Vehicle front structure

Abstract

The objective is to obtain a vehicle front structure that can improve rigidity in a structure in which at least a portion of the vehicle front is integrally formed by die casting. [Solution] The vehicle front structure includes a front frame 12 integrally formed by casting, which includes a front structural part and left and right suspension tower parts 16, which are positioned on the left and right sides at the lower front of the front of the passenger compartment of the vehicle body and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction toward the bumper; a cowl part 32 positioned on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the suspension tower parts 16 and extending in the vehicle width direction; arm parts 20 extending upward from the front of each of the left and right front structural parts of the front frame 12; and a frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 which is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame and connects the upper parts of the left and right arm parts 20, the upper parts of the left and right suspension tower parts 16, and the cowl part 32.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle front structure partially formed by casting, in which left and right suspension tower portions are connected by an arch-shaped cross beam bulging forward of the vehicle.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a structure connecting left and right suspension tower portions with an arch-shaped cross beam as in the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, sufficient rigidity may not be ensured.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle front structure capable of improving rigidity in a structure in which at least a part of the vehicle front is integrally formed by die casting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle front structure according to claim 1 comprises a front frame portion integrally formed by casting, including a front structural portion and left and right suspension tower portions, which are arranged on the left and right sides at the lower front of the front of the passenger compartment of the vehicle body and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction toward the bumper; a cowl portion arranged on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the suspension tower portions and extending in the vehicle width direction; arm portions extending upward from the front of each of the left and right front structural portions of the front frame portion; and a frame-shaped reinforcing body formed in the shape of a rectangular frame, which connects the upper parts of the left and right arm portions, the upper parts of the left and right suspension tower portions, and the cowl portion.

[0007] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 1, the front frame is integrally formed by casting, including the left and right front structural sections and the left and right suspension tower sections. A cowl section is positioned on the rearward side of the suspension tower sections in the front frame section, and this cowl section extends in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, arm sections extend upward from the front of each of the left and right front structural sections. The upper parts of the left and right arm sections, the upper parts of the left and right suspension tower sections, and the cowl section are connected by a rectangular frame-shaped reinforcing member. By forming the reinforcing member in a rectangular frame shape and connecting it from the front of the front structural section to the cowl section in this way, a rigid frame structure is formed, and rigidity can be improved.

[0008] The vehicle front structure according to claim 2 includes, in claim 1, a connecting body that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right suspension tower sections.

[0009] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 2, the suspension tower sections are connected by a connecting body that extends in the vehicle width direction, in addition to the frame-shaped reinforcing body. As a result, the load applied to one suspension tower section is effectively transmitted to the other suspension tower section via the connecting body.

[0010] The vehicle front structure according to claim 3 is as described in claim 2, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing body is integrally formed, and the connecting body is formed separately from the frame-shaped reinforcing body and fixed to the frame-shaped reinforcing body.

[0011] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 3, since the connecting body is provided separately from the frame-shaped reinforcing body, only the connecting body can be removed to access the power unit room, thereby improving serviceability.

[0012] The vehicle front structure according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in claim 2, the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the connecting body are fastened to the suspension tower portion at the same position.

[0013] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 4, by fastening the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the connecting body to the suspension tower section at the same position, a common fastener can be used, thereby reducing the number of parts. In addition, the number of fastening holes on the suspension tower section side can be minimized, which helps to suppress a decrease in the strength of the suspension tower section.

[0014] The vehicle front structure according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in claim 1, the frame-shaped reinforcing member functions as at least a part of the apron upper member that constitutes the upper side frame of the vehicle.

[0015] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 5, the frame-shaped reinforcing body functions as at least part of the apron upper member, eliminating the need to provide a separate apron upper member.

[0016] The vehicle front structure according to claim 6 is as described in claim 1, wherein the portion of the frame-shaped reinforcing body fixed to the cowl portion is formed in a hat-shaped cross-section when viewed from the vehicle width direction and forms a closed cross-section with the cowl portion.

[0017] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 6, the rigidity of the cowl portion can be improved by forming a closed cross section with the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the cowl portion.

[0018] The vehicle front structure according to claim 7 is, in claim 1, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing body includes a front cross portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right arm portions, and a rear cross portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the cowl portion, and the rear cross portion is formed to be longer in the vehicle width direction than the front cross portion.

[0019] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 7, the frame-shaped reinforcing body includes a front cross portion that connects the left and right arm portions and a rear cross portion that is fixed to the cowl portion, and the rear cross portion is formed to be longer in the vehicle width direction than the front cross portion. As a result, the frame-shaped reinforcing body has a substantially trapezoidal outer shape in which the rear side in plan view is the long side, and the frame-shaped reinforcing body can be enlarged as compared with the case where the front cross portion and the rear cross portion have the same length.

[0020] The vehicle front structure according to claim 8 is, in claim 1, wherein a brace that connects the diagonals of the frame-shaped reinforcing body is provided.

[0021] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 8, by connecting the diagonals of the frame-shaped reinforcing body with a brace, the rigidity can be further improved.

[0022] The vehicle front structure according to claim 9 is, in claim 1, wherein the front portion of the frame-shaped reinforcing body is connected to the bumper reinforcement.

[0023] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 9, by connecting the front end of the frame-shaped reinforcing body to the bumper reinforcement, the collision load input to the bumper reinforcement during a collision such as a frontal collision of the vehicle can be effectively transmitted to the frame-shaped reinforcing body.

[0024] The vehicle front structure according to claim 10 is, in claim 2, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the connecting body are formed of metal.

[0025] In the vehicle front structure according to claim 10, since the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the connecting body are formed of metal, the degree of freedom in shape is high as compared with a structure formed of resin or the like.

Effects of the Invention

[0026] As described above, according to the vehicle front structure of the present invention, in a structure in which at least a part of the vehicle front is integrally formed by die casting, the rigidity can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle V to which the vehicle front structure according to the embodiment is applied. In the figure, the arrows FR, UP, and RH indicate the vehicle front direction, the vehicle upward direction, and the vehicle right direction in the vehicle, respectively. In the following description, when the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions are used without special mention, the front-rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, the up-down in the vehicle up-down direction, and the left-right in the vehicle left-right direction (width direction) are respectively indicated. [Figure 2] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle to which the vehicle front structure according to the first modification is applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle to which the vehicle front structure according to the second modification is applied.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The vehicle front structure according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle V to which the vehicle front structure according to the embodiment is applied. In the figure, the arrows FR, UP, and RH indicate the vehicle front direction, the vehicle upward direction, and the vehicle right direction in the vehicle, respectively. In the following description, when the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions are used without special mention, the front-rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, the up-down in the vehicle up-down direction, and the left-right in the vehicle left-right direction (width direction) are respectively indicated.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle V is equipped with a frame-shaped reinforcing body 10, which is attached to the front frame 12 and reinforces the front frame 12. The front frame 12 is integrally formed by casting and is located at the front of the vehicle V, forming the vehicle V's frame. In this embodiment, the front frame 12 is made of a metal mainly composed of aluminum and includes a front side section 14, a suspension tower section 16, and a front pillar lower section 18. The front frame 12 also includes a dash cross section (not shown) connecting the left and right front side sections 14, which is integrally formed by casting. The shape to be integrally molded is not particularly limited; for example, the left and right front side sections 14 and the front pillar lower section 18 may be formed separately by casting.

[0031] The front side sections 14 extend forward from the dash section (not shown), which separates the interior space from the exterior space, and are provided in pairs on the left and right sides. Each front side section 14 extends along the lower part of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, and an arm section 20 is provided at the front end of each front side section 14. In this embodiment, a connecting section 22 made of a rigid plate is provided between the front side section 14 and the arm section 20, and the front structure section includes the front side section 14 and the connecting section 22, but it is not limited to this, and the cast front side section 14 may extend to the arm section 20.

[0032] The arm portion 20 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle and connects the connecting portion 22 and the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 vertically. In other words, the arm portion 20 connects the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 and the front side portion 14 via the connecting portion 22.

[0033] A crash box 24 is provided at the front of the arm section 20, and a bump reinforcement 26 is provided at the front end of the crash box 24. The crash box 24 is made of steel plate or the like and is configured to collapse when a collision load is applied from the front of the vehicle, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the collision energy.

[0034] The bump reinforcement 26 extends in the vehicle width direction, and the right end 26A of the bump reinforcement 26 extends to the right of the vehicle beyond the right crash box 24 and front side section 14. In addition, the left end 26B of the bump reinforcement 26 extends to the left of the vehicle beyond the left crash box 24 and front side section 14.

[0035] A suspension tower section 16 is provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and on the upper side of each front side section 14. The suspension tower section 16 protrudes upward from the front side section 14, and a suspension (not shown) is positioned below the suspension tower section 16.

[0036] The rear end of the suspension tower section 16 is connected to the front pillar lower section 18. The front pillar lower section 18 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a rocker 28, which is a structural member, is connected to the lower end of the front pillar lower section 18. The rocker 28 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and its front end is connected to the front pillar lower section 18. The rocker 28 also has a closed cross-section structure and extends to the rear of the vehicle.

[0037] A front pillar upper 30 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle is provided at the upper end of the front pillar lower portion 18. A cowl portion 32 is provided between the left and right front pillar lower portions 18, rearward from the suspension tower portion 16. The cowl portion 32 is made of steel plate or the like and extends in the vehicle width direction. A front windshield (not shown) is positioned in the area enclosed by the cowl portion 32 and the left and right front pillar upper portions 30. In this embodiment, the cowl portion 32 is made of rigid plate or the like, but it is not limited to this, and may be formed integrally with the front pillar lower portion 18 by casting.

[0038] (Frame-shaped reinforcing body 10) Next, the details of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 will be described. In this embodiment, the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 is formed of metal in a substantially rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, and is positioned on the upper part of the front skeletal section 12.

[0039] The frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 is composed of a pair of left and right front and rear extending portions 40, a front cross portion 42 that connects the front ends of the front and rear extending portions 40 in the vehicle width direction, and a rear cross portion 44 that connects the rear ends of the front and rear extending portions 40 in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] The front-to-rear extension portion 40 on the right side of the vehicle extends diagonally inward in the vehicle width direction (to the left side of the vehicle) as it moves forward from the cowl portion 32 towards the upper end of the arm portion 20. Furthermore, the front end of the front-to-rear extension portion 40 is inclined when viewed from the vehicle width direction so as to be located lower on the vehicle than the rear end, and is fixed to the upper part of the arm portion 20 on the right side of the vehicle.

[0041] The longitudinal central portion of the longitudinal extension 40 on the right side of the vehicle is superimposed on the upper part of the suspension tower 16 on the right side of the vehicle and is fixed to the suspension tower 16. The rear end of the longitudinal extension 40 on the right side of the vehicle is superimposed on the upper surface of the cowl 32.

[0042] The method for fixing the front and rear extensions 40 to the arm portion 20, suspension tower portion 16, and cowl portion 32 is not particularly limited; they may be joined by welding or mechanically fastened with fasteners. In this embodiment, as an example, the front and rear extensions 40 are fastened to the arm portion 20 by fasteners (not shown). This makes it easier to remove the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 compared to a structure joined by welding or the like. Bolts, nuts, rivets, and the like can be widely used as fasteners.

[0043] The front-rear extension portion 40 on the left side of the vehicle is positioned symmetrically with the front-rear extension portion 40 on the right side of the vehicle. That is, the front-rear extension portion 40 on the left side of the vehicle extends diagonally inward in the vehicle width direction (to the right side of the vehicle) as it moves forward from the cowl portion 32 towards the upper end of the arm portion 20. Furthermore, the front end of the front-rear extension portion 40 is inclined when viewed from the vehicle width direction so that it is located lower on the vehicle than the rear end, and is fixed to the upper part of the arm portion 20 on the left side of the vehicle.

[0044] The longitudinal central portion of the longitudinal extension 40 on the left side of the vehicle is superimposed on the upper part of the suspension tower 16 on the left side of the vehicle and is fixed to the suspension tower 16. The rear end of the longitudinal extension 40 on the left side of the vehicle is superimposed on the upper surface of the cowl 32.

[0045] Here, the left and right front-to-rear extensions 40 are each formed in a roughly hat-shaped cross-section, with the lower side of the vehicle open when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. For this reason, the hat-shaped flange portions are fixed to the arm portion 20 and the suspension tower portion 16.

[0046] The front cross portion 42 constituting the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 is integrally formed with the front and rear extending portion 40 and connects the front ends of the left and right front and rear extending portions 40. In other words, the front cross portion 42 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right arm portions 20. In this embodiment, as an example, the front and rear extending portion 40 is located slightly in front of the arm portion 20 and behind the bumper reinforcement 26 in a plan view, but is not limited to this. For example, the front cross portion 42 may be placed in the same position as the arm portion 20.

[0047] Furthermore, the front cross section 42 is formed in a roughly hat-shaped cross section, with the lower side of the vehicle open when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0048] The rear cross portion 44 constituting the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 is integrally formed with the front and rear extending portions 40 and connects the rear ends of the left and right front and rear extending portions 40. The rear cross portion 44 is also curved to conform to the shape of the cowl portion 32 and extends in the vehicle width direction, being fixed to the cowl portion 32. Specifically, the rear cross portion 44 is formed in a roughly hat-shaped cross section with the lower side of the vehicle open when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and forms a closed cross section between it and the cowl portion 32. The hat-shaped flange portion is superimposed on the upper surface of the cowl portion 32 and fastened with fasteners (not shown).

[0049] In this manner, the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 connects the upper parts of the left and right arm sections 20, the upper parts of the left and right suspension tower sections 16, and the cowl section 32.

[0050] Furthermore, the rear cross portion 44 of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 is formed to be longer in the vehicle width direction than the front cross portion 42, and both ends of the rear cross portion 44 overlap with both ends of the cowl portion 32. The width of the front and rear extension portions 40 of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 and the depth of the hat shape can be appropriately set depending on the required strength and fixing position. For example, it may be formed to be wider and deeper near the suspension tower portion 16 to cover the suspension mounting portion.

[0051] Furthermore, the left and right front-to-rear extensions 40 of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 each extend from the upper end of the front pillar lower portion 18 toward the front of the vehicle and are connected to the front side portion 14, thus functioning as part of the so-called apron upper member that constitutes the upper lateral frame of the vehicle.

[0052] (Connection body 46) A connecting body 46 is provided on the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10. The connecting body 46 is made of metal separate from the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 and extends in the vehicle width direction, connecting the left and right suspension tower sections 16.

[0053] One end of the connecting body 46 is superimposed on the front and rear extension portion 40 of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 at the position of the right suspension tower portion 16, and is fastened together with the front and rear extension portion 40 by a bolt 48, which is a fastener.

[0054] The other end of the connecting body 46 is superimposed on the front and rear extension portion 40 of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 at the position of the left suspension tower portion 16, and is fastened together with the front and rear extension portion 40 by bolts 48, which are fasteners. In this way, the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 and the connecting body 46 are fastened to the suspension tower portion 16 at the same position.

[0055] (action) Next, the operation of the vehicle front structure according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, in the vehicle front structure according to this embodiment, the front frame 12 is integrally formed by casting, including the left and right front side sections 14 and the left and right suspension tower sections 16. This effectively reinforces the upper part of the front of the vehicle, which may lack strength due to manufacturing constraints such as molten metal flow when the front frame 12 is formed by casting. Furthermore, a cowl section 32 is positioned on the rearward side of the suspension tower section 16 in the front frame 12, and this cowl section 32 extends in the vehicle width direction. In addition, arm sections 20 extend upward from the front of each of the left and right front side sections 14. The upper parts of the left and right arm sections 20, the upper parts of the left and right suspension tower sections 16, and the cowl section 32 are connected by a rectangular frame-shaped reinforcing body 10. In this way, by forming the reinforcing body in a rectangular frame shape and connecting it from the front of the front side section 14 to the cowl section 32, a rigid frame structure is formed, improving rigidity.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the suspension tower section 16 is connected to the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 by a connecting body 46 that extends in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the load applied to one suspension tower section 16 is effectively transmitted to the other suspension tower section 16 via the connecting body 46.

[0058] In particular, in this embodiment, since the connecting body 46 is provided separately from the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10, only the connecting body 46 can be removed to access the power unit room, thereby improving serviceability.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by fastening the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 and the connecting body 46 to the suspension tower section 16 at the same position, a common bolt 48 (fastener) can be used, reducing the number of parts. In addition, the number of fastening holes on the suspension tower section 16 side can be minimized, preventing a decrease in the strength of the suspension tower section 16.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 functions as at least part of the apron upper member, there is no need to provide a separate apron upper member. Also, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle V, the collision load can be distributed and transmitted to the front side portion 14 and the front and rear extending portion 40 which functions as the apron upper member.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the rear cross portion 44 of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 and the cowl portion 32 form a closed cross section, the rigidity of the cowl portion 32 can be improved.

[0062] Furthermore, the rear cross portion 44 of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 is formed to be longer in the vehicle width direction than the front cross portion 42. As a result, the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 has a roughly trapezoidal outer shape with the rear side of the vehicle being the longer side when viewed from above, and the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 can be made larger compared to the case where the front cross portion 42 and the rear cross portion 44 are the same length.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 and the connecting body 46 are made of metal, there is a greater degree of freedom in shape compared to a configuration made of resin or the like.

[0064] In this embodiment, the left and right front-to-rear extensions 40 are connected by a connecting body 46, but a structure with added braces may be adopted, as shown in the first modified example in Figure 2. Alternatively, a structure in which the bumper reinforcement 26 and the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 are directly connected may be adopted, as shown in the second modified example in Figure 3.

[0065] (First variation) Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the main part of a vehicle to which the vehicle front structure according to the first modified example is applied. As shown in Figure 2, this modified example is provided with braces 50 that connect the diagonal corners of the frame-shaped reinforcing members 10.

[0066] The brace 50 is formed in the shape of a long plate, for example, from a rigid plate or the like, similar to the connecting body 46, and one end of the brace 50 is fastened to the connection between the front cross portion 42 and the front-to-rear extending portion 40 on the left side.

[0067] Furthermore, the other end of the brace 50 is fastened to the connection between the rear cross portion 44 and the front-to-rear extension portion 40 on the right side. One end of the brace 50 may be fastened together with the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 to the arm portion 20. Similarly, the other end of the brace 50 may be fastened together with the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 to the cowl portion 32.

[0068] According to this modified example, the rigidity of the front of the vehicle can be further improved by connecting the diagonal corners of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 with the brace 50.

[0069] In this modified example, the front left corner and the rear right corner of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 are connected by a brace 50, but the design is not limited to this. The front right corner and the rear left corner of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 may also be connected by a brace 50. Alternatively, two braces 50 may be arranged to intersect.

[0070] (Second variation) Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the main part of a vehicle to which the vehicle front structure according to the second modified example is applied. As shown in Figure 3, in this modified example, the front end of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 is connected to the bumper reinforcement 26 via inclined members 60 and 62.

[0071] The inclined member 60 is positioned on the right side of the vehicle V and is formed in the shape of a long plate made of steel plate or the like. One end of the inclined member 60 is fastened to the connection between the right front-rear extension portion 40 and the front cross portion 42 of the frame-shaped reinforcement body 10, and the other end of the inclined member 60 is fastened to the rear surface of the right end portion 26A of the bumper reinforcement 26. As a result, when viewed from the vehicle width direction, the inclined member 60 is inclined so that it is located lower on the vehicle as it moves towards the front of the vehicle.

[0072] The inclined member 62 is positioned on the left side of the vehicle V and is formed in the shape of a long plate made of steel plate or the like. One end of the inclined member 62 is fastened to the connection between the left front-rear extension portion 40 and the front cross portion 42 of the frame-shaped reinforcement 10, and the other end of the inclined member 62 is fastened to the rear surface of the left end portion 26B of the bumper reinforcement 26. As a result, when viewed from the vehicle width direction, the inclined member 62 is inclined so that it is located lower on the vehicle as it moves towards the front of the vehicle.

[0073] According to this modified example, by connecting the front end of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 to the bump reinforcement 26 via the inclined members 60 and 62, the collision load input to the bump reinforcement 26 during a collision such as a frontal collision of the vehicle V can be effectively transmitted to the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10.

[0074] In particular, as in this modified example, the fastening positions between the inclined members 60 and 62 and the bumper reinforcement 26 are located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the front side portion 14 and the crash box 24. Therefore, even if the impacting body collides further outward in the vehicle width direction than the front side portion 14, such as in a minor lap collision, the impact load can be effectively transmitted to the frame-shaped reinforcement 10.

[0075] The vehicle front structure according to the present invention has been described above, but it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, as shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment the rear cross portion 44 is formed to be longer than the front cross portion 42, but it is not limited to this, and the lengths of the front cross portion 42 and the rear cross portion 44 may be made to be about the same length. In this case, both ends of the rear cross portion 44 are positioned inward in the vehicle width direction than both ends of the cowl portion 32, so the length from the suspension tower portion 16 to the rear end of the front and rear extension portion 40 can be shortened, and buckling of the front and rear extension portion 40 can be suppressed.

[0076] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows a structure in which a connecting body 46 is attached to the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10, the structure is not limited to this, and a structure without a connecting body 46 may also be used. Moreover, instead of providing a connecting body 46, a brace 50 as shown in Figure 2 may be provided.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 is formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross section, but it is not limited to this, and its shape may be changed as appropriate. For example, the frame-shaped reinforcing body may be formed using a substantially flat plate-shaped member. Alternatively, the frame-shaped reinforcing body may be formed using a substantially rectangular tubular member. In this case, the front cross section, rear cross section, and front and rear extending sections constituting the frame-shaped reinforcing body may be formed separately and then joined together. Furthermore, a part of the frame-shaped reinforcing body 10 may be formed from an energy-absorbing member such as a crush box.

[0078] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0079] (Note 1) The front frame section, which is integrally formed by casting, includes a front structural section and left and right suspension tower sections that are positioned on the lower front of the passenger compartment of the vehicle body and extend in the longitudinal direction toward the bumper, and a front structural section that extends in the longitudinal direction toward the bumper. A cowl section is positioned further rearward than the suspension tower section and extends in the vehicle width direction, Arm portions extending upward from the front of each of the left and right front skeletal portions in the aforementioned front skeletal portion, A rectangular frame-shaped reinforcing body is formed and connects the upper parts of the left and right arm sections, the upper parts of the left and right suspension tower sections, and the cowl section. A vehicle front structure having [a certain feature]. (Note 2) The vehicle front structure as described in Appendix 1, comprising a connecting body that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right suspension tower sections. (Note 3) The aforementioned frame-shaped reinforcing body is integrally formed, The vehicle front structure as described in Appendix 2, wherein the connecting body is formed separately from the frame-shaped reinforcing body and fixed to the frame-shaped reinforcing body. (Note 4) The vehicle front structure according to Appendix 2 or 3, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the connecting body are fastened to the suspension tower portion at the same position. (Note 5) The vehicle front structure according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing member functions as at least part of the apron upper member that constitutes the upper lateral frame of the vehicle. (Note 6) The vehicle front structure according to any one of Appendix 1-5, wherein the portion of the frame-shaped reinforcing body fixed to the cowl portion is formed in a hat-shaped cross-section when viewed from the vehicle width direction and forms a closed cross-section with the cowl portion. (Note 7) The frame-shaped reinforcing body is composed of a front cross portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right arm portions, and a rear cross portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the cowl portion. The vehicle front structure according to any one of the appendices 1-6, wherein the rear cross section is formed to be longer in the vehicle width direction than the front cross section. (Note 8) The vehicle front structure according to any one of the appendices 1-7, comprising a brace connecting the diagonal corners of the aforementioned frame-shaped reinforcing body. (Note 9) The frame-shaped reinforcing member is connected at its front to a bumper reinforcement, as described in any one of Appendix 1-8. (Note 10) The vehicle front structure as described in Appendix 2, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the connecting body are made of metal. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10 Frame-shaped reinforcing body 12 Anterior skeletal region 14 Front side section 16. Suspension tower section 20 Arm section 32 Cowl section 42 Front cross section 44 Rear cross section 46 Connector 50 Brace

Claims

1. The front frame section, which is integrally formed by casting, includes a front structural section and left and right suspension tower sections that are positioned on the lower front of the passenger compartment of the vehicle body and extend in the longitudinal direction toward the bumper, and a front structural section that extends in the longitudinal direction toward the bumper. A cowl section is positioned further rearward than the suspension tower section and extends in the vehicle width direction, Arm portions extending upward from the front of each of the left and right front structural portions in the front skeletal portion, A rectangular frame-shaped reinforcing body is formed and connects the upper parts of the left and right arm sections, the upper parts of the left and right suspension tower sections, and the cowl section. A vehicle front structure having [a certain feature].

2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting body that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right suspension tower sections.

3. The aforementioned frame-shaped reinforcing body is integrally formed, The vehicle front structure according to claim 2, wherein the connecting body is formed separately from the frame-shaped reinforcing body and fixed to the frame-shaped reinforcing body.

4. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the connecting body are fastened to the suspension tower portion at the same position.

5. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing member functions as at least a part of the apron upper member that constitutes the upper side frame of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the frame-shaped reinforcing body fixed to the cowl portion is formed in a hat-shaped cross-section when viewed from the vehicle width direction and forms a closed cross-section with the cowl portion.

7. The frame-shaped reinforcing body is composed of a front cross portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right arm portions, and a rear cross portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the cowl portion. The front vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the rear cross section is formed to be longer in the vehicle width direction than the front cross section.

8. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, further comprising a brace connecting the diagonals of the frame-shaped reinforcing members.

9. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing member is connected at its front to a bumper reinforcement.

10. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2, wherein the frame-shaped reinforcing body and the connecting body are made of metal.

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