Vehicle cowl components

Abstract

To provide a vehicle cowl member that can effectively absorb an impact at the time of emergency.SOLUTION: A vehicle cowl member 100 is disposed along a lower edge of a windshield of a vehicle. The vehicle cowl member 100 includes: an air intake surface portion 104 in which an air intake region 102 with a plurality of openings 110 partitioned in a grid pattern is formed in a predetermined area; a support surface portion 112 extending downward from the air intake surface portion 104 to support the air intake surface portion 104; a fragile portion 114 of the support surface portion 112 extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle cowl member 100; and a plurality of cross ribs 120 projecting from one surface of the air intake surface portion 104 along longitudinal partitions 106 of the grid of the air intake region 102, from the air intake surface portion 104 over the support surface portion 112. The plurality of cross ribs 120 has one end 148 extending to the support surface portion 112.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cowl member for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the resin air box panel located between the windshield and the hood is called a cowl top panel, or simply a cowl (hereinafter referred to as a cowl member). A typical cowl member has an intake area formed to introduce outside air into the air conditioning unit installed in the dash panel. In many cases, the intake area has a lattice-like structure on the entrance side to prevent rainwater, fallen leaves, etc. from entering the interior.

[0003] In recent years, cowl components have been designed to absorb impacts when subjected to a large impact from above in an emergency. For example, the cowl louver 3 shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 has a flat louver main body 4 and a recessed portion 5 recessed downward from the front end of the louver main body 4. Of the recessed portion 5, a rear vertical wall portion 5a that bends downward from the front end of the louver main body 4 is provided with a weak portion B consisting of a slit 5f. The cowl louver 3 buckles and deforms due to the weak portion B, enabling it to absorb impact loads. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-49791 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, an outside air intake A consisting of a large number of parallel slits 4b is also formed in the louver main body 4 above the rear vertical wall 5a where the fragile portion B is formed. Because a large number of slits 4b are also formed around this outside air intake A, rigidity is likely to be low. Therefore, for example, when the cowl louver 3 is subjected to a load from above, the area around the outside air intake A may buckle, hindering the buckling deformation of the fragile portion B. If the fragile portion B cannot buckle sufficiently, the expected deformation of the cowl louver 3 cannot be induced. This type of problem is likely to occur when an intake area such as the outside air intake A is located upstream of the fragile portion in the load transmission path.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a vehicle cowl member that can efficiently absorb impacts in an emergency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of a vehicle cowl member according to the present invention is a vehicle cowl member that is arranged along the lower edge of a vehicle windshield, the vehicle cowl member comprising: an intake surface portion in which an intake area having a plurality of openings partitioned in a lattice pattern is formed within a predetermined range; a support surface portion that extends downward from the intake surface portion and supports the intake surface portion; a weak portion of the support surface portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle cowl member; and a plurality of cross ribs that protrude from one side of the intake surface portion and extend from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion along the vertical partitions of the lattice of the intake area, with one end of each of the plurality of cross ribs extending to the support surface portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle cowl member that can efficiently absorb impacts in the event of an emergency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle cowl member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cowl member of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a front and bottom view of the cowl member of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a view showing the left side portion of the cowl member in FIG. 1 in the vehicle width direction, viewed from below. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cowl member of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the weak portion in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a view showing the rear end side of the second intersecting rib in FIG. 4(a). [Figure 8] 3(a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the cowl member taken along the cross section CC in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the upper and lower ribs in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing first and second modified examples of the cowl member of FIG. 5A. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a view showing a third modified example of the cowl member of FIG. 5(b). [Figure 12] 5(b) is a view showing a fourth modified example and a fifth modified example of the cowl member of FIG. 5(b). [Figure 13] 5(b) is a diagram showing a sixth modified example and a seventh modified example of the cowl member of FIG. 5(b). [Figure 14] 5(a) and 5(b) are views showing eighth and ninth modified examples of the cowl member of FIG. 5(a). [Figure 15] 5(a) and 5(b) are views showing tenth and eleventh modified examples of the cowl member of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 12 is a view showing a twelfth modified example of the cowl member of FIG. 5(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A vehicle cowl member according to one embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle cowl member that is arranged along the lower edge of a vehicle's windshield, and is characterized in that it comprises an intake surface portion in which an intake area having a plurality of openings partitioned in a lattice pattern is formed within a predetermined range, a support surface portion that extends downward from the intake surface portion and supports the intake surface portion, a weak portion of the support surface portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle cowl member, and a plurality of cross ribs that protrude from one side of the intake surface portion and extend from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion along the vertical partitions of the lattice of the intake area, with one end of each of the plurality of cross ribs extending to the support surface portion.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when an impact is applied to the intake surface portion from above, the impact is transmitted from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion via the multiple cross ribs, thereby promoting deformation or fracture of the weak portion formed on the support surface portion. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the intake region is reinforced by the multiple cross ribs, increasing the rigidity of the periphery thereof, thereby suppressing excessive deformation of the intake region when an impact is transmitted to the intake region. This prevents the periphery of the intake region from deforming before the weak portion, efficiently promoting deformation or fracture of the weak portion, and thus absorbing the impact. In other words, a vehicle cowl member configured as described above can deform as intended in an emergency and efficiently absorb the impact. Furthermore, the cross ribs, which run longitudinally through the intake region, can suppress the intrusion of rainwater, foreign matter, and the like through the intake region.

[0012] The plurality of cross ribs may include a cross rib having one end located near the weakened portion of the support surface portion.

[0013] With the cross rib having the above configuration, the load transmission path between the cross rib and the weak portion is short, so that impact can be efficiently transmitted from the periphery of the intake area to the weak portion.

[0014] The above-mentioned multiple cross ribs may include a first cross rib having one end located near the weak portion of the support surface portion and a second cross rib having one end located closer to the intake surface portion than one end of the first cross rib, and one or more second cross ribs may be arranged between the first cross ribs in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] According to the above configuration, by interweaving not only the first cross ribs having a long overall length but also the second cross ribs having a short overall length, it is possible to suppress an increase in the weight of the vehicle cowl member.

[0016] The second cross rib may have one end located at a corner between the intake surface and the support surface.

[0017] According to the above configuration, one end of the second cross rib is located at the corner between the intake surface portion and the support surface portion, so that the dimensions of the second cross rib can be shortened to prevent an increase in the weight of the vehicle cowl member, while also preventing deformation such as bending of the intake surface portion relative to the support surface portion when subjected to a load.

[0018] The vehicle cowl member may further include a plurality of connecting ribs that protrude from the surface of the intake surface portion on which the plurality of cross ribs are provided and extend along the lateral partitions of the grid in the intake area to connect the plurality of cross ribs.

[0019] The connecting ribs connect the intersecting ribs to each other, forming a lattice-like rib structure with a series of rectangular closed cross sections. This rib structure increases the rigidity from the intake surface to the support surface, suppresses deformation around the intake area when an impact is received, and efficiently transmits the impact to the vulnerable portion.

[0020] The connecting rib may protrude from the surface on which the plurality of intersecting ribs are provided so as to be inclined relative to the intake surface portion.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the connecting ribs are inclined relative to the intake surface, which increases the connection area of ​​the connecting ribs with the cross ribs and increases rigidity compared to when the connecting ribs are upright. Also, the inclined connecting ribs make it easier for the sides of the connecting ribs to interfere with rainwater and foreign objects that may try to infiltrate through the opening in the intake area, making it possible to efficiently prevent these objects from entering.

[0022] The vehicle cowl member may further include a reinforcing rib that projects from a region of the intake surface portion closer to the support surface portion than the plurality of connecting ribs and extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The reinforcing rib can efficiently increase the rigidity of the area around the corner between the intake surface and the support surface, where stress tends to concentrate when subjected to an external force.

[0024] The weakened portion may be formed to have a thinner plate thickness than an upper wall portion of the support surface portion above the weakened portion and a lower wall portion of the support surface portion below the weakened portion.

[0025] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a weakened portion that can be broken efficiently when subjected to an impact from above.

[0026] The support surface portion may extend at an incline forward or backward from the intake surface portion, and the fragile portion may be in a state in which one side of the upper wall portion is connected to one side of the lower wall portion with a plate thickness of the above dimensions.

[0027] The fragile portion is formed as a step-like portion between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a fragile portion having a structure that is likely to concentrate an impact when an impact is received from above. In particular, a step-like fragile portion is likely to generate shear force when an impact is received from above, so it can break efficiently and absorb the impact.

[0028] The lower wall is inclined wall part may be connected to the underside of the

[0029] According to the above configuration, when an impact is applied from above, the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion wall part In other words, with the above-described configuration, a larger shear force can be applied to the fragile portion, and the fragile portion can be efficiently broken to absorb the impact.

[0030] The vehicle cowl member may further include a flange portion bent forward from a lower end of the support surface portion, and a plurality of upper and lower ribs provided at an inner angle between the support surface portion and the flange portion.

[0031] According to the above configuration, by increasing the rigidity between the support surface portion and the flange portion with the upper and lower ribs, it becomes possible to concentrate the impact received from above on the weak portion, thereby efficiently causing deformation, etc., in the weak portion.

[0032] The vehicle cowl member may have a distance from the intake area to the support surface portion that varies in the longitudinal direction, and the upper and lower ribs that are arranged to overlap in the range where the distance is short in the longitudinal direction may have larger dimensions than the upper and lower ribs that are arranged to overlap in the range where the distance is long.

[0033] The above-mentioned short distance range is the range where the intake area is formed near the support surface, and may have reduced rigidity and be prone to deformation. With the above-mentioned configuration, by providing large upper and lower ribs near such range, it is possible to compensate for the rigidity and suppress unexpected deformation. [Example]

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle cowl member (hereinafter referred to as cowl member 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1 and all other drawings of the present application, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Backward), the left and right directions of the vehicle width are indicated by arrows L (Leftward) and R (Rightward), and the up-down direction of the vehicle is indicated by arrows U (Upward) and D (Downward).

[0036] The cowl member 100 is a member made mainly of resin and is also called a cowl top garnish, and has a long shape extending in the vehicle width direction along the lower edge of the windshield (not shown). The cowl member 100 is disposed above the dash panel, between the windshield and the hood.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the cowl member 100 of Fig. 1 from above. Fig. 2(a) is a diagram showing the entire cowl member 100 from above. The cowl member 100 has an intake area 102 that takes in air. The intake area 102 is formed in an area on the driver's seat side in the vehicle width direction with respect to an intake surface portion 104 that is formed along the longitudinal direction of the cowl member 100 at the front side of the cowl member 100.

[0038] In the cowl member 100, on the rear side of the intake surface portion 104, there are formed a wiper mounting hole 146 for mounting a wiper, a seal portion 144 for sealing the gap with the windshield, and the like.

[0039] Figure 2(b) is an enlarged view of the intake area 102 in Figure 2(a). The intake area 102 has a plurality of openings 110 that are partitioned into a lattice pattern by vertical partitions 106 and horizontal partitions 108. By partitioning the intake area 102 into a lattice pattern, it is possible to take in outside air into the vehicle interior while preventing the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0040] Figure 3 is a view showing the cowl member 100 of Figure 1 from the front and below. Figure 3(a) is a view showing the cowl member 100 of Figure 1 from the front. The support surface portion 112 is a wall-like portion that supports the intake surface portion 104. The support surface portion 112 is provided with a fragile portion 114 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the cowl member 100.

[0041] When an impact is applied in an emergency, the weakened portion 114 absorbs the impact by encouraging deformation of the support surface portion 112. In this embodiment, the weakened portion 114 is formed as a thin-walled region extending in the longitudinal direction of the cowl member 100.

[0042] An accommodation space 116 for arranging on-vehicle components such as electrical components is formed in a lower portion on the left side in the vehicle width direction of the support surface portion 112. The fragile portion 114 is formed in a position on the support surface portion 112 that is higher than the height S of the accommodation space 116. With this configuration, when deformation of the support surface portion 112 occurs starting from the fragile portion 114, it is possible to prevent a portion of the support surface portion 112 from interfering with the on-vehicle components accommodated in the accommodation space 116, and also to restrict displacement of the support surface portion 112 and suppress obstruction of deformation of the fragile portion 114.

[0043] Fig. 3(b) is a view showing the cowl member 100 of Fig. 1 from below. The cowl member 100 is provided with a plurality of intersecting ribs 120. The intersecting ribs 120 are provided to extend in a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction, such as the front-rear direction or the up-down direction. Each intersecting rib not only improves the rigidity of the surrounding area, but also plays a role in transmitting load to a weak portion 114 (see Fig. 3(a)) in an emergency.

[0044] 4A and 4B are views showing the left side portion of the cowl member 100 in the vehicle width direction from below. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the cowl member 100 from below. The lower side of the intake area 102 is the above-mentioned Cross rib 120 A rib structure 118 is provided, which includes a plurality of ribs along the grid of the intake area 102, including:

[0045] Figure 4(b) is a view showing the rib structure 118 of Figure 4(a) viewed from below. The intersecting ribs 120 are provided along the vertical partitions 106 (see Figure 2(b)) in a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction. The connecting ribs 126 are ribs provided along the horizontal partitions 108, and connect the multiple intersecting ribs 120 together.

[0046] 2(b), the cowl member 100 is provided with a bulging portion 128 for attaching a water-spraying device (not shown) for washing the windshield, near the intake area 102. The bulging portion 128 is formed by bulging forward from the upright wall portion 138, and has an attachment hole 130 on the top surface for attaching the water-spraying device.

[0047] 4(b) shows the underside of the bulge portion 128. The underside of the bulge portion 128 is connected to the intersecting rib 120 in the longitudinal direction and to the connecting rib 126 in the vehicle width direction. That is, when the water-discharge device is attached, the bulge portion 128 is supported by the intersecting rib 120 and the connecting rib 126, increasing its rigidity. Therefore, the bulge portion 128 can stably support the water-discharge device.

[0048] In this embodiment, the air intake area 102 is formed so as to surround the bulge 128. This makes it possible to improve air intake by providing the air intake area 102 widely, extending up to the periphery of the bulge 128 on the air intake surface 104, while also making it possible to efficiently transmit the load applied to the bulge 128 to the multiple cross ribs 120 and connecting ribs 126.

[0049] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cowl member 100 of Figure 3(a). Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the cowl member 100 of Figure 3(a). In Figure 5(a), in addition to the cowl member 100, a shielding member 132 is also provided. The shielding member 132 is a resin member provided on the inside of the cowl member 100, and prevents rainwater and the like from entering the passenger compartment from the air intake area 102 of the cowl member 100.

[0050] The parts of the cowl member 100 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the intake surface portion 104 is formed facing upward on the front side of the cowl member 100. The intake surface portion 104 is provided with the intake area 102, which is made up of the above-mentioned vertical and horizontal partitions 106, 108 (see FIG. 2(b)) and a plurality of openings 110.

[0051] The support surface portion 112 is a wall-like portion that extends downward from the front edge of the intake surface portion 104. In this embodiment, the support surface portion 112 extends at an incline downward and rearward from the intake surface portion 104. The support surface portion 112 is provided with the fragile portion 114 described above.

[0052] A flange portion 134 is provided on the lower end side of the support surface portion 112. The flange portion 134 is bent forward from the lower end of the support surface portion 112. A vehicle body fixing portion 136 (see FIG. 1) is provided on the flange portion 134, and is connected to a structure on the dash panel side (not shown).

[0053] A standing wall portion 138 is provided on the rear end side of the intake surface portion 104. The standing wall portion 138 extends in a curved manner upward from the intake surface portion 104. As shown in FIG. 1, a second air intake area 140 can be provided in the range on the left side of the standing wall portion 138 in the vehicle width direction. The second air intake area 140 is also formed by providing a plurality of openings partitioned in a lattice pattern in a predetermined range of the standing wall portion 138.

[0054] The area behind the standing wall portion 138 is bent downward, and a glass support portion 142 is provided at the rear end. The glass support portion 142 is a portion that grips the lower edge of the windshield and opens diagonally upward toward the rear. A seal portion 144 is provided above the glass support portion 142.

[0055] The cross ribs 120 protrude in the direction in which air is drawn from the intake area 102, i.e., in the intake direction, as viewed from the intake surface 104. The cross ribs 120 extend from the intake surface 104 toward the support surface 112 along vertical partitions 106 (see FIG. 2(b)) that run vertically through the intake area 102. The cross ribs 120 running vertically through the intake area block the movement of rainwater, dust, and the like in the vehicle width direction, thereby preventing the rainwater, etc. from entering other structures or equipment.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 4(b), the multiple cross ribs 120 include a first cross rib 122 having a long overall length and a second cross rib 124 having a short overall length. Fig. 5(a) shows the first cross rib 122 having a long overall length. One end 148 of the first cross rib 122 bends and extends from the intake surface portion 104 along the support surface portion 112, reaching the vicinity of the fragile portion 114.

[0057] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the cowl member 100 of Figure 1. Figure 5(b) shows a second cross rib 124 with a short overall length. One end 150 of the second cross rib 124 is closer to the intake surface portion 104 than the weak portion 114 of the support surface portion 112, and is located at the corner between the intake surface portion 104 and the support surface portion 112. With this configuration, the second cross rib 124 can suppress deformation such as bending of the intake surface portion 104 relative to the support surface portion 112 when a load is applied.

[0058] The connecting rib 126 is provided so as to protrude from the intake surface portion 104 on the same side as the multiple cross ribs 120, and in this embodiment, protrudes in the intake direction. The connecting rib 126 extends along the horizontal partition 108 (see FIG. 2(b)) in a direction transverse to the intake area 102, and connects the multiple cross ribs 120, including the first cross rib 122 (see FIG. 5(a)) and the second cross rib 124.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4(b), by connecting the cross ribs 120 to each other with the connecting ribs 126, a lattice-like rib structure 118 with a row of rectangular closed cross sections is formed below the intake region 102 of the cowl member 100. This rib structure 118 increases the rigidity from the intake surface portion 104 to the support surface portion 112 as shown in Figure 5(a), etc., and can efficiently transmit the load to the weak portion 114 while suppressing deformation of the periphery of the intake region 102 when a load is applied.

[0060] 5(a), the cowl member 100 is also provided with a reinforcing rib 152. The reinforcing rib 152 is provided in a range of the intake surface portion 104 closer to the support surface portion 112 than the multiple connecting ribs 126, near the outer angle between the intake surface portion 104 and the support surface portion.

[0061] The reinforcing ribs 152 protrude outward in the intake direction of air intake as viewed from the intake region 102. The reinforcing ribs 152 are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the cowl member 100 along the front outer corners of the intake surface portion 104. The reinforcing ribs 152 can increase the rigidity around the connection region between the intake surface portion 104 and the support surface portion 112, where stress tends to concentrate when subjected to external force.

[0062] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the fragile portion 114 in Fig. 5(a). The fragile portion 114 is realized by forming a stepped portion 154 in a predetermined range extending in the vehicle width direction on the support surface portion 112, and by forming a locally thin-walled portion 156.

[0063] In this embodiment, the support surface portion 112 is formed to include an upper wall portion 112a and a lower wall portion 112b. The step portion 154 is formed by connecting one surface of the upper wall portion 112a and one surface of the lower wall portion 112b in a stepped shape.

[0064] Specifically, the step portion 154 is formed on the front side of the support surface portion 112 by connecting the lower end side of the lower surface 158 of the inclined upper wall portion 112a to the upper end side of the upper surface 160 of the inclined lower wall portion 112b. The thin-wall portion 156 is formed by connecting the upper wall portion 112a and the lower wall portion 112b with a thickness T3 that is thinner than the thickness T1 of the upper wall portion 112a and the thickness T2 of the lower wall portion 112b (T1 > T3, T2 > T3). In this embodiment, T1 and T2 are set to the same dimension.

[0065] With the above configuration, it is possible to realize a structure in which, when a load is applied from above, the load is likely to be concentrated on the weak portion 114. For example, if the weak portion 114 is a stepped portion, 154 When a load is applied from the upper intake surface 104, the bending portion that forms the step, specifically, the upper wall portion 112a and the step portion 154 Connection surface and step 154 and lower wall portion 112b. In addition, for example, by forming fragile portion 114 as a structure having thin-walled portion 156, the area that receives the load can be reduced and the load transmitted per unit area can be increased, so that when a load is received from the upper intake surface portion 104 side, the load can be concentrated on thin-walled portion 156.

[0066] In this embodiment, since thin-walled portion 156 is formed in fragile portion 114, when a load is applied from the upper air intake surface portion 104 side, for example, the load is concentrated on fragile portion 114, and the impact energy can be consumed as fracture energy of fragile portion 114. Then, fracture of upper wall portion 112a and lower wall portion 112b makes it easier to deform the air intake surface portion 104 side of cowl member 110, promoting the deformation of cowl member 110 and enabling the impact energy to be efficiently absorbed as deformation energy of cowl member 110.

[0067] In this embodiment, the fragile portion 114 is a stepped portion. 154and thin-walled portion 156 are formed, but only one of them may be formed as fragile portion 114. Moreover, fragile portion 114 is not limited to these. For example, fragile portion 114 may be configured to be less fragile, i.e., less rigid than the surrounding area by providing a notch or an opening, or may be configured to be more easily concentrated with a bending point, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, with the above configuration, when a load is applied from above, a shear force is generated between upper wall portion 112a and lower wall portion 112b, causing upper wall portion 112a to move rearward and lower wall portion 112b to move forward. In this way, cowl member 100 is capable of efficiently breaking fragile portion 114 in an emergency and absorbing an impact.

[0069] One end 148 of the first cross rib 122 reaches the vicinity of the weak portion 114 of the support surface portion 112. This configuration shortens the load transmission path between the first cross rib 122 and the weak portion 114, thereby efficiently transmitting impact from the periphery of the intake area to the weak portion. The first cross rib 122 is configured so that the protrusion amount X1 of the range on the support surface portion 112 side is greater than the protrusion amount X2 of the range on the intake surface portion 104 side (X1 > X2). This configuration prevents deformation between the intake surface portion 104 and the support surface portion 112, enabling the first cross rib 122 to efficiently transmit the load to the weak portion 114. Furthermore, by limiting the protrusion amount X2 of the cross rib 122 along the intake area 102 to less than the protrusion amount X1, the cross rib 122 is prevented from blocking the air drawn in from the intake area 102, making it easier for the air to flow toward the vehicle interior.

[0070] The amount of protrusion X1 on one end 148 of the first cross rib 122 is set so that, when the reinforcing rib 152 is extended downward in the intake direction, at least a portion of the first cross rib 122 is located within the range of the thickness α of the reinforcing rib 152 and the thickness β of the base side of the reinforcing rib 152. With this configuration, when an impact is applied to the intake surface 104, the first cross rib 122, together with the reinforcing rib 152, prevents the load from concentrating on the corner between the intake surface 104 and the support surface 112, and enables the load to be transmitted to the weak portion 114.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5( a), the first cross rib 122 extends vertically and toward the rear of the vehicle on the rear side, and is also connected to the glass support portion 142. A first cross rib 122 configured in this manner increases the support rigidity of the windshield and makes it possible to transmit and absorb the load from the windshield to the fragile portion 114. As another configuration, even if the first cross rib 122 is not directly connected to the glass support portion 142, the first cross rib 122 and a rib connected to the glass support portion 142 can be arranged so that they are continuous in the front-to-rear direction, thereby making it easier to transmit the load from the glass support portion 142 to the first cross rib 122.

[0072] As described above, in this embodiment, by extending the first cross rib 122 (see FIG. 5(a)) and the second cross rib 124 (see FIG. 5(b)) from the intake surface portion 104 and connecting them to the support surface portion 112, it is possible to increase the support area of ​​the intake surface portion 104 with respect to the support surface portion 112. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the lattice and the like around the intake region 102 and deformation such as bringing the intake surface portion 104 closer to the support surface portion 112 when the cowl member 100 is subjected to a load from above.

[0073] Furthermore, the first cross rib 122 and the second cross rib 124 transmit an impact from the intake surface portion 104 to the support surface portion 112, thereby promoting deformation or breakage of the fragile portion 114 formed in the support surface portion 112. Furthermore, the intake region 102 is reinforced by the multiple first cross ribs 122 and the second cross ribs 124, increasing the rigidity of the periphery thereof. This suppresses excessive deformation of the intake region 102 when an impact is transmitted to the intake region 102. Therefore, this embodiment prevents the periphery of the intake region 102 from deforming before the fragile portion 114, thereby efficiently promoting deformation or breakage of the fragile portion 114 and absorbing the impact. Thus, the cowl member 100 is capable of deforming as intended in an emergency and efficiently absorbing an impact.

[0074] In this embodiment, one end 148 of the first cross rib 122 is terminated at the lower end of the rear surface of the upper wall portion 112a, which makes it easier to remove the area around the fragile portion 114 during resin molding. If removal of the mold during resin molding is not a consideration, the one end 148 of the first cross rib 122 is terminated at the lower end of the rear surface of the upper wall portion 112a within the range where the function of the fragile portion 114 can be maintained. a It may reach the end face of the lower end of the

[0075] 6 and other figures, the connecting rib 126 protrudes from the intake surface 104 at an incline toward the rear and downward. By inclining the connecting rib 126 with respect to the intake surface 104, the connection area of ​​the connecting rib 126 with the intersecting rib 120 can be increased, and rigidity can be further improved, compared to when the connecting rib 126 is upright. Note that, as an alternative configuration, the connecting rib can also be configured to protrude from the intake surface 104 at an incline toward the front and downward.

[0076] By slanting the connecting rib 126, when rainwater or foreign matter tries to enter the intake direction through the opening 110 of the air intake area 102, the area of ​​the side surface of the connecting rib 126 facing the rainwater etc. is increased. This configuration not only prevents the entry of foreign matter, but also allows the rainwater to come into contact with the connecting rib 126, weakening the force of the flow and reducing the amount of water splashing, thereby preventing water from entering the air conditioning system etc. in the passenger compartment.

[0077] 4(b), the connecting rib 126 and the cross rib 120 are also connected to the bulging portion 128. In this case, the connecting rib 126 is inclined, so that the connecting area of ​​the connecting rib 126 with the cross rib 120 and the connecting area of ​​the connecting rib 126 with the bulging portion 128 are Connection area This allows the reinforcing effect of the bulging portion 128 by the connecting ribs 126 and the cross ribs 120 to be further enhanced.

[0078] Each connecting rib shown in Fig. 4(b) is provided to extend at a slight angle with respect to a line segment W1 extending in the vehicle width direction. For example, the connecting rib 162 is provided so that the right side in the vehicle width direction is located further forward (lower in Fig. 4(b)) than the left side in the vehicle width direction.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the intake area 102 is formed as a horizontally elongated area along the longitudinal direction of the intake surface portion 104. In this case, by providing each linear connecting rib 162 at an angle with respect to the vehicle width direction, the length of some connecting ribs, such as the connecting rib 162 in Fig. 4(b), is limited to a certain degree. By limiting the length of the connecting ribs 162, etc., it is possible to increase the rigidity of the connecting ribs 162, etc., and to create a configuration that is less likely to deform.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the rear end 164 side of the second cross rib 124 in FIG. 4(a). The rear end of the second cross rib 124 extends to the region where the intake surface portion 104 connects to the standing wall portion 138. This configuration increases the rigidity of the bending portion 166 between the intake surface portion 104 and the standing wall portion 138, and can suppress deformation between the intake surface portion 104 and the standing wall portion 138 when an external force is applied. Furthermore, the rear end 164 of the second cross rib 124 gradually protrudes less along the standing wall portion 138. This configuration reduces the weight of the second cross rib 124.

[0081] 4(a), the rib structure 118 of this embodiment has one or more second cross ribs 124 arranged between each of the first cross ribs, such as between a first cross rib 122 and another first cross rib 168. With this configuration, by interweaving not only the first cross ribs 122, 168, which have a long overall length, but also the second cross ribs 124, which have a short overall length, it is possible to ensure the rigidity of the cowl member 100 while suppressing an increase in weight due to the addition of the rib structure 118.

[0082] Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along cross section CC of the cowl member 100 in Fig. 3(a). A plurality of third cross ribs (e.g., third cross ribs 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d, and 170e) are provided so as to extend in a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction even in an area where the intake region 102 (see Fig. 5(a)) is not provided.

[0083] Similar to the first cross rib 122, the third cross rib 170a also extends from the intake surface 104 to reach the support surface 112 on the front side, and from the standing wall portion 138 to reach the glass support portion 142 on the rear side. One end 172 of the third cross rib 170a also reaches the weak portion 114, making it possible to concentrate the load on the weak portion 114 on the lower side while ensuring the rigidity of the intake surface 104 on the upper side. The third cross rib 170a is formed so that its thickness in a direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction increases around the corners between the intake surface 104 and the support surface 112.

[0084] The third intersecting rib 170b is provided from the glass support portion 142 to the intake surface portion 104. The third intersecting rib 170b is also formed so that the thickness in the direction intersecting the vehicle width direction increases at the end portion on the intake surface portion 104 side.

[0085] The third cross rib 170c is provided from the intake surface portion 104 to the support surface portion 112. The third cross rib 170d is provided from the glass support portion 142 to the intake surface portion 104. One end of the third cross rib 170d is arranged at a predetermined distance from the third cross rib 170c in a direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction.

[0086] The third intersecting rib 170e extends from the intake surface 104 to reach the support surface 112 on the front side, and from the standing wall portion 138 to reach the vicinity of the wiper mounting hole 146 on the rear side. The third intersecting rib 170e is formed so that its thickness increases in a direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction around the corners of the intake surface 104 and the support surface 112.

[0087] The third cross ribs 170a, 170b, and 170e each have a circular recessed portion that allows them to grip on-board components such as electrical components. Each of these ribs has a greater plate thickness around the circular recessed portion in a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction, allowing them to stably grip on-board components. Note that the circular recessed portion can be used not only to grip on-board components but also as a support point for the cowl member 100.

[0088] 5(b), upper and lower ribs 174 are provided at the inner angles between the support surface portion 112 and the flange portion 134. A plurality of upper and lower ribs 174 are provided at various positions on the flange portion 143 in the longitudinal direction of the cowl member 100.

[0089] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the upper and lower ribs 176 in Fig. 1. The upper and lower ribs 176 are triangular ribs that straddle the support surface portion 112 and the flange portion 134, and extend in the up-down and front-rear directions so as to intersect with the vehicle width direction.

[0090] By providing a plurality of upper and lower ribs such as the upper and lower ribs 176, it is possible to increase the rigidity between the support surface portion 112 and the flange portion 134. In particular, the flange portion 134 is the portion that comes into contact with the member on the dash panel side below. By increasing the rigidity of the flange portion 134 with the upper and lower ribs 176 and the like, it is possible to concentrate the load received from above on the weak portion 114, thereby enabling the weak portion 114 to deform efficiently.

[0091] The upper and lower ribs, such as the upper and lower ribs 176, are provided in different sizes. Here, the air intake area 102 is formed at a position separated from the support surface portion 112, and a non-opening area 178 is formed between the air intake area 102 and the support surface portion 112. The distance from the air intake area 102 to the support surface portion 112 varies in the vehicle width direction, for example, between distance L1 and distance L2.

[0092] In this embodiment, upper and lower ribs 180 having small dimensions are provided on the flange portion 134 where the intake area 102 and the support surface portion 112 overlap in the range of distance L1 in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, upper and lower ribs 176 having larger dimensions than the upper and lower ribs 180 are provided on the flange portion 134 where the intake area 102 and the support surface portion 112 overlap in the range of distance L2 in the vehicle width direction.

[0093] The range of the short distance L2 is the range where the intake area 102 is formed near the support surface portion 112, and may have reduced rigidity and be prone to deformation. In this embodiment, large upper and lower ribs 176 are provided near such a range to compensate for the rigidity and suppress unexpected deformation.

[0094] With the above-described configuration, in the event of an emergency, cowl member 100 can absorb impact by concentrating the load on fragile portions 114, causing them to deform and break, while suppressing unexpected deformation with each rib. Cowl member 100 can reduce the impact on an object that comes into contact with the hood, for example, and provide appropriate protection.

[0095] (Variation) Figure 10 is a diagram showing first and second modified examples of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(a). From Figure 10 onwards, the same components as those already described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanations of these components will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following explanation, components with the same names as those already described will have the same functions unless otherwise specified, even if they are given different reference numerals.

[0096] Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing a first modified example (cowl member 200) of the cowl member 100 of Fig. 5(a). The cowl member 200 differs in configuration from the cowl member 100 of Fig. 5(a) in that the intake surface portion 202 is formed to extend in the vertical direction.

[0097] In the cowl member 200, the lattice of the air intake area 204 also extends vertically and horizontally. The first cross rib 206 also extends vertically along the air intake surface 202. One end 208 of the first cross rib 206 also reaches the weakened portion 114. In addition, the second cross rib (not shown) can also have one end located at the corner between the air intake surface 202 and the support surface 112.

[0098] In the cowl member 200, by extending the first cross ribs 206 and the like from the intake surface portion 202 and connecting them to the support surface portion 112, the support area of ​​the intake surface portion 202 with respect to the support surface portion 112 can be increased. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the lattice and the like around the intake area 204 and deformation such that the intake surface portion 202 approaches the support surface portion 112 when the cowl member 200 is subjected to a load from above. The first cross ribs 206 transmit the load to the weak portions, promoting deformation, breakage, and the like, thereby absorbing the impact.

[0099] Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing a second modified example (cowl member 220) of the cowl member 100 of Fig. 5(a). In the cowl member 220, the intake surface portion 202 extends in the vertical direction, the lower non-opening region 222 bends forward and extends, and then the support surface portion 224 extends downward.

[0100] The first cross rib 226 extends in the up-down direction along the intake surface portion 202, extends forward along the non-opening region 222, and then extends downward again along the support surface portion 224. One end 228 of the first cross rib 226 also reaches the weakened portion 114. In addition, the second cross rib (not shown) also extends up-down and front-to-back along the intake surface portion 202 and the non-opening region 222, similar to the first cross rib 226, and one end can be positioned at the corner between the intake surface portion 202 and the support surface portion 224.

[0101] In the cowl member 220, by extending the first cross ribs 226 and the like from the intake surface portion 202 and connecting them to the support surface portion 224, the support area of ​​the intake surface portion 202 relative to the support surface portion 224 can be increased. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the lattice and the like around the intake area 204 and deformation such that the intake surface portion 202 approaches the support surface portion 224 when the cowl member 220 is subjected to a load from above. The first cross ribs 226 transmit the load to the fragile portions 114, promoting deformation, breakage, and the like, thereby absorbing the impact.

[0102] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a third modified example (cowl member 240) of the cowl member 100 of Fig. 5(b). The cowl member 240 differs in configuration from the cowl member of Fig. 5(b) in that a step portion 244 of a fragile portion 242 is formed on the rear side of a support surface portion 248.

[0103] Step portion 244 is formed on the rear side of support surface portion 248 by connecting the lower end side of the upper surface of inclined upper wall portion 248a to the upper end side of the lower surface of inclined lower wall portion 248b. Similarly to thin-wall portion 156 in Fig. 6, thin-wall portion 246 is also formed by connecting upper wall portion 248a and lower wall portion 248b with a dimension thinner than the plate thickness of upper wall portion 248a and lower wall portion 248b.

[0104] When the fragile portion 242 receives a load from the upper intake surface 202, a shear force is generated between the upper wall portion 248a and the lower wall portion 248b, causing the upper wall portion 248a to move forward and the lower wall portion 248b to move backward. In this way, when the fragile portion 242 receives a load from above, a structure can be realized in which the load is concentrated and the fragile portion 242 is prone to breakage, etc.

[0105] In addition, in the cowl member 240, the first intersecting rib (not shown) is provided with one end spaced apart from the fragile portion 242, which allows the fragile portion 242 to be deformed and broken in an appropriate manner.

[0106] Figure 12 shows fourth and fifth modified examples of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(b). Figure 12(a) shows a fourth modified example (cowl member 260) of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(b). The cowl member 260 differs in configuration from the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(b) in that the support surface portion 262 extends from the intake surface portion 104 at an incline downward and forward.

[0107] Step portion 266 of fragile portion 264 is formed on the front side of support surface portion 262 by connecting the lower end side of the upper surface of inclined upper wall portion 262a to the upper end side of the lower surface of inclined lower wall portion 262b. Similar to thin-wall portion 156 in Fig. 6, thin-wall portion 268 is formed by connecting upper wall portion 262a and lower wall portion 262b with a dimension thinner than the plate thickness of upper wall portion 262a and lower wall portion 262b.

[0108] When the fragile portion 264 is subjected to a load from the upper intake surface 104, a shear force is generated between the upper wall portion 262a and the lower wall portion 262b, causing the upper wall portion 262a to move rearward and the lower wall portion 262b to move forward. In this way, when the fragile portion 264 is subjected to a load from above, a structure can be realized in which the load is concentrated and the fragile portion 264 is prone to breakage, etc.

[0109] Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing a fifth modified example (a cowl member 280) of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(b). The cowl member 280 also has a support surface portion 282 that extends obliquely downward and forward from the intake surface portion 104.

[0110] Step portion 286 of fragile portion 284 is formed on the rear side of support surface portion 282 by connecting the lower end side of the lower surface of inclined upper wall portion 282a to the upper end side of the upper surface of inclined lower wall portion 282b. Similar to thin-wall portion 156 in Fig. 6, thin-wall portion 288 is formed by connecting upper wall portion 282a and lower wall portion 282b with a dimension thinner than the plate thickness of upper wall portion 282a and lower wall portion 282b.

[0111] When the fragile portion 284 receives a load from the upper intake surface 104, a shear force is generated between the upper wall portion 282a and the lower wall portion 282b, causing the upper wall portion 282a to move forward and the lower wall portion 282b to move backward. In this way, when the fragile portion 284 receives a load from above, a structure can be realized in which the load is concentrated and the fragile portion 284 is prone to breakage, etc.

[0112] In addition, in this cowl member 280, by providing a first intersecting rib (not shown) with one end spaced apart from the fragile portion 284, it becomes possible to deform and break the fragile portion 284 in an appropriate manner.

[0113] Figure 13 shows sixth and seventh modified examples of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(b). Figure 13(a) shows a sixth modified example (cowl member 300) of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(b). The cowl member 300 differs in configuration from the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(b) in that the support surface portion 302 extends directly downward from the intake surface portion 104.

[0114] Step portion 306 of fragile portion 304 is formed on the front side of support surface portion 302 by connecting the lower end side of the front surface of upper wall portion 302a to the upper end side of the rear surface of lower wall portion 302b. Thin-wall portion 308 is formed by connecting upper wall portion 302a and lower wall portion 302b with a dimension thinner than the plate thickness of upper wall portion 302a and lower wall portion 302b, similar to thin-wall portion 156 in Fig. 6 .

[0115] When fragile portion 304 receives a load from intake surface 104 above, a shear force is generated between upper wall portion 302a and lower wall portion 302b, causing upper wall portion 302a to move rearward and lower wall portion 302b to move forward. In this way, fragile portion 304 can also realize a structure in which the load is concentrated and breaks easily when a load is received from above.

[0116] Figure 13(b) is a diagram showing a seventh modified example (a cowl member 320) of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(b). In the cowl member 320 as well, a support surface portion 322 extends directly downward from the intake surface portion.

[0117] Step portion 326 of fragile portion 324 is formed on the rear side of support surface portion 322 by connecting the lower end side of the rear surface of upper wall portion 322a to the upper end side of the front surface of lower wall portion 322b. Thin-wall portion 328 is formed by connecting upper wall portion 322a and lower wall portion 322b with a dimension thinner than the plate thickness of upper wall portion 322a and lower wall portion 322b, similar to thin-wall portion 156 in Fig. 6 .

[0118] When fragile portion 324 receives a load from intake surface 104 above, a shear force is generated between upper wall portion 322a and lower wall portion 322b, causing upper wall portion 322a to move forward and lower wall portion 322b to move backward. In this way, fragile portion 324 can also realize a structure in which the load is concentrated and breaks easily when a load is received from above.

[0119] In addition, in this cowl member 320, by providing a first intersecting rib (not shown) with one end spaced apart from the fragile portion 324, it becomes possible to deform and break the fragile portion 324 in an appropriate manner.

[0120] Figure 14 is a diagram showing eighth and ninth modified examples of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(a). Figure 14(a) is a diagram showing an eighth modified example (cowl member 340) of the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(a). The cowl member 340 differs in configuration from the cowl member 100 of Figure 5(a) in that a first cross rib 342 protrudes outward in the intake direction of the intake region 102.

[0121] The first cross rib 342 protrudes outward in the intake direction from the intake surface portion 104 and extends from the intake surface portion 104 toward the support surface portion 248 along the vertical partition 106 (see FIG. 2(b)) that cuts across the intake area 102. One end 344 of the first cross rib 342 bends and extends along the front side of the support surface portion 248, reaching the fragile portion 242.

[0122] The connecting rib 348 also protrudes outward in the intake direction from the intake surface portion 104 and connects multiple cross ribs including the first cross rib 342 and a second cross rib (not shown). The second cross rib (not shown) protrudes outward in the intake direction from the intake surface portion 104, and one end can be positioned at a position away from the fragile portion 242 and near the outer angle between the intake surface portion 104 and the support surface portion 248.

[0123] In the cowl member 340, the rib structure including the first cross rib 342 and the connecting rib 348 increases the rigidity from the intake surface portion 104 to the support surface portion 248, suppressing deformation around the intake area 102 when a load is applied, and enabling the load to be efficiently transmitted to the weak portion 242.

[0124] Fig. 14(b) is a diagram showing a ninth modification (cowl member 360) of the cowl member 100 of Fig. 5(a). In the cowl member 360, the first cross ribs 342 protrude outward in the intake direction, and in addition, the reinforcing ribs 362 protrude in the intake direction.

[0125] The reinforcing rib 362 is provided in a range of the intake surface portion 104 closer to the support surface portion 248 than the multiple connecting ribs 348, near the interior angle between the intake surface portion 104 and the support surface portion 248. The reinforcing rib 362 is also formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the cowl member 360, along the interior angle. The reinforcing rib 362 can also increase the rigidity around the connection region between the intake surface portion 104 and the support surface portion 248, where stress is likely to concentrate when subjected to external force.

[0126] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing tenth and eleventh modified examples of the cowl member 100 of Fig. 5(a). Fig. 15(a) is a diagram showing a tenth modified example (cowl member 380) of the cowl member 100 of Fig. 5(a). The cowl member 380 employs a configuration in which slits 386 are provided in upper and lower ribs 384 as weakened portions 382.

[0127] The upper and lower ribs 384 are provided to extend in the vertical direction between the support surface portion 388 and the flange portion 134. The slits 386 are formed by cutting out an area extending from the front edge of the upper and lower ribs 384 toward the inner angle between the support surface portion 388 and the flange portion 134. The first cross rib 390 extends so that one end 392 reaches the upper side of the upper and lower ribs 384.

[0128] Weakened portions 382, ​​each consisting of upper and lower ribs 384 and slits 386, can be provided at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of cowl member 380. When an impact is received from above, weakened portions 382 allow support surface portion 388 to deform so as to fall forward relative to flange portion 134, starting from a line segment extending in the vehicle width direction along the interior angle between support surface portion 388 and flange portion 134. Therefore, in cowl member 380 as well, weak portions 382 can be deformed efficiently in an emergency to absorb an impact.

[0129] Fig. 15(b) is a diagram showing an eleventh modified example (a cowl member 400) of the cowl member 100 of Fig. 5(a). The cowl member 400 also employs a configuration in which slits 406 are provided in upper and lower ribs 404 as weakened portions 402.

[0130] The support surface 408 has an upper wall 408a that extends rearward and downward from the intake surface 104, and a lower wall 408b that extends and curves forward and downward from the upper wall 408a. The upper and lower ribs 404 are provided to extend in the vertical direction at the inner angle between the upper wall 408a and the lower wall 408b.

[0131] The slits 406 are formed by cutting out an area extending from the front edge of the upper and lower ribs 404 toward the inner angle between the upper wall portion 408a and the lower wall portion 408b. The first intersecting rib 410 extends so that one end 412 reaches the upper side of the upper and lower ribs 404.

[0132] Weakened portions 402, each consisting of upper and lower ribs 404 and slits 406, can be provided at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of cowl member 400. When an impact is received from above, weakened portions 402 can also deform so that support surface portion 408 is folded rearward in a mountain fold, starting from a line segment extending in the vehicle width direction along the interior angle between upper wall portion 408a and lower wall portion 408b. Therefore, cowl member 400 can also have weakened portions 402 deform efficiently in an emergency to absorb an impact.

[0133] 16 is a diagram showing a twelfth modification (a cowl member 420) of the cowl member 100 of FIG. 5(a). The cowl member 420 differs in configuration from the above-described embodiments in terms of the shape of the first intersecting rib 422.

[0134] The first cross rib 422 extends from the intake surface 104 toward the support surface 262, but is separated from the upper wall 262a over a certain area, forming a cavity between the upper wall 262a and the first cross rib 422. One end 424 of the first cross rib 422 is connected to the periphery of the weak portion 262 near the lower end of the upper wall 262a. This configuration shortens the load transmission path between the first cross rib 422 and the weak portion 262, allowing impact to be transmitted efficiently from the periphery of the intake area to the weak portion.

[0135] The first cross rib 422 also reinforces the area around the intake area 102 of the intake surface 104 and transmits the load received from the intake surface 104 to the fragile portion 264, making it possible to efficiently deform and break the fragile portion 264 before the intake area 102.

[0136] As a further modification, the weakened portions can be realized by providing thinned portions or openings that extend intermittently in the vehicle width direction at predetermined locations on the support surface portion. For example, by providing thinned portions or openings in the form of dashed lines at predetermined locations on the support surface portion 388 (see FIG. 15(a)), it becomes possible to encourage the support surface portion 388 to deform from the thinned portions or openings when an impact is received.

[0137] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0138] The present invention can be used in a vehicle cowl member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 100... cowl member, 102... intake area, 104... intake surface portion, 106... vertical partition, 108... horizontal partition, 110... opening, 112... support surface portion, 112a... upper wall portion, 112b... lower wall portion, 114... weak portion, 116... storage space, 118... rib structure, 120... cross rib, 122... first cross rib, 124... second cross rib, 126... connecting rib, 128... bulge portion, 130... mounting hole, 132... shielding member, 134... flange portion, 136... vehicle body fixing portion, 138... standing wall portion, 140... second intake area, 142... glass support portion, 144... sealing portion, 146... wiper mounting hole, 148 ...one end, 150...one end, 152...reinforcing rib, 154...step portion, 156...thin portion, 158...lower surface, 160...upper surface, 162...connecting rib, 164...rear end, 166...bending point, 168...first intersecting rib, 170a...third intersecting rib, 172...one end, 174...upper and lower ribs, 176...upper and lower ribs, 178...non-opening region, 180...upper and lower ribs, T1 to T3...plate thickness, W1...line segment in vehicle width direction, X1...projection amount, X2...projection amount, 200...cowl member, 202...intake surface portion, 204...intake region, 206...first intersecting rib, 208...one end, 220...cowl member, 222...non-opening region, 224...support surface part, 226...first intersecting rib, 228...one end, 240...cowl member, 242...weak part, 244...step part, 246...thin wall part, 248...support surface part, 248a...upper wall part, 248b...lower side wall part, 260...cowl member, 262...support surface part, 262a...upper wall part, 262b...lower side wall part, 26 4...Weak part, 266...Step part, 268...Thin wall part, 280...Cowl member, 282...Supporting surface part, 282a...Upper side wall part, 282b...Lower side wall part, 2 84...Weak part, 286...Step part, 288...Thin wall part, 300...Cowl member, 302...Supporting surface part, 302a...Upper side wall part, 302b...Lower side wall part, 3 04...fragile portion, 306...step portion, 308...thin portion, 320...cowl member, 322...support surface portion, 322a...upper wall portion, 322b...lower wall portion, 324...fragile portion, 326...step portion, 328...thin portion, 340...cowl member, 342...first cross rib, 344...one end, 348...connecting rib, 360...cowl member, 362...reinforcing rib, 380...cowl member, 382...fragile portion, 384...upper and lower ribs, 386...slit, 388...support surface portion, 390...first cross rib, 392...one end, 400...cowl member, 402...fragile portion, 404...upper and lower ribs, 406...slit, 408...support surface portion,408a...upper wall portion, 408b...lower wall portion, 410...first cross rib, 412...one end, 420...cowl member, 422...first cross rib, 424...one end,

Claims

1. A vehicle cowl member arranged along the lower edge of a vehicle windshield, The vehicle cowl member comprises: an intake surface portion in which an intake area having a plurality of openings partitioned in a lattice pattern is formed in a predetermined range; a support surface portion extending downward from the intake surface portion and supporting the intake surface portion; a weakened portion of the support surface portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle cowl member; a plurality of intersecting ribs projecting from one surface of the intake surface portion and extending from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion along the vertical partitions of the grid of the intake area; The plurality of cross ribs have one end extending to the support surface portion, The plurality of intersecting ribs are a first cross rib having one end located adjacent the weakened portion of the support surface; a second cross rib, one end of which is located closer to the intake surface portion than one end of the first cross rib, A vehicle cowl member, characterized in that one or more of the second cross ribs are arranged between the first cross ribs in the longitudinal direction.

2. A vehicle cowl member arranged along the lower edge of a vehicle windshield, The vehicle cowl member comprises: an intake surface portion in which an intake area having a plurality of openings partitioned in a lattice pattern is formed in a predetermined range; a support surface portion extending downward from the intake surface portion and supporting the intake surface portion; a weakened portion of the support surface portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle cowl member; a plurality of intersecting ribs projecting from one surface of the intake surface portion and extending from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion along the vertical partitions of the grid of the intake area; The plurality of cross ribs have one end extending to the support surface portion, The vehicle cowl member further comprises a plurality of connecting ribs that protrude from the surface of the intake surface portion on which the plurality of cross ribs are provided and extend along the horizontal partitions of the grid of the intake area to connect the plurality of cross ribs.

3. A vehicle cowl member arranged along the lower edge of a vehicle windshield, The vehicle cowl member comprises: an intake surface portion in which an intake area having a plurality of openings partitioned in a lattice pattern is formed in a predetermined range; a support surface portion extending downward from the intake surface portion and supporting the intake surface portion; a weakened portion of the support surface portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle cowl member; a plurality of intersecting ribs projecting from one surface of the intake surface portion and extending from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion along the vertical partitions of the grid of the intake area; The plurality of cross ribs have one end extending to the support surface portion, The vehicle cowl member further comprises: a flange portion bent forward from a lower end of the support surface portion; a plurality of upper and lower ribs provided at an inner angle between the support surface portion and the flange portion; In the vehicle cowl member, a distance from the intake area to the support surface portion varies in the longitudinal direction, The upper and lower ribs that are arranged to overlap over a short distance in the longitudinal direction are larger in size than the upper and lower ribs that are arranged to overlap over a long distance.

4. A vehicle cowl member arranged along the lower edge of a vehicle windshield, The vehicle cowl member comprises: an intake surface portion in which an intake area having a plurality of openings partitioned in a lattice pattern is formed in a predetermined range; a support surface portion extending downward from the intake surface portion and supporting the intake surface portion; a weakened portion of the support surface portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle cowl member; a plurality of intersecting ribs projecting from one surface of the intake surface portion and extending from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion along the vertical partitions of the grid of the intake area; The plurality of cross ribs have one end extending to the support surface portion, The vehicle cowl member further includes a bulging portion that bulges forward and is formed in the vicinity of the intake area of ​​the intake surface portion, The bulging portion is connected to the intersecting rib in the front-rear direction.

5. A vehicle cowl member arranged along the lower edge of a vehicle windshield, The vehicle cowl member comprises: an intake surface portion in which an intake area having a plurality of openings partitioned in a lattice pattern is formed in a predetermined range; a support surface portion extending downward from the intake surface portion and supporting the intake surface portion; a weakened portion of the support surface portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle cowl member; a plurality of intersecting ribs projecting from one surface of the intake surface portion and extending from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion along the vertical partitions of the grid of the intake area; The vehicle cowl member further includes a plurality of other intersecting ribs projecting from one surface of the intake surface portion and extending from the intake surface portion to the support surface portion in an area where the intake region is not provided, The other multiple intersecting ribs have a thickness that increases in a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction at the corners between the intake surface portion and the support surface portion, and have recessed portions that grip specified vehicle components.

6. A vehicle cowl member as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the plurality of cross ribs include a cross rib having one end located near the weak portion of the support surface portion.

7. 2. The vehicle cowl member according to claim 1, wherein one end of the second cross rib is located at a corner between the intake surface portion and the support surface portion.

8. 3. The vehicle cowl member according to claim 2, wherein the connecting rib projects from the surface on which the plurality of intersecting ribs are provided so as to be inclined relative to the intake surface portion.

9. The vehicle cowl member according to claim 2 or 8, further comprising a reinforcing rib that protrudes from a range of the intake surface portion that is closer to the support surface portion than the plurality of connecting ribs and extends in the longitudinal direction.

10. 6. The vehicle cowl member according to claim 1, wherein the fragile portion is formed to have a thinner plate thickness than an upper wall portion of the support surface portion that is above the fragile portion and a lower wall portion of the support surface portion that is below the fragile portion.

11. The support surface portion extends obliquely forward or rearward from the intake surface portion, 11. The vehicle cowl member according to claim 10, wherein the weakened portion is in a state where one surface of the lower wall portion is connected to one surface of the upper wall portion with a plate thickness of the dimension.

12. 12. The vehicle cowl member according to claim 11, wherein the lower wall portion is connected to a lower surface of the inclined upper wall portion.

Images