Vehicle front structure and plastic cover

Abstract

To provide a vehicle front structure and a resin cover which can promote deformation of an intake cover or a resin cover when external force is applied from above even when inside of the intake cover or the resin cover is connected in the vertical direction.SOLUTION: A vehicle front structure 100 comprises: an intake port 102 which is provided in a dash panel 106 dividing a vehicle front part and a cabin, and allows an air conditioning unit 119 to performs air intake; and an intake cover 104 which forms a passage for guiding ambient air introduced from a cowl part 123 into the intake port. The intake cover includes: an upper wall 124 which forms an upper side of the passage; a pair of lateral walls 126, 128 which continuously extend from both ends of the upper wall in a vehicle width direction to the dash panel form both sides of the passage in a vehicle width direction; a connection part 130 which is connected with the intake part below the upper wall; and support parts 132, 134 which extend from the upper wall and are connected with the connection part and support the connection part. The support parts extend in a direction which is not perpendicular to the upper wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle front structure and a resin cover. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a vehicle has a resin cowl cover between the windshield and the front hood. The cowl cover has an air intake that draws outside air into the air conditioning unit located behind the dash panel, i.e., on the passenger compartment side. The dash panel separates the vehicle's power unit mounting compartment from the passenger compartment.

[0003] The dash panel has an opening that guides outside air taken in through the cowl cover's air intake port to the air conditioning unit. A resin air intake cover is provided in front of the dash panel opening. This air intake cover not only guides the outside air taken in through the cowl cover's air intake port to the air conditioning unit through the dash panel opening, but also serves to prevent rainwater seeping in through the cowl cover's air intake port or the like from entering the air conditioning unit through the dash panel opening.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an outside air intake structure for an automobile. This structure has a duct 30 as an intake cover. The duct 30 has a box-like shape and has a front surface where a duct opening 30a is formed, a bottom surface, left and right side wall surfaces 30c, and left and right flange portions.

[0005] The bottom surface of the duct 30 in Patent Document 1 has an opening that communicates with the air intake port 10a formed in the dash panel 10. Left and right flange portions extend in the vehicle width direction from below the left and right side wall surfaces 30c, respectively. The duct 30 is fixed to the dash panel 10 with bolts via the left and right flange portions. This allows the duct 30 to form a flow path that takes in outside air through the duct opening 30a on the front surface and further guides the outside air to the air intake port 10a in the dash panel 10 via the opening on the bottom surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-264252 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The air intake cover can be configured to connect an upper wall, which defines the upper side of the airflow path that guides outside air, to a lower wall, which defines the lower side of the airflow path, in the vertical direction using a connecting member, or to connect the upper wall to an air intake section provided in the dash panel through which air is drawn in by the air conditioning unit in the vehicle cabin, in the vertical direction using a connecting member. However, in such a configuration, when an external force is applied to the air intake cover from above, the connecting member is stretched, and the reaction force of the connecting member inhibits deformation of the air intake cover. As a result, it is difficult to efficiently absorb the impact when an external force is applied.

[0008] In addition to intake covers, any plastic cover that is appropriately installed on a vehicle may also have a connecting member, for example, connecting the upper and lower walls, and if an external force is applied to the plastic cover from above, the reaction force of the connecting member will hinder deformation of the plastic cover.

[0009] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle front structure and a resin cover that can promote deformation of the intake cover or resin cover when subjected to an external force from above, even if the inside of the intake cover or resin cover is connected in the vertical direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of a vehicle front structure according to the present invention is a vehicle front structure comprising an intake section provided in a dash panel that separates the front of the vehicle from the passenger compartment, where air is drawn in by an air conditioning unit inside the passenger compartment, and an intake cover that forms a flow path that guides outside air introduced from the cowl section to the front of the vehicle to the intake section, wherein the intake cover has an upper wall that separates the upper side of the flow path, a pair of side walls that extend continuously from both ends of the upper wall in the vehicle width direction to the dash panel and separate both sides of the flow path in the vehicle width direction, a connecting section that is connected to the intake section or the dash panel below the upper wall, and at least one support section that extends from the upper wall, is connected to the connecting section, and supports the connecting section, and at least one of the at least one support section extends in a direction that is not perpendicular to the upper wall.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of a resin cover according to the present invention is a resin cover comprising a pair of side walls spaced apart in a predetermined direction and an outer wall connecting the pair of side walls, molded from resin to partition a space surrounded by the pair of side walls and the outer wall and mounted on a vehicle, wherein the resin cover further has a connecting portion connected to a predetermined lower member below the outer wall, and at least one support portion extending from the outer wall and supporting the connecting portion, the at least one support portion being inclined so as to approach the center of the outer wall as it extends from the outer wall toward the connecting portion, and the end of the support portion on the connecting portion side has lower rigidity than the end of the support portion on the outer wall side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle front structure and a resin cover that can promote deformation of the intake cover or resin cover when subjected to an external force from above, even if the inside of the intake cover or resin cover is connected in the vertical direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle front structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main part of the vehicle front structure of FIG. [Figure 3]2 is a diagram showing an intake cover of the vehicle front structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a view showing the intake cover of FIG. 3 as viewed from another direction. FIG. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing cross sections of the intake cover of FIG. 4B. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing the intake cover of FIG. 3 as viewed from still another direction. FIG. [Figure 7] 1(b) and 1(c) are diagrams showing a case where an external force is applied from above to the intake cover of FIG. 1(a), together with a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing another modified example of the intake cover of FIG. 5(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A typical configuration of a vehicle front structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle front structure comprising an intake section provided in a dash panel that separates the front of the vehicle from the passenger compartment, through which air is drawn in by an air conditioning unit inside the passenger compartment, and an intake cover that forms a flow path that guides outside air introduced from the cowl section into the front of the vehicle to the intake section, wherein the intake cover has an upper wall that separates the upper side of the flow path, a pair of side walls that extend continuously from both ends of the upper wall in the vehicle width direction to the dash panel and separate both sides of the flow path in the vehicle width direction, a connecting section that is connected to the intake section or the dash panel below the upper wall, and at least one support section that extends from the upper wall, is connected to the connecting section, and supports the connecting section, and at least one of the at least one support section extends in a direction that is not perpendicular to the upper wall.

[0015] In the above configuration, the connecting portion of the intake cover is connected to the intake portion or dash panel located below the upper wall, and is further connected to the support portion. Note that if the intake cover has a lower wall that defines the lower side of the flow path, the connecting portion may be connected to the lower wall instead of the intake portion or dash panel. Furthermore, the support portion supports the connecting portion and extends in a direction that is not perpendicular to the upper wall and is inclined.

[0016] As a result, when an external force is applied to the intake cover from above, the support portion is likely to deform in the inclined direction. Therefore, with the above configuration, even if the intake portion or the dash panel is connected in the vertical direction by the connecting portion within the intake cover flow path, the intake cover can be encouraged to deform.

[0017] Preferably, the connection region between the at least one support portion and the connecting portion has lower rigidity than the connection region between the upper wall and the at least one support portion.

[0018] As a result, when an external force is applied to the intake cover from above, the support portion deforms in the inclined direction, promoting breakage of the connection region between the support portion and the connecting portion. As a result, the impact energy generated when the external force is applied can be used to break the connection region between the support portion and the connecting portion or to deform the support portion and its surroundings. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently absorb the impact when an external force is applied to the intake cover from above.

[0019] The at least one support portion may be formed so that its cross-sectional area decreases from the upper wall toward the connecting portion.

[0020] This prevents localized stress concentration within the support portion when the intake cover is subjected to an external force from above and the impact energy is transmitted from above to below the support portion, preventing unintended deformation of the support portion and preventing the support portion from deforming in an inclined direction or breaking its connection with the connecting portion.

[0021] The at least one support portion may include a pair of support portions arranged side by side in a predetermined direction, and at least one of the pair of support portions may be inclined.

[0022] As a result, when an external force is applied to the intake cover from above, at least one of the pair of support parts is likely to deform in the inclined direction, thereby promoting deformation of the intake cover. Note that the predetermined direction is not limited to the vehicle width direction, but may also be the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0023] The pair of support portions may be inclined in a predetermined direction so as to move away from each other as they move from the connecting portion toward the lower surface of the upper wall.

[0024] As a result, the pair of support parts are in an open state, so to speak, in an inverted V shape, so that even if an external force received from above the intake cover acts on one side or the other of the intake cover in a predetermined direction, the pair of support parts are likely to deform in an inclined direction, which makes it easy for the connection area between the support parts and the connecting part to break.

[0025] A gap may be formed between the pair of support parts. Because a gap is formed between the pair of support parts in this way, when an external force is applied to the intake cover from above, each of the pair of support parts is more likely to deform in the tilted direction.

[0026] Preferably, a weak portion that is weaker than the periphery in the direction in which the at least one support portion extends is formed in a connection region between the at least one support portion and the connecting portion.

[0027] As a result, when an external force is applied to the intake cover from above, the support part can be reliably deformed in the inclined direction due to the weakened part formed in the connection area with the connecting part, and the connection area can be broken. The weakened part may be thinned or may have at least one opening, notch, hole, or aperture.

[0028] The intake section is arranged to protrude upward from the dash panel, the connecting section of the intake cover is overlapped on the intake section and connected with a specified fastening member, the pair of support sections are arranged on either side of the connecting section in the vehicle width direction and are inclined so as to approach each other from the upper wall toward the connecting section, and the intake cover further has a sealing member arranged on the outside of its rear section across the vehicle width direction to seal any gaps with other specified members.

[0029] As a result, when a sealing member is used to seal the gap between the outside of the rear portion of the intake cover and another component such as a dash panel, a repulsive force (counterforce) of the sealing member acts on the rear portion of the intake cover. This repulsive force is transmitted to the intake portion via the pair of support portions of the intake cover, the connecting portion, and the fastening member. As a result, it is easy to seal the gap even if there are few connecting points between the intake portion and another component such as a dash panel.

[0030] The above-mentioned connecting portion has a pair of ribs spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the pair of support portions are each connected to the pair of ribs, the pair of support portions and the pair of ribs are set longitudinally in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and each connection area between the pair of support portions and the pair of ribs is formed with a weak portion that is thin in the vehicle width direction and weaker than the surrounding area extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0031] As a result, when an external force is applied to the intake cover from above, the pair of support parts can reliably deform in an inclined direction due to the thin, weak parts formed in the connection areas with the pair of ribs, and can even break the connection areas. Therefore, the intake cover is not hindered from deforming when an external force is applied from above.

[0032] The upper wall of the intake cover has a rising portion that slopes upward as it moves rearward from a position rearward of the connecting portion, and a falling portion that is continuous with the rising portion and slopes downward as it moves rearward, and the sealing member is provided on the falling portion, and the rear ends of the pair of support portions are preferably sloped to follow the rising portion.

[0033] In this way, the sealing member is provided at the downwardly extending portion of the upper wall of the intake cover. wall The force is transmitted from the downward-facing portion to the upward-facing portion, then reliably transmitted to the rear ends of a pair of support members inclined along the upward-facing portion, and then transmitted to the intake portion via the connecting portion and fastening member. As a result, even if there are fewer connecting points between the intake portion and other members such as the dash panel, it is easier to seal the gap.

[0034] A typical configuration of a resin cover according to one embodiment of the present invention is a resin cover that has a pair of side walls spaced apart in a predetermined direction and an outer wall connecting the pair of side walls, is molded from resin, and is mounted on a vehicle to define a space surrounded by the pair of side walls and the outer wall, and the resin cover further has a connecting portion that is connected to a predetermined lower member below the outer wall, and at least one support portion that extends from the outer wall and supports the connecting portion, and the at least one support portion is inclined so that it approaches the center of the outer wall as it extends from the outer wall toward the connecting portion, and the end of the support portion on the connecting portion side has lower rigidity than the end of the support portion on the outer wall side.

[0035] In the above configuration, the connecting portion of the resin cover is connected to a predetermined lower member disposed below the outer wall and is further connected to a support portion, which supports the connecting portion and is inclined so as to approach the center of the outer wall as it moves from the outer wall toward the connecting portion.

[0036] As a result, when the outer wall of the resin cover is subjected to an external force that deforms it toward the vehicle interior, the support portion is more likely to deform in the inclined direction, i.e., in the direction that approaches the center of the outer wall as it approaches the connecting portion. Therefore, the impact energy caused by the external force can be used to deform the support portion and its surroundings, or to break the end of the support portion on the connecting portion side. Therefore, with the above configuration, the impact when the outer wall of the resin cover is subjected to an external force that deforms it can be efficiently absorbed. [Example]

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle front structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1(a) shows the vehicle front structure 100 as seen obliquely from the front. Fig. 1(b) is a view of the vehicle front structure 100 of Fig. 1(a) as seen from the arrow A. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a main part of the vehicle front structure 100 of Fig. 1. In the following drawings, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows Front and Back, the left and right in the vehicle width direction are indicated by arrows Left and Right, and the up-down direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows Up and Down.

[0039] Vehicle front structure 100 includes an intake section 102 and an intake cover 104. The intake section 102 is provided on a dash panel 106. Dash panel 106 is a panel that separates the front of the vehicle, for example, a power unit mounting room, from the passenger compartment. Dash panel 106 has a base surface 110 in which an intake port 108 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1(a) is formed, and a recessed portion 112 that is located rearward of base surface 110 and recesses toward the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] A raised shape 114 that protrudes upward from the vehicle is formed on a base surface 110 of dash panel 106. Recess 112 has a vertical wall 116 and an upper wall 118 that bends from the upper end of vertical wall 116 toward the rear of the vehicle and extends across the vehicle width.

[0041] Air is drawn into intake section 102 by an air conditioning unit 119 in the vehicle cabin, which is located on the vehicle rear side of dash panel 106. Intake section 102 also has, for example, a waterproof wall 120 and a base 121 (see FIG. 2). Waterproof wall 120 is disposed between intake port 108 and intake cover 104, and is erected, for example, from base surface 110 of dash panel 106 in front of intake port 108 across the vehicle width direction. Base 121 is located on dash panel 106, for example, below base surface 110, and a portion of base 121 is located on the vehicle rear side of dash panel 106. A sealing portion 122 is disposed around waterproof wall 120, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] The intake cover 104 is, for example, a resin cover, and forms a flow path that guides outside air introduced from the cowl portion 123 shown by the dotted line in Figure 1(a) into the power unit mounting room located on the front side of the dash panel 106 to the intake port 108.

[0043] 2(a), the intake cover 104 has an upper wall 124 that defines the upper side of the flow path, a pair of side walls, a first side wall 126 and a second side wall 128, a connecting portion 130, and a pair of support portions 132 and 134. The first side wall 126 and the second side wall 128 extend continuously from both ends of the upper wall 124 in the vehicle width direction toward, for example, the base surface 110 of the dash panel 106, and define both sides of the flow path in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] The connecting portion 130 is placed on the waterproof wall 120 of the intake portion 102 below the upper wall 124, and is connected to the waterproof wall 120 by a predetermined fastening member 136. 3 4 extends from the upper wall 124 and is connected to the connecting portion 130 to support the connecting portion 130.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the intake cover 104 further has a first flange 138 and a second flange 140 that protrude in the vehicle width direction from the first side wall 126 and the second side wall 128, respectively. The first flange 138 and the second flange 140 are provided with predetermined first fixing points 142 and second fixing points 144 (see FIG. 3), which are fixing holes. The first flange 138 and the second flange 140 are further fixed to the dash panel 106 at the first fixing points 142 and the second fixing points 144 by predetermined fastening members 146 and 148, respectively. 4 The first flange 138 has a vertical wall portion 149. The vertical wall portion 149 connects the rear portion of the first flange 138 and the rear portion of the first side wall 126.

[0046] 2(b), the first flange 138 has a first raised portion 150 and a second raised portion 151. The first raised portion 150 is raised upward in correspondence with the raised shape 114 of the base surface 110 of the dash panel 106. Furthermore, the first flange 138 has a first fixing point 142 set on the outer side of the first raised portion 150 in the vehicle width direction. The second raised portion 151 is located between the first fixing point 142 and the first side wall 126 and is raised in the vertical direction.

[0047] 1(b), the second flange 140 of the intake cover 104 and a portion 121a of the base 121 of the intake section 102 connected to the air conditioning unit 119 are fastened together with a fastening member 148, sandwiching the dash panel 106 therebetween. At this time, the second fixing point 144 of the second flange 140 and the third fixing point 152 provided for fixing the air conditioning unit 119 to the dash panel 106 are overlapped, and the fastening member 148 passes through. This allows the intake cover 104 and the air conditioning unit 119 to be fixed to the dash panel 106.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the intake cover 104 of the vehicle front structure 100 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing the intake cover 104 as seen obliquely from below. Fig. 3(b) is a front view of the intake cover 104.

[0049] 3(a), the connecting portion 130 of the intake cover 104 has a pair of ribs 154, 156 and a connecting surface 158. The pair of ribs 154, 156 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction, and are connected by the connecting surface 158.

[0050] The pair of support portions 132, 134 have a gap 159 formed therebetween and are further connected to a pair of ribs 154, 156. The pair of support portions 132, 134 and the pair of ribs 154, 156 are set longitudinally in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0051] 3(b), the pair of support portions 132, 134 are inclined so as to move away from each other from the connecting portion 130 toward the upper wall 124, forming an inverted V-shape. In other words, the pair of support portions 132, 134 extend in a direction that is not perpendicular to the upper wall 124.

[0052] 3(a), weak portions 164, 166 that are weaker than the surrounding areas are formed in connection regions 160, 162 between the pair of support portions 132, 134 and the pair of ribs 154, 156, respectively. These weak portions 164, 166 are thin in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, the connection regions 160, 162 between the pair of support portions 132, 134 and the pair of ribs 154, 156, respectively, have lower rigidity than connection regions 168, 170 between the upper wall 124 and the pair of support portions 132, 134.

[0053] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the intake cover 104 of Figure 3 as viewed from another direction. Figure 4(a) is a left side view of the intake cover 104. Figure 4(b) is a diagram showing the intake cover 104 as viewed from diagonally above the left.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4( a), the upper wall 124 of the intake cover 104 extends further toward the front of the vehicle than an edge 172 of the side wall 128 that contacts the base surface 110 of the dash panel 106. In addition, the front edge 174 of the side wall 128 has an inclined portion 176 and an extension portion 178. The inclined portion 176 is inclined so as to approach the upper wall 124 as it moves from the base surface 110 of the dash panel 106 toward the front of the vehicle. The extension portion 178 extends upward continuously from a front end 180 of the inclined portion 176 and reaches a front end 182 of the upper wall 124.

[0055] 3(a), the side wall 126 also has an inclined portion 186 and an extension portion 188 at its front edge 184. The inclined portion 186 is inclined so as to approach the upper wall 124 as it moves toward the front of the vehicle from an edge 190 that contacts the base surface 110 of the dash panel 106. The extension portion 188 extends continuously upward from a front end 192 of the inclined portion 186 and reaches the front end 182 of the upper wall 124.

[0056] In this way, the intake cover 104 has inclined portions 176, 186 and extended portions 178, 188 on the front edges 174, 184 of the pair of side walls 128, 126. This makes it easier to introduce outside air into the interior of the intake cover 104 along areas 194, 196 (see Figures 3(a) and 4(a)) defined by the inclined portions 176, 186, the extended portions 178, 188, and lines B, C connecting the edges 172, 190 on the dash panel 106 and the front end 182 of the top wall 124.

[0057] Furthermore, with the intake cover 104, the outside air introduced into it does not escape to the outside of the partitioned areas 194, 196 of the pair of side walls 128, 126. Therefore, the intake cover 104 makes it easier to guide air to the upper side of the pair of side walls 128, 126, while making it difficult to guide air, rainwater, etc. to the lower side, thereby increasing the amount of air flowing along the upper wall 124.

[0058] Furthermore, in the intake cover 104, the extension 178 and the inclined portion 176 are formed so as to have a forward convex shape in a side view, as shown in FIG. 4(a). This makes it difficult for load to concentrate on the connection area between the extension 178 and the inclined portion 176, i.e., on the front end 180 of the inclined portion 176 and its surroundings, thereby suppressing local deformation of the upper wall 124. The extension 188 and the inclined portion 186 are also formed so as to have a forward convex shape. If the extensions 178, 188 and the inclined portions 176, 186 were concave rearward, i.e., had a "L" shape, it would be difficult to introduce outside air, and furthermore, load would concentrate on the connection points between the extensions 178, 188 and the inclined portions 176, 186, making the upper wall 124 more susceptible to local deformation.

[0059] Furthermore, the edge 172 of the side wall 128 on the dash panel 106 includes a rear edge 200 extending downward from the rear end 198 of the top wall 124, and a lower edge 202, as shown in Figure 4(b). The lower edge 202 descends from a lower end 204 of the rear edge 200 toward the front of the vehicle and continues to the leading edge 174. Similarly, the edge 190 of the side wall 126 on the dash panel 106 includes a rear edge 206 and a lower edge 208, as shown in Figure 3(a).

[0060] 3(a) and 3(b), the intake cover 104 further has a rear wall 210 connecting the rear edges 200, 206 of the pair of side walls 128, 126, and a bulging portion 212 (see FIG. 4). The bulging portion 212 is a portion that bulges upward and is formed in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the upper wall 124, and has a rising portion 214 and a falling portion 216.

[0061] The rising portion 214 rises upward toward the rear from a position rearward of the inclined portions 176, 186 of the front edges 174, 184 of the pair of side walls 128, 126. The falling portion 216 is continuous with the rising portion 214 and falls downward toward the rear wall 210.

[0062] 3(b) are provided on the descending portion 216 and the rear wall 210. The first sealing member 218 and the second sealing member 220 seal the gaps between the descending portion 216 and the dash panel 106, and prevent water and other substances from entering through these gaps and flowing down into the air intake 108 of the dash panel 106.

[0063] 3(a), first flange 138, on which first fixing point 142 is provided, extends from lower edge 208 of first side wall 126. Second flange 140, on which second fixing point 144 is provided, extends from rear edge 200 of second side wall 128. Therefore, first fixing point 142 and second fixing point 144 are disposed at positions offset from each other in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.

[0064] The intake cover 104 further has a lower surface portion 222. The lower surface portion 222 protrudes in the vehicle width direction from the lower edge 202 of the second side wall 128 and further extends from the second flange 140 toward the front of the vehicle. The lower surface portion 222 does not have any fixed points. Therefore, the lower surface portion 222 and the front edge 174 and lower edge 202 of the second side wall 128 are free ends. The front edge 184 of the first side wall 126 shown in FIG. 3(b) is also a free end.

[0065] 3(a), the intake cover 104 has a first fixing point 142 provided on the first flange 138 extending from the lower edge 208 of the first side wall 126, and a second fixing point 144 provided on the second flange 140 extending from the rear edge 200 of the second side wall 128, but no fixing point is provided on the lower surface portion 222 continuous with the second side wall 128. As a result, the intake cover 104 has first fixing point 142 and second fixing point 144 fixed in different directions to promote torsional deformation of the first side wall 126 or the second side wall 128, while making it easier for the lower surface portion 222 continuous with the second side wall 128, which does not have a fixing point, to be displaced in the vehicle width direction compared to the lower surface of the first side wall 126, i.e., the first flange 138 continuous with the first side wall 126.

[0066] Thus, the leading edges 174, 184 of the pair of side walls 128, 126 have inclined portions 176, 186 that approach the top wall 124 as they move from the dash panel 106 toward the front of the vehicle. The inclined portions 176, 186 also approach the top wall 124 as they move from the dash panel 106 toward the front of the vehicle. This makes it possible to reduce the support area over which the pair of side walls 128, 126 support the dash panel 106.

[0067] If the leading edges 174, 184 of the pair of side walls 128, 126 do not have the inclined portions 176, 186 and extend continuously from both ends of the upper wall 124 in the vehicle width direction downward toward the base surface 110 of the dash panel 106, the support area over which the pair of side walls 128, 126 support the dash panel 106 would be larger than in a configuration having the above-mentioned inclined portions 176, 186.

[0068] Therefore, when an external force is applied from above to the upper wall 124 of the intake cover 104, part of this external force is transmitted to the front portion, including the front end 182 of the upper wall 124 and its surrounding area, along the inclined portions 176, 186 of the front edges 174, 184 of the pair of side walls 128, 126, to the lower end portions of the pair of side walls 128, 126, including, for example, the lower edges 202, 208 and their surrounding areas shown in FIG. 3( a), which serve as support surfaces for the dash panel 106. This prevents the front portion of the upper wall 124 of the intake cover 104 from bending downward locally, while concentrating the load on the support surfaces of the pair of side walls 128, 126 for the dash panel 106, thereby promoting deformation such that the pair of side walls 128, 126 are tilted in the vehicle width direction. In this way, the intake cover 104 can be easily deformed so as to bend vertically.

[0069] Furthermore, the inclined portions 176, 186 of the front edges 174, 184 of the pair of side walls 128, 126 are free ends, so that these inclined portions 176, 186 can be displaced in the vehicle width direction.

[0070] Figure 5 shows cross sections of the intake cover 104 in Figure 4(b). Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show the DD and EE cross sections of the intake cover 104 in Figure 4(b), respectively. Figure 6 shows the intake cover 104 in Figure 3 as viewed from yet another direction. Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are bottom, top, and rear views of the intake cover 104, respectively.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5(a), a pair of support portions 132, 134 are disposed on either side of the connecting portion 130 in the vehicle width direction, and are inclined toward each other from the upper wall 124 toward the connecting portion 130. The connecting portion 130 is placed on the waterproof wall 120 of the intake portion 102 shown in Figure 2, which protrudes upward from the base surface 110 (see Figure 1(a)) of the dash panel 106, and is connected to it by a fastening member 136. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), a first sealing member 218 and a second sealing member 220 are provided on the descending portion 216 of the upper wall 124 and the rear wall 210 of the intake cover 104, respectively.

[0072] This allows the rear outer side of the intake cover 104 and the dash panel 10 6 Furthermore, in this case, a repulsive force (counterforce) of each sealing member 218, 220 acts on the rear of the intake cover 104. This repulsive force is transmitted to the intake section 102 via the pair of support portions 132, 134 of the intake cover 104, the connecting portion 130, and the fastening member 136. As a result, even if there are few connecting points between the intake section 102 and other members such as the dash panel 106, it is easy to seal the gap.

[0073] The second sealing member 220 is disposed so as to be continuous with the underside of the first flange 138, the first side wall 126, and the rear wall 210 (see FIG. 6(a)) via a vertical wall portion 149 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that connects the rear portion of the first flange 138 and the rear portion of the first side wall 126, thereby enhancing watertightness. Furthermore, in the intake cover 104, the first flange 138 is connected to the rear portion of the first side wall 126 via the vertical wall portion 149, and the rear Wall 2 10 to the second flange 140 (see FIG. 6(b)). Therefore, in the intake cover 104, the reaction force of the second sealing member 220 can be distributed to the first flange 138 and the second flange 140, so that the watertightness of the second sealing member 220 can be improved even with a small number of fastening points. The second sealing member 220 is disposed so as to span the second flange 140 (see FIG. 6(c)).

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(a), a gap 159 is formed between the pair of support portions 132, 134, so when an external force is applied to the intake cover 104 from above, the pair of support portions 132, 134 are each more likely to deform in the tilted direction.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), a bulge portion 212 that bulges upward in the vehicle width direction is provided at the rear of the upper wall 124, so that the intake outside air (see arrow F in the figure) can be guided from the bulge portion 212 along the rear wall 210.

[0076] Therefore, the intake cover 104 can efficiently guide outside air into the intake section 102, and when a load is applied from above, it can encourage the upper wall 124 to curve and deform in the vertical direction, starting from the rising section 214, which is located behind the inclined sections 176 and 186.

[0077] 5(b), in the intake cover 104, the angle θa formed by the rising portion 214 of the upper wall 124 and its front portion, the angle θb formed by the rising portion 214 and the falling portion 216, the angle θc formed by the falling portion 216 and the rear wall 210, and the angle θd formed by the rear wall 210 and the dash panel 106 are all obtuse angles. In this way, the intake cover 104 is shaped so that the angles θa, θb, θc, and θd are obtuse angles, thereby forming an elliptical airflow when guiding outside air from the front, as shown by arrow F, thereby enabling efficient intake. Furthermore, if the angle θa is 120° or more, the air along the front portion is more likely to be introduced into the rising portion 214 without separating, enabling more efficient intake.

[0078] The rising portion 214 may rise in an arc shape so as to have a predetermined radius of curvature in a side view, and the falling portion 216 may fall in an arc shape so as to have a predetermined radius of curvature in a side view.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 5(b), the support portion 132 is formed so that its cross-sectional area decreases from the upper wall 124 toward the connecting portion 130. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 3(a), the support portion 134 also has a cross-sectional area that decreases from the upper wall 124 toward the connecting portion 130.

[0080] This makes it possible to prevent localized stress concentration in the support parts 132, 134 when the intake cover 104 receives an external force from above and impact energy is transmitted from above to below the support parts 132, 134. As a result, unintended deformation of the support parts 132, 134 does not occur, and the support parts 132, 134 can deform in the inclined direction.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 5(b), the ribs 154 of the support portion 132 and the connecting portion 130 have a generally triangular shape with their longitudinal dimensions decreasing downward. Furthermore, weak portions 224, 226 that are weaker than the surrounding areas are formed in the connection regions 168, 170 shown in Fig. 3(a). These weak portions 224, 226 are thin in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 5(b) , a bent portion 228 is formed in the connection region 160 of the support portion 132. The bent portion 228 is thin in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, promoting deformation of the support portion 132 in the vehicle width direction. This prevents the support portion 132 from breaking until it has deformed and tilted sufficiently. Note that instead of these fragile portions 164, 166, 224, 226 (see Figure 3(a)) and the bent portion 228, a through-hole penetrating a portion of the pair of support portions 132, 134 in the vehicle width direction or a notch may be formed.

[0083] 5(a), the upper wall 124 is disposed at an incline so that its height varies in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the support portion 132 is connected to the upper wall 124 at a position higher than the support portion 134. As a result, when the pair of support portions 132, 134 receive a load from above, the support portion 132, which is connected to the upper wall 124 at a high position, is bent at the bending portion 228, and the load is further transmitted to the support portion 134 side, thereby urging both of the pair of support portions 132, 134 to deform.

[0084] In a vehicle, the closer to the center of the vehicle, the easier it is to guide air from the front, while the closer to the outside of the vehicle, the more air escapes to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, in the air intake cover 104, as shown in Figure 6(a), the rising portion 214 and the falling portion 216 of the bulging portion 212 are inclined so that they are positioned further forward as they move toward the center of the vehicle (right side in the figure). This allows air to be guided along the inclination of the rising portion 214 and the falling portion 216, and the dash panel 10 6 This makes it easier to guide air throughout the entire intake port 108.

[0085] 6(a), the pair of support portions 132, 134 are provided in a region 230 between the front end position (see G in the figure) on the front side of the rising portion 214 and the front end position (see H in the figure) on the rear side. In this way, when the intake cover 104 curves starting from the obliquely inclined bulging portion 212, even if an external force acts at a position shifted from the center of the upper wall 124, the external force can be easily applied to the pair of support portions 132, 134.

[0086] 6(a) and 6(b), the first side wall 126 has a smaller dimension in the vehicle front-rear direction than the second side wall 128, and a larger dimension in the up-down direction than the second side wall 128, as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 6(c). As a result, if the dash panel 106 is inclined so that it curves forward as it approaches the center in the vehicle width direction, the pair of side walls 126, 128 can be arranged along the inclination of the dash panel 106, because the dimension of the first side wall 126 in the vehicle front-rear direction is smaller than that of the second side wall 128. This makes it possible to avoid the formation of dead space on the dash panel 106 when the intake cover 104 is fixed to the dash panel 106.

[0087] Furthermore, the second side wall 128 has a longer dimension in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a smaller dimension in the vertical direction than the first side wall 126. This reduces the difference in reaction force between the pair of side walls 126, 128 when an external force is applied from above to the upper wall 124 of the intake cover 104, making it easier for the upper wall 124 to bend in the vertical direction starting from the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0088] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing modified examples of the intake cover 104 of Fig. 1A when an external force (see arrow I in the figure) is applied from above. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are diagrams showing the state in which the intake cover 104 is deformed by the external force from above. Fig. 7C is a diagram showing the state in which the intake cover 104A of the comparative example is deformed.

[0089] 2, the pair of support parts 132, 134 of the intake cover 104 support the connecting part 130 and extend in a direction that is not perpendicular to the upper wall 124 and are inclined. Therefore, even if the waterproof wall 120 of the intake part 102 is connected in the vertical direction by the connecting part 130 within the flow path of the intake cover 104, it is possible to encourage deformation of the intake cover 104.

[0090] That is, when intake cover 104 receives an external force from above (see arrow I), support portions 132 and 134 are likely to deform in an inclined direction. Note that the chain line J in Figure 7(a) shows the shape of intake cover 104 before deformation.

[0091] Furthermore, connection regions 160, 162 between the pair of support portions 132, 134 and the pair of ribs 154, 156 shown in FIG. 3(a) have lower rigidity than connection regions 168, 170 between the upper wall 124 and the pair of support portions 132, 134.

[0092] 7(a) is applied to the intake cover 104, the support portions 132, 134 deform in an inclined direction, and the side walls 126, 128 are displaced in the vehicle width direction, causing the upper wall 124 to deform downward. The side walls 126, 128 deform so that the upper sides approach each other (see arrows K, M) and the lower sides move away from each other (see arrows L, N), so that the side walls 126, 128 deform in a V-shape, so to speak.

[0093] Then, connection region 160 (see FIG. 3(a)) between support portion 132 and rib 154 of connecting portion 130 breaks as shown in FIG. 7(a). In this way, intake cover 104 can use the impact energy generated when subjected to an external force as energy to break connection regions 160, 162 between support portions 132, 134 and connecting portion 130, or to deform support portions 132, 134 and their surrounding areas. Therefore, intake cover 104 can efficiently absorb impact when subjected to an external force from above.

[0094] The modified intake cover 104A shown in FIG. 7(c) has a second cover protruding from the side wall 126A. 2It differs from intake cover 104 in that the rear side of flange 138A is cut out and further in that it does not have the lower surface portion 222 that is continuous with side wall 128A and first flange 140A.

[0095] Such an intake cover 1 04 Even in case A, the support portions 132, 134 support the connecting portion 130 while extending and inclining in a direction that is not perpendicular to the upper wall 124, thereby efficiently absorbing the impact when an external force is applied from above.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(b), the intake cover 104 has a first raised portion 150 in which the first flange 138 is raised upward in correspondence with the raised shape 114 of the dash panel 106 (see Figure 1(a)), and further a first fixing point 142 is set on the outer side of the first raised portion 150 in the vehicle width direction.

[0097] Therefore, intake cover 104 can abut dash panel 106 and first raised portion 150 in the vehicle width direction. When a load is applied from above upper wall 124 as shown in FIG. 7( a), and a shear force (load in the vehicle width direction) that displaces the lower end of first side wall 126 outward in the vehicle width direction is generated, the displacement of side wall 126 can be absorbed by raised shape 114 of dash panel 106 via first raised portion 150. In addition, concentration of this shear force at first fixed point 142 can be prevented.

[0098] Furthermore, in the intake cover 104, by providing a second raised portion 151 between the first fixing point 142 and the first side wall 126, when a load is applied from above, the second raised portion 151 can be bent in the vehicle width direction, making it easier to tilt the first side wall 126 in the vehicle width direction. 1 Since a plurality of bending points are formed in the second protrusion 151, stress is concentrated at the bending points and deformation is likely to occur. Note that, although the second protrusion 151 bulges upward, the invention is not limited to this and it may bulge downward.

[0099] 4(b), the lower surface portion 222 protrudes in the vehicle width direction from the lower edge 202 of the second side wall 128, extends from the second flange 140 toward the front of the vehicle, and is not provided with any fixed points. Therefore, the lower surface portion 222 is a free end with respect to the dash panel 106. As a result, when a load is applied from above the upper wall 124, the periphery of the second side wall 128, including the lower surface portion 222, bends to absorb the load, thereby preventing the load from concentrating on the pair of support portions 132, 134 and causing the support portions 132, 134 to tip over.

[0100] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(c), the second sealing member 220 provided on the rear wall 210 of the intake cover 104 is arranged to extend to the first flange 138 and further extend from the second flange 140 to the underside 222. This makes it easier for the first fixing point 142 and the second fixing point 144 to receive the repulsive force of the second sealing member 220, improving waterproofing. Furthermore, the shear force generated when a load is applied from above the upper wall 124 can be released via the second sealing member 220 to the vertical wall 116 of the dash panel 106 (see Figure 1(a)).

[0101] Figure 8 is a diagram schematically showing another modified example of the intake cover 104 of Figure 5(a). In the intake cover 104B shown in Figure 8(a), a pair of support parts 132, 134A are inclined parallel to each other with respect to the upper wall 124. Even with this configuration, when an external force is applied from above, the support parts 132, 134A are likely to deform in the inclined direction, so that even if the connecting part 130 is connected to the waterproof wall 120, deformation of the intake cover 104B can be promoted.

[0102] 8(b), of a pair of support portions 132, 134B, support portion 132 is inclined relative to upper wall 124, and support portion 134B extends in a direction perpendicular to upper wall 124. Even with this configuration, when an external force is applied from above, support portion 132 of support portions 132, 134B is more likely to deform in the inclined direction, thereby promoting deformation of intake cover 104C.

[0103] Furthermore, although the above-mentioned support portions 132, 134, and 134A extend in a direction that is inclined, i.e., not perpendicular, to the upper wall 124, as long as they are inclined as a whole, they may have a portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the upper wall 124, i.e., a vertical portion.

[0104] In addition, the pair of support portions 132, 134, support portion 132, 134A and support portion 132, 134B may be arranged side by side not only in the vehicle width direction but also in the vehicle front-rear direction, as long as at least one of them is inclined with respect to the upper wall 124.

[0105] 5(a), the cross section of the intake cover 104, which includes the top wall 124, the pair of side walls 126, 128, and the bottom surface 222 that is continuous with the first flange 138 and the second flange 140, has an upwardly convex hat shape. In contrast, the intake cover 104D shown in FIG. 8(c) has an upwardly convex shape formed by the top wall 124, the first side wall 126, and the second side wall 128B, and has an inner flange 232 that protrudes from the second side wall 128B toward the top wall 124.

[0106] 8(d) is formed by an upper wall 124, a first side wall 126B, and a second side wall 128B, and has an inner flange 234 that protrudes from the first side wall 126B toward the upper wall 124. Such intake covers 104D and 104E have no bottom surface (lower wall), are open downward, and have an upwardly convex shape, so they are easily deformed when an external force is applied to the upper wall 124 from above, and are therefore able to easily absorb the impact energy caused by the external force.

[0107] The connecting portion 130 of the above-mentioned intake cover 104 is designed to be connected to the waterproof wall 120 of the intake section 102 which is arranged below the upper wall 124, but is not limited to this and may also be connected to the base surface 110 of the dash panel 106.Furthermore, if the intake cover 104 has a lower wall which defines the lower side of the flow path, the connecting portion 130 may be connected to the lower wall instead of the intake section 102 or the dash panel 106.

[0108] 3(a) and 4(a), the intake cover 104 facilitates the introduction of outside air by providing areas 194, 196 including inclined portions 176, 186 and extended portions 178, 188 provided on the front edges 174, 184 of the pair of side walls 128, 126. However, without being limited to this, the side walls 128, 126 may not be provided with areas 194, 196, so that the top wall 124 is more easily deformed when an external force is applied from above.

[0109] Furthermore, since the pair of support portions 132, 134 are in an open state, so to speak, in an inverted V shape, even if an external force from above acts on one side or the other of the intake cover 104 in a specified direction, the pair of support portions 132, 134 are likely to deform in an inclined direction, which is likely to cause the connection regions 160, 162 between the support portions 132, 134 and the connecting portion 130 to break.

[0110] 3, the first fixing point 142 and the second fixing point 144 are disposed at positions offset in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, and the second fixing point 144 is disposed rearward of the first fixing point 142. In this way, the first fixing point 142 and the second fixing point 144 are disposed at different positions in the front-to-rear direction, so that the intake cover 104 4 When an external force is applied to the first side wall 126 or the second side wall 128 from above, this can encourage torsional deformation in the first side wall 126 or the second side wall 128, making it easier to displace in the vehicle width direction.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the second fixing point 144 of the second flange 140 and the third fixing point 152 provided for fixing the air conditioning unit 119 to the dash panel 106 are overlapped, thereby reducing the number of fixing points required to fix the intake cover 104 and the air conditioning unit 119 to the dash panel 106.

[0112] Additionally, by overlapping the second fixing point 144 and the third fixing point 152 and passing a predetermined fastening member 148 through them to fix the intake cover 104 and the air conditioning unit 119 to the dash panel 106, the rigidity around the overlapping fixing points can be increased. This makes it difficult for the overlapping fixing points to be displaced when the intake cover 104 is subjected to an external force, making it easier for the top wall 124 and the pair of side walls 126, 128 of the intake cover 104 to deform.

[0113] In the intake cover 104, the first sealing member 218 is provided on the falling portion 216, and the rear side of the pair of support portions 132, 134 is in contact with the rising portion 21 as shown in FIG. 5(a). 4 Therefore, the repulsive force of the first sealing member 218 is Wall 1 The repulsive force is transmitted from the falling portion 216 of the slit 24 to the rising portion 214. 4 The force is reliably transmitted to a pair of support portions 132, 134 that are inclined so as to follow the line, and is further transmitted to the intake portion 102 via the connecting portion 130 and the fastening member 136. As a result, even if there are fewer connecting points between the intake portion 102 and other members such as the dash panel 106, it is easier to seal the gap.

[0114] The intake cover 104 further has an upper flange 236 and outer flanges 238, 240 shown in Figure 3. The upper flange 236 protrudes upward from the front end 182 of the upper wall 124 (see Figure 4(a)). The outer flanges 238, 240 protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the pair of side walls 126, 128. This makes it easier to guide outside air along the upper flange 236 and the outer flanges 238, 240 toward the upper wall 124 and the pair of side walls 126, 128.

[0115] The intake cover 104 is fixed to the dash panel 106 to form a flow path that guides outside air to the intake section 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of the intake cover 104 may be applied to a resin cover that is appropriately installed in a vehicle. Here, the resin cover may be used as a protective cover that protects on-board components and electrical components, for example. Furthermore, the resin cover may have a similar configuration to the intake cover 104, such as by providing a bottom wall.

[0116] The structure of the resin cover will now be described with reference to Figure 3(a). The resin cover includes a pair of side walls 126, 128 spaced apart in a predetermined direction, and an upper wall 124 as an outer wall connecting the pair of side walls 126, 128. The resin cover is molded from resin and defines a space surrounded by the pair of side walls 126, 128 and the upper wall 124, and is mounted on a vehicle.

[0117] The resin cover further has a connecting portion 130 that is connected to a predetermined lower member below the upper wall 124, and a pair of support portions 132, 134 that extend from the upper wall 124 and support the connecting portion 130. The support portions 132, 134 are inclined so as to approach the center of the upper wall 124 as they extend from the upper wall 124 toward the connecting portion 130. The ends of the support portions 132, 134 on the connecting portion 130 side have lower rigidity than the ends of the support portions 132, 134 on the upper wall 124 side.

[0118] As a result, when the upper wall 124 of the resin cover is subjected to an external force that deforms it, for example, toward the inside of the vehicle, the support portions 132, 134 are more likely to deform in the inclined direction, i.e., in a direction that approaches the center of the upper wall 124 as they move toward the connecting portion 130. For this reason, the impact energy caused by the external force can be used to deform the support portions 132, 134 and their surrounding areas, or to break the ends of the support portions 132, 134 on the connecting portion 130 side. Therefore, the resin cover can efficiently absorb the impact when the upper wall 124 is subjected to an external force that deforms it.

[0119] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The present invention can be used in a vehicle front structure and a resin cover. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 100...Vehicle front structure 102...Intake section 104, 104A, 104B...Intake cover 106...Dash panel 108...Air intake 110...Base surface 112...recess 114...Elevated shape 116...Vertical wall 118...Upper wall 119...Air conditioning unit 120…Waterproof wall 121...Foundation 121a...Part of the base 122...Sealing part 123...Cowling part 124...Top wall of intake cover 126, 126A, 126B…1st side wall 128, 128A, 128B…Second side wall 130...Connection part 132, 134, 134A, 134B...Support part 136, 146, 148...Fastening members 138...First flange 140...Second flange 142...1st fixed point 144…Second fixed point 149...Vertical wall part 150...1st raised part 151…Second raised part 152…Third fixed point 154, 156...Ribs 158…Connection surface 159...Gap 160, 162, 168, 170...Connection area 164, 166, 224, 226...Weak parts 172, 190...Edge on dash panel of side wall 174, 184...leading edge 176, 186...slanted part 178, 188...extension part 180, 192...Front end of inclined section 182...Front end of upper wall 194, 196...Sidewall area 198...Rear end of upper wall 200, 206… Trailing edge 202, 208...lower edge 204...Lower end of trailing edge 210…Back wall 212...bulge 214...Rising section 216...Downward section 218...first sealing member 220...Second sealing member 222…Bottom part 228...Bend 230...Upper wall area 232, 234...Inner flange 236...Upper flange 238, 240...Outer flange

Claims

1. an intake section provided in a dash panel that separates a front portion of the vehicle from a passenger compartment, through which air is taken in by an air conditioning unit in the passenger compartment; an intake cover that forms a flow path that guides outside air introduced into the front part of the vehicle from a cowl part to the intake part, The intake cover is an upper wall that defines an upper side of the flow path; a pair of side walls extending continuously from both ends of the upper wall in the vehicle width direction to the dash panel and defining both sides of the flow path in the vehicle width direction; a connecting portion connected to the intake portion or the dash panel below the upper wall; at least one support portion extending from the upper wall and connected to the connecting portion to support the connecting portion; At least one of the at least one support portions extends in a direction that is not perpendicular to the upper wall.

2. 2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein a connection region between the at least one support portion and the coupling portion has lower rigidity than a connection region between the upper wall and the at least one support portion.

3. 3. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support portion is formed so that a cross-sectional area thereof decreases from the upper wall toward the connecting portion.

4. the at least one support portion includes a pair of support portions arranged side by side in a predetermined direction, 4. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of support portions is inclined.

5. 5. The vehicle front structure according to claim 4, wherein the pair of support portions are inclined so as to move away from each other in the predetermined direction from the connecting portion toward the lower surface of the upper wall.

6. 6. The vehicle front structure according to claim 4, wherein a gap is formed between the pair of support portions.

7. 7. A vehicle front structure according to claim 1, characterized in that a weak portion is formed in the connection region between the at least one support portion and the connecting portion, the weak portion being weaker than the surrounding area in the direction in which the at least one support portion extends.

8. The intake section is disposed so as to protrude upward from the dash panel, The connecting portion of the intake cover is overlapped with the intake portion and connected to it by a predetermined fastening member, The pair of support portions are disposed on both sides of the connecting portion in the vehicle width direction, and are inclined so as to approach each other from the upper wall toward the connecting portion, 7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 4, further comprising a sealing member provided on the rear outer side of the intake cover across the width of the vehicle to seal a gap between the intake cover and other specified components.

9. the connecting portion has a pair of ribs that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction, The pair of support portions are connected to the pair of ribs, respectively, The pair of support portions and the pair of ribs are set longitudinally in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A vehicle front structure as described in any one of claims 4 to 6 and 8, characterized in that a weak portion that is thin in the vehicle width direction and weaker than the surrounding area extending in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction is formed in each connection area between the pair of support portions and the pair of ribs.

10. the upper wall of the intake cover has a rising portion that slopes upward from a position rearward of the connecting portion toward the rear, and a falling portion that is continuous with the rising portion and slopes downward toward the rear, the sealing member is provided on the falling portion, 9. The vehicle front structure according to claim 8, wherein rear ends of the pair of support portions are inclined so as to follow the rising portion.

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