WO2017151067A1

WO2017151067A1 - Vehicle body front part structure

Info

Publication number: WO2017151067A1
Application number: PCT/TH2016/000017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Naoyuki Tamura; Kobchai KUNAKOOL; Aroonsak JUNSAMOOT
Original assignee: Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2016-03-04
Filing date: 2016-03-04
Publication date: 2017-09-08

Abstract

A vehicle body front part structure (11) includes: a dashboard lower panel (21); a damper base (25 A (25B)); a dashboard upper panel (23) having a drain groove (41) and arranged to be joined to the dashboard lower panel (21) and the damper base (25 A (25B)); an upper member inner panel (29A (29B)) provided at a front end of a side outer panel (35 A (35B)) and extending forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel (35 A (35B)), the upper member inner panel (29 A (29B)) having a hole (59) through which a part of the dashboard upper panel (23) is penetrated so as to dispose an end part of the drain groove (41) outside the upper member inner panel (29 A (29B)); and a windshield lower panel (27) having a beam (50) extending in a vehicle width direction, and a joint member (60A (60B)) extending forwardly from the beam (50). The windshield lower panel (27) and the dashboard lower panel (21) are joined to each other with the dashboard upper panel (23) interposed therebetween. The joint member (60A (60B)) is arranged such that the joint member (60A (60B)) is joined to the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)), and is joined to the damper base (25 A (25B)) that is arranged in front of the beam (50) of the windshield lower panel (27).

Description

VEHICLE BODY FRONT PART STRUCTURE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]

The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure in a vehicle such as a passenger vehicle and specifically relates to a vehicle body front part structure.

BACKGROUND

[0002]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2012-96717A discloses a technique in which a dashboard panel, a suspension upper bracket, and a cowl side panel are joined to each other by use of a L-shaped reinforcement member.

[0003]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2003-312541 A discloses a technique in which a side cowl panel, a cowl top panel and a side cowl extension are joined to each other by use of a T-shaped joined portions each having at least two overlapped plate members.

[0004]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H09-207821A discloses a technique in which an opening is provided on a cowl side panel for a welding operation. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005]

An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle body front part structure having a simple structure.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0006]

A vehicle body front part structure according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a dashboard lower panel; a damper base; a dashboard upper panel having a drain groove and arranged to be joined to the dashboard lower panel and the damper base, an upper member inner panel provided at a front end of a side outer panel and extending forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel, the upper member inner panel having a hole through which a part of the dashboard upper panel is penetrated so as to dispose an end part of the drain groove outside the upper member inner panel; and a windshield lower panel having a beam extending in a vehicle width direction, and a joint member extending forwardly from the beam. The windshield lower panel and the dashboard lower panel are joined to each other with the dashboard upper panel interposed therebetween. The joint member is arranged such that the joint member is joined to the upper member inner panel, and is joined to the damper base that is arranged in front of the beam of the windshield lower panel.

[0007]

In the vehicle body front part structure described above, the joint member can have an inclined wall, a substantially horizontal wall, a lateral wall, a first ridge being formed between the inclined wall and the horizontal wall, and a second ridge being formed between the horizontal wall and the lateral wall. The lateral wall can have a substantially triangular-shaped area. The inclined wall, the horizontal wall and the lateral wall can be continuously formed. The first ridge and the second ridge can be arranged to communicate with the beam of the windshield lower panel and the damper base.

[0008]

The vehicle body front part structure described above can further include an upper member outer panel arranged to cover the hole of the upper member inner panel, and such that the upper member outer panel and the upper member inner panel form a first hollow structure that extends forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel; and an upper member extension having a second hollow structure that is combined to a front side frame and to the first hollow structure.

[0009]

In the vehicle body front part structure described above, the dashboard upper panel can have a hat-shaped profile having a rear flange that is joined to a horizontal flange of the dashboard lower panel.

[0010] In the vehicle body front part structure described above, the damper base, the joint member and the upper member inner panel can be arranged to form a first closed cross-section arranged inside the upper member inner panel. The upper member inner panel and the upper member outer panel can be arranged to form a second closed cross-section arranged outside the upper member inner panel. The first closed cross-section and the second closed cross-section can be arranged opposite each other. The second closed cross-section can have a sectional area greater than a sectional area of the first closed cross-section.

[0011]

In the vehicle body front part structure described above, the joint member can be arranged to be used as at least one of a support base for a wiper and a hinge stiffener for an engine hood.

[0012]

In the vehicle body front part structure described above, the drain groove of the dashboard upper panel can be arranged to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and to have a meandering shape. The dashboard upper panel can have a front bank and a rear bank that are arranged adjacent the drain groove. A support base for a wiper can be provided on the front bank. A cover plate member can be provided on the rear bank, the cover plate member being arranged in front of an opening, for an air-conditioner, provided at the windshield lower panel.

[0013]

In the vehicle body front part structure described above, the windshield lower panel can have an inclined upper surface, as a glass support surface, and a reinforcement member that is arranged at adjacent an end part of the inclined upper surface in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcement member can be joined to an upper end portion of the upper member inner panel.

[0014]

In the vehicle body front part structure described above, the damper base can have an extension part that is arranged extending to a position directly below the dashboard upper panel and that is jointed to a bottom surface of the dashboard upper panel.

[0015]

A vehicle body fabricating method includes: (a) joining a dashboard upper panel to a horizontal flange of a dashboard lower panel and to an upper surface of a damper base, the dashboard upper panel extending in a vehicle width direction and having a drain groove; (b) joining a side outer panel to the damper base such that a part of the dashboard upper panel is penetrated through a hole provided on an upper member inner panel to dispose an end part of the drain groove outside the upper member inner panel, the upper member inner panel being previously provided extending forwardly from a front end of the side outer panel; and (c) joining a windshield lower panel to the horizontal flange of the dashboard lower panel, joining the windshield lower panel to the upper surface of the damper base and to the upper member inner panel by use of a joint member that is previously provided on the windshield lower panel, and joining the side outer panel to a roof panel.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION

[0015]

According to an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle body front part structure having a simple structure is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle body front part structure seen from the upside.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional structure of a dashboard upper panel, a dashboard lower panel and a windshield lower panel.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a part of a dashboard upper panel and a damper base.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a part of a dashboard upper panel and a damper base seen from upside.

FIG. 5 is a perspective enlarged view of a vehicle body front part structure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a part of a dashboard upper panel, a damper base and a part of a windshield lower panel.

FIG. 7 s a schematic view showing a cross-sectional structure of a dashboard upper panel, a joint member and an upper member upper panel.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing hollow structures inside and outside an upper member inner panel.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a process of a vehicle body fabricating method.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a process of a vehicle body fabricating method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0017]

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following descriptions, a vertical direction corresponds to a vertical direction of vehicle body. A front -to-rear direction corresponds to a

front-to-rear direction of vehicle body. A vehicle width direction (right-to-left direction) corresponds to a vehicle width direction (right-to-left direction) of vehicle body. Further, descriptions of one of right and left sides can be applicable similarly to the other side.

[0018]

In one embodiment, a front part structure 11 of a vehicle body 10 is applicable to vehicle bodies of various passenger vehicles such as a small-size vehicle, a medium-size vehicle, a large-size vehicle, a sedan, and a wagon.

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle body front part structure 11 includes a dashboard lower panel 21, a dashboard upper panel 23, damper bases 25A, 25B, a windshield lower panel 27, and upper member inner panels 29 A, 29B.

[0019]

The dashboard lower panel 21 is arranged between an engine room 31 and a cabin room 33 in the front-to-rear direction to partition the engine room 31 and the cabin room 33. The dashboard lower panel 21 is provided to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and in the vertical direction. At least a part of the dashboard upper panel 23 is arranged above the dashboard lower panel 21. The dashboard upper panel 23 is provided to extend at least in the front -to-rear direction and has a drain groove (drain conduit) 41 that extends at least in the vehicle width direction.

[0020]

The damper bases 25A, 25B are configured to support damper units (not shown) respectively. The damper bases 25A, 25B are arranged apart from each other in the vehicle width direction and arranged above the dashboard lower panel 21. The windshield lower panel 27 is configured to support a windshield (a windshield glass, not shown). The windshield lower panel 27 is provided to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and arranged above the dashboard lower panel 21, the dashboard upper panel 23, and damper bases 25 A, 25B.

[0021 ]

The upper member inner panels 29A, 29B are arranged at the lateral sides in the vehicle width direction of the dashboard upper panel 23 respectively. A cowl structure (a shield cowl structure, a cowl box) is provided with at least the dashboard upper panel 23, the windshield lower panel 27, and the upper member inner panels 29A, 29B.

[0022]

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the dashboard lower panel 21 has a front wall 43, and a horizontal flange 44 that is arranged at an upper end portion (a top part) of the dashboard lower panel 21 . The front board part 43 is provided to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and in the vertical direction. The horizontal flange 44 is arranged at an upper end portion of the front wall 43 and to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and in the front-to-rear direction. In one example, the horizontal flange 44 is arranged to extend backwardly from the upper end portion of the front wall 43. In other words, the front wall 43 is arranged at a front side with respect to the horizontal flange 44. If necessary, an angle part, a corner, or a curved corner can be provided between the front wall 43 and the horizontal flange 44. The horizontal flange 44 can be substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. Alternatively, the horizontal flange 44 can be arranged to form an angel with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0023]

The dashboard upper panel 23 has a hat-shaped profile (a substantially U-shaped profile). The dashboard upper panel 23 has a front flange (a front brim) 46, a rear flange (a rear brim) 47, and an intermediate member 48 that has the drain groove 41. The intermediate member 48 is arranged between the front flange 46 and the rear flange 47 in the front-to-rear direction. The front flange 46 is arranged at a front side of the intermediate member 48 and to extend forwardly from the intermediate member 48.

The rear flange 47 is arranged at a rear side of the intermediate member 48 and to extend backwardly from the intermediate member 48. The rear flange 47 is disposed on the horizontal flange 44 of the dashboard lower panel 21 and is joined to the horizontal flange 44. The drain groove 41 is configured such that rain water (and the like) flows along the drain groove 41.

[0024]

The windshield lower panel 27 has a beam 50 extending in the vehicle width direction. The beam 50 is provided with at least a front wall 51, a inclined wall 52, and a horizontal flange 53 that is arranged at an lower end portion (a bottom part) of the windshield lower panel 27. The front wall 51 is provided to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and in the vertical direction. An one end of the inclined wall 52 is arranged at an upper end of the front wall 51. The inclined wall 52 is extend upwardly and backwardly from the upper end of the front wall 51. The horizontal flange 53 is arranged at a lower end portion (a bottom part) of the front wall 51 and to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and in the front-to-rear direction. In one example, the horizontal flange 53 is arranged to extend backwardly from the lower end portion of the front wall 51. In other words, the front wall 51 is arranged at a front side with respect to the horizontal flange 53. If necessary, an angle part, a corner, or a curved corner can be provided between the adjacent two parts.

[0025]

The rear flange 47 of the dashboard upper panel 23 is arranged between the horizontal flange 53 of the windshield lower panel 27 and the horizontal flange 44 of the dashboard lower panel 21 in the vertical direction. The horizontal flange 53 of the windshield lower panel 27 and the horizontal flange 44 of the dashboard lower panel 21 are joined to each other to interpose the rear flange 47 of the dashboard upper panel 23. At least part of the horizontal flange 53 of the windshield lower panel 27 and at least part of the horizontal flange 44 of the dashboard lower panel 21 are arranged at substantially the same position in the front-to-rear direction and are joined to each other with the rear flange 47 of the dashboard upper panel 23 interposed therebetween. The rear flange 47 of the dashboard upper panel 23 is joined to the horizontal flange 44 of the dashboard lower panel 21 and the horizontal flange 53 of the windshield lower panel 27.

[0026]

As shown in FIG. 3, the front flange 46 of the dashboard upper panel 23 is joined to an upper surface 55 of the damper base 25A. The damper base 25 A has an rear end that is arranged directly below the intermediate member 48 of the dashboard upper panel 23. In other words, the damper base 25 A has an extension part 56 that is arranged extending to a position directly under the intermediate member 48 of the dashboard upper panel 23. In one example, the rear end of the damper base 25 A is arranged directly below a bottom surface 49 of the intermediate member 48 of the dashboard upper panel 23 and the part adjacent to the rear end is also joined to the bottom surface 49 of the dashboard upper panel 23.

[0027]

As shown in FIG. 4, a part of the intermediate member 48 of the dashboard upper panel 23 is provided, as a watershoot 48a, to partly protrude from the other parts so that at least a bottom of the drain groove 41 is arranged outside with respect to the upper member inner panel 29 A. A part of the watershoot 48a is arranged across a hole 59 provided on the upper member inner panel 29 A.

[0028]

As shown in FIG. 5, the drain groove 41 of the dashboard upper panel 23 extends at least in the vehicle width direction and has a meandering shape that has at least two bent portions. The dashboard upper panel 23 has a front bank 68 and a rear bank 69 that are arranged adjacent the drain groove 41. The front bank 68 is arranged at a front of the drain groove 41. The rear bank 69 is arranged at a rear of the drain groove 41 . At least part of the drain groove 41 is arranged between the front bank 68 and the rear bank 69. The front bank 68 has an upper surface that is arranged higher than the bottom of the drain groove 41 in the vertical direction, and on which a support base 70 for a wiper 71 A is provided. The rear bank 69 has an upper surface that is arranged higher than the bottom of the drain groove 41 in the vertical direction, and on which a cover plate member 73 is provided. The cover plate member 73 is arranged in front of an opening 74 to cover the opening 74 that is provided for an air-conditioner and that is provided at the front wall 51 of the windshield lower panel 27. In one example, an interval in the front-to-rear direction is provided between the cover plate member 73 and the opening 74.

[0029]

The inclined wall 52 of the windshield lower panel 27 has an inclined upper surface 76, as a glass support surface, which extends diagonally upward, toward the cabin room 33. The windshield lower panel 27 further has reinforcement members 77A, 77B that are arranged separated from each other in the vehicle width direction and arranged at adjacent the end parts of the inclined upper surface 76 in the vehicle width direction respectively. In one example, the reinforced members 77A, 77B are provided on a part of the inclined wall 52, a part of the front wall 51, and a corner between the inclined wall 52 and the front wall 51, to cover and reinforce the parts. Also, the reinforcement members 77 A, 77B are joined to the beam 50 of the windshield lower panel 27, and are joined to the upper end portions of the upper member inner panels 29A, 29B respectively.

[0030]

Furthermore, the windshield lower panel 27 has joint members 60A, 60B that are arranged at end parts of the beam 50 in the vehicle width direction respectively. In one example, at least one of the joint members 60A, 60B can be used as a support base (wiper stiffener) of a wiper 71B. Alternatively and/or additionally, at least one of the joint members 60 A, 60B can be used as a hinge stiffener of an engine hood.

[0031]

As shown in FIG. 6, the joint member 60A is arranged such that the joint member 60A is joined to the upper member inner panel 29 A, and is joined to the damper base 25 A which is arranged in front of the beam 50 of the windshield lower panel 27.

[0032]

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the joint member 60A has an inclined wall 61, a substantially horizontal wall 62, a lateral wall 63, an inner ridge (a first ridge) 65, and an outer ridge (a second ridge) 66. The inclined wall 61 is arranged to extend at least in the front-to-rear direction and to extend diagonally upward toward the upper member inner panel 29 A, and is joined to the upper member inner panel 29 A. The horizontal wall 62 is arranged to extend at least in the front-to-rear direction and in the vehicle width direction. The lateral wall 63 is arranged to extend at least in the front-to-rear direction and in the vertical direction. The inner ridge 65 is formed between the inclined wall 61 and the horizontal wall 62. The inner ridge 65 is arranged to face downward and extends at least in the front-to-rear direction. The outer ridge 66 is formed between the horizontal wall 62 and the lateral wall 63. The outer ridge 66 is arranged to face upward and extends at least in the front-to-rear direction.

[0033]

In one example, the lateral wall 63 has a substantially triangular-shaped area. Also, the inclined wall 61, the horizontal wall 62 and the lateral wall 63 are continuously formed. Furthermore, the inner ridge 65 and the outer ridge 66 are arranged to communicate with the front wall 1 (beam 50) of the windshield lower panel 27 and with the upper surface 55 of the damper base 25A.

[0034]

With reference to FIG. I again, the upper member inner panel 29A, 29B are provided at front ends of the side outer panels 35A, 35B, respectively, and extending forwardly from the front ends of the side outer panels 35 A, 35B in the front-to-rear direction, respectively. The upper member inner panel 29A, 29B are joined to the side outer panels 35 A, 3 B respectively before the fabrication of the vehicle body 10. One end of the upper member inner panel 29A in the front-to-rear direction is joined to the side outer panel 29 A, and the other end of the upper member inner panel 29 A is joined to an upper member extension 38 A. The upper member extension 38 A is arranged to extend at least in the front-to-rear direction, and a front end of the upper member extension 38A is joined to a front part of the front side frame 39A. Upper portions of the side outer panels 35 A, 35B are joined to the front pillar 80 A, 80B, respectively. A part of the outer side of the upper member inner panel 29A and a part of the outer side of the side outer panel 35 A are covered by an upper member outer panel 37 A. A part of the outer side of the upper member inner panel 29B and a part of the outer side of the side outer panel 35B are covered by an upper member outer panel 37B.

[0035]

As shown in FIG 7, and as described above, the upper member inner panel 29A has the hole 59 through which a part of the dashboard upper panel 23 is penetrated so as to dispose an end part (watershoot 48a) of the drain groove 41 outside the upper member inner panel 29A. The upper member outer panel 37A is arranged to cover the hole 59 of the upper member inner panel 29A.

[0036]

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the upper member outer panel 37A and the upper member inner panel 29A are arranged to form a first hollow structure 85 that extend forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel 35 A. The first hollow structure 85 is combined to a second hollow structure 86 provided on the upper member extension 38A, which is combined to the front side frame 39A (FIG. 1).

[0037]

As shown in FIG. 8, a first closed cross-section 83 is formed inside the upper member inner panel 29A. A second closed cross-section 84 is formed outside the upper member inner panel 29A. The first closed cross-section 83 is formed by the damper base 25A, the joint member 60A, and the upper member inner panel 29A and is arranged to provide a third hollow structure 87. The second closed cross-section is formed by the upper member inner panel 29A and the upper member outer panel 37A and is arranged to provide the first hollow structure 85. In one example, the second closed cross-section 84 (the first hollow structure 85) has a sectional area greater than a sectional area of the first closed cross-section 83 (the third hollow structure 87). The first closed

cross-section 83 (the third hollow structure 87) and the second closed cross-section 84 (the first hollow structure 85) are arranged close to each other and opposite/face to each other. In the upper member inner panel 29 A, at least part of an area corresponding to the first closed cross-section 83 (the third hollow structure 87) is overlapped with an area corresponding to the second closed cross-section 84 (the first hollow structure 85).

[0038]

One example of the fabricating method of the above described vehicle body front part structure 11 is described below.

[0039]

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper member inner panel 29A is previously provided on the front end of the side outer panel 35 A such that the upper member inner panel 29 A is arranged extending forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel 35A. Also, the joint members 60 A, 60B are previously provided on the windshield lower panel 27.

[0040]

In a first process, the dashboard upper panel 23 is jointed to the horizontal flange 44 of the dashboard lower panel 21 and to the upper surface 55 of the damper bases 25 A, 25B.

[0041]

In a second process, the side outer panel 35 A is provided to the lateral side (the left side) of the vehicle body 10, and the side outer panel 35A is joined to the damper base 25A such that a part of the dashboard upper panel 23 is penetrated through the hole 59 provided on the upper member inner panel 29 A to dispose an end part of the drain groove 41 outside the upper member inner panel 29A. In the second process, the components arranged at the right side of the vehicle body 11 are also fabricated in a similar manner.

[0042] In a third process, the windshield lower panel 27 is joined to the horizontal flange 44 of the dashboard lower panel 21. Also, in the third process, the windshield lower panel 27 is joined to the upper surface 55 of the damper base 25 A and to the upper member inner panel 29A by use of the joint member 60A. That is, the joint member 60A is joined to the upper surface 55 of the damper base 25A and to the upper member inner panel 29 A. Also, in the third process, the side outer panel 35 A is joined to a roof panel 81 (FIG. 10). In the third process, the components arranged at the right side of the vehicle body 1 1 are also fabricated in a similar manner.

[0043]

As shown in FIG. 10, in a fourth process, the upper member outer panel 37A is joined to the upper member inner panel 29A such that the upper member outer panel 37 covers the hole 59 of the upper member inner panel 29 A. Also, the upper member outer panel 37A is joined to the upper member extension 38A such that the first hollow structure 85, which is formed by the upper member inner panel 29A and the upper member outer panel 37A, is combined to the second hollow structure 86, which is previously provided on the upper member extension 38 A.

[0044]

The vehicle body front part structure 1 1 described above has a variety of features. As described below, the features can provide advantages.

[0045]

The vehicle body front part structure (11) includes: a dashboard lower panel (21); a damper base (25 A (25B)); a dashboard upper panel (23) having a drain groove (41 ) and arranged to be joined to the dashboard lower panel (21) and the damper base (25 A (25B)); an upper member inner panel (29A (29B)) provided at a front end of a side outer panel (35A (35B)) and extending forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel (35A (35B)), the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)) having a hole (59) through which a part of the dashboard upper panel (23) is penetrated so as to dispose an end part of the drain groove (41) outside the upper member inner panel (29 A (29B)); and a windshield lower panel (27) having a beam (50) extending in a vehicle width direction, and a joint member (60A (60B)) extending forwardly from the beam (50). The windshield lower panel (27) and the dashboard lower panel (21) are joined to each other with the dashboard upper panel (23) interposed therebetween. The joint member (60 A (60B)) is arranged such that the joint member (60A (60B)) is joined to the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)), and is joined to the damper base (25 A (25B)) that is arranged in front of the beam (50) of the windshield lower panel (27).

[0046]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (1 1), a structure for draining water or the like can be simply provided. Also, the fabrication of the front part structure (1 1) can be simplified. Furthermore, the vehicle body front part structure (1 1 ) has a high load transmission performance due to a high rigidity.

[0047]

In the vehicle body front part structure (11), the joint member (60 A (60)) has an inclined wall (61), a substantially horizontal wall (62), a lateral wall (63), a first ridge (65) being formed between the inclined wall (61) and the horizontal wall (62), and a second ridge (66) being formed between the horizontal wall (62) and the lateral wall (63). The lateral wall (63) has a substantially triangular-shaped area. The inclined wall (61 ), the horizontal wall (62) and the lateral wall (63) are continuously formed. The first ridge (65) and the second ridge (66) are arranged to communicate with the beam (50) of the windshield lower panel (27) and the damper base (25A (25B)).

[0048]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (11), a load from the damper base 25A (25B)) is transmitted, via the windshield lower panel (27) and the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)), to a front pillar (80A (80B)). Accordingly, the vehicle body front part structure (1 1) has a high rigidity.

[0049]

The vehicle body front part structure (1 1) further includes an upper member outer panel (37 A (37B)) arranged to cover the hole (59) of the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)), and such that the upper member outer panel (37A (37B)) and the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)) form a first hollow structure (85) that extends forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel (35 A (35B)); and an upper member extension (38A (38B)) having a second hollow structure (86) that is combined to a front side frame (39 A (39B)) and to the first hollow structure.

[0050]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (11), a load of a front impact is transmitted to a front pillar (80A (80B)). Furthermore, water or the like can flow through the first and second hollow structures. [0051]

In the vehicle body front part structure (11), the dashboard upper panel (23) has a hat-shaped profile having a rear flange (47) that is joined to a horizontal flange (44) of the dashboard lower panel (21).

[0052]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (11), the fabrication of the front part structure (11) can be simplified.

[0053]

In the vehicle body front part structure (11), the damper base (25 A (25B)), the joint member (60A (60B) and the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)) are arranged to form a first closed cross-section (83) arranged inside the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)). The upper member inner panel (29A (29B)) and the upper member outer panel (37A (37B)) are arranged to form a second closed cross-section (84) arranged outside the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)). The first closed cross-section (83) and the second closed cross-section (84) are arranged opposite each other. The second closed cross-section (84) has a sectional area greater than a sectional area of the first closed cross-section (83).

[0054]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (11), the structure including the damper base (25A (25B)) has a high support performance and a high rigidity.

[0055]

In the vehicle body front part structure (11), the joint member (60A (60B)) is arranged to be used as at least one of a support base for a wiper (7 IB) and a hinge stiffener for an engine hood.

[0056]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (11), attachments of components on the front part structure (a cowl structure) can be relatively freely designed due to a high rigidity with the joint member (60A (60B)).

[0057]

In the vehicle body front part structure (11), the drain groove (41) of the dashboard upper panel (23) is arranged to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and to have a meandering shape. The dashboard upper panel (23) has a front bank (68) and a rear bank (69) that are arranged adjacent the drain groove (41). A support base (70) for a wiper (71 A) is provided on the front bank. A cover plate member (73) is provided on the rear bank, the cover plate member (73) being arranged in front of an opening (74), for an air-conditioner, provided at the windshield lower panel (27).

[0058]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (1 1), attachments of components on the front part structure (a cowl structure) can be relatively freely designed due to a high rigidity with the joint member (60A (60B)).

[0059]

In the vehicle body front part structure (11), the windshield lower panel (27) has an inclined upper surface (76), as a glass support surface, and a reinforcement member (77A (77B)) that is arranged at adjacent an end part of the inclined upper surface (76) in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcement member (77A (77B)) is joined to an upper end portion of the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)).

[0060]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (11), the front part structure (a cowl structure) has a high rigidity.

[0061]

In the vehicle body front part structure (11), the damper base (25 A (25B)) has an extension part (56) that is arranged extending to a position directly below the dashboard upper panel (23) and that is jointed to a bottom surface (49) of the dashboard upper panel (23).

[0062]

[0063]

The vehicle body fabricating method comprises: (a) joining a dashboard upper panel (23) to a horizontal flange (44) of a dashboard lower panel (21) and to an upper surface (55) of a damper base (25A (25B)), the dashboard upper panel (23) extending in a vehicle width direction and having a drain groove (41); (b) joining a side outer panel (35A (35B)) to the damper base (25A (25B)) such that a part of the dashboard upper panel (23) is penetrated through a hole (59) provided on an upper member inner panel (29A (29B)) to dispose an end part of the drain groove (41) outside the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)), the upper member inner panel (29A (29B)) being previously provided extending forwardly from a front end of the side outer panel (35 A (35B)); and (c) joining a windshield lower panel (27) to the horizontal flange (44) of the dashboard lower panel (21), joining the windshield lower panel (27) to the upper surface (55) of the damper base (25A (25B)) and to the upper member inner panel (29A (29b)) by use of a joint member (60A (60B)) that is previously provided on the windshield lower panel (27), and joining the side outer panel to a roof panel (81).

[0064]

According to the vehicle body front part structure (11), a load of a front impact is transmitted to a front pillar (80 A (80B)). Furthermore, water or the like can flow through the first and second hollow structures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0065]

10: vehicle body

11 : vehicle body front part structure

21 : dashboard lower panel

23 : dashboard upper panel

25A, 25B: damper base

27: windshield lower panel

29A, 29B: upper member inner panel

35 A, 35B: side outer panel

37A, 37B: upper member outer panel

38 A, 38B: upper member extension

39 A, 39B: front side frame

41 : drain groove

43: front wall

44: horizontal flange

46: front flange

47: rear flange

48: intermediate member

49: bottom surface

50: beam

55: upper surface : extension part

: hole

A, 60B: joint member

: inclined wall

: horizontal wall

: lateral wall

: inner ridge

: outer ridge

: front bank (first bank): rear bank (second bank): support base

: wiper

: cover plate member

: opening

: inclined upper surfaceA, 77B: reinforcement member A, 80B. front pillar

: roof panel

: first closed cross-section: second closed cross-section: first hollow structure

: second hollow structure: third hollow structure

Claims

1. A vehicle body front part structure comprising:

a dashboard lower panel;

a damper base;

a dashboard upper panel having a drain groove and arranged to be joined to the dashboard lower panel and the damper base;

an upper member inner panel provided at a front end of a side outer panel and extending forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel, the upper member inner panel having a hole through which a part of the dashboard upper panel is penetrated so as to dispose an end part of the drain groove outside the upper member inner panel; and a windshield lower panel having a beam extending in a vehicle width direction, and a joint member extending forwardly from the beam, wherein

the windshield lower panel and the dashboard lower panel are joined to each other with the dashboard upper panel interposed therebetween, and

the joint member is arranged such that the joint member is joined to the upper member inner panel, and is joined to the damper base that is arranged in front of the beam of the windshield lower panel.

2. The vehicle body front part structure according to claim 1 , wherein the joint member has an inclined wall, a substantially horizontal wall, a lateral wall, a first ridge being formed between the inclined wall and the horizontal wall, and a second ridge being formed between the horizontal wall and the lateral wall,

the lateral wall has a substantially triangular-shaped area,

the inclined wall, the horizontal wall and the lateral wall are continuously formed, and

the first ridge and the second ridge are arranged to communicate with the beam of the windshield lower panel and the damper base.

3. The vehicle body front part structure according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

an upper member outer panel arranged to cover the hole of the upper member inner panel, and such that the upper member outer panel and the upper member inner panel form a first hollow structure that extends forwardly from the front end of the side outer panel; and

an upper member extension having a second hollow structure that is combined to a front side frame and to the first hollow structure.

4. The vehicle body front part structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

the dashboard upper panel has a hat-shaped profile having a rear flange that is joined to a horizontal flange of the dashboard lower panel.

5. The vehicle body front part structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein

the damper base, the joint member and the upper member inner panel are arranged to form a first closed cross-section arranged inside the upper member inner panel,

the upper member inner panel and the upper member outer panel are arranged to form a second closed cross-section arranged outside the upper member inner panel, the first closed cross-section and the second closed cross-section are arranged opposite each other, and

the second closed cross-section has a sectional area greater than a sectional area of the first closed cross-section.

6. The vehicle body front part structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein

the joint member is arranged to be used as at least one of a support base for a wiper and a hinge stiffener for an engine hood.

7. The vehicle body front part structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein

the drain groove of the dashboard upper panel is arranged to extend at least in the vehicle width direction and to have a meandering shape,

the dashboard upper panel has a front bank and a rear bank that are arranged adjacent the drain groove, a support base for a wiper is provided on the front bank, and a cover plate member is provided on the rear bank, the cover plate member being arranged in front of an opening, for an air-conditioner, provided at the windshield lower panel.

8. The vehicle body front part structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein

the windshield lower panel has an inclined upper surface, as a glass support surface, and a reinforcement member that is arranged at adjacent an end part of the inclined upper surface in the vehicle width direction,

the reinforcement member is joined to an upper end portion of the upper member inner panel.

9. The vehicle body front part structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein

the damper base has an extension part that is arranged extending to a position directly below the dashboard upper panel and that is jointed to a bottom surface of the dashboard upper panel.

10. A vehicle body fabricating method comprising:

joining a dashboard upper panel to a horizontal flange of a dashboard lower panel and to an upper surface of a damper base, the dashboard upper panel extending in a vehicle width direction and having a drain groove;

joining a side outer panel to the damper base such that a part of the dashboard upper panel is penetrated through a hole provided on an upper member inner panel to dispose an end part of the drain groove outside the upper member inner panel, the upper member inner panel being previously provided extending forwardly from a front end of the side outer panel; and

joining a windshield lower panel to the horizontal flange of the dashboard lower panel, joining the windshield lower panel to the upper surface of the damper base and to the upper member inner panel by use of a joint member that is previously provided on the windshield lower panel, and joining the side outer panel to a roof panel.