Vehicle front structure

Abstract

The design aims to absorb impact energy while ensuring the support rigidity of the fender panel. [Solution] The vehicle front structure 100 includes a front hood 1, an apron side member 41, a fender bracket 5, a fender panel 2 attached to the fender bracket 5 and constituting a part of the outer part of the vehicle, a fender support member 7 provided above the apron side member 41 and extending forward from the outer part of the dash panel 46 in the vehicle width direction, and a longitudinal member 8 that protrudes upward from a predetermined intermediate portion 41b in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the apron side member 41 and is joined to a predetermined front portion 7a on the front end side of the fender support member 7. The fender bracket 5 is a front bracket piece 5A that supports the front part of the upper edge of the fender panel 2 and has a front bracket piece 5A that is joined to an extension 7b of the fender support member 7 that extends forward from the front portion 7a.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The engine room at the front of the vehicle where an engine, an electric motor, etc. are arranged is covered by a front hood from above, and a fender panel is arranged outside the vehicle width direction of the engine room. The fender panel constitutes a part of the outer side of the vehicle. Below the outer side part in the vehicle width direction of the front hood in the closed state, an apron side member extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided, and the fender panel is supported by a structural member on the vehicle body side by being attached to a fender bracket supported by the apron side member from below.

[0003] As an example of a vehicle front structure including a fender bracket, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In the structure of Patent Document 1, a fender bracket is provided on an apron member (hereinafter referred to as an apron side member), a reinforcing member is attached to the base of the fender bracket, and a box is formed by the base of the fender bracket, the upper surface of the apron side member, and the reinforcing member. A rigidity break point is provided on the fender bracket located directly above the box. The structure of Patent Document 1 aims to ensure the rigidity against hand pressing during normal use (the support rigidity of the fender panel) when the size of the fender panel is extended vertically and the vertical length of the fender bracket becomes long. In the structure of Patent Document 1, by providing a box to increase the rigidity of the base of the fender bracket, while ensuring the rigidity during normal use, when a collision load acts on the front hood from above, the fender bracket buckles to reduce the impact on a collision body such as a pedestrian.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] Here, the size of the fender panel may be extended not only in the vertical direction but also in the front-to-back direction. In this case, if the structure of Patent Document 1 is adopted as a structure to support a fender panel that is relatively long in the front-to-back direction, there is a risk that the support of the fender panel in the front-to-back direction during normal use may become unstable.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle front structure that can absorb impact energy during a collision while ensuring the support rigidity of the fender panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle front structure is provided, comprising: a front hood that covers a power chamber provided at the front of the vehicle from above; an apron side member extending forward from the outer part in the vehicle width direction of a dash panel forming the rear wall of the power chamber; a fender bracket located above the apron side member; and a fender panel attached to the fender bracket and constituting a part of the outer part of the vehicle. This vehicle front structure includes a fender support member provided above the apron side member and extending forward from the outer part in the vehicle width direction of the dash panel; a longitudinal member that protrudes upward from a predetermined intermediate portion of the apron side member in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is joined to a predetermined front portion on the front end side of the fender support member, wherein the fender bracket is a front bracket piece that supports the front part of the upper edge of the fender panel and is joined to an extension of the fender support member that extends forward from the front portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle front structure that can absorb impact energy during a collision while ensuring the support rigidity of the fender panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the general appearance of the front vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the main parts of the vehicle's front structure and their surroundings. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the main parts of the vehicle's front structure and their surroundings, seen from the inside. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the main parts and surrounding areas of the vehicle's front structure, as seen from the outside, with the fender panels removed. [Figure 5] This is a top view of the main parts of the vehicle's front structure and its surroundings. [Figure 6] This is a side view of the key parts of the vehicle's front structure, seen from the inside. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the key parts of the vehicle's front structure, seen from the inside. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged perspective view of the key parts of the vehicle's front structure, seen from the outside. [Figure 9] This is a schematic front view of the main parts of the vehicle's front structure. [Figure 10] This is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the vehicle's front structure. [Figure 11] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the main part at the position of line AA shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 5 are diagrams illustrating a vehicle front structure 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the approximate appearance of the vehicle front structure 100 as seen from diagonally above the front side of the vehicle. Figures 2 to 5 are diagrams of the main parts and surrounding areas of the vehicle front structure 100, with Figure 2 being a perspective view as seen from diagonally above the front side of the vehicle, Figure 3 being a side view as seen from the inside, Figure 4 being a side view as seen from the outside, and Figure 5 being a top view. In Figures 2 to 5, the front hood 1, front bumper 3, and headlamp 6, which will be described later, have been removed, and in Figure 3, the approximate outer shape of the headlamp 6 is shown by a dashed line. In Figures 4 and 5, the fender panel 2, which will be described later, has been removed, and in Figure 5, the outer shape of the fender panel 2 is shown by a dashed line. In the diagrams described below, the arrow Fr indicates the front in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the arrow U indicates the upward direction in the vehicle's vertical direction, and the arrows R and L indicate the right and left sides in the vehicle's width direction when viewed from inside the vehicle.

[0011] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the vehicle front structure 100 includes a front hood 1, a fender panel 2, a front bumper 3, a body structural member 4, and a fender bracket 5. Note that Figures 2 to 5 and the figures described later show the main parts including the fender bracket 5 on the right side of the vehicle, while the main parts on the left side of the vehicle are omitted. The main parts on the left side of the vehicle have the same structure as the right side structure, except that they are symmetrical to the structure shown in the figures.

[0012] The front hood 1 is a component that covers the power chamber P located at the front of the vehicle from above. The front hood 1 is mainly made of thin metal sheet material. The power chamber P houses the power source for vehicle propulsion, etc. The power source is at least one of an engine and an electric motor.

[0013] The fender panel 2 is a component that forms part of the outer surface of the vehicle at the front of the vehicle. The fender panel 2 is mainly made of thin metal sheet material and extends in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. The fender panel 2 is provided on both the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0014] The front bumper 3 extends generally in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the front side of the power compartment P and constitutes the front end portion of the vehicle. Both sides in the vehicle width direction at the upper part of the front bumper 3 are cut out in a shape corresponding to the shape of the headlamp 6 so as to expose the front surface of the headlamp 6 to the outside of the vehicle. The front bumper 3 includes a grille portion located between the left and right headlamps 6.

[0015] The vehicle body structural member 4 is an element that is provided at the front part of the vehicle and constitutes a vehicle body skeleton having high strength. The vehicle body structural member 4 includes an apron side member 41. In the illustrated example, the vehicle body structural member 4 further has a front side member 42, a hood lock member 43, a radiator support cross member 44, and a radiator support longitudinal brace 45.

[0016] The apron side member 41 is a member that extends forward from the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the dash panel 46 that forms the rear wall of the power compartment P. The apron side member 41 has, for example, a generally rectangular tubular cross section. The dash panel 46 partitions the power compartment P and the passenger compartment, and a dash side panel 47 that extends forward is joined to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the dash panel 46. The apron side member 41 extends forward from the upper part of the outer surface of the dash side panel 47 and extends forward from the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the dash panel 46 through the dash side panel 47. The apron side member 41 is located below the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front hood 1 in the closed state. The more detailed shape of the apron side member 41 will be described later.

[0017] The front side member 42 is provided below the apron side member 41 and extends forward from the outer side in the vehicle width direction at the lower part of the dash panel 46. The front side member 42 has, for example, a substantially rectangular tubular cross section. A strut tower 48 is provided between the base of the front side member 42 and the base of the apron side member 41. An apron panel 49 is provided in front of the strut tower 48. The apron panel 49 hangs downward inward in the vehicle width direction from a portion of the apron side member 41 in front of the strut tower 48 and is joined to the front side member 42 and the strut tower 48.

[0018] The hood lock member 43, the radiator support cross member 44, and the radiator support vertical brace 45 extend along the rear surface of the front bumper 3. The hood lock member 43 is a member that extends in the vehicle width direction along the upper edge of the front bumper 3 and has a hood lock (not shown) that releasably locks the front end portion of the front hood 1. The radiator support cross member 44 extends in the vehicle width direction below the hood lock member 43 and is a member that supports the upper part of a radiator (not shown). The radiator support vertical brace 45 extends in the vertical direction on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the hood lock member 43 and the radiator support cross member 44, and the hood lock member 43 and the radiator support cross member 44 connect the left and right radiator support vertical braces 45, 45 to each other. The front end portion of the front side member 42 is connected to, for example, the radiator support vertical brace 45.

[0019] The fender bracket 5 is located above the apron side member 41 and mainly has a function of connecting the fender panel 2 to a member on the vehicle body side and supporting the fender panel 2 from the power chamber P side. The fender panel 2 is attached to and supported by the fender bracket 5.

[0020] Next, the main parts of the vehicle front structure 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 11. Figures 6 to 11 are diagrams illustrating the main parts of the vehicle front structure 100, with Figure 6 being a side view seen from the inside, Figure 7 being a perspective view seen from the inside, Figure 8 being an enlarged perspective view seen from the outside, Figure 9 being a schematic front view, Figure 10 being an exploded perspective view, and Figure 11 being a cross-sectional perspective view of the main parts at the position of line AA shown in Figure 5.

[0021] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the upper edge of the fender panel 2 has a front panel upper flange 2a and a rear panel upper flange 2b that extend inward in the vehicle width direction and in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The upper edge of the fender panel 2 is bent downward, and the front panel upper flange 2a and the rear panel upper flange 2b are slightly shifted downward relative to the upper end of the fender panel 2. A lower panel front flange 2c that protrudes forward is formed at the lower part of the front edge of the fender panel 2.

[0022] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the fender bracket 5 has a front bracket piece 5A that supports the front part of the upper edge of the fender panel 2. In this embodiment, the fender bracket 5 further has a rear bracket piece 5B (see Figures 2 and 4) and a front under bracket piece 5C (see Figures 2, 3 and 5). The rear bracket piece 5B supports the rear part of the upper edge of the fender panel 2, and the front under bracket piece 5C supports the lower part of the front edge of the fender panel 2. In Figure 4, the front under bracket piece 5C has been removed. Each bracket piece 5A, 5B, and 5C is formed by pressing or otherwise working on a thin metal sheet. The shape of each bracket piece 5A, 5B, and 5C will be described later.

[0023] In this embodiment, the headlamp 6 has a lamp body 6a and a lamp base 6b that holds the lamp body 6a.

[0024] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the vehicle front structure 100 further includes a fender support member 7 and a longitudinal member 8.

[0025] The fender support member 7 is located above the apron side member 41 and extends forward from the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the dash panel 46. In the illustrated example, the fender support member 7 extends forward from the upper part of the inner surface of the dash side panel 47 and extends forward from the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the dash panel 46 via the dash side panel 47. The fender support member 7 extends directly below the upper edge of the fender panel 2 and inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the fender panel 2, generally following the upper edge of the fender panel 2.

[0026] In the illustrated example, the fender support member 7 consists of a rear member 7A and a main member body 7B. The rear member 7A and the main member body 7B are formed by pressing or drilling holes in a thin metal sheet.

[0027] The rear member 7A constitutes the rear of the fender support member 7 and is joined to the upper part of the inner surface of the dash side panel 47 by spot welding or the like. Specifically, the rear member 7A has a roughly L-shaped cross-section and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The rear member 7A consists of a rear side wall 7A1 facing in the vehicle width direction and a rear upper wall 7A2 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the rear side wall 7A1. The front part of the upper part of the dash side panel 47 protrudes above the upper surface 41a of the apron side member 41, and the lower part of the rear side wall 7A1 of the rear member 7A is joined to the front part of the upper part of the inner surface of the dash side panel 47. The rear upper wall 7A2 is spaced above the upper surface 41a of the apron side member 41 and faces the upper surface 41a.

[0028] The main member 7B is connected to the front end of the rear member 7A and extends forward. The main member 7B is superimposed on the front end of the rear upper wall 7A2 of the rear member 7A from above and is joined to the rear upper wall 7A2 by spot welding or the like, thereby connecting to the front end of the rear member 7A. A more detailed shape of the fender support member 7 will be described later.

[0029] The vertical member 8 is a member that protrudes upward from a predetermined intermediate portion 41b in the vehicle's longitudinal direction from the apron side member 41 and is joined to a predetermined front portion 7a on the front end side of the fender support member 7. The lower end of the vertical member 8 is joined to the upper surface 41a of the intermediate portion 41b of the apron side member 41 by spot welding or the like, and the upper end of the vertical member 8 is joined to the front portion 7a of the fender support member 7 by spot welding or the like, so the vertical member 8 connects the apron side member 41 and the fender support member 7.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the middle portion 41b of the apron side member 41 is set approximately in the center of the apron side member 41 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The front portion 7a of the fender support member 7 is a predetermined location between the front end of the fender support member 7 and the center of the fender support member 7 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Although not particularly limited, in the illustrated example, the front portion 7a of the fender support member 7 is set at a location approximately one-quarter of the total length of the fender support member 7, rearward from the front end of the fender support member 7. The portion of the fender support member 7 including the front end protrudes forward relative to the longitudinal member 8. In other words, the fender support member 7 has an extension portion 7b that extends forward from the front portion 7a. The extension portion 7b is composed of the portion including the front end of the member body 7B.

[0031] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 6, the front structure of the vehicle 100, in a plan view from one side in the vehicle width direction, can form a frame structure that is roughly rectangular in shape, consisting of the apron side member 41, the fender support member 7, the longitudinal member 8, and the outer part of the dash panel 46 in the vehicle width direction (here, the dash side panel 47).

[0032] In the vehicle front structure 100, the front bracket piece 5A of the fender bracket 5 is joined to an extension 7b that extends forward from the front portion 7a of the fender support member 7. The front bracket piece 5A is joined to the extension 7b by spot welding or the like, and is positioned to protrude above the extension 7b.

[0033] Referring to Figures 6 to 11, the front bracket piece 5A has a groove-shaped cross-section that is open downwards and extends in the front-rear direction. In other words, the front bracket piece 5A has a right bracket wall 5A1 and a left bracket wall 5A2 that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and an upper bracket wall 5A3 that connects the upper end of the right bracket wall 5A1 and the upper end of the left bracket wall 5A2 and faces upwards towards the vehicle. The front part of the upper edge of the fender panel 2 is attached to the front bracket piece 5A, which is joined to the extension 7b of the fender support member 7, by fastening bolts B (see Figures 2, 3 and 5) and nuts N (see Figure 10). Specifically, bolts B are inserted through holes opened in the front flange 2a of the panel upper and through holes opened in the upper bracket wall 5A3 of the front bracket piece 5A, and screwed into nuts N welded to the back surface of the upper bracket wall 5A3.

[0034] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the rear end of the front bracket piece 5A is located on the extension of a virtual line along the diagonally inclined front edge portion 8a of the vertical member 8. In other words, the front bracket piece 5A is positioned so that its rear end aligns with the front edge portion 8a of the vertical member on the aforementioned extension line.

[0035] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the rear bracket piece 5B is joined to the rear end of the fender support member 7 (in the illustrated example, the upper rear corner of the inner surface of the rear side wall 7A1 of the rear part 7A of the member), protruding upward and extending above the rear upper wall 7A2. The rear part of the upper edge of the fender panel 2 is attached to the rear bracket piece 5B, which is joined to the rear end of the fender support member 7, by fastening it with bolts B and nuts N. Specifically, bolts B are inserted through holes opened in the upper rear flange 2b of the panel and through holes opened in the upper flange 5B1 which is bent inward on the upper part of the rear bracket piece 5B, and are screwed into nuts N welded to the back surface of the upper flange 5B1.

[0036] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 5, the front under bracket piece 5C is joined to the periphery of the intermediate portion 41b of the apron side member 41 (more specifically, to the periphery of the outer portion of the intermediate portion 41b in the vehicle width direction), protruding outward and forward in the vehicle width direction, and extending further towards the fender panel 2 than the outer surface of the apron side member 41 in the vehicle width direction. The lower part of the front edge of the fender panel 2 is attached to the front under bracket piece 5C, which is joined to the periphery of the intermediate portion 41b of the apron side member 41, by fastening it with bolts B and nuts N. Specifically, an upwardly bent end flange 5C1 is formed at the end of the front under bracket piece 5C. The bolts B are inserted through holes opened in the lower front flange 2c of the panel and through holes opened in the end flange 5C1, and screwed into nuts N welded to the back surface of the end flange 5C1.

[0037] Thus, in the front structure 100 of the vehicle, the fender panel 2 is attached to three bracket pieces 5A, 5B, and 5C that are spaced apart from each other vertically and longitudinally. The fender panel 2, which is a large panel that extends vertically and longitudinally, is stably supported by the vehicle body components (such as the apron side member 41) via the fender bracket 5, fender support member 7, and longitudinal member 8, which have the three bracket pieces 5A, 5B, and 5C.

[0038] In this embodiment, the apron side member 41 is inclined so that it moves further away from the fender support member 7 as it approaches the front of the vehicle. In the illustrated example, the inclination angle of the rear of the apron side member 41 is smaller than the inclination angles of the middle portion 41b and the front portion of the apron side member 41, and the upper surface 41a of the middle portion 41b and the front portion of the apron side member 41 is formed as a steeper slope than the upper surface 41a of the rear of the apron side member 41.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the apron side member 41 is bent inward in the vehicle width direction, starting from the intermediate portion 41b. Therefore, the intermediate portion 41b to which the longitudinal member 8 is joined is formed as a bent portion that bends inward in the vehicle width direction. The front portion of the apron side member 41 extends to the front end portion of the front side member 42 via the front portion of the apron panel 49, which is joined to the front of the outer portion of the front side member 42 in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the fender support member 7 is curved convexly downwards when viewed from one side in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the fender support member 7 is formed in an overall bow shape that is concave downwards. The lowest end 7c1 of the curved surface of the fender support member 7 that is curved convexly downwards is located rearward relative to the front portion 7a of the fender support member 7 (in other words, the upper end of the vertical member 8) in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0041] Specifically, with the rear member 7A and the main member body 7B joined to each other, the upper surface 7c of the fender support member 7 is formed as a curved surface that curves convexly downwards towards the vehicle. The lowest point 7c1 (the apex of the curve) of the curved surface (upper surface 7c) is set on the main member body 7B.

[0042] In this embodiment, the extension 7b of the fender support member 7 extends in the front-rear direction with a groove-shaped cross-section that opens downwards, similar to the front bracket piece 5A. In the illustrated example, the groove-shaped cross-section of the fender support member 7 is formed over the entire member body 7B. That is, the member body 7B has a right-side member wall 7B1 and a left-side member wall 7B2 that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and an upper member wall 7B3 that connects the upper end of the right-side member wall 7B1 and the upper end of the left-side member wall 7B2 and faces upwards towards the vehicle. The upper member wall 7B3 mainly constitutes the front portion of the curved upper surface 7c of the fender support member 7.

[0043] In this embodiment, the front bracket piece 5A overlaps the extension 7b of the fender support member 7 (member body 7B) from above and is joined to the extension 7b, thereby forming a closed cross-sectional shape portion 7d (see Figure 9).

[0044] Specifically, the front bracket piece 5A is positioned so as to sandwich the extension 7b of the fender support member 7 between the lower part of the right side wall 5A1 of the bracket and the lower part of the left side wall 5A2 of the bracket. More specifically, the rear of each side wall (5A1, 5A2) of the front bracket piece 5A is formed as a lateral projection flange 5A4 that protrudes downward from the front of each side wall (5A1, 5A2). In the illustrated example, each lateral projection flange 5A4 is formed in a roughly triangular shape with the apex at the bottom when viewed from the side. Furthermore, the rear of each side wall (7B1, 7B2) within the extension 7b of the fender support member 7 (member body 7B) extends downward from the front of each side wall (7B1, 7B2) within the extension 7b and is formed as a lateral joining flange 7B4 for joining with the front bracket piece 5A. The lateral projection flange 5A4 is then joined to the lateral joining flange 7B4 from the outside. As a result, the closed cross-sectional shape portion 7d is formed at the rear of the extension portion 7b by the member upper wall 7B3, a pair of lateral joining flanges 7B4, 7B4, a bracket upper wall 5A3 spaced above the member upper wall 7B3, and a pair of lateral protruding flanges 5A4, 5A4.

[0045] Furthermore, the front bracket piece 5A has a front projection flange 5A5 that protrudes downward from the front end of the bracket upper wall 5A3, and the fender support member 7 has a front joining flange 7B5 that extends downward from the front end of the member upper wall 7B3. The front projection flange 5A5 is joined to the front joining flange 7B5 by overlapping it from the front. In the illustrated example, the upper surface 7c of the extension 7b of the fender support member 7 extends generally in the horizontal direction. The front bracket piece 5A is joined to the extension 7b such that the bracket upper wall 5A3 is inclined downward relative to the upper surface 7c of the extension 7b. As a result, the upper surface of the front bracket piece 5A is inclined at an angle corresponding to the inclination of the front part of the panel upper front flange 2a of the fender panel 2, and faces forward and diagonally upward of the vehicle. The front bracket piece 5A is sandwiched between the extension 7b of the fender support member 7 and the front end of the panel upper front flange 2a of the fender panel 2.

[0046] Furthermore, each side wall (7B1, 7B2) of the front portion 7a of the fender support member 7 extends further downward than the transverse joining flange 7B4 and is formed as a vertical member joining flange 7B6 for joining with the upper end of the vertical member 8 (the upper end of the member side wall 81a and the upper end of the front flange 82, which will be described later). The fender support member 7 is positioned so as to sandwich the upper end of the vertical member 8 between a pair of vertical member joining flanges 7B6. The left side (i.e., the inner side in the vehicle width direction) vertical member joining flange 7B6 extends rearward from the front portion 7a (in other words, the vertical member 8), and further extends to a position rearward from the lowest end 7c1 (the apex of the curve) of the curved upper surface 7c. The vertical member joining flange 7B6 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is formed such that the flange height gradually decreases from the front portion 7a towards the rear end of the member body 7B. The longitudinal member joining flange 7B6 on the right side (i.e., the outer side in the vehicle width direction) is continuous with the transverse joining flange 7B4 and is positioned towards the front of the front portion 7a (in other words, the longitudinal member 8).

[0047] In the illustrated example, a rectangular hole 7e is opened in the upper wall 7B3 of the front portion 7a of the fender support member 7 (member body 7B). A front engaging claw 7f, which engages with the engaging flange 85 of the vertical member 8 (described later), protrudes downward from the rear of the opening edge of the rectangular hole 7e. In addition, a rear engaging claw 7g, which engages with the rear portion 7A of the member, protrudes downward from the rear end of the upper wall 7B3 of the member body 7B.

[0048] In this embodiment, the vertical member 8 is inclined so that it approaches the dash panel 46 as it moves from the fender support member 7 toward the apron side member 41. In other words, the vertical member 8 extends diagonally upward and forward from the upper surface 41a of the apron side member 41, which is inclined downward toward the front. In the illustrated example, the vertical member 8 extends generally in the direction normal to the upper surface 41a of the intermediate portion 41b, and the longitudinal direction of the vertical member 8 and the longitudinal direction of the intermediate portion 41b of the apron side member 41 are generally perpendicular to each other.

[0049] Referring to Figure 9, in this embodiment, the lower member width W1, which is the width of the lower part of the vertical member 8 in the vehicle width direction, is set to be smaller than the upper member width W2, which is the width of the upper part of the vertical member 8 in the vehicle width direction. In the illustrated example, the vertical member 8 is formed such that, in a plan view from one side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the outer part in the vehicle width direction extends linearly in the vertical direction, and the lower part of the inner surface in the vehicle width direction (member side wall 81a, described later) is constricted outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the upper part of the inner surface in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] Specifically, in the illustrated example, the vertical member 8 has a bulging portion 81 that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, a front flange 82, a rear flange 83, a lower flange 84, and an engaging flange 85. The vertical member 8 is formed by pressing or otherwise working a thin metal sheet.

[0051] The bulging portion 81 has a generally groove-shaped cross-section that bulges inward in the vehicle width direction and opens outward in the vehicle width direction, and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, the bulging portion 81 has a member side wall 81a facing inward in the vehicle width direction and constituting the side wall on the inward side of the longitudinal member 8 in the vehicle width direction, a member front wall 81b extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the front end of the member side wall 81a, and a member rear wall 81c extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the rear end of the member side wall 81a.

[0052] The upper part of the member side wall 81a extends linearly vertically along the inner surface of the longitudinal member joining flange 7B6 on the vehicle width side and is joined to the longitudinal member joining flange 7B6. The middle part of the member side wall 81a is inclined so that it approaches the fender panel 2 in the vehicle width direction as it goes downward from a position corresponding to the lower end of the longitudinal member joining flange 7B6. The lower part of the member side wall 81a extends generally linearly downward from the lower end of the middle part. In other words, when viewed from one side in the vehicle's front-rear direction, the member side wall 81a is bent so that its lower side is moved outward in the vehicle width direction. The member front wall 81b is formed to close the space between the front end of the bent member side wall 81a and the rear end of the front flange 82, which extends linearly vertically along the inner surface of the longitudinal member joining flange 7B6 on the vehicle width side as described later, and the width of the upper part of the member front wall 81b in the vehicle width direction is wider than the width of the lower part of the member front wall 81b in the vehicle width direction. The rear wall 81c of the member has a width approximately the same as the width of the lower part of the front wall 81b of the member and extends along the rear end of the side wall 81a of the member. Most of the front part of the longitudinal member 8 is closed off by the front wall 81b of the member, and most of the rear part of the longitudinal member 8 is open to the rear.

[0053] The front flange 82 protrudes forward from the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the member front wall 81b. The front flange 82 extends linearly vertically from its upper end to its lower end, along the inner surface of the longitudinal member joining flange 7B6 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The rear flange 83 protrudes rearward from the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the member rear wall 81c. The rear flange 83 is bent to match the curved shape of the member side wall 81a. The lower flange 84 extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the bulge portion 81. The lower flange 84 constitutes the lower end of the longitudinal member 8 and is joined to the upper surface 41a of the intermediate portion 41b of the apron side member 41. The engaging flange 85 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the member side wall 81a. The upper flange 85 is located below the rectangular hole 7e of the member upper wall 7B3. The front engaging claw 7f of the fender support member 7 engages with the engaging hole 85a (see Figure 10) opened in the upper flange 85.

[0054] In this embodiment, the headlamp 6 is provided in front of the vertical member 8, and a working space S is provided between the vertical member 8 and the headlamp 6. Specifically, the working space S is provided between the front edge 8a of the vertical member 8 and the rear end of the lamp base 6b of the headlamp 6. In the illustrated example, the lamp base 6b of the headlamp 6 is fixed to a part of the vehicle body structural member 4 (for example, a hood lock member 43) at the front of the vehicle. The front end of the upper edge of the fender panel 2 (the front end of the panel upper front flange 2a) is attached to the upper outer part in the vehicle width direction of the lamp base 6b together with the front end of the extension 7b of the fender support member 7, and is also supported by the vehicle body structural member 4 via the lamp base 6b.

[0055] Next, an example of the deformation state of the vehicle front structure 100 when a collision load acts on the front hood 1 from the front and obliquely above the vehicle will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 9. In Figure 6, an example of the deformation around the front bracket piece 5A when the impacting body Z collides with the portion of the front hood 1 including the area directly above the front bracket piece 5A is shown exaggeratedly with a dashed line. The vehicle front structure 100 has the above-described structure including the front bracket piece 5A, fender support member 7, and longitudinal member 8, thereby reducing the impact on the impacting body Z, such as a pedestrian.

[0056] Specifically, the impact load from the impacting body Z may act on the portion of the front hood 1 that includes the area directly above the front bracket piece 5A from the front of the vehicle and diagonally upward (indicated by the white arrow in Figure 6). At this time, the front hood 1 deforms downward due to the impact load from the impacting body Z, and a portion of the impact energy from the impact load is absorbed as deformation energy of the front hood 1, while most of the remaining impact energy can be input to the front bracket piece 5A. When the impact load is transmitted to the front bracket piece 5A, the fender support member 7 undergoes a first deformation in which the extension 7b is displaced downward (deformation in the direction indicated by arrow D1 in Figure 6), and a second deformation in which the fender support member 7, which is curved convexly downwards towards the vehicle, curves further downward (deformation in the direction indicated by arrow D2 in Figure 6). At the top of the vertical member 8, in conjunction with the second deformation, a third deformation towards the front of the vehicle (deformation in the direction indicated by arrow D3 in Figure 6) and a fourth deformation inward in the vehicle width direction (deformation in the direction indicated by arrow D4 in Figure 9) may occur. Thus, when a collision load is applied, deformations in multiple different directions can occur in the fender support member 7 and the longitudinal member 8. In this way, when a collision load from the impacting body Z acts on the front bracket piece 5A, a portion of the collision energy is effectively absorbed as energy for the first to fourth deformations. Therefore, compared to simple buckling deformation in conventional structures, the collision energy due to the collision load is absorbed very effectively.

[0057] As described above, the front vehicle structure 100 of this embodiment, when viewed from one side in the vehicle width direction, forms a frame structure that is roughly rectangular in shape, consisting of the apron side member 41, the fender support member 7, the longitudinal member 8, and the outer part of the dash panel 46 in the vehicle width direction (dash side panel 47). Therefore, the fender panel 2 can be supported by the front bracket piece 5A and the frame structure, which can easily ensure relatively high rigidity in the longitudinal and vertical directions. As a result, even when the fender panel 2 is extended in the longitudinal direction, both vertical and longitudinal support rigidity for the fender panel 2 can be easily ensured during normal use. Furthermore, since the front bracket piece 5A, which is likely to be the point of application of the collision load, is joined to the extension 7b of the fender support member 7, a portion of the collision energy due to the collision load is effectively absorbed as energy for the first deformation (see arrow D1 in Figure 6) that deforms the extension 7b downward. Furthermore, since the collision load is easily transmitted over a wide range in the front-to-back and up-and-down directions through the rectangular frame structure, it is effectively absorbed as energy for deformation or displacement of the entire frame structure. Consequently, the reaction force from the vehicle body that can be applied to the collision body Z, such as a pedestrian, is reduced.

[0058] Thus, the vehicle front structure 100 has a structure that can absorb impact energy in the event of a collision while ensuring the support rigidity of the fender panel 2. Furthermore, since the longitudinal member 8 is positioned set back from the front end of the fender support member 7, space can be secured below the extension 7b of the fender support member 7, and this space can be used as a space for placing components such as the lamp base 6b of the headlamp 6.

[0059] In this embodiment, the vertical member 8 is inclined so that it approaches the dash panel 46 as it moves from the fender support member 7 toward the apron side member 41, so that the lower part of the space below the extension 7b of the fender support member 7 is further extended to the rear. As a result, the component placement space can be further expanded. Also, the apron side member 41 is inclined so that it moves away from the fender support member 7 as it moves toward the front of the vehicle. Therefore, even if the apron side member 41 is inclined, the vertical member 8 can be joined to the intermediate portion 41b of the apron side member 41 (part of the high-strength vehicle frame) by abutting it, for example, from the direction normal to the intermediate portion 41b. As a result, impact loads can be efficiently transmitted to the apron side member 41 through the vertical member 8. Therefore, in the event of a severe collision with another vehicle, the energy that cannot be absorbed by the deformation of the fender support member 7 and vertical member 8 can be efficiently absorbed as deformation energy of the apron side member 41.

[0060] In this embodiment, the fender support member 7 is curved convexly downwards in a plan view from one side in the vehicle width direction. As a result, a portion of the collision energy due to the collision load is effectively absorbed as energy for the second deformation (see arrow D2 in Figure 6) that further curves the fender support member 7 downwards. Consequently, impact energy during a collision can be effectively absorbed. Furthermore, the curvature of the fender support member 7 downwards expands the gap between the fender panel 2 and the central part of the fender support member 7 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Consequently, when the impacting body Z collides with the fender panel 2 at a position directly above the central part of the fender support member 7 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the deformation of the fender panel 2 itself can be promoted, and impact energy can be absorbed more effectively by the deformation of the fender panel 2 as well.

[0061] In this embodiment, the lower member width W1 of the vertical member 8 is set to be smaller than the upper member width W2 of the vertical member 8. As a result, a portion of the collision energy is more effectively absorbed as energy for the fourth deformation (see arrow D4 in Figure 6) that deforms the upper part of the vertical member 8 inward in the vehicle width direction. Consequently, impact energy absorption can be made even more effective.

[0062] In this embodiment, the front bracket piece 5A overlaps the extension 7b of the fender support member 7 from above and is joined to the extension 7b, thereby forming a rectangular closed cross-sectional portion 7d. As a result, the rigidity of the portion including the front bracket piece 5A can be improved. Therefore, the support rigidity of the front part of the upper edge of the fender panel 2 during normal use can be improved, and the collision load during a collision can be efficiently transmitted to the fender support member 7 and the longitudinal member 8, promoting deformation at each part.

[0063] In this embodiment, the headlamp 6 is located in front of the vertical member 8, and a workspace S is provided between the vertical member 8 and the headlamp 6. Therefore, when performing tasks such as replacing the bulb of the headlamp 6, the worker can easily access the rear of the headlamp 6 through the workspace S, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0064] In this embodiment, the fender bracket 5 further includes a rear bracket piece 5B that supports the rear of the upper edge of the fender panel 2, and a front under bracket piece 5C that supports the lower part of the front edge of the fender panel 2. Therefore, the support rigidity of the fender panel 2 during normal use is effectively enhanced by the fender bracket 5 having multiple (in this case, three) bracket pieces 5A, 5B, and 5C, and the rectangular frame structure (apron side member 41, fender support member 7, vertical member 8, and the outer part of the dash panel 46 in the vehicle width direction).

[0065] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the lowest end 7c1 of the upper surface 7c (curved surface) of the fender support member 7, which is curved convexly downwards towards the vehicle, is located rearward relative to the front portion 7a of the fender support member 7 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal member joining flange 7B6 on the inside in the vehicle width direction extends from the front portion 7a to a position rearward from the lowest end 7c1 of the curved upper surface 7c. Therefore, while allowing the second deformation during a collision, the longitudinal member joining flange 7B6 can adequately ensure rigidity against the second deformation. As a result, the reduction in support rigidity during normal use caused by the curved shape of the fender support member 7 can be suppressed.

[0066] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications and changes can be made based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0067] For example, the fender support member 7 is formed by joining the rear part 7A and the main body 7B of the member, but it is not limited to this and may be formed from a single component. Also, the intermediate part 41b of the apron side member 41 may extend generally horizontally, and the vertical member 8 may extend generally vertically. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1 Front Hood 2 Fender Panels 2a Panel Upper Front Flange 2b Panel upper rear flange 2c Panel Front Lower Flange 3 Front bumper 4. Body structural components 41 Apron Side Member 41a Top side 41b Middle part 42 Front side member 43 Food Rock Members 44 Radiator support crossmember 45 Radiator support vertical brace 46. ​​Dashboard 47 Dash Side Panel 48 Strut Tower 49 Apron Panel 5 Fender Bracket 5A Front Bracket Piece 5A1 Bracket Right Wall 5A2 Bracket left wall 5A3 Bracket upper wall 5A4 Lateral protruding flange 5A5 Front protruding flange 5B Rear Bracket Piece 5B1 Upper flange 5C Front Under Bracket Piece 5C1 End flange 6 Headlights 6a Lamp body 6b Lamp base 7 Fender support member 7a Front part 7b Extension 7c Top 7c1 Bottom end 7d Closed section shape part 7e rectangular hole 7f Front engagement claw 7g Rear engagement claw 7A Rear Member 7A1 Rear side wall 7A2 Rear upper wall 7B Member Body 7B1 Member Right Wall 7B2 Member left wall 7B3 Member Upper Wall 7B4 Transverse joint flange 7B5 Front joint flange 7B6 Vertical Member Joint Flange 8 vertical members 8a Front edge of longitudinal member 81 Bulge 81a Member side wall 81b Member front wall 81c Member rear wall 82 Front flange 83 Rear flange 84 Lower flange 85 Engaging flange 85a Engagement hole 100 Vehicle front structure B bolt N Nut P power room S workspace Z Collider W1 Member lower width W2 Member upper width

Claims

1. A vehicle front structure comprising: a front hood covering a power chamber located at the front of the vehicle from above; an apron side member extending forward from the outer part in the vehicle width direction of the dash panel forming the rear wall of the power chamber; a fender bracket located above the apron side member; and a fender panel attached to the fender bracket and constituting a part of the outer part of the vehicle, A fender support member is provided above the apron side member and extends forward from the outer part of the dash panel in the vehicle width direction, A vertical member that protrudes upward from a predetermined intermediate portion of the apron side member in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and is joined to a predetermined front portion on the front end side of the fender support member, Includes, The front structure of a vehicle is characterized in that the fender bracket is a front bracket piece that supports the front part of the upper edge of the fender panel, and the front bracket piece is joined to an extension of the fender support member that extends forward from the front part.

2. The apron side member is inclined so that it moves away from the fender support member as it approaches the front of the vehicle. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the vertical member is inclined such that it approaches the dash panel as it moves from the fender support member toward the apron side member.

3. The front vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the fender support member is curved convexly downwards when viewed from one side in the vehicle width direction in a plan view.

4. The front vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the lower member width, which is the width of the lower part of the vertical member in the vehicle width direction, is set to be smaller than the upper member width, which is the width of the upper part of the vertical member in the vehicle width direction.

5. Each of the fender support member extension and the front bracket piece has a groove-shaped cross-section that is open downwards and extends in the front-rear direction. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the front bracket piece overlaps the extension portion from above and is joined to the extension portion, thereby forming a rectangular closed cross-sectional shape.

6. A headlamp is provided in front of the aforementioned vertical member. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein a working space is provided between the vertical member and the headlamp.

7. The vehicle front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fender bracket further comprises a rear bracket piece that supports the rear of the upper edge of the fender panel and a front under bracket piece that supports the lower part of the front edge of the fender panel.

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