Automotive hood structure

Abstract

To effectively upgrade the rigidity of a hood in an automotive hood structure.SOLUTION: An automotive hood structure includes an outer panel 4, an inner panel 20, hinge members 3, and hinge reinforcement plates 60. The inner panel 20 includes: a groove bottom wall 23 opposed, across a space, to an undersurface of the outer panel 4 between them; and an outer inclined wall 24 that is continuous to the groove bottom wall 23 and inclined relative to the groove bottom wall 23. The automotive hood structure includes: a plurality of first junctures 50a and 50b to which the groove bottom wall 23 of the inner panel 20, the respective hinge members 3, and the respective hinge reinforcement plates 60 are joined; and a plurality of second junctures 56a and 56b to which the outer inclined wall 24 of the inner panel 20 and the respective hinge reinforcement plates 60 are spot-welded. One of the first junctures 50a and 50b located foremost in a vehicular fore-and-aft direction and one of the plurality of second junctures 56a and 56b are aligned with each other in the vehicular fore-and-aft direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hood structure for an automobile. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, an automobile hood is fixed to the vehicle body by a support structure in which a pair of hinge members located on both sides of the rear of the vehicle serve as support points. Therefore, when a load is applied to the front part of the hood, the inner panel receives a large moment near the hinge members, which may cause the inner panel to be torsionally deformed. Therefore, such an automobile hood is required to have high torsional rigidity.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a hinge mounting structure for an automobile hood. In this hinge mounting structure, a reinforcing member called a retainer is attached across the hinge mounting portion and the inclined surface portion located on the vehicle widthwise outer side of the hinge mounting portion. With this structure, the hinge mounting portion and the inclined surface portion can be reinforced by the retainer, thereby improving the torsional rigidity of the hood. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-163259 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the hinge mounting structure for an automobile hood of Patent Document 1, when a load is applied to the front part of the hood, a relatively large load is applied to the first joint located at the frontmost position in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is a risk that the vicinity of the first joint may become the starting point of torsional deformation. However, Patent Document 1 does not particularly suggest how to suppress such torsional deformation near the first joint, and there is room for improvement in the rigidity of the hood.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to effectively improve the rigidity of a hood in an automotive hood structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to an inner panel having an outer panel constituting an upper surface of an automobile hood, a raised portion disposed opposite the lower surface of the outer panel and supporting the lower surface, an inner inclined wall continuing from the raised portion and inclining with respect to the raised portion, a groove bottom wall continuing from the inner inclined wall and facing the lower surface of the outer panel with a gap therebetween, and an outer inclined wall continuing from the groove bottom wall and inclining with respect to the groove bottom wall, a hinge member joined to a rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction of a side portion in a vehicle width direction of the inner panel so as to mount the automobile hood in an openable and closable manner relative to the vehicle, and a hinge member corresponding to the hinge member in a plan view. the groove bottom wall of the inner panel, the hinge member, and the hinge reinforcement plate are joined; and a plurality of first joints where the outer inclined wall of the inner panel and the hinge reinforcement plate are joined, wherein the plurality of first joints are arranged at intervals in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction and the plurality of second joints are arranged at intervals in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and one of the plurality of first joints located furthest forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction and one of the plurality of second joints are aligned in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.

[0008] According to the automobile hood structure of the present invention, the outer inclined wall is reinforced by the hinge reinforcing plate. The outer inclined wall side near the hinge member of the inner panel is prone to deformation and is therefore required to have high rigidity. In the above configuration, the hinge reinforcing plate reinforces the portion, and therefore the rigidity of the hood can be effectively improved. In addition, in the above configuration, the first joint portion located at the frontmost position in the vehicle longitudinal direction and one of the second joint portions are aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to suppress the application of a force that would twist the hood to the groove bottom wall (the portion where the first joint portion is located) and the outer inclined wall (the portion where the second joint portion is located), and thus torsional deformation of the inner panel can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the automobile hood structure of the present invention, the rigidity of the hood can be effectively improved.

[0009] The plurality of first joints other than the one located furthest forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the plurality of second joints may be aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0010] The hinge reinforcement plate may have a main body portion arranged on the groove bottom wall, a first extension portion extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the main body portion, and a fold line portion formed between the main body portion and the first extension portion and arranged on a first ridge line extending in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction between the groove bottom wall and the outer inclined wall, and the first joint portion may be provided on the main body portion and the second joint portion may be provided on the first extension portion.

[0011] The hinge reinforcing plate may include a third joint portion that is joined to the inner panel forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction of a second ridge line extending in the vehicle width direction between the inner inclined wall and the groove bottom wall.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when a load is applied to the front part of the hood, deformation of the inner panel near the hinge member can be further suppressed. Specifically, high rigidity is required in the area where ridgelines such as the second ridgeline are formed, since deformation is likely to occur in the area. In the above-mentioned configuration, the hinge reinforcing plate reinforces the area, so that the rigidity of the hood can be effectively improved.

[0013] The hinge reinforcement plate may have a fourth joint portion joined to the inner inclined wall forward of the second ridge line in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction and inward in the vehicle width direction of a third ridge line extending in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction between the groove bottom wall and the inner inclined wall.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when a load is applied to the front portion of the hood, deformation of the inner panel near the hinge member can be further suppressed. Specifically, as described above, high rigidity is required in the portion where ridgelines such as the third ridgeline are formed, since deformation is likely to occur in the portion. In the above configuration, the hinge reinforcing plate reinforces the portion, and therefore the rigidity of the hood can be effectively improved. Also, in the above configuration, the hinge reinforcing plate is joined to the inner inclined wall and the outer inclined wall. Therefore, the displacement of the outer inclined wall and the inner inclined wall in the vehicle width direction can be restrained. Therefore, deformation of the outer inclined wall opening outward in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed.

[0015] The hinge reinforcement plate may have a second extension portion that faces the groove bottom wall in the vehicle up-down direction and is joined to the outer inclined wall and the inner inclined wall, and in a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, a closed cross-sectional shape may be formed by the groove bottom wall, the outer inclined wall, the inner inclined wall, and the second extension portion.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the outer inclined wall is configured as a part of a closed cross section together with the groove bottom wall, the inner inclined wall, and the second extension portion, so that the displacement of the outer inclined wall and the inner inclined wall in the vehicle width direction is further restricted, and the outer inclined wall can be further suppressed from opening outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] A pair of the hinge members may be provided on both side portions of the inner panel in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of the hinge reinforcing plates may be provided for each of the pair of hinge members. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the automotive hood structure of the present invention, the rigidity of the hood can be effectively improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of an automotive hood structure according to the present invention, viewed from the rear of the vehicle. [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view of the automotive hood structure of FIG. 2 with a hood outer panel removed. [Figure 4] 3 is a bottom plan view of the automotive hood structure of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the automotive hood structure of FIG. 3 . [Figure 6] An enlarged view of part VI of Figure 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged end view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6 . [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 6 of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 6 of a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged end view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 6 of a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is an enlarged end view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11 . [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of FIG. 11 as seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of FIG. 12 from which a hinge reinforcing plate is removed. [Figure 15] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 6 of Comparative Example 1. [Figure 16] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 6 of Comparative Example 2. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the results of torsional rigidity evaluation analysis of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and the first to fourth embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] An automobile hood structure according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In these drawings, the arrow FR indicates the vehicle front side, the arrow UP indicates the vehicle upper side, and the arrow W indicates the vehicle width direction. In addition, when the automobile hood is in a closed state, the automobile hood front side is in the same direction as the vehicle front side, the automobile hood upper side is in the same direction as the vehicle upper side, and the automobile hood width direction is in the same direction as the vehicle width direction. In the following description, the automobile hood is in a closed state.

[0021] (First embodiment) 1 shows a vehicle 2 equipped with an automobile hood (hood) 1 to which an automobile hood structure according to the present invention is applied. The hood 1 is disposed at the front of the vehicle so as to cover an engine compartment (not shown) from above the vehicle. The hood 1 is attached to the vehicle body via a hinge member 3 (described below) so as to be able to open and close. In other words, the hood 1 is configured to open and close the engine compartment by rotating and moving about a hinge axis of the hinge member 3 in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] 2 and 3, the automotive hood structure includes an outer panel 4 that forms the upper surface of the hood 1, and an inner panel 20 that forms the lower surface of the hood 1. The outer peripheral end of the outer panel 4 and the inner panel 20 are joined by, for example, hemming.

[0023] The outer panel 4 and the inner panel 20 are, for example, both formed by press-molding an aluminum alloy plate. The outer panel 4 and the inner panel 20 may be formed of other metal plates such as steel plates.

[0024] The inner panel 20 is disposed opposite the lower surface of the outer panel 4 and has a raised portion 21 that supports the lower surface of the outer panel 4. The outer panel 4 and the inner panel 20 are joined together, for example, by a mastic adhesive via the raised portion 21. The inner panel 20 further has an inner inclined wall 22, a groove bottom wall 23, and an outer inclined wall 24. The inner inclined wall 22 is continuous from the raised portion 21 and is inclined with respect to the raised portion 21. The groove bottom wall 23 is continuous from the inner inclined wall 22 and faces the lower surface of the outer panel 4 with a gap therebetween. The outer inclined wall 24 is continuous from the groove bottom wall 23 and is inclined with respect to the groove bottom wall 23.

[0025] In this embodiment, the inner inclined wall 22 has a rear inner inclined wall 22a, a pair of side inner inclined walls 22b, and a front inner inclined wall 22c. The rear inner inclined wall 22a is inclined continuously from the rear of the raised portion 21 in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the raised portion 21. The pair of side inner inclined walls 22b are each inclined continuously from both side portions of the raised portion 21 in the vehicle width direction with respect to the raised portion 21. The front inner inclined wall 22c is inclined continuously from the front of the raised portion 21 in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the raised portion 21.

[0026] In this embodiment, the groove bottom wall 23 has a rear groove bottom wall 23a, a pair of side groove bottom walls 23b, and a front groove bottom wall 23c. The rear groove bottom wall 23a is continuous from the rear inner inclined wall 22a and faces the lower surface of the outer panel 4 with a gap therebetween. The pair of side groove bottom walls 23b is continuous from the pair of side inner inclined walls 22b and faces the lower surface of the outer panel 4 with a gap therebetween. The front groove bottom wall 23c is continuous from the front inner inclined wall 22c and faces the lower surface of the outer panel 4 with a gap therebetween. That is, the groove bottom wall 23 is provided below the raised portion 21 in the vehicle vertical direction. The groove bottom wall 23 may be provided above the raised portion 21 in the vehicle vertical direction. The groove bottom wall 23 may have, for example, only a pair of side groove bottom walls 23b or only a rear groove bottom wall 23a.

[0027] In this embodiment, the outer inclined wall 24 has a rear outer inclined wall 24a, a pair of side outer inclined walls 24b, and a front outer inclined wall 24c. The rear outer inclined wall 24a is continuous from the rear groove bottom wall 23a and inclined with respect to the rear groove bottom wall 23a. The pair of side outer inclined walls 24b are each continuous from the pair of side groove bottom walls 23b and inclined with respect to the pair of side groove bottom walls 23b. The front outer inclined wall 24c is continuous from the front groove bottom wall 23c and inclined with respect to the front groove bottom wall 23c. The outer inclined wall 24 is inclined from the outer periphery of the groove bottom wall 23 toward the outer side in the circumferential direction and upward in the vehicle vertical direction. The outer inclined wall 24 may be inclined from the outer periphery of the groove bottom wall 23 toward the outer side in the circumferential direction and downward in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0028] The first ridge line 41 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction between the groove bottom wall 23 (side groove bottom wall 23b) and the outer inclined wall 24 (side outer inclined wall 24b). The second ridge line 42 extends in the vehicle width direction between the inner inclined wall 22 (rear inner inclined wall 22a) and the groove bottom wall 23 (rear groove bottom wall 23a). The third ridge line 43 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction between the groove bottom wall 23 (side groove bottom wall 23b) and the inner inclined wall 22 (side inner inclined wall 22b). The pair of first ridge lines 41 and the pair of third ridge lines 43 are provided on both side portions of the inner panel 20 in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the first ridge line 41, the second ridge line 42, and the third ridge line 43 are concave ridge lines.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the inner panel 20 as viewed from below. The automobile hood structure includes a hinge member 3. The hinge member 3 is joined to the rear side of the vehicle longitudinal direction of the side portion in the vehicle width direction of the inner panel 20 so as to mount the hood 1 to the vehicle so as to be openable and closable. That is, the hinge member 3 is joined to the side portion of the rear groove bottom wall 23a on the lower surface of the inner panel 20, in other words, to the portion where the rear groove bottom wall 23a and the side groove bottom wall 23b join together. Note that a pair of hinge members 3 are provided on both side portions in the vehicle width direction of the inner panel 20, but the following description will be given of the hinge member 3 on one side portion. The hinge member 3 includes a hinge base 3a coupled to the vehicle 2 and a hinge arm 3b having a tip portion 3c fixed to the hood 1. Two first through holes 51 (see FIG. 7) are provided in the tip portion 3c in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The number of first through holes 51 is not particularly limited. As described later, a hinge reinforcing plate 60 (shown by a dotted line) is provided on the upper surface of the inner panel 20 at a position corresponding to the tip portion 3c.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the inner panel 20 from above, excluding the outer panel 4 from the hood 1. The automobile hood structure includes a hinge reinforcing plate 60 disposed at a position corresponding to the tip 3c (hinge member 3) in a plan view. Here, the position corresponding to the tip 3c is a position where the tip 3c and the hinge reinforcing plate 60 at least partially overlap in a plan view. Specifically, the hinge reinforcing plate 60 is disposed at a side portion of the rear groove bottom wall 23a on the upper surface of the inner panel 20, in other words, at a portion where the rear groove bottom wall 23a and the side groove bottom wall 23b join together. Note that a pair of hinge reinforcing plates 60 are provided for each pair of hinge members 3, but the following description will be given of the hinge reinforcing plate 60 for one side portion, similar to the hinge member 3.

[0031] 6 and 7, the hinge reinforcing plate 60 will be described in detail. In order to clarify the positional relationship of the hinge reinforcing plate 60, the configuration other than the hinge reinforcing plate 60 is shown by two-dot chain lines. The hinge reinforcing plate 60 has a main body portion 61, a first extension portion 62, and a first fold line portion (fold line portion) 63 formed between the main body portion 61 and the first extension portion 62. The first extension portion 62 extends continuously from the main body portion 61 to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The main body portion 61 is disposed on the groove bottom wall 23 at a position corresponding to the hinge member 3 in a plan view. In addition, the first fold line portion 63 is disposed on the first ridge line, and the first extension portion 62 is disposed on the outer inclined wall 24 (side outer inclined wall 24b). The main body portion 61 is provided with two second through holes 52 at positions overlapping with the two first through holes 51 of the tip portion 3c. Similarly, the inner panel 20 is also provided with two third through holes 53 at positions overlapping with the two first through holes 51 of the tip portion 3c.

[0032] In the automobile hood structure of this embodiment, a plurality (two) of first joints 50a, 50b are provided at which the groove bottom wall 23, the tip portion 3c (hinge member 3) and the hinge reinforcing plate 60 of the inner panel 20 are bolted (joined). The first joints 50a, 50b may be joined by other mechanical joining. The plurality (two) of first joints 50a, 50b are arranged on the main body 61 at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction. That is, the hinge member 3, the hinge reinforcing plate 60 and the groove bottom wall 23 of the inner panel 20 are joined by inserting bolts 54 into the first through hole 51, the second through hole 52 and the third through hole 53, respectively, and fastening them with nuts 55. The inner panel 20 and the hinge reinforcing plate 60 may be further joined by means other than bolt joining, such as spot welding, SPR (self-piercing rivets) and FSW (friction stir welding).

[0033] In the automotive hood structure of this embodiment, a plurality (two) of second joints 56a, 56b are provided where the outer inclined wall 24 of the inner panel 20 and the hinge reinforcing plate 60 are spot welded (joined). The second joints 56a, 56b may be joined by, for example, SPR, mechanical clinching, FSW, or the like. The plurality (two) of second joints are arranged in the first extension portion 62 with an interval therebetween in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0034] One (50b) of the (two) first joints 50a, 50b located at the frontmost position in the vehicle longitudinal direction and one (56b) of the (two) second joints 56a, 56b are aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Here, the first joints 50b and the second joints 56b being aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction means that the first through hole 51 (the second through hole 52, the third through hole 53) and the spot-welded nugget portion 57 at least partially overlap in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a plan view. In addition, the multiple (one) first joints 50a other than the one (50b) located at the frontmost position in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the multiple (one) second joints 56a may be aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0035] The automobile hood 1 according to the present invention is fixed to the vehicle body by a support structure in which a pair of hinge members 3 located on both sides of the vehicle rear are supported. Therefore, when a load is applied to the front part of the hood 1, the inner panel 20 receives a large moment near the hinge members 3, and the inner panel 20 is torsionally deformed. In particular, the outer inclined wall 24 side near the hinge members 3 in the inner panel 20, i.e., the portion where the ridges such as the first ridge 41 are formed, is required to have high rigidity because deformation is likely to occur. In this embodiment, the portion is reinforced by the first extension 62, so that the rigidity of the hood 1 can be effectively improved. In this embodiment, the first joint 50b located at the frontmost position in the vehicle front-rear direction and one of the second joints 56a, 56b are aligned in the vehicle front-rear direction. This prevents the hood 1 from being subjected to a twisting force against the groove bottom wall 23 (where the first joints 50a, 50b are located) and the outer inclined wall 24 (where the second joints 56a, 56b are located), thereby suppressing torsional deformation of the inner panel 20.

[0036] As described above, according to the automotive hood structure of the present invention, the rigidity of the hood 1 can be effectively improved.

[0037] Second embodiment 8, the configuration of an automotive hood structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the following respects: The other configurations of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and elements that are the same as or similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0038] The hinge reinforcing plate 60 (main body portion 61 and first extension portion 62) according to this embodiment extends forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction beyond the second ridge line 42 (see the parallel oblique line portion in FIG. 8). The hinge reinforcing plate 60 includes third joint portions 56c, 56d, 56e that are spot welded (joined) to the inner panel 20 (the side groove bottom wall 23b and the side outer inclined wall 24b) at the extending portions. The third joint portions 56c, 56d, 56e may be joined by, for example, SPR, mechanical clinching, FSW, or the like. There is, for example, one joint at the extending portion of the main body portion 61 and two at the extending portions of the first extension portion 62.

[0039] As described above, high rigidity is required in the area where ridges such as the second ridge 42 are formed, since deformation is likely to occur in that area. In this embodiment, the area is reinforced by the hinge reinforcing plate 60 (main body portion 61 and first extension portion 62), so that the rigidity of the hood 1 can be effectively improved.

[0040] Third embodiment 9 and 10, the configuration of the automotive hood structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the second embodiment in the following respects: The other configurations of this embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar elements as those of the second embodiment.

[0041] The hinge reinforcing plate 60 according to the present embodiment includes a fourth joint portion 56f that is spot welded (joined) to the inner inclined wall 22 forward of the second ridge line 42 in the vehicle longitudinal direction and inward of the third ridge line 43 in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the main body portion 61 and the first extension portion 62 extend forward of the second ridge line 42 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The hinge reinforcing plate 60 includes a tab 67 (see the parallel hatched portion in FIG. 9 ) at the front end of the extension portion of the main body portion 61, and a second fold line portion 68 formed between the main body portion 61 and the tab 67. The tab 67 is disposed on the side inner inclined wall 22b, and the second fold line portion 68 is disposed on the third ridge line 43. The tab 67 is spot welded to the side inner inclined wall 22b. The fourth joint portion 56f may be joined by, for example, SPR, mechanical clinching, FSW, or the like. The spot welded joint is, for example, at tab 67 .

[0042] As described above, high rigidity is required in the portion where ridgelines such as the third ridgeline 43 are formed, since deformation is likely to occur. In this embodiment, this portion is reinforced by the tab 67, so that the rigidity of the hood 1 can be effectively improved. Also, in this embodiment, the tab 67 is spot welded to the inner inclined wall 22, and as described above, the first extension portion 62 is spot welded to the outer inclined wall 24. Therefore, displacement of the outer inclined wall 24 and the inner inclined wall 22 in the vehicle width direction can be restrained. Therefore, deformation of the outer inclined wall 24 to open outward in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed.

[0043] (Fourth embodiment) 11 to 14, the configuration of an automotive hood structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from any of the first to third embodiments in the following respects: The other configurations of this embodiment are similar to any of the first to third embodiments, and elements that are the same or similar to any of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0044] The hinge reinforcing plate 60 has a second extension portion 64 that faces the groove bottom wall 23 in the vehicle up-down direction and is spot-welded (joined) to the outer inclined wall 24 and the inner inclined wall 22. The second extension portion 64 may be joined to the outer inclined wall 24 and the inner inclined wall 22 by, for example, SPR, mechanical clinching, FSW, or the like. The second extension portion 64 includes an inclined wall 65 that extends from a front end of the main body portion 61 in the vehicle front-rear direction toward the outer panel 4 (upward), and a horizontal portion 66 that extends forward in the vehicle front-rear direction from the tip of the inclined wall 65 and faces the main body portion 61 at a distance. A third fold line portion 69 is formed between the main body portion 61 and the inclined wall 65, and a fourth fold line portion 70 is formed between the inclined wall 65 and the horizontal portion 66. The inclined wall 65 is disposed on a side wall 27a described later, and the horizontal portion 66 is disposed on a top surface portion 26 described later. The third fold line portion 69 is disposed at a fifth fold line portion 71 described later, and the fourth fold line portion 70 is disposed at a sixth fold line portion 72 described later. The inclined wall 65 and the horizontal portion 66 extend continuously from the end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction so as to contact the side outer inclined wall 24b. As described later, the hinge reinforcing plate 60 is spot welded to the outer inclined wall 24 and the inner inclined wall 22 (support base 25) at the second extension portion 64. Therefore, in a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction, the groove bottom wall 23, the outer inclined wall 24, the inner inclined wall 22, and the second extension portion 64 form a closed cross-sectional shape. The second extension portion 64 may be disposed below the main body portion 61 in the vehicle up-down direction. That is, the inclined wall 65 may extend downward. In this case, each of the pair of hinge reinforcing plates 60 may be attached to the lower surface of the inner panel 20.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 14, the inner inclined wall 22 has a support base 25 for supporting the horizontal portion 66. In order to explain the shape of the support base 25, the hinge reinforcing plate 60 is removed. In order to clarify the shape of the support base 25, the configuration other than the support base 25 is shown by two-dot chain lines. The support base 25 has a top surface portion 26 that is a substantially quadrangular truncated pyramid shape. Side walls 27a to c extend from three sides of the top surface portion 26 as base ends. The tips of the side walls 27a to c are connected to the groove bottom wall 23. A fifth fold line portion 71 is formed between the side wall 27a and the groove bottom wall 23, and a sixth fold line portion 72 is formed between the side wall 27a and the top surface portion 26. The shape of the support base 25 may be set arbitrarily, and may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped or another polygonal truncated pyramid. In addition, the support base 25 does not need to have side walls, and for example, only the top surface portion 26 may be joined to the inner inclined wall 22. The support base 25 may be formed integrally with the inner inclined wall 22, or may be later attached to the inner inclined wall 22 by welding or the like.

[0046] The support base 25 is provided so that the fifth fold line portion 71 is located on an extension of the second ridge line 42. The support base 25 may be located in any position, but is preferably located near the hinge member 3.

[0047] The horizontal portion 66 is spot welded to the support base 25. There is, for example, one joint to the support base 25 by spot welding at the horizontal portion 66. Furthermore, the inclined wall 65 and the horizontal portion 66 are spot welded to the outer inclined wall 24. There is, for example, one joint to the outer inclined wall 24 at each of the inclined wall 65 and the horizontal portion 66.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the outer inclined wall 24 is configured as part of a closed cross section together with the groove bottom wall 23, the inner inclined wall 22, and the second extension portion 64. Therefore, the displacement of the outer inclined wall 24 and the inner inclined wall 22 in the vehicle width direction is further restricted, and deformation of the outer inclined wall 24 opening outward in the vehicle width direction can be further suppressed.

[0049] (torsional rigidity evaluation analysis) 15 and 16, the configurations of the automotive hood structures according to Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 differ from the first embodiment in the following respects. Other configurations of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 are similar to the first embodiment, and elements that are the same or similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0050] The automotive hood structure according to Comparative Example 1 includes a hinge reinforcing plate 60 having only a main body portion 61. The hinge reinforcing plate 60 is joined to the inner panel 20 only at the first joint portions 50a, 50b.

[0051] In the automotive hood structure according to Comparative Example 2, the hinge reinforcing plate 60 has a main body 61 and a first extension 62, and is joined to the inner panel 20 at the first joints 50a, 50b and the second joint 56a. The first joints 50a, other than the one located most forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the second joint 56a are aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction. That is, the hinge reinforcing plate 60 is not provided to reinforce the portion of the inner panel 20 where deformation is most concentrated when a load is applied to the front portion of the hood 1. Therefore, it is not intended to effectively suppress deformation of the inner panel 20.

[0052] (Torsion rigidity evaluation analysis method) The conditions for the torsional rigidity evaluation analysis will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Note that the concept of direction will be described as being consistent with the concept seen from the driver of the vehicle. A simple support point S is set on the front right side of the inner panel 20. The inner panel 20 is simply supported at the simple support point S, and is fixed and supported at two first joints 50a, 50b on each side that are bolted together, and a load of 49 N is applied to a load point P on the front left side of the inner panel. The displacement when a load of 49 N is applied to the load point P is obtained, and the torsional rigidity is calculated using the following formula (1). Note that the Young's modulus is calculated as 68.6 GPa, and the Poisson's ratio is calculated as 0.33.

[0053]

number

[0054] (Torsion rigidity evaluation analysis results) With reference to FIG. 17, the results of the torsional rigidity evaluation analysis of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and the first to fourth embodiments will be described. In the graph, the vertical axis indicates the torsional rigidity calculated by the formula (1). The torsional rigidity of the automobile hood structure of Comparative Example 1 is 3.3 N / mm (see A in FIG. 17). The torsional rigidity of the automobile hood structure of Comparative Example 2 is 5.4 N / mm (see B in FIG. 17). The torsional rigidity of the automobile hood structure of the first embodiment is 6.0 N / mm (see C in FIG. 17). The torsional rigidity of the automobile hood structure of the second embodiment is 6.6 N / mm (see D in FIG. 17). The torsional rigidity of the automobile hood structure of the third embodiment is 6.9 N / mm (see E in FIG. 17). The torsional rigidity of the automobile hood structure of the fourth embodiment is 8.2 N / mm (see F in FIG. 17).

[0055] From the analysis results of the automobile hood structures according to Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, it was found that the torsional rigidity was improved by having the hinge reinforcing plate 60 have the first extension portion 62 and spot welding the first extension portion 62 to the inner panel 20. From the analysis results of the automobile hood structures according to Comparative Example 2 and Embodiment 1, it was found that the torsional rigidity was further improved by aligning the first joint portion 50b, which is located most forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the second joint portion 56b in the vehicle longitudinal direction. From the analysis results of the automobile hood structures according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, it was found that the torsional rigidity was further improved by reinforcing the portion where the second ridge line 42 is formed by the hinge reinforcing plate 60. From the analysis results of the automobile hood structures according to the second and third embodiments, it was found that the torsional rigidity was further improved by restraining the displacement of the outer inclined wall 24 and the inner inclined wall 22 in the vehicle width direction. The analysis results of the automotive hood structures relating to the third and fourth embodiments showed that the torsional rigidity is further improved by configuring the outer inclined wall 24 as part of a closed cross section together with the groove bottom wall 23, the inner inclined wall 22, and the second extension portion 64.

[0056] Although the specific embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, an appropriate combination of the contents of each embodiment or modification may be one embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Automotive hood 2 Vehicles 3 Hinge member 3a Hinge base 3b Hinge arm 3c Tip 4 Outer Panel 20 Inner Panel 21 Ridge 22 Inner sloped wall 22a Rear inner sloped wall 22b Inner side wall 22c Front medial sloped wall 23 Groove bottom wall 23a Rear groove bottom wall 23b Side groove bottom wall 23c Front groove bottom wall 24 External sloped wall 24a Rear external sloped wall 24b Side outer sloped wall 24c Front external sloped wall 25 Support stand 26 Top section 27a~c side wall 41 First Ridge 42 Second Ridge 43 The third ridge 50a~b 1st joint 51 First through hole 52 Second through hole 53 Third Through Hole 54 Volts 55 Nut 56a~b 2nd joint 56c~e 3rd joint 56f 4th joint 56g~i joint 57 Nugget Section 60 Hinge Reinforcement Plate 61 Main Body 62 First Extension 63 First Fold Line (Fold Line) 64 Second Extension 65 Inclined Wall 66 Horizontal Portion 67 Tab 68 Second Fold Line 69 Third Fold Line 70 Fourth Fold Line 71 Fifth Fold Line 72 Sixth Fold Line

Claims

1. an outer panel forming an upper surface of an automobile hood; an inner panel having a raised portion disposed opposite the lower surface of the outer panel and supporting the lower surface, an inner inclined wall continuing from the raised portion and inclining with respect to the raised portion, a groove bottom wall continuing from the inner inclined wall and facing the lower surface of the outer panel with a gap therebetween, and an outer inclined wall continuing from the groove bottom wall and inclining with respect to the groove bottom wall; a hinge member joined to a rear side of a vehicle front-rear direction of a side portion of the inner panel in a vehicle width direction so as to mount the automobile hood in an openable and closable manner with respect to the vehicle; a hinge reinforcing plate disposed at a position corresponding to the hinge member in a plan view; a plurality of first joint portions at which the groove bottom wall of the inner panel, the hinge member, and the hinge reinforcing plate are joined; a plurality of second joints at which the outer inclined wall of the inner panel and the hinge reinforcing plate are joined; Equipped with the inner inclined wall has a rear inner inclined wall that is continuous from the rear in the vehicle front-rear direction and inclined with respect to the raised portion, The first joints are arranged at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction, The second joints are arranged at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction, one of the first joints located most forward in the vehicle front-rear direction and one of the second joints are aligned in the vehicle front-rear direction, The hinge member terminates rearward of a second ridge line extending in the vehicle width direction between the rear inner inclined wall and the groove bottom wall.

2. The hood structure for an automobile according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of first joints is aligned with one of the plurality of second joints in the vehicle front-rear direction.

3. The hinge reinforcing plate is a main body portion disposed on the groove bottom wall; A first extension portion extending continuously from the main body portion toward the outside in the vehicle width direction; a folding line portion that is formed between the main body portion and the first extension portion and is disposed on a first ridgeline that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction between the groove bottom wall and the outer inclined wall; having The first joint portion is provided on the main body portion, The hood structure for an automobile according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second joint portion is provided on the first extension portion.

4. An automotive hood structure as described in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hinge reinforcement plate has a third joint portion that is joined to the inner panel forward of the second ridge in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

5. 2. The automotive hood structure according to claim 1, wherein the hinge reinforcing plate has a fourth joint portion joined to the inner inclined wall forward of the second ridge line in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction and inside in the vehicle width direction of a third ridge line extending in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction between the groove bottom wall and the inner inclined wall.

6. an outer panel forming an upper surface of an automobile hood; an inner panel having a raised portion disposed opposite the lower surface of the outer panel and supporting the lower surface, an inner inclined wall continuing from the raised portion and inclining with respect to the raised portion, a groove bottom wall continuing from the inner inclined wall and facing the lower surface of the outer panel with a gap therebetween, and an outer inclined wall continuing from the groove bottom wall and inclining with respect to the groove bottom wall; a hinge member joined to a rear side of a vehicle front-rear direction of a side portion of the inner panel in a vehicle width direction so as to mount the automobile hood in an openable and closable manner with respect to the vehicle; a hinge reinforcing plate disposed at a position corresponding to the hinge member in a plan view; a plurality of first joint portions at which the groove bottom wall of the inner panel, the hinge member, and the hinge reinforcing plate are joined; a plurality of second joints at which the outer inclined wall of the inner panel and the hinge reinforcing plate are joined; Equipped with The first joints are arranged at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction, The second joints are arranged at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction, one of the first joints located most forward in the vehicle front-rear direction and one of the second joints are aligned in the vehicle front-rear direction, the hinge reinforcing plate has a second extension portion that faces the groove bottom wall in the vehicle up-down direction and is joined to the outer inclined wall and the inner inclined wall, a groove bottom wall, an outer inclined wall, an inner inclined wall, and a second extension portion each defining a closed cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction.

7. the hinge reinforcing plate has a second extension portion that faces the groove bottom wall in the vehicle up-down direction and is joined to the outer inclined wall and the inner inclined wall, 6. The automotive hood structure according to claim 1, wherein a closed cross-sectional shape is formed by the groove bottom wall, the outer inclined wall, the inner inclined wall, and the second extension portion in a cross section perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction.

8. The pair of hinge members are provided on both side portions of the inner panel in the vehicle width direction, 8. The hood structure for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein a pair of said hinge reinforcing plates are provided for each of said pair of hinge members.

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