Vehicle front structure

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a hood that opens and closes an accommodation space in which at least a drive motor is disposed; a link mechanism that is attached to the hood; and a flank that is attached to the link mechanism and that is accommodated in the accommodation space in a state in which the hood is closed. The flank is configured to be movable at least in the front-rear direction via the operation of the link mechanism, and is also configured to be movable forward in a state in which the hood is opened. Consequently, since the flank is configured to be movable forward in a state in which the hood is opened, the flank can be moved to the front side and a stored object can be taken in and out, thereby improving the convenience with which the stored object can be taken into and out from the flank.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of a front structure of a vehicle in which a flank is accommodated in an accommodation space located at the front of the passenger compartment. [Background technology]

[0002] Some vehicles, such as automobiles, are electrically powered vehicles (electric vehicles) that are driven by the power output from a drive motor instead of an engine, housed in a storage space located at the front of the passenger compartment. The drive motor is preferably located close to the wheels (front wheels), so it is housed at the bottom, farthest back of the storage space.

[0003] Some of these electric vehicles are provided with a frunk that can store items in the storage space that houses the drive motor (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5992974 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-146741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In vehicles in which the frunk is stored in a storage space located at the front of the passenger compartment as described above, if the frunk were to apply impact to the drive motor and auxiliary equipment, which are high-voltage components, in the event of a vehicle collision (head-on collision), there is a risk of secondary damage such as electric shock, which could compromise the safety of passengers and rescuers, so the frunk is sometimes stored above the drive motor.

[0006] However, when the frank is stored above the drive motor, the frank is positioned at the back of the storage space, which means that the frank is located far away from the user, which may make it less convenient to put items in and take them out of the frank.

[0007] On the other hand, even if the frunk is stored at the front of the vehicle, if the bottom surface inside the frunk is positioned downward, the user may be forced to bend over or assume other postures when putting items in or taking items out of the frunk, which again reduces the convenience of putting items in and taking items out of the frunk.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of taking stored items in and out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vehicle front structure according to the present invention includes a hood that opens and closes a storage space in which at least a drive motor is disposed, a link mechanism attached to the hood, and a flank that is attached to the link mechanism and is stored in the storage space when the hood is closed, and the flank is movable at least in the front-rear direction by the operation of the link mechanism and is movable forward when the hood is open. A hood lock is provided to hold the hood in a closed state, and a flank lock is provided to lock the flank to the hood, and when the hood is unlocked by the hood lock, the flank is unlocked by the flank lock. It is something.

[0010] This allows the flank to move forward when the hood is open. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the frunk can be moved forward when the hood is open, so that the frunk can be moved forward to put items in and take them out, thereby improving convenience in putting items in and taking them out of the frunk. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 2 to 8 show an embodiment of a vehicle front structure according to the present invention, and this figure shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the front structure of the vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the front structure of the vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a part of the front structure of the vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of the front structure of a vehicle with the flank moved into a working position. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the flank locked to the hood by the flank lock when the hood is open. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an adjustment structure provided in the link mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the height of the flank is adjusted by an adjustment structure provided in the link mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle front structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] <Vehicle Overview> First, the general configuration of the vehicle will be described (see FIG. 1).

[0015] The vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle that runs solely on electrical power, and includes a drive motor 110, an accelerator opening sensor 120, a speed sensor 130, and a control unit 140.

[0016] The drive motor 110 is housed in the front space of the vehicle compartment and is used as a power source for the vehicle 100 .

[0017] The accelerator position sensor 120 detects the accelerator position corresponding to the driving force of the vehicle 100 required by the driver, i.e., the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The accelerator position detected by the accelerator position sensor 120 is output to the control unit 140 as a detection signal.

[0018] The speed sensor 130 detects the speed of the vehicle 100. The speed of the vehicle 100 detected by the speed sensor 130 is output to the control unit 140 as a detection signal.

[0019] The control unit 140 has the function of comprehensively controlling the operation of each unit in the vehicle 100 and performing various arithmetic processing. The control unit 140 has a microprocessor 141 that performs calculations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 142 that stores programs and the like for causing the microprocessor 141 to execute each process, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 143 that stores various data such as calculation results, an interface for inputting or outputting data, and the like.

[0020] The control unit 140 includes a motor control unit 144 that controls the drive motor 110. The motor control unit 144 has a function of controlling, for example, the drive operation of the drive motor 110 to drive the wheels of the vehicle 100, the regenerative operation of the drive motor 110, and the like.

[0021] Vehicle 100 accommodates battery 150 in a trunk or the like. Battery 150 has a battery module that stores power used in vehicle 100, for example, power used in drive motor 110, as well as power used in control unit 140, various parts of vehicle 100 that are operated by power, and various lights provided in vehicle 100. The battery module uses, for example, secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Battery 150 stores, in addition to power obtained by charging from an external source of vehicle 100 (charging power), regenerated power supplied from drive motor 110, for example.

[0022] <Vehicle front structure, etc.> Next, the front structure of the vehicle will be described (see FIGS. 2 to 6).

[0023] The front structure 1 of the vehicle includes a side frame 2, a bumper beam 3, a strut tower 4, etc. (see FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0024] A pair of side frames 2 are provided, spaced apart on the left and right, and are formed to extend front to back. A bumper beam 3 is fastened to the front end of the side frame 2 and is formed to extend left and right. A strut tower 4 is fastened to the outer side portion at the rear end of the side frame 2 and is formed to protrude upward from the side frame 2. The strut tower 4 is a high-strength part and, together with the side frame 2, functions to protect the passenger compartment in the event of a collision.

[0025] A plurality of support members 5 extending vertically are provided spaced apart on the left and right sides behind the bumper beam 3. A lower beam 6 extending horizontally is fastened to the lower ends of the plurality of support members 5, and an upper support 7 extending horizontally is fastened to the upper ends of the plurality of support members 5. The left and right ends of the lower beam 6 may be fastened to the front portions of the side frames 2, respectively, or may be fastened to the front portions of the side frames 2 via other members.

[0026] Upper sides 8 are fastened to the left and right ends of the upper support 7, respectively, and the upper sides 8 are inclined so that they displace rearward as they move outward in the left-right direction. An upper frame 9 extending in the front-to-rear direction is fastened to the rear end of the upper sides 8. A connecting frame 10 extending in the front-to-rear direction is fastened to the rear end of the upper frame 9, and the upper end of the strut tower 4 is fastened to the inner side of the connecting frame 10.

[0027] The vehicle front structure 1 has an accommodation space 11 surrounded by the above-mentioned side frames 2 and other components. The accommodation space 11 is the space below the hood (bonnet) 12, and a drive motor 110 is accommodated in the accommodation space 11 at a position below the side frames 2. The drive motor 110 is accommodated in the accommodation space 11 at a position closer to the rear.

[0028] A radiator (not shown) that functions as a heat exchanger is disposed at the front end of the accommodation space 11. The radiator is disposed between the lower beam 6 and the upper support 7 and is held in place by a plurality of support members 5.

[0029] A hood lock 13 is attached to the upper support 7. The hood lock 13 has the function of locking the hood 12 in a closed state by engaging with a first locking engagement portion (not shown) provided on the hood 12.

[0030] Hood lock 13 has a double locking mechanism and is connected to a release lever (not shown) provided in the vehicle interior by hood wire 13a. Therefore, when the release lever is operated, hood lock 13 is operated via hood wire 13a, and the first lock state of hood 12 by hood lock 13 is released. Furthermore, when the first lock state is released, by inserting a finger into a gap present under hood 12 and operating hood lock 13, the second lock state of hood 12 by hood lock 13 is released, and hood 12 can be lifted and opened.

[0031] The storage space 11 is capable of storing a flank 15 attached to the link mechanism 14. The flank 15 may be, for example, composed of only a storage case that opens upward, or may be configured to have a lid that opens and closes the opening of the storage case in addition to the storage case.

[0032] The link mechanism 14 is attached to the underside of the hood 12 , and the flank 15 attached to the link mechanism 14 can be accommodated above the drive motor 110 at the rear side of the accommodation space 11 .

[0033] The link mechanism 14 has a pair of left and right flank mounting portions 16, a pair of left and right mounted portions 17, and a plurality of arm portions 18.

[0034] The flank mounting portion 16 is formed in a shape that extends in the front-rear direction. The side portion of the flank 15 is attached to the flank mounting portion 16.

[0035] The mounting portion 17 is formed in a shape that extends in the front-rear direction and is mounted to the underside of the hood 12 .

[0036] Two arm portions 18 are connected to the front and rear of the flank mounting portion 16 and the mounted portion 17. Therefore, the link mechanism 14 is configured as a parallel link by one flank mounting portion 16, one mounted portion 17, and two arm portions 18, and has a configuration having a pair of parallel links positioned on the left and right.

[0037] In the arm portion 18, a first link 19 and a second link 20 are connected in a state in which they can rotate relative to each other vertically, and the lower end of the first link 19 is connected to the upper end of the second link 20. In the arm portion 18, the upper end of the first link 19 is connected to the mounted portion 17 so as to be rotatable, and the lower end of the second link 20 is connected to the flank mounting portion 16 so as to be rotatable.

[0038] The flank 15 is connected to the hood 12 by a damper 21. The damper 21 is inclined downward toward the front, has an enclosed portion 21a in which a fluid such as oil is enclosed, and has a front end portion rotatably connected to the rear surface portion of the flank 15 and a rear end portion rotatably connected to the underside portion of the flank 15. By connecting the flank 15 to the hood 12 by the damper 21, a force is applied to the flank 15 from the damper 21 in a direction that moves it forward.

[0039] The flank 15 has a handle 15a at its front end, and is movable in the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions while remaining horizontal by the operation of the link mechanism 14. The flank 15 is movable between a storage position (see FIG. 4) at the rearmost side and a working position (see FIG. 5) at the frontmost side by the operation of the link mechanism 14. The working position is located above the storage position.

[0040] The flank 15 moves from the storage position toward the working position when the hood 12 is opened. When the flank 15 is moved to the working position, which is the front end of the movement range, the front end of the flank 15 is positioned rearward of the front end of the hood 12, which is in a fully open state, and the entire flank 15 is positioned rearward of the front end of the hood 12.

[0041] A flank lock 22 is attached to the upper end of the front end of the flank 15. The flank lock 22 has the function of locking the flank 15 to the hood 12 by engaging with a second locking engagement portion (not shown) provided on the hood 12.

[0042] In the locked state of the flank 15, the flank 15 is positioned closest to the hood 12, with the upper surface of the flank 15 facing the lower surface of the hood 12 (see FIG. 4). The flank 15 is stored in the storage position in a locked state by the flank lock 22.

[0043] The flank lock 22 is connected to the hood lock 13 or the hood wire 13a by a flank wire 22a, and is operated in conjunction with the operation of the hood lock 13 when the hood lock 13 is manually operated while the first lock state of the hood 12 by the hood lock 13 is released. When the flank lock 22 is operated in conjunction with the operation of the hood lock 13, the locked state of the flank 15 to the hood 12 by the flank lock 22 is released.

[0044] Therefore, when a finger is inserted into the gap under the hood 12 to release the second lock state of the hood 12 by the hood lock 13, the lock state of the flank 15 to the hood 12 by the flank lock 22 is simultaneously released.

[0045] The flank 15 is locked to the hood 12 by the flank lock 22 when the flank 15 is manually lifted and brought close to the hood 12 while the hood 12 is open, and the flank lock 22 engages with the second locking engagement portion.

[0046] In vehicle 100, when hood 12 is locked in the closed state by hood lock 13, flank 15 is locked to hood 12 by flank lock 22 and held in the stowed position (see FIG. 4). When flank 15 is held in the stowed position, first link 19 and second link 20 of arm portion 18 are bent at a predetermined angle with the connecting portion between them as a fulcrum.

[0047] The operator (passenger) operates the release lever to release the first lock state of the hood 12, and then the hood lock 13 is manually operated to release the second lock state of the hood 12 by the hood lock 13, and at the same time, the lock state of the flank 15 to the hood 12 by the flank lock 22 is released.

[0048] Next, when the worker opens the hood 12, the link mechanism 14 and the flank 15 move upward along with the hood 12, but because the lock state of the flank 15 relative to the hood 12 is released, the arm portion 18 of the link mechanism 14 is rotated by the weight of the link mechanism 14 and the flank 15, and the flank 15 moves downward relatively to the hood 12, for example, in a parallel state. As the flank 15 moves downward relatively to the hood 12, the flank 15 is pushed forward by the damper 21.

[0049] Therefore, the flank 15 moves downward relative to the hood 12, but moves upward with the hood 12 and is pushed forward by the damper 21, so that it moves forward and upward relative to the storage position to the working position (see FIG. 5). At the working position, the link mechanism 14 and the damper 21 are balanced, and the flank 15 is held in a stable state at the working position.

[0050] The vehicle front structure 1 may be configured without the damper 21. In this case, when the hood 12 is open, an operator can grasp the handle 15a of the flank 15, which has been moved upward along with the hood 12, and pull it forward, thereby operating the link mechanism 14 and moving the flank 15 to the working position.

[0051] In the working position, the flank 15 is positioned close to the upper body of the worker, so the worker can easily put items in and take items out of the flank 15 without bending over. As described above, when the hood 12 is fully open, the front end of the flank 15 is positioned rearward of the front end of the hood 12, so when the hood 12 is open, the entire flank 15 is covered from above by the hood 12, which prevents rainwater from entering the interior of the flank 15.

[0052] On the other hand, when the hood 12 is in an open state (fully open state) or when the hood 12 is being moved from the fully open state to a closed state, the flank 15 is manually lifted to lock the flank 15 to the hood 12 by the flank lock 22 (see FIG. 6). When the flank 15 is locked to the hood 12, the hood 12 is closed, and the flank 15 is moved to the storage position and stored in the storage space 11.

[0053] Although the above example shows the working position being above and in front of the storage position, in the vehicle front structure 1, the working position may be at least in front of the storage position, and for example, the working position and the storage position may be at the same height.

[0054] The above-described link mechanism 14 may be provided with the following adjustment structure (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0055] The adjustment structure is configured, for example, by forming a screw hole 19a at the lower end of the first link 19 in the arm portion 18 and forming a plurality of adjustment holes 20a spaced apart in the longitudinal direction in the second link 20 (see Figure 7).

[0056] The adjustment is performed, for example, by inserting an adjustment bolt 30 into any of the adjustment holes 20a and screwing it into the threaded hole 19a to connect the first link 19 and the second link 20, and the length L from the lower end of the second link 20 to the connecting part with the first link 19 is changed by the adjustment (see Figures 7 and 8). Therefore, the height of the flank 15 attached to the link mechanism 14 at the working position is adjusted, and the worker can put items in and take items out of the flank 15 at the desired height.

[0057] By providing the link mechanism 14 with the above-described adjustment structure, it becomes possible to adjust the height of the flank 15 at the working position to the desired position depending on the worker's height, the size of the stored items, etc., thereby improving workability when putting items in and taking them out of the flank 15.

[0058] While the above example shows a case where the first link 19 has the threaded hole 19a and the second link 20 has the multiple adjustment holes 20a, the opposite is also true, where the first link has the multiple adjustment holes and the second link has the threaded hole. Also, in the adjustment structure, the first link 19 or the second link 20 does not necessarily have to have the threaded hole formed therein, and any configuration can be used as long as it allows the position of the connecting portion between the first link 19 and the second link 20 to be changed.

[0059] <Summary> As described above, the vehicle front structure 1 comprises a link mechanism 14 attached to the hood 12, and a flank 15 attached to the link mechanism 14 and accommodated in the accommodation space 11 when the hood 12 is closed, and the flank 15 is movable at least in the fore-and-aft direction by the operation of the link mechanism 14, and is movable forward when the hood 12 is open.

[0060] Therefore, since the flank 15 can be moved forward when the hood 12 is open, it is possible to move the flank 15 forward to put in and take out stored items, thereby improving the convenience of putting in and taking out stored items from the flank 15.

[0061] Furthermore, since the flank 15 is stored above the drive motor 110 in the storage position, in the unlikely event of a collision of the vehicle 100, the drive motor 110 will not be subjected to impact from the flank 15, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the flank 15 is movable upward when the hood 12 is opened.

[0063] Therefore, when the hood 12 is opened, the flank 15 can be moved obliquely upward toward the front, so that items can be easily put in and taken out of the flank 15 without bending over, thereby improving usability.

[0064] Furthermore, a hood lock 13 for holding the hood 12 in a closed state and a flank lock 22 for locking the flank 15 to the hood 12 are provided, and when the lock of the hood 12 by the hood lock 13 is released, the lock of the flank 15 by the flank lock 22 is released.

[0065] Therefore, when the hood 12 is opened and the flank 15 is to be used, the lock of the flank 15 to the hood 12 is released at the same time. Franklock 22This eliminates the need to perform an unlocking operation using a key, making it possible to quickly put items in and take them out of the frunk 15, thereby improving usability.

[0066] In addition, the flank 15 is connected to the hood 12 by a damper 21, and when the hood 12 is opened, the damper 21 applies a force to the flank 15 in a direction that moves it forward.

[0067] Therefore, when the hood 12 is opened, the flank 15 is pushed forward by the force applied by the damper 21, so that when the hood 12 is opened, the flank 15 is moved forward without manual intervention, thereby improving the workability and speeding up the process of putting items in and out of the flank 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 110 Drive motor 1. Front structure of the vehicle 11 Containment Space 12. Food 13 Food Rock 14 Link mechanism 15 Frank 20 Frank Rock 21 Damper

Claims

1. a hood that opens and closes an accommodation space in which at least a drive motor is disposed; a link mechanism attached to the hood; a flank attached to the link mechanism and accommodated in the accommodation space when the hood is closed, The flank is movable at least in the front-rear direction by the operation of the link mechanism, and is movable forward when the hood is open, a hood lock is provided to hold the hood in a closed state; a flank lock for locking the flank to the hood; When the hood lock is released from the locking of the hood, the flank lock is released from the locking of the flank. Front structure of the vehicle.

2. The flank is movable upward when the hood is opened. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 1.

3. the flank is connected to the hood by a damper; When the hood is opened, the damper applies a force to the flank in a direction that moves it forward. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 1.

4. When the hood is fully opened, the front end of the flank is located rearward of the front end of the hood.

4. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3.

5. An adjustment structure is provided for adjusting the position of the flank when it is moved forward.

4. The front structure of a vehicle according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3.

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