Vehicle front structure

Abstract

This vehicle front structure comprises: a side member extending along the front-rear direction; a heat exchanger disposed on the outer side of the side member in the vehicle width direction; a front grille that has a grille opening for introducing traveling air on the inner side, as compared with the heat exchanger, in the vehicle width direction, and that covers the vehicle front part from the front; and a duct that extends along the vehicle width direction so as to connect the grille opening and the heat exchanger, and that can guide the traveling air to the heat exchanger. At least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the duct is inclined upward or downward toward the front.

Description

Vehicle front structure

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

[0002] As a conventional vehicle front structure, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which crash boxes are provided at the front ends of a pair of left and right side members that make up a subframe to absorb collision loads during a frontal collision of the vehicle. Fixed flange members are provided at the front ends of the side members, and connecting flange members are provided at the rear ends of the crash boxes, with these flange members overlapping each other and fastened together with bolts and nuts.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a horizontally long flange is integrally formed with the nut on the fixed flange member, with the short side of the horizontally long flange facing the front suspension member. This horizontally long flange is intended to suppress deformation of the connecting flange member when a collision load is input to the crash box in a frontal vehicle collision, and to suppress collapse of the crash box due to deformation of the connecting flange member.

[0004] Meanwhile, as vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electrified, there are an increasing number of cases where vehicles have multiple cooling circuits for each function. From the standpoint of cooling efficiency, it may be necessary to place a heat exchanger on the outer side (left or right side) of the radiator in the vehicle width direction, as was the case in conventional vehicles.

[0005] Recently, in order to reduce air resistance and achieve low fuel consumption, front grilles have increasingly adopted a spindle-shaped exterior design that extends toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction. However, with such spindle-shaped front grilles, a strong wind flows toward the outside in the vehicle width direction when the vehicle is moving. Therefore, if the heat exchanger is located on the outside in the vehicle width direction, even if a cooling opening is provided in front of the heat exchanger relative to the front grille (i.e., on the outside part of the front grille in the vehicle width direction), it may not be possible to effectively guide the wind.

[0006] Furthermore, if a duct is installed to ensure airflow to the heat exchanger, if this duct has a strong structure, there is a possibility that it may cause injury to another vehicle or pedestrian if the vehicle comes into contact with them.

[0007] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-202093

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle front structure that allows efficient airflow to a heat exchanger and has excellent compatibility performance.

[0009] The present invention has the following configuration: (1) A vehicle front structure comprising: side members extending in the longitudinal direction, a heat exchanger arranged on the outer side of the side members in the vehicle width direction, a front grille covering the front of the vehicle from the front, the front grille having a grille opening on the inner side of the heat exchanger in the vehicle width direction for introducing airflow while the vehicle is running, and a duct extending in the vehicle width direction to connect the grille opening and the heat exchanger and capable of guiding the airflow while the vehicle is running to the heat exchanger, wherein at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the duct is inclined upward or downward toward the front.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle front structure that allows efficient airflow to be guided to a heat exchanger and has excellent compatibility performance.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure of this embodiment, seen diagonally from the front left. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an oil cooler, a bumper lining force side, and a duct. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 2, further showing a front grille. FIG. 4 is a front view of FIG. 3, seen from the front of the vehicle. FIG. 5 is a rear view of FIG. 3, seen from the rear of the vehicle. FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 3, seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the duct, seen from the front. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the duct, seen from the rear. FIG. 9 is a front view of the duct, seen from the front. FIG. 10 is a side view of the duct, seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. FIG. 11 is a rear view of the duct, seen from the rear. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the duct, seen from above. FIG. 13 is a side view of the bumper lining force side, seen from the vehicle width direction.

[0012] (First embodiment)

[0013] A vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment, seen from the left front. In the following description, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are expressed relative to the driver in the vehicle. While each figure mainly shows the configuration of the left side, the right side has a substantially symmetrical and identical configuration.

[0014] The vehicle front structure 100 of this embodiment comprises a pair of left and right front side members 1 (only the left front side member 1 is shown) that extend in the fore-and-aft direction as skeletal members that make up the vehicle body, a pair of left and right front suspension members 7 (only the left front suspension member 7 is shown) that are arranged below the front side members 1 and extend in the fore-and-aft direction, and a frame member 17 that extends in the up-and-down direction and connects the front portions of the front side members 1 and the front suspension members 7.

[0015] An engine compartment is defined between the pair of left and right front side members 1 and between the pair of left and right front suspension members 7, and houses a power plant including an engine, motor, reduction gear, etc. Upper crash boxes 4 serving as first crash boxes are disposed at the front ends of each front side member 1. Flanges 1a, 4a are welded to the front ends of each front side member 1 and the rear ends of each upper crash box 4, respectively. These flanges 1a, 4a are aligned with each other in the fore-and-aft direction, and their four corners are fastened together with bolts 5 and nuts (not shown).

[0016] A bumper reinforcement upper 6 extends in the left-right direction across the front ends of the pair of left and right upper crash boxes 4 so as to connect these front ends. Both left and right ends of the bumper reinforcement upper 6 are welded to each upper crash box 4. As a result, both left and right ends of the bumper reinforcement upper 6 are connected to the front ends of the front side members 1 via the upper crash boxes 4.

[0017] In this embodiment, the upper crash box 4 has a rectangular cross section and is flared forward in plan view. Taking the left upper crash box 4 shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the right side (inner side) of the upper crash box 4 is formed along the right side (inner side) of the front side member 1, which extends in the longitudinal direction. In contrast, the left side (outer side) of the upper crash box 4 is formed at an angle relative to the left side (outer side) of the front side member 1, which also extends in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the left upper crash box 4 is flared leftward in plan view. In other words, its left side bulges leftward beyond the left side of the front side member 1. Although not shown or described, the right upper crash box 4 also has a symmetrical, substantially identical shape. This shape of the upper crash box 4 is designed to accommodate a slight overlap frontal collision. In other words, by making the upper crash box 4 bulge outward in the width direction of the vehicle, the intention is to input as much of the collision load as possible from the outside of the vehicle width into the upper crash box 4, and to cause the upper crash box 4 to rotate and displace due to this collision load.

[0018] A pair of left and right front suspension members 7 (only the left one is shown) are disposed below the pair of left and right front side members 1. The front portions of the pair of front suspension members 7 are connected to each other via a front cross member 8, and the rear portions of the pair of front suspension members 7 are connected to each other via a rear cross member (not shown). This forms a subframe 9, which supports left and right front suspensions (not shown). The pair of left and right front suspension members 7 are disposed on both the left and right sides of a power plant consisting of an engine, motor, reduction gear, etc.

[0019] The frame member 17 extends in the vertical direction so as to connect the front lower surface of the front side member 1 with the front upper surface of the front suspension member 7. The frame member 17 is a separate member from the front side member 1 and the front suspension member 7.

[0020] Lower crash boxes 10 serving as second crash boxes are disposed at the front ends of each of the pair of left and right front suspension members 7. The pair of left and right front side members 1 and the pair of left and right front suspension members 7 may be disposed in approximately the same position in the vehicle width direction (positions that overlap in a top view). Also, the pair of left and right upper crash boxes 4 and the pair of left and right lower crash boxes 10 may be disposed in approximately the same position in the vehicle width direction (positions that overlap in a top view).

[0021] Flanges 7a, 10a are welded to the front end of each front suspension member 7 and the rear end of each lower crash box 10. These flanges 7a, 10a are aligned with each other in the fore-and-aft direction and fastened to each other with bolts 11, nuts (not shown), etc.

[0022] A bumper force lower 14 extends in the left-right direction across the front ends of the pair of left and right lower crash boxes 10 so as to connect these front ends. This bumper force lower 14 is located below the bumper force upper 6. Both left and right ends of the bumper force lower 14 are welded to each lower crash box 10, so that both left and right ends of the bumper force lower 14 are connected to the front end of the front suspension member 7 via the lower crash boxes 10.

[0023] As shown by the two-dot chain lines in Figure 1, a bumper reinforcement side 50 as a plate-shaped member is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle body. The upper part of the bumper reinforcement side 50 is fastened to the upper bumper reinforcement 6, and the lower part is fastened to the lower bumper reinforcement 14 by bolts, nuts, etc. As a result, the front ends of the upper crash box 4 and the lower crash box 10 are connected via the bumper reinforcement side 50 on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle body.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an oil cooler, a bumper reinforcement side, and a duct. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a front grille in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a front view of Fig. 3 as seen from the front of the vehicle. Fig. 5 is a rear view of Fig. 3 as seen from the rear of the vehicle. Fig. 6 is a side view of Fig. 3 as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0025] 1 to 6, a description will be given of a placement structure for preventing or suppressing damage to the oil cooler 20. The oil cooler 20 is an example of a heat exchanger, and dissipates heat from a refrigerant that cools, for example, a wheel drive motor or a generator. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the oil cooler 20 has a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction when viewed in the front-rear direction. The oil cooler 20 is fixed to a frame such as the front side member 1 by, for example, a bracket (not shown). In this embodiment, the oil cooler 20 is placed on the vehicle widthwise outer side of the front end of the front side member 1 or the front end of the front suspension member 7.

[0026] 1, the vehicle front structure 100 of this embodiment includes upper crash boxes 4 connected to the front ends of the front side members 1 and lower crash boxes 10 connected to the front ends of the front suspension members 7. The upper crash boxes 4 and lower crash boxes 10 are components that collapse during a frontal collision to absorb energy and reduce the impact on the occupants and the vehicle.

[0027] 1 and other figures, the oil cooler 20 is disposed rearward of the upper crash boxes 4 and outward in the vehicle width direction from the front side members 1. Therefore, even in the event of a frontal collision with another vehicle or an obstacle, the impact is absorbed by the upper crash boxes 4, and because the oil cooler 20 is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the relatively hard front side members 1, damage to the oil cooler 20 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0028] Furthermore, the oil cooler 20 is disposed rearward of the lower crash boxes 10 and laterally outward of the front suspension members 7. Therefore, even in the event of a frontal collision, the impact is absorbed by the lower crash boxes 10, and the oil cooler 20 is located laterally outward of the relatively hard front suspension members 7, preventing or minimizing damage to the oil cooler 20.

[0029] 1, the bumper reinforcement lower 14, which extends in the left-right direction to connect the front ends of the pair of left and right front suspension members 7, and the oil cooler 20 have at least a portion of the same vertical height. Therefore, even in the event of a frontal collision, the bumper reinforcement lower 14 absorbs the impact, preventing or suppressing damage to the oil cooler 20. It is more preferable that the bumper reinforcement lower 14 and the oil cooler 20 are arranged so that they overlap at least a portion when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. Adopting such an arrangement relationship enhances the effect of preventing damage to the oil cooler 20.

[0030] As described above, in order to reduce air resistance and achieve low fuel consumption, front grilles often have a spindle-shaped exterior design that extends toward the rear of the vehicle as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction, and such front grilles generate a strong wind flow that moves outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when the oil cooler 20 is located on the outer side of the front side member 1 in the vehicle width direction as in this embodiment, even if a cooling opening is provided in front of the oil cooler 20 relative to the front grille (i.e., on the outer side of the front grille in the vehicle width direction), it is not possible to effectively guide the wind.

[0031] In contrast, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the vehicle front structure 100 of this embodiment includes a front grille 30 that covers the front of the vehicle from the front, and has a grille opening 31 for introducing wind generated by running the vehicle located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the oil cooler 20. Although Figures 3 to 6 only show the left half of the front grille 30 below the center portion in the vehicle width direction, the overall shape of the front grille 30 may have, for example, a spindle-shaped exterior design that extends rearward in the vehicle width direction. The area near the center portion in the vehicle width direction of the illustrated front grille 30 is the front end of the vehicle, and therefore is an area that is likely to receive wind pressure generated by running the vehicle, even if the overall shape of the front grille 30 is spindle-shaped, and is therefore an appropriate location for providing the grille opening 31.

[0032] The grille opening 31 penetrates the front grille 30 in the longitudinal direction and guides traveling airflow from in front of the front grille 30 to an inlet 48 of a duct 40, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 4 , when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, an inner portion 31a of the grille opening 31 in the vehicle width direction is generally rectangular, and an outer portion 31b of the grille opening 31 in the vehicle width direction is tapered so that the vertical dimension decreases toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The shape of the grille opening 31 is generally similar to the shape of the inlet 48 of the duct 40. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 , when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the grille opening 31 and the inlet 48 at least partially overlap. In this way, the arrangement and shape of the grille opening 31 and the inlet 48 are set so that traveling airflow that has passed through the grille opening 31 can be easily guided to the inlet 48.

[0033] Vehicle front structure 100 of the present embodiment includes duct 40 that can guide the traveling wind introduced through grill opening 31 to oil cooler 20. Because grill opening 31 and oil cooler 20 are positioned at positions offset in the vehicle width direction, duct 40 that guides the traveling wind in the area therebetween extends in the vehicle width direction so as to connect grill opening 31 and oil cooler 20.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the duct as seen from the front. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the duct as seen from the rear. Fig. 9 is a front view of the duct as seen from the front. Fig. 10 is a side view of the duct as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Fig. 11 is a rear view of the duct as seen from the rear. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the duct as seen from above.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 to 12, the duct 40 has an inlet 48 at the front of the duct 40, which faces the grill opening 31 in the longitudinal direction and can introduce wind from the vehicle as it travels, and an outlet 49 at the rear of the duct 40, which faces the oil cooler 20 in the longitudinal direction and can discharge wind from the vehicle as it travels.

[0036] The duct 40 includes a front portion 40a that forms the front part of the duct 40 and extends in the vehicle width direction, and a rear portion 40b that connects to the outer side of the front portion 40a in the vehicle width direction and extends rearward. As shown in Figure 12, the front portion 40a extends rearward as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction. The rear portion 40b has a shape whose vehicle width dimension increases as it moves rearward.

[0037] The inlet 48 is provided in front of the inner end of the front portion 40 a in the vehicle width direction, and the outlet 49 is provided behind the rear portion 40 b. The insides of the front portion 40 a and the rear portion 40 b are hollow, and these cavities are connected to each other to form an air guide path extending from the inlet 48 to the outlet 49.

[0038] The duct 40 has an upper surface 41, a lower surface 42, a front surface 43 connecting the front ends of the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42, an outer surface 44 connecting the outer ends of the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 in the vehicle width direction, and an inner surface 45 connecting the inner ends of the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] The upper surface 41 is formed over the entire area of ​​the duct 40 (the entire area of ​​the front portion 40a and the rear portion 40b), and is a tapered surface that slopes downward as it extends forward, as shown in Figure 10. By sloping the upper surface 41 in this manner, the duct 40 collapses and becomes more likely to absorb impact when the vehicle comes into contact with another vehicle or a pedestrian, thereby improving compatibility performance. In particular, because the upper surface of the duct 40 slopes downward as it extends forward, the duct 40 collapses more easily downward, preventing or reducing injury to the shins when it comes into contact with a pedestrian.

[0040] The lower surface 42 is formed over the entire front portion 40a and the front portion of the rear portion 40b. As shown in FIG. 8 , the rear portion of the rear portion 40b is shaped so that the lower surface 42 is absent and has a lower opening S1 that opens downward. When viewed from the front-to-rear direction as shown in FIG. 4 , the outlet 49 of the duct 40 is positioned to overlap the upper part of the oil cooler 20. Therefore, by leaving the rear portion of the rear portion 40b open and not forming the lower surface 42, traveling wind is discharged downward through the lower opening S1 and supplied to the entire oil cooler 20. Furthermore, the absence of the lower surface 42 in the portion contributes to reducing the weight and cost of the duct 40 and also makes it more likely to collapse in the event of a collision.

[0041] The front surface 43 is formed in the center of the duct 40 in the vehicle width direction and adjacent to the inlet 48 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The front surface 43 is formed in the center of the front portion 40a of the duct 40 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, when viewed from the front-to-rear direction, the front surface 43 is a substantially parallelogram in which the upper side 43a is located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the lower side 43b. As shown in Figure 10, the front surface 43 is an inclined surface in which the upper side 43a is located more forward than the lower side 43b and is inclined forward as it extends upward.

[0042] The outer surface 44 is formed on the outer side of the duct 40 in the vehicle width direction, and is connected to the front surface 43 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The outer surface 44 includes an outer curved surface 44a that is formed on the front portion 40a and has a curved shape that is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward, and an outer inclined surface 44b that is formed on the rear portion 40b and has an inclined shape that is connected to the outer curved surface 44a and is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, when viewed from the front-to-rear direction, the outlet 49 of the duct 40 is positioned to overlap the inner part of the oil cooler 20 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, by making the outer inclined surface 44b of the outer surface 44 extend outward in the vehicle width direction toward the rear, the traveling wind is guided outward in the vehicle width direction and supplied to the entire oil cooler 20.

[0044] 8 and 11 , an inwardly bent surface 44c that guides the air in the duct 40 to the exhaust port 49 and ultimately to the oil cooler 20 is formed on the inner wall of the outer surface 44, which includes the outer curved surface 44a and the outer inclined surface 44b. The inwardly bent surface 44c is formed on the inner wall of the outer surface 44 in front of the exhaust port 49, faces inward in the vehicle width direction, and bends so as to be positioned outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward.

[0045] The inner surface 45 is formed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the front portion 40a of the duct 40, and is adjacent to the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the inlet 48. As shown in Figures 7, 11 and 12, the inner surface 45 includes an inner curved surface 45a having a curved shape that is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward, and an outer inclined surface 45b having an inclined shape that is connected to the inner curved surface 45a and extends rearward as it extends outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0046] 7, 9, and 10, an outwardly curved surface 45c that guides the airflow in the duct 40 to the inwardly curved surface 44c is formed on the inner wall of the inner surface 45, which includes the inner curved surface 45a and the outer inclined surface 45b. The outwardly curved surface 45c is formed on the inner wall of the inner surface 45 behind the inlet 48, faces outward in the vehicle width direction, and curves so as to be positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward.

[0047] Therefore, the traveling wind introduced from the inlet 48 of the duct 40 is guided outward in the vehicle direction by the outwardly curved surface 45 c of the inner surface 45, and then guided to the exhaust port 49 at the rear by the inwardly curved surface 44 c of the outer surface 44. Therefore, the traveling wind can be efficiently guided from the grill opening 31 toward the oil cooler 20.

[0048] 8, the portion of the front portion 40a adjacent to the outer side of the inner surface 45 in the vehicle width direction has a rear opening S2 that opens toward the rear. By providing such a rear opening S2, the weight and cost of the duct 40 can be reduced, and the duct 40 can be made more easily crushed in the event of a collision. As will be described later, the rear opening S2 is the portion that is blocked by the bumper reinforcement side 50 when the duct 40 is fixed to the bumper reinforcement side 50.

[0049] The rear portion 40b has an inner opening S3 that opens toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Providing such an inner opening S3 reduces the weight and cost of the duct 40 and also makes it easier for the duct 40 to collapse in the event of a collision.

[0050] 8 to 11, a pair of upper flange pieces 46a, 46b extending upward and a lower flange piece 47 extending downward are formed at the rear of the front portion 40a of the duct 40. The number and shape of the upper flange pieces 46a, 46b and the lower flange piece 47 are not limited, and for example, there may be only one upper flange piece 46a, 46b and multiple lower flange pieces 47.

[0051] The pair of upper flange pieces 46a, 46b shown in the figure are connected at their lower ends by a connecting piece 46c extending in the vehicle width direction, and are integrated together. The pair of upper flange pieces 46a, 46b and the connecting piece 46c are disposed in the center of the front section 40a in the vehicle width direction, and are shaped as if the rear end of the upper surface 41 of the front section 40a is bent upward.

[0052] 8, of the pair of upper flange pieces 46a, 46b, the inner upper flange piece 46a in the vehicle width direction is disposed at a position connecting an upper portion of the outer portion of the vehicle width direction of the outer inclined surface 45b of the inner side surface 45 and an upper portion of the inner portion of the vehicle width direction of the rear opening S2. Of the pair of upper flange pieces 46a, 46b, the outer upper flange piece 46b in the vehicle width direction is spaced apart in the vehicle width direction from the inner upper flange piece 46a, and is disposed at a position connecting with an upper portion of the outer portion of the vehicle width direction of the rear opening S2.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 8, the lower flange piece 47 has a shape such that the rear end of the lower surface 42 of the front portion 40a is bent downward, and is positioned so as to connect with the lower part of the vehicle width directional outer portion of the rear opening S2. Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the lower flange piece 47 is positioned at approximately the same first position in the vehicle width direction as the lower edge 43b of the front surface 43. The lower flange piece 47 is also positioned at approximately the same position in the vehicle width direction as the upper flange piece 46b on the vehicle width directional outer side.

[0054] A cross-sectional shape of the duct 40 taken through the vehicle widthwise center portion along a plane generally perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is generally hat-shaped with a rear opening that opens toward the rear. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the duct 40 taken along a plane P extending in the vertical and longitudinal directions, as indicated by the dashed lines in Figures 9 and 11, is composed of, from top to bottom, the upper flange piece 46b, the upper surface 41, the outer curved surface 44a of the outer surface 44, the front surface 43, and the lower flange piece 47. In the cross-sectional shape of the duct 40, the upper surface 41, the outer curved surface 44a of the outer surface 44, and the front surface 43, which are located between the upper flange piece 46b and the lower flange piece 47, are arranged to be forwardly convex compared to the upper flange piece 46b and the lower flange piece 47. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the duct 40 has a rear opening S2 that opens toward the rear between the upper flange piece 46b and the lower flange piece 47.

[0055] 2 to 6, the duct 40 and the bumper force side 50, which is a plate-like member disposed rearward of the duct 40, at least partially overlap when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. In this embodiment, the center of the duct 40 in the vehicle width direction and the center of the bumper force side 50 in the up-down direction overlap when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. As a result, rearward displacement of the duct 40 is suppressed by the bumper force side 50.

[0056] The center portion of the duct 40 in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the bumper reinforcement side 50, which is a plate-shaped member, so that the rear opening S2 is closed. Specifically, the duct 40 is fixed to the bumper reinforcement side 50 by fixing upper flange pieces 46a, 46b and lower flange piece 47 formed above and below the rear opening S2 to a recess 55 (described later) of the bumper reinforcement side 50. The method for fixing the upper flange pieces 46a, 46b and the lower flange piece 47 is not particularly limited, and examples include fixing by push rivets or by welding.

[0057] In this way, by fixing the central portion of the duct 40 in the vehicle width direction to the bumper force side 50 so that the rear opening S2 is blocked with a hat-shaped cross section, the duct 40 is made more likely to collapse in the event of a collision, improving impact absorption performance.

[0058] 2 to 6 and 13, the bumper reinforcement side 50 includes a vertical extension 51 extending vertically to connect the bumper reinforcement upper 6 and the bumper reinforcement lower 14, and a vehicle width extension 53 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower part of the vertical extension, and is generally L-shaped when viewed from the front-rear direction or the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] The vertical extension portion 51 is disposed behind the front portion 40a of the duct 40 and extends in the vertical direction from above the front portion 40a to below the front portion 40a. The vehicle width direction extension portion 53 is connected to a portion of the vertical extension portion 51 that is below the front portion 40a of the duct 40 and extends rearward as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] A recess 55 recessed toward the rear is formed in the vertical center of the vertical extension 51. The upper flange pieces 46a, 46b and the lower flange piece 47 of the duct 40 are fixed to the bottom surface (rear surface) of the recess 55. Therefore, even when the duct 40 is crushed and moved backward during a collision, the duct 40 is accommodated in the recess 55, and therefore, the duct 40 is prevented from moving backward any further.

[0061] Although the description of the embodiment has been completed above, the aspects of the present invention are not limited to this embodiment.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the upper surface 41 of the duct 40 is inclined downward toward the front has been exemplified. However, from the viewpoint of collapsing the duct 40 during a collision to promote impact absorption, the configuration is not limited to the above, and it is sufficient that at least one of the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 of the duct 40 is inclined upward or downward toward the front. Furthermore, the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 are not limited to a configuration inclined by a single tapered surface, and may be inclined by multiple tapered surfaces or by a single or multiple curved surfaces.

[0063] As described above, the present specification discloses the following:

[0064] (1) A vehicle front structure comprising: side members extending in the longitudinal direction; a heat exchanger arranged on the outer side of the side members in the vehicle width direction; a front grille covering the front of the vehicle from the front, the front grille having a grille opening located on the inner side of the heat exchanger in the vehicle width direction for introducing airflow; and a duct extending in the vehicle width direction to connect the grille opening and the heat exchanger, and capable of guiding the airflow to the heat exchanger, wherein at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the duct is inclined upward or downward toward the front.

[0065] According to the above configuration, the grille opening is positioned more inward in the vehicle width direction than the heat exchanger, making it easier to obtain wind pressure. The duct extends in the vehicle width direction to connect the grille opening and the heat exchanger, enabling it to guide wind toward the heat exchanger, enabling effective wind guidance. Furthermore, by slanting at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the duct upward or downward toward the front, the duct collapses in the event of a frontal collision, making it easier to absorb impact, thereby improving compatibility performance.

[0066] (2) The vehicle front structure according to (1), wherein the upper surface of the duct slopes downward as it approaches the front.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the duct is easily crushed downward in the event of a frontal collision, making it possible to prevent or reduce injury to the shins of a pedestrian when it comes into contact with the duct.

[0068] (3) The vehicle front structure described in (1) or (2), wherein the duct comprises: an inlet port in front of the duct, facing the grill opening in the longitudinal direction, and capable of introducing airflow from the vehicle; an outlet port in rear of the duct, facing the heat exchanger in the longitudinal direction, and capable of discharging airflow from the vehicle; an outwardly curved surface formed on the inner wall behind the inlet port, facing outward in the vehicle width direction, and curved so as to be positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward; and an inwardly curved surface formed on the inner wall in front of the outlet port, facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and curved so as to be positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the airflow introduced through the duct inlet is guided outward in the direction of the vehicle by the outwardly curved surface, and then guided to the exhaust port at the rear by the inwardly curved surface, thereby efficiently directing the airflow from the grill opening toward the heat exchanger.

[0070] (4) The vehicle front structure according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the vehicle front structure includes a plate-like member disposed rearward of the duct, and the duct and the plate-like member at least partially overlap when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0071] According to the above configuration, the rearward displacement of the duct can be suppressed by the plate-like member.

[0072] (5) A vehicle front structure as described in (4), wherein a cross-sectional shape of the vehicle width direction central portion of the duct cut by a plane approximately perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is approximately hat-shaped with a rear opening that opens toward the rear, and the vehicle width direction central portion of the duct is fixed to the plate-shaped member so that the rear opening is blocked.

[0073] According to the above configuration, by fixing the duct to the plate-like member so that the central portion of the duct in the vehicle width direction has a hat-shaped cross section and the rear opening is closed, the duct is made more likely to collapse in the event of a collision, improving impact absorption performance.

[0074] (6) The vehicle front structure according to (4) or (5), wherein the plate-shaped member has a recess that is recessed toward the rear, and the duct is fixed to the recess.

[0075] According to the above configuration, even when the duct is crushed and moved backward during a collision, the duct is housed in the recess, and therefore the duct is prevented from moving backward any further.

[0076] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Front side member (side member) 1a Flange portion 4 Upper crash box 4a Flange portion 5 Bolt 6 Bumper reinforcement upper 7 Front suspension member 7a Flange portion 10 Lower crash box 10a Flange portion 11 Bolt 14 Bumper reinforcement lower 17 Frame member 20 Oil cooler (heat exchanger) 30 Front grille 31 Grille opening 31a Vehicle width direction inner portion 31b Vehicle width direction outer portion 40 Duct 40a Front portion 40b Rear portion 41 Upper surface 42 Lower surface 43 Front surface 43a Upper edge 43b Lower edge 44 Outer surface 44a Outer curved surface 44b Outer inclined surface 44c Inwardly curved surface 45 Inner surface 45a Inner curved surface 45b Inner inclined surface 45c Outwardly curved surface 46a, 46b Upper flange pieces 46c Connection piece 47 Lower flange piece 48 Inlet 49 Outlet 50 Bumper lining force side (plate-shaped member) 51 Vertical extension portion 53 Vehicle width direction extension portion 55 Recessed portion 100 Vehicle front structure P Plane S1 Lower opening S2 Rear opening S3 Inner opening

Claims

1. A vehicle front structure comprising: side members extending in the longitudinal direction; a heat exchanger arranged on the outer side of the side members in the vehicle width direction; a front grille covering the front of the vehicle from the front, the front grille having a grille opening located on the inner side of the heat exchanger in the vehicle width direction for introducing airflow while the vehicle is running; and a duct extending in the vehicle width direction to connect the grille opening and the heat exchanger, and capable of guiding the airflow while the vehicle is running to the heat exchanger, wherein at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the duct is inclined upward or downward toward the front.

2. A vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the duct slopes downward as it approaches the front.

3. A vehicle front structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the duct comprises: an inlet port at the front of the duct, facing the grill opening in the longitudinal direction, and capable of introducing airflow from the vehicle; an outlet port at the rear of the duct, facing the heat exchanger in the longitudinal direction, and capable of discharging airflow from the vehicle; an outwardly curved surface formed on the inner wall at the rear of the inlet port, facing outward in the vehicle width direction, and curving to be positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward; and an inwardly curved surface formed on the inner wall in front of the outlet port, facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and curving to be positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward.

4. A vehicle front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle front structure comprises a plate-like member arranged rearward of the duct, and the duct and the plate-like member at least partially overlap when viewed from the front-to-rear direction.

5. A vehicle front structure as set forth in claim 4, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the vehicle width direction central portion of the duct cut by a plane approximately perpendicular to the vehicle width direction is approximately hat-shaped with a rear opening that opens toward the rear, and the vehicle width direction central portion of the duct is fixed to the plate-like member so that the rear opening is closed.

6. A vehicle front structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plate-like member has a recess recessed toward the rear, and the duct is fixed to the recess.

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