Front structure of the vehicle

The grille member with multiple design areas and integrated light-emitting components addresses the limited design freedom of conventional grille members, enhancing aesthetic appeal and reducing air resistance.

JP7845442B2Active Publication Date: 2026-04-14TOYOTA SHATAI KK
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
TOYOTA SHATAI KK
Filing Date
2024-12-04
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional grille members have limited design freedom due to a single design tone, restricting the aesthetic appeal and design flexibility of the vehicle's front part.

Method used

A grille member with multiple design areas, including a first design area in the center and paired second design areas on both sides, integrated with light-emitting components and recesses, allowing for enhanced design freedom and improved aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of technology

Increases design freedom and aesthetic appeal while reducing air resistance by integrating light-emitting parts and recesses, providing a unified design surface and reducing the number of parts.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a vehicle front part structure capable of enhancing a degree of freedom of designing a front part of a vehicle, as well as, capable of enhancing a design property.SOLUTION: A vehicle front part structure includes: a bumper cover 12 having a grille opening part 20; and a grille member 40 housed in the grille opening part 20. A design surface 50 being a front surface of the grille member 40 has a first design area 51 and a second design area 52 different in design basis from each other. A part having the first design area 51 and the second design area 52 in the grille member 40 is integrally formed. The first design area 51 is located at a center part in a vehicle width direction W. A pair of second design areas 52 is located respectively on both sides of the first design area 51 in the vehicle width direction W. Auxiliary lamps 80 being a pair of light members emitting light forward are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction W inside the grille opening part 20. The auxiliary lamps 80 are disposed adjacent to each other on rear sides of the second design areas 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a front structure of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a front structure of a vehicle having a front bumper face (hereinafter, bumper cover) and a front grille (hereinafter, grille member) disposed at the upper center in the vehicle width direction of the front face of the bumper cover. The grille member is provided with a lattice-shaped design surface having a plurality of vertical ribs extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle and a plurality of horizontal ribs extending in the vehicle width direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional grille member including the grille member described in Patent Document 1, it has a single design tone over the entire design surface. For this reason, the degree of freedom in the design of the grille member, and thus the degree of freedom in the design of the front part of the vehicle, is restricted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The front structure of a vehicle to solve the above problems comprises a bumper cover that constitutes the outer periphery of the front of the vehicle and has a grille opening that opens in the center of the front, with the front-rear direction of the vehicle as the front-rear direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned on a horizontal plane as the vertical direction, and a grille member that extends in the vertical and vehicle width directions and is housed in the grille opening, the design surface which is the front of the grille member has a plurality of design areas which have different design bases, the portion of the grille member having the plurality of design areas is integrally formed, the plurality of design areas have a first design area located in the center in the vehicle width direction and a pair of second design areas which are located on both sides of the first design area in the vehicle width direction, a pair of light members which emit light forward are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction inside the grille opening, and the light members are arranged adjacent to the rear side of the second design area.

[0006] With this configuration, since the parts of the grille member having multiple design areas are integrally formed, there is no misalignment at the joint, unlike when the parts with different design areas are formed separately and then joined together to form the grille member. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the design of the front of the vehicle while improving the aesthetic appeal.

[0007] Furthermore, according to this configuration, each design area has a first design area located in the center in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of second design areas located between the first design area and a pair of side edges in the vehicle width direction. For this reason, for example, the first design area of ​​the grille member can have a design similar to that of conventional grille members, while the part outside the first design area in the vehicle width direction, i.e., the part conventionally composed of a bumper cover, can be composed of the second design area. Thus, the degree of design freedom at the front of the vehicle can be improved.

[0008] Furthermore, by arranging the light components on both sides in the vehicle width direction inside the grille opening, a portion of the second design area of ​​the grille component can be made to emit light. In the front structure of the above-described vehicle, the portion of the second design region facing the light member is provided with a plurality of light-emitting parts that penetrate the grille member in the front-rear direction and emit light by allowing light from the light member to pass through, and the second design region is provided with a plurality of recesses having the same front-view shape as the light-emitting parts, and it is preferable that the plurality of light-emitting parts and the plurality of recesses are arranged adjacent to each other in a grid pattern.

[0009] According to this configuration, multiple light-emitting parts and multiple recesses form a continuous, spreading design surface with a consistent theme. Therefore, when the light-emitting parts are not emitting light, the light-emitting parts and recesses form a design surface that gives a sense of unity, and when the light-emitting parts are emitting light, only the light-emitting parts among the multiple light-emitting parts and multiple recesses can be illuminated. Thus, the design of the front of the vehicle can be improved.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the second design region is composed not only of multiple light-emitting parts, but also of multiple recesses, i.e., portions that do not penetrate the grille member in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the air resistance of the vehicle can be reduced compared to a case where the second design region does not have the above-mentioned recesses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the aesthetic appeal while increasing the degree of freedom in the design of the front part of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of the front structure of a vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bumper cover and grille component of the same embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the grill member and frame member in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bumper cover and the frame member in this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the grill member and the auxiliary lamp in this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partial enlarged view showing a part of FIG. 6 enlarged. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, an embodiment of the front structure of a vehicle will be described. In the following, the front-rear direction of the vehicle will be described as the front-rear direction L, the vehicle width direction as the vehicle width direction W, and the up-down direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned on a horizontal plane as the up-down direction Z.

[0014] Also, the front side and the rear side in the front-rear direction L will be simply referred to as the "front side" and the "rear side" respectively, and the side away from the center of the vehicle and the side approaching the center in the vehicle width direction W will be simply referred to as the "outer side" and the "inner side" respectively. Also, the upper side and the lower side in the up-down direction Z will be simply referred to as the "upper side" and the "lower side" respectively.

[0015] The front structure of the vehicle in this embodiment has a symmetrical structure in the vehicle width direction W. For this reason, hereinafter, the structure on one side (the left side in FIG. 1) in the vehicle width direction W will be described, and the description of the structure on the other side (the right side in FIG. 1) may be omitted.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a bonnet hood 10, an upper headlamp 11, a bumper cover 12, a frame member 30, a grill member 40, a lower headlamp 70, and an auxiliary lamp 80 are provided at the front of the vehicle.

[0017] At the center portion 10a in the vehicle width direction W at the front end of the bonnet hood 10, it protrudes downward more than both sides. On both sides of the center portion 10a in the vehicle width direction W, a pair of upper headlamps 11 are arranged.

[0018] Next, each component will be described. <Bumper cover 12> As shown in FIG. 1, the bumper cover 12 is fixed to a vehicle body frame (not shown) and constitutes the outer peripheral portion of the front surface of the vehicle. The bumper cover 12 has a cover upper portion 13 extending in the vehicle width direction W and a pair of cover side portions 14 extending downward from both ends of the cover upper portion 13 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0019] The cover upper portion 13 is arranged adjacent to the lower side with respect to the center portion 10a of the bonnet hood 10 and the pair of upper headlamps 11. At the center portion in the vehicle width direction W of the front surface of the bumper cover 12, a grill opening 20 is opened. The grill opening 20 is partitioned by the cover upper portion 13 and the cover side portions 14.

[0020] The grill opening 20 extends in the vertical direction Z and the vehicle width direction W to a position overlapping with the pair of front wheels 90 of the vehicle in the front-rear direction L. The edge portion 21 of the grill opening 20 has an upper edge portion 22 extending in the vehicle width direction W and a pair of side edge portions 23 extending downward from both ends of the upper edge portion 22 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0021] The side edge portion 23 has, in order from the upper side, a first straight portion 23a, a first inclined portion 23b, a second straight portion 23c, a second inclined portion 23d, and a third straight portion 23e. The first straight section 23a is connected to the end of the upper edge 22 in the vehicle width direction W and extends in the vertical direction Z. The first inclined section 23b is connected to the lower end of the first straight section 23a and extends inclined so that the lower part is located further inward in the vehicle width direction W. The second straight section 23c is connected to the lower end of the first inclined section 23b and extends in the vertical direction Z. The second straight section 23c is located further inward in the vehicle width direction W than the first straight section 23a and the first inclined section 23b. The second inclined section 23d is connected to the lower end of the second straight section 23c and extends inclined so that the lower part is located further outward in the vehicle width direction W. The third straight section 23e is connected to the lower end of the second inclined section 23d and extends in the vertical direction Z.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the bumper cover 12 has a lateral connecting portion 15 and a pair of vertical connecting portions 16. The lateral connecting portion 15 extends in the vehicle width direction W and connects the cover side portions 14 to each other. The vertical connecting portions 16 extend in the vertical direction Z and connect the lateral connecting portion 15 to the upper part 13 of the cover. The vertical connecting portions 16 are provided at a distance from the cover side portions 14 in the vehicle width direction W. Furthermore, the vertical connecting portions 16 are provided at a distance from each other in the vehicle width direction W.

[0023] The bumper cover 12 is integrally molded from a hard resin material. <Grille component 40> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the grille member 40 extends in the vertical direction Z and the vehicle width direction W, and is housed in the grille opening 20.

[0024] The grill component 40 comprises a grill body 40A, a first connecting member 40B, and a second connecting member 40C. (Grill body 40A) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the grill body 40A has a decorative surface body portion 44.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the grill body 40A is composed of multiple sections in the vertical direction Z. The grille body 40A has, from top to bottom, a first segment 41, a second segment 42, and a third segment 43. The grille body 40A is assembled to the bumper cover 12 from the front.

[0026] In Figure 3, the fastening or fitting points between the divided parts 41, 42, and 43 are indicated by dashed or dotted lines. (First connecting member 40B) As shown in Figure 2, the first connecting member 40B is assembled to the back surface of the upper part 13 of the bumper cover 12 and the back surface of the upper part of the grille body 40A.

[0027] The first connecting member 40B has a design surface portion 45, an upper connecting portion 46, and a lower connecting portion 47. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the design surface portion 45 constitutes the central part in the vehicle width direction W at the upper end of the design surface 50 of the grille member 40.

[0028] The upper connecting portion 46 is provided in conjunction with the upper side of the design surface portion 45. The upper connecting portion 46 is connected to the back surface of the upper part 13 of the bumper cover 12. The lower connecting portion 47 is provided in conjunction with the lower side of the design surface portion 45. The lower connecting portion 47 is connected to the upper back surface of the grill body 40A.

[0029] In Figure 2, the fastening or fitting points between the bumper cover 12, the grille body 40A, and the first connecting member 40B are indicated by dashed or dotted lines. (Second connecting member 40C) As shown in Figure 4, the second connecting member 40C has a design surface portion 48 and a connecting portion 49.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the design surface portion 48 constitutes the end portion in the vehicle width direction W at the upper end of the design surface 50 of the grille member 40. As shown in Figure 4, the connecting portion 49 is provided on the back surface of the design surface portion 48. The connecting portion 49 is connected to the upper end of the vertical connecting portion 16 of the bumper cover 12.

[0031] The grill body 40A and connecting members 40B and 40C are made of hard resin. (Design surface 50) As shown in Figure 1, the design surface 50, which is the front surface of the grill member 40, is composed of the design surface main body portion 44 and the design surface portions 45 and 48.

[0032] The design surface 50 has multiple design areas, each with a different design theme. The design surface 50 has a first design area 51 located in the center of the vehicle width direction W, and a pair of second design areas 52 located between the first design area 51 and a pair of side edges 23 of the grille opening 20 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0033] Each of the divided parts 41 to 43 constituting the grill body 40A has both a first design area 51 and a second design area 52. (Design Area 1, 51) As shown in Figure 1, the first design area 51 has a grid-like design base in which multiple parts extending linearly in the vehicle width direction W and multiple parts extending linearly in the vertical direction Z intersect with each other.

[0034] Multiple horizontal ribs 53 are provided in the first design area 51 of the grill body 40A. Multiple transverse ribs 53 extend in the vehicle width direction W and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, five transverse ribs 53 are provided.

[0035] A through-hole 54 is provided in the portion of the grill body 40A between the first and second horizontal ribs 53 from the top, extending through the grill body 40A in the front-to-back direction L. Furthermore, a through-hole 54 is provided in the portion of the grill body 40A between the second and third horizontal ribs 53 from the top, extending through the grill body 40A in the front-to-back direction L.

[0036] Each through-hole 54 is provided with a horizontal bar 56 extending in the vehicle width direction W, and a plurality of vertical bars 57 extending in the vertical direction Z and arranged at intervals from each other in the vehicle width direction W. On the other hand, the portion of the grill body 40A between the third horizontal rib 53 and the fourth horizontal rib 53 from the top does not penetrate in the front-to-back direction L. Also, the portion of the grill body 40A between the fourth horizontal rib 53 and the fifth horizontal rib 53 from the top does not penetrate in the front-to-back direction L.

[0037] A mounting surface 59 for attaching a license plate is provided between the third horizontal rib 53 from the top and the fifth horizontal rib 53. Below the lowest horizontal rib 53 of the grill body 40A, a through hole 58 is provided that penetrates the grill body 40A in the front-to-back direction L.

[0038] The through-hole 58 has the same size as the through-hole 54 in the vehicle width direction W. The through-hole 58 is provided with horizontal bars 56 and multiple vertical bars 57, similar to the through-hole 54.

[0039] The first connecting member 40B is provided with a through hole 60 that penetrates the first connecting member 40B in the front-rear direction L. The through-hole 60 is provided with horizontal bars 56 and multiple vertical bars 57, similar to the through-hole 54.

[0040] (Second Design Area 52) As shown in Figure 1, the second design area 52 has a grid-like design base in which multiple parts that extend inclined with respect to the vehicle width direction W are combined so as to intersect with each other.

[0041] Multiple wavy ribs 61, 62 are provided in the second design area 52. The wavy ribs 61 and 62 extend in a wave-like manner in the vehicle width direction W and are connected to each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0042] The lowest part of the wavy rib 61 and the uppermost part of the wavy rib 62 are connected. The uppermost part of the wavy rib 61 and the lowermost part of the wavy rib 62 are connected.

[0043] The portions enclosed by the wavy ribs 61 and 62 form recesses 63 and through holes 64 that open forward. The front view shape and size of the recesses 63 and through holes 64 are identical to each other.

[0044] In this embodiment, a plurality of recesses 63 are provided adjacent to each other on the upper part of the second design area 52. In addition, a plurality of through holes 64 are provided adjacent to each other on the lower part of the second design area 52.

[0045] <Upper headlamp 11 and lower headlamp 70> As shown in Figure 1, the pair of lower headlamps 70 are positioned adjacent to the upper side of the grille member 40. The lower headlamps 70 are positioned vertically, with the upper headlamps 11 and the upper part 13 of the bumper cover 12 in between. The second design area 52 of the grille member 40 is adjacent to the lower side of the lower headlamps 70.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the upper headlamp 11 and the lower headlamp 70 of this embodiment have a common lamp housing 71. The lamp housing 71 is fixed to a vehicle frame (not shown). The lamp housing 71 has an opening 71a that opens forward.

[0047] The lamp housing 71 is fitted with a lamp outer lens 72 that covers the opening 71a. The lamp outer lens 72 has a mounting portion 72a that is attached to the periphery of the opening 71a. The lamp outer lens 72 has an upper opening 72b and a lower opening 72c. The lamp outer lens 72 is made of black hard resin.

[0048] An upper lamp lens 73 is integrally provided with the upper opening 72b, covering the upper opening 72b. A lower lamp lens 74 is integrally provided in the lower opening 72c, covering the lower opening 72c.

[0049] The upper lamp lens 73 and the lower lamp lens 74 are made of transparent resin and are integrally formed with the lamp outer lens 72 by two-color molding. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lower end of the lower lamp lens 74 is provided with a stepped portion 74a that protrudes forward.

[0050] The stepped portion 74a is covered from the front by the upper edge of the grill body 40A. The stepped portion 74a has a light-shielding portion 75 that prevents the transmission of visible light. The light-shielding portion 75 is made of black resin and is provided on the rear surface of the lower lamp lens 74. In this embodiment, the light-shielding portion 75 is configured as part of the lamp outer lens 72.

[0051] Inside the lamp housing 71, the light source (not shown) of the upper headlamp 11 is located behind the upper lamp lens 73. Inside the lamp housing 71, the light source (not shown) of the lower headlamp 70 is located behind the lower lamp lens 74.

[0052] The lower headlamp 70 corresponds to the headlamp according to the present invention. <Auxiliary lamp 80> As shown in Figure 1, a pair of auxiliary lamps 80 are positioned adjacent to each other on the rear side of the grille member 40. The auxiliary lamps 80 are illumination lamps. The auxiliary lamps 80 are positioned vertically alongside the lower headlamp 70. The auxiliary lamps 80 are positioned adjacent to each other on the rear side of the opposing portion 65, which is located at the lower part of the second design region 52 of the grille member 40 and where a plurality of through holes 64 are provided.

[0053] The opposing section 65 faces the auxiliary lamp 80 in the front-rear direction L. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the auxiliary lamp 80 has a lamp housing 81. The lamp housing 81 has an opening 81a and a mounting portion 81b. The opening 81a opens towards the front. The mounting portion 81b is attached to the back surface of the grille body 40A.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, a diffusion member 84 is arranged inside the lamp housing 81. The lamp housing 81 is provided with a lamp lens 82 that covers the opening 81a. The lamp lens 82 has a mounting portion 82a that is attached to the periphery of the opening 81a. The diffusion member 84 has a transparent resin base material and a well-known diffusion material.

[0055] As shown in Figure 9, a light source 83 and a substrate 85 are provided inside the lamp housing 81. The substrate 85 is provided adjacent to the outer side wall of the lamp housing 81 in the vehicle width direction W. The light source 83 is mounted on the substrate 85. The diffuser member 84 extends in the vertical direction Z and extends so that it is located further back as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction W. The light source 83 faces the outer end face of the diffuser member 84 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0056] The diffuser member 84 has a planar light-emitting surface 84a. The light-emitting surface 84a faces the lamp lens 82 in the front-rear direction L and extends in the vertical direction Z and the vehicle width direction W. The front surface of the diffuser member 84 forms the planar light-emitting surface 84a.

[0057] In Figure 5, the fastening points between the mounting portion 81b of the lamp housing 81 and the grille bodies 40A are indicated by dashed lines. As shown in Figures 1 and 8, multiple through holes 64 face one light-emitting surface 84a in the front-to-back direction L.

[0058] In the auxiliary lamp 80, when visible light emitted from the light source 83 is incident on the diffusion member 84, it is diffused by the diffusion member 84, causing the entire light-emitting surface 84a to emit light. Multiple through holes 64 allow light from the light-emitting surface 84a to pass through.

[0059] The auxiliary lamp 80 corresponds to the light component according to the present invention. <Frame member 30> As shown in Figure 1, the frame member 30 is positioned along the edge 21 of the grill opening 20.

[0060] The frame member 30 has a vertical frame portion 31, an upper horizontal frame portion 32, and a lower horizontal frame portion 33. The vertical frame portion 31 is located between the side edge portion 23 of the grille opening 20 and the lower lamp lens 74 in the vehicle width direction W. The vertical frame portion 31 is provided over the entire length of the side edge portion 23 in the vertical direction Z.

[0061] The upper horizontal frame portion 32 is provided adjacent to the lower side of the upper edge portion 22 of the grille opening 20. The upper horizontal frame portion 32 is located between the upper edge portion 22 and the lower lamp lens 74 in the vertical direction Z.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, the front edge 32a of the upper horizontal frame portion 32 is located in front of the lower lamp lens 74. The lower horizontal frame portion 33 is provided adjacent to the lower edge of the grille body 40A. The lower horizontal frame portion 33 extends over the entire lower edge of the grille body 40A in the vehicle width direction W.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the frame member 30 of this embodiment is composed of five parts: a pair of first frame members 30A, a pair of second frame members 30B, and a third frame member 30C. The first frame member 30A has an upper horizontal frame portion 32 and a vertical frame portion 31, the portion of which is adjacent to the lower headlamp 70 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0064] The second frame member 30B has a portion of the vertical frame portion 31 that is adjacent to the grille body 40A in the vehicle width direction W, and a portion of the lower horizontal frame portion 33 that overlaps with the upper horizontal frame portion 32 in the vertical direction Z.

[0065] The third frame member 30C has portions of the lower horizontal frame portion 33 other than the pair of second frame members 30B. As shown in Figure 4, the first frame member 30A is assembled to the bumper cover 12.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the second frame member 30B and the third frame member 30C are assembled to the grill body 40A. The frame member 30 is made of hard resin. The decorative surface of the frame member 30 has a metallic luster due to metal plating.

[0067] In Figure 3, the fastening or fitting points between the second frame member 30B, the third frame member 30C, and the grill body 40A are indicated by dashed or dotted lines. Furthermore, in Figure 4, the fastening or fitting points between the bumper cover 12 and the first frame member 30A are indicated by dashed or dotted lines.

[0068] Furthermore, in Figure 2, the fastening or fitting points between the second frame member 30B and the bumper cover 12 are indicated by dashed or dotted lines. In this embodiment, the through-hole 64 corresponds to the light-emitting part according to the present invention.

[0069] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the portion of the grill member 40 having the first design area 51 and the second design area 52 is integrally formed. Therefore, unlike when the portions having the design areas 51 and 52 are formed separately and then joined together to form the grill member 40, there is no misalignment at the joint.

[0070] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The design surface 50, which is the front surface of the grill member 40, has a first design area 51 and a second design area 52, which have different design themes. The portion of the grill member 40 having the first design area 51 and the second design area 52 is integrally formed.

[0071] This configuration, while achieving the above-mentioned effects, allows for greater design freedom in the front section of the vehicle and improves its aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, since the number of parts in the grill component 40 is reduced, the effort required to assemble the grill component 40 can be reduced.

[0072] (2) The grille opening 20 extends beyond the lower headlamp 70 in the vehicle width direction W. The multiple design areas include a first design area 51 located in the center in the vehicle width direction W, and a pair of second design areas 52 located between the first design area 51 and a pair of side edges 23 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0073] With this configuration, the grille opening 20 extends beyond the lower headlamp 70 in the vehicle width direction W. The design area comprises a first design area 51 located in the center of the vehicle width direction W, and a pair of second design areas 52 located between the first design area 51 and a pair of side edges 23 in the vehicle width direction W. For example, the first design area 51 of the grille member 40 can have a design similar to that of conventional grille members, while the part outside the first design area 51 in the vehicle width direction W, i.e., the part conventionally composed of a bumper cover, can be composed of the second design area 52. Thus, the degree of design freedom at the front of the vehicle can be improved.

[0074] (3) The pair of lower headlamps 70 are positioned inside the grille opening 20, adjacent to the second design region 52 of the grille member 40 in the vertical direction Z. Inside the grille opening 20, on both sides in the vehicle width direction W, there are a pair of auxiliary lamps 80 that emit light forward, and the auxiliary lamps 80 are positioned adjacent to the rear side of the second design region 52.

[0075] With this configuration, since the grille opening 20 extends further outward in the vehicle width direction W than the lower headlamp 70, the auxiliary lamp 80 can be easily positioned inside the grille opening 20. In addition, a portion of the second design area 52 of the grille member 40 can be illuminated.

[0076] (4) The design surface 50 of the grill member 40 is provided with a plurality of recesses 63 having the same front view shape as the through holes 64. The plurality of through holes 64 and the plurality of recesses 63 are arranged adjacent to each other in a grid pattern.

[0077] With this configuration, the multiple through holes 64 and the multiple recesses 63 form a continuous, spreading design surface with a consistent theme. Therefore, when the through holes 64 are not emitting light, the through holes 64 and the recesses 63 form a design surface that gives a sense of unity, and when the through holes 64 are emitting light, only the through holes 64 among the multiple through holes 64 and multiple recesses 63 can be made to emit light. Thus, the design of the grille member 40 can be improved.

[0078] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the second design area 52 is composed not only of multiple through holes 64, but also of multiple recesses 63, i.e., portions that do not penetrate the grille member 40 in the front-rear direction L. Therefore, the air resistance of the vehicle can be reduced compared to the case where the second design area 52 does not have the recesses 63.

[0079] (5) Light members are arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction W inside the grille opening 20. The light members include a lower headlamp 70 arranged adjacent to the grille member 40 in the vertical direction Z and an auxiliary lamp 80 arranged adjacent to the rear side of the grille member 40.

[0080] With this configuration, the design of the front of the vehicle can be changed by altering the shape and placement of the lower headlamp 70 inside the grille opening 20, or by changing the shape of the outer edge of the grille member 40.

[0081] Furthermore, the design of the front of the vehicle can be changed by altering the shape and arrangement of the auxiliary lamps 80 inside the grille opening 20, or by altering the shape and arrangement of the through-holes 64 in the grille member 40 that allow light from the auxiliary lamps 80 to pass through.

[0082] Therefore, the effort required to design the bumper cover 12 can be reduced, and the design freedom for the front of the vehicle can be increased. (6) The grille opening 20 has a pair of side edges 23 that extend in the vertical direction Z on both sides in the vehicle width direction W. The side edges 23 have a first straight section 23a and a first inclined section 23b that are aligned with the lower headlamp 70 in the vehicle width direction W. The side edges 23 also have a second straight section 23c that is located below the first inclined section 23b and is aligned with the grille member 40 in the vehicle width direction W. The second straight section 23c is located inward in the vehicle width direction W from the first straight section 23a and the first inclined section 23b.

[0083] If the lower headlamps 70 are positioned on both sides in the vehicle width direction W within the grille opening 20, the width of the grille opening 20, i.e., the length in the vehicle width direction W, may be increased, which could reduce the rigidity of the bumper cover 12.

[0084] In this regard, according to the above configuration, the width between the first parts of the side edge 23 is greater than the width between the second parts. Therefore, the width of the grille opening 20 is reduced in the part of the side edge 23 that is not aligned with the lower headlamp 70 in the vehicle width direction W. Consequently, a decrease in the rigidity of the bumper cover 12 can be suppressed.

[0085] (7) The frame member 30 has a vertical frame portion 31 located between the side edge portion 23 and the lower lamp lens 74 of the lower headlamp 70 in the vehicle width direction W, and an upper horizontal frame portion 32 located between the upper edge portion 22 and the lower lamp lens 74 in the vertical direction Z. The front end edge 32a of the upper horizontal frame portion 32 is located in front of the lower lamp lens 74 of the lower headlamp 70.

[0086] With this configuration, the appearance of the front of the vehicle can be easily improved by providing a frame member 30 that is separate from the bumper cover 12. Furthermore, the front edge 32a of the upper horizontal frame portion 32 is positioned in front of the lower lamp lens 74 of the lower headlamp 70. Therefore, when a foreign object flies towards the lower lamp lens 74 while the vehicle is in motion, it is less likely to collide with the lower lamp lens 74 because it will collide with the frame member 30. Thus, the lower lamp lens 74 can be protected from foreign objects.

[0087] (8) The stepped portion 74a is provided with a light-shielding portion 75 that is covered from the front by the upper edge of the grill member 40 and prevents the transmission of visible light. In a configuration where the lower lamp lens 74 of the lower headlamp 70 is covered from the front by the upper edge of the grille member 40, the rear of the grille member 40 is visible through the gap between the lower lamp lens 74 and the upper edge of the grille member 40, i.e., the rear is visible. As a result, the appearance may be impaired.

[0088] In this regard, with the above configuration, the light-shielding portion 75 provided on the stepped portion 74a suppresses the occurrence of the back being visible. Therefore, the appearance can be improved. (9) The lower lamp lens 74 is made of transparent resin. The light-shielding part 75 is made of black resin and is provided on the rear surface of the lower lamp lens 74.

[0089] With this configuration, a lower lamp lens 74 having a light-shielding portion 75 can be easily realized by two-color molding or the like. (10) The opposing portion 65 of the grill member 40 that faces the auxiliary lamp 80 in the front-rear direction L is provided with a through hole 64 that allows light from the auxiliary lamp 80 to pass through.

[0090] With this configuration, light from the auxiliary lamp 80 passes through the through-hole 64 of the grille member 40, causing the through-hole 64 to emit light. Therefore, by changing the shape and arrangement of the through-hole 64, the design of the front of the vehicle can be changed.

[0091] (11) The light-emitting surface 84a faces the side of the grill member 40 opposite to the design surface 50. The opposing portion 65 of the grill member 40, which faces the light-emitting surface 84a, is provided with a plurality of through holes 64 that emit light when light from the light-emitting surface 84a passes through them.

[0092] With this configuration, the light emitted from the light source 83 is diffused by the diffuser member 84, causing the light-emitting surface 84a of the diffuser member 84 to emit light. The light emitted from the light-emitting surface 84a passes through a plurality of through holes 64 provided in the grill member 40, causing the plurality of through holes 64 to emit light. This makes it possible to make multiple through holes 64 emit light with a single light source 83. Furthermore, by changing the shape and arrangement of the through holes 64, the grill member 40 can be made to emit light in different ways without changing the shape or arrangement of the light source 83 and the light-emitting surface 84a. Therefore, it is possible to suitably make multiple through holes 64 emit light while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0093] (12) The light-emitting part is a through hole 64 that penetrates the grill member 40. With this configuration, light from the light-emitting surface 84a passes through the through-holes 64. This simplifies the configuration of the grille member 40 and allows the multiple through-holes 64 to emit light more brightly.

[0094] (13) The main body is a grille member 40 that constitutes the front of the vehicle. This configuration allows for optimal illumination of the multiple through-holes 64 in the grill member 40 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0095] (14) Inside the grille opening 20, a pair of lower headlights 70 and a pair of auxiliary lamps 80 are arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction W. With this configuration, the grille opening 20 extends further outward in the vehicle width direction W than the lower headlamp 70. Therefore, conventionally, part or all of the opening that exposes the headlamp in the bumper cover can be made up of the grille member 40. This allows the design of the front of the vehicle to be changed by changing the arrangement and shape of the lower headlamp 70 and auxiliary lamp 80 inside the grille opening 20, or by changing the shape of the grille member 40. Thus, the design effort for the bumper cover 12 can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in the design of the front of the vehicle can be increased.

[0096] (15) The lower headlamp 70 is positioned adjacent to the grille member 40 on the upper side. With this configuration, the lower headlamp 70 can be exposed through the space formed between the upper edge 22 of the grille opening 20 and the grille member 40. Therefore, the visibility of the lower headlamp 70 can be improved.

[0097] (16) A pair of auxiliary lamps 80 are positioned below the lower headlamp 70 and are located on the rear side of the grille member 40, aligned with the lower headlamp 70 in the vertical direction Z.

[0098] With this configuration, a pair of auxiliary lamps 80 can be realized as illumination lamps. (17) The auxiliary lamp 80 is attached to the rear part of the grille member 40.

[0099] With this configuration, the auxiliary lamp 80 is attached to the grille member 40, allowing the grille member 40 and the auxiliary lamp 80 to be treated as a single unit. Therefore, by attaching the grille member 40 to an object such as the bumper cover 12, the auxiliary lamp 80 can be installed at the same time. Consequently, the installation work of the auxiliary lamp 80 can be easily performed.

[0100] (18) The auxiliary lamp 80 is an illumination lamp. With this configuration, the design of the grill member 40 can be changed by altering the shape and arrangement of the through holes 64 in the grill member 40, and the grill member 40 can be made to emit light in different ways.

[0101] (19) The grille opening 20 extends in the vertical direction Z and the vehicle width direction W to a position where it overlaps with the front wheels 90 of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction L. With this configuration, the grille opening 20 extends in the vertical direction Z and the vehicle width direction W to a position where it overlaps with the vehicle's front wheels 90 in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, for example, by providing a through-hole in the grille member 40 in the portion located in front of the front wheels 90 in the longitudinal direction L, the vehicle's airflow can be drawn in for the brake components of the front wheels 90. Also, by providing a gap between the edge 21 of the grille opening 20 and the edge of the grille member 40 in the portion located in front of the front wheels 90 in the longitudinal direction L, the vehicle's airflow can be drawn in for the brake components of the front wheels 90. Thus, the design effort for the bumper cover 12 can be reduced, and the vehicle's airflow can be drawn in.

[0102] (20) Above the pair of lower headlamps 70, a pair of upper headlamps 11 are positioned with the bumper cover 12 in between. With this configuration, the lower headlamp 70 and the upper headlamp 11 are positioned with the bumper cover 12 in between. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a configuration in which a separate exterior part is provided between the lower headlamp 70 and the upper headlamp 11, separate from the bumper cover 12.

[0103] <Variation> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0104] The through-hole 64 provided in the opposing portion 65 of the grill member 40 may be covered from the rear with a transparent resin cover. Even in this case, light from the auxiliary lamp 80 can still be transmitted forward.

[0105] The through-hole 64 in the opposing portion 65 can also be made into a recess similar to the recess 63. In this case, the auxiliary lamp 80 can be omitted. The front view shape of the recess 63 and the through hole 64 is not limited to the shape exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, the recess 63 and the through hole 64 can also be circular in shape.

[0106] The front view shapes and sizes of the recess 63 and the through hole 64 can also be made different from each other. The lower headlamp 70 is not limited to being positioned adjacent to the upper side of the grille member 40. The lower headlamp 70 may also be positioned adjacent to the outside of the grille member 40 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0107] Either the lower headlamp 70 or the auxiliary lamp 80 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the light component is implemented as an illumination lamp. Alternatively, the light component can be implemented as a fog lamp.

[0108] In this embodiment, the lower headlamp 70, which is a headlamp, and the auxiliary lamp 80, which is a light component, are arranged side by side in the vertical direction Z, but the invention is not limited to this. The arrangement of the headlamp and light component may be changed as appropriate within the grille opening. In this case as well, the headlamp only needs to be arranged adjacent to the grille component in the vertical direction Z or in the vehicle width direction W. The light component only needs to be arranged adjacent to the rear side of the grille component 40.

[0109] The side edges 23 of the grille opening 20 may extend linearly over the entire vertical direction Z. The shape of the grille opening 20 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the grille opening 20 does not have to extend in the vehicle width direction W to a position where it overlaps with the front wheel 90 in the front-rear direction L.

[0110] The arrangement of the first design area 51 and the second design area 52 can be changed as appropriate. For example, a pair of second design areas 52 may be provided in the vertical direction Z between the first design area 51 and the upper edge portion 22, and between the first design area 51 and the lower horizontal frame portion 33.

[0111] In this embodiment, the design region has a first design region 51 and a second design region 52, but it may have three or more distinct design regions. In this case, the grill member only needs to have a portion having three or more distinct design regions integrally formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10... Bonnet Hood 10a…Central part 11… Upper headlight 12... Bumper cover 13…Top of cover 14…Side of the cover 15...Horizontal connection part 16…Vertical connection section 20… Grill opening 21…Edge 22…Upper edge 23...Side edge 23a...First straight section (first part) 23b...First slope part (first part) 23c...Second straight section (second part) 23d…Second slope part 23e…3rd straight section 30… Frame members 30A...First frame member 30B...Second frame member 30C...Third frame member 31…Vertical frame section 32... Upper horizontal frame section 32a...Front edge 33...Lower horizontal frame section 40... Grill components 40A... Grill body 40B...First connecting member 40C…Second connecting member 41...first division body 42…Second division body 43…Third division body 44…Design surface main body 45...Design surface part 46...Upper connecting part 47…Lower connection part 48...Design surface part 49...Connection part 50…Design surface 51…First Design Area 52…Second Design Area 53...Transverse ribs 54…Through hole 56…Horizontal lines 57…Vertical grid 58…Through hole 59…Mounting surface 60…Through hole 61, 62… Wavy ribs 63…recess 64…Through-hole (light-emitting part) 65... Opposite section 70... Lower headlamp (headlamp) 71... Lamp housing 71a...Opening 72... Lamp outer lens 72a... Mounting part 72b…Upper opening 72c…Lower opening 73… Upper lamp lens 74...Lower lamp lens 74a...Double part 75... Light-blocking part 80... Auxiliary lamp (light component) 81... Lamp housing 81a...Opening 81b... Mounting part 82... Lamp lens 82a... Mounting part 83…Light source 84... Diffusion member 84a... Light-emitting surface 85... Circuit board 90... Front wheel

Claims

1. When the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is defined as the longitudinal direction, and the vertical direction of the vehicle when it is positioned on a horizontal plane is defined as the vertical direction, A bumper cover that forms the outer periphery of the front of the vehicle and has a grille opening that opens in the center of the front, It comprises a grille member that extends in the vertical and vehicle width directions and is housed in the grille opening, The design surface, which is the front surface of the aforementioned grill member, has multiple design areas, each with a different design theme. The portion of the grill member having the plurality of design areas is integrally formed, The aforementioned multiple design areas are, The first design area is located in the center in the width direction of the vehicle, It has a pair of second design regions located on both sides of the first design region in the vehicle width direction, Inside the grille opening, on both sides in the vehicle width direction, a pair of light members are provided that emit light forward. The aforementioned light member is positioned adjacent to the rear side of the second design area. The front structure of the vehicle.

2. In the portion of the second design region facing the light member, there are multiple light-emitting parts that penetrate the grill member in the front-to-back direction and emit light by allowing light from the light member to pass through. The second design region is provided with a plurality of recesses having the same front view shape as the light-emitting portion. The plurality of light-emitting parts and the plurality of recesses are arranged adjacent to each other in a grid pattern. The front structure of the vehicle according to claim 1.

Citation Information

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