Vehicle front assembly method

Abstract

To adjust a gap between a front end of an engine hood and a bumper face into a desired gap at a time of assembling the bumper face without using a member which remains attached to a vehicle body.SOLUTION: According to a front assembling method for a vehicle, a bumper face 3 is assembled to a vehicle body so that the bumper face has a predetermined gap with a front end of an engine hood 2 in a front structure 1 of a vehicle in which the bumper face is fixed to the vehicle body via a stationary member 5. Further, a jig (first jig 7) included in a support part that supports the closed engine hood from below is used to adjust an attachment height of the stationary member relative to the vehicle body with the height of the support part as a reference. A jig (second jig 8) in contact with the front end of the engine hood is used to adjust a fore-and-aft position of the stationary member relative to the vehicle body with the front end of the closed engine hood as a reference. The stationary member is attached to the vehicle body, and then the bumper face is attached to the stationary member attached to the vehicle body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a method for assembling a front portion of a vehicle. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for assembling a front portion of a vehicle, which is capable of setting a gap between the front end of a bonnet and a bumper face to a predetermined gap. In this assembling method, a position adjustment member and a jig are used. The position adjustment member is attached to a vehicle body. The jig is detachably held by the position adjustment member attached to the vehicle body. The front-rear position of the position adjustment member is adjusted such that the jig abuts against the front end of the closed bonnet. After the jig is removed, the bumper face is attached to the vehicle body in a state where an engagement hole of the bumper face is fitted onto a protrusion of the position adjustment member. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-6221 [Outline of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Reducing the gap between the front edge of the hood and the bumper face is crucial for achieving a precise parting line and realizing the desired vehicle design in the actual vehicle. However, attaching the bumper face to the vehicle body is affected by the combined precision of the machining of the body, hood, and bumper face, as well as the precision of their assembly, making it difficult to reduce the gap. Therefore, conventionally, when assembling the bumper face, workers would manually check the fit between the front edge of the hood and the bumper face to minimize the gap. Specifically, the worker would temporarily fix the bumper face in place, close the hood to check the size of the gap, and if the gap was too large, open the hood and adjust the position of the bumper face. This manual checking and adjustment process is time-consuming and requires repeated checks and adjustments, making the assembly of the bumper face very laborious.

[0005] The conventional front assembly method described above allows for a smaller gap between the front edge of the hood and the bumper face without the need for manual fitting, by using a position adjustment member. However, although the position adjustment member is only used during the assembly of the bumper face, it remains attached to the vehicle body even after the bumper face has been assembled. The use of the position adjustment member is disadvantageous in that it increases the vehicle weight and / or the manufacturing cost of the vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, in conventional front assembly methods, the bumper face is directly attached to the vehicle body. In a structure where the bumper face is directly attached to the vehicle body, only the front-to-rear position of the bumper face can be adjusted by adjusting the front-to-rear position of the position adjustment member. Therefore, the gap in the height direction between the front edge of the hood and the bumper face cannot be adjusted, and the gap in the height direction is determined by the accumulation of tolerances due to the vehicle body assembly. There is room for further improvement in conventional front assembly methods in order to adjust the gap in the height direction to a predetermined gap.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein allows for adjustment of the gap between the front edge of the hood and the bumper face to a desired gap during the assembly of the bumper face, without using any components that remain attached to the vehicle body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The technology disclosed herein relates to a front assembly method for a vehicle, in which a bumper face in front of the shroud upper is fixed to the vehicle body via a fixing member, and the bumper face is assembled to the vehicle body such that it has a predetermined gap with respect to the front end of the hood. Using a jig installed on a support that supports the closed hood from below, the mounting height of the fixing member to the vehicle body is adjusted based on the height of the support. Using a jig that contacts the front end of the hood, the front-to-rear position of the fixing member relative to the vehicle body is adjusted with reference to the front end of the hood in the closed state. The aforementioned fixing member is fixed to the vehicle body, and, The bumper face is attached to the fixing member fixed to the vehicle body.

[0009] In the front structure of the vehicle, the bumper face is fixed to the vehicle body via fixing members. The method of assembling the front of the vehicle is to assemble the fixing members and the bumper face to the vehicle body.

[0010] In this assembly method, the height and fore-aft position of the fixing member relative to the vehicle body are first adjusted. Specifically, the mounting height of the fixing member relative to the vehicle body is adjusted using a jig. The jig is installed on the support part that supports the closed hood from below. The jig adjusts the height of the fixing member based on the height of the support part. The height of the support part is related to the height of the closed hood. The height of the fixing member is adjusted by the jig to a height corresponding to the height of the closed hood.

[0011] Furthermore, the front-to-back position of the fixing member is adjusted using a jig. The jig contacts the front edge of the hood, and the front-to-back position of the fixing member is adjusted relative to the front edge of the hood. The front-to-back position of the fixing member is adjusted by the jig to a position corresponding to the front edge of the closed hood.

[0012] Furthermore, the order in which the height of the fixing member is adjusted and the front-to-back position is also flexible; you can adjust the height first and then the front-to-back position, or vice versa.

[0013] The fixing member, whose height and fore-aft position have been adjusted, is then fixed to the vehicle body. The jig is used only for adjusting the height and position of the fixing member and is not attached to the vehicle body. With this assembly method, unnecessary parts are not left attached to the finished vehicle.

[0014] After the fixing members are secured to the vehicle body, the bumper face is attached to the fixing members. Since the fixing members are positioned to correspond to the height and front edge of the closed hood, the height and position of the bumper face attached to the fixing members correspond to the height and front edge of the hood. The gap between the front edge of the hood and the bumper face becomes the desired gap.

[0015] According to this assembly method, the height and front-to-back position of the fixing member are adjusted based on the height and front edge of the closed hood, and the bumper face is attached to the fixing member. Therefore, when attaching the bumper face, the gap between the front edge of the hood and the bumper face can be adjusted without being affected by the combined processing accuracy of the vehicle body, hood, and bumper face, as well as the assembly accuracy of these components.

[0016] Furthermore, because a jig is used, the worker can easily and quickly adjust the height and front-to-back position of the fixing member. Since the jig is not attached to the finished vehicle, an increase in the weight of the finished vehicle and an increase in the vehicle's manufacturing cost are avoided.

[0017] According to this assembling method, the gap between the front end of the bonnet and the bumper face can be reduced, a precise appearance of the parting line can be obtained, and a desired vehicle design can be realized in an actual vehicle.

[0018] The fixing member may a first member having a mounting portion to which the bumper face is attached and extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the upper shroud; and a second member interposed between the first member and the vehicle body and fixed to each of the first member and the vehicle body; and it may be configured to have the above.

[0019] The second member is fixed to the vehicle body, and the first member is fixed to the second member. Since the fixing member is composed of the first member and the second member, an operator can easily adjust the height and the front-rear position of the fixing member.

[0020] In the front portion assembling method for a vehicle, the mounting height of the second member relative to the vehicle body may be adjusted based on the height of the support portion, and the second member may be fixed to the vehicle body, the front-rear position of the first member relative to the second member mounted to the vehicle body may be adjusted based on the front end of the bonnet, and the first member may be fixed to the second member.

[0021] An operator first places a jig on the support portion with the bonnet open, adjusts the mounting height of the second member, and fixes the second member to the vehicle body. Thereafter, the operator closes the bonnet. Then, using a jig that contacts the front end of the closed bonnet, the operator adjusts the front-rear position of the first member and fixes the first member to the second member. Thus, the operator can smoothly perform the adjustment of the height and front-rear position of the fixing member and the fixation of the fixing member.

[0022] The support portion may be a part of the upper shroud, and may include a part that supports the bonnet when a stop rubber attached to the lower surface of the bonnet abuts against said part.

[0023] The jig can be stably installed on the support portion of the shroud upper. Further, the height and the front-rear position of the fixing member are adjusted with high accuracy by the jig stably installed on the shroud upper.

[0024] A first jig is used for adjusting the mounting height of the fixing member, and a second jig may be used for adjusting the front-rear position of the fixing member.

[0025] An operator can adjust the mounting height and the front-rear position of the fixing member with high accuracy by properly using two types of jigs, the first jig and the second jig.

[0026] The second jig has a restricting portion that restricts an opening / closing angle of the bonnet to an opening / closing angle at which a front end of the bonnet is positioned furthest forward, and the second jig may adjust the front-rear position of the fixing member relative to the vehicle body with the front end of the bonnet, whose opening / closing angle is restricted by the restricting portion, as a reference.

[0027] A front end of a bonnet, whose rear end portion is rotatably supported, follows a trajectory on an arc centered on the rotation shaft as the bonnet opens and closes. The opening / closing angle at which the front end of the bonnet is positioned furthest forward is an angle at which the front end of the bonnet is at the same height as the rotation shaft, and therefore this opening / closing angle generally does not match the angle at which the bonnet is closed.

[0028] The restricting portion of the second jig restricts the opening / closing angle of the bonnet to a predetermined angle. The front end of the bonnet is positioned furthest forward. In other words, the second jig maintains the position of the front end of the bonnet, which serves as a reference for position adjustment of the fixing member, at a specific position. By using the second jig, the front-rear position of the fixing member is adjusted with high accuracy.

[0029] The second jig holds the first member and includes a slider that displaces the first member in the front-rear direction, The slider may be biased to contact the front end of the hood, whose opening and closing angle is restricted by the restricting portion.

[0030] When the regulating part of the second jig restricts the opening and closing angle of the hood to a predetermined angle, the slider is forcibly brought into contact with the front edge of the hood. The front-to-back position of the first component is automatically adjusted. The second jig can adjust the front-to-back position of the first component with high precision.

[0031] A support bracket is attached to the bumper beam for fixing the lower part of the bumper face to the bumper beam. In the aforementioned vehicle front assembly method, After the fixing member is fixed to the vehicle body, the height position of the support bracket relative to the bumper beam is adjusted using a jig, with the height of the fixing member as the reference. The support bracket is fixed to the bumper beam, The bumper face may be attached to the fixing member and the support bracket.

[0032] The bumper face is attached to both the mounting members and the bumper beam. The support brackets that secure the bumper face to the bumper beam are adjusted in height based on the height of the mounting members fixed to the vehicle body. By adjusting the height of the support brackets to the appropriate height, the bumper face is properly attached to the mounting members and the bumper beam. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] The aforementioned method for assembling the front of the vehicle allows for adjustment of the gap between the front edge of the hood and the bumper face to the desired gap during the assembly of the bumper face, without using any components that remain attached to the vehicle body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the exterior view of the front of the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the front of the vehicle with the hood and bumper face removed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the front of the vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the installation of the first jig on the front of the vehicle. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the attachment of the second component to the vehicle body using the first jig. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a magnified view of the holding portion of the first jig. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the attachment of the first component to the vehicle body using the second jig. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a magnified view of the holding portion of the second jig. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the slider of the second jig. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the position adjustment of the first member using the second jig. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the attachment of the support bracket to the bumper beam using the third fixture. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a magnified view of the third jig. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a magnified view of the support bracket. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The following describes an embodiment of the vehicle's front assembly method with reference to the drawings. The front assembly method described here is illustrative.

[0036] (Overall structure of the front of the vehicle) Figure 1 shows the front of the vehicle viewed from the left side. In each figure, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow RR indicates the rear of the vehicle, arrow RT indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction, arrow LT indicates the left side in the vehicle width direction, arrow UP indicates the top of the vehicle, and arrow LW indicates the bottom of the vehicle. This vehicle is an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) or minivan, which has a higher ride height than a sedan or hatchback. The front of the vehicle is also configured to be approximately symmetrical.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, a power unit room 10 is provided at the front of the vehicle. The power unit room 10 houses the power unit, including the engine and / or motor. The top of the power unit room 10 is covered by a hood 2. The rear end of the hood 2 is pivotally supported on the vehicle body via a hinge. The hood 2 opens and closes the power unit room 10, as shown by the black arrow in Figure 1. When the hood 2 is opened or closed, the front end of the hood 2 follows a trajectory along an arc centered on the hinge axis.

[0038] The front structure 1 of the vehicle is equipped with a bumper face 3. The bumper face 3 is located at the very front of the vehicle. The bumper face 3 is made of synthetic resin.

[0039] The bumper face 3 has an opening 31 for drawing in airflow into the power unit room 10. The opening 31 is covered by the front grille 32.

[0040] The bumper face 3 has a bumper face upper 33 above the opening 31. The bumper face upper 33 is connected to the front end of the bonnet 2. The bumper face upper 33 has an upper surface that is inclined to substantially match the downward slope of the upper surface of the bonnet 2.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2-4, the power unit room 10 is provided with front side frames 41 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The front side frames 41 are located on both the left and right sides of the power unit room 10. A crash can 42 is attached to the front end of the front side frame 41. The crash can 42 extends forward of the vehicle.

[0042] A bumper beam 43 extending in the width direction of the vehicle connects the front ends of the left and right crash cans 42. As shown in Figure 4, the bumper beam 43 is located at the rear of the lower part of the bumper face 3.

[0043] Apron reinforcements 44 are positioned outside each front side frame 41 in the vehicle width direction and above the vehicle. The apron reinforcements 44 extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The apron reinforcements 44 support the fender panels 45.

[0044] The shroud upper 46, which extends linearly in the vehicle width direction, connects the front ends of the left and right apron reinforcements 44. In addition, the support frame 47 connects the left and right ends of the shroud upper 46 to the front ends of the left and right front side frames 41. The support frame 47 extends vertically between the shroud upper 46 and the front side frames 41.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the support frame 47 has an inner wall 471 and a front wall 472. The inner wall 471 is a vertical wall facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and the front wall 472 is a vertical wall facing forward of the vehicle. The front wall 472 is connected to the front end of the inner wall 471.

[0046] A first support portion 441 is provided on the upper surface of the front end of each apron reinforcement 44, against which the stop rubber abuts. A second support portion 461 is also provided on the upper surface of the central part in the vehicle width direction of the shroud upper 46, against which the stop rubber abuts. The stop rubber is attached to the underside of the bonnet 2. When the bonnet 2 is closed, the first support portion 441 and the second support portion 461 support the bonnet 2 from below through the stop rubber.

[0047] Furthermore, the apron reinforcement 44, shroud upper 46, front side frame 41, support frame 47, and bumper beam 43 constitute the vehicle body in the front structure 1.

[0048] (Support structure for the bumper face) The bumper face 3 is supported by a fixing member 5 and a bumper beam 43. The fixing member 5 supports the upper part of the bumper face 3, and the bumper beam 43 supports the lower part of the bumper face 3.

[0049] The fixing member 5 is composed of a first member 51 and a second member 52. The first member 51 is located in front of the vehicle above the shroud upper 46 and extends in the vehicle width direction. The length of the first member 51 is slightly shorter than the bumper beam 43. The first member 51 is located at approximately the same position as the bumper beam 43 in the vehicle front-rear direction and at approximately the same height as the shroud upper 46 in the height direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3 or 4, the first member 51 is located directly below the bumper face upper 33. The first member 51 has a plurality of mounting holes 511 formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The bumper face upper 33 is fixed to the first member 51 through these mounting holes 511. The mounting holes 511 are an example of mounting parts. The first member 51 supports the upper part of the bumper face 3.

[0051] The second member 52 is interposed between the first member 51 and the vehicle body. More specifically, the second member 52 is interposed between the first member 51 and the support frame 47 at the right and left ends of the first member 51 in the vehicle width direction. The second member 52 is fixed to both the first member 51 and the support frame 47.

[0052] The two second members 52 are symmetrical, as shown in Figure 3. The right-hand second member 52 will be described below with reference to Figures 2-4 and 7.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the second member 52 is inclined outward in the vehicle width direction toward the front. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the second member 52 is inclined upward toward the front.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, the second member 52 has a side wall 521 and a flange 522. The side wall 521 extends in the vertical and longitudinal directions. The flange 522 is formed to protrude inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the side wall 521. The second member 52 is formed by bending a metal plate by press forming or the like.

[0055] The side wall 521 has a base fixing portion 523 at its base end. The base fixing portion 523 has two through holes that penetrate the side wall 521 in the vehicle width direction. The two through holes are aligned vertically. The base fixing portion 523 overlaps the inner wall 471 of the support frame 47 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 5, two bolt holes 473 are formed at the upper end of the inner wall 471, aligned vertically. The base fixing portion 523 is fixed to the inner wall 471 using bolts 524, as shown in Figures 5 and 7.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, a tip attachment portion 525 is provided at the tip of the flange 522. The tip attachment portion 525 has a through hole that penetrates the flange 522 in the vertical direction. The tip attachment portion 525 overlaps the lower surface of the first member 51. The first member 51 is attached to the second member 52 using bolts 526 (see Figures 4 and 14). Bolt holes for the bolts 526 are formed at both the left and right ends of the first member 51.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the central part of the fixing member 5 in the vehicle width direction is supported by the vehicle body by a central bracket 48 and is connected to the bumper beam 43 by a stay 49.

[0058] The central bracket 48 extends in the front-rear direction between the shroud upper 46 and the upper end of the stay 49. A safety lock striker 481 is attached to the central bracket 48. The safety lock is a lock that holds the hood 2 in place to prevent it from opening unintentionally.

[0059] The upper end of the stay 49 is joined to the front end of the central bracket 48. The stay 49 extends downward from the central bracket 48. The lower end of the stay 49 is fixed to the upper end of the bumper beam 43 at the center of the bumper beam 43 in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] The central part of the first member 51 of the fixing member 5 in the vehicle width direction is attached to the upper end of the stay 49 using a bolt 491 (see Figure 3).

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, support brackets 6 are attached to both the left and right sides of the bumper beam 43. The lower part of the bumper face 3 is supported by the support brackets 6. The support bracket 6 has a beam mounting portion 61 and a bumper face mounting portion 62, as shown in enlarged view in Figures 4 and 15. The beam mounting portion 61 overlaps the front of the bumper beam 43 and is attached to the upper front of the bumper beam 43 using bolts 63. The bumper face mounting portion 62 is located behind and above the beam mounting portion 61 and is integrated with the beam mounting portion 61. As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the bumper face mounting portion 62 has mounting holes 64 that extend in the front-rear direction. The mounting holes 64 open forward when the support bracket 6 is fixed to the bumper beam 43.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, a lower mounting portion 34 is provided at the bottom of the bumper face 3. The lower mounting portion 34 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the bumper face 3. The lower mounting portion 34 is inserted into a mounting hole 64 of the support bracket 6. In this way, the support bracket 6 supports the lower part of the bumper face 3. In addition to supporting the bumper face 3, the mounting hole 64 also serves as a point of passage for the pin 921 of the third jig 9 used when attaching the support bracket 6 to the bumper beam 43, as will be described later.

[0063] As described above, in the front structure 1 of the vehicle, the bumper face 3 is attached to the vehicle body via a fixing member 5. Because this vehicle has a relatively high ride height, the front edge of the bonnet 2 is at the height of a pedestrian's thigh. In order to mitigate the impact on pedestrians in the event of a collision, the front edge of the bonnet 2 is set back from the very front of the vehicle. In addition, the shroud upper 46 is also set back in accordance with the setback of the front edge of the bonnet 2.

[0064] Therefore, the bumper face 3 cannot be directly attached to the vehicle body. The bumper face 3 is attached to the vehicle body via a fixing member 5 located in front of the shroud upper 46.

[0065] (Bumper face assembly procedure) Next, the procedure for assembling the bumper face 3 to the vehicle body will be explained with reference to the drawings. As mentioned above, the bumper face 3 is attached to the vehicle body via the fixing member 5. The procedure for assembling the bumper face 3 is as follows: First, the fixing member 5 is fixed to the vehicle body, and then the bumper face 3 is attached to the fixing member 5 and the bumper beam 43.

[0066] The fixing member 5 consists of a first member 51 and a second member 52. The fixing member 5 is first fixed to the vehicle body by the second member 52, and then the first member 51 is fixed to the second member. The support bracket 6 is fixed to the bumper beam 43 after the fixing member 5 is fixed to the vehicle body.

[0067] Here, when assembling the bumper face 3, the bumper face 3 is assembled to the vehicle body in such a way that the gap between the front end of the bonnet 2 and the bumper face 3 is minimized. To this end, in the vehicle front assembly method disclosed herein, the height and front-rear position of the fixing member 5 are adjusted based on the front end of the bonnet 2, which is already assembled to the vehicle body. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the height H2 of the fixing member 5 is adjusted using the first jig 7, which will be described later, based on the height H1 of the first support part 441 and the second support part 461. Since the first support part 441 and the second support part 461 support the bonnet 2 via the stop rubber, the heights of the first support part 441 and the second support part 461 are correlated with the height of the front end of the bonnet 2.

[0068] Furthermore, using the front-to-rear position F1 of the front end of the closed bonnet 2 as a reference, the front-to-rear position F2 of the fixing member 5 is adjusted using the second jig 8, which will be described later. Then, the fixing member 5 with the adjusted height and position is attached to the vehicle body, and the bumper face 3 is attached to the fixing member 5.

[0069] According to this assembly method, the height and position of the fixing member 5 are adjusted based on the height and front edge of the bonnet 2 itself, which is attached to the vehicle body, and the bumper face 3 is directly fixed to the fixing member 5. In this assembly method, positional accuracy and shape accuracy do not accumulate; as long as the positional accuracy of the fixing member 5, the shape accuracy of the bonnet 2, and the shape accuracy of the bumper face 3 are ensured, the bumper face 3 can be assembled to the vehicle body in such a way that the gap between the front edge of the bonnet 2 and the bumper face 3 is minimized. This assembly method has the advantage of eliminating the need for the conventional method of fitting the parts together. The assembly procedure for the bumper face 3 will be described in detail below.

[0070] (Step 1) Figures 5-7 show the first step of the assembly procedure. The first step involves adjusting the position of the second member 52 that constitutes the fixing member 5 and fixing the second member 52 to the vehicle body. In the first step, the first jig 7 is used. The first jig 7 is a jig that adjusts the mounting height of the second member 52 relative to the support frame 47, based on the heights of the first support part 441 and the second support part 461 mentioned above. The first jig 7 is placed on the apron reinforcement 44 and the shroud upper 46.

[0071] The first jig 7 includes a main body 71, an engaging portion 72, a first mounting portion 73 and a second mounting portion 74, an extension portion 75, a support clamp 76, and a holding portion 77.

[0072] The main body 71 extends in the vehicle width direction and also extends in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction. In plan view, the main body 71 has a roughly trapezoidal shape. The main body 71 has a frame structure formed by joining multiple rod-shaped members together. The rod-shaped members may be, for example, hollow square timbers. This allows for both weight reduction and high rigidity of the first jig 7. The highly rigid first jig 7 allows for precise adjustment of the mounting height of the second member 52.

[0073] The engaging portion 72 is used for positioning when installing the first jig 7. The engaging portion 72 is a pin that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the main body 71. The engaging portion 72 is attached to the right and left portions of the main body 71 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 3, reference holes 462 are formed at predetermined positions on the right and left sides of the shroud upper 46. The reference holes 462 open upward. As shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 5, when installing the first jig 7, each of the two engaging portions 72 is inserted into the reference holes 462 (see also Figure 7). This determines the relative position between the first jig 7 and the vehicle body.

[0074] The first mounting portion 73 is attached to the lower surface of the main body 71, on both the left and right sides. The first mounting portion 73 abuts against the first support portion 441 of the apron reinforcement 44. The second mounting portion 74 is attached to the center of the main body 71 in the vehicle width direction. The second mounting portion 74 is located in front of the first mounting portion 73. The second mounting portion 74 abuts against the second support portion 461 of the shroud upper 46.

[0075] The first mounting portion 73 and the second mounting portion 74 contact the first support portion 441 and the second support portion 461, respectively, thereby determining the height position of the first jig 7. In addition, the first mounting portion 73 and the second mounting portion 74 prevent the first jig 7 from tilting in the vehicle width direction.

[0076] The extension portion 75 protrudes forward from the front end of the main body 71 at the center of the main body 71 in the vehicle width direction. The extension portion 75 rests on the central bracket 48 when the first jig 7 is installed on the vehicle body. The extension portion 75 prevents the first jig 7 from tilting in the front-rear direction. Since the first jig 7 is stably installed on the apron reinforcement 44 and the shroud upper 46, the accuracy of adjusting the mounting height of the second member 52 is improved.

[0077] The support clamps 76 are attached to the rear of the main body 71. In the illustrated example, the support clamps 76 are located on the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction. In addition, a support clamp 76 may also be provided in the center in the vehicle width direction. The support clamps 76 are toggle clamps and switch between a clamped state and an unclamped state in response to the operator's handle operation. After the first jig 7 is placed on the apron reinforcement 44 and the shroud upper 46, the operator operates the handle, causing the support clamps 76 to clamp the rear edge of the shroud upper 46. This fixes the first jig 7 to the vehicle body in a predetermined position. By fixing the rear of the first jig 7, it is prevented the first jig 7, which holds the second member 52 as described later, from tilting forward due to the weight of the second member 52.

[0078] The retaining portion 77 holds the second member 52. The retaining portion 77 holds the second member 52, thereby determining the height position of the second member 52. The retaining portion 77 is attached to both the left and right sides of the front end of the main body 71. The retaining portion 77 protrudes diagonally forward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the main body 71.

[0079] The holding portion 77 has a downward-facing suction surface 771, as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 7. The suction surface 771 is the surface that determines the height of the flange 522 of the second member 52, with reference to the first support portion 441 and the second support portion 461. A magnet 772 is embedded in the suction surface 771. The magnet 772 attracts the flange 522 located at the upper end of the second member 52. Due to the magnetic force of this magnet 772, the holding portion 77 can hold the second member 52 with the flange 522 in contact with the suction surface 771. By utilizing magnetic force, the holding portion 77 can hold the flange 552 of the second member 52 without leaving a gap between it and the suction surface 771. The first jig 7 can accurately determine the mounting height of the second member 52.

[0080] The suction surface 771 is provided with a pin 773 that protrudes downward, and this pin 773 is inserted into a through hole in the tip mounting portion 525 formed in the flange 522. This determines the front-rear and left-right positions of the second member 52 relative to the holding portion 77. The second member 52 is then positioned so that its base fixing portion 523 overlaps the inner wall 471 of the support frame 47. The second member 52 is held by the holding portion 77 in the position it is in when it is attached to the support frame 47.

[0081] The holding portion 77 also has a holding clamp 774. As shown in Figure 7, this holding clamp 774 clamps the flange 522 of the second member 52 held by the holding portion 77. This holding clamp 774 is also a toggle clamp. After the holding portion 77 holds the second member 52, the operator operates the handle to clamp the flange 522 of the second member 52. The position of the second member 52 is then temporarily fixed.

[0082] Next, the procedure for attaching the second member 52 using the first jig 7 will be described. The worker places the first jig 7 on the apron reinforcement 44 and the shroud upper 46, as shown by the black arrows in Figure 5. The first mounting portion 73 and the second mounting portion 74 of the first jig 7 rest on the first support portion 441 and the second support portion 461, respectively. The worker fixes the first jig 7 on the apron reinforcement 44 and the shroud upper 46 by operating the handle of the support clamp 76.

[0083] Next, the worker holds the second member 52 in the holding part 77. As described above, the second member 52 is held in the holding part 77 with the pin 773 of the holding part 77 inserted into the through hole of the tip mounting part 525 and the base fixing part 523 overlapping the inner wall 471 of the support frame 47. The worker temporarily fixes the second member 52 by operating the handle of the holding clamp 774 of the holding part 77. The mounting height of the second member 52 is determined by the first jig 7 (see the white arrow in Figure 6).

[0084] Then, the worker fixes the second member 52, which is held by the holding part 77, to the support frame 47 using bolts 524.

[0085] The first step is completed when both the right-side second member 52 and the left-side second member 52 are attached to the support frame 47. The first jig 7 is then removed from the vehicle body.

[0086] (Step 2) Figures 8-11 show the second step of the assembly procedure. The second step involves adjusting the position of the first member 51 that constitutes the fixing member 5 and attaching the first member 51 to the second member 52. The second jig 8 is used in the second step. The second jig 8 is a jig that adjusts the front-rear position of the first member 51 relative to the second member 52, with reference to the front end of the bonnet 2 in the closed state. As shown in Figure 8, the second jig 8 is installed on the shroud upper 46.

[0087] The second jig 8 includes a main body 81, an engaging portion 82, an adjustment portion 83, a stopper 84, and a second installation portion 87.

[0088] The main body 81 extends in the vehicle width direction and also extends in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction. The main body 81 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view. The main body 81 has a frame structure, for example, made by joining together multiple hollow rectangular members. The second jig 8, like the first jig 7, is lightweight and highly rigid.

[0089] The stoppers 84 are attached to a total of four locations on the main body 81: on both the left and right sides and at two locations in the center. When the bonnet 2 is closed with the second jig 8 installed on the shroud upper 46, the stoppers 84 hit the underside of the bonnet 2 and restrict the opening and closing angle of the bonnet 2. As shown in the lower diagram of Figure 11, the stoppers 84 restrict the opening and closing angle of the bonnet 2 at the angle in which the front end of the bonnet 2 is in its furthest forward position. The stoppers 84 are an example of a restricting part. The second jig 8 adjusts the front-to-back position of the first member 51 with respect to the front end of the bonnet 2.

[0090] The engaging portion 82 is used for positioning when installing the second jig 8. The engaging portion 82 has a pin that protrudes downward from the rear lower surface of the main body 81. The engaging portion 82 is attached to the right and left portions of the main body 81 in the vehicle width direction. The pin of the engaging portion 82 is inserted into the reference hole 462 of the shroud upper 46, similar to the engaging portion 72 of the first jig 7. The engaging portion 82 of the second jig 8 also has a first mounting portion adjacent to the pin. The first mounting portion contacts the upper surface of the shroud upper 46 and supports the rear of the main body 81.

[0091] The adjustment section 83 protrudes forward from the front end of the main body 81. The adjustment section 83 holds the first member 51 and adjusts the position of the first member 51. As shown in enlarged view in Figures 9 and 10, the adjustment section 83 has a base 85 and a slider 86.

[0092] The base 85 is fixed to the main body 81 and supports the slider 86 so that it can move in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 10, the base 85 has a vertical portion 851 that extends vertically and a horizontal portion 852 that extends front-rear, and is L-shaped in side view. The vertical portion 851 extends upward from the front end of the horizontal portion 852.

[0093] A rail 853 extending in the front-to-back direction is attached to the upper surface of the horizontal section 852. The slider 86 engages with the rail 853 and moves back and forth along the rail 853.

[0094] As described above, the slider 86 can slide relative to the base 85 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The lever 854 shown in Figure 9 is operated by the operator. By operating the lever 854 as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 9, the operator can switch between a state in which the slider 86 can move back and forth and a state in which the slider 86 is fixed and does not move back and forth.

[0095] The slider 86 has a holding portion 88. The holding portion 88 has a suction surface 881. As shown in Figure 9, the suction surface 881 is a downward-facing plane and has a magnet 882 embedded in it that attracts the upper surface of the first member 51. A pin 883 also protrudes downward from the suction surface 881. The pin 883 is inserted into a predetermined mounting hole 511 formed in the first member 51. The pin 883 determines the relative position of the first member 51 with respect to the second jig 8 in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction. As mentioned above, the mounting hole 511 is a hole for attaching the bumper face 3 to the first member 51. The predetermined mounting hole 511 into which the pin 833 is inserted is a mounting hole 511 located inward in the vehicle width direction from the bolt hole of the bolt 526 that fixes the first member 51 and the second member 52 to each other.

[0096] The slider 86 also has a contact roller 89. The contact roller 89 is attached to the upper end of the slider 86, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The contact roller 89 is supported by a roller support 891 and rotates around an axis extending in the vehicle width direction. The roller support 891 is located below the contact roller 89. The roller support 891 has a front-to-back width smaller than the diameter of the contact roller 89. The contact roller 89 and roller support 891 strike the front end of the closed hood 2, as shown in Figure 11. The contact roller 89 and roller support 891 strike the front end of the hood 2, thereby positioning the front-to-back position of the slider 86 to correspond to the front end of the closed hood 2. The contact roller 89 and roller support 891 may be made of, for example, silicone resin, so as not to scratch the front end of the hood 2.

[0097] The base portion 85 has a biasing mechanism 855, as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 10. The biasing mechanism 855 biases the slider 86 toward the rear of the vehicle. The biasing mechanism 855 has a compression coil spring 856 interposed between the vertical portion 851 of the base portion 85 and the slider 86. The compression coil spring 856 is externally fitted onto a support rod 857 attached to the vertical portion 851 and internally fitted into a receiving hole 858 formed in the slider 86. The support rod 857 extends rearward from the vertical portion 851, and the receiving hole 858 opens on the front of the slider 86 and extends rearward, so that the axis of the compression coil spring 856 is oriented in the front-rear direction. The compression coil spring 856 compresses as the distance between the vertical portion 851 and the slider 86 decreases. The elastic restoring force of the compression coil spring 856 imparts a biasing force to the slider 86 toward the rear of the vehicle (see black arrow in Figure 10). The biasing mechanism 855 may have a spring instead of the compression coil spring 856, or other biasing means.

[0098] The second mounting portion 87 is located behind the adjustment portion 83. The positions of the second mounting portion 87 correspond to the left and right sides of the front end of the main body 81. The two second mounting portions 87 each contact the upper surface of the flange 522 of the left and right second members 52, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The second mounting portion 87 supports the front end of the main body 81. The second mounting portion 87 prevents the second jig 8 from tilting in the longitudinal and vehicle width directions. The second mounting portion 87 also contacts the second member 52 and is therefore located in front of the shroud upper 46. Since the first mounting portion of the engaging portion 82 and the second mounting portion 87 are separated in the longitudinal direction, the second jig 8 is stably mounted on the shroud upper 46.

[0099] Next, the procedure for attaching the first member 51 using the second jig 8 will be described. With the first member 51 held in place by the holding part 88, the worker places the second jig 8 on top of the shroud upper 46 (see the black arrow in Figure 8). As a result of this placement, the first member 51 is placed on top of the flange 522 of the second member 52.

[0100] Next, the worker closes the open hood 2. The underside of the hood 2 hits the stopper 84, restricting the opening and closing angle of the hood 2. The hood 2 is then stably placed on the stopper 84 by its own weight.

[0101] When the hood 2 is placed on the stopper 84, the front edge of the hood 2 first contacts the contact roller 89, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 11. As mentioned above, since the slider 86 is biased toward the rear of the vehicle, the contact roller 89 is pressed against the front edge of the hood 2. Then, as shown by the black arrow in the upper diagram of Figure 11, the contact roller 89 rotates as the front edge of the hood 2 moves downward. This prevents the contact roller 89 from scratching the hood 2.

[0102] As shown in the lower diagram of Figure 11, when the underside of the bonnet 2 hits the stopper 84, the front end of the bonnet 2 hits the rear of the roller support 891. At this time, the roller support 891 is also pressed against the front end of the bonnet 2. Because the front-to-back width of the roller support 891 is smaller than the diameter of the contact roller 89, the slider 86 moves slightly backward as the view transitions from the upper diagram to the lower diagram of Figure 11. In this way, the front-to-back position of the slider 86 is determined with respect to the front end of the bonnet 2, and the front-to-back position of the first member 51 held by the holding part 88 of the slider 86 is determined (see the white arrow in Figure 8). Because the biasing mechanism 855 forces the roller support 891 into contact with the front end of the bonnet 2, the front-to-back position of the first member 51 is determined with high precision. In particular, as the front end of the bonnet 2 moves downward, it moves while in contact with the contact roller 89 and the roller support 891. The roller support 891 can properly contact the front end of the bonnet 2 as the slider 86 moves backward. This improves the precision of adjusting the front-to-back position of the first member 51.

[0103] The worker operates the lever 854 to fix the slider 86. In this state, the worker attaches the first member 51, which is held by the holding part 88, to the second member 52 using the bolt 526. The worker also attaches the central part of the first member 51 to the upper end of the stay 49 using the bolt 491. In this way, the first member 51 is fixed to the vehicle body via the second member 52, and the second step is completed. The second jig 8 is removed from the vehicle body.

[0104] (Step 3) Figures 12-15 show the third step of the assembly procedure. The third step is to attach the support bracket 6 to the bumper beam 43. In the third step, a third jig 9 is used. The third jig 9 is a jig that adjusts the vertical position of the support bracket 6 relative to the bumper beam 43, with reference to the fixing member 5 whose height and front-rear position have been adjusted. As shown in Figure 12, the third jig 9 is installed on the first member 51 of the fixing member 5. The third jig 9 is installed on both the left and right sides of the fixing member 5 in the vehicle width direction.

[0105] The third jig 9 has an installation portion 91, a holding portion 92, and a connecting portion 93. The connecting portion 93 connects the installation portion 91 and the holding portion 92. The connecting portion 93 extends vertically from the fixing member 5 to near the bumper beam 43.

[0106] The mounting portion 91 is attached to the upper end of the connecting portion 93. The mounting portion 91 is installed on the first member 51 of the fixing member 5. As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 14, the mounting portion 91 has engaging portions 94 on both sides in the vehicle width direction, flanking the bolt 526 that connects the first member 51 and the second member 52. Each engaging portion 94 has a pin 941 that is inserted into a mounting hole 511, as shown in Figure 13. The mounting hole 511 is, as described above, a mounting hole for the bumper face 3 formed in the first member 51. Since each of the two engaging portions 94, which are separated in the vehicle width direction, is inserted into the mounting hole 511, the third jig 9 can be stably installed on the fixing member 5 without tilting to the left or right.

[0107] The retaining portion 92 is attached to the lower end of the connecting portion 93. The retaining portion 92 has a pin 921 that extends in the front-rear direction. The front and rear ends of the pin 921 are supported by a pin support 922 which is inverted U-shaped in side view. The pin 921 is inserted into the mounting hole 64 of the support bracket 6 described above. The support bracket 6 is held in the center of the pin 921. The retaining portion 92 holds the support bracket 6 in a suspended state.

[0108] Next, the procedure for installing the support bracket 6 using the third jig 9 will be described. As shown in Figure 12, the worker installs the third jig 9, which holds the support bracket 6, onto the fixing member 5. Specifically, the pin 941 of the installation part 91 is inserted into the mounting hole 511 of the first member 51. The third jig 9 is then suspended from the fixing member 5.

[0109] In this state, the support bracket 6 held by the third jig 9 is positioned at the upper end of the bumper beam 43. The third jig 9 adjusts the height of the support bracket 6 relative to the bumper beam 43 based on the height of the fixing member 5 (see the white arrow in Figure 12). As shown in Figure 15, the worker fixes the beam mounting portion 61 of the support bracket 6 to the bumper beam 43 using bolts 63. Once the bumper beam 43 is fixed, the worker removes the pin 921 of the third jig 9 from the mounting hole 64 and removes the third jig 9 from the support bracket 6 and fixing member 5. Once the support bracket 6 is attached to both the left and right sides of the bumper beam 43, the third step is complete.

[0110] (Step 4) The fourth step is to attach the bumper face 3 to the fixing member 5 and the support bracket 6. Specifically, the worker attaches the bumper face upper 33 of the bumper face 3 to the first member 51 through the mounting hole 511, and attaches the lower mounting portion 34 to the support bracket 6. In this way, the bumper face 3 is attached to the vehicle body via the fixing member 5, and the fourth step is completed.

[0111] (summary) The vehicle front assembly method disclosed herein is a vehicle front structure 1 in which the bumper face 3 in front of the shroud upper 46 is fixed to the vehicle body via a fixing member 5, and the bumper face 3 is assembled to the vehicle body such that the bumper face 3 has a predetermined gap with respect to the front end of the bonnet 2. Using the first jig 7 installed on the first support portion 441 and the second support portion 461 that support the closed bonnet 2 from below, the mounting height of the fixing member 5 to the vehicle body is adjusted based on the heights of the first support portion 441 and the second support portion 461. Using the second jig 8 that contacts the front end of the bonnet 2, the front-rear position of the fixing member 5 relative to the vehicle body is adjusted with reference to the front end of the bonnet 2 in the closed state. The fixing member 5 is fixed to the vehicle body, and, The bumper face 3 is attached to the fixing member 5 which is fixed to the vehicle body.

[0112] In this assembly method, first, the height and front-to-back position of the fixing member 5 relative to the vehicle body are adjusted. More specifically, the mounting height of the fixing member 5 relative to the vehicle body is adjusted using the first jig 7. Since the first jig 7 is installed on the first support part 441 and the second support part 461 that support the closed bonnet 2 from below, the first jig 7 can adjust the height of the fixing member 5 based on the heights of the first support part 441 and the second support part 461.

[0113] Furthermore, the front-to-back position of the fixing member 5 is adjusted using the second jig 8. Since the second jig 8 is in contact with the front end of the bonnet 2, the second jig 8 can adjust the front-to-back position of the fixing member 5 with respect to the front end of the bonnet 2 when it is closed.

[0114] The fixing member 5, whose height and fore-aft position have been adjusted, is then fixed to the vehicle body. The first jig 7 and the second jig 8 are used only for adjusting the height and position of the fixing member 5 and are not attached to the vehicle body. Therefore, no unnecessary parts remain in the finished vehicle. This avoids an increase in vehicle weight and an increase in vehicle manufacturing costs.

[0115] After the fixing member 5 is attached to the vehicle body, the bumper face 3 is attached to the fixing member 5. Since the fixing member 5 is positioned to correspond to the height and front end of the closed bonnet 2, the height and position of the bumper face 3 correspond to the height and front end of the bonnet 2. The gap between the front end of the bonnet 2 and the bumper face 3 becomes the desired gap.

[0116] According to this assembly method, when installing the bumper face 3, the gap between the front edge of the hood 2 and the bumper face 3 can be adjusted without being affected by the combined machining precision of the vehicle body, hood 2, and bumper face 3, as well as the assembly precision of these components.

[0117] Furthermore, by using the first jig 7 and the second jig 8, the worker can easily and quickly adjust the height and front-to-back position of the fixing member 5.

[0118] Furthermore, this assembly method allows for a smaller gap between the front edge of the hood 2 and the bumper face 3, resulting in a more precise parting line and enabling the realization of the desired vehicle design in the actual vehicle.

[0119] The aforementioned fixing member 5 is The first member 51 has mounting holes 511 to which the bumper face 3 is attached and extends in the vehicle width direction in front of the shroud upper 46, A second member 52 is interposed between the first member 51 and the vehicle body and is fixed to the first member 51 and the vehicle body, It has.

[0120] Since the fixing member 5 is composed of a first member 51 and a second member 52, it is easy for the worker to adjust the height and front-to-back position of the fixing member 5.

[0121] In the aforementioned vehicle front assembly method, Based on the heights of the first support portion 441 and the second support portion 461, the mounting height of the second member 52 to the vehicle body is adjusted and the second member 52 is fixed to the vehicle body. With respect to the front end of the bonnet 2, the front-rear position of the first member 51 is adjusted relative to the second member 52 attached to the vehicle body, and the first member 51 is fixed to the second member 52.

[0122] The worker can smoothly adjust the height and front-to-back position, and secure the fixing member 5.

[0123] The second support portion 461 is a part of the shroud upper 46 that supports the bonnet 2 when a stop rubber attached to the lower surface of the bonnet 2 makes contact with it.

[0124] The first jig 7 can be stably installed on the shroud upper 46. Also, since the second support part 461 is the reference point for the height of the closed bonnet 2, the height of the fixing member 5 can be adjusted with precision.

[0125] The first jig 7 is used to adjust the mounting height of the fixing member 5. The second jig 8 is used to adjust the front-to-back position of the fixing member 5.

[0126] By using two types of jigs, the first jig 7 and the second jig 8, the worker can accurately adjust the mounting height and front-to-back position.

[0127] The second jig 8 has a stopper 84 that restricts the angle of the bonnet 2 to the opening and closing angle where the front end of the bonnet 2 is positioned furthest forward. The second jig 8 adjusts the front-rear position of the fixing member 5 relative to the vehicle body, with reference to the front end of the bonnet 2, whose angle is restricted by the stopper 84.

[0128] The stopper 84 of the second jig 8 can maintain the position of the front end of the bonnet 2, which serves as the reference for position adjustment, at a specific position. The second jig 8 can accurately adjust the front-to-back position of the fixing member 5.

[0129] The second jig 8 has a slider 86 that holds the first member 51 and displaces the first member 51 back and forth. The slider 86 is biased to contact the front end of the bonnet 2, whose opening and closing angle is restricted by the stopper 84.

[0130] When the stopper 84 restricts the opening and closing angle of the hood 2 to a predetermined angle, the slider 86 forcibly contacts the front end of the hood 2, thereby adjusting the front-rear position of the first member 51. The front-rear position of the first member 51 can be adjusted with high precision.

[0131] In the aforementioned vehicle front assembly method, A support bracket 6 is attached to the bumper beam 43 to fix the lower part of the bumper face 3 to the bumper beam 43. After the fixing member 5 is fixed to the vehicle body, the third jig 9 is used to adjust the height position of the support bracket 6 relative to the bumper beam 43, with respect to the height of the fixing member 5. The support bracket 6 is fixed to the bumper beam 43. The bumper face 3 is attached to the fixing member 5 and the support bracket 6.

[0132] The support bracket 6 that secures the bumper face 3 to the bumper beam 43 has its mounting height adjusted based on the height of the fixing member 5 fixed to the vehicle body. Because the height of the support bracket 6 is set to the appropriate height, the bumper face 3 is properly attached to the fixing member 5 and the bumper beam 43.

[0133] (Other embodiments) In addition, in the aforementioned method for assembling the front of the vehicle, two types of jigs, the first jig 7 and the second jig 8, are used to fix the fixing member 5. However, the fixing member 5 may also be fixed to the vehicle body using a single type of jig that has the functions of both the first jig 7 and the second jig 8.

[0134] Furthermore, the fixing member 5 is not limited to a structure consisting of a first member 51 and a second member 52. The fixing member 5 may be a single member to which the aforementioned first member 51 and second member 52 are pre-fixed.

[0135] Furthermore, in the aforementioned method for assembling the front of the vehicle, the mounting height of the fixing member 5 is adjusted first, and then the front-to-rear position of the fixing member 5 is adjusted. However, the order may be reversed, and the front-to-rear position of the fixing member 5 may be adjusted first, and then the mounting height of the fixing member 5 may be adjusted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1. Front structure of the vehicle 2. Hood 3. Bumper Face 441 1st support part 46 Shroud Upper 461 2nd support part 5 Fixing members 51 First Member 511 Mounting hole (mounting part) 52 Second Member 6. Support bracket 7. First Jig 8. Second Jig 84 Stopper (regulator)

Claims

1. A front structure of a vehicle in which the bumper face in front of the upper shroud is fixed to the vehicle body via a fixing member, wherein the bumper face is assembled to the vehicle body such that the bumper face has a predetermined gap with respect to the front end of the hood, Using a jig installed on a support that supports the closed hood from below, the mounting height of the fixing member to the vehicle body is adjusted based on the height of the support. Using a jig that contacts the front end of the hood, the front-to-rear position of the fixing member relative to the vehicle body is adjusted with reference to the front end of the hood in the closed state. The aforementioned fixing member is fixed to the vehicle body, and, A method for assembling the front of a vehicle, comprising attaching the bumper face to a fixing member fixed to the vehicle body.

2. In the method for assembling the front part of a vehicle according to claim 1, The aforementioned fixing member is A first member having a mounting portion to which the bumper face is attached and extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the shroud upper, A second member interposed between the first member and the vehicle body, and fixed to the first member and the vehicle body respectively, A method for assembling the front of a vehicle, which includes the following features.

3. In the vehicle front assembly method described in claim 2, Based on the height of the support portion, the mounting height of the second member to the vehicle body is adjusted, and the second member is fixed to the vehicle body. A method for assembling the front of a vehicle, comprising adjusting the front-to-rear position of the first member relative to the second member attached to the vehicle body, with respect to the front end of the hood, and fixing the first member to the second member.

4. In the method for assembling the front part of a vehicle according to claim 1, A method for assembling the front of a vehicle, wherein the support portion is a part of the upper shroud that supports the hood when a stop rubber attached to the lower surface of the hood makes contact with it.

5. In the method for assembling the front part of a vehicle according to claim 1, The first jig is used to adjust the mounting height of the aforementioned fixing member. A method for assembling the front of a vehicle, wherein a second jig is used to adjust the front-to-rear position of the aforementioned fixing member.

6. In the vehicle front assembly method described in claim 5, The second jig has a restricting portion that restricts the angle of the hood to the opening and closing angle at which the front end of the hood is positioned furthest forward. The second jig is a method for assembling the front of a vehicle, in which the front-to-rear position of the fixing member relative to the vehicle body is adjusted with reference to the front end of the hood, whose opening and closing angle is restricted by the restricting portion.

7. In the vehicle front assembly method described in claim 6, The aforementioned fixing member is A first member having a mounting portion to which the bumper face is attached and extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the shroud upper, A second member interposed between the first member and the vehicle body, and fixed to the first member and the vehicle body respectively, It has, The second jig has a slider that holds the first member and displaces the first member back and forth. A method for assembling the front part of a vehicle, wherein the slider is biased to contact the front end of the hood, whose opening and closing angle is restricted by the restricting part.

8. In the method for assembling the front part of a vehicle according to claim 1, A support bracket is attached to the bumper beam for fixing the lower part of the bumper face to the bumper beam. After the fixing member is fixed to the vehicle body, the height position of the support bracket relative to the bumper beam is adjusted using a jig, with the height of the fixing member as the reference. The support bracket is fixed to the bumper beam, A method for assembling the front of a vehicle, comprising attaching the bumper face to the fixing member and the support bracket.

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