Front body structure of vehicle

A front body structure of the vehicle includes a pair of left and right apron reinforcements, a pair of left and right front side frames, a pair of left and right suspension housings, and a sub-frame. The front body structure of the vehicle further includes a shroud upper that joins the front ends of the apron reinforcements, a pair of left and right shroud members that join the shroud upper and the front ends of the front side frames, and a pair of left and right front joint members that join the front ends of the front side frames and the sub-frame, in which the shroud members are joined to the upper surfaces and the side surfaces of the front side frames.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a front body structure of a vehicle in which, for example, in front view, a ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in a vehicle width direction is formed in a front body.

Background Art

In a vehicle such as an automobile, front suspension dampers are joined to the frame members of a vehicle body via suspension housings. The front suspension damper suppresses the up-down movement of the vehicle body by, for example, expanding and contracting according to the unevenness of a road surface and improves the ride comfort for occupants.

Since a relatively large load is likely to act on the suspension housings via the front suspension dampers generally, when the front body is bent and deformed by the load acting via the front suspension dampers, there is a possibility that the steering stability may be reduced and the ride comfort for occupants may be reduced.

Accordingly, for example, JP-A-2017-7606 describes improving the body rigidity of the vicinity of the suspension housings by forming a ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view in the vicinity of the suspension housings using a pair of left and right damper housing reinforcing members that form a closed cross section extending in a vehicle up-down direction together with the suspension housings (damper housings) provided close to the dash panel, a dash upper panel reinforcing member that forms a closed cross section extending in a vehicle width direction together with a cowl box (dash upper panel) that joins the lower ends of left and right front pillars, and a front sub-frame provided on a vehicle lower side of the suspension housings. JP-A-2017-7606 also describes improving the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body using this technique.

Also, when the dash panel and the suspension housings are close to each other in the vehicle front-rear direction, the ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view can be formed by using a cowl box as a closed cross section member joining the left and right suspension housings as described in JP-A-2017-7606.

However, when the suspension housings are separated from the dash panel toward the vehicle front side, since the cowl box cannot be easily used as a closed cross section member connecting the left and right suspension housings, there is a possibility that the body frame capable of improving the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body cannot be formed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure thus provides a front body structure of a vehicle capable of improving the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body even when the suspension housings are provided in positions separated from the dash panel toward the vehicle front side.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a front body structure of a vehicle, including a pair of left and right apron reinforcements that are closed cross section members extending in a vehicle front-rear direction in positions separated from each other by a predetermined distance in a vehicle width direction, a pair of left and right front side frames that are closed cross section members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction on a vehicle lower side of the apron reinforcements, and a pair of left and right suspension housings that support upper ends of front suspension dampers in desired positions separated from a dash panel toward a vehicle front side, with the suspension housings being provided across the apron reinforcements and the front side frames, and a sub-frame provided on the vehicle lower side of the front side frames, with the sub-frame swingably supporting a suspension arm. The front body structure further includes a shroud upper that is a closed cross section member joining front ends of the apron reinforcements to each other in the vehicle width direction; a pair of left and right shroud members that are closed cross section members joining the shroud upper and front ends of the front side frames to each other in a vehicle up-down direction; and a pair of left and right joint members that are closed cross section members joining the front ends of the front side frames and the sub-frame to each other in the vehicle up-down direction, in which the sub-frame has a suspension cross member that is a closed cross section member joining lower ends of the joint members to each other in the vehicle width direction and the shroud members are joined to upper surfaces and side surfaces of the front side frames.

According to the present disclosure, even when the suspension housings are provided in positions separated from the dash panel toward the vehicle front side, the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body can be improved.

Specifically, in the front body structure of the vehicle, the ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view can be formed by the shroud upper, the left and right shroud members, the left and right joint members, and the suspension cross member of the sub-frame in a position on the vehicle front side of the suspension housings.

In addition, since the rear ends of the apron reinforcements and the rear ends of the front side frames are generally joined to the body frame that forms the vehicle interior of the vehicle, the front body structure of the vehicle can support the suspension housings via the body frame that forms the vehicle interior and the ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view formed on the vehicle front side of the suspension housings.

Since the shroud members are joined to the upper surfaces and the side surfaces of the front side frames in the ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view described above, the front body structure of the vehicle can improve the rigidity of the joint portions between the front side frames and the shroud members. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can improve the rigidity of the ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view formed on the vehicle front side of the suspension housings.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the suspension housings and the load acting on the sub-frame. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can prevent the left and right apron reinforcements and front side frames from being bent and deformed in different directions when, for example, loads via the front suspension dampers act on the left and right suspension housings at different timings.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body even when the suspension housings are provided in positions separated from the dash panel toward the vehicle front side.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the front side frames may have substantially planar plate members connected to the front ends of the front side frames and link members that separate, in the vehicle front-rear direction, internal spaces of the front side frames in substantially the same positions in the vehicle front-rear direction as rear ends of the joint members.

According to the present disclosure, the front body structure of the vehicle can join the closed cross sections of the shroud members and the closed cross sections of the joint members to each other by the closed cross sections of the front side frames formed by the plate members and the link members. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can further improve the rigidity of the body frame that connects the apron reinforcements and the sub-frame to each other.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can improve the rigidity of the ring-shaped structural frame against, for example, turning moments acting on the suspension housings in front view or plan view or loads acting on the suspension housings in different timings Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can further improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body by the plate member and the link members provided in the front side frames.

In addition, in an aspect of the present disclosure, the shroud members may have closed cross section parts that form closed cross sections together with the front side frames in a horizontal cross section along the vehicle width direction. According to the present disclosure, the front body structure of the vehicle can surely improve the continuity between the closed cross sections of the shroud members and the closed cross sections of the front side frames. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can further improve the rigidity of the joint portions between the front side frames and the shroud members.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can further improve the rigidity of the ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view formed on the front side of the suspension housings and can thereby improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the suspension housings may have damper mount parts to which the front suspension dampers are mounted and the apron reinforcements may be formed in a shape extending substantially linearly from rear ends thereof joined to hinge pillars toward the vehicle front side and an inner side in the vehicle width direction through an outer side in the vehicle width direction of the damper mount parts in plan view.

According to the present disclosure, the front body structure of the vehicle can obtain a larger space on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the apron reinforcements in a position closer to the vehicle front side than in the apron reinforcements formed in a shape extending substantially linearly from the hinge pillars to the vehicle front side. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can prevent the shapes of, for example, a front fender and a head light from being limited by the apron reinforcements.

In addition, since the apron reinforcements extend substantially linearly from the rear ends thereof connected to the hinge pillars toward the vehicle front side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the front body structure of the vehicle can suppress the length in the vehicle width direction of the ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view and therefore improve the rigidity of the ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in front view.

In addition, the front body structure of the vehicle can make the apron reinforcements closer to the front suspension dampers provided in desired positions than in the apron reinforcements formed in a shape extending from the rear ends thereof toward the vehicle front side substantially linearly.

In other words, the front body structure of the vehicle can make the distance in the vehicle width direction between the damper mount parts of the suspension housings and the apron reinforcements smaller than in the apron reinforcements extending from the rear ends thereof toward the vehicle front substantially linearly.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can achieve the size and weight reduction and the high rigidity of the suspension housings and suppress the bending moments acting on the joint portions between the suspension housings and the apron reinforcements. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can suppress the suspension housings from falling and deforming to the inner side in the vehicle width direction when loads act on the suspension housings via the front suspension dampers.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle can improve the flexibility of a vehicle design and further improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body using the apron reinforcements having a shape extending toward the vehicle front side from the rear end and the inner side in the vehicle width direction in plan view.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the front body structure of the vehicle capable of improving the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body even when the suspension housings are provided in positions separately from the dash panel toward the vehicle front side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A vehicle1according to the present embodiment is a vehicle having a ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped in a front body on the vehicle front side of the vehicle interior in which occupants get on and off. The front body structure of the vehicle1will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 22.

It should be noted here thatFIG. 1is an appearance perspective view illustrating the front body seen from the upper front of the vehicle,FIG. 2is a plan view illustrating the front body,FIG. 3is a left side view illustrating the front body,FIG. 4is a cross sectional view seen along arrows A-A inFIG. 2,FIG. 5is a cross sectional view seen along arrows B-B inFIG. 2,FIG. 6is a cross sectional view seen along arrows C-C inFIG. 2,FIG. 7is an appearance perspective view illustrating an apron reinforcement lower822seen from the upper front of the vehicle,FIG. 8is a cross sectional view seen along arrows D-D inFIG. 2,FIG. 9is an appearance perspective view illustrating the rear end of a front side frame10seen from the lower front of the vehicle, andFIG. 10is an appearance perspective view illustrating an inner side in a vehicle width direction in the vicinity of the front end of the front side frame10.

In addition,FIG. 11is an appearance perspective view illustrating an outer side in the vehicle width direction in the vicinity of the front end of the front side frame10,FIG. 12is a left side view illustrating an internal structure in the vicinity of the front end of the front side frame10,FIG. 13is a left side view illustrating an internal structure of the front side frame10in the vicinity of a suspension housing12,FIG. 14is a cross sectional view seen along arrows E-E inFIG. 3,FIG. 15is a cross sectional view seen along arrows F-F inFIG. 3,FIG. 16is an appearance perspective view illustrating an external appearance of the suspension housing12on the right side of the vehicle.

Furthermore,FIG. 17is a cross sectional view seen along arrows G-G inFIG. 13,FIG. 18is an appearance perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a sub-frame14seen from the upper front of the vehicle,FIG. 19is an explanatory diagram used to describe a first ring-shaped structural frame W1,FIG. 20is an explanatory diagram used to describe a second ring-shaped structural frame W2,FIG. 21is an explanatory diagram used to describe a third ring-shaped structural frame W3, a fourth ring-shaped structural frame W4, and a fifth ring-shaped structural frame W5, andFIG. 22is an explanatory diagram used to describe a sixth ring-shaped structural frame W6and a seventh ring-shaped structural frame W7.

In addition, to clarify illustration, a lower arm22is not illustrated inFIG. 3andFIG. 22, a tower bar13is not illustrated inFIG. 4andFIG. 21, and an apron reinforcement upper821is not illustrated inFIG. 7. In addition, a side frame outer102is not illustrated inFIG. 12andFIG. 13and a front suspension damper20is not illustrated inFIG. 18.

In addition, in these figures, arrows Fr and Rr indicate the front-rear direction, arrow Fr indicates the front side, and arrow Rr indicates the rear side. Furthermore, arrows Rh and Lh indicate the width direction, arrow Rh indicates the right direction, and arrow Lh indicates the left direction. In addition, arrow IN indicates the inner side in the vehicle width direction and arrow OUT indicates the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 1toFIG. 4, the front body of the vehicle1according to the present embodiment includes a pair of left and right hinge pillars2that extend in the vehicle up-down direction in positions separated from each other by a predetermined distance in the vehicle width direction, a cowl box3that joins the upper portions of the hinge pillars2in the vehicle width direction, a dash panel4provided between the hinge pillars2, a dash cross member5that joins the lower portions of the hinge pillars2in the vehicle width direction, a reinforcing member6provided on the vehicle upper side of the dash cross member5, and a pair of left and right torque boxes7provided on the vehicle lower side of the dash cross member5.

As illustrated inFIG. 1toFIG. 3, the front body of the vehicle1further includes a pair of left and right apron reinforcements8that extend from the upper portions of the hinge pillars2toward the vehicle front side, a shroud upper9that joins the front ends of the apron reinforcements8in the vehicle width direction, and the pair of left and right front side frames10that extend in the vehicle front-rear direction on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and on the vehicle lower side of the apron reinforcements8.

As illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 3, the front body of vehicle1further includes the shroud upper9, a pair of left and right shroud members11that join the front ends of the front side frames10in a vehicle up-down direction, the hinge pillars2, and the pair of left and right suspension housings12provided between the shroud members11, the tower bar13that joins the left and right suspension housings12, and the sub-frame14provided on the vehicle lower side of the front side frames10.

As illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 3, the front body of vehicle1has a pair of left and right front joint members15that join the front side frames10and the sub-frame14in substantially the same positions in the vehicle front-rear direction as the shroud members11and rear joint members16that connect the front side frames10and the sub-frame14in substantially the same positions in the vehicle front-rear direction as the suspension housings12.

Subsequently, the components constituting the front body of the above vehicle1will be described in detail. As illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 3, the hinge pillar2forms a lower portion of the vehicle interior and joins, in the vehicle up-down direction, the front end of a side sill17, which is a closed cross section member extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the front end of a front pillar18, which is a closed cross section member extending in the vehicle front-rear direction on the vehicle upper side of the side sill17.

Although not described in detail, this hinge pillar2is a closed cross section member in which the cross sectional shape in a horizontal cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction is a closed cross section and includes a hinge pillar inner provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and a hinge pillar outer provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the hinge pillar inner.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the cowl box3is formed in a substantially arc shape in plan view in which substantially the middle thereof in the vehicle width direction projects toward the vehicle front side. This cowl box3is a closed cross section member in which the cross sectional shape in a vertical cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction is a closed cross section, as illustrated inFIG. 5, and includes a cowl lower31provided on the vehicle lower side and a cowl upper32that covers the cowl lower31from the vehicle upper side.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 1,FIG. 4andFIG. 5, the dash panel4is a panel member that forms the front wall of the vehicle interior and both ends in the vehicle width direction are connected to the left and right hinge pillars2, respectively, and the upper end is connected to the cowl lower31of the cowl box3.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the lower edge of the dash panel4in the vicinity of substantially the middle in the vehicle width direction is formed in a shape projecting toward the vehicle upward side like an inverted U shape along a floor tunnel (not illustrated) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the vehicle interior in front view. The lower edge formed in a shape along the floor tunnel is a tunnel correspondence portion4a.

In addition, the dash cross member5connects the lower portions of the left and right hinge pillars2in the vehicle width direction along the lower edge of the dash panel4as illustrated inFIG. 4. Although not illustrated in detail, this dash cross member5is formed to have a substantially hat-shaped cross section projecting toward the vehicle front side so as to form a closed cross section together with the dash panel4in a vertical cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the dash cross member5is formed integrally by a gate-shaped part5ahaving a substantially gate shape in front view projecting toward the vehicle upper side along the tunnel correspondence portion4aof the dash panel4in front view and a horizontal extending part5bextending to the outside in the vehicle width direction toward the left and right hinge pillars2from the lower end of the gate-shaped part5a.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the reinforcing member6is provided on the vehicle upper side of the gate-shaped part5aof the dash cross member5in plan view as a reinforcing member that reinforces the dash panel4. The upper end of this reinforcing member6is connected to the cowl box3and the lower end thereof is connected to the gate-shaped part5aof the dash cross member5.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the reinforcing member6is formed integrally by a reinforcing member body6aof a gate shape in front view that has an opening on the vehicle lower side and a flat plate part6bof a substantially planar shape covering the portion surrounded by the reinforcing member body6a.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the reinforcing member body6ais formed, in a vertical cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction, to have a cross sectional shape projecting toward the vehicle front side so as to form a closed cross section together with the cowl lower31of the cowl box3and the dash panel4. As illustrated inFIG. 4andFIG. 5, the flat plate part6bis provided with two ribs6cthat project toward the vehicle front side and extend in the vehicle width direction so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance in the vehicle up-down direction.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 4, the torque box7is adjacent to the vehicle lower side of the horizontal extending part5bof the dash cross member5and joins the side sill17and the front side frame10in the vehicle width direction. Although not illustrated in detail, this torque box7is formed with the dash panel4adjacent to the side sill17on the inner side in the vehicle width direction in a substantially box shape in which the cross sectional shape in a vertical cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction is a closed cross section.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the apron reinforcements8are closed cross section members formed in a shape extending substantially linearly in the vehicle front-rear direction in plan view and the apron reinforcements8are provided so that the front ends thereof are positioned on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the rear end thereof.

It should be noted here that the edges of the apron reinforcements8on the inner side in the vehicle width direction are formed in a substantially arc shape in plan view projecting toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction so that the tops thereof are positioned in substantially the same positions in the vehicle front-rear direction in plan view as damper mount parts121aof the suspension housings12, which will be described later.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 3, each of the apron reinforcements8includes an apron reinforcement rear part81having the rear end connected to the upper part of the hinge pillar2and an apron reinforcement front part82connected to the apron reinforcement rear part81.

As illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the apron reinforcement rear parts81are formed to have a length in the vehicle front-rear direction so that the front ends thereof are located in positions slightly closer to the vehicle rear side than the rear ends of the suspension housings12, which will be described later. As illustrated inFIG. 5, this apron reinforcement rear parts81are formed so that the sectional shape in a vertical cross section along the vehicle width direction is a closed cross sectional shape.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the apron reinforcement front parts82are formed in a shape having an upper surface that is substantially flat and a lower surface that is bent like a wheel arch in side view. As illustrated inFIG. 6andFIG. 7, in the apron reinforcement front part82, the cross sectional shape in the vertical cross section along the vehicle width direction is a substantially rectangular closed cross section. The apron reinforcement front part82includes the apron reinforcement upper821disposed on the vehicle upper side and the apron reinforcement lower822disposed on the vehicle lower side of the apron reinforcement upper821.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the apron reinforcement uppers821are formed to have substantially hat-shaped cross sections, in the vertical cross section along the vehicle width direction, that projects toward the vehicle upper side. In contrast, as illustrated inFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the apron reinforcement lowers822are formed to have substantially hat-shaped cross sections, in the vertical cross section along the vehicle width direction, that projects toward the vehicle lower side.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, each of the apron reinforcement lowers822is integrally formed by connecting, from the vehicle rear side, an apron reinforcement structural part124formed integrally with the suspension housing12and a lower panel823of steel formed in a shape continuous from the apron reinforcement structural part124in this order. It should be noted here that the apron reinforcement structural part124will be described in detail below.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 8, the shroud upper9is a closed cross section member in which the cross sectional shape in the vertical cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction is a closed cross section and includes a shroud lower panel91having a substantially hat-shaped cross section projecting toward the vehicle lower side and a shroud upper panel92having a substantially hat-shaped cross section projecting toward the vehicle upper side.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 3andFIG. 9, the front side frames10are closed cross section members that have a length in the vehicle front-rear direction from the lower portion of the dash panel4to the front ends of the apron reinforcements8. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the rear end of the front side frame10is connected to the range from the front end of a floor frame19that forms a closed cross section extending in the vehicle front-rear direction together with a floor panel (not illustrated) to the dash cross member5. In addition, the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the torque box7is connected to the side surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front side frame10.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 6,FIG. 10, andFIG. 11, in the front side frame10, the cross sectional shape in a vertical cross section along the vehicle width direction is a substantially rectangular closed cross section. The front side frame10includes a side frame inner101provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and the side frame outer102provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the side frame inner101is formed in a shape obtained by extending, in the vehicle front-rear direction, a substantially hat-shaped open cross section projecting toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction. In contrast, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the side frame outer102is formed in a shape obtained by extending, in the vehicle front-rear direction, a substantially hat-shaped open cross section projecting toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction by a length in the vehicle width direction larger than the length in the vehicle width direction of the side frame inner101.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, substantially planar plate members103which closes a frontend opening, and to which crash cans (not illustrated) are jointed are connected to the front side frames10described above.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 12andFIG. 13, a first link member104, a second link member105, and a third link member106are provided in this order from the vehicle front side in the front side frame10so as to partition the internal space in positions separated at predetermined intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 12andFIG. 14, the first link member104is integrally formed by a substantially planar plate portion having a predetermined thickness in the vehicle front-rear direction and a flange portion extending like a flange shape from the edge of the plate portion.

As illustrated inFIG. 12andFIG. 14, the first link member104is provided in substantially the same position in the vehicle front-rear direction as the rear portion of the lower end of the shroud member11, which will be described later, and is connected to the inner surface of the front side frame10. Therefore, a closed cross section space continuous with the shroud member11, which will be described later, is formed in the front side frame10by the plate member103and the first link member104.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the second link member105is integrally formed by a substantially planar plate portion having a predetermined thickness in the vehicle front-rear direction and a flange portion extending like a flange shape from the edge of the plate portion. The second link member105is provided in a position separated from the first link member104toward the vehicle rear side by a predetermined distance.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the third link member106is integrally formed by a substantially planar plate portion having a predetermined thickness in the vehicle front-rear direction and a flange portion extending like a flange shape from the edge of the plate portion. The third link member106is connected to the inner surface of the front side frame10so as to join a rear reinforcing part123of the suspension housing12described later and the rear joint member16described later in the vehicle up-down direction, as illustrated inFIG. 13.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 10,FIG. 11, andFIG. 15, the shroud member11is a closed cross section member in which the cross sectional shape in a horizontal cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction is a substantially rectangular closed cross section and includes an inner side surface structural part111provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, an outer side surface structural part112provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the inner side surface structural part111, and a front surface structural part113provided on the vehicle front side of the inner side surface structural part111.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 10andFIG. 15, the inner side surface structural part111is integrally formed by an inner side surface portion111athat is a side surface on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the shroud member11, a rear surface portion111bthat is a rear surface of the shroud member11, a front side flange portion111cextending from the front end of the inner side surface portion111atoward the outer side of the vehicle width direction, a rear side flange portion111dextending from the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear surface portion111btoward the vehicle rear side, and a lower side flange portion111eextending from lower end of the rear surface portion111btoward the vehicle rear side.

In this inner side surface structural part111, as illustrated inFIG. 10andFIG. 12, the lower end of the inner side surface portion111ais connected to the flange portion of the side frame outer102and the lower flange portion111eis connected to the first link member104via the upper surface of the side frame outer102.

As illustrated inFIG. 11andFIG. 15, the outer side surface structural part112is integrally formed by a raised portion112athat is raised to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the side surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the side frame outer102, a rear side flange portion112bprovided like a substantially flange shape along the lower edge and rear edge of the raised portion112a,and a front side flange portion112cthat extends toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction from the front edge of the raised portion112a.

The raised portion112aof the outer side surface structural part112is formed to have a length in the vehicle up-down direction from the upper end to the side surface of the front side frames10. In addition, in the outer side surface structural part112, the lower portion of the rear side flange portion112bis connected to the side frame outer102, the rear portion of the rear side flange portion112bis connected to the rear side flange portion111dof the inner side surface structural part111, and the front side flange portion112cis connected to the front surface structural part113.

As illustrated inFIG. 10,FIG. 11,FIG. 14, andFIG. 15, the front surface structural part113is a substantially planar plate shape that has a predetermined thickness in the vehicle front-rear direction and closes an opening on the vehicle front side formed by the inner side surface structural part111and the outer side surface structural part112.

As illustrated inFIG. 14andFIG. 15, in the horizontal cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction, the shroud member11forms a closed cross section with the inner side surface structural part111, the outer side surface structural part112, and the front surface structural part113on the vehicle upper side of the upper surface of the front side frames10and forms a closed cross section with the outer side surface structural part112, the front surface structural part113, and the side surface of the front side frame10on the vehicle lower side of the upper surface of the front side frames10.

That is, the shroud member11forms a closed cross section space adjacent to the closed cross section space of the front side frame10separated by the plate member103and the first link member104by causing the outer side surface structural part112and the front surface structural part113to form a closed cross section part having a closed cross section together with the front side frame10.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 3, the suspension housings12are high rigidity members that swingably support the hinge pillars2, the upper ends of the front suspension dampers20provided in desired positions on the vehicle front side of the dash panel4toward the vehicle front side, an upper arm21and the suspension housings12are provided across the apron reinforcements8and the front side frames10.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 3andFIG. 16, the suspension housings12are integrally formed by suspension towers121to which the upper ends of the front suspension dampers20are attached, front side reinforcing parts122adjacent to the vehicle front side of the suspension towers121, the rear reinforcing parts123adjacent to the vehicle rear side of the suspension towers121, and the apron reinforcement structural parts124that are parts of the apron reinforcement lowers822of the apron reinforcements8described above.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the lower ends of the suspension housings12are connected to the flange part of the side frame outer102of the front side frame10. It should be noted here that the lower end of the rear reinforcing part123of the suspension housing12is connected to the flange part of the side frame outer102of the front side frame10in substantially the same position in the vehicle front-rear direction as an upper base part163of the rear joint member16, which will be described later, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

As illustrated inFIG. 13andFIG. 16, the suspension tower121is formed by a top plate portion that is substantially circular in plan view and a side surface portion that extends from the edge on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the top plate toward the vehicle lower side and becomes the side surface on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The top plate portion of the suspension towers121is provided with the damper mount part121aof a substantially circular shape in plan view to which the upper end of the front suspension damper20is attached.

As illustrated inFIG. 13andFIG. 16, the front side reinforcing part122is formed as a reinforcing part that reinforces the vehicle front side of the suspension tower121. This front side reinforcing part122is formed in a shape obtained by raising the range from substantially the same position in the vehicle up-down direction as the top plate portion of the suspension tower121to the lower portion of the suspension housings12toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 13andFIG. 16, the rear reinforcing part123is formed as a reinforcing part that reinforces the vehicle rear side of the suspension tower121. This rear reinforcing part123is formed in a shape obtained by raising the range from the position on the vehicle upper side of the top plate portion of the suspension tower121to the lower portion of the suspension housings12toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 7,FIG. 16, andFIG. 17, the apron reinforcement structural part124is formed in a shape that integrally extends the upper ends of the suspension tower121, the front side reinforcing part122, and the rear reinforcing part123toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction and forms a closed cross section extending in the vehicle front-rear direction together with the apron reinforcement upper821of the apron reinforcement8.

Specifically, the apron reinforcement structural part124is formed so that the cross sectional shape in a vertical cross section along the vehicle width direction is a substantially hat shape that projects toward the vehicle lower side and is continuous with the lower panel823of the apron reinforcement8in the state in which the apron reinforcement structural part124is connected to the lower panel823. On the surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the suspension housing12having the structure described above, a front side support part125that swingably supports a front joint part of the upper arm21and a rear side support part126that swingably supports a rear joint part of the upper arm21are formed in positions on both sides in the vehicle front-rear direction of the suspension towers121, as illustrated inFIG. 3,FIG. 13, andFIG. 17.

The front side support parts125are formed like a pair of wall surfaces erected toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction along both ends in the vehicle front-rear direction of the front side reinforcing parts122. The rear side support parts126are formed like a pair of wall surfaces erected toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction along both ends in the vehicle front-rear direction of the rear reinforcing parts123.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 5, the tower bar13joins the upper surfaces of the rear reinforcing parts123of the left and right suspension housings12via the cowl box3. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 5, the tower bar13includes a pipe-shaped bar body131that joins the rear reinforcing parts123of the left and right suspension housings12and a holding member132that holds the rear end of the bar body131and is joined to the cowl box3.

As illustrated inFIG. 2,FIG. 5, andFIG. 7, the bar body131is integrally formed like a substantially V-shape in plan view by a pair of left and right flange portions131ajoined to the rear reinforcing parts123of the suspension housings12, a pair of left and right long length portions131bextending substantially linearly from the flange portions131ato the vehicle rear side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction toward the vicinity of substantially the middle of the cowl box3in the vehicle width direction, and a joint portion131cthat joins the rear ends of the long length portions131b.

As illustrated inFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 5, the holding member132is formed in a shape that integrally holds the vicinity of the rear ends of the left and right long length portions131band the joint portion131c,and is connectable to the upper surface of the gate-shaped part5aof the reinforcing member6.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the tower bar13described above is jointed to the cowl box3that is a closed cross section member via the reinforcing member6that forms a closed cross section together with the dash panel4and the cowl box3by connecting the holding member132onto the upper surface of the gate-shaped part5aof the reinforcing member6.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 18, the sub-frame14is formed in a substantially ladder shape in plan view by a pair of left and right side members141extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in positions separated from each other in the vehicle width direction and a front side suspension cross member142, a middle suspension cross member143, and a rear side suspension cross member144that join the left and right side members141in the vehicle width direction. More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the side members141are provided slightly closer to the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the front side frames10in plan view.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the side members141are closed cross section members in which the cross sectional shape in a vertical cross section along the vehicle width direction is substantially rectangular closed cross section and formed in a shape having substantially the same length in the vehicle front-rear direction as the length of the front side frames10in the vehicle front-rear direction. It should be noted here that the front ends and the rear ends of the side members141are formed in shapes bent toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction, as illustrated inFIG. 18.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG. 18, in the side members141, front side support brackets145that swingably support the joint parts of the lower arms22on the vehicle front side are connected to portions on the vehicle front side of the rear joint members16described later and rear side support brackets146that swingably support the joint parts of the lower arms22on the vehicle rear side are fastened and fixed to portions on the vehicle rear side of the rear joint members16.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 9andFIG. 18, an insertion hole (not illustrated) into which a fastening member147(to be fastened and fixed to the lower surface of the rear end of the front side frame10) is inserted is opened and formed in the upper surface of the rear end of the side member141.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the front side suspension cross member142joins the front ends of the side members141in the vehicle width direction. As illustrated inFIG. 18, the front side suspension cross member142is a closed cross section member in which the cross sectional shape of the vertical cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction is a closed cross section and includes a member upper with a substantially hat-shaped cross section projecting toward the vehicle upper side and a member lower that is substantially planar.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the middle suspension cross member143joins the left and right side members141in the vehicle width direction in a position separated from the front side suspension cross member142toward the vehicle rear side by a predetermined distance. This middle suspension cross member143is formed in a shape having a rear closed cross section part143athat is a closed cross section portion joining the left and right side members141in substantially the same position in the vehicle front-rear direction as the rear reinforcing part123of the suspension housing12and a front closed cross section part143bthat is a closed cross section portion joining the left and right side members141in a position separated from the rear closed cross section part143atoward the vehicle front side.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 18, the middle suspension cross member143is formed by the rear closed cross section part143athat is a closed cross section portion extending in the vehicle width direction on the vehicle rear side by connecting a member upper that projects toward the vehicle upper side and has an opening on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and is substantially H-shaped in plan view and a member lower that is substantially planar in the vehicle up-down direction and the front closed cross section part143bthat is a closed cross section portion extending in the vehicle width direction on the vehicle front side.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the rear side suspension cross member144joins the rear ends of the side members141in the vehicle width direction. As illustrated inFIG. 18, this rear side suspension cross member144is a closed cross section member in which the cross sectional shape in a vertical cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction is a closed cross section and includes a member upper having a cross section like a hat shape projecting toward the vehicle upper side and a member lower that is substantially planar.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 11,FIG. 12, andFIG. 18, the pair of left and right front joint members15are formed in a shape obtained by extending a substantially rectangular closed cross section toward the vehicle upper side and the outer side in the vehicle width direction and then extending the closed cross section toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. As illustrated inFIG. 12, each of the front joint members15connects the lower surface of the side frame outer102of the front side frame10and the front side suspension cross member142of the sub-frame14in the vehicle up-down direction in substantially the same position in vehicle front-rear direction as the lower end of the shroud member11.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 11,FIG. 12, andFIG. 18, in the front joint member15, the cross sectional shape in a vertical cross section along the vehicle front-rear direction is a substantially rectangular closed cross section. The front joint member15is formed by connecting, in the vehicle up-down direction, a member upper that has a substantially gate-shaped cross section and an opening on the vehicle lower side and a member lower that has a substantially gate-shaped cross section and an opening on the vehicle upper side.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 12andFIG. 18, in the front joint member15, a fastening member151for fastening and fixing to the front side frame10is provided integrally on an upper surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, between the plate member103and the first link member104in the vehicle front-rear direction, the front connecting member15is fastened and fixed to the lower surface of the side frame outer102via the fastening member151so that the upper surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction faces the shroud member11in the vehicle up-down direction.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 3andFIG. 13, the rear joint member16joins the lower surface of the side frame outer102of the front side frame10and the side member141of the sub-frame14in the vehicle up-down direction in substantially the same position in the vehicle front-rear direction as the rear reinforcing parts123of the suspension housing12.

In other words, as illustrated inFIG. 13, the rear joint member16joins the lower surface of the side frame outer102of the front side frame10and the side member141of the sub-frame14in the vehicle up-down direction in substantially the same position in the vehicle front-rear direction as the third link member106provided in the front side frame10.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, this rear joint member16is an aluminum die-cast high-rigidity member and formed integrally by a lower base part161that is fastened and fixed to the side member141, a housing and holding part162in which an engine mount bush (not illustrated) is accommodated and held, and the upper base part163provided with a fastening member164for fastening and fixing to the front side frame10.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the housing and holding part162is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending from the lower base part161toward the vehicle upper side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Although not illustrated in detail, this housing and holding part162is formed so as to be able to accommodate the engine mount bush that elastically supports an engine (not illustrated) therein.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the upper base part163is formed integrally with the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the housing and holding part162so as to be located in substantially the same position in the vehicle front-rear direction as the third link member106in the state in which the upper base part163is fastened and fixed to the sub-frame14.

As illustrated inFIG. 19toFIG. 22, in the front body of the vehicle1having the structure described above, the members constituting the body frame described above are joined to each other to form a plurality of ring-shaped structural frames that are substantially ring-shaped and the plurality of ring-shaped structural frames are joined to each other to form a substantially three-dimensionally ring-shaped structural frame that is substantially ring-shaped three-dimensionally.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 19toFIG. 21, in the front body of the vehicle1, the first ring-shaped structural frame W1that passes through the shroud upper9and is substantially ring-shaped in front view, the second ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W2that passes through the suspension housings12and is substantially ring-shaped in front view, the third ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W3that passes through the dash cross member5and is substantially ring-shaped in front view, the fourth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W4that passes through the dash cross member5and the sub-frame14and is substantially ring-shaped in front view, and the fifth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W5that passes through the torque box7and the sub-frame14and is substantially ring-shaped in front view are formed.

In addition, in the front body of the vehicle1, as illustrated inFIG. 22, the sixth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W6that passes through the apron reinforcements8and is substantially ring-shaped in side view and the seventh ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W7that passes through the sub-frame14and is substantially ring-shaped in side view are formed.

In the front body of the vehicle1, the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1, the second ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W2, the third ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W3, the fourth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W4, and the fifth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W5that are substantially ring-shaped in front view are joined by the left and right apron reinforcements8, the left and right front side frames10, and the left and right side members141of the sub-frame14so that these frames W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5are connected to each other via the sixth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W6and the seventh ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W7.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 19, the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1that is substantially ring-shaped in front view includes the shroud upper9that is a closed cross section member, the front side frames10that is a closed cross section member surrounded by the plate members103and the first link member104, the left and right shroud members11that are closed cross section members, the front side suspension cross member142of the sub-frame14that is a closed cross section member, and the left and right front joint members15that are closed cross section members.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 20, the second ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W2that is substantially ring-shaped in front view includes the left and right front side frames10that are closed cross section members having the third link members106, the rear reinforcing parts123of the left and right suspension housings12that are high rigidity members, the tower bar13that is a closed cross section member, the rear closed cross section part143aof the middle suspension cross member143of the sub-frame14that is a closed cross section member, and the left and right rear joint members16that are high rigidity members.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 21, the third ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W3that is substantially ring-shaped in front view includes the left and right hinge pillars2that are closed cross section members, the cowl box3that is a closed cross section member, and the dash cross member5that forms a closed cross section extending in the vehicle width direction together with the dash panel4.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 21, the fourth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W4that is substantially ring-shaped in front view includes the left and right hinge pillars2that are closed cross section members, the cowl box3that is a closed cross section member, the horizontal extending part5bof the dash cross member5that forms a closed cross section together with the dash panel4, the left and right front side frames10that are closed cross section members, the side members141of the sub-frame14that is a closed cross section member, and the rear side suspension cross member144.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 21, the fifth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W5that is substantially ring-shaped in front view includes the left and right hinge pillars2that are closed cross section members, the cowl box3that is a closed cross section member, the torque box7that forms a closed cross section together with the dash panel4, the left and right front side frames10that are closed cross section members, the side members141of the sub-frame14that are closed cross section members, and the rear side suspension cross member144.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 22, the sixth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W6that is substantially ring-shaped in side view includes the hinge pillars2that are closed cross section members, the dash cross member5that forms a closed cross section together with the dash panel4, the apron reinforcements8that are closed cross section members, the front side frames10that are closed cross section members, and the shroud members11that are closed cross section members.

As illustrated inFIG. 22, the seventh ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W7that is substantially ring-shaped in side view includes the front side frames10that are closed cross section members, the side members141of the sub-frame14that are closed cross section members, and the front joint members15that are closed cross section members.

As described above, in the front body of the vehicle1, the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1, the second ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W2, the third ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W3, the fourth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W4, and the fifth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame WS that are formed in positions separated from each other by predetermined distances in the vehicle front-rear direction and ring-shaped in front view are joined in the vehicle front-rear direction by the left and right sixth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frames W6and the left and right seventh ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frames W7that are substantially ring-shaped in side view.

Accordingly, in the front body of the vehicle1, a substantially cage-shaped three-dimensional ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame is formed by the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1, the second ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W2, the third ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W3, the fourth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W4, and the fifth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame WS that are ring-shaped in front view and the sixth ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frames W6and the seventh ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frames W7that are substantially ring-shaped in side view.

As described above, the front body structure of the vehicle1includes the pair of left and right apron reinforcements8that are closed cross section members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in positions separated from each other in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle1, the pair of left and right front side frames10that are closed cross section members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction on the vehicle lower side of the apron reinforcements8, the pair of left and right suspension housings12that support the upper ends of the front suspension dampers20in desired positions separated from the dash panel4toward the vehicle front side by a predetermined distance and are provided across the apron reinforcements8and the front side frames10, and the sub-frame14that is provided on the vehicle lower side of the front side frames10and swingably supports the lower arms22. The front body structure of the vehicle1further includes the shroud upper9that is a closed cross section member joining the front ends of the apron reinforcements8in the vehicle width direction, the pair of left and right shroud members11that are closed cross section members joining the shroud upper9and the front ends of the front side frames10to each other in the vehicle up-down direction, the pair of left and right front joint members15that are closed cross section members joining the front ends of the front side frames10and the sub-frame14to each other in the vehicle up-down direction, in which the sub-frame14has the front side suspension cross member142that is a closed cross section member joining the lower ends of the front joint members15in the vehicle width direction and, even when the shroud members11are joined to the upper surfaces and the side surfaces of the front side frames10and the suspension housings12are thereby provided in positions separated from the dash panel4toward the vehicle front side, can improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body.

Specifically, in the front body structure of the vehicle1, the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1that is substantially ring-shaped in front view can be formed by the shroud upper9, the left and right the shroud members11, the left and right front joint members15, and the front side suspension cross member142of the sub-frame14in a position on the vehicle front side of the suspension housings12.

Since the rear ends of the apron reinforcements8and the rear ends of the front side frames10are joined to the body frames constituting the vehicle interior of the vehicle1, the front body structure of the vehicle1can support the suspension housings12via the body frames constituting the vehicle interior and the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1that is substantially ring-shaped in front view formed on the vehicle front side of the suspension housings12.

Since the shroud members11are joined to the upper surfaces and the side surfaces of the front side frames10in the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1that is substantially ring-shaped in front view, the front body structure of the vehicle1can improve the rigidity of the joint portion between the front side frames10and the shroud members11. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can improve the rigidity of the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1that is substantially ring-shaped in front view formed on the vehicle front side of the suspension housings12.

This can improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the suspension housings12and the load acting on the sub-frame14in the front body structure of the vehicle1. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can prevent the apron reinforcements8and the front side frames10from being bent and deformed in different directions between the left and right portions when, for example, loads via the front suspension dampers20act on the left and right suspension housings12at different timings.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body even when the suspension housings12are provided in a position separated from the dash panel4toward the vehicle front side.

In addition, since the front side frames10have the substantially planar plate members103that are connected to the front ends of the front side frames10and the first link members104that separate the internal spaces of the front side frames10in the vehicle front-rear direction in substantially the same positions in vehicle front-rear direction as the rear ends of the front joint members15, the front body structure of the vehicle1can join the closed cross sections of the shroud members11and the closed cross sections of the front joint members15to each other by the closed cross sections of the front side frames10including the plate members103and the first link member104. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can further improve the rigidity of the body frames that join the apron reinforcements8and the sub-frame14to each other.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can improve the rigidity of the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1against, for example, turning moments acting on the suspension housings12in front view or plan view or loads acting on the suspension housings12at different timings.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body using the plate members103and the first link member104provided in the front side frames10.

In addition, since the shroud members11have the closed cross section parts (outer side surface structural part112and front surface structural part113) that form closed cross sections together with the front side frames10in a horizontal plane along the vehicle width direction, the front body structure of the vehicle1can improve the continuity between the closed cross sections of shroud members11and the closed cross sections of the front side frames10more surely. Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can further improve the rigidity of the joint portions between the front side frames10and the shroud members11.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can further improve the rigidity of the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1that is substantially ring-shaped in front view formed on the vehicle front side of the suspension housings12, thereby improving the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body.

In addition, since the suspension housings12have the damper mount parts121ato which the front suspension dampers20are attached and the apron reinforcements8are formed in a shape extending from the rear ends thereof joined to the hinge pillars2substantially linearly toward the vehicle front side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction through the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the damper mount parts121ain plan view, the front body structure of the vehicle1can obtain a larger space on the outer sides in the vehicle width direction of the apron reinforcements8in a position closer to the vehicle front side than in the apron reinforcements8formed in a shape extending substantially linearly from the hinge pillars2to the vehicle front side in plan view. Accordingly, in the front body structure of the vehicle1, for example, the shapes of a front fender or a head light can be prevented from being limited by the apron reinforcements8.

In addition, since the apron reinforcements8extend substantially linearly from the rear ends thereof joined to the hinge pillars2toward the vehicle front side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the length in the vehicle width direction of the first ring-shaped structural framering-shaped structural frame W1that is substantially ring-shaped in front view can be suppressed and the rigidity of the first ring-shaped structural frame W1that is substantially ring-shaped in front view can be improved in the front body structure of the vehicle1.

In addition, in the front body structure of the vehicle1, the apron reinforcements8can be disposed closer to the front suspension dampers20provided in desired positions than in the apron reinforcements8formed in a shape extending from the rear ends thereof toward the vehicle front side substantially linearly.

In other words, in the front body structure of the vehicle1, the distance in the vehicle width direction between the damper mount parts121aof the suspension housings12and the apron reinforcements8can be smaller than in the apron reinforcements8extending from the rear ends thereof toward the vehicle front side substantially linearly.

Accordingly, in the front body structure of the vehicle1, the size and weight reduction and the high rigidity of the suspension housings12can be achieved and the bending moments acting on the joint portions between the suspension housings12and the apron reinforcements8can be suppressed. Accordingly, in the front body structure of the vehicle1, when loads act on the suspension housings12via the front suspension dampers20, it is possible to prevent the suspension housings12from falling and deforming to the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

Accordingly, the front body structure of the vehicle1can improve the flexibility of a vehicle design and further improve the body rigidity against the load acting on the front body using the apron reinforcements8having a shape extending from the rear end toward the vehicle front side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction in plan view.

The correspondence between the structure of the present disclosure and the above embodiment will be described. The suspension arm in the present disclosure corresponds to the lower arm22in the embodiment. The same applies to the following: the joint members correspond to the front joint members15, the suspension cross member corresponds to the front side suspension cross member142, the link member corresponds to the first link member104, the closed cross section parts correspond to the outer side surface structural part112and the front surface structural part113, but the present disclosure is not limited to only the structure of the above embodiment and other many embodiments can be obtained.

For example, although the shroud members11are connected to the side surfaces on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and the upper surfaces of the front side frames10in the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and the shroud members may be connected to both side surfaces in the vehicle width direction and the upper surfaces of the front side frames10.

In addition, although the rear end of the tower bar13is joined to the cowl box3, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and, for example, the left and right hinge pillars2may be joined in the vehicle width direction in the vicinity of the cowl box3and the rear end of the tower bar13may be joined to the dash cross member that forms a closed cross section together with the dash panel4.

In addition, although the rear end of the tower bar13is joined to the cowl box3via the reinforcing member6, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and the rear end of the tower bar13may be directly connected to the cowl box3.

In addition, although the left and right long length portions131bof the bar body131of the tower bar13are joined to the cowl box3via the joint portion131cand the holding member132, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and the rear ends of left and right long length joint members formed as separate bodies may be joined to the cowl box as a pair of left and right long length joint members including the flange portions131aand the long length portions131b.

In addition, although the rear joint members16have the housing and holding parts162in which the engine mount bushes are accommodated, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and mount-integrated joint members with attachment parts having upper surfaces to which the engine mount bushes are attached and fixed may be used instead.

In addition, although the front side reinforcing parts122and the rear reinforcing parts123of the suspension housings12are the reinforcing parts having shapes raised to the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and the reinforcing parts may include a plurality of ribs that extend in the vehicle up-down direction and are erected toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

In addition, the suspension housings12may be aluminum die-cast suspension housings or suspension housings formed by press-forming a steel plate. In the case of suspension housings formed by press-forming a steel plate, the front reinforcing parts and rear reinforcing parts of the suspension housings are formed by open cross section members that form closed cross sections extending in the vehicle up-down direction together with the suspension tower.

In addition, although one third link member106is provided in the internal space of the front side frame10between the suspension housing12and the rear joint member16, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and two link members may be disposed separately from each other by a predetermined distance in the internal space of the front side frame10between the suspension housing12and the rear joint member16.

In addition, although the ring-shaped structural frame joined to the first ring-shaped structural frame W1and the second ring-shaped structural frame W2via the apron reinforcements8, the front side frames10, and the side members141of the sub-frame14is the third ring-shaped structural frame W3, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and the ring-shaped structural frame connected to the first ring-shaped structural frame W1and the second ring-shaped structural frame W2may be the fourth ring-shaped structural frame W4or the fifth ring-shaped structural frame W5. Alternatively, the ring-shaped structural frames connected to the first ring-shaped structural frame W1and the second ring-shaped structural frame W2may be the third ring-shaped structural frame W3, the fourth ring-shaped structural frame W4, and the fifth ring-shaped structural frame W5.