Vehicle body structure

Abstract

To restrict damages to a bonnet at the time of a light collision.SOLUTION: A vehicle body structure A comprises: a rear part crash can 53c which is compressed and deformed if a first prescribed load is applied; and a front part crash can 53d which is compressed and deformed if a second prescribed load smaller than the first prescribed load is applied. A front part of a bonnet BF is positioned at a vehicle rear side of a front part of the rear part crash can 53c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle body structure provided in an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, on both sides in the vehicle width direction at the front part of an automobile body, a pair of left and right front side frames extending in the vehicle front-rear direction are provided. In Patent Document 1, a sub-frame is connected to the lower side of the front side frame. The sub-frame has a closed-loop structure portion configured in a substantially parallelogram shape on the left side and the right side, respectively. That is, the closed-loop structure portion on the left side includes a front member extending in the vehicle width direction, inner and outer members inclined inward in the vehicle width direction from both ends of the front member toward the rear of the vehicle, and a rear member extending from the rear portion of the inner member to the rear portion of the outer member. Similarly, the closed-loop structure portion on the right side also includes a front member, inner and outer members, and a rear member.

[0003] In addition, a bonnet is provided on the front side of the automobile so as to be openable and closable. The front part of the bonnet in the vehicle is often positioned above or in the vicinity of the upper part of the front bumper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, assume a case where an automobile collides with an obstacle, for example. Depending on the degree of the collision, there is a case where it is classified as a minor collision in which only the vehicle front side portion of the closed loop structure portion of Patent Document 1 is deformed. In order not to damage the skeleton portion of the vehicle body (for example, the front side frame, etc.) during this minor collision, a bumper reinforcement is disposed inside the front bumper, and the bumper reinforcement is supported by a crush can extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a structure may be adopted in which only the crush can is compressed and deformed to absorb the impact load during a minor collision.

[0006] However, when the crush can is compressed and deformed during a minor collision, the obstacle that has collided with the vehicle front surface of the automobile will relatively move rearward of the vehicle, and the obstacle may hit the vehicle front portion of the bonnet. Since the bonnet has significantly lower strength compared to the front side frame, etc., it is easily deformed when the obstacle hits from the front of the vehicle. When the bonnet is deformed, there is a problem that sheet metal repair or replacement with a new one is inevitable, and the repair cost becomes high in either case of repair and replacement.

[0007] The present disclosure is in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to suppress damage to the bonnet during a minor collision.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] To achieve the above object, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to assume a vehicle body structure of an automobile equipped with a bonnet on the vehicle front side. The vehicle body structure is attached to a vehicle body side member, extends forward from the vehicle body side member, maintains an initial shape until a first predetermined load acts during a collision of the automobile, and is a pair of left and right rear crush cans that are compressed and deformed when the first predetermined load acts, and a pair of left and right front crush cans that extend forward from the front portion of the rear crush cans and are compressed and deformed when a second predetermined load smaller than the first predetermined load acts during a collision of the automobile. The front portion of the bonnet is located rearward of the vehicle compared to the front portion of the rear crush can.

[0009] According to this configuration, during a collision of the vehicle, an impact load acts on the front crush can and the rear crush can. At this time, in the case of a minor collision where an impact load greater than the second predetermined load and smaller than the first predetermined load acts, the front crush can is compressed and deformed, while the rear crush can hardly deforms and maintains its original shape behind the front crush can in the vehicle rear direction, and the front portion of the rear crush can is positioned in front of the front portion of the bonnet. Therefore, even if the obstacle relatively moves to the rear of the vehicle, it will not hit the front portion of the bonnet, so damage to the bonnet due to the collision of the obstacle can be suppressed. Incidentally, during a collision where the impact load exceeds the first predetermined load, the rear crush can also deforms to absorb the impact load.

[0010] The vehicle body side member according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is a suspension support member that supports a front suspension device, and the rear portion of the rear crush can is attached to the front portion of the suspension support member.

[0011] According to this configuration, since the suspension support member is a member that supports the front suspension device, it is a member with high rigidity. By attaching the rear crush can to this high-rigidity suspension support member, the retreat of the rear crush can during a minor collision can be suppressed, and the obstacle can be prevented from hitting the bonnet.

[0012] In the third aspect of the present disclosure, a lower cross member extending in the vehicle width direction below the front crush can, and lower impact absorbing members that support both sides in the vehicle width direction of the lower cross member and absorb an impact load in the vehicle front-rear direction are further provided. The lower impact absorbing member extends forward of the vehicle from the front portion of the bonnet.

[0013] According to this configuration, since the impact load during a minor collision can also be absorbed by the lower impact absorbing member, the effect of suppressing damage to the bonnet is further enhanced.

[0014] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is further provided an upper cross member that extends in the vehicle width direction behind the vehicle and above the rear crush can, relative to the front portion of the rear crush can. The upper cross member is provided with a fixing portion for fixing the front portion of the bonnet.

[0015] According to this configuration, the front portion of the bonnet is fixed to the upper cross member by the fixing portion. Assuming a light collision in this fixed state, since the upper cross member provided with the fixing portion is located behind the vehicle relative to the front portion of the rear crush can, even if an obstacle moves relatively rearward of the vehicle, it will not hit the front portion of the bonnet.

[0016] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction is attached to the front portion of the front crush can. The left side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed so as to be located more rearward of the vehicle as it approaches the left end, and the right side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed so as to be located more rearward of the vehicle as it approaches the right end. The intermediate portion between the left side portion and the right side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed to extend in the vehicle width direction. The rear crush can is located directly below the intermediate portion of the bonnet.

[0017] According to this configuration, for example, when the left and right side portions of the front portion of the bonnet are formed to be gradually located more rearward of the vehicle in response to design requirements of an automobile, it becomes difficult for an obstacle during a light collision to hit the left and right side portions of the bonnet. On the other hand, since the intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction of the bonnet extends in the vehicle width direction, it becomes easier for an obstacle during a light collision to hit the intermediate portion. In this configuration, a pair of left and right rear crush cans can be arranged corresponding to the intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction of the bonnet, so that it becomes difficult for an obstacle during a light collision to hit the intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction of the bonnet.

[0018] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is further provided a cross member that is disposed vertically away from the front crash can and extends in the vehicle width direction, and shock absorbing members that support both sides in the vehicle width direction of the cross member and absorb impact loads in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The shock absorbing members are located directly below the middle portion of the bonnet.

[0019] According to this configuration, the shock absorbing members can be arranged so as to correspond to the middle portion in the vehicle width direction of the bonnet, making it difficult for an obstacle to hit the middle portion in the vehicle width direction of the bonnet during a minor collision.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] As described above, during a minor collision of an automobile, only the front crash can is deformed so that the rear crash can is not deformed, and the front portion of the bonnet is positioned behind the front portion of the rear crash can in the vehicle rearward direction, thereby suppressing damage to the bonnet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of an automobile 1 equipped with a vehicle body front structure A (shown in FIG. 2) according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. In describing this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle will be simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction," the front side of the vehicle will be simply referred to as the "front side," and the "rear side" of the vehicle will be simply referred to as the "rear." Furthermore, the width direction of the vehicle is the lateral direction of the vehicle, with the left side of the vehicle being simply referred to as the "left side" and the right side of the vehicle being simply referred to as the "right side."

[0024] (Overall structure of the vehicle) The automobile 1 is a passenger vehicle, and a passenger space R1 for passengers is provided in the middle of the automobile 1 in the longitudinal direction. The passenger space R1 is provided with front seats (front seats) FS constituting the front seats, and rear seats (rear seats) RS constituting the rear seats. The front seats FS include a driver's seat located on the right (or left) side of the passenger space R1, and a passenger seat located on the left (or right) side of the passenger space R1. Rear seats RS are also located on the right and left sides of the passenger space R1. Although not shown, a third row of seats may be provided behind the rear seats RS. Furthermore, the rear seats RS are not essential and may be omitted.

[0025] A front door FD and a rear door RD are disposed on the left and right sides of the passenger space R1, respectively. In the case of an automobile 1 without a rear seat RS, the rear door RD can be omitted.

[0026] In front of the passenger space R1 of the vehicle 1, a front space R2 is provided. In this front space R2, a power train PT can be mounted as required. When the power train PT is mounted in the front space R2, the front space R2 can also be called, for example, a power train storage room, a motor room, an engine room, etc. Above the front space R2, a bonnet BF is provided. The rear part of the bonnet BF is supported by a hinge (not shown) or the like with respect to the vehicle body. In addition, a front bumper 150 is provided at the front of the vehicle 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, on both the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle 1, left and right front headlights L are provided respectively. The front headlights L may include a turn signal or the like.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, behind the passenger space R1 of the vehicle 1, a luggage compartment space R3 capable of storing luggage and the like is provided. The luggage compartment space R3 can be opened and closed by a trunk lid TR. Behind the passenger space R1 of the vehicle 1 and below the luggage compartment space R3, a rear space R4 is provided. In this rear space R4, a power train PT that generates the power of the vehicle 1 can be mounted as required. When the power train PT is mounted in the rear space R4, the rear space R4 can also be called, for example, a power train storage room, a motor room, an engine room, etc.

[0028] The power train PT may be mounted in both the front space R2 and the rear space R4, or may be mounted in only one of them. When the power train PT is mounted only in the front space R2, it becomes a front-wheel drive vehicle that drives only the front wheels FT with the power train PT. When the power train PT is mounted only in the rear space R4, it becomes a rear-wheel drive vehicle that drives only the rear wheels RT with the power train PT. Further, when the power train PT is mounted in both the front space R2 and the rear space R4 to drive the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT, it becomes a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0029] The power train PT includes at least a traveling motor M (shown in FIG. 2) for driving drive wheels, and may also include a speed reducer, a transmission, etc. as required. Therefore, the vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle. The traveling motor M is arranged such that its rotation center extends in the left-right direction. The power train PT may include, in addition to the traveling motor M, for example, a control unit. The power train PT may include an internal combustion engine. A battery unit Y (also shown in FIG. 1) for supplying power to the traveling motor M is mounted below the vehicle 1. For example, the battery unit Y may be charged using the power generated by the internal combustion engine, or at least one of the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT may be driven by the power generated by the internal combustion engine.

[0030] The type of the vehicle 1 does not have to be a four-door vehicle as shown as an example in FIG. 1, and may be, for example, a vehicle without a rear door RD. Also, although not shown, the present invention can be applied to a vehicle in which a rear space R4 can be opened and closed by a tailgate, such as a hatchback vehicle.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 1 includes a lower structure 2 and an upper structure 3, and a vehicle body front structure A is formed by the front portion of the lower structure 2 and the front portion of the upper structure 3. Note that the vehicle body front structure A may include an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the lower structure 2 and an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the upper structure 3.

[0032] In FIG. 2, a state is shown in which the door FD, RD, bonnet BF, fender, windshield, roof, center pillar, rear pillar, front bumper 150, rear bumper, front and rear lighting devices (such as headlight L) including headlights, instrument panel, front and rear seats, etc. originally provided in the upper structure 3 are removed. Also, in FIG. 2, a state is shown in which the front wheels FT, rear wheels RT, suspension devices, etc. originally provided in the lower structure 2 are removed.

[0033] The lower structure 2 is provided with a battery unit Y. The battery unit Y has a front battery FB and a rear battery RB, and a frame-shaped frame 10 surrounding the front battery FB and the rear battery RB. Further, the lower structure 2 includes a front support frame 20 extending forward from the front portion of the frame-shaped frame 10, and a rear support frame 30 extending rearward from the rear portion of the frame-shaped frame 10.

[0034] Although not shown, in the case of a general electric vehicle, the battery unit is often made detachable under the floor as a separate body from the vehicle body. However, in this embodiment, not only the batteries FB and RB, but also the front support frame 20 and the rear support frame 30 are integrated with the frame-shaped frame 10 surrounding the batteries FB and RB, and the front support frame 20 and the rear support frame 30 are also detachable from the upper structure 3 together with the batteries FB and RB.

[0035] Specifically, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured to be vertically divisible into a lower structure 2 having the batteries FB and RB and an upper structure 3 forming a passenger space R1 and a cargo space R3. The ability to be vertically divided means that, without using welding, adhesion, etc., the lower structure 2 is integrated with the upper structure 3 by using fastening members such as bolts, nuts, and screws. Thereby, when performing maintenance or repair after the vehicle 1 is delivered to the user, the lower structure 2 can be separated from the upper structure 3 as needed, improving the maintainability.

[0036] Here, as a vehicle body structure of a vehicle, a ladder frame type vehicle body structure is known. In the case of a ladder frame type vehicle body structure, it is vertically divisible into a ladder frame and a cabin. However, since the ladder frame extends continuously in the front-rear direction, it mainly receives a collision load during a front collision and a rear collision. During a side collision, the ladder frame only receives the collision load assistantly, and the cabin mainly receives the collision load. Thus, in a ladder frame type vehicle body structure, it is normal for the members receiving the collision load to be separated between the front and rear collisions and the side collision.

[0037] In contrast, in the case of the motor vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the lower structure 2 having the front support frame 20 and the rear support frame 30 and the upper structure 3 are separable. However, in both the case of a frontal collision and a rear collision, and in the case of a side collision, by receiving the collision load by the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3, the collision load can be dispersed and absorbed by both structures 2 and 3, and the technical concept is greatly different from that of the conventional ladder frame type vehicle body structure. Hereinafter, the structures of the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 will be described in order. In the present embodiment, an example in which the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 are separable will be described. However, the present invention is not applicable only to such a separable vehicle body structure, but is also applicable to a vehicle body structure in which the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 cannot be separated.

[0038] (Lower Structure) First, the lower structure 2 will be described. In addition to the batteries FB, RB, the frame-shaped frame 10, the front support frame 20, and the rear support frame 30, the lower structure 2 also includes the power train PT, the front wheels FT, the rear wheels RT, the front suspension devices SP1, SP2 shown by phantom lines in FIG. 3, and the rear suspension devices SP3, SP4. The types of the front suspension devices SP1, SP2 and the rear suspension devices SP3, SP4 are not particularly limited, and the vehicle body structure can be changed according to the types of the front suspension devices SP1, SP2 and the rear suspension devices SP3, SP4.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2 , the frame-type frame 10, which forms the framework of the battery unit Y, is a member for enclosing and protecting the front battery FB, the rear battery RB, harnesses, and the like. The frame-type frame 10 is formed large below a passenger-space-side floor panel 41 (described later), extending from near the left end to near the right end of the passenger-space-side floor panel 41 and from near the front end to near the rear end of the passenger-space-side floor panel 41. By providing the frame-type frame 10 over a wide area below the passenger-space-side floor panel 41 in this manner, it becomes possible to mount large-capacity batteries FB and RB in the automobile 1. The batteries FB and RB may be, for example, lithium-ion batteries, all-solid-state batteries, or other secondary batteries. The batteries FB and RB may also be so-called battery cells or battery packs containing multiple battery cells.

[0040] The housing-type frame 10 includes a left side member 11, a right side member 12, a front member 13, and a rear member 14, and these members 11 to 14 are battery members. The left side member 11, the right side member 12, the front member 13, and the rear member 14 are made of, for example, an aluminum alloy extrusion material, but may also be made of aluminum alloy plate material or press-formed steel plate material. In the following description, the term "extruded material" refers to an aluminum alloy extrusion material, and the term "press-formed material" refers to an aluminum alloy plate material or press-formed steel plate material. Furthermore, each member may be made of, for example, a casting, a die-cast, or the like.

[0041] The cross-sectional shapes of the left side member 11, right side member 12, front member 13, and rear member 14 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are all rectangular. The left side member 11, right side member 12, front member 13, and rear member 14 are all disposed at the same height and extend substantially horizontally. The front member 13 extends in the vehicle width direction in front of the battery unit Y.

[0042] When connecting the lower structure 2 to the upper structure 3, the front member 13 is fastened and fixed to the lower part of the dash panel 50 with a fastening member, and the left side member 11 and the right side member 12 are respectively fastened and fixed to the left and right side sills 60 with fastening members. Further, the rear member 14 is fastened and fixed to a connection panel 43 described later with a fastening member.

[0043] The left side member 11 is provided at the left end of the lower structure 2 and extends in the front-rear direction. The right side member 12 is provided at the right end of the lower structure 2 and extends in the front-rear direction. The left side member 11 and the right side member 12 are respectively arranged inside the vehicle width direction of the left and right side sills 60 described later. Further, the front member 13 extends from the front end of the left side member 11 to the front end of the right side member 12. The left end of the front member 13 is connected to the front end of the left side member 11, and the right end of the front member 13 is connected to the front end of the right side member 12. The rear member 14 is provided at the rear of the battery unit Y and extends in the left-right direction from the rear end of the left side member 11 to the rear end of the right side member 12. The left end of the rear member 14 is connected to the rear end of the left side member 11, and the right end of the rear member 14 is connected to the rear end of the right side member 12.

[0044] A cover member 15 (shown in FIG. 5) serving as a bottom plate is attached to the lower part of the frame-shaped frame 10. The cover member 15 is provided with a passage forming part 15a that forms a cooling water passage through which cooling water can flow. The frame-shaped frame 10 is closed from below by the cover member 15. The cover member 15 extends substantially horizontally and is fixed to the lower surfaces of the left side member 11, the right side member 12, the front member 13, and the rear member 14, and is also fixed to the side sill 60 as described later. Incidentally, the upper part of the frame-shaped frame 10 may be closed with a lid body (not shown) or may be closed with a passenger space side floor panel 41 described later. Incidentally, the power of the batteries FB and RB housed in the frame-shaped frame 10 is supplied to the traveling motor M via a traveling control circuit (not shown). Further, the batteries FB and RB can be charged via a charging socket (not shown).

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the central portion in the left-right direction of the front body structure A. As shown in this FIG. 4, inside the frame-shaped frame 10, first to third battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C are provided as reinforcing members extending in the left-right direction. The first to third battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. The left end portions of the respective battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C are fixed to the inner surface (right side surface) of the left side member 11, and the right end portions of the respective battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C are fixed to the inner surface (left side surface) of the right side member 12. Further, inside the frame-shaped frame 10, a front center member 16 and first to third rear center members 17 to 19 are provided as reinforcing members extending in the front-rear direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of left and right front support frames 20 are provided and extend linearly substantially horizontally below the upper structure 3. Each front support frame 20 can be composed of, for example, an extruded material or a press-formed material. In this embodiment, since each front support frame 20 is composed of an extruded material, the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is substantially the same from the front end portion to the rear end portion.

[0047] The left front support frame 20 is connected to a portion on the left side of the left-right center of the front side member 13 that constitutes the front portion of the frame-shaped frame 10, and this connection portion is located on the right side of the left side member 11 of the frame-shaped frame 10. Further, the right front support frame 20 is connected to a portion on the right side of the left-right center of the front side member 13, and this connection portion is located on the left side of the right side member 12 of the frame-shaped frame 10. The heights of the left and right front support frames 20 are substantially the same.

[0048] The front power train PT is attached to the front support frame 20 via a mounting member (not shown). In this case, the front support frame 20 serves as a front motor support frame that supports the traveling motor M in front of the battery unit Y. The lower structure 2 is provided with drive shafts S1 on the left and right that transmit the output of the power train PT (the rotational force of the traveling motor M) to the left and right front wheels FT, respectively.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of left and right rear support frames 30 are provided in the same manner as the front support frame 20, and extend rearward in a substantially horizontal straight line. Each rear support frame 30 can be formed of, for example, an extruded material or a press-formed material. In this embodiment, each rear support frame 30 is formed of an extruded material.

[0050] The left rear support frame 30 is connected to a portion of the rear side member 14 that forms the rear part of the frame-type frame 10 and is located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the rear side member 14. This connection portion is located to the right of the left side member 11 of the frame-type frame 10. Also, the right rear support frame 30 is connected to a portion of the rear side member 14 that is located to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the rear side member 14. This connection portion is located to the left of the right side member 12 of the frame-type frame 10.

[0051] The rear power train PT is attached to the rear support frame 30 via a mounting member (not shown). In this case, the rear support frame 30 serves as a rear motor support frame that supports the traveling motor M behind the battery unit Y. The lower structure 2 is provided with drive shafts S2 on the left and right that transmit the output of the power train PT (the rotational force of the traveling motor M) to the left and right rear wheels RT, respectively.

[0052] (Upper structure) Next, the upper structure 3 will be described. The upper structure 3 includes a floor constituent member 40, a dash panel 50, and a pair of left and right side sills 60. The floor constituent member 40 is a member disposed above the frame-type frame 10 and the rear support frame 30 of the lower structure 2. This floor constituent member 40 includes an occupant space side floor panel 41 that constitutes the floor of the occupant space R1 where the front seat FS and the rear seat RS (shown in FIG. 1) on which the occupant sits are provided, a luggage compartment space side floor panel 42 that constitutes the floor of the luggage compartment space R3, and a connection panel 43 that connects the rear part of the occupant space side floor panel 41 and the front part of the luggage compartment space side floor panel 42. A kick-up portion is constituted by the connection panel 43.

[0053] The floor constituent member 40 can be constituted by, for example, a member obtained by press-forming a steel plate or the like. The occupant space side floor panel 41, the luggage compartment space side floor panel 42, and the connection panel 43 may be integrally formed, or may be formed as separate members and then connected to each other. Further, in the present embodiment, although the occupant space side floor panel 41, the luggage compartment space side floor panel 42, and the connection panel 43 are described separately in three parts, the floor constituent member 40 including these panels 41 to 43 may be referred to as a floor panel. Further, only the occupant space side floor panel 41 may be referred to as a floor panel.

[0054] The occupant space side floor panel 41 extends from the front part to the rear part of the occupant space R1 and from the left side part to the right side part of the occupant space R1. The occupant space side floor panel 41 according to the present embodiment has a floor tunnel-less structure without a tunnel part, but may have a tunnel part.

[0055] A recessed portion 41a formed to bulge downward is formed in the middle part in the front-rear direction of the occupant space side floor panel 41. The recessed portion 41a has a bottom surface portion 41b on which the feet of the rear seat occupant sitting on the rear seat RS can be placed. The bottom surface portion 41b is formed substantially horizontally. The recessed portion 41a can be continuously formed from the left side part to the right side part of the occupant space side floor panel 41.

[0056] The cargo space side floor panel 42 is positioned above the passenger space side floor panel 41. Below the cargo space side floor panel 42, a rear space R4 is located. Since the cargo space side floor panel 42 is arranged above the passenger space side floor panel 41, the connection panel 43 will extend in the vertical direction.

[0057] As shown also in FIG. 4, the dash panel 50 is a member that serves as a partition between the front space R2 and the passenger space R1, extends upward from the front portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41, and also extends in the left - right direction, partitioning the front portion of the passenger space R1.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the left and right side sills 60 are respectively disposed so as to extend in the front - rear direction at both left and right ends of the passenger space side floor panel 41. The left end portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 is connected to the middle portion in the vertical direction of the left side sill 60. The upper part of the side sill 60 protrudes upward from the connection part of the passenger space side floor panel 41, and the lower part of the side sill 60 protrudes downward from the connection part of the passenger space side floor panel 41. Since the battery unit Y including the batteries FB and RB is disposed below the passenger space side floor panel 41, in a side view of the vehicle, the lower part of the side sill 60 and the batteries FB and RB are arranged so as to overlap. Also, the right side sill 60 is similarly connected to the right end portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0059] The upper structure 3 includes a pair of left and right hinge pillars 70. The right hinge pillar 70 extends upward from the front end portion of the right side sill 60. Also, the left hinge pillar 70 extends upward from the front end portion of the left side sill 60. The left and right front doors FD (shown in FIG. 1) are rotatably attached to the left and right hinge pillars 70 respectively. The left edge portion of the dash panel 50 is connected to the right side surface of the left hinge pillar 70. Also, the right edge portion of the dash panel 50 is connected to the left side surface of the right hinge pillar 70. Although not shown, a center pillar, a rear pillar, etc. are also provided on the upper structure 3.

[0060] On the left side in front of the dashboard 50 in the upper structure 3, there is provided a left front wheel suspension support member 51A that supports a suspension device (front suspension device) SP1 of the left front wheel FT (shown by a virtual line in FIG. 4). Also, on the right side in front of the dashboard 50 in the upper structure 3, there is provided a right front wheel suspension support member 51B that supports a suspension device (front suspension device) SP2 of the right front wheel FT (shown by a virtual line in FIG. 4). The types of the suspension devices SP1 and SP2 are not particularly limited. For example, they include a suspension arm that supports the front wheel FT so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, a shock absorber, a spring, etc. The suspension arm body side end portion, the upper end portion of the shock absorber, etc. are attached to the front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B. The front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B can be made of, for example, aluminum die-cast, but are not limited thereto, and may be configured by combining a steel plate or the like.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6 etc., on the left side in front of the dashboard 50, there are provided three left fixing frames 52A for fixing the left front wheel suspension support member 51A. The three left fixing frames 52A are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left fixing frames 52A are fixed to the front wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear portions of the left fixing frames 52A arranged at the uppermost and the middle in the vertical direction are fixed to the left hinge pillar 70 or the left side of the dashboard 50. Also, the rear portion of the left fixing frame 52A arranged at the lowermost is connected to the left side of the front side member 13 of the left side sill 60 or the frame-shaped frame 10. Thereby, the rear portion of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A can be connected to the front side member 13.

[0062] As only a portion of the right side is shown in FIG. 3 , three right side fixed frames 52B for fixing a right front wheel suspension support member 51B are provided on the right side, forward of the dash panel 50. The three right side fixed frames 52B are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three right side fixed frames 52B are fixed to the front wheel suspension support member 51B. Meanwhile, the rear portions of the uppermost and vertically intermediate right side fixed frames 52B are fixed to the right hinge pillar 70 or the right side of the dash panel 50. Furthermore, the rear portion of the lowest right side fixed frame 52B is connected to the right side sill 60 or the right side of the front member 13 of the frame 10. This allows the rear portion of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B to be connected to the front member 13.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the vertical middle portion of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A and the vertical middle portion of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B are connected by a lower connecting member 105 extending in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 6, a reinforcing member 106 is also provided that connects the upper portion of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A, the lower portion of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A, the upper portion of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B, and the lower portion of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B.

[0064] 6, 8, etc., a left-side crash can 53A extending forward is attached to the front of a left-side front wheel suspension support member 51A, which serves as a vehicle body member. A right-side crash can 53B extending forward is attached to the front of a right-side front wheel suspension support member 51B, which also serves as a vehicle body member. Bumper reinforcements 140 extending in the left-right direction are attached to the front of the left and right crash cans 53A, 53B.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper structure 3 includes a left front frame 54A and a right front frame 54B. That is, in front of the dash panel 50, there are provided a left front frame 54A that connects the front portion of a center frame 80, which will be described later, and a left front wheel suspension support member 51A, and a right front frame 54B that connects the front portion of the center frame 80 and a right front wheel suspension support member 51B. The left front frame 54A is inclined so as to be positioned more to the left as it goes forward. The right front frame 54B is inclined so as to be positioned more to the right as it goes forward. By connecting the left and right front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B to the front portion of the center frame 80 respectively, the rigidity of the front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B can be increased, and the handling stability of the vehicle is improved. Also, the rigidity of the front side of the vehicle including the periphery of the dash panel 50 can be increased at the same time.

[0066] The upper structure 3 includes a left rear side frame 112A that extends in the front-rear direction on the left side and behind the rear portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41, and a right rear side frame 112B that extends in the front-rear direction on the right side and behind the rear portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0067] On the left side behind the connection panel 43 in the upper structure 3, there is provided a left rear wheel suspension support member 110A that supports a suspension device (rear suspension device) SP3 of the left rear wheel RT (shown by a virtual line in FIG. 3). Also, on the right side behind the connection panel 43 in the upper structure 3, there is provided a right rear wheel suspension support member 110B that supports a suspension device (rear suspension device) SP4 of the right rear wheel RT (shown by a virtual line in FIG. 4).

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the passenger space side floor panel 41 has a front cross member 44A and an intermediate cross member 44B. The front cross member 44A and the intermediate cross member 44B extend in the left-right direction and are fixed to the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0069] The front cross member 44A is disposed at the front of the floor panel 41 on the passenger space side. The front of the front cross member 44A is also joined to the lower part of the dash panel 50. The intermediate cross member 44B is disposed behind the front cross member 44A and in front of the recessed portion 41a, and a closed cross section is formed by the intermediate cross member 44B and the floor panel 41 on the passenger space side.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the upper structure 3 includes a center frame 80 that extends continuously in the front-rear direction from the dash panel 50 to the connection panel 43. This center frame 80 is located at the center in the left-right direction, and the rear part of the center frame 80 is connected to the connection panel 43. The center frame 80 is disposed above and separated from the floor panel 41 on the passenger space side at the center in the left-right direction of the passenger space R1. The distance between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the floor panel 41 on the passenger space side can be set to, for example, 10 cm or more or 20 cm or more at the most separated part. On the left side of the center frame 80, the left front seat FS and rear seat RS are disposed, while on the right side of the center frame 80, the right front seat FS and rear seat RS are disposed.

[0071] By disposing the center frame 80 above and separated from the floor panel 41 on the passenger space side, components and the like can be disposed, for example, between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the floor panel 41 on the passenger space side. Also, the space between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the floor panel 41 on the passenger space side can be used as an article storage portion.

[0072] The center frame 80 has a front frame member 81 extending in the front-rear direction, a rear frame member 82 disposed behind the front frame member 81 and extending rearward, and a connecting member 83 connecting the rear portion of the front frame member 81 and the front portion of the rear frame member 82. The front frame member 81 and the rear frame member 82 are hollow, that is, they have a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction, and can be formed of, for example, an extruded material. By making the front frame member 81 and the rear frame member 82 hollow, they become lightweight and high-rigidity members. Note that the center frame 80 is not limited to a two-part structure of the front frame member 81 and the rear frame member 82, and may be composed of one member from the front to the rear, or may have a three-part structure. When it is composed of one member, the connecting member 83 can be omitted.

[0073] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the center frame 80 has a left frame constituent member 84A and a right frame constituent member 84B that constitute the front portion of the center frame 80. As a result, the front portion of the center frame 80 has a shape branched in the left-right direction. The left frame constituent member 84A and the right frame constituent member 84B are provided at intervals in the left-right direction. The rear portion of the left frame constituent member 84A is fixed to the left side surface of the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the front frame member 81. The left frame constituent member 84A is inclined in plan view so as to be positioned more to the left as it goes forward from the fixed portion to the front frame member 81. The front portion of the left frame constituent member 84A is connected to a portion above the occupant space side floor panel 41 in the dash panel 50. The rear portion of the left front frame 54A is connected to the front portion of the left frame constituent member 84A.

[0074] The rear portion of the right frame component 84B is fixed to the right side surface of the front-to-rear intermediate portion of the front frame member 81. The right frame component 84B is inclined in a plan view so that it is positioned further to the right as it moves forward from the portion where it is fixed to the front frame member 81. The front portion of the right frame component 84B is connected to a portion of the dash panel 50 that is spaced above the passenger space side floor panel 41. The rear portion of the right front frame 54B is connected to the front portion of the right frame component 84B.

[0075] The upper structure 3 includes a first fixing member 101, a second fixing member 102, and a third fixing member 103 that fix the center frame 80 to the passenger space side floor panel 41. The first fixing member 101 is disposed foremost in the passenger space R1 and is spaced rearward from the dash panel 50. The second fixing member 102 is disposed rearward from the first fixing member 101. Furthermore, the third fixing member 103 is disposed rearward from the second fixing member 102.

[0076] As shown in Figure 11, the first fixing member 101 has a left-side member 101A and a right-side member 101B. The lower portions of the left-side member 101A and the right-side member 101B are fixed to the front cross member 44A. The left-side member 101A extends upward from the front cross member 44A at an angle in a front view so that the upper side is positioned further to the left. The upper portion of the left-side member 101A is fixed to the front portion of the left frame component member 84A of the center frame 80.

[0077] The right-side member 101B extends upward from the front cross member 44A at an angle in a front view so that the upper side is positioned further to the right. The upper part of the right-side member 101B is fixed to the front part of the right-side frame component member 84B of the center frame 80.

[0078] (Detailed structure of front bumper and bumper reinforcement) As shown in FIG. 8 , the bumper reinforcement 140 provided at the front of the vehicle body front structure A extends from the front of the left crash can 53A to the front of the right crash can 53B. The left side of the bumper reinforcement 140 is fixed to the front of the left crash can 53A, and the right side of the bumper reinforcement 140 is fixed to the front of the right crash can 53B. As a result, the left side of the bumper reinforcement 140 is supported by the left crash can 53A, and the right side of the bumper reinforcement 140 is supported by the right crash can 53B, and the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B are connected by the bumper reinforcement 140. The bumper reinforcement 140 is curved so that the center portion in the left-right direction is located at the front end and is positioned further rearward toward the left and right sides. The bumper reinforcement 140 is made of, for example, an extruded material. 7, ribs 140a extending in the left-right and front-rear directions are provided inside the bumper reinforcement 140. The bumper reinforcement 140 may also extend linearly in the left-right direction.

[0079] The left side of the bumper reinforcement 140 is positioned so as not to protrude significantly to the left from the front of the left crash can 53A. The right side of the bumper reinforcement 140 is positioned so as not to protrude significantly to the right from the front of the right crash can 53B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a notch 53e that opens forward is formed in the front of the right crash can 53B, and as shown in FIG. 2, a notch 53f that opens forward is formed in the front of the left crash can 53A. The shapes of the notches 53e, 53f are shaped to match the outer shape of the bumper reinforcement 140. The right side of the bumper reinforcement 140 is fitted into the notch 53e of the right crash can 53B and fixed thereto by welding or the like, and the left side of the bumper reinforcement 140 is fitted into the notch 53f of the left crash can 53A and fixed thereto by welding or the like. The fixing structure of the bumper reinforcement 140 is not limited to this, and may be a fixing structure using fastening members such as bolts, nuts, rivets, etc.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 10, a front bumper 150 provided at the front of an automobile 1 includes a resin bumper fascia 151 that serves as an exterior member of the automobile 1, a decorative member 152, and a front grille 153. The bumper fascia 151 extends from the left end to the right end of the vehicle body so as to be able to cover, for example, the bumper reinforcement 140. The bumper fascia 151 is attached to an upper cross member 160 (described later) and is easily deformable in the event of a collision with, for example, a pedestrian.

[0081] At the center in the left - right direction at the upper part of the bumper fascia 151, an opening 151a through which intake such as cooling air is possible is formed. The opening 151a has a shape that is long in the left - right direction, but is not limited to this, and may have a shape that is long in the up - down direction. A resin front grille 153 is attached to the bumper fascia 151 so as to cover the opening 151a. A bumper reinforcement 140 is arranged behind this front grille 153. For example, when a pedestrian or the like collides, the front grille 153 can also easily move backward.

[0082] A decorative member 152 is also attached to the bumper fascia 151. The decorative member 152 is a member for decorating the front surface of the automobile 1, and may be, for example, plated or may be colored the same color as the body color or a color different from the body color. In this embodiment, the decorative member 152 is provided so as to face the front surface of the vehicle and along the peripheral edge of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151. The decorative member 152 may be attached to the front grille 153.

[0083] The decorative member 152 has a lower portion 152a extending in the left - right direction along the lower edge portion of the opening 151a, a left portion 152b extending obliquely upward from the left end portion of the lower portion 152a, and a right portion 152c extending obliquely upward from the right end portion of the lower portion 152a. The left portion 152b extends along the left edge portion of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151. Also, the right portion 152c extends along the right edge portion of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151.

[0084] The shape of the decorative member 152 is not limited to the shape described above. It may not have the lower part 152a and may be composed of the left part 152b and the right part 152c, or may have an upper part (not shown) extending in the left - right direction along the upper edge of the opening 151a. When it has an upper part, it becomes a frame - shaped decorative member 152. Also, the left part 152b and the right part 152c may be inclined with respect to the vertical line in a front view, or may not be inclined. Further, the left part 152b and the right part 152c may have a bent shape or a curved shape in a front view. The vertical dimensions of the left part 152b and the right part 152c can be appropriately set according to the shape and size of the opening 151a. In this example, the left part 152b and the right part 152c are inclined so as to be farther apart from each other as they go upward, but it is not limited to this. The left part 152b and the right part 152c may be parallel, or may be inclined so as to approach each other as they go upward. If the vertical dimension of the opening 151a is long, the vertical dimension of the decorative member 152 can be made long correspondingly.

[0085] The decorative member 152 has a left protruding portion 152d protruding leftward from the left part 152b and a right protruding portion 152e protruding rightward from the right part 152c. The left protruding portion 152d is formed so as to be located more rearward as it goes leftward and extends along the lower part of the left headlamp L. Also, the right protruding portion 152e is formed so as to be located more rearward as it goes rightward and extends along the lower part of the right headlamp L.

[0086] The left side of the left protruding portion 152d extends rearward beyond the left side of the bumper reinforcement 140. Also, the right side of the right part 152c extends rearward beyond the right side of the bumper reinforcement 140. Note that the left protruding portion 152d and the right protruding portion 152e may be provided as necessary and may be omitted.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the decorative member 152 protrudes forward from the front portion of the bumper fascia 151. Specifically, the shape of the decorative member 152 is set such that the intermediate portion in the left-right direction of the decorative member 152 is positioned forward of the intermediate portion in the left-right direction of the bumper fascia 151. That is, in order to meet the requirements for the design of the vehicle, a design is adopted in which the decorative member 152 protrudes forward from the bumper fascia 151.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, in a front view, the left end portion of the bumper reinforcement 140 is positioned to the right of the left portion 152b of the decorative member 152, and the right end portion of the bumper reinforcement 140 is positioned to the left of the right portion 152c of the decorative member 152. In this embodiment, in a front view, the bumper reinforcement 140 is disposed between the left portion 152b and the right portion 152c of the decorative member 152, so that the left end portion of the bumper reinforcement 140 does not overlap with the left portion 152b of the decorative member 152, and the right end portion of the bumper reinforcement 140 does not overlap with the right portion 152c of the decorative member 152. That is, the arrangement position and shape of the bumper reinforcement 140 are set so as to be positioned inside the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151 in a front view. For example, the left-right dimension of the bumper reinforcement 140 may be set to be less than the left-right separation dimension between the left portion 152b and the right portion 152c, and the bumper reinforcement 140 may be arranged such that the center portion in the left-right direction of the bumper reinforcement 140 coincides with the center portion in the left-right direction of the opening 151a.

[0089] Thereby, for example, when an obstacle collides with the front bumper 150 from the front and the decorative member 152 tries to retreat, it becomes difficult for the decorative member 152 to interfere with the bumper reinforcement 140, so it becomes difficult for the bumper reinforcement 140 to inhibit the retreat of the decorative member 152. Therefore, the impact on the obstacle can be reduced, and in particular, the pedestrian protection performance can be improved.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, the left crash can 53A is positioned to the right of the left portion 152b of the decorative member 152, and the right crash can 53B is positioned to the left of the right portion 152c of the decorative member 152. That is, the arrangement position and shape of the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B are set so as to be positioned inside the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151 in a front view. Thereby, for example, when an obstacle collides with the front bumper 150 from the front and the decorative member 152 tries to move backward, it becomes difficult for the decorative member 152 to interfere with the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B, so it becomes difficult for the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B to inhibit the backward movement of the decorative member 152.

[0091] Also, the lower end portion of the bumper reinforcement 140 is positioned above the lower portion 152a of the decorative member 152. This also makes it difficult for the decorative member 152 to interfere with the bumper reinforcement 140. Further, the lower end portions of the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B are positioned above the lower portion 152a of the decorative member 152. When the decorative member 152 has an upper portion (not shown), the upper end portion of the bumper reinforcement 140 can be positioned below the upper portion of the decorative member 152, and the upper end portions of the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B can be positioned below the upper portion of the decorative member 152.

[0092] (Cross member at the front of the vehicle body) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the front portion of the vehicle body front structure A is provided with an upper cross member 160 arranged above the bumper reinforcement 140, and a lower cross member 161 arranged below the bumper reinforcement 140. The upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 extend in the left-right direction, and the longitudinal cross sections of both cross members 160, 161 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are set smaller than the cross section of the bumper reinforcement 140 in the same direction. The upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 are curved so that the center portion in the left-right direction is located furthest forward and the portions moving further rearward are positioned to the left and right. The upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 are made of, for example, an extruded material.

[0093] A left upper support member 162 extending forward is provided on the top of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A, and a right upper support member 163 extending forward is provided on the top of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B. The left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 support both sides of the upper cross member 160 in the vehicle width direction and are upper impact absorbing members that absorb impact loads in the front-to-rear direction. When the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 receive an impact load in the front-to-rear direction, they absorb the impact load by compressing or bending. The left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 may be provided with a portion that triggers compressive deformation or a portion that triggers bending deformation.

[0094] The upper left support member 162 is inclined with respect to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so as to be positioned more to the left as it goes forward. The upper right support member 163 is inclined with respect to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so as to be positioned more to the right as it goes forward. Therefore, since the upper left support member 162 and the upper right support member 163 are positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction as they go forward, the distance between the upper left support member 162 and the upper right support member 163 becomes wider as it goes forward. The front sides of the upper left support member 162 and the upper right support member 163 are each positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction than the left end portion and the right end portion of the bumper reinforcement 140. Also, the front sides of the upper left support member 162 and the upper right support member 163 are each positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction than the front sides of the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B. Incidentally, the upper left support member 162 and the upper right support member 163 may extend parallel to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0095] The left side of the upper cross member 160 is fixed to the front portion of the upper left support member 162, and the right side of the upper cross member 160 is fixed to the front portion of the upper right support member 163. As a result, the front portion of the upper left support member 162 and the front portion of the upper right support member 163 are connected by the upper cross member 160.

[0096] The left side of the upper cross member 160 extends more to the left than the front portion of the upper left support member 162, and the right side of the upper cross member 160 extends more to the right than the front portion of the upper right support member 163. Therefore, the dimension of the upper cross member 160 in the left - right direction is longer than the dimension of the bumper reinforcement 140 in the left - right direction. The left side of the upper cross member 160 extends more outward in the vehicle width direction than the left side of the bumper reinforcement 140, and the right side of the upper cross member 160 extends more outward in the vehicle width direction than the right side of the bumper reinforcement 140.

[0097] The height of the upper cross member 160 can be set as desired by adjusting the installation heights of the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163. In this embodiment, the installation heights of the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 are set so that the upper cross member 160 is positioned higher than the decorative member 152. In addition, the front-to-rear position of the upper cross member 160 can be set as desired by adjusting the front-to-rear dimensions of the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163. In this embodiment, the front-to-rear dimensions of the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 are set so that the bumper reinforcement 140 is positioned further forward than the upper cross member 160.

[0098] The upper cross member 160 is connected to the left side of the left upper support member 162 by a left connecting member 166 and the left crash can 53A. In addition, the upper cross member 160 is connected to the right side of the right upper support member 163 and the right crash can 53B by a right connecting member 167. A left headlight L is fixed to the outer side of the left connecting member 166 in the vehicle width direction, and a right headlight L is fixed to the outer side of the right connecting member 167 in the vehicle width direction. The left connecting member 166 and the right connecting member 167 are located rearward of the bumper reinforcement 140.

[0099] Furthermore, a left-hand lower support member 164 extending forward is provided below the left front wheel suspension support member 51A, and a right-hand lower support member 165 extending forward is provided below the right front wheel suspension support member 51B. The left-hand lower support member 164 and the right-hand lower support member 165 support both sides of the lower cross member 161 in the vehicle width direction, and are lower impact absorbing members that absorb impact loads in the front-to-rear direction. The left-hand lower support member 164 and the right-hand lower support member 165 can be configured in the same manner as the left-hand upper support member 162 and the right-hand upper support member 163.

[0100] The left lower support member 164 is inclined with respect to the center line of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction so that it is positioned more to the left as it moves forward. The right lower support member 165 is inclined with respect to the center line of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction so that it is positioned more to the right as it moves forward. Therefore, the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction as they move forward, and the distance between the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 becomes wider as they move forward. The front sides of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction than the left and right ends of the bumper reinforcement 140, respectively. Furthermore, the front sides of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction than the front sides of the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B, respectively. The left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 may extend parallel to the center line of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0101] The left side of the lower cross member 161 is fixed to the front part of the left lower support member 164, and the right side of the lower cross member 161 is fixed to the front part of the right lower support member 165. As a result, the front part of the left lower support member 164 and the front part of the right lower support member 165 are connected by the lower cross member 161.

[0102] The left side of the lower cross member 161 extends further to the left than the front part of the left lower support member 164, and the right side of the lower cross member 161 extends further to the right than the front part of the right lower support member 165. Therefore, the left-right dimension of the lower cross member 161 is longer than the left-right dimension of the bumper reinforcement 140, and the left side of the lower cross member 161 extends further outward in the vehicle width direction than the left side of the bumper reinforcement 140, and the right side of the lower cross member 161 extends further outward in the vehicle width direction than the right side of the bumper reinforcement 140.

[0103] The height of the lower cross member 161 can be arbitrarily set according to the installation heights of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165. In this embodiment, the installation heights of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are set so that the lower cross member 161 is positioned below the decorative member 152. Also, the position of the lower cross member 161 in the front-rear direction can be arbitrarily set according to the dimensions in the front-rear direction of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165. In this embodiment, the dimensions in the front-rear direction of the lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are set so that the front portion of the central portion in the left-right direction of the lower cross member 161 is positioned in front of the front portion of the central portion in the left-right direction of the bumper reinforcement 140.

[0104] In this embodiment, when viewed from the front, both the upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 are arranged so as not to overlap with the decorative member 152. Thereby, for example, when an obstacle collides with the front bumper 150 from the front, it becomes difficult for the decorative member 152 to interfere with the upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161, so it becomes difficult for the upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 to obstruct the retreat of the decorative member 152. Therefore, the impact on the obstacle can be reduced, and in particular, the pedestrian protection performance can be improved. Note that when viewed from the front, one of the upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the decorative member 152. Also in this case, the pedestrian protection performance can be improved.

[0105] In addition, the front parts of the upper left support member 162 and the upper right support member 163 are located outside the vehicle width direction than the front parts of the crash cans 53A and 53B. Moreover, since the upper cross member 160 extends to the outside in the vehicle width direction than the bumper reinforcement 140, for example, during an offset collision, the impact load can be absorbed by the upper left support member 162, the upper right support member 163, and the upper cross member 160. Similarly, the front parts of the lower left support member 164 and the lower right support member 165 are located outside the vehicle width direction than the front parts of the crash cans 53A and 53B. Moreover, since the lower cross member 161 extends to the outside in the vehicle width direction than the bumper reinforcement 140, for example, during an offset collision, the impact load can be absorbed by the lower left support member 164, the lower right support member 165, and the lower cross member 161. An offset collision is a collision mode in which an obstacle collides with a predetermined range on only the left side or only the right side of the vehicle.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 12, the front body structure A includes a rear connecting portion 164A that connects the rear side of the lower left support member 164 to the lower portion of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A. The rear connecting portion 164A has a main body plate portion 164a interposed between the rear side of the lower left support member 164 and the lower portion of the front wheel suspension support member 51A, and a reinforcing plate portion (reinforcing portion) 164b formed along the right side wall portion of the lower left support member 164. The main body plate portion 164a and the reinforcing plate portion 164b can be obtained, for example, by press-forming a plate material.

[0107] The main body plate portion 164a is formed to extend in the vertical direction and the left-right direction along the lower portion of the front wheel suspension support member 51A, and is fixed to the front wheel suspension support member 51A by, for example, a fastening member or the like. The vertical dimension of the main body plate portion 164a is set longer than the vertical dimension of the lower left support member 164, and the rear side of the lower left support member 164 is fixed to the vertical intermediate portion of the main body plate portion 164a by, for example, welding or the like. Although not shown, it may have a reinforcing portion formed along the left side wall portion of the lower left support member 164.

[0108] The reinforcing plate portion 164b protrudes forward from the right edge portion of the main body plate portion 164a and extends in the vertical direction. The reinforcing plate portion 164b and the right side wall portion of the lower left support member 164 may or may not be joined to each other. By providing the reinforcing plate portion 164b, it is possible to suppress the lower left support member 164, on which an impact load acts, from falling in the vehicle width direction, so that the lower left support member 164 can be deformed as intended to further enhance the impact absorption effect.

[0109] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a rear connecting portion 165A for connecting the rear side of the lower right support member 165 to the lower portion of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B can be provided, and this rear connecting portion 165B can be configured in the same manner as the rear connecting portion 164A. Although not shown, a rear connecting portion for connecting the rear side of the upper left support member 162 to the upper portion of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A can be provided, and this rear connecting portion can be configured in the same manner as the rear connecting portion 164A. Further, although not shown, a rear connecting portion for connecting the rear side of the upper right support member 163 to the upper portion of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B can be provided, and this rear connecting portion can be configured in the same manner as the rear connecting portion 164A.

[0110] (Detailed Structure of the Crash Can) As shown in FIG. 8, the left crash can 53A is attached to the front portion of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A, and includes a rear crash can 53a extending forward and a front crash can 53b attached to the front portion of the rear crash can 53a and extending forward. The front portion of the rear crash can 53a and the rear portion of the front crash can 53b are joined and integrated. The rear crash can 53a is configured to be less crushable than the front crash can 53b when an impact load in the front-rear direction acts. Specifically, the rear crash can 53a maintains its initial shape until a first predetermined load acts during a frontal collision of the automobile 1, and compresses and deforms when the first predetermined load acts. On the other hand, the front crash can 53b maintains its initial shape until a second predetermined load smaller than the first predetermined load acts during a frontal collision of the automobile 1, and is configured to compress and deform when the second predetermined load acts. The initial shape refers to the shape before the frontal collision. However, for example, a deformation of about several millimeters does not cause a substantial problem and is thus acceptable.

[0111] Therefore, in a minor collision such as a collision with a fixed barrier at a speed of several kilometers per hour, for example, only the front crash can 53b may be crushed and deformed, and the rear crash can 53a may not be crushed and deformed. Such a difference in strength between the front crash can 53b and the rear crash can 53a can be obtained, for example, by changing the structure, plate thickness, material, etc.

[0112] In addition, even in a collision classified as a minor collision, if the impact load increases and the impact load acting on the front crash can 53b and the rear crash can 53a exceeds the first predetermined load, both the front crash can 53b and the rear crash can 53a will be crushed and deformed.

[0113] Further, similar to the left crash can 53A, the right crash can 53B has a rear crash can 53c extending forward from the front portion of the right front-wheel suspension support member 51B, and a front crash can 53d extending forward from the front portion of the rear crash can 53c. The deformation start loads of the front crash can 53d and the rear crash can 53c are set in the same manner as those of the front crash can 53b and the rear crash can 53a.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 7, the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is positioned rearward of the front portions of the rear crash cans 53a and 53c. That is, in the vicinity of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF, a fixing portion 168 for fixing the bonnet BF to the upper cross member 160 is disposed, and the fixing portion 168 is provided on the upper cross member 160.

[0115] The fixing portion 168 is configured to be switchable between a fixed state in which the bonnet BF is fixed to the upper cross member 160 and a released state in which the fixed state is released, and is a well-known configuration. The switching operation of the fixing portion 168 can be performed from the outside. For example, after releasing the lock of the fixing portion 168 by operating an operation lever (not shown) provided in the passenger compartment R1, the user inserts a hand between the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF and the upper cross member 160 and operates the fixing portion 168, whereby the fixing portion 168 can be switched from the fixed state to the released state. The fixing portion 168 is detachably engaged with, for example, an engaging portion BF1 protruding downward from the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF.

[0116] During a minor collision of the vehicle 1, an impact load acting rearward is applied to the bumper reinforcement 140 via the bumper fascia 151. The impact load acting on the bumper reinforcement 140 acts on the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B. Since the front crash cans 53b and 53d are configured to collapse and deform under a smaller impact load than the rear crash cans 53a and 53c, the front crash cans 53b and 53d collapse and deform before the rear crash cans 53a and 53c. Since the impact load is absorbed by the collapse and deformation of the front crash cans 53b and 53d, depending on the magnitude of the impact load, the rear crash cans 53a and 53c may remain in their original shape or a shape close to the original shape without collapsing and deforming. In this case, since the front part BFa of the bonnet BF is positioned rearward of the front parts of the rear crash cans 53a and 53c, almost no impact load is input to the front part BFa of the bonnet BF.

[0117] The left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 that support the lower cross member 161 extend forward of the front part BFa of the bonnet BF. As a result, the front parts of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are arranged in front of the front part BFa of the bonnet BF, and as a result, the lower cross member 161 is also arranged in front of the front part BFa of the bonnet BF. By adopting such a layout, the impact load during a minor collision can also be absorbed by the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165, so the effect of suppressing damage to the bonnet BF is further enhanced.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 10, the left side BF2 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is formed so as to be positioned more rearward as it approaches the left end. The right side BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is formed so as to be positioned more rearward as it approaches the right end. Further, the intermediate portion BF4 between the left side BF2 and the right side BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is formed so as to extend in the vehicle width direction. That is, in the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF, the intermediate portion BF4 is positioned most forward, and the left side BF2 and the right side BF3 are formed so as to be positioned more rearward as they go outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0119] The pair of left and right rear crush cans 53a and 53c are positioned directly below the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF. That is, as described above, for example, when the left side BF2 and the right side BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF of the automobile 1 are formed so as to be positioned more rearward as they go outward in the vehicle width direction according to the design requirements of the automobile 1, it is difficult for an obstacle during a minor collision to hit the left side BF2 and the right side BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF. On the other hand, since the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF extends in the vehicle width direction, it is easy for an obstacle during a minor collision to hit the intermediate portion BF4. In this embodiment, since the pair of left and right rear crush cans 53a and 53c can be arranged corresponding to the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF, it is difficult for an obstacle during a minor collision to hit the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF.

[0120] Also, the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 that support the lower cross member 161, and the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 that support the upper cross member 160 are positioned directly below the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF. That is, since the support members 162, 163, 164, and 165 can be arranged corresponding to the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF, it is difficult for an obstacle during a minor collision to hit the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF.

[0121] (Operation and Effect of the Embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, when the automobile 1 collides, an impact load acts on the front crash cans 53b, 53d and the rear crash cans 53a, 53c. In the case of a minor collision, the front crash cans 53b, 53d are compressed and deformed, and the front portions of the rear crash cans 53a, 53c remain positioned forward of the front portion of the hood BF. Therefore, even if an obstacle moves relatively rearward of the vehicle, it will not strike the front portion of the hood BF, thereby minimizing damage to the hood BF caused by the collision of the obstacle. This reduces repair costs.

[0122] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0123] As described above, the vehicle body structure according to the present invention can be used in, for example, electric vehicles and other automobiles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Automobiles 51A, 51B Front wheel suspension support member (body side member) 53A Left side crash can 53B Right side crash can 140 Bumper reinforcement 160 upper cross member 161 Lower cross member 162 Upper left support member (upper impact absorbing member) 163 Upper right support member (upper impact absorbing member) 164 Lower left support member (lower impact absorbing member) 168 Fixed part A. Front body structure (body structure) BF bonnet BF2 left side BF3 right side BF4 Middle

Claims

1. In a vehicle body structure of an automobile having a bonnet at the front side of the vehicle, a pair of left and right rear crush cans attached to a vehicle body side member, extending forward from the vehicle body side member, maintaining an initial shape until a first predetermined load acts during a collision of the automobile, and compressing and deforming when the first predetermined load acts; and a pair of left and right front crush cans extending forward from the front portions of the rear crush cans and compressing and deforming when a second predetermined load smaller than the first predetermined load acts during a collision of the automobile, wherein a front portion of the bonnet is located rearward of the vehicle with respect to a front portion of the rear crush can.

2. In the vehicle body structure according to Claim 1, the vehicle body side member is a suspension support member that supports a front suspension device, and a rear portion of the rear crush can is attached to a front portion of the suspension support member.

3. In the vehicle body structure according to Claim 1 or 2, a lower cross member extending in the vehicle width direction below the front crush can; and a lower shock absorbing member that supports both sides in the vehicle width direction of the lower cross member and absorbs an impact load in the vehicle longitudinal direction, wherein the lower shock absorbing member extends forward of the vehicle with respect to a front portion of the bonnet.

4. In the vehicle body structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, an upper cross member that extends in the vehicle width direction rearward of the vehicle with respect to a front portion of the rear crush can and above the rear crush can is further provided, and a fixing portion for fixing a front portion of the bonnet is provided on the upper cross member.

5. In the vehicle body structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction is attached to a front portion of the front crush can, a left side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed so as to be located rearward of the vehicle as it approaches the left end, a right side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed so as to be located rearward of the vehicle as it approaches the right end, an intermediate portion between the left side portion and the right side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed so as to extend in the vehicle width direction, and the rear crush can is located directly below the intermediate portion of the bonnet.

6. In the vehicle body structure according to Claim 5, A cross member that is disposed at a distance from the front crash can in the vertical direction and extends in the vehicle width direction; Further provided are impact absorbing members that support both sides of the cross member in the vehicle width direction and absorb impact loads in the vehicle longitudinal direction; The impact absorbing member is a vehicle body structure that is located directly below the middle portion of the bonnet.

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