The vehicle front structure of claim 5 is the same as claim 1, wherein the pillar reinforcement portion includes a main reinforcement portion extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle along the pillar main body portion and a branch portion branching from the main reinforcement portion, and the main reinforcement portion is mechanically fastened to the skeleton main body at the second fastening portion, and the branch portion is mechanically fastened to the skeleton main body at a location different from the second fastening portion.

[0017] In the vehicle front structure of claim 5, the pillar reinforcement portion is configured to include a main reinforcement portion and a branch portion, and the main reinforcement portion and the branch portion are mechanically fastened to the skeleton main body, so that the collision load input to the pillar reinforcement portion can be distributed to the main reinforcement portion and the branch portion.

[0018] A vehicle front structure according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle front structure according to the fifth aspect, wherein the branching portion is formed of a member separate from the main reinforcing portion and extends in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0019] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 6, the branch portion extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, so that when the vehicle flips over due to a collision or the like, the branch portion can support the roof, thereby preventing roof crushing.

[0020] The vehicle front structure of claim 7 is the same as claim 6, in which the main reinforcing portion is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a flattened front end, and is mechanically fastened to the second fastening portion at the flattened portion.

[0021] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 7, a wide contact area between the main reinforcing portion and the second fastening portion can be ensured, and load transmission performance can be improved.

[0022] The vehicle front structure according to claim 8 is the same as claim 7, wherein the branch portion is fixed to the main reinforcement portion in a state in which the branch portion sandwiches the main reinforcement portion from both sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 8, the main reinforcement is fixed in a state in which it is sandwiched between the branch portions from both sides in the vehicle width direction, so that the branch portion can be fixed on two surfaces of the main reinforcement. In other words, the branch portion can be firmly fixed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] As described above, the vehicle front structure according to the present invention can effectively transmit collision load to the front pillars in the event of a frontal collision in a structure in which the front portion of the vehicle is integrally formed by die casting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a framework main body that constitutes a vehicle front structure according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle front structure according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle front structure relating to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of a pillar reinforcing portion in a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle front structure relating to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] First Embodiment A vehicle front structure according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 1 is a perspective view showing a framework main body constituting the vehicle front structure according to the first embodiment. Note that the arrows FR, UP, and RH in the figure indicate the vehicle front direction, vehicle upper direction, and vehicle right direction, respectively. In the following description, when the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions are used unless otherwise specified, they refer to the front-rear direction in the vehicle front-rear direction, the up-down direction in the vehicle up-down direction, and the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle, respectively.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle front structure of this embodiment includes a frame body 10. The frame body 10 is integrally formed by die casting and is disposed at the front of the vehicle to form the vehicle's frame. The frame body 10 is formed from a metal containing aluminum as its main component, and includes a dash portion 12, front side member portions 14, suspension tower portions 16, and front pillar lower portions 18.

[0029] The dash portion 12 extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction, and separates the space inside the vehicle cabin from the space outside the vehicle cabin. Front side member portions 14 extend from the upper end of the dash portion 12 toward the front side of the vehicle. A pair of front side member portions 14 are provided on the left and right, and the rear ends of the front side member portions 14 are connected to the dash portion 12. In addition, the front ends of the front side member portions 14 are connected to a bumper reinforcement (not shown).

[0030] A suspension tower portion 16 is provided on the outer side of each front side member portion 14 in the vehicle width direction. The suspension tower portion 16 protrudes further upward in the vehicle direction than the front side member portion 14, and a suspension (not shown) is disposed below this suspension tower portion 16.

[0031] Front pillar lower sections 18 are provided on both sides of the dash section 12 in the vehicle width direction. The front pillar lower sections 18 extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a rocker 20, which is a framework member, is connected to the lower end of the front pillar lower section 18. The rocker 20 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the front end of the rocker 20 is connected to the front pillar lower section 18. The rocker 20 has a closed cross-sectional structure and extends to the rear of the vehicle.

[0032] Here, a front-rear extending portion 22 is provided from the upper end of the front pillar lower portion 18 of the frame body 10 toward the front side of the vehicle. That is, the frame body 10 is configured to include the front-rear extending portion 22 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The front-rear extending portion 22 may be, for example, a portion that functions as an apron upper member.

[0033] 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the vehicle front structure according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in the vehicle front structure of this embodiment, a front pillar 30 is connected to the rear end of a frame body 10.

[0034] The front pillar 30 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the front pillar 30 extends obliquely so that the upper end is located further rearward than the lower end. The front pillar 30 is composed of a pillar main body portion 32 and a pillar reinforcing portion 34.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the pillar main body 32 is composed of a pillar outer panel 36 and a pillar inner panel 38. The pillar outer panel 36 forms the outer side of the pillar main body 32 in the vehicle width direction, and the pillar inner panel 38 forms the inner side of the pillar main body 32 in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] An outer flange 36A extending inward in the vehicle width direction is formed at the upper end of the pillar outer panel 36. A first working hole 36B and a second working hole 36C are formed in the pillar outer panel 36, in that order from the top. The first working hole 36B and the second working hole 36C are used when performing work such as passing a wire harness through the interior of the pillar main body 32 and tightening bolts. Note that the first working hole 36B and the second working hole 36C are examples of working holes, and there are no particular limitations on the number or size of the working holes.

[0037] The pillar inner panel 38 is disposed inward in the vehicle width direction from the pillar outer panel 36, and an inner flange 38A extending inward in the vehicle width direction along the outer flange 36A is formed at the upper end of the pillar inner panel 38. The inner flange 38A is joined to the outer flange 36A by welding or the like while overlapping the outer flange 36A.

[0038] A side member outer panel 40 is disposed on the outer side of the pillar outer panel 36. The side member outer panel 40 constitutes a design surface of the vehicle, and extends along the pillar outer panel 36 in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0039] The side member outer panel 40 has openings at positions corresponding to the first working hole 36B and the second working hole 36C of the pillar outer panel 36, and these openings are closed by grommets 42.

[0040] The pillar main body 32 is configured as described above, and the pillar inner panel 38 of the pillar main body 32 is mechanically fastened to the frame main body 10.

[0041] An upper flange 44 extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the front pillar lower portion 18 of the frame body 10, and seals the gap between the upper flange 44 and the pillar inner panel 38. The front pillar lower portion 18 is also provided with a plurality of ribs 46 that protrude outward in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. In Fig. 3, two ribs 46 are provided spaced apart in the vehicle up-down direction, but this is not limited to this and more ribs may be provided.

[0042] A first fastening portion 48 is formed between the upper and lower ribs 46. The first fastening portion 48 is, for example, a mounting seat formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a bolt hole 48A is opened in the surface of the first fastening portion 48 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] A bolt 52 is screwed into the first fastening portion 48, and the pillar main body portion 32 is mechanically fastened to the frame main body 10 by this bolt 52. In the present embodiment, as an example, a pillar inner lower panel 50 is sandwiched between the first fastening portion 48 and the pillar inner panel 38. The pillar inner lower panel 50 is disposed below the pillar inner panel 38, and with the pillar inner panel 38 and the pillar inner lower panel 50 overlapping each other, the bolt 52 is inserted through the second working hole 36C and screwed into the first fastening portion 48, thereby fastening the pillar inner panel 38 and the pillar inner lower panel 50 together.

[0044] A pillar outer lower panel 52 is disposed below the pillar outer panel 36, and the pillar outer lower panel 52 is joined to the pillar outer panel 36 by a method such as welding. Therefore, the pillar outer lower panel 52 is fastened to the frame body 10 together with the pillar outer panel 36 and the pillar inner panel 38.

[0045] 1, in this embodiment, as an example, the pillar main body 32 is mechanically fastened to the first fastening portion 48 by four bolts 52, but the fastening locations and fastening positions are not particularly limited. For example, the pillar main body 32 may be fastened to the first fastening portion 48 by more bolts 52, or may be fastened to the rocker 20 with intervals in the vertical direction.

[0046] 2, a pillar reinforcement portion 34 is disposed inside the pillar main body portion 32. Unlike the pillar main body portion 32 which is formed from a general steel plate, the pillar reinforcement portion 34 is formed from a high-tensile steel plate (high-tensile material) or an ultra-high-tensile steel plate (ultra-high-tensile material). Note that a portion of the pillar reinforcement portion 34 may be exposed from the pillar main body portion 32.

[0047] The pillar reinforcement portion 34 is configured to include a reinforcement portion main body 34A extending obliquely along the pillar main body 32, and a flat portion 34B formed at the lower end of the reinforcement portion main body 34A. The reinforcement portion main body 34A is formed in a tubular shape with its axial direction coinciding with the extension direction of the pillar main body 32, and in the present embodiment, as an example, is formed in a substantially rectangular tubular shape.

[0048] The flat portion 34B is overlapped with the second fastening portion 49 set on the vehicle upper side of the frame body 10, and is formed flat by crushing the cylindrical portion of the pillar reinforcement portion 34. The flat portion 34B also extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Here, because the second fastening portion 49 is set in the front-rear extending portion 22, the front-rear extending portion 22 of the frame body 10 and the flat portion 34B of the pillar reinforcement portion 34 are connected in a substantially linear manner in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0049] The flat portion 34B is mechanically fastened to the second fastening portion 49 by the bolt 35. That is, the pillar main body portion 32 of the front pillar 30 is mechanically fastened at the first fastening portion 48, and the pillar reinforcing portion 34 is mechanically fastened at the second fastening portion 49.

[0050] (action) Next, the operation of the vehicle front structure according to this embodiment will be described.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 1, in the vehicle front structure according to this embodiment, the frame body 10 is integrally formed by die casting, as shown in Fig. 1. This allows the number of parts to be reduced and strength to be improved compared to when the frame body is formed from a steel plate or the like.

[0052] 2 and 3, the vehicle front structure includes a front pillar 30 extending in the vehicle up-down direction, and the front pillar 30 is mechanically fastened to the frame body 10 at least by a first fastening portion 48 set on the outer side of the frame body 10 in the vehicle width direction and a second fastening portion 49 set on the upper side of the vehicle. Because the front pillar 30 is mechanically fastened to the frame body 10 at two locations in this way, the fastened state between the front pillar 30 and the frame body 10 can be maintained favorably even if a collision load is input from the frame body 10 to the front pillar 30 during a frontal collision of the vehicle. In other words, according to the vehicle front structure of this embodiment, in a structure in which the front part of the vehicle is integrally formed by die-casting, the collision load can be effectively transmitted to the front pillar 30 during a frontal collision.

[0053] In this embodiment, the front pillar 30 is configured to include the pillar main body portion 32 and the pillar reinforcement portion 34, so the front pillar 30 is reinforced by the pillar reinforcement portion 34 disposed inside the pillar main body portion 32. Furthermore, because both the pillar main body portion 32 and the pillar reinforcement portion 34 are fastened to the frame main body 10, the collision load input from the frame main body 10 to the front pillar 30 can be distributed to the pillar main body portion 32 and the pillar reinforcement portion 34.

[0054] Furthermore, compared to a structure without the pillar reinforcement portion 34, there is no need to thicken the pillar main body portion 32, which reduces the obstruction of the occupant's field of vision by the front pillar 30. For example, if the front pillar were formed of a general rigid plate without the pillar reinforcement portion, the cross-sectional area of ​​the front pillar would need to be large to ensure load transmission performance, which could narrow the field of vision of the occupant sitting in the front seat. In contrast, by providing the pillar reinforcement portion 34 as in this embodiment, load transmission performance can be ensured without the need to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the pillar main body portion 32, thereby maintaining good occupant visibility.

[0055] In particular, in this embodiment, by forming the pillar reinforcement portion 34 in a cylindrical shape, it is possible to transmit a collision load along the pillar reinforcement portion 34 while suppressing an increase in the weight of the front pillar 30. Furthermore, by forming the fastening portion of the pillar reinforcement portion 34 with the second fastening portion 49 in a flat shape, it is possible to ensure a larger contact area between the frame body 10 and the pillar reinforcement portion 34 compared to when the fastening portion is cylindrical, and it becomes easier to transmit the collision load.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, the front-to-rear extending portion 22 of the skeleton body 10 and the front pillar 30 are connected in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle via the second fastening portion 49, so that the collision load can be smoothly transmitted from the skeleton body 10 to the front pillar 30 in the event of a frontal collision.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the front pillar lower portion 18 is provided on the frame body 10, the front pillar 30 and the frame of the lower part of the vehicle, such as the rocker 20, can be connected via the front pillar lower portion 18.

[0058] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle front structure according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0059] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of the vehicle front structure according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, this embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment except for the pillar reinforcing portion 62 of the front pillar 60.

[0060] The pillar reinforcing portion 62 constituting the front pillar 60 of this embodiment is configured to include a main reinforcing portion 64 and a branch portion 66. The main reinforcing portion 64 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction along the pillar main body 32, and is configured to include a cylindrically formed reinforcing portion main body 64A and a flat portion 64B formed at the lower end of the reinforcing portion main body 64A.

[0061] The flat portion 64B is overlapped with the second fastening portion 49 set on the vehicle upper side of the frame body 10, and is formed into a flat shape by crushing the cylindrical portion of the pillar reinforcing portion 64. The flat portion 64B extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The flat portion 64B is mechanically fastened to the second fastening portion 49 by the bolt 35.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a main part of the pillar reinforcing part 62 in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the branching part 66 is formed of a member separate from the main reinforcing part 64, and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0063] In this embodiment, as an example, the branch portion 66 is formed from a pressed rigid plate and includes a front wall portion 66A facing the front side of the vehicle, a right wall portion 66B facing the right side of the vehicle, and a left wall portion 66C facing the left side of the vehicle. Therefore, when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, the branch portion 66 is formed in a substantially U-shape with an open rear side of the vehicle, and the upper end of the front wall portion 66A abuts against the main reinforcing portion 64 to support the main reinforcing portion 64 from below.

[0064] A bolt 68 is inserted into the right wall portion 66B from the right side of the vehicle and is screwed into the main reinforcement portion 64. Although not shown, a bolt similar to bolt 68 is inserted into the left wall portion 66C and is screwed into the main reinforcement portion 64. In this way, in this embodiment, the branch portion 66 is fixed to the main reinforcement portion 64 in a state in which the branch portion 66 sandwiches the main reinforcement portion 64 from both sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0065] In addition, the lower end of the branch portion 66 is mechanically fastened to the frame body 10. The lower end of the branch portion 66 is fastened to a location different from the second fastening portion 49. For example, the lower end of the branch portion 66 may be fastened to the front pillar lower portion 18 of the frame body 10 with a bolt or the like.

[0066] (action) Next, the operation of the vehicle front structure according to this embodiment will be described.

[0067] 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the pillar reinforcement portion 62 is configured to include a main reinforcement portion 64 and a branch portion 66, and the main reinforcement portion 64 and the branch portion 66 are mechanically fastened to the skeleton main body 10. Therefore, the collision load input to the pillar reinforcement portion 62 can be dispersed.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, since the branch portion 66 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, when the vehicle flips over due to a collision or the like, the branch portion 66 can support the roof, thereby preventing the roof from being crushed.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fastening portion of the main reinforcement portion 64 with the second fastening portion 49 is a flat portion 64B, so that a wide contact area between the main reinforcement portion 64 and the skeletal body 10 can be ensured, thereby improving load transmission performance.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the branch portion 66 is fixed in a state in which the main reinforcing portion 64 is sandwiched from both sides in the vehicle width direction, so that the branch portion 66 can be fixed on two sides of the main reinforcing portion 64. In other words, the branch portion 66 can be firmly fixed. Other functions are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0071] <Third embodiment> Next, a vehicle front structure according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle front structure according to a third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, this embodiment differs in configuration from the first and second embodiments in that it does not include a pillar reinforcing portion.

[0073] The front pillar 70 of this embodiment extends in the vehicle vertical direction and includes a pillar inner panel 74 and a pillar outer panel 72. The pillar inner panel 74 is disposed on the inner side of the front pillar 70 in the vehicle width direction and is made of a high-strength material such as high-tensile steel plate (high-tensile material) or ultra-high-tensile steel plate (ultra-high-tensile material). The pillar inner panel 74 extends obliquely so that its upper end is located further rearward than its lower end.

[0074] The pillar outer panel 72 is disposed on the outer side of the front pillar 70 in the vehicle width direction, and is formed from a high-strength material such as a high-tensile steel plate (high-tensile material) or an ultra-high-tensile steel plate (ultra-high-tensile material). The pillar outer panel 72 extends obliquely so that its upper end is located further rearward than its lower end, and is joined to the pillar inner panel 74 by welding or the like. Therefore, the front pillar 70 is formed with a closed cross section by the pillar inner panel 74 and the pillar outer panel 72.

[0075] Here, the lower end of the pillar outer panel 72 extends along the frame body 10 and has a first fastening surface 72A that overlaps with the first fastening portion 48 set on the vehicle width direction outer side of the frame body 10. The first fastening surface 72A extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle front-rear direction, and four openings 72C are formed in the rear of the first fastening surface 72A.

[0076] The pillar inner panel 74 is exposed in the portion where the opening 72C is formed, and the pillar inner panel 74 is mechanically fastened to the first fastening portion 48 of the frame body 10 by the bolt 52. Note that a side member outer panel (not shown) is disposed on the vehicle outer side of the pillar outer panel 72, and the pillar outer panel 72 and the bolt 52 are covered by the side member outer panel.

[0077] A second fastening surface 72B extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the first fastening surface 72A at the lower end of the pillar outer panel 72. The second fastening surface 72B is superimposed on a second fastening portion 49 set on the vehicle upper side of the frame main body 10, and the second fastening surface 72B is mechanically fastened to the second fastening portion 49 by a plurality of bolts 76.

[0078] (action) Next, the operation of the vehicle front structure according to this embodiment will be described.

[0079] In this embodiment, the front pillar 70 is formed from a high-strength material and is mechanically fastened at two points, the first fastening portion 48 and the second fastening portion 49, on the frame body 10. This allows the fastening state between the front pillar 70 and the frame body 10 to be maintained well even when a collision load is input from the frame body 10 to the front pillar 70 during a frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0080] Although the vehicle front structure according to the present invention has been described above, it is needless to say that it can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, in the above embodiment, the frame body 10 is configured to include the dash portion 12, the front side member portions 14, the suspension tower portions 16, and the front pillar lower portions 18, but is not limited thereto. In other words, it may be configured to include parts of the dash portion 12, the front side member portions 14, the suspension tower portions 16, and the front pillar lower portions 18.

[0081] 2, the flat portion 34B formed at the lower end of the reinforcing portion main body 34A and the second fastening portion 49 of the framework main body 10 are mechanically fastened to each other, but this is not limiting. For example, the front end of the pillar main body 32 may be mechanically fastened to the second fastening portion 49 by a bolt 35 or the like in a cylindrical state without being crushed. Furthermore, while the reinforcing main body 34A and the flat portion 34B are integrally formed, this is not limiting. A separate flat portion may be prepared using a flat member and joined to the reinforcing main body by welding or the like. In this case, the flat portion is not limited to a shape obtained by crushing a cylindrical body.

[0082] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the main reinforcing portion 64 and the branch portion 66 of the pillar reinforcing portion 62 are formed from separate members, and the branch portion 66 is fixed to the main reinforcing portion 64 while sandwiching the main reinforcing portion 64 from both sides in the vehicle width direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the main reinforcing portion 64 and the branch portion 66 may be formed integrally.

[0083] Furthermore, the branch portion 66 may be formed in another shape. For example, the branch portion may be fixed to the main reinforcement portion while sandwiching the main reinforcement portion from both sides in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0084] The following notes are provided regarding the above embodiment.

[0085] (Appendix 1) a frame body that is integrally formed by die casting and that constitutes the frame of the front part of the vehicle; a front pillar extending in a vehicle up-down direction and mechanically fastened to the frame body by at least a first fastening portion set on the outer side of the frame body in the vehicle width direction and a second fastening portion set on the upper side of the vehicle; A vehicle front structure having: (Appendix 2) The front pillar is configured to include a pillar main body portion that forms an outer surface, and a pillar reinforcing portion at least a portion of which is disposed inside the pillar main body portion, 2. The vehicle front structure described in Appendix 1, wherein the pillar main body portion and the first fastening portion are mechanically fastened, and the pillar reinforcement portion and the second fastening portion are mechanically fastened. (Appendix 3) The pillar reinforcement portion is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial direction that coincides with the extension direction of the pillar main body portion, 3. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2, wherein the fastening portion of the pillar reinforcement portion with the second fastening portion is formed in a flattened shape by crushing a cylindrical portion. (Appendix 4) The frame body is configured to include a front-rear extending portion extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, 4. The vehicle front structure according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein a fastening portion between the front pillar and the second fastening portion is provided on the front-rear extending portion. (Appendix 5) a front pillar lower portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction is provided at a rear portion of the frame body, 5. The vehicle front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a fastening portion between the front pillar and the first fastening portion is provided in the front pillar lower portion. (Appendix 6) the pillar reinforcement portion includes a main reinforcement portion extending in the vehicle front-rear direction along the pillar main body portion, and a branch portion branching from the main reinforcement portion, 3. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2, wherein the main reinforcing portion and the branch portion are mechanically fastened to the framework body. (Appendix 7) 7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 6, wherein the branch portion is formed of a member separate from the main reinforcing portion and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. (Appendix 8) 8. The vehicle front structure according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the main reinforcing portion is formed in a cylindrical shape with a front end formed in a flat shape by crushing the cylindrical portion, and the flat portion is mechanically fastened to the second fastening portion. (Appendix 9) The vehicle front structure according to any one of appendix 6 to appendix 8, wherein the branch portion is fixed to the main reinforcement portion in a state in which the branch portion sandwiches the main reinforcement portion from both sides in the vehicle width direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Skeleton body 18 Front pillar lower section 22 Front-rear extension part 30, 60 front pillar 32 Pillar body 34, 62 Pillar reinforcement 48 First fastening part 49 Second fastening part 64 Main reinforcement 66 Branch

Claims

1. a frame body that is integrally formed by die casting and that constitutes the frame of the front part of the vehicle; a front pillar extending in a vehicle up-down direction and mechanically fastened to the frame body by at least a first fastening portion set on the outer side of the frame body in the vehicle width direction and a second fastening portion set on the upper side of the vehicle; and The front pillar is configured to include a pillar main body portion that forms an outer surface, and a pillar reinforcing portion at least a portion of which is disposed inside the pillar main body portion, a pillar main body portion and the first fastening portion are mechanically fastened to each other, and a pillar reinforcement portion and the second fastening portion are mechanically fastened to each other.

2. The pillar reinforcement portion is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial direction that coincides with the extension direction of the pillar main body portion, The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the pillar reinforcement portion that is fastened to the second fastening portion is formed in a flat shape.

3. The frame body is configured to include a front-rear extending portion extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein a fastening portion between the front pillar and the second fastening portion is provided on the front-rear extending portion.

4. The frame body includes a front pillar lower portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction, The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein a fastening portion between the front pillar and the first fastening portion is provided on the front pillar lower portion.

5. the pillar reinforcement portion includes a main reinforcement portion extending in the vehicle front-rear direction along the pillar main body portion, and a branch portion branching from the main reinforcement portion, the main reinforcing portion is mechanically fastened to the skeleton main body at the second fastening portion, The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 , wherein the branch portion is mechanically fastened to the framework body at a location different from the second fastening portion.

6. The vehicle front structure according to claim 5 , wherein the branch portion is formed of a member separate from the main reinforcing portion and extends in the vehicle up-down direction.

7. 7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 6, wherein the main reinforcing portion is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a flattened front end, and the flattened portion is mechanically fastened to the second fastening portion.

8. The vehicle front structure according to claim 7 , wherein the branch portions are fixed to the main reinforcement portion in a state in which the branch portions sandwich the main reinforcement portion from both sides in the vehicle width direction.

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