vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle equipped with lower bumper reinforcement.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes a body. The vehicle is provided with a front bumper reinforcement 22 which is attached to a front end of the body and extends along a vehicle width direction. The vehicle is provided with a lower bumper reinforcement 12 which is attached to a front end of the body, is positioned below the front bumper reinforcement, and extends along a vehicle width direction. The vehicle is provided with at least one specific member 13 fixed to a part of a section in an extension direction of the lower bumper reinforcement. The specific member is provided with a first part covering a front surface of the lower bumper reinforcement and a second part projecting upward an upper surface of the lower bumper reinforcement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, and more particularly to a structure including a lower bumper reinforcement member. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle equipped with a lower bumper reinforcement. When the vehicle collides with various barriers such as a barrier for a collision test, the lower bumper reinforcement can withstand the collision load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-94972 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The lower the position of the lower bumper force is set, the smaller the overlap amount from the bottom end of the lower bumper force to the bottom end of the barrier becomes. In other words, the vertical distance between the lower bumper force and the space below the barrier becomes shorter. As a result, when colliding with the barrier, the lower bumper force may slip into the space below the barrier. In this case, it becomes difficult for the lower bumper force to properly absorb the collision load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The vehicle disclosed in this specification comprises a body. The vehicle comprises a front bumper lining force attached to the front end of the body and extending along the vehicle width direction. The vehicle comprises a lower bumper lining force attached to the front end of the body, located below the front bumper lining force, and extending along the vehicle width direction. The vehicle comprises at least one specific member fixed to a partial section in the extension direction of the lower bumper lining force. The specific member comprises a first portion covering the front surface of the lower bumper lining force and a second portion protruding upward beyond the upper surface of the lower bumper lining force.

[0006] The inventors have found that when the pressure receiving area (area of ​​the area receiving the collision load) of the lower bumper force is small, the phenomenon of the lower bumper force slipping under the barrier may occur. One of the factors for this is that a concentrated load is input to the lower bumper force, which makes it easier for local deformation to occur that moves the lower bumper force downward. Therefore, in the above-mentioned vehicle, the second part can increase the pressure receiving area of ​​the collision load. Since the collision load input to the lower bumper force is less likely to concentrate, the occurrence of local deformation that moves the lower bumper force downward can be suppressed. It is possible to suppress the phenomenon of the lower bumper force slipping under the barrier. In addition, since the first part covers the front surface of the lower bumper force, the collision load received by the second part can be transmitted to the lower bumper force via the first part. It is possible for the lower bumper force to properly receive the collision load.

[0007] The vertical length of the specific member may be greater than the vertical length of the lower bumper reinforcement. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient amount of protrusion of the second portion upward from the upper surface of the lower bumper reinforcement.

[0008] The specific member may further include a protruding portion that protrudes rearward from the second portion and is in contact with an upper surface of the lower bumper reinforcement. The protruding portion can suppress rearward deformation of the second portion. This makes it possible for the second portion to appropriately withstand the collision load input to the second portion.

[0009] The vehicle may further include a pair of crash boxes extending along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The rear end portions of the crash boxes may be connected to a lower portion of the body. The front end portions of the crash boxes may be connected to a lower bumper reinforcement. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, at least a portion of the first portion may overlap with the front end portions of the crash boxes. This allows the impact load input to the first portion to be directly transmitted to the crash boxes. The impact load can be transmitted to the crash boxes efficiently.

[0010] When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the first portion may be located inward in the vehicle width direction from an outer side wall of the crash box on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A region where the first portion is not disposed can be formed at a front end of the crash box.

[0011] When viewed from the front of the vehicle, a part of the first portion may be located inward in the vehicle width direction from an inner side wall of the crash box on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. This allows the first portion and the inner side wall of the crash box to overlap. This makes it possible to efficiently transmit the impact load to the inner side wall of the crash box.

[0012] The lower bumper reinforcement may further include a fixing member that fixes the lower bumper reinforcement to the crash box. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the fixing member may be located inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer side wall of the crash box and outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end face of the first portion in the vehicle width direction. This allows the fixing member to be arranged in an area of ​​the front end of the crash box where the first portion is not arranged. Interference between the fixing member and the first portion when the fixing member is assembled can be suppressed.

[0013] The body may include a subframe disposed under the body. The crash boxes may be connected to a front end of the subframe. This allows an impact load to be transmitted to the subframe via the crash boxes. The impact load can be absorbed by deformation of the subframe.

[0014] The vehicle may further include a grill shutter disposed above the lower bumper reinforcement. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the grill shutter may be located inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner end face of the second portion in the vehicle width direction. This prevents the second portion and the grill shutter from interfering with each other. This makes it possible to ensure space for arranging the grill shutter.

[0015] The strength of the material of the specific member may be lower than the strength of the material of the lower bumper force. This makes it possible to make the specific member more easily deformable than the lower bumper force. This makes it possible to suppress concentration of load on the specific member when colliding with the barrier. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] Top view of the vehicle front structure. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view seen from the direction of the arrow Y1 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a top view seen from the direction of the arrow Y2 in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a side view taken from the direction of arrow Y3 in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] A side view showing the state of a conventional lower bumper reinforcement member 112 before a collision. [Figure 7] A side view showing the state of a conventional lower bumper reinforcement member 112 after a collision. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] <Vehicle front structure> FIG. 1 shows a top view of the vehicle front structure according to this embodiment. Here, the direction FR in the drawing indicates the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the direction RR indicates the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The direction LH indicates the left in the lateral direction (or width direction) of the vehicle, and the direction RH indicates the right in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The direction UP indicates the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the direction DW indicates the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In addition, the directions described in the specification, such as "forward / rearward direction", "left / right direction", "upward / downward direction", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upward" and "downward", each indicate a direction in the vehicle. The meaning of the coordinate system is the same in the subsequent figures. Since the vehicle of this embodiment has a symmetrical shape, only one side of the vehicle may be described hereinafter.

[0018] The vehicle is equipped with a subframe 10, a crash box 11, a lower bumper reinforcement 12, a specific member 13, and a grill shutter 14. Also, above these, a front side member 20, a crash box 21, a front bumper reinforcement 22, and a cross member 23 are equipped. For ease of viewing the drawings, the front side member 20, the crash box 21, the front bumper reinforcement 22, and the cross member 23 are indicated by dotted lines. The subframe 10, the front side member 20, and the cross member 23 are members that constitute the body. Note that other members are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] The front side members 20 are members that form the framework of the front part of the body. A pair of left and right front side members 20 are arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. A cross member 23 connects the front ends of the pair of front side members 20 in the vehicle width direction. A pair of crash boxes 21 are attached to the front ends of the pair of front side members 20. A front bumper reinforcement 22 is bridged across the front ends of the pair of crash boxes 21. In other words, the front bumper reinforcement 22 is attached to the front end of the body and extends along the vehicle width direction.

[0020] The subframe 10 is a structure that mainly supports a suspension (particularly, a suspension arm) in a vehicle that runs on a road surface, such as an automobile. The subframe 10 is also called a suspension member. The subframe 10 is disposed in the lower part of the body. Specifically, the subframe 10 is attached to the lower surfaces of a pair of front side members 20.

[0021] The pair of crash boxes 11 extend along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The pair of crash boxes 11 have a closed cross-sectional structure with a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The rear end of the crash box 11 is attached to the front end of the subframe 10, and is thereby connected to the lower part of the body. The front end of the crash box 11 is connected to the lower bumper reinforcement 12 via a bracket 11b. The pair of crash boxes 11 are components configured to be compressed and deformed in the axial direction when a load input from the lower bumper reinforcement 12 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0022] The lower bumper reinforcement 12 is bridged over the front ends of a pair of crash boxes 21. That is, the lower bumper reinforcement 12 is attached to the front end of the body and extends along the vehicle width direction. The lower bumper reinforcement 12 is also located below the front bumper reinforcement 22. The lower bumper reinforcement 12 has a closed cross section perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

[0023] The pair of specific members 13 are fixed to a partial section in the extension direction of the lower bumper reinforcement member 12. The detailed structure of the specific members 13 will be described later.

[0024] The grill shutter 14 is a device that controls the amount of airflow to a radiator (not shown) depending on the driving conditions by opening and closing the shutter. The grill shutter 14 is disposed above the lower bumper reinforcement 12 and below the front bumper reinforcement 22.

[0025] <Structure of specific component 13> The structure of the specific member 13 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the vicinity of the specific member 13 arranged on the right side of the vehicle. In Fig. 2, the subframe 10, the grill shutter 14, and the rear portion of the crash box 11 are omitted. Fig. 3 shows a front view seen from the direction of the arrow Y1 in Fig. 2 (i.e., a view seen from the front of the vehicle). Fig. 4 shows a top view seen from the direction of the arrow Y2 in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 shows a side view seen from the direction of the arrow Y3 in Fig. 2. In Figs. 3 and 4, the position of the grill shutter 14 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0026] The specific member 13 is a member formed by bending a steel plate. As shown in FIG. 2, the specific member 13 is fixed to the lower bumper reinforcement member 12 by welding regions WR1 and WR2. The welding region WR1 is an area where the contact portion between the specific member 13 and the front surface 12f of the lower bumper reinforcement member 12 is arc-welded. The welding region WR2 is an area where the contact portion between the specific member 13 and the upper surface 12u of the lower bumper reinforcement member 12 is arc-welded. In addition, the strength of the material of the specific member 13 is lower than the strength of the material of the lower bumper reinforcement member 12.

[0027] The specific member 13 includes a first portion 13a, a second portion 13b, and a protruding portion 13c (see Figs. 3 and 5). The first portion 13a is a portion that covers the front surface 12f of the lower bumper reinforcement 12. The second portion 13b is a portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface 12u of the lower bumper reinforcement 12. The protruding portion 13c is a portion that protrudes rearward from the second portion 13b and is in contact with the upper surface 12u of the lower bumper reinforcement 12. The protruding portion 13c is formed of a steel plate that is bent approximately perpendicular to the second portion 13b. The protruding portion 13c functions as a reinforcing material that suppresses deformation of the second portion 13b toward the rear side. This makes it possible to properly receive the collision load input to the second portion 13b.

[0028] 5, the vertical length H1 of the specific member 13 is greater than the vertical length H2 of the lower bumper reinforcement member 12. This ensures that the second portion 13b protrudes upward from the upper surface 12u of the lower bumper reinforcement member 12 by a sufficient amount.

[0029] 3, the front end 11f of the crash box 11 having a substantially rectangular closed cross-sectional structure is indicated by a dotted line. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, at least a part of the first portion 13a of the specific member 13 overlaps with the front end 11f of the crash box 11. This allows the impact load input to the first portion 13a to be directly transmitted to the crash box 11. This allows the impact load to be transmitted to the crash box 11 efficiently.

[0030] 3 and 4, the crash box 11 has an outer side wall 11o located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (i.e., the left side of the figure) and an inner side wall 11i located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (i.e., the right side of the figure). An end face 13e1 is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first portion 13a. The end face 13e1 is located a distance D1 inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer side wall 11o of the crash box 11. This allows a region in which the first portion 13a is not disposed to be formed in the front end portion 11f of the crash box 11 when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0031] In addition, an opening 12o formed in the front surface 12f of the lower bumper reinforcement 12 is located in the area where the first portion 13a is not arranged. Inside the opening 12o, a bolt 30 for fixing the lower bumper reinforcement 12 to the crash box 11 is arranged. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the bolt 30 is located inside the outer side wall 11o in the vehicle width direction and outside the end surface 13e1 of the first portion 13a in the vehicle width direction. This allows the bolt 30 to be arranged in the area where the first portion 13a of the specific member 13 is not arranged in the front end portion 11f of the crash box 11. When the bolt 30 is assembled through the opening 12o, interference between the bolt 30 and the first portion 13a can be suppressed.

[0032] 3 and 4, a region R1 of the first portion 13a is located inside in the vehicle width direction (i.e., to the right in the drawings) with respect to the inner side wall 11i of the crash box 11. This allows the first portion 13a and the inner side wall 11i of the crash box 11 to overlap when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This makes it possible to efficiently transmit impact load to the inner side wall 11i of the crash box 11.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, a space SP is formed between the specific member 13 and the front surface 12f of the lower bumper reinforcement member 12. This allows appropriate arc welding to be performed in the welding region WR1 (see Fig. 2). The space SP can also function as a crushable zone.

[0034] 3 and 4, an end face 13e2 is located on the inner side of the second portion 13b in the vehicle width direction. The grill shutter 14, shown by the dashed line, is located on the inner side of the end face 13e2 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This prevents the second portion 13b of the specific member 13 and the grill shutter 14 from interfering with each other. It is possible to ensure a space for arranging the grill shutter 14.

[0035] The lower bumper reinforcement 12 is required to be designed so as not to apply a concentrated load to the barrier when colliding with the barrier. In the technology of this specification, the strength of the material of the specific member 13 is made lower than the strength of the material of the lower bumper reinforcement 12. This makes it possible for the specific member 13 to be more easily deformed than the lower bumper reinforcement 12. It becomes possible to prevent the specific member 13 from applying a concentrated load to the barrier.

[0036] <Effects> The problem will be described using the side views of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show a conventional lower bumper reinforcement 112 without the specific member 13. FIG. 6 shows the state before the collision, and FIG. 7 shows the state after the collision. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, for the sake of clarity, only the lower bumper reinforcement 112, the crash box 11, the subframe 10, and the barrier 40 are shown. As shown in FIG. 6, there is an overlap amount WA between the lower end 112L of the lower bumper reinforcement 112 and the lower end 40L of the barrier 40. The lower the position of the lower bumper reinforcement 112 relative to the ground line GL is set, the smaller the overlap amount WA becomes. That is, the vertical distance between the lower end 112L and the lower end 40L becomes shorter. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, there is a case where the lower bumper reinforcement 112 slips into the space BS below the barrier 40 when colliding with the barrier 40. In this case, it becomes difficult for the lower bumper reinforcement 112 to properly receive the collision load. Therefore, the subframe 10 does not deform sufficiently, and the subframe 10 cannot fully absorb the collision load. The inventors have discovered that when the pressure receiving area (area of ​​the region that receives the collision load) of the lower bumper reinforcement 112 is small, the lower bumper reinforcement 112 may slip under the barrier 40. One of the reasons for this is that a concentrated load is input to the lower bumper reinforcement 112, which makes it easier for localized deformation to occur that moves the lower bumper reinforcement 112 downward.

[0037] Therefore, in the technology of this specification, a specific member 13 is disposed in the lower bumper reinforcement 12. The second portion 13b of the specific member 13 can increase the pressure receiving area of ​​the collision load (see FIG. 3). Since the collision load input to the lower bumper reinforcement 12 is less likely to concentrate, the occurrence of local deformation that moves the lower bumper reinforcement 12 downward can be suppressed. Even when the overlap amount WA is small, the phenomenon in which the lower bumper reinforcement 12 slips under the barrier 40 can be stably suppressed. In addition, since the first portion 13a covers the front surface 12f of the lower bumper reinforcement 12, the collision load received by the second portion 13b can be transmitted to the lower bumper reinforcement 12 via the first portion 13a. The lower bumper reinforcement 12 can appropriately receive the collision load. As a result, the impact load can be transmitted to the subframe 10 via the crash box 11. By sufficiently deforming the subframe 10, the collision load can be absorbed.

[0038] In order to increase the pressure-receiving area, it is conceivable to increase the height of the lower bumper reinforcement over the entire extension direction. However, this would result in an increase in mass. Also, the space between the lower bumper reinforcement and the front bumper reinforcement would become narrow, making it difficult to arrange the grill shutter 14 in that space. In the technology of this specification, a pair of specific members 13 are arranged in a partial section in the extension direction of the lower bumper reinforcement 12. This makes it possible to increase the pressure-receiving area while suppressing an increase in mass. Also, it becomes possible to secure space to arrange the grill shutter 14.

[0039] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technology exemplified in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of the objectives itself has technical utility.

[0040] <Modification> The position of the specific member 13 in the vehicle width direction is not limited to the position described in this specification, and may be various. For example, in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the end surface 13e1 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the first portion 13a may be located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (i.e., on the left side in the figure) of the outer side wall 11o of the crash box 11. This allows the first portion 13a to overlap both the inner side wall 11i and the outer side wall 11o of the crash box 11 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. It becomes possible to efficiently transmit the impact load to the inner side wall 11i and the outer side wall 11o.

[0041] The structure of the protruding portion 13c may be various. For example, the protruding portion 13c may be configured as a separate part from the specific member 13, or may be attached to the specific member 13 by welding or the like.

[0042] The method of fixing the specific member 13 to the lower bumper reinforcement member 12 is not limited to arc welding, and various fixing methods can be used. For example, fastening members such as bolts may be used.

[0043] There is no particular limitation on the number of specific members 13. The lower bumper reinforcement member 12 may have a single specific member 13 attached thereto or three or more specific members 13 attached thereto.

[0044] There is no particular limitation on the specific shape and structure of the specific member 13 and the lower bumper reinforcement member 12. In addition, the shape of the specific member 13 is not limited to a plate shape as in this embodiment, and may be a tube shape having a closed cross section.

[0045] The vehicle structure of the present embodiment is not limited to vehicles that use an engine as a prime mover, but can also be suitably used in electric vehicles that have a motor that drives the wheels. Note that the electric vehicles referred to here include, for example, rechargeable electric vehicles that are charged by an external power source, fuel cell vehicles that use a fuel cell as a power source, and hybrid vehicles that also have an engine.

[0046] The bolt 30 is an example of a fixing member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10: Subframe 11: Crash box 11i: Inner side wall 11o: Outer side wall 12: Lower bumper reinforcement 13: Specific member 13a: First portion 13b: Second portion 13c: Protrusion 14: Grill shutter 22: Front bumper reinforcement 30: Bolt

Claims

1. A vehicle, Body and A pair of crash boxes extending along a vehicle front-rear direction, the crash boxes having rear ends connected to a lower portion of the body; A front bumper reinforcement member attached to a front end of the body and extending along a vehicle width direction; A lower bumper reinforcement member connected to a front end portion of the crash box, located below the front bumper reinforcement member, and extending along a vehicle width direction; At least one specific member fixed by welding to a section in the extension direction of the lower bumper reinforcement; Equipped with The specific member includes a first portion covering a front surface of the lower bumper reinforcement and a second portion protruding upward from an upper surface of the lower bumper reinforcement, When viewed from the front of the vehicle, at least a part of the first portion overlaps with the front end portion of the crash box, when viewed from the front of the vehicle, there is a region in which the first portion is not disposed at the front end portion, An opening formed on the front surface of the lower bumper reinforcement is located in the region, A bolt for fixing the lower bumper reinforcement member to the front end portion of the crash box is disposed inside the opening. vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the specific member has a vertical length greater than the vertical length of the lower bumper reinforcement.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific member further includes a protruding portion protruding rearward from the second portion and contacting the upper surface of the lower bumper reinforcement.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein, when viewed from the front of the vehicle, the first portion is located inward in a vehicle width direction with respect to an outer side wall of the crash box that is on an outer side in the vehicle width direction.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein, when viewed from the front of the vehicle, a part of the first portion is located inward in a vehicle width direction with respect to an inner side wall of the crash box on an inner side in the vehicle width direction.

6. The body includes a subframe disposed under the body, The vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the crash box is connected to a front end of the subframe.

7. Further, a grill shutter is provided above the lower bumper reinforcement. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when viewed from the front of the vehicle, the grill shutter is located inward in the vehicle width direction from an inner end face of the second portion in the vehicle width direction.

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the strength of the material of the specific member is lower than the strength of the material of the lower bumper reinforcement.

Images