Front air-rectifying structure of automotive vehicle

A shutter unit comprises plural flaps, a shutter frame member, and a second support portion to support an air guide member. The air guide member comprises a lower face portion positioned between an upper grille opening portion and the flaps, a first fixation portion fixed to a first support portion of a shroud member, and a second fixation portion fixed to a second support portion of the shutter unit. The lower face portion is configured such that the lower face portion in a state in which the second fixation portion is fixed to the second support portion is spaced apart upward from the shutter frame member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a front air-rectifying structure of an automotive vehicle which comprises a shutter unit to control a flow of outside air which flows into an engine room through a grille opening portion formed at a vehicle front portion, for example.

The front portion of the automotive vehicle is configured to take in the outside air into the engine room through the grille opening portion formed at a bumper face, thereby cooling a heat exchanger, such as a radiator or intercooler, as well as an engine. Further, in these days, the automotive vehicle which is provided with the shutter unit to control the flow of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion for achieving further improvement of the fuel economy or reduction of exhaust gas is known.

The shutter unit comprises plural flaps which are opened or closed in accordance with a temperature of lubricant oil or cooling water which circulates in the engine, or a vehicle speed. For example, the shutter unit can stop a supply of the outside air to the heat exchanger or the engine by closing the flaps. Thereby, the lubricant oil or cooling water can be heated up to a desired temperature quickly, thereby suppressing deterioration of the fuel economy which may be caused by a so-called warming-up operation.

In the meantime, the shutter unit can suppress the flow of the outside air into the engine room by controlling the flaps according to the vehicle speed, thereby suppressing generation of turbulence which may be caused by merging of the outside air flowing down rearward from the engine room with traveling air flowing down along a vehicle side portion. Thereby, an increase of traveling resistance which may be caused by the turbulence is suppressed, thereby achieving the improvement of the fuel economy or the reduction of exhaust gas.

European Patent Application Publication No. 2335963 A1 discloses, as an example of the above-descried shutter unit, an airflow device11which comprises a shutter mechanism including plural openable flaps (fins17), an air guide member (a duct22) to guide outside air flowing in through a grille opening portion (a grille21), and a drive mechanism portion (a link mechanism24and a torque motor26) to drive the flaps for opening or closing, for example.

Meanwhile, the shutter unit of the above-described patent document is configured to have a rather long length in a vehicle width direction from requirements of a vehicle-body design or structure, so that the length, in the vehicle width direction, of the air guide member may become rather long as well.

Further, there may be a situation in which a vehicle-body vibration due to unevenness of a road surface or pressure fluctuation of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion acts on the air guide member. Accordingly, the rigidity of a lower portion or an upper portion of the air guide member becomes low easily, so that the lower or upper portions of the air guide member may be made to vibrate greatly by the vehicle-body vibration or the pressure fluctuation.

When the vibration of the air guide member is transmitted to the shutter unit, an unintentional load may be added to a flap support portion supporting the flaps or an opening/closing mechanism portion. Accordingly, there is a concern that a position shift of the flaps or an improper move of the opening/closing mechanism portion may occur, so that some problem may happen to the opening/closing move of the flaps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been devised in view of the above-described matter, and an object of the present invention is to provide a front air-rectifying structure of an automotive vehicle which can properly suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit, without damaging the air-guide performance for the shutter unit, thereby preventing any problem from happening to the move of the flaps.

The present invention is a front air-rectifying structure of an automotive vehicle, comprising a grille opening portion formed at a bumper face which is provided at a vehicle front portion of the automotive vehicle, a shutter unit attached to a vehicle-body member which is positioned in back of the bumper face, and an air guide member provided to guide air flowing in through the grille opening portion toward to the shutter unit, wherein the shutter unit comprises openable flaps, a shutter frame portion having a roughly rectangular shape in a front view and provided to enclose the flaps, and a first support portion to support the air guide member which is formed in the vicinity of a corner portion of the shutter frame portion, the air guide member comprises an air guide portion positioned between the grille opening portion and the flaps of the shutter unit, a first fixation portion fixed to the first support portion of the shutter unit, and a second fixation portion fixed to a second support portion which is provided at the vehicle-body member, and the air guide member is configured such that the air guide portion thereof in a state in which the first fixation portion of the air guide member is fixed to the first support portion of the shutter unit is spaced apart, upward or downward, from the shutter frame portion of the shutter unit.

The above-described vehicle-body member can be a shroud member to support a heat exchanger, such as a radiator, or a member to support the shroud member, for example. The above-described shutter unit can be configured such that the flat plate-shaped flaps are arranged in parallel in a vehicle vertical direction or in a vehicle width direction. Further, the shutter unit can be arranged at a position which is located between the bumper face and the vehicle-body member and above or below a bumper reinforcement which extends in the vehicle width direction. The above-described air guide member can be made from synthetic resin or metal. Further, the air guide member can be configured such that its upper side opens in a U shape in a front view, its lower side opens in the U shape in the front view, or it has a roughly rectangular shape in the front view. The above-described vicinity of the corner portion of the shutter frame portion can be the vicinity of a connection point of a bottom plate portion and a side wall portion of the shutter frame portion, which is positioned outside or inside of the shutter frame portion. The air guide portion and the shutter frame portion can be configured to overlap with each other in the vehicle vertical direction or not to overlap with each other in the vehicle vertical direction. A distance of the above-described air guide portion being spaced apart from the shutter frame portion can be large enough not to make the air guide portion vibrating due to the pressure fluctuation or the like contact the shutter frame portion and not to block the air guide from the grille opening portion to the flaps in a case in which the air guide portion and the shutter frame portion are configured to overlap with each other in the vehicle vertical direction.

The present invention can properly suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit, without damaging the air-guide performance for the shutter unit, thereby preventing any problem from happening to the move of the flaps. Specifically, the rigidity of the vicinity of the corner portion of the shutter frame portion becomes higher, compared with the bottom plate portion or a central portion, in the vehicle vertical direction, of the side wall portion of the shutter frame portion. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle can be configured to improve the support rigidity of the first support portion, compared with a case in which the first support portion is provided at the side wall portion of the shutter frame portion, for example. Thereby, in a case in which the air guide portion is made to vibrate by the pressure fluctuation of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion, for example, the first support portion of the shutter frame portion can damp the vibration inputted via the first fixation portion of the air guide member and transmit it to the shutter frame portion. Further, the first support portion can be a positioning means for determining the position of the air guide portion relative to the shutter frame portion. Specifically, in a case in which the first support portion is provided at the vehicle-body member, for example, there is a problem that a relative position of the air guide portion to the shutter frame portion is not stable because of a position shift of the shutter unit relative to the vehicle-body member or a position shift of the air guide member relative to the vehicle-body member.

Meanwhile, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present invention can suppress the position shift of the air guide portion relative to the shutter frame portion because the first support portion is provided at the shutter unit more properly, compared with the case in which the first support portion is provided at the vehicle-body member. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present invention can stably ensure the distance between the shutter frame portion and the air guide portion when the first fixation portion of the air guide member is fixed to the first support member of the shutter unit. That is, the first support portion can be made to serve as the positioning means for determining the position of the air guide portion relative to the shutter frame portion.

Thus, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present invention can make the air guide portion contact the shutter frame portion when the air guide portion vibrates due to the pressure fluctuation of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion, for example, thereby suppressing the transmission of the vibration of the air guide portion to the shutter unit. Therefore, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present invention in which the air guide member is fixed to the first support portion of the shutter unit having the high support rigidity can properly suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit, without damaging the air-guide performance to the shutter unit, thereby preventing any problem from happening to the move of the flaps.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first support portion of the shutter unit is configured to have a roughly boxy shape extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction. Herein, the roughly boxy shape can be formed by a flat plate portion which extends from the shutter frame portion and has a roughly rectangular shape in the front view, side face portions which extend rearward from at least two sides of the flat plate portion, and the shutter frame, for example.

According to the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment, since the support rigidity of the first support portion is improved, the vibration transmitted to the shutter frame portion via the first fixation portion of the air guide member can be further suppressed. Therefore, the vibration transmission to the shutter unit can be surely suppressed by the first support portion formed in the roughly boxy shape.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit is positioned in front of the vehicle-body member and above a bumper reinforcement which extends in a vehicle width direction, a stay member which connects an upper portion of the vehicle-body member and the bumper reinforcement is provided, and the air guide portion of the air guide member comprises a lower face portion which is positioned between the grille opening portion and the flaps of the shutter unit and has the first fixation portion at a position in the vicinity of each of both ends, in the vehicle width direction, thereof, and a pair of right-and-left side face portions which are configured to stand upward from the both ends, in the vehicle width direction, of the lower face portion and have the second fixation portion at each of upper sides thereof, and a third fixation portion which is fixed to the stay member is provided at a portion of the lower face portion of the air guide portion of the air guide member which is positioned between both of the first fixation portions.

The above-described stay member can be a single stay member which is provided at a central portion in the vehicle width direction, or plural members which are provided at specified intervals in the vehicle width direction, for example. In a case in which plural stay members are provided, the above-described third fixation portion can be plural portions which are fixed to all of the plural stay members or part of the plural stay members.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can surely prevent the problem from happening to the move of the flaps and surely suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit. Specifically, in a case in which an intercooler of a supercharger of the automotive vehicle is arranged below the bumper reinforcement, for example, there is a need for positioning the shutter unit above the bumper reinforcement in order to supply the outside air to the intercooler. In this case, the air guide member can be supported by the first support portion of the shutter unit, the second support portion of the vehicle-body member, and the stay member by fixing the air guide member to the stay member. Accordingly, the air guide member can be supported at plural points by the vehicle-body member having a higher rigidity than the shutter unit. Therefore, the weight of the air guide member added to the first support portion of the shutter unit can be reduced.

Further, in a case in which the air guide portion is made to vibrate by the pressure fluctuation of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion, for example, the stay member can transmit the vibration inputted by way of the third fixation portion to the vehicle-body member. Thereby, the vibration of the air guide portion can be dispersed to the vehicle-body member by way of the second fixation portion and the third fixation portion. Thereby, deformation of the shutter frame portion can be suppressed by the weight of the air guide member added to the first support portion. Further, the vibration transmitted to the shutter unit by way of the first fixation portion of the air guide member can be surely suppressed. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can surely prevent any problem from happening to the move of the flaps and surely suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit by providing the third fixation portion fixed to the stay member at the lower face portion of the air guide member.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a bottom plate portion of the shutter frame portion of the shutter unit is configured such that a front end thereof is positioned in back of a front end of the bumper reinforcement, the lower face portion of the air guide portion of the air guide member in the state in which the first fixation portion of the air guide member is fixed to the first support portion of the shutter unit is spaced apart upward from the bottom plate portion of the shutter frame portion of the shutter unit, and a length, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the lower face portion of the air guide portion is configured such that a front end of the lower face portion is positioned in the vicinity of the front end of the bumper reinforcement and a rear end of the lower face portion is positioned in back of a front end of the bottom plate portion of the shutter frame portion of the shutter unit.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can stably ensure the air-guide performance to the shutter unit and also suppress breakage of the shutter unit in a light collision of the vehicle front portion. Specifically, since the length, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the lower face portion of the air guide portion is configured such that the front end is positioned in the vicinity of the front end of the bumper reinforcement and the rear end is positioned in back of the front end of the bottom plate portion of the shutter frame portion, the lower face portion can overlap upward with the bottom plate portion of the shutter frame portion. Thus, compared with a case in which the lower face portion overlaps downward with the bottom plate portion of the shutter frame portion, the air guide member can surely guide the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion to the flaps. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can stably ensure the air-guide performance for the shutter unit. Further, in a case of the light collision in which a retreat amount of the bumper reinforcement is small, since the front end of the bottom plate portion of the shutter frame portion is positioned in back of the front end of the bumper reinforcement, it can be prevented that the shutter unit is pressed rearward by an object colliding with the vehicle front portion.

In addition, since the retreat of the air guide member by the pressing of the collision object can be suppressed by the stay member, the lower face portion of the air guide member having a low rigidity deforms or gets broken in a case in which the collision object presses the air guide member. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can suppress the pressing of the shutter unit even in a case in which the collision object presses the air guide member. Thus, in the case of the light collision, the retreat of the air guide member can be suppressed and also the breakage of the shutter unit can be suppressed. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can stably ensure the air-guide performance for the shutter unit and suppress the breakage of the shutter unit in the light collision to the vehicle front portion.

Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, the air guide member is made from synthetic resin. According to the present embodiment, the present front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle can be provided with the air guide member having a lower cost and higher rigidity, compared with a case in which the air guide member is made of a synthetic rubber or a thin metal plate.

Thus, in a case in which the pressure fluctuation happens to the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion, for example, the air guide member can prevent the vibration from occurring at the air guide portion, thereby suppressing the vibration transmission to the shutter unit. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can surely suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit, without damaging the air-guide performance for the shutter unit.

Also, in another embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit is arranged above a bumper reinforcement of the vehicle front portion, the grille opening portion is configured to face the shutter unit, a drive mechanism portion to drive the flaps for opening or closing is provided at an outer peripheral face of the shutter frame portion, and the air guide member is configured in a shape to integrally enclose the shutter frame portion and the drive mechanism portion.

The above-described drive mechanism portion can comprise a link mechanism coupled to the flaps, gears, a drive motor to drive the link mechanism and the gears, and others, and can be arranged at a side face, an upper face, or a lower face of the shutter frame portion.

According to this embodiment, the flow of the outside air flowing through the shutter unit is not blocked, so that it can be prevented that the drive mechanism portion has a problem which may be caused by hot air circulating around the vehicle front portion. Specifically, since the drive mechanism portion is provided at the outer peripheral face of the shutter frame portion, the shutter unit can ensure an appropriate and required opening area of the shutter frame portion in a state of the flaps being open, compared with a case in which the drive mechanism portion is provided inside the shutter frame portion. Further, since the air guide member is configured in the shape to integrally enclose the shutter frame portion and the drive mechanism portion, the air guide member can guide the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion to the drive mechanism portion. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can always cool the drive mechanism portion arranged at the outer peripheral face of the shutter frame portion regardless of the opening/closing state of the flaps.

Moreover, the hot air circulating around the vehicle front portion is made to flow upward easily by the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion. Therefore, in a case in which the air guide member is configured to have the U shape, in a front view, which opens upward, for example, the air guide member can prevent the hot air circulating around the vehicle front portion from flowing into the inside of the air guide member from its outside. Thus, according to the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment, even in a case in which the air guide member is configured to have the U shape, in the front view, which opens upward, it can be prevented that the drive mechanism portion is exposed to the hot air circulating around the vehicle front portion. Accordingly, in the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment, the flow of the outside air flowing through the shutter unit is not blocked by the air guide member configured to integrally enclose the drive mechanism portion provided at the outer peripheral face of the shutter frame portion, so that it can be prevented that the drive mechanism portion has the problem which may be caused by the hot air circulating around the vehicle front portion.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit is configured to face the grille opening portion in a longitudinal direction and have a facing area which is covered by an opening area of the grille opening portion.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment does not block the flow of the outside air flowing through the shutter unit, thereby more stably cooling the drive mechanism portion. Specifically, since the shutter unit faces the grille opening portion, having the facing area covered by the opening area of the grille opening portion, the drive mechanism portion can be configured to surely face the grille opening portion. Further, since the air guide member is configured to integrally enclose the shutter frame portion and the drive mechanism portion, the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion can be more stably guided to the drive mechanism portion.

In addition, in a case in which the area, in the front view, of the shutter frame portion is smaller than the opening area, in the front view, of the grille opening portion, the shutter unit can prevent a flowing-speed decrease of the outside air flowing through the shutter frame portion. Therefore, the outside air can be surely supplied to the heat exchanger or the like which are arranged in back of the shutter unit, for example. Thus, since the shutter unit faces the grille opening portion, having the facing area covered by the opening area of the grille opening portion, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can more stably cool the drive mechanism portion, without blocking the flow of the outside air flowing through the shutter unit.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanism portion is provided at a side portion or a lower portion of the shutter frame portion, and the air guide member is configured to be arranged close to the bumper reinforcement in a vehicle vertical direction and have a roughly U shape, in a front view, which opens upward.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can supply the outside air to a rearward side relative to the shutter unit even in a state in which the flaps are closed, thereby suppressing occurrence of heat damage inside the engine room, for example. Specifically, in a case in which the air guide member is configured in a roughly tubal shape to connect the grille opening portion and the shutter unit, for example, if the flaps keep their closed state, no outside air is supplied to the heat exchanger or the engine which are provided in back of the shutter unit. Consequently, the heat exchanger or the like are not cooled and the hot air warmed up by the engine stays around, so that there is a concern that each component inside the engine room may have the heat damage.

Herein, since the air guide member is configured to have the roughly U shape, in the front view, which opens upward, the air guide member can supply the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion to the rearward side of the vehicle through its upward-opening portion, cooperating with the shutter unit with the closed flaps. Thereby, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can supply the hot air staying in an upper space behind the shutter unit to the rearward side of the vehicle even if the flaps keep their closed state, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the heat damage inside the engine room.

Further, in a case in which the flaps are closed, it becomes difficult for the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion to be directly supplied to the heat exchanger or the engine which are disposed behind the shutter unit because of cooperation of the shutter unit and the air guide member, for example. Therefore, even if the air guide member has the roughly U shape, in the front view, which opens upward, the hot air easily staying in the upper face inside the engine room is supplied to the rearward side of the vehicle, for example, so that the temperature of the cooling water or the lubricant oil can be quickly increased to a required one. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can supply the outside air to the rearward side relative to the shutter unit by the air guide member having the roughly U shape, in the front view, which opens upward even if the flaps keep their closed state, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the heat damage inside the engine room, for example.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an electric device to detect a front side which is located in front of the bumper face is provided at a central position, in a vehicle width direction, of the vehicle, which is located in front of the shutter unit, the drive mechanism portion is arranged at a side portion of the shutter frame portion.

The above-described electric device can be a sensor to identify another vehicle or an obstacle positioned in front, a millimeter-wave radar or a micrometer-wave radar as a sensor to measure a distance from the vehicle or the obstacle, or the like. Alternatively, a camera to capture a front image can be applied.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can prevent any problem from happening to the electric device, which may be caused by an electromagnetic noise which is generated by the drive mechanism portion in a case in which the electric device is arranged in front of the shutter unit. Specifically, in a case in which the drive motor is provided at the drive mechanism portion, for example, the drive mechanism portion may generate the electromagnetic noise. Therefore, when the drive mechanism portion gets closer, the electric device is more easily influenced by the electromagnetic noise, so that there is a concern that the electric device may fail to detect the state in front. Thus, since the electric device is provided at the central position, in a vehicle width direction, of the vehicle and the drive mechanism portion is arranged at the side portion of the shutter frame portion, the electric device can be spaced apart from the drive mechanism portion, so that the electric device is not easily influenced by the electromagnetic noise generated by the drive mechanism portion. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment in which the electric device is provided at the central position, in the vehicle width direction, of the vehicle and the drive mechanism portion is arranged at the side portion of the shutter frame portion can prevent any problem from happening to the electric device, which may be caused by the electromagnetic noise generated by the drive mechanism portion.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a heat generating equipment which is required to be cooled is provided above the shutter unit, and the air guide member is provided with a connecting passage which connects to the vicinity of the heat generating equipment, the connecting passage being positioned above the drive mechanism portion of the shutter unit.

The above-described providing of the heat generating equipment above the shutter unit means that the heat generating equipment is located right above the shutter unit or the heat generating equipment is located at a position which is above the shutter unit and also offset from the shutter unit in the vehicle width direction. The above-described heat generating equipment can be a headlight unit comprising a head lamp, a headlight unit comprising a head lamp, a side lamp and others, or the like, for example. The above-described connecting passage can be the one which is formed by partially cutting off an upper portion of the air guide member having the roughly U shape, in the front view, which opens upward, for example. Alternatively, the connecting passage can be the one which is formed by opening part of a side portion or an upper portion of the air guide member having the roughly rectangular shape in the front view.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can supply the outside air to the heat generating equipment and prevent that the drive mechanism portion is exposed to the hot air heated by the heat generating equipment. Specifically, the heat generating equipment which generates the heat, such as a LED lamp, may be provided above the shutter unit. The heat generating equipment is required to be compulsorily cooled for protection and stable performance of an installed circuit board or the like.

Herein, in case in which the heat generating equipment is located at the position which is above the shutter unit and also outward-offset from the shutter unit in the vehicle width direction, for example, there is a concern that the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion may not be supplied to the heat generating equipment properly because of the magnitude of a vertical length of the air guide member. However, since the connecting passage is provided at the air guide member, the air guide member can guide the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion to the drive mechanism portion and the heat generating equipment. In this case, the air guide member can guide the outside air to the heat generating equipment regardless of the opening/closing state of the flaps, so that the heat generating equipment can be stably cooled.

Further, since the connecting passage is provided above the drive mechanism portion, it can be prevented that the hot air heated by the heat generating equipment flows into the inner space of the air guide member. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can supply the outside air to the heat generating equipment by means of the connecting passage provided above the drive mechanism portion regardless of the opening/closing state of the flaps, and also prevent that the drive mechanism portion is exposed to the hot air heated by the heat generating equipment.

Moreover, in another embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit is arranged above a bumper reinforcement of the vehicle front portion, a horn device is provided above the shutter unit, having a specified distance from the shutter unit, the grille opening portion is configured to face the shutter unit, the horn device is configured such that a horn opening portion which is an inlet and an outlet of a horn sound opens downward, and a top plate portion of the shutter frame portion is configured such that a front end thereof is positioned in back of a front end of the horn opening portion.

The above-described top plate portion of the shutter frame portion can be formed in a shape such that its front end is positioned substantially at the same position as front ends of the flaps in the vehicle longitudinal direction, or it can be formed in an eaves shape such that it protrudes forward beyond the front ends of the flaps.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can compatibly achieve the appropriate propagation of the horn sound and the flow control of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion. Specifically, since the horn device is provided above the shutter unit, the horn device never block the flow of the outside air flowing into the shutter frame portion of the shutter unit. Further, by configuring the top plate portion of the shutter frame portion in the eaves shape such that it protrudes forward, for example, the shutter unit can surely guide the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion to the flaps. Since the front end of the top plate portion of the shutter frame portion is positioned in back of the front end of the horn opening portion of the horn device, that is—a portion of the horn opening portion and the top plate portion of the shutter frame portion face each other in the vehicle vertical direction, the shutter frame portion can prevent that a sound pressure of the horn sound directly acts on the flaps. Accordingly, the shutter unit can prevent any noise which may be generated by vibrations of the flaps caused by the horn sound or an improper opening/closing state of the flaps which may be caused by transmission of the vibrations of the flaps to the drive mechanism portion to drive the flaps. Thus, the shutter unit can surely control the flow of the outside air flowing downward from the grille opening portion in accordance with the opening/closing state of the flaps.

Further, since the portion of the horn opening portion and the top plate portion of the shutter frame portion face to each other in the vehicle vertical direction, part of the horn sound emitted from the horn device can be reflected by the top plate portion of the shutter frame portion and then propagated forward and upward. And, the horn sound propagated forward and upward can be reflected by a lower face of an engine hood, for example, and then propagated forward and downward.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can propagate the horn sound of the horn device downward and upward, suppressing an increase of the number of parts. Thus, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle can suppress the directivity of the horn sound and also propagate the horn sound to the outside of the vehicle through an entire part of the grille opening portion.

Herein, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment does not require any electric power consumption for opening the closed flaps nor need to delay emitting the horn sound from the horn device, compared with a case in which the openable flaps are positioned in front of the horn device.

Additionally, since the horn opening portion and the top plate portion of the shutter frame portion face each other in the vehicle vertical direction, each longitudinal length of the horn device and the shutter unit can be shortened properly, compared with a case in which the horn device is arranged in front or back of the shutter unit. Thus, the horn device and the shutter unit can be efficiently arranged in a limited space at the vehicle front portion. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment in which the front end of the top plate portion of the shutter frame portion is positioned in back of the front end of the horn opening portion of the horn device can compatibly achieve the appropriate propagation of the horn sound and the flow control of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the grille opening portion, the shutter unit, and the horn device are configured such that the shutter unit and the horn device are positioned in an opening range of the grille opening portion in the front view. According to the present embodiment, an air guide space where the outside air flows rearward can be formed at a position which is located above the shutter unit and around the horn device.

Thereby, even in a state in which the flaps are closed, the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion can be supplied rearward through this air guide space. In this case, since the flaps are closed, the outside air may not be directly supplied to the heat exchanger or the engine which are disposed behind the shutter unit, for example. Therefore, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can make the hot air staying in the upper space of the engine room flow rearward properly, increasing the temperature of the cooling water or the lubricant oil to the desired temperature quickly, so that the occurrence of the heat damage inside the engine room can be suppressed, for example.

Further, since the horn sound from the horn device is propagated in the air guide space, the air guide space can be an acoustic space where the horn sound is efficiently reflected. Additionally, in a case in which the grille opening portion is provided to be spaced forward apart from the shutter unit, for example, the air guide space can be expanded forward, so that the present front air-rectifying structure can constitute the larger acoustic space. Thereby, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle can suppress the directivity of the horn sound more and propagate the horn sound to the outside of the vehicle through the entire part of the grille opening portion more. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment which creates the air guide space of the outside air flowing around the horn device can compatibly achieve the appropriate propagation of the horn sound and the flow control of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an echo portion which faces the horn opening portion of the horn device is provided between a lower portion of the grille opening portion and the flaps, the echo portion being configured to slant forward and downward.

The above-described echo portion can be made from synthetic resin or meal, and may serve as an air guide portion to guide the outside air to the shutter unit through the grille opening portion. Further, the echo portion can be formed separately from a vehicle-body member to support the shutter unit or the like, or integrally formed with this vehicle-body member.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can compatibly achieve the appropriate propagation of the horn sound and the flow control of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion. Specifically, since the echo portion slants forward and downward, the horn sound propagated forward and downward from the horn opening portion can be reflected forward and upward by the echo portion. Thus, the present front air-rectifying structure can surely propagate the horn sound toward the grille opening portion. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment can more properly suppress the directivity of the horn sound and more surely propagate the horn sound to the outside of the vehicle through the entire part of the grille opening portion by means of the top plate portion and the echo portion of the shutter unit.

Moreover, in a case in which the echo portion is configured to guide the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion, the present front air-rectifying structure can compatibly achieve the appropriate propagation of the horn sound of the horn device and the appropriate air guide of the outside air flowing in, suppressing the number of components. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle of the present embodiment which comprises the echo portion configured to slant forward and downward can compatibly achieve the appropriate propagation of the horn sound and the flow control of the outside air flowing in through the grille opening portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention will be described referring to the drawings. An automotive vehicle1of the present embodiment is a vehicle which installs an engine (not illustrated) having a supercharger with an intercooler at a vehicle front portion2. The vehicle front portion2of the automotive vehicle1will be described specifically referring toFIGS. 1 through 8.

Herein,FIG. 1is a front view of the vehicle front portion2of the automotive vehicle1,FIG. 2is a perspective view showing an appearance of an internal structure of the vehicle front portion2,FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of the vehicle front portion2in a state in which an air guide member60is removed,FIG. 4is a front view showing a major part of the vehicle front portion2,FIG. 5is a sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1in a state in which flaps51are open,FIG. 6is a perspective view showing an appearance of a shutter unit50, when viewed from a forward and downward side of the vehicle,FIG. 7is a sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1in a state in which the flaps51are closed, andFIG. 8is a perspective view showing an appearance of an air guide member60, when viewed from a rearward and downward side of the vehicle.

Illustration of a horn41is omitted inFIGS. 2 and 3and illustration of a lower portion of the vehicle front portion2is omitted inFIGS. 5 and 7for clarifying the illustration of the major part. In the figures, arrows Fr, Rr show a vehicle longitudinal direction, the arrow Fr showing a vehicle forward side and the arrow Rr showing a vehicle rearward side. Further, arrows Rh, Lh show a vehicle width direction, the arrow Rh showing a vehicle rightward side and the arrow Lh showing a vehicle leftward side. Additionally, an upper side in the figures corresponds to a vehicle upper side, and a lower side in the figures corresponds to a vehicle lower side.

The vehicle front portion2of the automotive vehicle1comprises, as shown inFIG. 1, a pair of right-and-left front fenders4which are arranged above front wheels3, a bumper face5which is provided to cover an opening portion provided in front of the front fenders4, an engine hood (bonnet)6which openably covers an opening at a vehicle upper side, and an engine-hood garnish7which closes a gap between the bumper face5and a front end of the engine hood6.

Further, a pair of right-and-left head light units8, each of which is enclosed by the front fender4, the bumper face5, and the engine hood6, are provided at both ends, in a vehicle width direction, of the vehicle front portion2. A lower grille opening portion9and an upper grille opening portion10, which serve as an intake port though which the outside air is introduced into the inside of the vehicle front portion2, are formed at a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the bumper face5.

The lower grille opening portion9is, as shown inFIG. 1, formed in a roughly rectangular shape having a longer side in the vehicle width direction at a lower portion of the bumper face5. This lower grille opening portion9is configured to face an intercooler44which is arranged inside the vehicle front portion2. The intercooler44will be described specifically later.

The upper grille opening portion10is, as shown inFIG. 1, formed in a roughly inverse-pentagonal shape which is enclosed by a front grille11and the engine-hood garnish7, which are attached to an inverse-pentagonal shaped recess portion which is formed at the central portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the bumper face5and opens at its upper side.

Herein, the front grille11is configured to extend along an edge of the recess portion of the bumper face5and open at its upper side as shown inFIGS. 1 and 5. This front grille11has laterally-extending fins which are disposed in the vehicle vertical direction at specified intervals and an emblem11awhich is provided at a central and upper side to indicate a company's name or the like.

The upper grille opening portion10includes an opening having a size which is large enough to integrally enclose a pair of right-and-left horns41and the shutter unit50, in the front view, which are arranged inside the vehicle front portion2as shown inFIG. 1. Herein, the pair of right-and-left horns41and the shutter unit50will be described specifically later.

Inside the vehicle front portion2having the above-described appearance are provided, as shown inFIGS. 2 through 5, a pair of right-and-left front side frames21which extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a pair of right-and-left crash cans23which are connected to front ends of the front side frames21via flanges22and extend forward from the flanges21, and a bumper reinforcement24which interconnects respective front ends of the crash cans23in the vehicle width direction.

Further, a pair of right-and-left apron reinforcements (not illustrated) which extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction on an outward and upper side relative to the front side frames21, a shroud upper panel25which interconnects respective front ends of the apron reinforcement in the vehicle width direction, and a stay member26which connects the shroud upper panel25and the bumper reinforcement24at a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the vehicle are provided inside the vehicle front portion2.

Additionally, inside the vehicle front portion2are provided a cooling panel27(seeFIG. 5) which closes a gap between the engine-hood garnish7and the shroud upper panel25, a shroud member28which is supported at the bumper reinforcement24and the shroud upper panel25, and a leg sweeping member29which is supported at a lower portion of the shroud member28.

A pair of right-and-left brackets24awhich support the shroud member28are previously joined to a rear face of the bumper reinforcement24as shown inFIG. 3. The shroud panel25is arranged substantially at the same position, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as a rear end of the crash can23as shown inFIGS. 2 and 5.

The stay member26has a screw hole26afor a fastening bolt31to fasten the air guide member60, which will be described, at its lower portion as shown inFIG. 3. Further, the shroud member28is a synthetic-made frame member which is formed in a roughly rectangular shape in the front view, and arranged between the pair of right-and-left crash cans23as shown inFIGS. 2 through 4.

The shroud member28comprises a shroud upper portion281which extends in the vehicle width direction and is supported at the shroud upper panel25, a pair of right-and-left shroud side portions282which extend downward from both side ends of the shroud upper portion281, two shroud middle post portions283which are provided between the shroud side portions282to be spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and extend downward from the shroud upper portion281, and shroud lower portions (not illustrated) which interconnect respective lower ends of the shroud side portions282and the shroud middle post portions283, which are formed integrally.

The shroud member28forms a space between the shroud side portion282and the shroud middle post portion283as an air guide passage28awhich opens in the vehicle longitudinal direction at a position between the shroud upper portion281and the shroud lower portion. This air guide passage28aserves as a flow passage through which the outside air flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10flows down rearward.

The shroud side portion282is, as shown inFIG. 3, provided with a screw hole (not illustrated) to screw a fastening bolt for fastening to the bracket24aof the bumper reinforcement24, a screw hole (not illustrated) to screw a fastening bolt32for fastening a side portion of the shutter unit50, and a first support portion284.

Herein, the first support portion284, which is a roughly post-shaped member protruding forward, includes a clip attaching hole284ato receive a plastic clip33for fixing the air guide member60. The shroud middle post portion283includes a screw hole (not illustrated) to receive a fastening bolt34for fastening an upper portion of the shutter unit50at a position located upward from the screw hole for the fastening bolt32as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4.

The leg sweeping member29, which is made from synthetic resin and formed in a roughly flat-plate shape, is formed in a curve shape such that its front end portion protrudes forward as shown inFIG. 2. This leg sweeping member29has a function of sweeping a leg of a pedestrian so as to put the pedestrian onto the engine hood, thereby decreasing a collision load applied to the pedestrian, when the vehicle front portion2contacts the pedestrian, for example.

As shown inFIGS. 3 through 5, inside the vehicle front portion2are provided the pair of right-and-left head light units8, the pair of right-and-left horns41which are attached to a front face of the shroud upper panel25, a front radar42which is attached to the stay member26, a radiator43which is attached to a rear side of the shroud member28, the intercooler44which is arranged below the bumper reinforcement24, the shutter unit50which is arranged above the bumper reinforcement24, and the air guide member60.

The headlight unit8is configured as shown inFIG. 4such that a lamp housing8awhich is positioned inside the vehicle front portion2is supported at the shroud upper panel25. This lamp housing8ais configured to protrude inward and overlap with the shroud side portion282in front of the shroud side portion282in the front view.

Herein, the headlight unit8is a lamp unit provided with plural LED lamps, for example, and a circuit board to control lighting of the LED lamps or the like and others are stored in the lamp housing8a.

The pair of right-and-left horns41are, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, fixedly attached, via the respective horn brackets, to respective horn support portions25a, each of which is provided at a front face of the shroud upper panel25at an outward side position between the shroud side portion282and the shroud middle post portion283. The horn41is a scroll type of resonance tube and configured such that a horn opening portion41aas an opening of the resonance tube is directed downward.

The front radar42is attached to the stay member26so as to face the emblem11aof the grille opening portion10in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This front radar42is a millimeter-wave radar, for example, and has a function of measuring a distance from another vehicle traveling in front or an obstacle positioned in front.

The radiator43is fixedly attached to the shroud upper portion281and the shroud lower portion of the shroud member28as shown inFIG. 4. This radiator43is coupled to the engine via a radiator hose (not illustrated) and has a function of cooling the cooling water circulating inside the engine through the radiator43by using the outside air coming in from the vehicle front.

The intercooler44is fixedly attached to a front face of the shroud member28at a position located below the bumper reinforcement24as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5. This intercooler44is coupled to the engine and the supercharger (not illustrated) via an intercooler hose (not illustrated) and has a function of cooling compressed air flowing down from the supercharger toward the engine by using the outside air coming in from the vehicle front.

As shown inFIGS. 3 through 5, the shutter unit50has its vertical length which is substantially half of a vertical distance between the shroud upper panel25and the bumper reinforcement24, and is of a roughly rectangular shape having a longer side in the vehicle width direction. This shutter unit50is disposed at a lower side position between the shroud upper panel25and the bumper reinforcement24, being spaced apart from a lower end of the horn41. Further, the shutter unit50is provided to be spaced rearward apart from the upper grille opening portion10and such that its front end is positioned in back of a front end of the bumper reinforcement24.

Herein, the shutter unit50comprises the openable plural flaps51, and a function of controlling a supply of the outside air to the radiator43by opening or closing the flaps51. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 4 through 6, the shutter unit50comprises the plural flaps51extending in the vehicle width direction, rotational support portions52which rotatably support both ends, in the vehicle width direction, of the flaps51, a shutter frame member53which integrally encloses the plural flaps51and the rotational support portions52, and an actuator54which rotationally drives the flaps51.

Herein, the plural flaps51and the rotational support portions52are disposed in an inner space of the shutter frame member53such that the rotational support portion52, three of the flaps51, the rotational support portion52, the other three flaps51, and the other rotational support portion52are arranged in order from the vehicle right side. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the flaps51are configured such that two sets of the three flaps51are positioned side by side on the right side and the left side, and each set includes the three flaps51which are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle vertical direction. Each of the right-side three flaps51and each of the three left-side flaps51are arranged coaxially on an imaginary rotational axis extending in the vehicle width direction.

Specifically, the flap51comprises a flap axial portion511which extends in the vehicle width direction, a roughly flat-plate shaped flap rear portion512which extends rearward from the flap axial portion511, and a roughly flat-plate shaped flap front portion513which extends forward from the flap axial portion511in a state in which the outside air flows down rearward from the upper grille opening portion10through the shutter frame member53, i.e., the flap51is open. Herein, the flap51is configured to have a sectional shape along the vehicle longitudinal direction, in which an upper face of the flap rear portion512and an upper face of the flap front portion513are made continuous from each other by a protrusion portion514which gently protrude upward. The flap front portion513is configured slightly above the flap rear portion512. A length, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the flap front portion513is configured to be shorter than that of the flap rear portion512.

The rotational support portion52comprises a right-side rotational support portion52a, a central rotational support portion52b, and a left-side rotational support portion52c. The right-side rotational support portion52a, the central rotational support portion52b, the left-side rotational support portion52crotatably support the flap axial portions511of the flaps51substantially at the same position, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, as a rear end of the horn opening portion41a, so that the right and left flaps51can be rotated integrally. Specifically, the rotational support portion52comprises a pivotal axis portion and others which pivotally support the flap axial portion511of the flap51, a roughly rectangular housing having a longer side extending in the vehicle vertical direction which stores these therein, and so on. The rotational support portions52are configured such that the right-side rotational support portion52arotatably supports a right end of the right-side flap51, the central rotational support portion52brotatably supports a left end of the right-side flap51and a right end of the left-side flap51, and the left-side rotational support portion52crotatably supports a left end of the left-side flap51.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the rectangular-shaped shutter frame member53is a synthetic-resin made tubal member, and comprises a top plate portion531which is positioned upward, a bottom plate portion532which is spaced downward apart from the top plate portion531, a right-side face portion533which interconnects respective right ends of the top plate portion531and the bottom plate portion532, and a left-side face portion534which interconnects respective left ends of the top plate portion531and the bottom plate portion532. Further, the shutter frame member53comprises two side attachment portions535which are fixed to the shroud side portion282of the shroud member28, two upper attachment portions536which are fixed to the shroud central post portion283of the shroud member28, and two second support portions537which support a lower portion of the air guide member60.

Herein, the shutter frame member53comprises the side attachment portions535and the upper attachment portions536such that the bottom plate532is positioned above the upper face of the bumper reinforcement24in a state in which the shutter frame member53is attached to the shroud member28. The top plate portion531is configured in an eaves shape such that its front end is positioned in front of a front end of the flap51in a state in which the flaps51are open. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 5, the top plate portion531comprises a top-plate rear portion531awhich is positioned in back of the flap axial portion511of the flap51and a top-plate front portion531bwhich is positioned in front of the flap axial portion511. The top-plate rear portion531a, which is of a roughly rectangular flat-plate shape having a longer side in the vehicle width direction, is configured such that its lower face slants rearward and upward. The top-plate front portion531bis configured to be thicker than a front end of the top-plate rear portion531aand extend forward from a front end of the top-plate rear portion531a. Accordingly, the top-plate front portion531bhas a roughly perpendicular rear face which protrudes downward relative to the top-plate rear portion531aat its rear end. Further, a front end of the top-plate front portion531bis, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, configured such that a portion thereof which is other than a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, thereof which faces the stay member26when being attached to the vehicle front portion2is curved forward in a roughly arc shape in the plan view. As shown inFIG. 5, the top-plate front portion531bhas a sectional shape in the vehicle longitudinal direction at a central position, in the vehicle width direction, of the horn41such that a front end is positioned in back of a front end of the horn opening portion41a. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 6, four top-plate air-guide grooves531cwhich are recessed upward and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction are formed at a lower face of the top-plate front portion531b. The four top-plate air-guide grooves531care arranged at specified intervals in the vehicle width direction.

The bottom plate portion532has substantially the same shape as the top plate portion531. Specifically, the bottom plate portion532comprises, as shown inFIG. 5, a bottom-plate rear portion532awhich is positioned in back of the flap axial portion511of the flap51and a bottom-plate front portion532bwhich is positioned in front of the flap axial portion511. The bottom-plate rear portion532ahas substantially the same size as the top-plate rear portion531a, and is of a roughly rectangular flat-plate shape having a longer side in the vehicle width direction and configured such that its upper face slants rearward and downward. The bottom-plate front portion532bis configured to be thicker than a front end of the bottom-plate rear portion532aand extend obliquely forward and downward from a central portion, in the vehicle vertical direction, of the bottom-plate rear portion532a. Accordingly, the bottom-plate rear portion532ahas a roughly perpendicular front face which protrudes upward relative to the bottom-plate front portion532bat its front end. Further, a front end of the bottom-plate front portion532bis, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, configured such that a portion thereof which is other than a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, thereof which faces the stay member26when being attached to the vehicle front portion2is curved forward in a roughly arc shape in the plan view. Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, six bottom-plate air-guide grooves532cwhich are recessed downward and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction are formed at the bottom-plate front portion532b. The six bottom-plate air-guide grooves532care arranged at specified intervals in the vehicle width direction.

The right-side face portion533and the left-side face portion534are respectively configured in a roughly rectangular flat-plate shape, in the side view, to have a specified thickness in the vehicle width direction. The side attachment portions535are configured in a roughly rectangular flat-plate shape, in the front view, to extend outward, in the vehicle width direction, respectively from both rear ends of the right-side face portion533and the left-side face portion534as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6. This side attachment portion535has a bolt through hole (not illustrated) into which the fastening bolt32to be screwed into the screw hole of the shroud side portion282is inserted.

The upper attachment portion536is configured to rise upward from an upper face of the top-plate rear portion531aas shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. This upper attachment portion536has a bolt through hole (not illustrated) into which the fastening bolt34to be screwed into the screw hole of the shroud middle post portion283is inserted.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, the second support portions537are provided near a right-lower corner portion and a left-lower corner portion of the shutter frame member53. Specifically, the second support portion537comprises a roughly-rectangular-shaped flat plate portion537awhich extends outward from a front lower end of the right or left side face portion533,534, an upper face portion537bwhich interconnects an upper end of the flat plate portion537aand a lower end of the side attachment portion535, and a side face portion537cwhich interconnects an outward edge of the flat plate portion537aand a lower end of the side attachment portion535. Further, the flat plate portion537ahas a clip attachment hole537dto attach the plastic clip35for fixation of the air guide member60. The right-side second support portion537forms a boxy shape which opens downward and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction together with the right-side face portion533. Meanwhile, the left-side second support portion537forms a boxy shape which opens downward and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction together with the left-side face portion534.

The actuator54stores a drive motor, some gears and others in its housing. This actuator54is attached to the right-side face portion533of the shutter frame member53and connected to the right-side rotational support portion52a, thereby rotating the plural flaps51.

The above-described shutter unit50changes its state by making the actuator54rotate the flaps51, from a state in which the flaps51shown inFIG. 5are open to another state in which the flaps51are closed to block the outside air's flowing down rearward are closed (seeFIG. 7). Herein, the flaps51rotate around the flap axial portion511such that the flap rear portions512move obliquely upward and forward. In the state in which the flaps51are closed, as shown inFIG. 7, the flap rear portion512of the uppermost flap51comes to contact a rear face of the top-plate front portion531bin a rotational direction, and the flap front portion513comes to contact the flap rear portion512of the middle-positioned flap51in the rotational direction. Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 7, the flap rear portion512of the lowermost flap51comes to contact the flap front portion513of the middle-positioned flap51in the rotational direction and the flap front portion513of the lowermost flap51comes to contact a front face of the bottom-plate rear portion532ain the rotational direction. Thus, the shutter unit50changes its state between the state in which the outside air flows down inside the shutter frame member53and the state in which the outside air does not flow down inside the shutter frame member53.

The air guide member60is arranged so as to close a gap between a lower portion of the upper grille opening portion10and the flaps51as shown inFIGS. 2, 3 and 5. This air guide member60is, as shown inFIG. 4, of a synthetic-resin made member having a roughly U shape, in the front view, and opening upward, and has a size so as to enclose the shutter frame member53and the actuator54. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 3 through 5, the air guide member60comprises a lower face portion61which is arranged between the lower portion of the upper grille opening portion10and the flaps51and a pair of right-and-left side wall portions62which extend upward from both ends, in the vehicle width direction, of the lower face portion61.

The air guide member60further comprises two first fixation portions63which are fixed to the first support portions284of the shroud member28, two second fixation portions64which are fixed to the second support portions537of the shutter unit50, and a single third fixation portion65which is fixed to the stay member26. Additionally, the air guide member60has, at the side wall portions62, air guide openings60awhere the outside air flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10flows down toward the headlight unit8.

The lower face portion61is configured to have a length in the vehicle width direction which is substantially the same as that of the shutter unit50in a state in which it is attached to the shutter unit50as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 and 8. Further, a longitudinal length of the lower face portion61in the state of being attached to the shutter unit50is configured such that a front end of the lower face portion61is positioned substantially the same position as the front end of the bumper reinforcement24and also its rear end is positioned in back of the front end of the bottom plate portion532of the shutter unit50. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 3, 5 and 8, the lower face portion61comprises an upper-stage face portion611which faces the bottom plate portion532of the shutter unit50with a specified upward distance, a lower-stage face portion612which faces an upper face of the bumper reinforcement24with a specified upward distance, and a front wall portion613which vertically interconnects a front end of the upper-stage face portion611and a rear end of the lower-stage face portion612. The upper-stage face portion611is configured to step down at both ends, in the vehicle width direction, thereof in the front view. This upper-stage face portion611has a cross section in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a rear end of which is positioned in back of the front end of the bottom plate portion532of the shutter unit50, and which gently slants from the rear end. In other words, the upper-stage face portion611is configured such that the vicinity of its rear end overlaps with the vicinity of the front end of the bottom plate portion532of the shutter unit50, being spaced vertically apart from the vicinity of the front end of the bottom plate portion532, in a state in which the upper-stage face portion611is attached to the shutter unit50. The lower-stage face portion612is configured such that its both ends gently slant upward toward both ends, in the vehicle width direction, of the upper-stage face portion611in the front view. This lower-stage face portion612has a cross section in the vehicle longitudinal direction which slightly slants forward and downward from a rear end. Further, the lower-stage face portion612has two air guide grooves612awhich are recessed downward and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction. These two air guide grooves612aare spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction.

The side wall portion62comprises, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 8, a side wall body portion621which is of a flat shape having a specified thickness in the vehicle width direction, an outward edge portion622which is formed along a front end of the side wall body portion621, and an inward edge portion623which is formed along a rear end and a lower end of the side wall body portion621. The side wall body portion621is configured as shown inFIG. 4such that its upper end is positioned above the shutter unit50and below the lap housing8aof the lamp unit8.

Thus, the air guide member60has the air guide openings60aas the space through which the outside air flows down toward the headlight unit8at the vehicle upper side between the shroud upper panel25and the shutter unit50in the state in which the air guide member60is attached to the vehicle front portion2. The outward edge portion622is configured such that a front end of the side wall body portion621bends outward at a roughly right angle and its lower end connects to the vicinity of the front end of the lower face portion61. The inward edge portion623is configured such that a rear end and a lower end of the side wall body portion621bends inward at a roughly right angle and its lower end connects to an edge end, in the vehicle width direction, of the lower face portion61.

The first fixation portion63is provided at an upper end of the side wall portion62. Specifically, the first fixation portion63is configured in a roughly-rectangular flat shape in the front view such that it extends forward from an upper end of the inward edge portion623along an upper end of the side wall body portion621and then rises upward. This first fixation portion63has a clip through hole63athrough which the plastic clip33is inserted. The second fixation portion64is configured in a roughly flat plate shape to rise upward from an end, in the vehicle width direction, of the lower face portion61. Specifically, the second fixation portion64extends upward so as to connect a rear end of a lowering portion of the upper-stage face portion611and the inward edge portion623of the side wall portion62. This second fixation portion64has a clip through hole64afor insertion of the plastic clip35. This clip insertion hole64ais positioned such that the plastic clip35is attached to the second support portion537of the shutter unit50in a state in which the lower face portion61is spaced upward apart from the bottom plate portion532of the shutter unit50. The third fixation portion65is provided at a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the lower face portion61such that it faces upward. Specifically, the third fixation portion65is configured in a roughly U shape in the plan view such that a central portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the front wall portion613extends upward and connects to the upper-stage face portion611. This third fixation portion65has a bolt through hole65afor insertion of the fastening bolt31to be screwed into the screw hole26aformed at the lower portion of the stay member26.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 8, resilient sponges66having a roughly square-pillar shape are pasted to respective front faces of upper and lower portions of the outward edge portions622, respective rear and lower faces of the inward edge portions623, a rear face of the front wall portion613, and a lower face of the lower-stage face portion612of the above-described air guide member60. The sponges66pasted to the front faces of the upper and lower portions of the outward edge portion622are configured to contact the rear face of the bumper face5in a state in which the air guide member60is attached to the vehicle front portion2. The sponges66pasted to the rear faces of the inward edge portion623are configured to contact the side attachment portions535of the shutter unit50in the state in which the air guide member60is attached to the vehicle front portion2. The sponges66pasted to the lower faces of the inward edge portion623, the rear face of the front wall portion613, and the lower face of the lower-stage face portion612are configured to contact the bumper reinforcement24.

Next, a flow of outside air W which flows in through the upper grille opening portion10in the above-described vehicle front portion2will be described specifically referring toFIGS. 9 and 10. Herein,FIG. 9is an explanatory diagram explaining the flow of the outside air W in the state in which the flaps51are open andFIG. 10is an explanatory diagram explaining the flow of the outside air W in the state in which the flaps51are closed.

First, in the case in which the flaps51are open, the outside air W flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10passes around the horn41and between the flaps51of the shutter unit50, and flows rearward from the air guide passage28aof the shroud member28as shown inFIG. 9. Meanwhile, in the case in which the flaps51are closed, the rearward flow of the outside air W flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10is blocked by the flaps51as shown inFIG. 10. Accordingly, the outside air W flowing in from the lower portion of the upper grille opening portion10deflects upward due to the shutter unit50. Then, the outside air W deflecting upward flows upward through an upper-side opening of the air guide member60and the air guide opening60a, and joins the outside W flowing down rearward from the upper portion of the grille opening portion10and flows down rearward. Herein, the outside air W flowing through the air guide opening60aflows toward the lamp housing8aof the headlight unit8, and then joins the outside air W flowing down rearward from the upper portion of the upper grille opening portion10and flows down rearward. Then, the outside air W passes around the horn41and through the air guide passage28aof the shroud member28, and flows through an upper portion of the radiator43, and then flows down rearward along a lower face of the engine hood6. That is, in the case in which the flaps51are closed, the outside air W flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10passes an upper portion inside the vehicle front portion2and flows down rearward.

Subsequently, the manner of propagation of a horn sound S emitted from the horn opening portion41aat the time the horn41is operated by a passenger will be described specifically referring toFIG. 11.FIG. 11is an explanatory diagram explaining propagation directions of the horn sound S.

When being operated by the passenger, the horn41emits the horn sound S downward from the horn opening portion41aopening downward as shown by two-dotted broken lines inFIG. 11. Herein, the horn sound S propagated downward and forward is reflected forward and upward by the top plate portion531of the shutter unit50. Further, the horn sound S reflected forward and upward is reflected downward and forward by the cooling panel27and then propagated toward the upper grille opening portion10. Meanwhile, the horn sound S passing through a side located in front of the front end of the top plate portion531is reflected upward and forward by the upper-stage face portion611and the lower-stage face612of the air guide member60, and then propagated toward the upper grille opening portion10as shown by the two-dotted broken lines inFIG. 11. Thus, the horn sound S is propagated forward through the upper grille opening portion10, being reflected in various directions inside the vehicle front portion2.

The front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1which performs the above-described flow of the outside air W and the above-described propagation manner of the horn sound S can properly suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50, without damaging the air-guide performance for the shutter unit50, thereby preventing any problem from happening to the move of the flaps51. Specifically, the rigidity of the vicinity of the corner portion of the shutter frame member53becomes higher, compared with the bottom plate portion532or the central portion, in the vehicle vertical direction, of the right-side face portion533or the left-side face portion534. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can be configured to improve the support rigidity of the second support portion537, compared with a case in which the second support portion is provided at the right-side face portion533or the left-side face portion534of the shutter frame member53, for example. Thereby, in a case in which the lower face portion61is made to vibrate by the pressure fluctuation of the outside air W flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10, for example, the second support portion537of the shutter frame member53can damp the vibration inputted via the second fixation portion64of the air guide member60and transmit it to the shutter frame member53. Further, the second support portion537can be a positioning means for determining the position of the lower face portion61relative to the shutter frame member53. Specifically, in a case in which the second support portion is provided at the shroud member28, for example, there is a problem that a relative position of the lower face portion61to the shutter frame member53is not stable because of a position shift of the shutter unit50relative to the shroud member28and a position shift of the air guide member60relative to the shroud member28.

Meanwhile, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can suppress the position shift of the lower face portion61relative to the shutter frame member53because the second support portion537is provided at the shutter unit50more properly, compared with the case in which the second support portion is provided at the shroud member28. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can stably ensure the distance between the shutter frame member53and the lower face portion61when the second fixation portion64of the air guide member60is fixed to the second support member537of the shutter unit50. That is, the second support portion537can be made to serve as the positioning means for determining the position of the lower face portion61relative to the shutter frame member53.

Thus, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can make the lower face portion61contact the shutter frame member53when the lower face portion61vibrates due to the pressure fluctuation of the outside air W flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10, for example, thereby suppressing the transmission of the vibration of the lower face portion61to the shutter unit50. Therefore, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1in which the air guide member60is fixed to the second support portion537of the shutter unit50having the high support rigidity can properly suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50, without damaging the air-guide performance for the shutter unit50, thereby preventing any problem from happening to the move of the flaps51.

Further, according to the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1in which the second support portion537of the shutter unit50is configured to have the roughly boxy shape extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, since the support rigidity of the second support portion537is improved, the vibration transmitted to the shutter frame member53via the second fixation portion64of the air guide member60can be further suppressed. Therefore, the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50can be surely suppressed by the second support portion537formed in the roughly boxy shape.

Moreover, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1, in which the air guide member60comprises the lower face portion61which has the second fixation portion64at the position in the vicinity of each of the both ends, in the vehicle width direction, thereof and a pair of right-and-left side wall portions62which have the first fixation portion63, and the third fixation portion65fixed to the stay member26is provided at the portion of the lower face portion61which is positioned between the both second fixation portions64, can surely prevent any problem from happening to the move of the flaps51and surely suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50. Specifically, the air guide member60can be supported by the second support portion537of the shutter unit50, the first support portion284of the shroud member28, and the stay member26by fixing the air guide member60to the stay member26. Accordingly, the air guide member60can be supported at plural points by the shroud member28and the stay member26which have a higher rigidity than the shutter unit50. Therefore, the weight of the air guide member60added to the second support portion537of the shutter unit50can be reduced.

Further, in a case in which the lower face portion61is made to vibrate by the pressure fluctuation of the outside air W flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10, for example, the stay member26can transmit the vibration inputted by way of the third fixation portion65to the shroud upper panel25. Thereby, the vibration of the lower face portion61can be transmitted to the shroud member28by way of the first fixation portion63and transmitted to the shroud upper panel25by way of the third fixation portion65. Thereby, deformation of the shutter frame member53can be suppressed by the weight of the air guide member60added to the second support portion537. Further, the vibration transmitted to the shutter unit50by way of the second fixation portion64of the air guide member60can be surely suppressed. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can surely prevent any problem from happening to the move of the flaps51and surely suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50by providing the third fixation portion65fixed to the stay member26at the lower face portion61of the air guide member60.

Also, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1, in which the lower face portion61of the air guide member60in the state in which the second fixation portion64is fixed to the second support portion537is spaced apart upward from the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53, and the length, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the lower face portion61is configured such that its front end is positioned in the vicinity of the front end of the bumper reinforcement24and its rear end is positioned in back of the front end of the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53, can stably ensure the air-guide performance for the shutter unit50and also compatibly suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50and any breakage of the shutter unit50. Specifically, since the length, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the lower face portion61is configured such that the front end is positioned in the vicinity of the front end of the bumper reinforcement24and the rear end is positioned in back of the front end of the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53, the lower face portion61can overlap upward with the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53. Thus, compared with a case in which the lower face portion overlaps downward with the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53, the air guide member60can surely guide the outside air W flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10to the flaps51. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can stably ensure the air-guide performance for the shutter unit50. Further, in a case of the light collision in which a retreat amount of the bumper reinforcement24is small, since the front end of the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53is positioned in back of the front end of the bumper reinforcement24, it can be prevented that the shutter unit50is pressed rearward by an object colliding with the vehicle front portion2.

In addition, since the retreat of the air guide member60by the pressing of the collision object can be suppressed by the stay member26, the lower face portion61of the air guide member60having a low rigidity deforms or gets broken in a case in which the collision object presses the air guide member60. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can suppress the pressing of the shutter unit50even in a case in which the collision object presses the air guide member60. Thus, in the case of the light collision, the retreat of the air guide member60can be suppressed and also the breakage of the shutter unit50can be suppressed. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can stably ensure the air-guide performance to the shutter unit50and compatibly suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50and the breakage of the shutter unit50.

Further, since the air guide member60is made from the synthetic resin, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can be provided with the air guide member60having a lower cost and higher rigidity, compared with a case in which the air guide member is made of a synthetic rubber or a thin metal plate. Thus, in a case in which the pressure fluctuation happens to the outside air W flowing in through the upper grille opening portion10, for example, the air guide member60can prevent the vibration from occurring at the lower face portion61, thereby suppressing the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50. Accordingly, the front air-rectifying structure of the automotive vehicle1can surely suppress the vibration transmission to the shutter unit50, without damaging the air-guide performance for the shutter unit50.

In a correspondent relation between the present claimed invention and the above-described embodiment, the grille opening portion of the invention corresponds to the upper opening portion10of the embodiment. Likewise, the vehicle-body member corresponds to the shroud upper panel25or the shroud member28, the shutter frame portion corresponds to the shutter frame member53, the first support portion corresponds to the second support portion537, the air guide portion corresponds to the lower face portion61or the side wall portion62, the first fixation portion corresponds to the second fixation portion64, the second support portion corresponds to the first support portion284, the second fixation portion corresponds to the first fixation portion63, the bottom plate portion of the shutter frame portion corresponds to the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53, the lower face portion of the air guide member corresponds to the lower face portion61of the air guide member60, and a pair of right-and-left side face portion correspond to the side wall portions62. Further, the drive mechanism portion corresponds to the actuator54, the outer peripheral face of the shutter frame portion or the side portion of the shutter frame portion correspond to the right-side face portion533of the shutter frame member53, the specified electric device corresponds to the front radar42, the heat generating equipment corresponds to the headlight unit8, and the connecting passage corresponds to the air guide opening60a. Moreover, the horn opening portion corresponds to the horn opening portion41a, the top palate portion of the shutter frame portion corresponds to the top plate portion531of the shutter frame member53, and the echo portion corresponds to the lower face portion61of the air guide member60.

The present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiment, and any other modifications or improvements may be applied within the scope of a spirit of the present invention.

For example, while the shutter unit50and the first fixation portion63of the air guide member60are attached to the shroud member28in the above-described embodiment, any vehicle-body member having a high rigidity, such as any member which supports the shroud member28, is applicable. Also, while the shutter unit50includes the plural flaps51arranged in the vehicle vertical direction in the embodiment, the flaps may be arranged in the vehicle width direction. Further, while the shutter unit50is provided above the bumper reinforcement24in the embodiment, in a case in which the automotive vehicle is not equipped with the intercooler44, the shutter unit50may be provided below the bumper reinforcement24.

While the air guide member60is made from the synthetic resin in the embodiment, the air guide member may be made by bending a metal-made thin plate. Further, the air guide member60of the embodiment is configured in the roughly U shape, in the front view, which opens upward, any air guide member which has a roughly U shape, in the front view, which opens downward or any tubal-body air guide member which has a roughly rectangular shape in the front view are applicable.

Also, while the embodiment is configured such that the lower face portion61of the air guide member60overlaps upward with the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53, the lower face portion61of the air guide member60overlaps downward with the bottom plate portion532of the shutter frame member53. While the second support portion537is formed at the outer-face side near the corner portion of the shutter frame member53, the second support portion may be formed at an inner-face side of the shutter frame member53as long as that is formed near the corner portion of the shutter frame member53.

While the embodiment provides the single stay member26interconnecting the bumper reinforcement24and the shroud upper panel25, two or more stay members26are provided. In this case, plural third fixation portions26may be provided so as to fix the air guide member60to all of the stay members26. Alternatively, the third fixation potion may be provided so as to fix the air guide member60to part of the plural stay members26.