Vehicle front-portion framework structure

Abstract

A vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) includes a first framework portion (36) and a second framework portion (38) that extends in a vehicle height direction. The first framework portion (36) includes right and left wheel houses (14) and a cross member (16) that connects the right and left wheel houses (14) in a vehicle width direction. The right and left wheel houses (14) are provided integrally with the cross member (16). The second framework portion (38) is provided integrally with the first framework portion (36), and is provided rearward of the first framework portion (36).

Description

1VEHICLE FRONT-PORTION FRAMEWORK STRUCTUREBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle front-portion framework structure.2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-229384 (JP 2015-229384 A) discloses a vehicle front-portion structure (vehicle front-portion framework structure) that contributes to the restraint of the deformation of a vehicle cabin at the time of a front surface collision of a vehicle (referred to as the time of frontal collision of a vehicle, hereinafter). In this related art, a front pillar is disposed on a vehicle rearward side of a front wheel house, and a reinforcing member is provided on a front portion side in a lower part of the front pillar.

[0003] Therefore, in the related art, when a collision load is input to the lower part of the front pillar at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle, a rear portion side in the lower part that is not reinforced by the reinforcing member is deformed. Thereby, the collision energy is absorbed, and the generation of a bending moment to a rocker is restrained. As a result, the bending of the rocker is restrained.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] However, in the above related art, there is room for further improvement, from the standpoint of the restraint of the bending moment from the wheel house to the rocker and the transfer of the collision load to the rocker side.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a vehicle front-portion framework structure that efficiently transfers the collision load from the wheel house to the rocker at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0006] A vehicle front-portion framework structure according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes:2 a first framework portion that includes right and left wheel houses and a cross member, the cross member connecting the right and left wheel houses in a vehicle width direction, the right and left wheel houses being provided integrally with the cross member; and a second framework portion that is provided integrally with the first framework portion, that is provided rearward of the first framework portion in a vehicle front-rear direction, and that extends in a vehicle height direction.

[0007] The vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes the first framework portion and the second framework portion. The first framework portion and the second framework portion are integrally shaped. In the present disclosure, the first framework portion includes the right and left wheel houses and the cross member that connects the right and left wheel houses, and the right and left wheel houses and the cross member are integrally shaped.

[0008] On the other hand, the second framework portion is provided rearward of the first framework portion in the vehicle front-rear direction, and extends in the vehicle height direction.

[0009] In the present disclosure, the second framework portion is shaped integrally with the first framework portion, and thereby, the rigidity of the second framework portion is enhanced compared to a case where the first framework portion and the second framework portion are separately shaped. Thereby, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle, the collision load is restrained from being concentrated on the second framework portion.

[0010] As a result, the vehicle front-portion framework structure in the present disclosure restrains the generation of the bending moment to the second framework portion at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle, and restrains the second framework portion from being deformed before the collision load is transferred to the rocker. Moreover, the vehicle front-portion framework structure in the present disclosure efficiently transfers the collision load from the first framework portion to the rocker side through the second framework portion.

[0011] Since the first framework portion and the second framework portion are integrally shaped, the number of components is reduced. Furthermore, the loss in the load transfer from the first framework portion to the rocker through the second framework portion is reduced, and thereby, load transfer performance is enhanced.3

[0012] Here, the term "frontal collision of the vehicle" is a concept that includes offset collisions, oblique collisions, and small overlap collisions, as well as so-called full- wrap front surface collisions.

[0013] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the second framework portion may include: a wall portion that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle height direction; and a plurality of ribs that is erected on the outer side of the wall portion in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] Since the second framework portion includes the wall portion and the ribs in this way, the weight of the vehicle front-portion framework structure is reduced compared to a case where the rigidity is enhanced by the increase in the plate thickness of the second framework portion. Furthermore, the rigidity of the second framework portion that is a framework member is enhanced.

[0015] Further, the die-releasing direction of a die for shaping the first framework portion and the second framework portion is the vehicle width direction. Therefore, a shaped member constituted by the first framework portion and the second framework portion is easily released from the die, because the ribs are erected on the outer side of the wall portion in the vehicle width direction. Further, it is not necessary to provide a slide core or the like for forming the ribs, so that the cost for a die mechanism is reduced.

[0016] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of a lower end portion of the first framework portion in the vehicle height direction and a lower end portion of the second framework portion in the vehicle height direction may be an extension portion that is joined to a front end portion of a rocker in the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the rocker may extend in the vehicle front-rear direction on the outer side of a vehicle cabin in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] The rocker is a framework member that has a high rigidity. Therefore, since the lower end portion of at least one of the first framework portion and the second framework portion is the extension portion that is joined to the rocker, the rigidity of the lower end portion of at least one of the first framework portion and the second framework portion is enhanced. This structure restrains the deformation of the lower end portion of at least one of the first framework portion and the second framework portion, and effectively4 transfers the collision load from the lower end portion of at least one of the first framework portion and the second framework portion to the rocker side through the extension portion, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0018] The extension portion may be included in the first framework portion, or may be included in the second framework portion. Furthermore, the extension portion may be included in the first framework portion and the second framework portion.

[0019] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first framework portion may include a first horizontal rib that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction. The ribs of the second framework portion may include a second horizontal rib that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction. The first horizontal rib is roughly aligned with the second horizontal rib in vehicle lateral view.

[0020] Therefore, the structure of the second framework portion transfers the collision load transferred to the first horizontal rib, to the second horizontal rib, and transfers the collision load toward the vehicle rearward side through the second horizontal rib along the vehicle front-rear direction, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0021] Here, the "disposed on a roughly identical straight line" means that the first horizontal rib and at least a part of the second horizontal rib are disposed so as to overlap as viewed from a vehicle forward side, and means that a state where the first horizontal rib and the second horizontal rib do not overlap is excluded.

[0022] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the ribs may include a downwardly inclined rib that is inclined downwardly in the vehicle height direction toward a rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0023] Therefore, the structure of the second framework portion transfers the collision load toward the downward side in the vehicle height direction, through the downwardly inclined rib, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0024] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the ribs may include a plurality of horizontal ribs that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a front end or a rear end of at least one horizontal rib of the horizontal ribs may intersect with the downwardly inclined rib.5

[0025] This vehicle front-portion framework structure distributes the collision load transferred to the second framework portion, to the horizontal ribs and the downwardly inclined rib, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle. Further, when the rear end of the horizontal rib intersects with the downwardly inclined rib, the collision load transferred in the vehicle front-rear direction through the horizontal rib can be transferred to the downward side in the vehicle height direction toward the rearward side in the vehicle front-rear direction, through the downwardly inclined rib.

[0026] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the second framework portion may include an outer edge wall that is erected at an outer edge of the second framework portion. Further, the outer edge wall may be erected on the outer side of the wall portion in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] Since the second framework portion includes the outer edge wall at the outer edge of the second framework portion in this way, the rigidity of the second framework portion is enhanced compared to a case where the outer edge wall is not included.

[0028] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a lower portion of the second framework portion in the vehicle height direction may have a higher rigidity than other regions.

[0029] This vehicle front-portion structure restrains the deformation of the lower portion of the second framework portion and transfers the collision load to the rocker side, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle. The rigidity of the second framework portion may be enhanced at the lower portion of the second framework portion, for example, by increasing the plate thickness compared to other regions, by providing a rib, or by increasing the plate thickness compared to other regions and further providing a rib.

[0030] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a wall portion of the second framework portion may include a thick portion that has a relatively larger plate thickness than other regions.

[0031] Thereby, the weight of the vehicle front-portion framework structure is reduced, and the transfer efficiency of the collision load at the time of the collision of the vehicle is enhanced.

[0032] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the ratio of the thick portion to the wall portion may be higher at a lower portion of the second framework portion in the vehicle height direction6 than at an upper portion of the second framework portion in the vehicle height direction.

[0033] Thereby, the deformation of the lower portion of the second framework portion at the time of the collision of the vehicle is restrained, and the collision load is surely transferred to the rocker side.

[0034] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the extension portion may include a first joining portion that is joined to the rocker in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] In this case, the first joining portion may be joined to the inner side of the rocker in the vehicle width direction, or may be joined to the outer side of the rocker in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the first joining portion may be joined to the inner side and outer side of the rocker in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the extension portion may include a second joining portion that is joined to the rocker in the vehicle height direction.

[0037] In this case, the second joining portion may be joined to the upper side of the rocker in the vehicle height direction, or may be joined to the lower side of the rocker in the vehicle height direction. Furthermore, the second joining portion may be joined to the upper side and lower side of the rocker in the vehicle height direction.

[0038] In the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the extension portion may include a vertical wall portion that abuts on a front end of the rocker in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0039] Therefore, at the rocker and the extension portion, the positioning in the vehicle front-rear direction is performed. Further, since the vertical wall portion is provided at the extension portion, the rigidities of the first joining portion and the second joining portion are enhanced.

[0040] As described above, the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the present disclosure efficiently transfers the collision load form the wheel house to the rocker at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of7 exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like signs denote like elements, and wherein:FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle in which a vehicle front-portion framework structure according to an embodiment is applied, as viewed from a forward and upward side in a diagonally vehicle-left direction;FIG. 2 is a lateral view that shows the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment;FIG. 3 is an enlarged principal-part lateral view that shows a principal part in FIG. 2 in an enlarged manner;FIG. 4 is an enlarged principal-part lateral view that shows the thickness of a front pillar constituting a part of the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment, and that corresponds to FIG. 3;FIG. 5 is a lateral view that shows a modification of the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment, and that corresponds to FIG. 2;FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view that shows the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment and a front portion of a rocker, as viewed from a rearward and upward side in the diagonally vehicle-left direction;FIG. 7 is a perspective view that shows a state where an extension portion provided in the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment and the rocker are joined, as viewed from the rearward and upward side in the diagonally vehicle-left direction;FIG. 8 is a perspective view that shows a joining portion between the extension portion provided in the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment and the rocker, as viewed from a forward side in the diagonally vehicle direction; andFIG. 9 is a perspective view that shows the joining portion between the extension portion provided in the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment and the rocker, as viewed from an inner and upward side in a vehicle width direction.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0042] A vehicle front-portion framework structure according to an embodiment of8 the present disclosure will be described below with use of the drawings. An arrow FR, which is shown in the figures when necessary, indicates a front side in a vehicle front-rear direction, and an arrow UP indicates an upper side in a vehicle height direction. An arrow LH indicates a left side in a vehicle width direction, and in the embodiment, indicates an outer side in the vehicle width direction. Hereinafter, front and rear sides, upper and lower sides, and right and left sides that are merely used for the description of directions show front and rear sides in the vehicle front-rear direction, upper and lower sides in the vehicle height direction, and right and left sides in the vehicle right-left direction (vehicle width direction), unless otherwise noted.Configuration of Vehicle Front-Portion Framework Structure

[0043] First, the configuration of the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment will be described.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle overall view showing frameworks of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle, a fuel cell electric vehicle, or the like that travels using the dynamic power generated in a power unit, although not illustrated.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 10 in which a vehicle front-portion framework structure 12 according to the embodiment is applied is provided with wheel houses 14 in which wheels (not illustrated) are disposed, on right and left sides of a vehicle front portion, respectively. The right-side wheel house (first framework portion) 14 and the left-side wheel house (first framework portion) 14 are connected by a cross member (first framework portion) 16. An apron upper member 18 extends along the vehicle front-rear direction, at an upper end of each wheel house 14, and a suspension tower 20 is provided on the inner side of the apron upper member 18 in the vehicle width direction.

[0046] Further, front pillars (second framework portion) 22 that constitute lateral portions of the vehicle front portion are provided on the rearward sides of the wheel houses 14, respectively. Furthermore, to a rear portion side of a lower end portion 22A of each front pillar 22, a rocker 24 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and that constitutes a framework of a vehicle body lateral portion is joined through a later-described joining portion 26.

[0047] In the embodiment, for example, a cross-section shape when the rocker 24 is cut along the vehicle width direction is a roughly rectangular shape. Moreover, as shown9 in FIG. 6, the rocker 24 is configured to include an inner wall portion 28 that is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, an outer wall portion 30 that is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, an upper wall portion 32 that connects an upper end of the inner wall portion 28 and an upper end of the outer wall portion 30, and a lower wall portion 34 that connects an lower end of the inner wall portion 28 and a lower end of the outer wall portion 30. Further, in the embodiment, end portions of a rocker cross member 29 that extends in the vehicle width direction are joined to front ends 25 of the right and left rockers 24. The cross member 16 can be joined to the rocker cross member 29.

[0048] In the embodiment, the right and left wheel houses 14 and cross member 16 shown in FIG. 1 constitute a first framework portion 36, and the front pillars 22 constitute a second framework portion 38. The first framework portion 36 and the second framework portion 38 are integrally shaped by casting, using an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or the like as a material (monobloc member 40).

[0049] In the monobloc member 40 in the embodiment, because of the structure of a die, the die is slid to the outer side in the vehicle width direction, for forming surfaces on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, on the wheel house 14 and the front pillar 22. Therefore, in the embodiment, the wheel house 14 and the front pillar 22 are formed such that the outer side in the vehicle width direction is opened.

[0050] In the embodiment, each of the wheel house 14, the cross member 16, and the front pillar 22 is a region that constitutes a part of the monobloc member 40. Therefore, strictly speaking, the wheel house 14 is a wheel house portion of the monobloc member 40, the cross member 16 is a cross member portion of the monobloc member 40, and the front pillar 22 is a front pillar portion of the monobloc member 40. However, for convenience sake, the embodiment will be described with use of the wheel house 14, the cross member 16, and the front pillar 22.Wheel House

[0051] First, the wheel house 14 as the first framework portion 36 in the embodiment will be described.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the wheel house 14 includes an inner wall portion 42 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle height direction. At a front end of the inner wall portion1042, a front wall portion 44 that extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle height direction projects toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] At the upper end of the wheel house 14, the apron upper member 18 is provided as described above, and at a lower portion of the wheel house 14, a side member portion 46 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. That is, in the embodiment, the side member portion 46 is provided integrally with the wheel house 14.

[0054] On the forward side of the side member portion 46, a crash box 48 is provided along the vehicle front-rear direction. The crash box 48 takes a role as an impact absorbing member, and at a front end of the crash box 48, a front bumper 50 extends in the vehicle width direction.Side Member Portion

[0055] The side member portion 46 is configured to include an upper wall portion 52 and lower wall portion 54 each of which extends along the vehicle front-rear direction, and a lateral wall portion 56 is provided between the upper wall portion 52 and the lower wall portion 54.

[0056] The lateral wall portion 56 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, roughly parallel to the upper wall portion 52 and the lower wall portion 54, and each of the upper wall portion 52, the lower wall portion 54, and the lateral wall portion 56 is erected on the outer side of the inner wall portion 42 of the wheel house 14 in the vehicle width direction. The upper wall portion 52, the lower wall portion 54, and the lateral wall portion 56 are formed along the vehicle front-rear direction, so as to have roughly the same plate thickness.

[0057] Further, in the embodiment, between the upper wall portion 52 and the lateral wall portion 56, a plurality of vertical ribs 58 provided along the vehicle height direction is arrayed along the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, between the lateral wall portion 56 and the lower wall portion 54, a plurality of vertical ribs 60 provided along the vehicle height direction is arrayed along the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0058] Each of the vertical ribs 58 and the vertical ribs 60 is erected on the outer side of the inner wall portion 42 of the wheel house 14 in the vehicle width direction. Further, the vertical ribs 58 and the vertical ribs 60 have roughly the same plate thickness, and the vertical ribs 58 and the vertical ribs 60 are disposed on the vehicle upper and lower11 sides of the lateral wall portion 56.High-Rigidity Portion

[0059] Next, a high-rigidity portion 62 provided on the rearward side of the side member portion 46 will be described.

[0060] The high-rigidity portion 62 has a rigidity higher than or equal to the rigidity of the side member portion 46, projects toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction while extending toward the vehicle rearward side, and is configured to include an inner wall portion 64 that is formed by being curved so as to be convex toward the vehicle rearward side.

[0061] Further, in the embodiment, the length of the high-rigidity portion 62 in the vehicle front-rear direction is about half of the length of the side member portion 46 in the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the high-rigidity portion 62 is drooped to the downward side of the side member portion 46, and has a higher cross-section height in the vehicle height direction than the side member portion 46.

[0062] In the embodiment, at a front end of the high-rigidity portion 62, a vertical wall portion 66 that is connected to the side member portion 46 in the vehicle front-rear direction and that extends in the vehicle height direction and the vehicle width direction is provided. On the other hand, at a rear end of the high-rigidity portion 62, a rear wall portion 68 that constitutes a part of the outer shape of the wheel house 14 and that is formed in an arc shape in lateral view along the shape of the wheel house 14 is provided. Each of the vertical wall portion 66 and the rear wall portion 68 is erected on the outer side of the inner wall portion 64 of the wheel house 14 in the vehicle width direction.

[0063] Further, at the high-rigidity portion 62, between the vertical wall portion 66 and the rear wall portion 68, an upper wall portion 70 (first horizontal rib), a first lateral wall portion 72, and a second lateral wall portion 74 that are respectively connected to the upper wall portion 52, lateral wall portion 56, and lower wall portion 54 of the side member portion 46 across the vertical wall portion 66 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0064] Furthermore, between the vertical wall portion 66 and the rear wall portion 68, a third lateral wall portion 76 (first horizontal rib) extends in the vehicle front-rear direction on the downward side of the second lateral wall portion 74, and a lower wall portion 78 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction on the downward side of the third12 lateral wall portion 76. The upper wall portion 70, the first lateral wall portion 72, and the like are also erected on the outer side of the inner wall portion 42 of the wheel house 14 in the vehicle width direction, similarly to the vertical wall portion 66 and the rear wall portion 68.

[0065] As described above, the high-rigidity portion 62 is drooped to the downward side of the side member portion 46. Therefore, there is a height difference between the lower wall portion 54 of the side member portion 46 and the lower wall portion 78 of the high-rigidity portion 62. For making up the height difference, a triangular portion 80 having a triangular shape in vehicle lateral view is provided on the downward side of the lower wall portion 54 of the side member portion 46. Moreover, a rear end of the triangular portion 80 is connected to the vertical wall portion 66 of the high-rigidity portion 62.

[0066] In this way, the high-rigidity portion 62 has a higher cross-section height in the vehicle height direction than the side member portion 46, and therefore, has a larger second moment of area than the side member portion 46. Thereby, the high-rigidity portion 62 has a higher bending rigidity than the side member portion 46, and can restrain the deformation.

[0067] Further, at the high-rigidity portion 62, a downwardly inclined rib 82 that inclines to a vehicle downward side toward the rearward side in the vehicle front-rear direction and an upwardly inclined rib 84 that inclines to a vehicle upward side toward the rearward side in the vehicle front-rear direction are provided at an interval between the upper wall portion 70 and the first lateral wall portion 72. Moreover, each of the downwardly inclined rib 82 and the upwardly inclined rib 84 is erected on the outer side of the inner wall portion 42 of the wheel house 14 in the vehicle width direction.

[0068] Furthermore, similarly to the interval between the upper wall portion 70 and the first lateral wall portion 72, downwardly inclined ribs 82 and upwardly inclined ribs 84 are provided at an interval between the second lateral wall portion 74 and the third lateral wall portion 76 and an interval between the third lateral wall portion 76 and the lower wall portion 78, respectively. That is, the high-rigidity portion 62 has a truss structure in which a plurality of downwardly inclined ribs 82 and a plurality of upwardly inclined ribs 84 are provided.

[0069] Further, a first boss 86 having a roughly columnar shape is erected from the inner wall portion 42 of the wheel house 14, at each of intersection points between the upwardly inclined rib 84 and downwardly inclined rib 82 and the first lateral wall portion 7213 and second lateral wall portion 74 and an intersection point between the vertical wall portion 66 and the second lateral wall portion 74.

[0070] The first bosses 86 serve as bases on which unillustrated pushing pins abut. The pushing pins are used when the monobloc member 40 including the wheel house 14 is released from the die at the time of the shaping of the monobloc member 40. Therefore, the first bosses 86 are disposed so as to deviate from each other in the vehicle front-rear direction without overlapping in the vehicle height direction, for releasing the monobloc member 40 from the die in a balanced way.

[0071] The positions of the first bosses 86 can be appropriately altered depending on the mass balance of the monobloc member 40. Further, the first bosses 86 may be used as bases for the fastening with other components, in addition to the function as the bases on which the pushing pins abut.Front Pillar

[0072] Next, the front pillar 22 as the second framework portion 38 in the embodiment will be described.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the front pillar 22 is shaped integrally with the wheel house 14 as the first framework portion 36. The front pillar 22 is provided rearward of the wheel house 14 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and extends in the vehicle height direction. The front pillar 22 includes a wall portion 88 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle height direction.

[0074] Further, for example, the front pillar 22 is configured to include an upper wall portion (outer edge wall) 90 that constitutes an upper end of the front pillar 22 and that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and a lower wall portion (outer edge wall) 92 that constitutes a lower end of the front pillar 22 and that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The upper wall portion 90 and the lower wall portion 92 are erected on the outer side of the wall portion 88 in the vehicle width direction.

[0075] A front end of the upper wall portion 90 and a front end of the lower wall portion 92 are connected by a front wall portion (outer edge wall) 94 that extends roughly in the vehicle height direction. The front wall portion 94 of the front pillar 22 constitutes a rear end (the rear wall portion 68 of the high-rigidity portion 62) of the wheel house 14, and therefore, is formed in an arc shape in lateral view, along the shape of the wheel house 14.14At an upper end portion of the front wall portion 44, a vertical wall portion (outer edge wall) 98 is formed along the vehicle height direction in lateral view.

[0076] On the other hand, a rear end of the upper wall portion 90 and a rear end of the lower wall portion 92 are connected by a rear wall portion (outer edge wall) 96 that extends roughly in the vehicle height direction. In the following description, the upper wall portion 90, the lower wall portion 92, the front wall portion 94, the vertical wall portion 98, and the rear wall portion 96 are sometimes referred to as an outer edge wall 23, for convenience sake.

[0077] Further, the lower wall portion 92 of the front pillar 22 is connected to the third lateral wall portion 76 of the high-rigidity portion 62 of the wheel house 14, along the vehicle front-rear direction, across the front wall portion 94. That is, the downward side of the third lateral wall portion 76 of the high-rigidity portion 62 of the wheel house 14 peeks out from the lower wall portion 92 of the front pillar 22.

[0078] Moreover, in the embodiment, the lower wall portion 92 of the front pillar 22 constitutes a part of the joining portion 26 that is joined to the rocker 24, and can be connected to the upper wall portion 32 of the rocker 24 while abutting. Further, a lower end portion of the rear wall portion 68 of the high-rigidity portion 62 can abut on the front end 25 of the rocker 24 as a front wall portion 100.

[0079] The rear wall portion 96 of the front pillar 22 constitutes a part of a door opening portion 27 for an unillustrated side door. Therefore, the lower end portion of the rear wall portion 96 extends toward the vehicle rearward side along the shape of the door opening portion 27 (extension portion 97). The extension portion 97 is joined to a front end portion 24A of the rocker 24 (the later-described joining portion 26).

[0080] Further, an inner wall portion (first joining portion 102) that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided from an inner end of the lower wall portion 92 of the front pillar 22 in the vehicle width direction. The inner wall portion 102 is connected to the front wall portion 100, and can abut on the inner wall portion 28 of the rocker 24.

[0081] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the embodiment, an opening portion 104 having a rectangular shape in which the longitudinal direction is the vehicle height direction is formed at a roughly central portion of the front pillar 22 in the vehicle height direction. At a circumferential portion of the opening portion 104, a rectangular rib 106 is erected. Further, second bosses 108 having a roughly cylindrical15 shape and third bosses 110 having a roughly columnar shape are erected from the wall portion 88 of the front pillar 22.

[0082] The second boss 108 has a larger diameter than the third boss 110. A larger number of second bosses 108 are provided on the outer edge wall 23 side of the front pillar 22, and a larger number of third bosses 110 are provided on the inner side of the front pillar 22 compared to the second bosses 108.

[0083] Further, gaps are provided at intervals between the second bosses 108 and the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22 and intervals between the third bosses 110 and the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22, and the second bosses 108 and the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22 are connected by coupling ribs 112, respectively.

[0084] Furthermore, horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123 that extend roughly horizontally along the vehicle front-rear direction are provided at an interval between the vertical wall portion 98 and rear wall portion 96 of the front pillar 22 and an interval between the front wall portion 94 and rear wall portion 96 of the front pillar 22.

[0085] Each of the coupling ribs 112 and the horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123 is erected on the outer side of the wall portion 88 of the front pillar 22 in the vehicle width direction. Further, the coupling ribs 112 and the horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123 are formed so as to have roughly the same plate thickness. The above description about the horizontal rib 114 and the like is applied also to a later -described downwardly inclined rib 124 and upwardly inclined rib 126.

[0086] A front end of the horizontal rib 114 is connected to the second boss 108. On the other hand, a rear end of the horizontal rib 114 is connected to a plurality of downwardly inclined ribs 124 that inclines to the vehicle downward side toward the rearward side in the vehicle front-rear direction and a plurality of upwardly inclined ribs 126 that inclines to the vehicle upward side toward the rearward side in the vehicle front-rear direction, and an intersecting portion 125 that intersects with the downwardly inclined ribs 124 and the upwardly inclined ribs 126 is provided.

[0087] Further, a plurality of upwardly inclined ribs 126 is provided between the horizontal rib 114 and the horizontal rib 116. Depending on the positions of the second boss 108 and the third boss 110, the second boss 108 may be provided at a distal end of the upwardly inclined rib 126, the third boss 110 may be provided at a rear end of the upwardly inclined rib 126, or the third boss 110 may be provided at the middle of the upwardly16 inclined rib 126.

[0088] Further, a plurality of downwardly inclined ribs 124 is provided between the horizontal rib 120 (second horizontal rib) and the horizontal rib 122. Furthermore, a downwardly inclined rib 124 and an upwardly inclined rib 126 are provided between the horizontal rib 122 and the horizontal rib 123 (second horizontal rib). The horizontal rib 120, the horizontal rib 123, and the upwardly inclined rib 126 are respectively connected to the upper wall portion 70, third lateral wall portion 76, and second lateral wall portion 74 of the high-rigidity portion 62, along the vehicle front-rear direction, across the front wall portion 94. A rear end of the upwardly inclined rib 126 is connected to the downwardly inclined rib 124.

[0089] As described above, the upper wall portion 70 and second lateral wall portion 74 of the high-rigidity portion 62 are respectively connected to the upper wall portion 52 (first horizontal rib) and lower wall portion 54 of the side member portion 46. That is, in the embodiment, the upper wall portion 52 of the side member portion 46, the upper wall portion 70 of the high-rigidity portion 62, and the horizontal rib 120 of the front pillar 22 are connected (disposed) on a roughly identical straight line in vehicle lateral view, along the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the lower wall portion 54 of the side member portion 46, the second lateral wall portion 74 of the high-rigidity portion 62, and the upwardly inclined rib 126 of the front pillar 22 are connected roughly along the vehicle front-rear direction. Furthermore, the upper wall portion 70 of the high-rigidity portion 62 and the horizontal rib 123 of the front pillar 22 are connected on a roughly identical straight line in vehicle lateral view, along the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0090] Moreover, in the embodiment, each of the front ends and rear ends of the horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123, the downwardly inclined ribs 124, and the upwardly inclined ribs 126 is connected to the second boss 108 or the third boss 110, and is connected to the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22 through the coupling rib 112.

[0091] Similarly to the first bosses 86, the second bosses 108 serve as bases on which unillustrated pushing pins abut. The pushing pins are used when the monobloc member 40 including the wheel house 14 is released from the die at the time of the shaping of the monobloc member 40.

[0092] Therefore, the second bosses 108 are formed at such heights that the second bosses 108 are roughly flush with the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22. On the other17 hand, the horizontal ribs 114, 116, and the like, the downwardly inclined ribs 124, and the upwardly inclined ribs 126 that are formed on the inner side of the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22 are formed so as to be lower than the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22. The front pillar 22 is a part of the monobloc member 40 that is integrally shaped by casting, and therefore, by the formation at lower heights than the outer edge wall 23, short shot (incomplete filling) due to misrun (poor metal flow) is prevented or restrained.Joining Portion

[0093] The joining portion 26 will be described.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 6 to 8, the joining portion 26 is provided on the rear portion side of the lower end portion 22A of the front pillar 22, and the front end portion 24A of the rocker 24 is joined through the joining portion 26.

[0095] The joining portion 26 is configured to include the front wall portion 100 including the lower end portion of the rear wall portion 68 of the high-rigidity portion 62, and the lower wall portion 92 and inner wall portion 102 of the front pillar 22. The front wall portion 100 and the lower wall portion 92 are formed so as to be connected to each other, and the inner wall portion 102 is connected to the cross member 16 side.

[0096] Moreover, the front wall portion 100 abuts on the front end 25 of the rocker 24, the lower wall portion 92 as the second joining portion abuts on the upper wall portion 32 of the rocker 24, and the inner wall portion 102 as the first joining portion abuts on the inner wall portion 28 of the rocker 24. Moreover, the joining portion 26 including the lower wall portion 92 and the inner wall portion 102 is joined to the front end portion 24A of the rocker 24, by an unillustrated bolt, welding, or the like.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the above-described extension portion 97 is provided at the rear end portion of the rear wall portion 96 of the front pillar 22. At the extension portion 97, a horizontal wall (second joining portion) 128 that can abut on the upper wall portion 32 of the rocker 24 is provided. A rivet 130 can be mounted on a distal end portion of the horizontal wall 128, and the horizontal wall 128 is joined to the upper wall portion 32 of the rocker 24 through the rivet 130.

[0098] The front pillar 22 constitutes a part of the door opening portion 27, and the lower end side of the rear wall portion 96 of the front pillar 22 extends toward the vehicle rearward side along the shape of the door opening portion 27. That is, an R-shape that18 protrudes toward the vehicle forward side and the vehicle downward side is adopted.

[0099] The lower end side of the rear wall portion 96 of the front pillar 22 is the extension portion 97 that is joined to the rocker 24, and therefore, the horizontal wall 128 that can abut on the upper wall portion 32 of the rocker 24 is formed at the extension portion 97. Therefore, a vertical wall portion 132 having a length corresponding to a height difference from the rear wall portion 96 is formed at a front end of the horizontal wall 128. Moreover, a plurality of triangular ribs 134 having a triangular shape in vehicle lateral view is formed between the vertical wall portion 132 and the horizontal wall 128, and the extension portion 97 is reinforced.Operation and Effect of Vehicle Front-Portion Framework Structure

[0100] Next, the operation and effect of the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the embodiment will be described.

[0101] In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle front-portion framework structure 12 includes the first framework portion 36 configured to include the right and left wheel houses 14 and the cross member 16 that extends in the vehicle width direction and that connects the right and left wheel houses 14, and the second framework portion 38 including the front pillar 22. Moreover, in the embodiment, the first framework portion 36 and the second framework portion 38 are integrally shaped.

[0102] That is, in the embodiment, the front pillar 22 is shaped integrally with the wheel house 14. Thereby, in the embodiment, the rigidity of the front pillar 22 can be enhanced compared to a case where the front pillar 22 is configured separately from the wheel house 14. Thereby, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10, it is possible to restrain the collision load from being concentrated on the front pillar 22, and in the embodiment, it is possible to restrain the generation of the bending moment to the front pillar 22 at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10.

[0103] The front pillar 22 is joined to the front end portion 25 of the rocker 24. Therefore, in the embodiment, since the generation of the bending moment is restrained at the front pillar 22, it is possible to restrain the front pillar 22 from being deformed before the collision load is transferred to the rocker 24, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10. As a result, in the embodiment, it is possible to efficiency transfer the collision load from the wheel house 14 to the rocker 24 side through the front pillar 22.19

[0104] Further, in the embodiment, the wheel house 14 and the front pillar 22 are integrally shaped by casting. Thereby, in the embodiment, fasteners for fastening the right and left wheel houses 14 and the front pillars 22 respectively are not necessary, and the number of components can be reduced. In other words, in the embodiment, without the increase in the number of components, the loss in the load transfer from the wheel house 14 to the rocker 24 through the front pillar 22 is reduced, and load transfer performance is enhanced.

[0105] Furthermore, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the front pillar 22 is configured to include the wall portion 88, and the upper wall portion 90, the lower wall portion 92, the front wall portion 94, and the rear wall portion 96 that constitute the outer edge wall 23. Thereby, in the embodiment, it is possible to enhance the rigidity of the front pillar 22 itself, compared to a case where the outer edge wall 23 is not provided.

[0106] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the front pillar 22 is configured to include the wall portion 88 and the ribs (the horizontal ribs 114, 116, the downwardly inclined ribs 124, and the like). Thereby, in the embodiment, it is possible to enhance the rigidity of the front pillar 22 itself, compared to a case where the ribs are not provided.

[0107] In the embodiment, the front pillar 22 is configured to include the wall portion 88, the outer edge wall 23, and the ribs (the horizontal ribs 114, 116, the downwardly inclined ribs 124, and the like), and the outer edge wall 23 and the ribs are connected to each other indirectly or directly. Thereby, it is possible to further enhance the rigidity of the front pillar 22 itself, as the framework member, while weight reduction is achieved, compared to a case where the rigidity is enhanced by the increase in the plate thickness of the front pillar 22.

[0108] Further, in the embodiment, the ribs are erected on the outer side of the wall portion 88 in the vehicle width direction. In the embodiment, the die-releasing direction of the die for shaping the wheel house 14 and the front pillar 22 shown in FIG. 1 is the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily release, from the die, the monobloc member 40 constituted by the wheel house 14 and the front pillar 22, because the ribs are erected from the wall portion 88 along the vehicle width direction.

[0109] Further, since the ribs are erected from the wall portion 88 along the vehicle width direction, it is not necessary to provide a slide core or the like for forming the ribs in the die, and it is possible to reduce the cost for a die mechanism.20

[0110] Furthermore, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, at the lower portion of the front pillar 22, the horizontal rib 120, the horizontal rib 123, and the upwardly inclined ribs 126 are respectively connected to the upper wall portion 70, third lateral wall portion 76, and second lateral wall portion 74 of the high-rigidity portion 62, along the vehicle front-rear direction, across the front wall portion 94. The upper wall portion 70 and second lateral wall portion 74 of the high-rigidity portion 62 are respectively connected to the upper wall portion 52 and lower wall portion 54 of the side member portion 46.

[0111] In the embodiment, the upper wall portion 52 of the side member portion 46, the upper wall portion 70 of the high-rigidity portion 62, and the horizontal rib 120 of the front pillar 22 are connected on a roughly identical straight line in vehicle lateral view, along the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the lower wall portion 54 of the side member portion 46, the second lateral wall portion 74 of the high-rigidity portion 62, and the upwardly inclined rib 126 of the front pillar 22 are connected roughly along the vehicle front-rear direction. Furthermore, the third lateral wall portion 76 of the high-rigidity portion 62 and the horizontal rib 123 of the front pillar 22 are connected on a roughly identical straight line in vehicle lateral view, along the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0112] That is, in the embodiment, the upper wall portion 52 of the side member portion 46, the upper wall portion 70 of the high-rigidity portion 62, and the horizontal rib 120 of the front pillar 22 are connected on a roughly identical straight line in vehicle lateral view, roughly along the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the third lateral wall portion 76 of the high-rigidity portion 62 and the horizontal rib 123 of the front pillar 22 are connected on a roughly identical straight line in vehicle lateral view, along the vehicle front-rear direction. Furthermore, the lower wall portion 54 of the side member portion 46, the second lateral wall portion 74 of the high-rigidity portion 62, and the upwardly inclined rib 126 of the front pillar 22 are connected roughly along the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0113] Thereby, in the embodiment, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10, the collision load transferred from the side member portion 46 to the high-rigidity portion 62 is surely transferred from the horizontal ribs 120, 123 to the horizontal ribs 120, 123 along the vehicle front-rear direction. Moreover, the collision load transferred to the horizontal ribs 120, 123 can be transferred to the vehicle rearward side of the front pillar 22 along the vehicle front-rear direction.21

[0114] Further, the collision load transferred from the side member portion 46 to the high-rigidity portion 62 can be transferred to the vehicle rearward side of the front pillar 22 through the upwardly inclined rib 126, so that load distribution can be achieved. For example, at the lower portion of the front pillar 22, the upwardly inclined rib 126 that has the front end connected to the front wall portion 94 is provided between the horizontal rib 120 and the horizontal rib 123, and the downwardly inclined rib 124 that bridges an interval between the horizontal rib 122 and the horizontal rib 123 is connected to the rear end of the upwardly inclined rib 126 through the third boss 110.

[0115] Thereby, in the embodiment, the collision load transferred to the upwardly inclined rib 126 by the horizontal rib 122 can be transferred to the vehicle rearward side, and the collision load transferred to the upwardly inclined rib 126 by the downwardly inclined rib 124 can be transferred to the vehicle downward side toward the vehicle rearward side.

[0116] The rear end of the downwardly inclined rib 124 is connected to the horizontal rib 123. The joining portion 26 including the lower wall portion 92 of the front pillar 22 to which the front end portion 24A of the rocker 24 is joined is provided on the downward side of the horizontal rib 123. Therefore, the collision load transferred through the downwardly inclined rib 124 can be effectively transferred to the rocker 24 side through the joining portion 26.

[0117] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, by the connection between ribs having different inclination angles, as exemplified by the connection between the horizontal ribs 114, 116, and the like and the downwardly inclined ribs 124 and the connection between the downwardly inclined ribs 124 and the upwardly inclined ribs 126, ribs can be reinforced by each other, the transferred collision load can be distributed, and the collision load can be restrained from being concentrated.

[0118] Further, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the extension portion 97 is provided at the lower end portion 22A of the front pillar 22, and the extension portion 97 is joined to the front end portion 24A of the rocker 24 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, on the outer side of the vehicle cabin 11 in the vehicle width direction. The rocker 24 itself is a framework member that has a high rigidity, and therefore, the rigidity of the lower end portion 22A of the front pillar 22 is enhanced because the extension portion 97 that is joined to the rocker 24 is provided at the lower end portion 22A of the front pillar 22.22

[0119] Accordingly, in the embodiment, it is possible to restrain the deformation of the lower end portion 22A of the front pillar 22, and to effectively transfer the collision load from the front pillar 22 to the rocker 24 side through the extension portion 97, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10. At the extension portion 97 itself that is provided at the lower end portion 22A of the front pillar 22, the rigidity may be enhanced by increasing the plate thickness compared to other regions or by providing a rib. Furthermore, the rigidity of the extension portion 97 itself may be enhanced by increasing the plate thickness compared to other regions and further providing a rib.

[0120] Furthermore, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the inner wall portion 102 as the first joining portion is provided at the extension portion 97. By the inner wall portion 102, the extension portion 97 is joined to the inner wall portion 28 of the rocker 24 in the vehicle width direction.

[0121] Further, in the embodiment, the horizontal wall 128 as the second joining portion is provided at the extension portion 97. By the horizontal wall 128, the extension portion 97 is joined to the upper wall portion 32 of the rocker 24 in the vehicle height direction. Further, the triangular ribs 134 are provided on the horizontal wall 128. Thereby, the rigidity of the horizontal wall 128 can be enhanced.

[0122] Furthermore, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the front wall portion 100 is provided at the extension portion 97, and the front wall portion 100 can abut on the front end of the rocker 24. Therefore, the positioning in the vehicle front-rear direction can be performed by the rocker 24 and the extension portion 97 of the front pillar 22. Further, since the front wall portion 100 is provided at the extension portion 97, the rigidities of the inner wall portion 102 and the lower wall portion 92 can be enhanced.

[0123] As described above, the rigidity of the extension portion 97 is enhanced, and thereby, a high rigidity is obtained at the joining portion 26. As a result, the level of the vibration to the rocker 24 decreases, so that the pitching of the vehicle 10 can be restrained.

[0124] In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the front pillar 22, the horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123 that extend roughly horizontally along the vehicle front-rear direction are provided. Therefore, in the embodiment, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10, in the front pillar 22, the collision load can be transferred toward the vehicle rearward side through the horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123.

[0125] Further, in the embodiment, in the front pillar 22, the downwardly inclined23 ribs 124 that incline to the vehicle downward side toward the vehicle rearward side are provided. Therefore, in the embodiment, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10, in the front pillar 22, the collision load can be transferred toward the vehicle downward side through the downwardly inclined rib 124.

[0126] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, in the front pillar 22, the intersecting portion 125 where the horizontal rib 114 intersects with the downwardly inclined rib 124 and the upwardly inclined rib 126 is provided. Since the horizontal rib 114 intersects with the downwardly inclined rib 124 and the upwardly inclined rib 126 in this way, the rigidities of the downwardly inclined rib 124, the upwardly inclined rib 126 and the horizontal rib 114 themselves are enhanced.

[0127] Further, in the embodiment, in the front pillar 22, ribs having different inclination angles are connected to each other through the intersecting portion 125, and thereby, the collision load can be distributed at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10.

[0128] Although the plate thickness of the wall portion 88 of the front pillar 22 has not been particularly mentioned in the above description, the plate thickness may be varied depending on regions on the front pillar 22, as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, dot portions (thick portions) 136 shown by fine dots are formed so as to have a larger plate thickness than white space portions 138 shown by white spaces, and in the embodiment, the area (ratio) of the dot portion 136 is larger at a lower portion side of the front pillar 22 than at an upper portion side of the front pillar 22. In other words, the ratio of the thick portion 136 to the wall portion 88 of the front pillar 22 is higher at a lower portion side of the second framework portion 38 in the vehicle height direction than at an upper portion side of the second framework portion 38 in the vehicle height direction.

[0129] In the embodiment, since the thick portion 136 having a relatively larger plate thickness (thickness) than other regions is partially provided in the front pillar 22, it is possible to achieve weight reduction, to partially increase the rigidity, and to enhance the transfer efficiency of the collision load at the time of the collision of the vehicle 10.

[0130] Further, in the embodiment, in the front pillar 22, the extension portion 97 side has a higher rigidity than other regions. Thereby, in the embodiment, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10, the deformation of the extension portion 97 is restrained, and the collision load is surely transferred to the rocker 24 side.

[0131] Accordingly, in the embodiment, since the ratio of the thick portion 136 is24 higher at the lower portion side of the front pillar 22 than at the upper portion side of the front pillar 22, the deformation of the lower portion side of the front pillar 22 can be restrained, and the collision load can be surely transferred to the rocker 24 side.Modification of Embodiment

[0132] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, in the front pillar 22, the downwardly inclined ribs 124 and the upwardly inclined ribs 126 are provided with respect to the horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123 that extend roughly horizontally along the vehicle front-rear direction, but the shapes of the ribs are not limited to them.

[0133] For example, shapes shown in FIG. 5 may be adopted. In FIG. 5, horizontal ribs 158, 160, 162, 164 and a lower wall portion 166 that extend roughly horizontally along the vehicle front-rear direction are provided from a vertical wall portion 152 and a front wall portion 154 to a rear wall portion 156 in a front pillar 150.

[0134] A plurality of downwardly inclined ribs 168 intersects with the horizontal ribs 158, 160, 162, 164, and the upwardly inclined rib 126 shown in FIG. 2 is not provided. The downwardly inclined ribs 168 have roughly the same inclination angle, and a rear end of each downwardly inclined rib 168 is connected to the rear wall portion 156 or the lower wall portion 166. The downwardly inclined ribs 168 do not always need to have the same inclination angle.

[0135] As described above, in the embodiment, the rear end of the downwardly inclined rib 168 is connected to the rear wall portion 156 or the lower wall portion 166. A lower end portion of the rear wall portion 156 of the front pillar 150 constitutes an extension portion 170, and is connected to the front end portion 24A of the rocker 24. Further, the lower wall portion 166 of the front pillar 150 is also connected to the front end portion 24A of the rocker 24.

[0136] Accordingly, in the embodiment, the collision load transferred to the front pillar 150 through the horizontal ribs 158, 160, 162, 164 along the vehicle height direction can be transferred to the front end portion 24A side of the rocker 24 through the downwardly inclined rib 168.

[0137] Further, in the embodiment, the horizontal ribs 162, 164 and the lower wall portion 166 (second horizontal ribs) that are formed in the front pillar 150 are respectively connected to the upper wall portion 70, the second lateral wall portion 74, and the third25 lateral wall portion 76 that serve as first horizontal ribs of the high-rigidity portion 62, on a roughly identical straight line in vehicle lateral view, along the vehicle front-rear direction. Accordingly, in the embodiment, at the time of frontal collision of the vehicle 10, the collision load transferred from the side member portion 46 to the high-rigidity portion 62 can be surely transferred toward the rearward side in the vehicle front-rear direction through the horizontal ribs 162, 164 and the lower wall portion 166, and can be transferred to the front end portion 24A side of the rocker 24 through the downwardly inclined rib 168.Supplemental Explanation about Embodiment

[0138] In the above embodiment, the monobloc member 40 has been described with the example in which the right and left wheel houses 14 and the cross member 16 are integrally shaped by casting as shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this.

[0139] For example, although not illustrated, a right-side casted member in which the wheel house 14 on the right side and the right half of the cross member 16 are integrally shaped by casting and a left-side casted member in which the wheel house 14 on the left side and the left half of the cross member 16 are integrally shaped by casting may be joined and integrated at a joining portion. In this case, the casted members can be formed so as to be smaller than the monobloc member 40, and therefore, the cost for a die mechanism including die equipment can be reduced.

[0140] At the joining portion, for example, a distal end of the right half of the cross member 16 and a distal end of the left half of the cross member 16 are joined so as to overlap in the vehicle front-rear direction or the vehicle height direction. Further, the distal end of the right half of the cross member 16 and the distal end of the left half of the cross member 16 may be joined by another member, in a state where the distal end of the right half of the cross member 16 and the distal end of the left half of the cross member 16 abut on each other.

[0141] Further, in the embodiment, the front bumper 50 and the crash box 48 have been described as separate components, but the front bumper 50 and the crash box 48 may be integrated. Further, in the embodiment, the side member portion 46 and the crash box 48 have been described as separate components, but the side member portion 46 and the crash box 48 may be integrally shaped. In this case, the side member portion 46 is shaped so as to extend toward the vehicle forward side.

[0142] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the side member portion 46 is shaped26 integrally with the wheel house 14, but does not always need to be integrally shaped. The side member portion 46 may be fixed to the downward side of the wheel house 14, as another member. In this case, different materials between the wheel house 14 and the side member portion 46 can be used.

[0143] Further, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, in the side member portion 46, the vertical ribs 58 and the vertical ribs 60 are disposed on the vehicle upper and lower sides of the lateral wall portion 56, but are not limited to this. For example, the vertical rib 58 and the vertical rib 60 may be different in the position in the vehicle front-rear direction, or the vertical ribs 58, 60 may be inclined ribs that intersect with a straight line along the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0144] Further, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, in the front pillar 22, the inner wall portion 102 as the first joining portion is provided at the extension portion 97, but the first joining portion is not limited to the inner wall portion 102. For example, although not illustrated, an outer wall portion that is joined to the outer wall portion 30 of the rocker 24 may be provided at the extension portion 97. Furthermore, an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion that are respectively joined to the inner wall portion 28 and outer wall portion 30 of the rocker 24 may be provided at the extension portion 97.

[0145] Further, in the embodiment, the horizontal wall 128 as the second joining portion is provided at the extension portion 97, but the second joining portion is not limited to the horizontal wall 128. For example, although not illustrated, an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion that are joined to the upper wall portion 32 and lower wall portion 34 of the rocker 24 may be provided at the extension portion 97.

[0146] That is, although the inner wall portion 102 as the first joining portion and the horizontal wall 128 as the second joining portion are provided at the extension portion 97 in the embodiment, one of the first joining portion and the second joining portion may be provided depending on the shape of the extension portion 97.

[0147] In the embodiment, for explanatory convenience, the extension portion 97 has been described as being provided at the front pillar 22, but is not limited to this. For example, in the case where there is no clear distinction between the wheel house 14 and the front pillar 22, the extension portion 97 is provided in a framework portion including the wheel house 14 and the front pillar 22. In this case, the extension portion 97 is sometimes provided at the wheel house 14 as the framework portion.27

[0148] Further, in the embodiment, in the front pillar 22, the horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123, the downwardly inclined ribs 124, and the upwardly inclined ribs 126 are formed as a plurality of ribs. The front ends and rear ends of the ribs are connected to the second boss 108 or the third boss 110, and are connected to the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22 through the coupling ribs 112, but are not limited to this. That is, although not illustrated, the ribs may be formed so as to be connected directly to the outer edge wall 23 of the front pillar 22.

[0149] Further, in the embodiment, the horizontal ribs 114, 116, and the like, the downwardly inclined ribs 124, and the upwardly inclined ribs 126 are formed so as to have roughly the same plate thickness, but, without being limited to this, naturally, the plate thicknesses of the ribs may be changed depending on regions on the front pillar 22.

[0150] Furthermore, in the embodiment, it has been described that the horizontal ribs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123, the downwardly inclined ribs 124, the upwardly inclined ribs 126, and the like are provided and the thick portions 136 are partially provided in the wall portion 88 for enhancing the rigidity of the front pillar 22. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the wall portion 88 may be roughly uniformly formed. Further, the shapes of the ribs can be appropriately altered by the formation of the thick portion 136. That is, the rigidity can be adjusted for each region, by plate thickness and rib formation.

[0151] The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. Naturally, the embodiment and various modifications may be appropriately combined and used, and various aspects can be carried out without departing from the spirit of the preset disclosure.Supplement

[0152] An appropriate combination of the following configurations may be adopted as the vehicle front-portion framework structure according to the present disclosure.Configuration 1

[0153] A vehicle front-portion framework structure comprises: a first framework portion that includes right and left wheel houses and a cross member, the cross member connecting the right and left wheel houses in a vehicle width28 direction, the right and left wheel houses being provided integrally with the cross member; and a second framework portion that is provided integrally with the first framework portion, that is provided rearward of the first framework portion in a vehicle front-rear direction, and that extends in a vehicle height direction.Configuration 2

[0154] The second framework portion includes: a wall portion that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle height direction; and a plurality of ribs that is erected on an outer side of the wall portion in the vehicle width direction.Configuration 3

[0155] At least one of a lower end portion of the first framework portion in the vehicle height direction and a lower end portion of the second framework portion in the vehicle height direction includes an extension portion that is joined to a front end portion of a rocker in the vehicle front-rear direction; and the rocker extends in the vehicle front-rear direction on an outer side of a vehicle cabin in the vehicle width direction.Configuration 4

[0156] The first framework portion includes a first horizontal rib that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction; the ribs of the second framework portion include a second horizontal rib that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction; and the first horizontal rib is roughly aligned with the second horizontal rib in vehicle lateral view.Configuration 5

[0157] The ribs include a downwardly inclined rib that is inclined downwardly in the vehicle height direction toward a rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction.Configuration 629

[0158] The ribs include a plurality of horizontal ribs that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a front end or a rear end of at least one horizontal rib of the horizontal ribs intersects with the downwardly inclined rib.Configuration 7

[0159] The second framework portion includes an outer edge wall that is erected at an outer edge of the second framework portion; and the outer edge wall is erected on the outer side of the wall portion in the vehicle width direction.Configuration 8

[0160] A lower portion of the second framework portion in the vehicle height direction has a higher rigidity than other regions.Configuration 9

[0161] The second framework portion includes a wall portion; and the wall portion includes a thick portion that has a larger plate thickness than other regions of the wall portion.Configuration 10

[0162] A ratio of the thick portion to the wall portion is higher at a lower portion of the second framework portion in the vehicle height direction than at an upper portion of the second framework portion in the vehicle height direction.Configuration 11

[0163] The extension portion includes a first joining portion configured to be joined to the rocker in the vehicle width direction.Configuration 12

[0164] The extension portion includes a second joining portion configured to be joined to the rocker in the vehicle height direction.30Configuration 13

[0165] The extension portion includes a vertical wall portion configured to abut on a front end of the rocker in the vehicle front-rear direction.

Claims

31CLAIMS1. A vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) comprising: a first framework portion (36) that includes right and left wheel houses (14) and a cross member (16), the cross member (16) connecting the right and left wheel houses (14) in a vehicle width direction, the right and left wheel houses (14) being provided integrally with the cross member (16); and a second framework portion (38) that is provided integrally with the first framework portion (36), that is provided rearward of the first framework portion (36) in a vehicle front-rear direction, and that extends in a vehicle height direction.

2. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 1, wherein the second framework portion (38) includes: a wall portion (88) that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle height direction; and a plurality of ribs that is erected on an outer side of the wall portion (88) in the vehicle width direction.

3. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of a lower end portion of the first framework portion (36) in the vehicle height direction and a lower end portion of the second framework portion (38) in the vehicle height direction includes an extension portion (97) that is joined to a front end portion of a rocker (24) in the vehicle front-rear direction; and the rocker (24) extends in the vehicle front-rear direction on an outer side of a vehicle cabin (11) in the vehicle width direction.

4. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 2, wherein: the first framework portion (36) includes a first horizontal rib (70; 74; 76) that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction; the ribs of the second framework portion (38) include a second horizontal rib (120; 123; 162; 164; 166) that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction; and the first horizontal rib (70; 74; 76) is roughly aligned with the second horizontal rib32(120; 123; 162; 164; 166) in vehicle lateral view.

5. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 2, wherein the ribs include a downwardly inclined rib (124) that is inclined downwardly in the vehicle height direction toward a rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction.

6. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 5, wherein: the ribs include a plurality of horizontal ribs that extends roughly horizontally in the vehicle front-rear direction; and a front end or a rear end of at least one horizontal rib of the horizontal ribs intersects with the downwardly inclined rib (124).

7. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 2, wherein: the second framework portion (38) includes an outer edge wall (23) that is erected at an outer edge of the second framework portion (38); and the outer edge wall (23) is erected on the outer side of the wall portion (88) in the vehicle width direction.

8. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the second framework portion (38) in the vehicle height direction has a higher rigidity than other regions.

9. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 1, wherein: the second framework portion (38) includes a wall portion (88); and the wall portion (88) includes a thick portion (136) that has a larger plate thickness than other regions of the wall portion (88).

10. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 9, wherein a ratio of the thick portion (136) to the wall portion (88) is higher at a lower portion of the second framework portion (38) in the vehicle height direction than at an upper portion of the second framework portion (38) in the vehicle height direction.3311. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 3, wherein the extension portion (97) includes a first joining portion (102) configured to be joined to the rocker (24) in the vehicle width direction.

12. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 3, wherein the extension portion (97) includes a second joining portion (128) configured to be joined to the rocker (24) in the vehicle height direction.

13. The vehicle front-portion framework structure (12) according to claim 3, wherein the extension portion (97) includes a vertical wall portion (100) configured to abut on a front end of the rocker (24) in the vehicle front-rear direction.

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