Front body structure

Abstract

To absorb an impact load applied obliquely from ahead of a vehicle efficiently to inhibit deformation of a passenger compartment.SOLUTION: A vehicle body front part structure A includes: an upper cross member 160; a lower cross member 161; upper impact absorption members 162, 163 which support both sides as seen in a vehicle width direction of the upper cross member 160; and lower impact absorption members 164, 165 which support both sides as seen in the vehicle width direction of the lower cross member 161. The upper impact absorption members 162, 163 and the lower impact absorption members 164, 165 incline outward as seen in the vehicle width direction toward the vehicle front side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pair of left and right front side frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are provided at the front of an automobile body on both sides in the vehicle width direction. In Patent Document 1, a subframe is connected to the lower sides of the front side frames. The subframe has closed loop structures on the left and right sides, each configured in a substantially parallelogram shape. That is, the left closed loop structure 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 of the inner member to the rear of the outer member. Similarly, the right closed loop structure includes a front member, inner and outer members, and a rear member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-106808 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, for example, it is assumed that an obstacle may collide with the vehicle from diagonally ahead while the vehicle is traveling. In this case, the subframe of Patent Document 1 will be crushed by the impact load. However, since this subframe is provided only on the lower side of the front side frame, the impact load is concentrated on the lower side, and it is thought that there is room for improvement in terms of absorbing the impact load.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and has as its object to efficiently absorb an impact load from the diagonal front of the vehicle and suppress deformation of the vehicle interior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present disclosure can be based on a vehicle front body structure for an automobile including a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle front body structure includes an upper cross member extending in the vehicle width direction above the bumper reinforcement, a lower cross member extending in the vehicle width direction below the bumper reinforcement, upper impact absorbing members supporting both sides of the upper cross member in the vehicle width direction and absorbing impact loads in the vehicle front-rear direction, and lower impact absorbing members supporting both sides of the lower cross member in the vehicle width direction and absorbing impact loads in the vehicle front-rear direction. The upper impact absorbing members and the lower impact absorbing members are positioned outward in the vehicle width direction as they move closer to the front of the vehicle.

[0007] With this configuration, for example, if an obstacle collides diagonally from the front with the left side of the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling, an impact load acts on the left side of the upper cross member and the lower cross member in a diagonally rearward direction of the vehicle. Because the upper cross member and the lower cross member are supported by the upper impact-absorbing member and the lower impact-absorbing member, respectively, the impact load is distributed and input to the upper impact-absorbing member and the lower impact-absorbing member located on the left side. In this case, the upper impact-absorbing member and the lower impact-absorbing member located on the left side are positioned further leftward toward the front of the vehicle, so the direction of the impact load from the diagonally front left generally coincides with the extension direction of the upper impact-absorbing member and the lower impact-absorbing member. This allows the upper impact-absorbing member and the lower impact-absorbing member to reliably absorb the impact load, and the upper impact-absorbing member and the lower impact-absorbing member can be deformed, thereby efficiently absorbing the impact load. The same applies to the right side.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle further includes a rear connecting portion that connects a vehicle rear side of at least one of the upper impact absorbing member and the lower impact absorbing member to a vehicle body member, and the rear connecting portion has a reinforcing portion formed along one side wall portion of the impact absorbing member in the vehicle width direction.

[0009] With this configuration, the rear side of the impact absorbing member is connected to the vehicle body member by the rear connecting portion, and in this state, the reinforcing portion of the rear connecting portion is arranged along one side wall portion of the impact absorbing member in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the reinforcing portion can prevent the impact absorbing member from collapsing in the vehicle width direction when an impact load is applied, and the impact absorbing member can be deformed as intended, further improving the impact absorbing effect.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, the upper cross member and the lower cross member extend further outward in the vehicle width direction than the bumper reinforcement, and vehicle front sides of the upper impact absorbing member and the lower impact absorbing member are located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the bumper reinforcement.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bumper reinforcement further includes crash cans supporting both sides of the bumper reinforcement in a vehicle width direction, and the vehicle front sides of the upper impact absorbing member and the lower impact absorbing member are located outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle front sides of the crash cans.

[0012] According to this configuration, the impact load acting on the outer side of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle width direction can be reliably absorbed by the upper impact absorbing member and the lower impact absorbing member.

[0013] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle rear side of the crash can is spaced downward from the vehicle rear side of the upper impact absorbing member, and the vehicle rear side of the lower impact absorbing member is spaced downward from the vehicle rear side of the crash can.

[0014] With this configuration, the rear sides of the vehicle of the crash can, upper impact absorbing member, and lower impact absorbing member are spaced apart in the vertical direction, so that when an impact load acts on the crash can, upper impact absorbing member, and lower impact absorbing member, the impact load can be distributed to multiple locations that are spaced apart in the vertical direction, preventing the impact load from acting locally.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle further includes a traction motor, a battery unit disposed below a floor panel of the vehicle and supplying power to the traction motor, and a vehicle body member to which the vehicle rear side of the lower impact absorbing member is connected. A battery member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at a vehicle front portion of the battery unit. The vehicle body member can be connected to the battery member.

[0016] That is, because the battery unit that supplies power to the drive motor is large and heavy, the battery frame is constructed of high-strength materials. With this configuration, the impact load acting on the lower impact-absorbing member is transmitted from the vehicle body member to the high-strength battery member, allowing the battery member to absorb the impact load. Meanwhile, the impact load acting on the upper impact-absorbing member can be absorbed above the floor panel. This allows the impact load acting during a collision to be distributed above and below the vehicle body, thereby suppressing deformation of the passenger compartment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, the upper impact absorbing member that supports the upper cross member and the lower impact absorbing member that supports the lower cross member are positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction as they move toward the front of the vehicle, thereby efficiently absorbing and dispersing impact loads from the diagonal front of the vehicle, thereby suppressing deformation of the passenger compartment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of an automobile equipped with a vehicle body front structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the automobile is divided into an upper structure and a lower structure. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lower structure with the cover member removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the front side of a vehicle as viewed from above. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dash panel and its vicinity as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 12] 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the mounting structure of the left lower support member to the front wheel suspension support member. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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."

[0021] (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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] A front space R2 is provided in front of the passenger space R1 of the automobile 1. A powertrain PT can be installed in this front space R2 as needed. When a powertrain PT is installed in the front space R2, the front space R2 can also be called, for example, a powertrain storage room, a motor room, or an engine room. A bonnet hood BF is provided above the front space R2. The rear portion of the bonnet hood BF is supported on the vehicle body by hinges (not shown) or the like. A front bumper 150 is also provided at the front of the automobile 1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10 , left and right headlights L are provided on both the left and right sides of the front of the automobile 1. The headlights L may include turn signals or the like.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, a luggage space R3 capable of accommodating luggage and the like is provided behind the passenger space R1 of the automobile 1. The luggage space R3 can be opened and closed by a trunk lid TR. A rear space R4 is provided behind the passenger space R1 of the automobile 1 and below the luggage space R3. A powertrain PT that generates power for the automobile 1 can be installed in this rear space R4 as needed. When the powertrain PT is installed in the rear space R4, the rear space R4 can also be called, for example, a powertrain storage room, a motor room, an engine room, etc.

[0025] The powertrain PT may be mounted in both the front space R2 and the rear space R4, or in only one of them. If the powertrain PT is mounted only in the front space R2, the vehicle is a front-wheel drive vehicle in which the powertrain PT drives only the front wheels FT. If the powertrain PT is mounted only in the rear space R4, the vehicle is a rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the powertrain PT drives only the rear wheels RT. Furthermore, if the powertrain PT is mounted in both the front space R2 and the rear space R4 and drives the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT, the vehicle is a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0026] The powertrain PT includes at least a traction motor M (shown in FIG. 2) for driving the drive wheels, and may also include a reducer, a transmission, etc. as necessary. Therefore, the automobile 1 is an electric vehicle. The traction motor M is disposed so that its center of rotation extends in the left-right direction. In addition to the traction motor M, the powertrain PT may also include, for example, a control unit, etc. The powertrain PT may also include an internal combustion engine. A battery unit Y (also shown in FIG. 1) for supplying power to the traction motor M is mounted on the bottom of the automobile 1. For example, the battery unit Y may be charged using 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 power generated by the internal combustion engine.

[0027] The type of automobile 1 does not have to be a four-door vehicle as shown in Fig. 1 as an example, and may be, for example, an automobile without a rear door RD. Furthermore, although not shown, the present invention can also be applied to an automobile in which the rear space R4 can be opened and closed with a tailgate, such as a hatchback.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the automobile 1 is equipped with 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 also include a middle portion of the lower structure 2 in the fore-and-aft direction and a middle portion of the upper structure 3 in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0029] 2 shows a state in which the doors FD, RD, bonnet hood BF, fenders, windshield, roof, center pillars, rear pillars, front bumper 150, rear bumper, front and rear lighting devices including headlights (headlights L, etc.), instrument panel, front and rear seats, etc., which are originally provided on the upper structure 3, have been removed. Also, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the front wheels FT, rear wheels RT, suspension devices, etc., which are originally provided on the lower structure 2, have been removed.

[0030] The lower structure 2 is equipped with a battery unit Y. The battery unit Y has a front battery FB, a rear battery RB, and a frame 10 that surrounds the front battery FB and the rear battery RB. The lower structure 2 also has a front support frame 20 that extends forward from the front of the frame 10, and a rear support frame 30 that extends rearward from the rear of the frame 10.

[0031] Although not shown, in the case of a typical electric vehicle, the battery unit is often separate from the vehicle body and is detachably attached under the floor. However, in this embodiment, not only are the batteries FB, RB integrated into the frame-type frame 10 that surrounds the batteries FB, RB, but the front support frame 20 and rear support frame 30 are also integrated into the frame-type frame 10, and the front support frame 20 and rear support frame 30, together with the batteries FB, RB, are detachably attached to the upper structure 3.

[0032] Specifically, the automobile 1 of this embodiment is configured to be separable into an upper and lower structure 2 having batteries FB, RB, and an upper structure 3 that forms the passenger space R1 and the luggage compartment space R3. Being separable into upper and lower structures means that the lower structure 2 is integrated with the upper structure 3 using fastening members such as bolts, nuts, and screws, without using welding, adhesives, or the like. This allows the lower structure 2 to be separated from the upper structure 3 as needed when performing maintenance or repairs on the automobile 1 after it has been delivered to the user, improving maintainability.

[0033] Here, a ladder frame type vehicle body structure is known as an automobile body structure. In the case of a ladder frame type vehicle body structure, the ladder frame can be separated into an upper and lower portion and a cabin. However, since the ladder frame extends continuously in the fore-and-aft direction, it mainly bears the collision load in the event of a frontal collision and a rearward collision. In the event of a side collision, the ladder frame only auxiliarily bears the collision load, and it is the cabin that mainly bears the collision load. In this way, in a ladder frame type vehicle body structure, the components that bear the collision load in the event of a frontal collision and a rearward collision and in the event of a side collision are usually separated.

[0034] In contrast, in the case of the automobile 1 of this embodiment, the lower structure 2 having the front support frame 20 and the rear support frame 30 and the upper structure 3 are separable, but in the event of a frontal collision, a rear collision, or a side collision, the collision load is received by the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3, and the collision load can be distributed and absorbed between the two structures 2, 3, which is a significant difference in technical concept from a conventional ladder frame type vehicle body structure. Below, the structures of the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 will be described in order. Note that in this embodiment, an example in which the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 can be separated will be described, but the present invention is not only applicable to such separable vehicle body structures, but is also applicable to vehicle body structures that cannot be separated into the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3.

[0035] (undercarriage) First, the lower structure 2 will be described. In addition to the batteries FB, RB, the frame 10, the front support frame 20, and the rear support frame 30, the lower structure 2 also includes a power train PT, front wheels FT, rear wheels RT, and front suspension devices SP1, SP2 and rear suspension devices SP3, SP4 shown by imaginary lines in Fig. 3. There is no particular restriction on the types of the front suspension devices SP1, SP2 and rear suspension devices SP3, SP4, and it is also possible to change the vehicle body structure depending on the types of the front suspension devices SP1, SP2 and rear suspension devices SP3, SP4.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] When joining the lower structure 2 to the upper structure 3, the front member 13 is fastened to the lower part of the dash panel 50 with fastening members, and the left side member 11 and the right side member 12 are fastened to the left and right side sills 60 with fastening members, respectively. In addition, the rear member 14 is fastened to a connecting panel 43 (described later) with fastening members.

[0040] 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 disposed on the vehicle widthwise inner side of left and right side sills 60 (described later). 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.

[0041] A cover member 15 (shown in FIG. 5 ) serving as a bottom plate is attached to the lower part of the frame 10. The cover member 15 is provided with a passage forming portion 15a that forms a cooling water passage through which cooling water can flow. The 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 a side sill 60 as described below. The upper part of the frame 10 may be closed by a lid (not shown) or by a passenger space side floor panel 41 (described below). The power of the batteries FB and RB housed in the frame 10 is supplied to the driving motor M via a driving control circuit (not shown). Furthermore, the batteries FB and RB can be charged via a charging socket (not shown).

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the center portion in the left-right direction of the vehicle body front structure A. As shown in FIG. 4, first to third battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C are provided inside the frame-type frame 10 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 from one another in the front-rear direction. The left ends of each battery-side cross member 10A, 10B, and 10C are fixed to the inner surface (right side surface) of the left side member 11, and the right ends of each battery-side cross member 10A, 10B, and 10C are fixed to the inner surface (left side surface) of the right side member 12. In addition, a front central member 16 and first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are provided inside the frame-type frame 10 as reinforcing members extending in the front-rear direction.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 2, a pair of left and right front support frames 20 are provided, and extend substantially horizontally and linearly below the upper structure 3. Each front support frame 20 can be made of, for example, an extruded material or a press-formed material. In this embodiment, since each front support frame 20 is made of an extruded material, the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is substantially uniform from the front end to the rear end.

[0044] The left front support frame 20 is connected to a portion of the front member 13 that constitutes the front part of the frame 10 that is shifted to the left of the center in the left-right direction, and this connection portion is located to the right of the left side member 11 of the frame 10. The right front support frame 20 is connected to a portion of the front member 13 that is shifted to the right of the center in the left-right direction, and this connection portion is located to the left of the right side member 12 of the frame 10. The left and right front support frames 20 have approximately the same height.

[0045] The front powertrain PT is attached to the front support frame 20 via a mount member (not shown). In this case, the front support frame 20 serves as a front motor support frame that supports the travel motor M in front of the battery unit Y. Drive shafts S1 are provided on the left and right of the lower structure 2 to transmit the output of the powertrain PT (the rotational force of the travel motor M) to the left and right front wheels FT, respectively.

[0046] 2, a pair of rear support frames 30 are provided on the left and right, similar to the front support frames 20, and extend rearward in a substantially horizontal straight line. Each rear support frame 30 can be made of, for example, an extruded material or a press-formed material. In this embodiment, each rear support frame 30 is made of an extruded material.

[0047] The left rear support frame 30 is connected to a portion of the rear member 14 that constitutes the rear part of the frame 10 that is shifted to the left of the center in the left-right direction, and this connection portion is located to the right of the left side member 11 of the frame 10. In addition, the right rear support frame 30 is connected to a portion of the rear member 14 that is shifted to the right of the center in the left-right direction, and this connection portion is located to the left of the right side member 12 of the frame 10.

[0048] The rear powertrain PT is attached to the rear support frame 30 via a mount member (not shown). In this case, the rear support frame 30 serves as a rear motor support frame that supports the travel motor M behind the battery unit Y. Drive shafts S2 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower structure 2 to transmit the output of the powertrain PT (the rotational force of the travel motor M) to the left and right rear wheels RT, respectively.

[0049] (superstructure) 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 rear support frame 30 of the lower structure 2. The floor constituent member 40 includes a passenger-space-side floor panel 41 that constitutes the floor of the passenger space R1 in which the front seats FS and rear seats RS (shown in FIG. 1) on which passengers sit are provided, a luggage-space-side floor panel 42 that constitutes the floor of the luggage space R3, and a connection panel 43 that connects the rear portion of the passenger-space-side floor panel 41 and the front portion of the luggage-space-side floor panel 42. The connection panel 43 constitutes a kick-up portion.

[0050] The floor structural member 40 can be formed, for example, from a member obtained by press-forming a steel plate or the like. The passenger space-side floor panel 41, the luggage space-side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43 may be integrally formed, or may be formed separately and then connected. In this embodiment, the passenger space-side floor panel 41, the luggage space-side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43 are described as being divided into three parts, but the floor structural member 40 including these panels 41 to 43 may also be called the floor panel. Alternatively, only the passenger space-side floor panel 41 may also be called the floor panel.

[0051] The passenger space side floor panel 41 extends from the front to the rear of the passenger space R1 and from the left side to the right side of the passenger space R1. The passenger space side floor panel 41 according to this embodiment has a floor tunnel-less structure without a tunnel portion, but may have a tunnel portion.

[0052] A recessed portion 41a that bulges downward is formed in the middle of the passenger space side floor panel 41 in the front-to-rear direction. The recessed portion 41a has a bottom surface 41b on which the feet of a rear seat occupant sitting in the rear seat RS can be placed. The bottom surface 41b is formed substantially horizontally. The recessed portion 41a can be formed continuously from the left side to the right side of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0053] The luggage space-side floor panel 42 is positioned higher than the passenger space-side floor panel 41. The rear space R4 is located below the luggage space-side floor panel 42. Because the luggage space-side floor panel 42 is positioned higher than the passenger space-side floor panel 41, the connection panel 43 extends in the vertical direction.

[0054] As also shown in Figure 4, the dash panel 50 is a component that serves as a partition between the front space R2 and the passenger space R1, and extends upward from the front of the passenger space side floor panel 41 and also extends in the left-right direction, separating the front of the passenger space R1.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2 , the left and right side sills 60 are disposed so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction at both left and right end portions of the passenger space side floor panel 41. The left end portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 is connected to the vertical middle portion of the left side sill 60, with the upper portion of the side sill 60 protruding upward from the connection portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 and the lower portion of the side sill 60 protruding downward from the connection portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41. A battery unit Y including batteries FB, RB is disposed below the passenger space side floor panel 41, so that the lower portion of the side sill 60 overlaps with the batteries FB, RB in a side view of the vehicle. Similarly, the right side sill 60 is connected to the right end portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0056] The upper structure 3 is equipped with a pair of left and right hinge pillars 70. The right hinge pillar 70 extends upward from the front end of the right side sill 60. The left hinge pillar 70 also extends upward from the front end of the left side sill 60. 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 of the dash panel 50 is connected to the right side surface of the left hinge pillar 70. The right edge 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.

[0057] A left front wheel suspension support member 51A is provided on the left side of the upper structure 3, forward of the dash panel 50, supporting a suspension device (front suspension device) SP1 (shown by phantom lines in FIG. 4) for the left front wheel FT. Furthermore, a right front wheel suspension support member 51B is provided on the right side of the upper structure 3, forward of the dash panel 50, supporting a suspension device (front suspension device) SP2 (shown by phantom lines in FIG. 4) for the right front wheel FT. The type of suspension devices SP1 and SP2 is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, a suspension arm, shock absorbers, springs, etc. that support the front wheel FT so that it can swing freely up and down. The vehicle body-side ends of the suspension arms and the upper ends of the shock absorbers are attached to the front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B. The front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B may be made of, for example, aluminum die-cast, but are not limited to this and may also be made of a combination of steel plates, etc.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, three left-side fixing frames 52A for fixing a left front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side forward of the dash panel 50. The three left-side fixing frames 52A are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left-side fixing frames 52A are fixed to the front-wheel suspension support member 51A. Meanwhile, the rear portions of the uppermost and vertically intermediate left-side fixing frames 52A are fixed to the left hinge pillar 70 or the left side of the dash panel 50. Furthermore, the rear portion of the lowest left-side fixing frame 52A is connected to the left side sill 60 or the left side of the front member 13 of the frame 10. This allows the rear portion of the left front-wheel suspension support member 51A to be connected to the front member 13.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3 , the upper structure 3 includes a left front frame 54A and a right front frame 54B. Specifically, the left front frame 54A connects the front portion of a center frame 80 (described later) to a left front-wheel suspension support member 51A, and the right front frame 54B connects the front portion of the center frame 80 to a right front-wheel suspension support member 51B. The left front frame 54A is inclined so that it is positioned more leftward toward the front. The right front frame 54B is inclined so that it is positioned more rightward toward the front. Connecting the left and right front-wheel suspension support members 51A, 51B to the front portion of the center frame 80 increases the rigidity of the front-wheel suspension support members 51A, 51B, improving vehicle handling stability. This also increases the rigidity of the front side of the vehicle, including the area around the dash panel 50.

[0063] The upper structure 3 includes a left rear side frame 112A that extends in the front-to-rear direction on the left side and rearward of the rear of the passenger space side floor panel 41, and a right rear side frame 112B that extends in the front-to-rear direction on the right side and rearward of the rear of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0064] A left rear wheel suspension support member 110A that supports a suspension device (rear suspension device) SP3 (shown by a phantom line in FIG. 3) for the left rear wheel RT is provided on the left side of the connecting panel 43 on the upper structure 3. Furthermore, a right rear wheel suspension support member 110B that supports a suspension device (rear suspension device) SP4 (shown by a phantom line in FIG. 4) for the right rear wheel RT is provided on the right side of the connecting panel 43 on the upper structure 3.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The front cross member 44A is disposed in front of the passenger space side floor panel 41. The front portion 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 rearward of the front cross member 44A and forward of the recessed portion 41a, and the intermediate cross member 44B and the passenger space side floor panel 41 form a closed cross section.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the upper structure 3 includes a center frame 80 that extends continuously in the front-to-rear direction from the dash panel 50 to the connecting panel 43. This center frame 80 is located in the left-to-right center, and the rear of the center frame 80 is connected to the connecting panel 43. The center frame 80 is disposed above the passenger space side floor panel 41 in the left-to-right center of the passenger space R1. The distance between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41 can be set to, for example, 10 cm or more or 20 cm or more at its farthest point. The left front seat FS and rear seat RS are disposed to the left of the center frame 80, while the right front seat FS and rear seat RS are disposed to the right of the center frame 80.

[0068] By arranging the center frame 80 above and away from the passenger space side floor panel 41, it is possible to arrange, for example, components between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41. In addition, the space between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41 can also be used as an item storage area.

[0069] The center frame 80 includes a front frame member 81 extending in the front-to-rear direction, a rear frame member 82 disposed rearward of the front frame member 81, and a connecting member 83 connecting the rear of the front frame member 81 and the front of the rear frame member 82. The front frame member 81 and the rear frame member 82 are hollow, i.e., cylindrical and extending in the front-to-rear direction, and may be made of, for example, an extruded material. Making the front frame member 81 and the rear frame member 82 hollow results in lightweight, highly rigid members. Note that the center frame 80 is not limited to a two-piece structure consisting of the front frame member 81 and the rear frame member 82, but may be made of a single member from the front to the rear, or may have a three-piece structure. If made of a single member, the connecting member 83 can be omitted.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3 , the center frame 80 has a left frame component 84A and a right frame component 84B that form the front portion of the center frame 80, resulting in a shape in which the front portion of the center frame 80 branches in the left-right direction. The left frame component 84A and the right frame component 84B are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The rear portion of the left frame component 84A is fixed to the left side of the front frame component 81 at the midpoint in the fore-aft direction. The left frame component 84A is inclined in a plan view so that it is positioned more leftward as it moves forward from the portion where it is fixed to the front frame component 81. The front portion of the left frame component 84A is connected to a portion of the dash panel 50 that is spaced upward from the passenger space-side floor panel 41. The rear portion of the left front frame 54A is connected to the front portion of the left frame component 84A.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] (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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] An opening 151a is formed in the center of the upper part of the bumper fascia 151 in the left-right direction, allowing for the intake of cooling air, for example. The opening 151a is elongated in the left-right direction, but is not limited to this and may be elongated 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 disposed behind this front grille 153. For example, in the event of a collision with a pedestrian or the like, the front grille 153 can also be easily moved back.

[0079] The decorative member 152 is also attached to the bumper fascia 151. The decorative member 152 is a member for decorating the front of the automobile 1, and may be plated, for example, 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 of the vehicle and to follow the periphery of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151. The decorative member 152 may be attached to a front grille 153.

[0080] The decorative member 152 has a lower portion 152a extending in the left-right direction along the lower edge of the opening 151a, a left portion 152b extending diagonally upward from the left end of the lower portion 152a, and a right portion 152c extending diagonally upward from the right end of the lower portion 152a. The left portion 152b extends along the left edge of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151. The right portion 152c extends along the right edge of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151.

[0081] The shape of the decorative member 152 is not limited to the above-described shape. It may be composed of a left portion 152b and a right portion 152c without a lower portion 152a, or may have an upper portion (not shown) extending in the left-right direction along the upper edge of the opening 151a. If an upper portion is included, the decorative member 152 is frame-shaped. The left portion 152b and the right portion 152c may or may not be inclined relative to the vertical line in a front view. The left portion 152b and the right portion 152c may have a bent or curved shape in a front view. The vertical dimensions of the left portion 152b and the right portion 152c can be appropriately set depending on the shape and size of the opening 151a. In this example, the left portion 152b and the right portion 152c are inclined so that they move away from each other as they go upward. However, this is not limited to this. The left portion 152b and the right portion 152c may be parallel to each other, or may be inclined so that they move closer to each other as they go upward. If the vertical dimension of the opening 151a is long, the vertical dimension of the decoration member 152 can also be made long correspondingly.

[0082] The decorative member 152 has a left-side protruding portion 152d that protrudes leftward from the left portion 152b and a right-side protruding portion 152e that protrudes rightward from the right portion 152c. The left-side protruding portion 152d is positioned further rearward toward the left, and extends along the bottom of the left headlight L. The right-side protruding portion 152e is positioned further rearward toward the right, and extends along the bottom of the right headlight L.

[0083] The left side of the left protruding portion 152d extends further rearward than the left side of the bumper reinforcement 140. In addition, the right side of the right portion 152c extends further rearward than 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 needed, and may be omitted.

[0084] 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 so that the left-right intermediate portion of the decorative member 152 is located forward of the left-right intermediate portion of the bumper fascia 151. In other words, in order to meet the requirements for vehicle design, a design is adopted in which the decorative member 152 protrudes forward from the bumper fascia 151.

[0085] 10 , in a front view, the left end of the bumper reinforcement 140 is positioned to the right of the left portion 152b of the decorative member 152, and the right end 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 of the bumper reinforcement 140 does not overlap the left portion 152b of the decorative member 152, and the right end of the bumper reinforcement 140 does not overlap the right portion 152c of the decorative member 152. In other words, the arrangement position and shape of the bumper reinforcement 140 are set so that it is located inside the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151 in a front view. For example, the left-right dimension of bumper reinforcement 140 can be set to be less than the left-right separation dimension between left portion 152b and right portion 152c, and bumper reinforcement 140 can be positioned so that the left-right center of bumper reinforcement 140 coincides with the left-right center of opening 151a.

[0086] As a result, for example, when an obstacle collides with the front bumper 150 from the front and the decorative member 152 tries to retreat, the decorative member 152 is less likely to interfere with the bumper reinforcement 140, and the bumper reinforcement 140 is less likely to obstruct the retreat of the decorative member 152. This reduces the impact on the obstacle, and in particular improves pedestrian protection performance.

[0087] Furthermore, in this 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. In other words, the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B are positioned and shaped so that they are located inside the opening 151a of the bumper fascia 151 in a front view. As a result, for example, when an obstacle collides with the front bumper 150 from the front and the decorative member 152 attempts to retreat, the decorative member 152 is less likely to interfere with the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B, and therefore the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B are less likely to obstruct the retreat of the decorative member 152.

[0088] In addition, the lower end of the bumper reinforcement 140 is positioned higher than the lower portion 152a of the decorative member 152. This also makes it less likely that the decorative member 152 will interfere with the bumper reinforcement 140. In addition, the lower end of the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B are positioned higher than the lower portion 152a of the decorative member 152. If the decorative member 152 has an upper portion (not shown), the upper end of the bumper reinforcement 140 can be positioned lower than the upper portion of the decorative member 152, and the upper end of the left crash can 53A and the right crash can 53B can be positioned lower than the upper portion of the decorative member 152.

[0089] (Cross member at the front of the vehicle) 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The left upper support member 162 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 upper support member 163 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 upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 are positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction as they move forward, and the distance between the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 becomes wider as they move forward. The front sides of the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 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 upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 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. Note that the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 may extend parallel to the center line of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] The left side of the upper cross member 160 is fixed to the front part of the left upper support member 162, and the right side of the upper cross member 160 is fixed to the front part of the right upper support member 163. As a result, the front part of the left upper support member 162 and the front part of the right upper support member 163 are connected by the upper cross member 160.

[0093] The left side of the upper cross member 160 extends further to the left than the front part of the left upper support member 162, and the right side of the upper cross member 160 extends further to the right than the front part of the right upper support member 163. Therefore, the left-right dimension of the upper cross member 160 is longer than the left-right dimension of the bumper reinforcement 140, and the left side of the upper cross member 160 extends further 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 further outward in the vehicle width direction than the right side of the bumper reinforcement 140.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The height of the lower cross member 161 can be set as desired by adjusting 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 lower than the decorative member 152. In addition, the front-to-rear position of the lower cross member 161 can be set as desired by adjusting the front-to-rear dimensions of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165. In this embodiment, the front-to-rear dimensions of the lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are set so that the front of the center of the lower cross member 161 in the left-to-right direction is positioned forward of the front of the center of the bumper reinforcement 140 in the left-to-right direction.

[0101] In this embodiment, both the upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 are positioned so as not to overlap the decorative member 152 when viewed from the front. As a result, when an obstacle collides with the front bumper 150 from the front, the decorative member 152 is less likely to interfere with the upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161, and the upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 are less likely to hinder the retreat of the decorative member 152. This reduces the impact on the obstacle and particularly improves pedestrian protection performance. Note that either the upper cross member 160 or the lower cross member 161 may be positioned so as not to overlap the decorative member 152 when viewed from the front. In this case as well, pedestrian protection performance can be improved.

[0102] Furthermore, the front portions of the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 are located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the front portions of the crash cans 53A and 53B, and the upper cross member 160 extends further outward in the vehicle width direction than the bumper reinforcement 140. Therefore, in the event of an offset collision, for example, the impact load can be absorbed by the left upper support member 162, the right upper support member 163, and the upper cross member 160. Similarly, the front portions of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the front portions of the crash cans 53A and 53B, and the lower cross member 161 extends further outward in the vehicle width direction than the bumper reinforcement 140. Therefore, in the event of an offset collision, for example, the impact load can be absorbed by the left lower support member 164, the right lower support member 165, and the lower cross member 161. An offset collision is a type of collision in which an obstacle collides with a predetermined area only on the left or right side of the vehicle.

[0103] 12, the vehicle body front structure A includes a rear connecting portion 164A that connects the rear side of the left lower support member 164 to the lower part of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A. The rear connecting portion 164A has a main body plate portion 164a that is interposed between the rear side of the left lower support member 164 and the lower part of the front wheel suspension support member 51A, and a reinforcing plate portion (reinforcing portion) 164b that is formed along the right side wall portion of the left lower support member 164. The main body plate portion 164a and the reinforcing plate portion 164b can be obtained, for example, by press-molding a plate material.

[0104] The main body plate portion 164a is formed to extend in the vertical and horizontal directions along the lower part of the front wheel suspension support member 51A, and is fixed to the front wheel suspension support member 51A by, for example, fastening members. The vertical dimension of this main body plate portion 164a is set to be longer than the vertical dimension of the left lower support member 164, and the rear side of the left lower support member 164 is fixed to the vertical middle part of the main body plate portion 164a by, for example, welding. Although not shown, the left lower support member 164 may have a reinforcing portion formed along the left side wall portion.

[0105] The reinforcing plate 164b protrudes forward from the right edge of the main body plate 164a and extends in the vertical direction. The reinforcing plate 164b and the right side wall of the left lower support member 164 may or may not be joined to each other. The provision of the reinforcing plate 164b can prevent the left lower support member 164 from tipping over in the vehicle width direction when an impact load is applied, thereby enabling the left lower support member 164 to deform as intended, further enhancing the impact absorption effect.

[0106] 6 and 7, a rear coupling 165A can be provided to couple the rear side of the right lower support member 165 to the lower part of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B, and this rear coupling 165B can be configured similarly to the rear coupling 164A. Furthermore, although not shown, a rear coupling can be provided to couple the rear side of the left upper support member 162 to the upper part of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A, and this rear coupling can be configured similarly to the rear coupling 164A. Furthermore, although not shown, a rear coupling can be provided to couple the rear side of the right upper support member 163 to the upper part of the right front wheel suspension support member 51B, and this rear coupling can be configured similarly to the rear coupling 164A.

[0107] (Detailed structure of the crash can) As shown in FIG. 8, the left crash can 53A has a rear crash can 53a attached to the front portion of the left front wheel suspension support member 51A and 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 together to form an integrated unit. The rear crash can 53a is configured to be less susceptible to crushing than the front crash can 53b when an impact load is applied in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the rear crash can 53a maintains its shape until a first predetermined load is applied during a frontal collision of the vehicle 1, and then undergoes compressive deformation when the first predetermined load is applied. Meanwhile, the front crash can 53b maintains its shape until a second predetermined load smaller than the first predetermined load is applied during a frontal collision of the vehicle 1, and then undergoes compressive deformation when the second predetermined load is applied. Therefore, in the event of a minor collision, only the front crash cans 53b may be crushed and deformed, while the rear crash cans 53a may not be crushed and deformed. Such a difference in strength between the front crash cans 53b and the rear crash cans 53a can be achieved by, for example, changing the structure, plate thickness, material, etc.

[0108] Furthermore, even in the case of 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.

[0109] Similarly 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 initiation 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.

[0110] 7, the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF is positioned rearward of the front portions of the rear crash cans 53a and 53c. That is, a fixing portion 168 for fixing the bonnet hood BF to the upper cross member 160 is disposed near the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF, and the fixing portion 168 is provided on the upper cross member 160.

[0111] The fixing portion 168 is conventionally well known and is configured to be switchable between a fixed state in which the bonnet hood BF is fixed to the upper cross member 160 and a released state in which the fixed state is released. The switching operation of the fixing portion 168 can be performed from the outside. For example, after unlocking the fixing portion 168 by operating an operating lever (not shown) provided in the passenger space R1, the user can switch the fixing portion 168 from the fixed state to the released state by inserting their hand between the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF and the upper cross member 160 and operating the fixing portion 168. The fixing portion 168 is capable of being engaged with and disengaged from, for example, an engaging portion BF1 that protrudes downward from the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF.

[0112] In the event of a minor collision of the automobile 1, a rearward impact load acts on 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. The front crash cans 53b and 53d are configured to be crushed and deformed by a smaller impact load than the rear crash cans 53a and 53c, so the front crash cans 53b and 53d are crushed and deformed before the rear crash cans 53a and 53c are crushed and deformed. Because the impact load is absorbed by the crushing 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 not be crushed and deformed and may maintain their original shape or a shape close to their original shape. In this case, since the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF is positioned rearward of the front portions of the rear crash cans 53a and 53c, almost no impact load is input to the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF.

[0113] The left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165, which support the lower cross member 161, extend further forward than the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF. As a result, the front portions of the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 are positioned further forward than the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF, and as a result, the lower cross member 161 is also positioned further forward than the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF. By adopting this layout, the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 can also absorb the impact load during a minor collision, further increasing the effect of suppressing damage to the bonnet hood BF.

[0114] As shown in Figure 10, the left side BF2 of the front part BFa of the bonnet hood BF is positioned further rearward as it approaches the left end. The right side BF3 of the front part BFa of the bonnet hood BF is positioned further rearward as it approaches the right end. Furthermore, the middle part BF4 between the left side BF2 and the right side BF3 of the front part BFa of the bonnet hood BF is formed to extend in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the front part BFa of the bonnet hood BF is formed so that the middle part BF4 is positioned furthest forward, and the left side BF2 and the right side BF3 are positioned further rearward as they move outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0115] The pair of left and right rear crash cans 53a, 53c are located directly below the middle portion BF4 of the bonnet hood BF. That is, as described above, if the left side portion BF2 and the right side portion BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF are positioned further rearward in the vehicle width direction in accordance with design requirements of the automobile 1, obstacles are less likely to strike the left side portion BF2 and the right side portion BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet hood BF in a minor collision. On the other hand, because the middle portion BF4 of the bonnet hood BF extends in the vehicle width direction, obstacles are more likely to strike the middle portion BF4 in a minor collision. In this embodiment, the pair of left and right rear crash cans 53a, 53c can be positioned to correspond to the middle portion BF4 of the bonnet hood BF, making it less likely that obstacles will strike the middle portion BF4 of the bonnet hood BF in a minor collision.

[0116] Furthermore, the left lower support member 164 and right lower support member 165 that support the lower cross member 161, and the left upper support member 162 and right upper support member 163 that support the upper cross member 160, are located directly below the middle portion BF4 of the bonnet hood BF. In other words, since the support members 162, 163, 164, 165 can be positioned to correspond to the middle portion BF4 of the bonnet hood BF, it becomes less likely that an obstacle will hit the middle portion BF4 of the bonnet hood BF during a minor collision.

[0117] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, for example, if an obstacle collides with the left side of the vehicle 1 diagonally from the front while the vehicle is traveling, an impact load acts on the left side of the upper cross member 160 and the lower cross member 161 diagonally toward the rear of the vehicle. Since the upper cross member 160 is supported by the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163, and the lower cross member 161 is supported by the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165, the impact load is distributed and input to the left upper support member 162 and the left lower support member 164, which are located on the left side. At this time, since the left upper support member 162 and the left lower support member 164 are located more to the left as they move further forward, the direction of the impact load from the diagonally front left generally coincides with the direction in which the left upper support member 162 and the left lower support member 164 extend. This allows the impact load to be reliably received by the upper left support member 162 and the lower left support member 164, and the impact load can be efficiently absorbed by deforming the upper left support member 162 and the lower left support member 164. The same is true for the right side.

[0118] In addition, since the crash cans 53A, 53B, the upper left support member 162 and the upper right support member 163, and the lower left support member 164 and the lower right support member 165 are spaced apart in the vertical direction, when an impact load acts on the crash cans 53A, 53B, the upper left support member 162 and the upper right support member 163, the lower left support member 164 and the lower right support member 165, the impact load can be dispersed to multiple locations spaced apart in the vertical direction, thereby preventing the impact load from acting locally.

[0119] Furthermore, the impact load acting on the left lower support member 164 and the right lower support member 165 is transmitted from the front wheel suspension support members 51A, 51B to the high-strength front member 13 of the battery unit Y, so that the front member 13 can also absorb the impact load. On the other hand, the impact load acting on the left upper support member 162 and the right upper support member 163 can be absorbed by the vehicle body structure above the passenger space side floor panel 41. Therefore, the impact load acting during a collision can be distributed above and below the vehicle body, thereby suppressing deformation of the vehicle interior.

[0120] 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]

[0121] As described above, the vehicle body front structure according to the present invention can be used in, for example, electric vehicles and other automobiles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1. Automobiles 13 Front member (battery member) 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) 164A rear coupling 164b Reinforcement plate part (reinforcement part) 165 Lower right support member (lower impact absorbing member) A. Front body structure M Traction motor Y Battery Unit

Claims

1. In a front body structure of an automobile equipped with a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction, an upper cross member extending in a vehicle width direction above the bumper reinforcement; a lower cross member extending in a vehicle width direction below the bumper reinforcement; upper impact absorbing members that support both sides of the upper cross member in the vehicle width direction and absorb impact loads in the vehicle front-rear direction; lower impact absorbing members that support both sides of the lower cross member in the vehicle width direction and absorb impact loads in the vehicle front-rear direction; a rear connecting portion that connects a vehicle rear side of at least one of the upper impact absorbing member and the lower impact absorbing member to a vehicle body side member, the upper impact absorbing member and the lower impact absorbing member are positioned outward in a vehicle width direction as they move toward the front of the vehicle, The rear connecting portion has a reinforcing portion formed along one side wall portion of the impact absorbing member in the vehicle width direction.

2. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 1, the upper cross member and the lower cross member extend further outward in the vehicle width direction than the bumper reinforcement, The vehicle front structure, wherein the vehicle front sides of the upper impact absorbing member and the lower impact absorbing member are located outward in the vehicle width direction from the bumper reinforcement.

3. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 2, crash cans each supporting both sides of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle width direction; A vehicle front structure, wherein the vehicle front sides of the upper impact absorbing member and the lower impact absorbing member are positioned outward in the vehicle width direction than the vehicle front side of the crash can.

4. The vehicle body front structure according to claim 3, The vehicle rear side of the crash can is spaced downward from the vehicle rear side of the upper impact absorbing member, A vehicle front structure in which the vehicle rear side of the lower impact absorbing member is spaced downward from the vehicle rear side of the crash can.

5. The vehicle body front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A traction motor; a battery unit disposed below a floor panel of the vehicle and supplying power to the driving motor; a vehicle body side member to which the vehicle rear side of the lower impact absorbing member is connected, A battery member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at the front of the battery unit, The vehicle body side member is a vehicle body front structure connected to the battery member.

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