JP4001071B2 - Vehicle front structure - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle front structure in which an air intake for cooling a radiator is provided in a bumper.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In conventional vehicles such as automobiles, an engine room is provided on the front side of the vehicle body, a radiator is disposed at the front end of the engine room, and a bumper extending in the vehicle width direction is attached to the front side of the radiator, that is, the front end of the vehicle body. There is something. Moreover, this bumper includes a bumper reinforcement that extends in the vehicle width direction and is attached to the lower part of the front end of the vehicle body, and a bumper facer that is attached to the bumper reinforcement so as to cover the bumper reinforcement. .
[0003]
By the way, it is known that an air intake for cooling the radiator is provided in the bumper fascia of such a vehicle, and a vent hole for introducing the air taken in from the air intake to the radiator is provided in the bumper reinforcement ( For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-16510
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, conventionally, the air introduced from the air intake of the bumper fascia was guided to the radiator through the vent hole of the bumper reinforcement, so the air of the bumper faucet provided just before the bumper reinforcement Only air from the intake could lead to the rear of the bumper reinforcement.
[0006]
In addition, since the vent holes are provided in the bumper reinforcement, a member such as an EA material (energy absorber material), that is, an impact load absorbing member, cannot be disposed before the bumper reinforcement.
[0007]
Furthermore, since the bumper reinforcement is configured to open a hole such as a ventilation hole, there is a problem that the opening area of the ventilation hole is limited in terms of ensuring strength and rigidity.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention can efficiently guide the air taken in from the air intake of the bumper fascia to the radiator side, and can arrange a member such as an impact load absorbing member in the bumper reinforcement. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle front structure that can sufficiently ensure the strength and rigidity of a bumper reinforcement.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the invention of claim 1 is characterized in that a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction and a bumper fascia attached to the bumper reinforcement so as to cover the bumper reinforcement are disposed in front of the radiator. In the vehicle front structure in which the air intake for cooling the radiator is provided in the bumper fascia, the bumper reinforcement is a left and right side drain force and a center rain force disposed between the left and right side drain forces. The center reinforcement includes a plurality of divided reinforcements that are divided into upper and lower parts, and at least one of the plurality of divided reinforcements is a foldable divided reinforcement provided so as to be foldable. Split reinforcement in the normal folded state Wherein the holding means for lifting has a front structure is provided a vehicle.
[0010]
【The invention's effect】
According to this invention, the air introduced from all the air intake ports provided in the bumper fascia can be guided to the radiator side. That is, even air taken from an air intake other than the air intake of the bumper fascia provided immediately before the bumper reinforcement can be guided to the radiator side.
[0011]
In addition, a member such as an impact load absorbing member can be disposed on the bumper reinforcement, and the strength and rigidity of the bumper reinforcement can be sufficiently secured.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Constitution]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an engine room on the front side of a vehicle such as an automobile, 2 denotes a radiator provided at a front end portion of the engine room 1, and 3 denotes a front side member provided on a side part of the engine room 1. The front side member 3 is provided in a pair of left and right as shown in FIGS. A bumper stay 4 is attached to the front end portion of the front side member 3 by a bolt and nut (not shown).
[0013]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a front bumper disposed on the front side of the radiator 1. The front bumper 5 includes a bumper reinforcement 6 extending in the vehicle width direction and a bumper facer 7 that covers the bumper reinforcement 6.
[0014]
A plurality of air intakes 8a, 8b, and 8c are provided at the upper portion of the front wall 7a of the bumper facer 7 as shown in FIG. In addition, a plurality of air intakes 9 a, 9 b, 9 c located below the bumper reinforcement 6 are provided on the lower side of the bumper facer 7. In addition, ribs 7b and 7c are provided between the air intake ports 9a and 9b and between the air intake ports 9b and 9c, respectively, for rectifying the air introduced and reinforcing the front wall.
[0015]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the bumper reinforcement 6 includes left and right side drain forces 10 and 10 and a center reinforcement 11 disposed between the side drain forces 10 and 10. The center reinforcement 11 includes a plurality of upper divisional reinforcements (folding division reinforcements) 12, middle divisional reinforcements 13, and lower divisional reinforcements (folding divisional reinforcements) 14 that are divided vertically.
[0016]
In addition, the middle divided reinforcement 13 is disposed at the center in the vertical direction, and the longitudinal sectional shape is formed in a square shape from the front wall 13a, the rear wall 13b, the upper wall 13c, and the lower wall 13d.
[0017]
In addition, the upper divided reinforcement 12 on the upper side of the middle divided reinforcement 13 includes a front link plate 12a, a rear link plate 12b, and an upper link plate 12c that extend in the vehicle width direction along the middle divided reinforcement 13 to both ends thereof.
[0018]
The front link plate 12a and the rear link plate 12b are attached to the front edge portion and the rear edge portion of the upper wall 13c of the divided reinforcement 13 via hinges 15 and 15 so that the base end portions can be pivoted back and forth. In addition, the front and rear edge portions of the upper link plate 12c are rotatably attached to the free end portions of the front link plate 12a and the rear link plate 12b via a hinge 15, respectively. With this configuration, the upper split reinforcement 12 is foldably provided on the upper wall 13c side.
[0019]
Similarly, the lower divided reinforcement 14 on the lower side of the middle divided reinforcement 13 has a front link plate 14a, a rear link plate 14b, and a lower link plate 14c that extend in the vehicle width direction along the middle divided reinforcement 13 to both ends thereof. .
[0020]
The front link plate 14a and the rear link plate 14b are attached to the front edge portion and the rear edge portion of the lower wall 13d of the divided reinforcement 13 via hinges 15 and 15 so that the base end portions can be pivoted back and forth. Moreover, the front edge and the rear edge of the lower link plate 14c are rotatably attached to the free ends of the front link plate 14a and the rear link plate 14b via a hinge 15. With this configuration, the lower split reinforcement 14 is foldable on the lower wall 13d side.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 4, the hinge 15 includes bearing brackets 16 and 17 that are respectively attached to adjacent members, and a hinge shaft 18 that is rotatably fitted to the bearing tube portions 16 a and 17 a of the bearing brackets 16 and 17. Have For example, when the adjacent members are the upper wall 13c and the rear link plate 12b, the plurality of bearing brackets 16 and 17 are arranged in the longitudinal direction (vehicle width direction) on the upper wall 13c and the rear link plate 12b as shown in FIG. Are alternately attached along each. 4 and 5 show the configuration of the hinge 15 in detail, but the other drawings schematically show the hinge 15 for convenience of illustration.
[0022]
Further, an EA material (input load absorbing member) 19 is attached to the front wall 13 a of the middle divided reinforcement 13.
[0023]
In such a state in which the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower lower divided force 14 of the center reinforcement 11 stand up, the air intakes 8a, 8b, 8c, and 9a are positioned on the front side of the center reinforcement 11. It has become.
[0024]
However, in the state where the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower lower divided force 14 are folded, only the air intake ports 8b and 8c described above are located immediately before the center reinforcement 11 as shown in FIG. The air intakes 8a and 9a are located above and below the center reinforcement 11, respectively.
[0025]
Even when the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower lower divided force 14 are folded and project forward from the middle divided reinforcement 13, the distance between the center reinforcement 11 and the front wall 7 a of the bumper facer 7 can be reduced. A space S through which air flows is formed.
[0026]
The bumper stays 4, 4 described above are disposed behind the side drain forces 10, 10 of the bumper reinforcement 6 having such a configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, mounting flanges 20 and 20 are integrally provided at the front end portions of the bumper stays 4 and 4 so as to extend toward each other (center side in the vehicle width direction).
[0027]
The mounting flange 20 is disposed across the rear wall 10a of the side drain force 10 and the rear wall 13b of the middle split reinforcement 13 and, as shown in FIG. 6, bolts 21 on the rear walls 10a and 13b. , 22.
[0028]
Moreover, the mounting flange 20 protrudes long on the rear wall 13b side (vehicle width direction center side) as shown in FIGS. Since the supporting strength of the protruding portion is lowered, the triangular reinforcing bracket 22 is welded and reinforced across the protruding portion of the mounting flange 20 toward the rear wall 13b and the side wall 4a of the bumper stay 4. Yes. The reinforcing bracket 22 is positioned at the approximate center in the vertical direction of the middle divided reinforcement 13.
[0029]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an upper holding means 23 for holding the upper divided reinforcement 12 in a folded state is interposed between the rear surface of the mounting flange 20 and the upper divided reinforcement 12. A lower holding means 23 ′ for holding the lower divided reinforcement 14 in a folded state is interposed between the back surface and the lower divided reinforcement.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper holding means 23 includes an L-shaped shaft support bracket 24 attached to the back surface of the mounting flange 20 and a protruding plate portion 24a of the shaft support bracket 24 in the vehicle width direction. A support shaft (support pin) 25 is provided.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the support shaft 25 has a head portion 25a provided at an end opposite to the vehicle width direction center portion side, and a spring receiving flange 25b provided at an intermediate portion. . Note that the tip end portion 25c of the support shaft 25 is formed in a tapered shape as shown in FIG.
[0032]
Further, the upper holding means 23 is a sector that is welded and fixed to the coil spring 26 interposed between the protruding portion 24a of the shaft support bracket 24 and the spring receiving flange 25b, and the rear link plate 12b of the upper split reinforcement 12. The support plate 27 has a shape. The coil spring 26 presses the head portion 25a against the protruding plate portion 24a, and holds the support shaft 25 in a state of protruding toward the center in the vehicle width direction.
[0033]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a shaft engagement hole 27a is formed in the support plate 27, and the tip end portion of the support shaft 25 is engaged with the shaft engagement hole 27a. . In this state, the upper divided reinforcement 12 is in a folded state as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, and the folded tip portion projects forward from the middle divided reinforcement 13. The structure of the lower holding means 23 ′ is substantially the same as that of the upper holding means 23 except that the support plate 27 is welded and fixed to the rear link plate 14 b of the lower divided reinforcement 14.
[Action]
Next, the operation of the front structure of the vehicle having such a configuration will be described.
[0034]
Normally, the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are folded toward the middle divided reinforcement 13 as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8A, and the tip portion is divided into the middle. Projecting forward from the reinforcement 13. This state is held by the upper holding means 23 and the lower holding means 24 in FIG.
[0035]
In this state, a space S is formed between the center reinforcement 11 and the front wall of the bumper facer 7. For this reason, the air introduced from the air intakes 8b and 8c corresponding to the bumper reinforcement 6 wraps around the outside of the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 as indicated by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. Will be guided to the radiator 3 side.
[0036]
At this time, the upper divisional reinforcement 12 and the lower divisional reinforcement 14 are folded toward the middle divisional reinforcement 13 so that the center reinforcement 11 is thinned in the vertical direction. Therefore, the air flow indicated by arrows A1 and A2 Therefore, the air introduced from the air intake ports 8b and 8c can be efficiently guided to the radiator 3 side.
[0037]
Moreover, in the case of the conventional bumper reinforcement, the air intake ports 8a and 9a are located on the front side of the bumper reinforcement. However, when the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are folded toward the middle divided reinforcement 13 as shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 8A, the air intakes 8a and 9a are in the center rain. Since it does not oppose the force 11, the air introduced from the air intake ports 8a and 9a can flow efficiently to the radiator 3 side without resistance.
[0038]
The air introduced from the air intakes 9 a, 9 b, 9 c below the bumper fascia 7 is directly guided to the lower part of the radiator 3 by the rectifying plates 7 a, 7 b, 7 c provided on the bumper fascia 7.
[0039]
In this way, all the air introduced from the air intake ports 8a to 8c and 9a to 9c flows to the radiator 3 side.
[0040]
By the way, when a rear load is input to the bumper facer 7 from the state in which the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are folded as shown in FIGS. The bumper facer 7 is deformed rearward, and an input load is input to the bumper stay 4 via the EA member 19, the middle split reinforcement 13 and the mounting flange 20. At this time, the EA member 19 EA member 19 is compressed and deformed through the bumper facer 7 as shown in FIG. 8B to absorb a part of the energy of the input load.
[0041]
Along with this, the upper divided force 12 and the lower divided force 14 are pushed backward, the upper divided force 12 is raised upward, and the lower divided force 14 is raised downward, and the holding means 23 , 23 'are rotated backward, and the tip of the support shaft 25 is pushed out of the engagement hole 27a of the support plate 27 against the spring force of the coil spring 26 by the action of the taper. .
[0042]
Then, after the compression of the EA member 19 is finally completed, the remaining part of the input load is transferred to the bumper stay 4 via the intermediate divided reinforcement 13 and the mounting flange 20 as shown in FIG. Entered.
[0043]
On the other hand, after the compression of the EA member 19 is finally finished, the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are rotated rearward, as shown in FIG. 8 (c). The rear wall 12b of the twelve and the rear wall 14b of the lower divided reinforcement 14 abut against the mounting flange 20 of the bumper stay 4, and the remaining input load inputted to the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 is attached to the mounting flange. 20 is input to the bumper stay 4.
[0044]
When the bumper stay 4 and the bumper reinforcement 6 are not deformed due to such an input load, the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 of the bumper reinforcement 6 are as shown in FIGS. The bumper reinforcement 6 can be returned to its original shape by folding it forward.
(Modification 1)
In the embodiment described above, the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are held in the folded state by the holding means 23, 23 '. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this.
[0045]
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a spring 28 such as a torsion spring is interposed between the upper wall 13c of the middle divided reinforcement 13 and the rear link plate 12b of the upper divided reinforcement 12, so that the upper divided reinforcement is inserted. 12 is folded, and a spring 29 such as a torsion spring is interposed between the lower wall 13d of the middle divided reinforcement 13 and the rear link plate 14b of the lower divided reinforcement 14, so that the lower divided reinforcement 14 May be folded.
[0046]
According to this configuration, the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are raised against the spring force of the springs 28 and 29 by the input load. And after this input load is lost, the upper division | segmentation reinforcement 12 and the lower division | segmentation reinforcement 14 will be automatically folded by the spring force of the springs 28 and 29. FIG.
(Modification 2)
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the tension coil spring 30 is held between the front edge portion of the upper link plate 12c of the upper divided force 12 and the front edge portion of the lower link plate 14c of the lower divided force force 14. The upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 may be held in a folded state.
[0047]
According to this configuration, the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are raised against the spring force of the tension coil spring 30 by the input load. Then, after the input load is lost, the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are automatically folded by the spring force of the tension coil spring 30.
(Modification 3)
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the electric divided means 31, 31 ′ may hold the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 in a folded state.
[0048]
The electric holding means 31 includes a sector gear 32 fixed so as to protrude rearward on the rear link plate 12b of the upper split reinforcement 12, a drive motor 33 fixed to the mounting flange 20 at a position not shown in the figure, The drive motor 33 has a pinion 34 attached to and meshed with the output shaft 33a.
[0049]
The electric holding means 31 ′ includes a sector gear 32 fixed so as to protrude rearward on the rear link plate 14 b of the lower divided reinforcement 14, and a drive motor 33 fixed to the mounting flange 20 at a position not shown in the figure. And a pinion 34 attached to and meshed with the output shaft 33a of the drive motor 33.
[0050]
In this configuration, the output shaft integrated with the rotor is prevented from rotating by the magnetic force acting between the rotor and the stator of each drive motor 33, so that the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are By stopping the drive motors 33 in the folded state, the upper and lower divided forces 12 and 14 can be held in the folded state.
[0051]
When the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 are caused by the input load from this state, the rear link plates 12b and 14b are raised against the above-described magnetic force, and the pinion 34 and the drive are driven by the sector gear 32. The output shaft 33a of the motor 33 is rotated. Then, the rear link plates 12b and 14b are brought into contact with the mounting flange 20 as described above and receive an input load.
[0052]
After the input load is lost, the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 14 can be automatically folded by operating the drive motor 33 to rotate the sector gear 32 forward by a predetermined amount.
[0053]
As described above, in the vehicle front structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the bumper reinforcement 6 extending in the vehicle width direction and the bumper facer 7 attached to the bumper reinforcement 6 so as to cover the radiator are the radiators. 3 and an air intake port (8a-8c, 9a-9c) for cooling the radiator is provided in the bumper facer 7. The bumper reinforcement 6 includes left and right side drain forces 10 and 10 and a center reinforcement 11 disposed between the left and right side drain forces 10 and 10. In addition, the center reinforcement 11 includes a plurality of divisional forces (upper divisional force 12, middle divisional force 13, and lower divisional force 14) divided in the vertical direction, and at least one of the plurality of divisional forces. Is a foldable division force (upper division force 12 and lower division force 14) provided in a foldable manner, and the fold division force (upper division force 12 and lower division force 14) is usually used. Holding means (23, 23 ') is provided for holding the folded state.
[0054]
According to this structure, the air introduced from all the air intakes (8a-8c, 9a-9c) provided in the bumper fascia 7 can be efficiently guided to the radiator 3 side. In other words, even if the bumper reinforcement 6 does not have a communication hole for guiding the air taken in from the air intakes (8a to 8c) of the bumper facer 7 to the radiator 3, the bumper provided immediately before the bumper reinforcement 6 is provided. Even air taken from the air intake of the faucet and other air intakes can be efficiently guided to the radiator side.
[0055]
In addition, a member (EA member 19) such as an impact load absorbing member can be disposed on the bumper reinforcement 6 and no vent holes are provided in the bumper reinforcement 6, so that the strength and rigidity of the bumper reinforcement 6 can be improved. It can be secured sufficiently.
[0056]
Further, in the vehicle front structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the folding divided reinforcement (upper divided reinforcement 12, lower divided reinforcement 14) is directed toward the radiator 3 on the bumper facer 7. When a load is input, it is pushed by this input load and mechanically extends up and down to function as a bumper reinforcement.
[0057]
According to this configuration, since it is not necessary to give the strength and rigidity of the bumper reinforcement as a shock absorbing member in normal times, the center reinforcement 11 of the bumper reinforcement can be thinned up and down, and the radiator 3 can be efficiently provided. Can lead air.
[0058]
In addition, the folding division force (upper division force 12 and lower division force 4) of the center reinforcement 11 can stand up with the energy of the input load and exhibit the function of the bumper reinforcement. As a result, it is not necessary to provide an actuator for raising the folding division force (upper division force 12, lower division force 4) or a sensor for operating the actuator, thereby avoiding an increase in cost. it can.
[0059]
Further, in the vehicle front structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the holding means is an automatic folding means for driving the folding divided reinforcement (upper divided reinforcement 12, lower divided reinforcement 4) in the folding direction. It is said. As this automatic folding means, springs 28 and 29 such as a torsion spring as shown in FIG. 9, a tension coil spring 30 as shown in FIG. 10, or electric holding means 31 and 31 ′ as shown in FIG. Can be used.
[0060]
According to this configuration, after the input load to the bumper reinforcement disappears, the folded divided reinforcement (the upper divided reinforcement 12 and the lower divided reinforcement 4) can be automatically folded.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a front structure of a vehicle according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a relationship between a front side member and a bumper reinforcement shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2;
4 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which an upper divided reinforcement and a lower divided reinforcement are raised in a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 of FIG.
5 is a partial perspective view for partially explaining the hinge of FIG. 4; FIG.
6 is a partial perspective view of FIG. 2 viewed from the arrow A2 side. FIG.
7A is a perspective view of only the holding means of FIG. 6 viewed from another angle, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A3-A3 of FIG.
FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory views of the operation of the center reinforcement of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a main part explanatory view showing a modification of the center reinforcement of the front structure of the vehicle according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a main part explanatory view showing another modification of the center reinforcement of the front structure of the vehicle according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a main part explanatory view showing still another modified example of the center reinforcement of the front structure of the vehicle according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 ... Radiator 6 ... Bumper Reinforce 7 ... Bumper Facers 8a-8c, 9a-9c ... Air Intake 10 ... Side Lrain 11 ... Center Reinforce 12 ... Upper Division Reinforce (Folding Reinforcement)
13 ... Middle-split Reinforce 14 ... Bottom-split Reinforce (Folded Split Reinforce)
23, 23 '... holding means 28, 29 ... spring (holding means, automatic folding means)
30 ... Tension coil spring (holding means, automatic folding means)
31, 31 'electric holding means (holding means, automatic folding means)

Claims (3)

A bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction and a bumper fascia attached to the bumper reinforcement to cover the bumper reinforcement are disposed in front of the radiator, and an air intake for cooling the radiator is provided on the bumper fascia. In the vehicle front structure provided,
The bumper reinforcement includes a left and right side drain force and a center reinforcement disposed between the left and right side drain forces, and the center reinforcement includes a plurality of divided reinforcements divided vertically.
At least one of the plurality of divided reinforcements is a foldable divided reinforcement provided so as to be foldable, and holding means for holding the folded divided reinforcement in a folded state in a normal state is provided. A vehicle front structure characterized by comprising: When the load is input to the bumper facer toward the radiator, the folding split reinforcement is pushed by the input load and mechanically extends up and down to function as a bumper reinforcement. The front part structure of the vehicle according to claim 1. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is an automatic folding unit that drives the folding divided reinforcement in a folding direction.

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