Patent Description:
For example, as disclosed in <CIT>, a pair of right and left front-side frames extending in a vehicle front-rear direction on both vehicle-width-direction sides are provided at a vehicle-body front portion of an automobile. In <CIT>, a subframe is connected on the lower side of the front-side frames. The subframe includes a closed-loop structure portion formed in a substantially parallelogram shape on each of the left side and the right side. Specifically, the closed-loop structure portion on the left side includes a front-side member extending in the vehicle width direction, an inner member and an outer member that are tilted inward in the vehicle width direction from respective ones of both end portions of the front-side member toward the vehicle rear side, and a rear-side member extending from a rear portion of the inner member to a rear portion of the outer member, and similarly, the closed-loop structure portion on the right side includes a front-side member, an inner member and an outer member, and a rear-side member.

In addition, a bonnet is provided on the front side of the automobile and can be opened and closed. A vehicle front portion of the bonnet is often positioned at an upper portion of a front bumper and the vicinity thereof.

<CIT> provides a vehicle-body structure of an automobile with the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

A case in which an automobile collides with, for example, an obstacle is assumed. Depending on the degree of the collision, the collision is classified as light collision of such a degree that only a vehicle front-side part of the closed-loop structure portion of <CIT> deforms. To avoid damage on a framework part (for example, front-side frame) of a vehicle body at light collision, such a structure is employed in some cases in which a bumper reinforcement is disposed on the inner side of a front bumper, the bumper reinforcement is supported by crush cans extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and only the crush cans perform compression deformation to absorb an impact load at light collision.

However, when the crush cans perform compressive deformation at light collision, an obstacle colliding with a vehicle front surface of the automobile relatively moves to the vehicle rear side, and the obstacle collides with a vehicle front portion of a bonnet in some cases. The bonnet has a significantly low strength than the front-side frame and thus easily deforms through collision with an obstacle from the vehicle front side. When the bonnet deforms, plate repair and replacement with a new one are needed, which leads to the problem of high repair cost in any case of repair and replacement.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described problem and has an objective to suppress damage on a bonnet at light collision.

To achieve the above-described objective, a vehicle-body structure of an automobile is set out in claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

With this configuration, an impact load is applied to the front-portion crush cans and the rear-portion crush can at collision of the automobile. In a case of light collision in which an impact load larger than the second predetermined load and smaller than the first predetermined load is applied, the front-portion crush cans perform compressive deformation but the rear-portion crush cans do not substantially deform on the vehicle rear side of the front-portion crush cans and maintain its original shape, and the front portions of the rear-portion crush cans are positioned on the front side of the front portion of the bonnet. Thus, when an obstacle relatively moves to the vehicle rear side, the obstacle does not collide with the front portion of the bonnet, and accordingly, damage on the bonnet due to collision with the obstacle can be suppressed. Note that, at collision with an impact load exceeding the first predetermined load, the rear-portion crush cans deform as well so that an impact load can be absorbed.

Each vehicle-body side member according to the present disclosure is a suspension support member supporting a front suspension device, rear portions of the rear-portion crush cans are attached to front portions of the suspension support members.

With this configuration, each suspension support member is a member supporting a front suspension device, and thus is a high-stiffness member. Since the rear-portion crush cans are attached to the high-stiffness suspension support members, it is possible to suppress retraction of the rear-portion crush cans at light collision and avoid collision of an obstacle with the bonnet.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a lower-side cross member extending in a vehicle width direction at a position lower than the front-portion crush cans, and lower-side impact absorption members that support respective ones of both vehicle-width-direction sides of the lower-side cross member and absorb an impact load in a vehicle front-rear direction are further included. The lower-side impact absorption members extend toward the front of the vehicle beyond the front portion of the bonnet.

With this configuration, an impact load at light collision can be absorbed by the lower-side impact absorption members as well, and accordingly, the effect of suppressing damage on the bonnet is further improved.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper-side cross member extending in the vehicle width direction on the vehicle rear side of the front portions of the rear-portion crush cans and at a position higher than the rear-portion crush cans is further included. The upper-side cross member is provided with a fixation portion that fixes the front portion of the bonnet.

With this configuration, the front portion of the bonnet is fixed to the upper-side cross member by the fixation portion. When a case of light collision in this fixation state is assumed, the upper-side cross member provided with the fixation portion is positioned on the vehicle rear side of the front portions of the rear-portion crush cans, and thus an obstacle does not collide with the front portion of the bonnet when relatively moving to the vehicle rear side.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction is attached to front portions of the front-portion crush cans. A left-side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed such that the left-side portion is positioned farther on the vehicle rear side at a position closer to a left end, a right-side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed such that the right-side portion is positioned farther on the vehicle rear side at a position closer to a right end, and an intermediate portion between the left-side portion and the right-side portion of the front portion of the bonnet is formed extending in the vehicle width direction. The rear-portion crush cans are positioned directly below the intermediate portion of the bonnet.

With this configuration, when the left-side portion and the right-side portion of the front portion of the bonnet are formed in accordance with, for example, a request on design of the automobile such that the left-side portion and the right-side portion are gradually positioned on the vehicle rear side, an obstacle at light collision is unlikely to collide with the left-side portion and the right-side portion of the bonnet. However, since the vehicle-width-direction intermediate portion of the bonnet extends in the vehicle width direction, an obstacle at light collision is likely to collide with the intermediate portion. With this configuration, the pair of right and left rear-portion crush cans can be arranged corresponding to the vehicle-width-direction intermediate portion of the bonnet, and thus an obstacle at light collision is unlikely to collide with the vehicle-width-direction intermediate portion of the bonnet.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a cross member arranged apart from the front-portion crush cans in an up-down direction and extending in the vehicle width direction, and impact absorption members that support respective ones of both vehicle-width-direction sides of the cross member and absorb an impact load in the vehicle front-rear direction are further included. The impact absorption members are positioned directly below the intermediate portion of the bonnet.

With this configuration, the impact absorption members can be arranged corresponding to the vehicle-width-direction intermediate portion of the bonnet, and thus an obstacle at light collision is unlikely to collide with the vehicle-width-direction intermediate portion of the bonnet.

As described above, only front-portion crush cans deform but rear-portion crush cans do not deform at light collision of an automobile, and a front portion of a bonnet is positioned on the vehicle rear side of front portions of the rear-portion crush cans, and thus damage on the bonnet can be suppressed.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the preferable embodiment is merely exemplary in essence and not intended to limit the present invention, its application, nor its usage.

<FIG> is a side view of an automobile <NUM> including a vehicle-body front structure A (illustrated in <FIG>) according to the embodiment of the present invention when viewed from left. In description of the embodiment, a vehicle front-rear direction is simply referred to as a "front-rear direction", a vehicle front side is simply referred to as a "front side", and a vehicle rear side is simply referred to as a "rear side". In addition, a vehicle width direction is the right-left direction of the vehicle, a vehicle left side is simply referred to as a "left side", and a vehicle right side is simply referred to as a "right side".

The automobile <NUM> is a passenger automobile, and an occupant space R1 in which a passenger boards is provided at a front-rear direction intermediate portion of the automobile <NUM>. The occupant space R1 includes front seats (front-row seats) FS included in a front row, and rear seats (rear-row seats) RS included in a rear row. The front seats FS include a driver seat arranged on the right side (or the left side) in the occupant space R1, and a front passenger seat arranged on the left side (or the right side) in the occupant space R1. The rear seats RS are arranged on the right and left sides, respectively, in the occupant space R1. Although not illustrated, third-row seats may be arranged on the rear side of the rear seats RS. The rear seats RS are not essential and may be omitted.

A front door FD and a rear door RD are disposed on each of the left and right sides of the occupant space R1. The rear door RD may be omitted in a case of the automobile <NUM> including no rear seats RS.

A front-side space R2 is provided on the front side of the occupant space R1 in the automobile <NUM>. A powertrain PT can be mounted in the front-side space R2 as necessary. When the powertrain PT is mounted in the front-side space R2, the front-side space R2 may be called, for example, a powertrain storage room, a motor room, or an engine room. A bonnet BF is provided at an upper portion of the front-side space R2. A rear portion of the bonnet BF is supported to a vehicle body by a hinge (not illustrated) or the like. A front bumper <NUM> is provided at a front portion of the automobile <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> as well, left-side and right-side headlights L are provided on the right and left sides, respectively, of the front portion of the automobile <NUM>. Each headlight L may include a winker or the like.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a trunk space R3 in which a package or the like can be housed is provided on the rear side of the occupant space R1 of the automobile <NUM>. The trunk space R3 can be opened and closed by a trunk lid TR. A rear-side space R4 is provided on the rear side of the occupant space R1 and at a position lower than the trunk space R3 in the automobile <NUM>. The powertrain PT that generates power for the automobile <NUM> can be mounted in the rear-side space R4 as necessary. When the powertrain PT is mounted in the rear-side space R4, the rear-side space R4 may be called, for example, a powertrain storage room, a motor room, or an engine room.

The powertrain PT may be mounted in each of the front-side space R2 and the rear-side space R4 or the powertrain PT may be mounted in one of them. A front-wheel-drive vehicle in which only front wheels FT are driven by the powertrain PT is achieved when the powertrain PT is mounted only in the front-side space R2, or a rear-wheel-drive vehicle in which only rear wheels RT are driven by the powertrain PT is achieved when the powertrain PT is mounted only in the rear-side space R4. Alternatively, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is achieved when the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT are driven by the powertrains PT mounted in both the front-side space R2 and the rear-side space R4.

Each powertrain PT includes at least a traveling motor M (illustrated in <FIG>) for driving a drive wheel and also includes a speed reducer, a transmission, or the like as necessary. Thus, the automobile <NUM> is an electric vehicle. The traveling motor M is disposed such that the rotation center thereof extends in the right-left direction. The powertrain PT may include, for example, a controller in addition to the traveling motor M. The powertrain PT may include an internal combustion engine. A battery unit Y (also illustrated in <FIG>) for supplying electric power to the traveling motor M is mounted at a lower portion of the automobile <NUM>. For example, the battery unit Y may be charged by using power generated by the internal combustion engine, and either the front wheels FT or the rear wheels RT or both may be driven by power generated by the internal combustion engine.

The type of the automobile <NUM> does not necessarily need to be a four-door vehicle as exemplarily illustrated in <FIG> and may be, for example, an automobile including no rear doors RD. Although not illustrated, the present invention is also applicable to an automobile, such as a hatchback vehicle, in which the rear-side space R4 can be opened and closed by a tail gate.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the automobile <NUM> includes a lower-portion structural body <NUM> and an upper-portion structural body <NUM>, and the vehicle-body front structure A is constituted by a front portion of the lower-portion structural body <NUM> and a front portion of the upper-portion structural body <NUM>. Note that a front-rear direction intermediate portion of the lower-portion structural body <NUM> and a front-rear direction intermediate portion of the upper-portion structural body <NUM> may be included in the vehicle-body front structure A.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the doors FD and RD, the bonnet BF, a fender, window glasses, a roof, a center pillar, a rear pillar, the front bumper <NUM>, a rear bumper, front and rear lighting devices (such as the headlights L) including headlights, an instrument panel, the front and rear seats, and the like, which are included in the upper-portion structural body <NUM> in reality, are removed. <FIG> also illustrates a state in which the front wheels FT, the rear wheels RT, a suspension device, and the like, which are included in the lower-portion structural body <NUM> in reality, are removed.

The lower-portion structural body <NUM> includes the battery unit Y. The battery unit Y includes a front-side battery FB, a rear-side battery RB, and a rack frame <NUM> surrounding the front-side battery FB and the rear-side battery RB. The lower-portion structural body <NUM> also includes a front support frame <NUM> extending from a front portion of the rack frame <NUM> toward the front side, and a rear support frame <NUM> extending from a rear portion of the rack frame <NUM> toward the rear side.

Although not illustrated, in a typical electric automobile, a battery unit is often detachably attached as a separated body from a vehicle body under a floor, but in the present embodiment, not only the batteries FB and RB but also the front support frame <NUM> and the rear support frame <NUM> are integrated with the rack frame <NUM> surrounding the batteries FB and RB, and the front support frame <NUM> and the rear support frame <NUM> are detachably attached to the upper-portion structural body <NUM> together with the batteries FB and RB.

Specifically, the automobile <NUM> of the present embodiment is configured to be able to be divided in the up-down direction into the lower-portion structural body <NUM> including the batteries FB and RB, and the upper-portion structural body <NUM> in which the occupant space R1 and the trunk space R3 are formed. Being able to be divided in the up-down direction means integration of the lower-portion structural body <NUM> with the upper-portion structural body <NUM> by using fastening members such as bolts and nuts, screws, and the like without using welding, bonding, and the like. Accordingly, the lower-portion structural body <NUM> can be separated from the upper-portion structural body <NUM> as necessary when maintenance and repair are performed after the automobile <NUM> is handed over to a user, and thus maintainability is excellent.

A vehicle-body structure of a ladder frame type is known as the vehicle-body structure of an automobile. In a case of the vehicle-body structure of the ladder frame type, division into a ladder frame and a cabin in the up-down direction is possible, but the ladder frame continuously extends in the front-rear direction and thus mainly receives a collision load at front collision and rear collision. At side collision, the ladder frame only supplementarily receives a collision load, and the collision load is mainly received by the cabin. In this manner, in the vehicle-body structure of the ladder frame type, it is normal that a member that receives a collision load is different between front or rear collision and side collision.

However, in a case of the automobile <NUM> of the present embodiment, the lower-portion structural body <NUM>, which includes the front support frame <NUM> and the rear support frame <NUM>, and the upper-portion structural body <NUM> can be divided from each other, but its technical idea is largely different from that of the conventional vehicle-body structure of the ladder frame type in that a collision load is received by the lower-portion structural body <NUM> and the upper-portion structural body <NUM> in both cases of front or rear collision and side collision and thus the collision load can be dispersed to and absorbed by the structural bodies <NUM> and <NUM>. Hereinafter, the structures of the lower-portion structural body <NUM> and the upper-portion structural body <NUM> will be sequentially described. Note that an example in which division into the lower-portion structural body <NUM> and the upper-portion structural body <NUM> is possible will be described below in the present embodiment, but the present invention is not only applied to a vehicle-body structure in which such division is possible, but is also applicable to a vehicle-body structure that cannot be divided into the lower-portion structural body <NUM> and the upper-portion structural body <NUM>.

First, the lower-portion structural body <NUM> will be described below. The lower-portion structural body <NUM> includes the powertrain PT, the front wheels FT, the rear wheels RT, and front-side suspension devices SP1 and SP2 and rear-side suspension devices SP3 and SP4, which are illustrated with virtual lines in <FIG>, in addition to the batteries FB and RB, the rack frame <NUM>, the front support frame <NUM>, and the rear support frame <NUM>. The formats of the front-side suspension devices SP1 and SP2 and the rear-side suspension devices SP3 and SP4 are not particularly limited, and the vehicle-body structure may be changed in accordance with the formats of the front-side suspension devices SP1 and SP2 and the rear-side suspension devices SP3 and SP4.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rack frame <NUM> as a framework of the battery unit Y is a member for surrounding and protecting the front-side battery FB, the rear-side battery RB, harnesses, and the like. The rack frame <NUM> is formed in such a large size that, on the lower side of an occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> to be described later, the rack frame <NUM> extends from the vicinity of a left end portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> to the vicinity of a right end portion thereof and extends from the vicinity of a front end portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> to the vicinity of a rear end portion thereof. In this manner, since the rack frame <NUM> is provided in a large part of a region on the lower side of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>, the batteries FB and RB having large capacities can be mounted on the automobile <NUM>. The batteries FB and RB may be, for example, lithium-ion batteries or all-solid-state batteries or may be any other secondary batteries. Alternatively, the batteries FB and RB may be what is called battery cells or may be battery packs in which a plurality of battery cells are housed.

The rack frame <NUM> includes a left-side member <NUM>, a right-side member <NUM>, a front-side member <NUM>, and a rear-side member <NUM>, and these members <NUM> to <NUM> are battery members. The left-side member <NUM>, the right-side member <NUM>, the front-side member <NUM>, and the rear-side member <NUM> are formed of, for example, an extruded material made of an aluminum alloy, but may be formed of a press-formed material such as an aluminum alloy plate material or a steel plate. In description below, an "extruded material" is an extruded material made of an aluminum alloy, and a "press-formed material" is a press-formed material such as an aluminum alloy plate material or a steel plate. Alternatively, each member may be formed of, for example, cast metal or die cast.

A cross-sectional shape of each of the left-side member <NUM>, the right-side member <NUM>, the front-side member <NUM>, and the rear-side member <NUM> in a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal direction is a rectangular shape. The left-side member <NUM>, the right-side member <NUM>, the front-side member <NUM>, and the rear-side member <NUM> are all arranged at the same height and substantially horizontally extend. The front-side member <NUM> extends in the vehicle width direction at a front portion of the battery unit Y.

When the lower-portion structural body <NUM> is to be connected to the upper-portion structural body <NUM>, the front-side member <NUM> is fastened and fixed to a lower portion of a dash panel <NUM> by a fastening member, and the left-side member <NUM> and the right-side member <NUM> are fastened and fixed to right and left side sills <NUM>, respectively, by fastening members. The rear-side member <NUM> is fastened and fixed to a connection panel <NUM>, which will be described later, by a fastening member.

The left-side member <NUM> is provided at a left end portion of the lower-portion structural body <NUM> and extends in the front-rear direction. The right-side member <NUM> is provided at a right end portion of the lower-portion structural body <NUM> and extends in the front-rear direction. The left-side member <NUM> and the right-side member <NUM> are arranged on a vehicle-width-direction inner side of the right and left side sills <NUM>, respectively, to be described later. The front-side member <NUM> extends from a front end portion of the left-side member <NUM> to a front end portion of the right-side member <NUM>. A left end portion of the front-side member <NUM> and the front end portion of the left-side member <NUM> are connected to each other, and a right end portion of the front-side member <NUM> and the front end portion of the right-side member <NUM> are connected to each other. The rear-side member <NUM> is provided at a rear portion of the battery unit Y and extends in the right-left direction from a rear end portion of the left-side member <NUM> to a rear end portion of the right-side member <NUM>. A left end portion of the rear-side member <NUM> and the rear end portion of the left-side member <NUM> are connected to each other, and a right end portion of the rear-side member <NUM> and the rear end portion of the right-side member <NUM> are connected to each other.

A cover member <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) as a bottom plate is attached to a lower portion of the rack frame <NUM>. A path component 15a constituting a cooling water path through which cooling water can circulate is provided on the cover member <NUM>. The rack frame <NUM> is blocked from the lower side by the cover member <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> substantially horizontally extends and is fixed to lower surfaces of the left-side member <NUM>, the right-side member <NUM>, the front-side member <NUM>, and the rear-side member <NUM> and also fixed to the side sills <NUM> as described later. Note that an upper portion of the rack frame <NUM> may be blocked by a non-illustrated lid or may be blocked by the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> to be described later. Note that electric power of the batteries FB and RB housed in the rack frame <NUM> is supplied to the traveling motor M through a non-illustrated traveling control circuit. The batteries FB and RB can be charged through a non-illustrated charging socket.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section of a right-left direction central portion of the vehicle-body front structure A. As illustrated in <FIG>, first to third battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C as reinforcement members extending in the right-left direction are provided inside the rack frame <NUM>. The first to third battery-side cross members battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C are arranged at an interval from each other in the front-rear direction. Left end portions of the battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C are fixed to an inner surface (right-side surface) of the left-side member <NUM>, and right end portions of the battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, and 10C are fixed to an inner surface (left-side surface) of the right-side member <NUM>. In addition, a front-portion central member <NUM> and first to third rear-portion central members <NUM> to <NUM> as reinforcement members extending in the front-rear direction are provided inside the rack frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a pair of right and left front support frames <NUM> are provided and substantially horizontally extend in straight lines on the lower side of the upper-portion structural body <NUM>. Each front support frame <NUM> may be formed of, for example, an extruded material or a press-formed material. In the present embodiment, each front support frame <NUM> is formed of an extruded material, and thus a cross-sectional shape thereof in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is substantially constant from a front end portion to a rear end portion.

The left-side front support frame <NUM> is connected to a site on the left side of a right-left direction center of the front-side member <NUM> constituting the front portion of the rack frame <NUM>, and this connection site is positioned on the right side of the left-side member <NUM> of the rack frame <NUM>. The right-side front support frame <NUM> is connected to a site on the right side of the right-left direction center of the front-side member <NUM>, and this connection site is positioned on the left side of the right-side member <NUM> of the rack frame <NUM>. The heights of the right and left front support frames <NUM> are substantially same.

The front-side powertrain PT is attached to each front support frame <NUM> through a non-illustrated mounting member. In this case, the front support frame <NUM> serves as a front-side motor support frame that supports the traveling motor M on the front side of the battery unit Y. In the lower-portion structural body <NUM>, drive shafts S1 through which output from the powertrain PT (rotational force of the traveling motor M) is transferred to the right and left front wheels FT, respectively, are provided on the right and left sides.

As illustrated in <FIG>, similarly to the front support frames <NUM>, a pair of right and left rear support frames <NUM> are provided and substantially horizontally extend in straight lines toward the rear side. Each rear support frame <NUM> may be formed of, for example, an extruded material or a press-formed material. In the present embodiment each rear support frame <NUM> is formed of an extruded material.

The left-side rear support frame <NUM> is connected to a site on the left side of a right-left direction center of the rear-side member <NUM> constituting the rear portion of the rack frame <NUM>, and this connection site is positioned on the right side of the left-side member <NUM> of the rack frame <NUM>. The right-side rear support frame <NUM> is connected to a site on the right side of the right-left direction center of the rear-side member <NUM>, and this connection site is positioned on the left side of the right-side member <NUM> of the rack frame <NUM>.

The rear-side powertrain PT is attached to each rear support frame <NUM> through a non-illustrated mounting member. In this case, the rear support frame <NUM> serves as a rear-side motor support frame that supports the rear-side traveling motor M of the battery unit Y. In the lower-portion structural body <NUM>, drive shafts S2 through which output from the powertrain PT (rotational force of the traveling motor M) is transferred to the right and left rear wheels, respectively, are provided on the right and left sides.

Subsequently, the upper-portion structural body <NUM> will be described below. The upper-portion structural body <NUM> includes a floor member <NUM>, the dash panel <NUM>, and the pair of right and left side sills <NUM>. The floor member <NUM> is a member arranged at a higher position than the rack frame <NUM> and the rear support frames <NUM> of the lower-portion structural body <NUM>. The floor member <NUM> includes the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> constituting a floor of the occupant space R1 including the front seats FS and the rear seats RS (illustrated in <FIG>) on which passengers sits, a trunk-space-side floor panel <NUM> constituting a floor of the trunk space R3, and the connection panel <NUM> connecting a rear portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> and a front portion of the trunk-space-side floor panel <NUM>. A kick-up portion is constituted by the connection panel <NUM>.

The floor member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a member shaped by pressing a steel plate or the like. The occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>, the trunk-space-side floor panel <NUM>, and the connection panel <NUM> may be integrally formed or may be formed by separately forming components and then connecting them. In the present embodiment, description is made with the three divided portions of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>, the trunk-space-side floor panel <NUM>, and the connection panel <NUM>, but the floor member <NUM> including the panels <NUM> to <NUM> may be referred to as a floor panel. Alternatively, only the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> may be referred to as a floor panel.

The occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> extends from a front portion of the occupant space R1 to a rear portion thereof and from a left-side portion of the occupant space R1 to a right-side portion thereof. The occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> according to the present embodiment has a floor tunnel-less structure including no tunnel portion but may include a tunnel portion.

A recessed portion 41a formed bulging downward is formed at a front-rear direction intermediate portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. The recessed portion 41a has a bottom surface 41b on which the feet of a rear-seat passenger sitting on a rear seat RS can be placed. The bottom surface 41b is substantially horizontally formed. The recessed portion 41a may be continuously formed from a left side portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> to a right side portion thereof.

The trunk-space-side floor panel <NUM> is positioned higher than the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. The rear-side space R4 is positioned lower than the trunk-space-side floor panel <NUM>. Since the trunk-space-side floor panel <NUM> is arranged at a higher position than the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>, the connection panel <NUM> extends in the up-down direction.

As illustrated in <FIG> as well, the dash panel <NUM> is a member as a partition wall between the front-side space R2 and the occupant space R1 and extends upward from a front portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> and in the right-left direction as well, thereby partitioning the front portion of the occupant space R1.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the right and left side sills <NUM> are disposed extending in the front-rear direction at right and left end portions, respectively, of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. The left end portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> is connected to an up-down direction intermediate portion of the left side sill <NUM>, an upper part of the side sill <NUM> protrudes upward from a connection site of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>, and a lower part of the side sill <NUM> protrudes downward from the connection site of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. Since the battery unit Y including the batteries FB and RB is disposed at a lower position than the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>, such arrangement is made that the lower part of the side sill <NUM> overlaps with the batteries FB and RB in a vehicle side view. Similarly, the right side sill <NUM> is connected to the right end portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>.

The upper-portion structural body <NUM> includes a pair of right and left hinge pillars <NUM>. The right hinge pillar <NUM> extends upward from a front end portion of the right side sill <NUM>. The left hinge pillar <NUM> extends upward from a front end portion of the left side sill <NUM>. The right and left front doors FD (illustrated in <FIG>) are rotatably attached to the right and left hinge pillars <NUM>, respectively. A left edge portion of the dash panel <NUM> is connected to a right-side surface of the left hinge pillar <NUM>. A right edge portion of the dash panel <NUM> is connected to a left-side surface of the right hinge pillar <NUM>. Note that, although not illustrated, the upper-portion structural body <NUM> is also provided with a center pillar, a rear pillar, and the like.

A left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A that supports the suspension device (front suspension device) SP1 (illustrated with virtual lines in <FIG>) for the left front wheel FT is provided on the left side on the front side of the dash panel <NUM> in the upper-portion structural body <NUM>. A right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B that supports the suspension device (front suspension device) SP2 (illustrated with virtual lines in <FIG>) for the right front wheel FT is provided on the right side on the front side of the dash panel <NUM> in the upper-portion structural body <NUM>. The suspension devices SP1 and SP2 are not limited to a particular format but include suspension arms that freely swingably support the front wheels FT in the up-down direction, shock absorbers, springs, or the like. End portions of the suspension arms on the vehicle body side, upper end portions of the shock absorbers, or the like are attached to the front-wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B. The front-wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B can be made of, for example, aluminum die cast, but are not limited thereto and may be made of a combination of steel plates or the like.

As illustrated in, for example, <FIG>, three left-side fixation frames 52A for fixing the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side on the front side of the dash panel <NUM>. The three left-side fixation frames 52A are arranged at an interval from each other in the up-down direction, and front portions of the three left-side fixation frames 52A are fixed to the front-wheel suspension support member 51A. Rear portions of the left-side fixation frames 52A arranged uppermost and at an up-down direction intermediate position are fixed to the left-side hinge pillar <NUM> and the left side of the dash panel <NUM>. A rear portion of the left-side fixation frame 52A arranged lowermost is connected to the left side sill <NUM> and the left side of the front-side member <NUM> of the rack frame <NUM>. Accordingly, a rear portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A can be connected to the front-side member <NUM>.

As partially illustrated in <FIG>, three right-side fixation frames 52B for fixing the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B are provided on the right side on the front side of the dash panel <NUM>. The three right-side fixation frames 52B are arranged at an interval from each other in the up-down direction, and front portions of the three right-side fixation frames 52B are fixed to the front-wheel suspension support member 51B. Rear portions of the right-side fixation frames 52B arranged uppermost and at an up-down direction intermediate position are fixed to the right-side hinge pillar <NUM> and the right side of the dash panel <NUM>. A rear portion of the right-side fixation frame 52B arranged lowermost is connected to the right side sill <NUM> and the right side of the front-side member <NUM> of the rack frame <NUM>. Accordingly, a rear portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B can be connected to the front-side member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an up-down direction intermediate portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A and an up-down direction intermediate portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B are connected to each other through a lower-portion connection member <NUM> extending in the right-left direction. As illustrated in <FIG>, a reinforcement member <NUM> connecting an upper portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A, a lower portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A, an upper portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B, and a lower portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B is provided as well.

As illustrated in, for example, <FIG> and <FIG>, a left-side crush can 53A extending toward the front side is attached to a front portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A as a vehicle-body side member. A right-side crush can 53B extending toward the front side is attached to a front portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B as a vehicle-body side member. A bumper reinforcement <NUM> extending in the right-left direction is attached to a front portion of the left-side crush can 53A and a front portion of the right-side crush can 53B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the upper-portion structural body <NUM> includes a left-side front frame 54A and a right-side front frame 54B. Specifically, the left-side front frame 54A connecting a front portion of a center frame <NUM> to be described later and the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A, and the right-side front frame 54B connecting the front portion of the center frame <NUM> and the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B are provided on the front side of the dash panel <NUM>. The left-side front frame 54A is tilted such that the left-side front frame 54A is positioned farther on the left side at a position farther on the front side. The right-side front frame 54B is tilted such that the right-side front frame 54B is positioned farther on the right side at a position farther on the front side. Since the right and left front-wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B are each connected to the front portion of the center frame <NUM>, the stiffness of the front-wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B is increased, which improves maneuvering stability of the vehicle. In addition, the stiffness of the vehicle front side including the vicinity of the dash panel <NUM> is increased as well.

The upper-portion structural body <NUM> includes a left-side rear-side frame 112A extending in the front-rear direction on the left side on the rear side of the rear portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>, and a right-side rear-side frame 112B extending in the front-rear direction on the right side on the rear side of the rear portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>.

A left-side rear-wheel suspension support member 110A that supports the suspension device (rear suspension device) SP3 (illustrated with virtual lines in <FIG>) for the left rear wheel RT is provided on the left side on the rear side of the connection panel <NUM> in the upper-portion structural body <NUM>. A right-side rear-wheel suspension support member 110B that supports the suspension device (rear suspension device) SP4 (illustrated with virtual lines in <FIG>) for the right rear wheel RT is provided on the right side on the rear side of the connection panel <NUM> in the upper-portion structural body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> includes a front-portion cross member 44A and an intermediate cross member 44B. The front-portion cross member 44A and the intermediate cross member 44B extend in the right-left direction and are fixed to an upper surface of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>.

The front-portion cross member 44A is disposed at the front portion of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. A front portion of the front-portion cross member 44A is also joined to the lower portion of the dash panel <NUM>. The intermediate cross member 44B is disposed on the rear side of the front-portion cross member 44A and on the front side of the recessed portion 41a, and a closed cross-section is constituted by the intermediate cross member 44B and the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>.

As illustrated in, for example, <FIG>, the upper-portion structural body <NUM> includes the center frame <NUM> continuously extending in the front-rear direction from the dash panel <NUM> to the connection panel <NUM>. The center frame <NUM> is positioned at a right-left direction central portion, and a rear portion of the center frame <NUM> is connected to the connection panel <NUM>. The center frame <NUM> is disposed to be higher than and away from the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> at a right-left direction central portion of the occupant space R1. The distance between a lower surface of the center frame <NUM> and the upper surface of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> may be set to be, for example, equal to or larger than <NUM> or equal to or larger than <NUM> at a part separated most. The left-side front seat FS and a rear seat RS are disposed on the left side of the center frame <NUM>, and the right-side front seat FS and a rear seat RS are disposed on the right side of the center frame <NUM>.

Since the center frame <NUM> is arranged to be higher than and away from the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>, components and the like can be disposed in a space between a lower surface of the center frame <NUM> and the upper surface of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. Alternatively, the space between the lower surface of the center frame <NUM> and the upper surface of the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM> can be used as an object housing unit.

The center frame <NUM> includes a front-side frame member <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction, a rear-side frame member <NUM> disposed on the vehicle rear side of the front-side frame member <NUM> and extending toward the rear side, and a connection member <NUM> connecting a rear portion of the front-side frame member <NUM> and a front portion of the rear-side frame member <NUM>. The front-side frame member <NUM> and the rear-side frame member <NUM> have hollow shapes, in other words, tubular shapes extending in the front-rear direction and may be formed of, for example, an extruded material. The front-side frame member <NUM> and the rear-side frame member <NUM> having hollow shapes are lightweight and high-stiffness members. Note that the center frame <NUM> is not limited to the two-division structure of the front-side frame member <NUM> and the rear-side frame member <NUM> but may be formed as one member a front portion to a rear portion or may have a three-division structure. When the center frame <NUM> is formed as one member, the connection member <NUM> may be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the center frame <NUM> includes a left-side frame member 84A and a right-side frame member 84B constituting the front portion of the center frame <NUM>, and accordingly, the front portion of the center frame <NUM> has a shape bifurcated in the right-left direction. The left-side frame member 84A and the right-side frame member 84B are provided at an interval from each other in the right-left direction. A rear portion of the left-side frame member 84A is fixed to a left-side surface of a front-rear direction intermediate portion of the front-side frame member <NUM>. The left-side frame member 84A is tilted from a fixation part to the front-side frame member <NUM> toward the front side in a plan view such that the left-side frame member 84A is positioned farther on the left side at a position farther on the front side. A front portion of the left-side frame member 84A is connected to a part of the dash panel <NUM> higher than and away from the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. A rear portion of the left-side front frame 54A is connected to the front portion of the left-side frame member 84A.

A rear portion of the right-side frame member 84B is fixed to a right-side surface of the front-rear direction intermediate portion of the front-side frame member <NUM>. The right-side frame member 84B is tilted from a fixation part to the front-side frame member <NUM> toward the front side in a plan view such that the right-side frame member 84B is positioned farther on the right side at a position farther on the front side. A front portion of the right-side frame member 84B is connected to the part of the dash panel <NUM> higher than and away from the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. A rear portion of the right-side front frame 54B is connected to the front portion of the right-side frame member 84B.

The upper-portion structural body <NUM> includes a first fixation member <NUM>, a second fixation member <NUM>, and a third fixation member <NUM> that fix the center frame <NUM> to the occupant-space-side floor panel <NUM>. The first fixation member <NUM> is disposed farthest on the front side in the occupant space R1, and the first fixation member <NUM> is separated on the rear side from the dash panel <NUM>. The second fixation member <NUM> is separately disposed on the rear side from the first fixation member <NUM>. The third fixation member <NUM> is separately disposed on the rear side from the second fixation member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first fixation member <NUM> includes a left-side member 101A and a right-side member 101B. Lower portions of the left-side member 101A and the right-side member 101B are fixed to the front-portion cross member 44A. The left-side member 101A extends at a tilt in a front view such that the left-side member 101A is positioned farther on the left side at a position farther on the upper side from the front-portion cross member 44A. An upper portion of the left-side member 101A is fixed to the front portion of the left-side frame member 84A of the center frame <NUM>.

The right-side member 101B extends at a tilt in a front view such that the right-side member 101B is positioned farther on the right side at a position farther on the upper side from the front-portion cross member 44A. An upper portion of the right-side member 101B is fixed to the front portion of the right-side frame member 84B of the center frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the bumper reinforcement <NUM> provided at a front portion of the vehicle-body front structure A extends from the front portion of the left-side crush can 53A to the front portion of the right-side crush can 53B. A left-side portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is fixed to the front portion of the left-side crush can 53A, and a right-side portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is fixed to the front portion of the right-side crush can 53B. Accordingly, the left-side portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is supported by the left-side crush can 53A, the right-side portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is supported by the right-side crush can 53B, and the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B are connected to each other through the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. The bumper reinforcement <NUM> is curved such that a right-left direction central portion thereof is positioned farthest on the front side and the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is positioned farther on the rear side at positions farther on the left side and the right side from the right-left direction central portion. The bumper reinforcement <NUM> is formed of, for example, an extruded material. As illustrated in <FIG>, a rib 140a extending in the right-left direction and the front-rear direction is provided inside the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. Note that the bumper reinforcement <NUM> may extend straight in the right-left direction.

The left-side portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is arranged not to largely protrude on the left side from the front portion of the left-side crush can 53A. The right-side portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is arranged not to largely protrude on the right side from the front portion of the right-side crush can 53B. Specifically, a cutout portion 53e opened on the front side is formed at the front portion of the right-side crush can 53B as illustrated in <FIG>, and a cutout portion 53f opened on the front side is formed at the front portion of the left-side crush can 53A as illustrated in <FIG>. The shapes of the cutout portions 53e and 53f are shapes along the outer shape of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. The right-side portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is fitted and fixed to the cutout portion 53e of the right-side crush can 53B by welding or the like, and the left-side portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is fitted and fixed to the cutout portion 53f of the left-side crush can 53A by welding or the like. Note that the fixation structure of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be a fixation structure using fastening members such as bolts, nuts, and rivets.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the front bumper <NUM> provided at the front portion of the automobile <NUM> includes a bumper fascia <NUM> made of resin, a decorative member <NUM>, and a front grill <NUM> as exterior members of the automobile <NUM>. The bumper fascia <NUM> extends from a left end portion of the vehicle body to a right end portion thereof such that the bumper fascia <NUM> can cover the bumper reinforcement <NUM> and the like. The bumper fascia <NUM> is attached to an upper-side cross member <NUM> to be described later and the like and is easily deformable at collision with a pedestrian or the like.

An opening 151a through which, for example, cooling air can be taken in is formed at a right-left direction central portion of an upper portion of the bumper fascia <NUM>. The opening 151a has a shape that is long in the right-left direction, but is not limited thereto and may have a shape that is long in the up-down direction. The front grill <NUM> made of resin is attached to the bumper fascia <NUM> to cover the opening 151a. The bumper reinforcement <NUM> is arranged on the rear side of the front grill <NUM>. The front grill <NUM> is easily retractable at collision with, for example, a pedestrian.

The decorative member <NUM> is attached to the bumper fascia <NUM>. The decorative member <NUM> is a member for decorating a front surface of the automobile <NUM> and may be provided with, for example, plating or may be colored in the same color as a body color or in a color different from the body color. In the present embodiment, the decorative member <NUM> is provided adjacent to a front surface of the vehicle and along a peripheral portion of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia <NUM>. The decorative member <NUM> may be attached to the front grill <NUM>.

The decorative member <NUM> includes a lower part 152a extending in the right-left direction along a lower edge portion of the opening 151a, a left part 152b extending obliquely upward from a left end portion of the lower part 152a, and a right part 152c extending obliquely upward from a right end portion of the lower part 152a. The left part 152b extends along a left edge portion of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia <NUM>. The right part 152c extends along a right edge portion of the opening 151a of the bumper fascia <NUM>.

The shape of the decorative member <NUM> is not limited to the above-described shape but may be constituted by the left part 152b and the right part 152c without the lower part 152a or may include an upper part (not illustrated) extending in the right-left direction along an upper edge portion of the opening 151a. When including the upper part, the decorative member <NUM> has a frame shape. The left part 152b and the right part 152c may be tilted relative to the vertical line in a front view or may not be tilted. The left part 152b and the right part 152c may each have a bent shape or a curved shape in a front view. The dimensions of the left part 152b and the right part 152c in the up-down direction may be set as appropriate in accordance with the shape and size of the opening 151a. In the present example, the left part 152b and the right part 152c are tilted such that the left part 152b and the right part 152c are farther apart from each other at a position farther on the upper side but are not limited thereto, and the left part 152b and the right part 152c may be parallel to each other or may be tilted such that the left part 152b and the right part 152c are closer to each other at a position farther on the upper side. When the dimension of the opening 151a in the up-down direction is long, the dimension of the decorative member <NUM> in the up-down direction may be long accordingly.

The decorative member <NUM> includes a left-side protrusion portion 152d protruding in the left direction from the left part 152b, and a right-side protrusion portion 152e protruding in the right direction from the right part 152c. The left-side protrusion portion 152d is formed such that the left-side protrusion portion 152d is positioned farther on the rear side at a position farther on the left side, and extends along a lower portion of the left-side headlight L. The right-side protrusion portion 152e is formed such that the right-side protrusion portion 152e is positioned farther on the rear side at a position farther on the right side, and extends along a lower portion of the right-side headlight L.

The left side of the left-side protrusion portion 152d extends on the rear side beyond the left side of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. The right side of the right part 152c extends on the rear side beyond the right side of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. Note that the left-side protrusion portion 152d and the right-side protrusion portion 152e may be provided as necessary and may be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a front portion of the decorative member <NUM> protrudes on the front side from a front portion of the bumper fascia <NUM>. Specifically, the shape of the decorative member <NUM> is set such that a right-left direction intermediate portion of the decorative member <NUM> is positioned on the front side of a right-left direction intermediate portion of the bumper fascia <NUM>. Such a design that the decorative member <NUM> protrudes on the front side from the bumper fascia <NUM> is employed to meet a request for a design property of the vehicle.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in a front view, a left end portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is positioned on right side of the left part 152b of the decorative member <NUM>, and a right end portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is positioned on left side of the right part 152c of the decorative member <NUM>. In the present embodiment, in a front view, the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is arranged between the left part 152b and the right part 152c of the decorative member <NUM>, the left end portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> does not overlap with the left part 152b of the decorative member <NUM>, and the right end portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> does not overlap with the right part 152c of the decorative member <NUM>. Specifically, the disposition position and shape of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> are set such that the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is positioned inside the opening 151a of the bumper fascia <NUM> in a front view. For example, the bumper reinforcement <NUM> may be arranged such that the dimension of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> in the right-left direction is smaller than the dimension of separation between the left part 152b and the right part 152c in the right-left direction and a right-left direction intermediate portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> and a right-left direction intermediate portion of the opening 151a coincide with each other.

Accordingly, for example, when an obstacle collides with the front bumper <NUM> from the front side and the decorative member <NUM> is about to be retracted, the decorative member <NUM> is unlikely to interfere with the bumper reinforcement <NUM>, and thus retraction of the decorative member <NUM> is unlikely to be encumbered by the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. As a result, an impact on the obstacle can be reduced and pedestrian protection performance can be improved, in particular.

In the present embodiment, the left-side crush can 53A is positioned on right side of the left part 152b of the decorative member <NUM>, and the right-side crush can 53B is positioned on left side of the right part 152c of the decorative member <NUM>. Specifically, the disposition positions and shapes of the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B are set such that the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B are positioned inside the opening 151a of the bumper fascia <NUM> in a front view. Accordingly, for example, when an obstacle collides with the front bumper <NUM> from the front side and the decorative member <NUM> is about to be retracted, the decorative member <NUM> is unlikely to interfere with the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B, and thus retraction of the decorative member <NUM> is unlikely to be encumbered by the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B.

A lower end portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is positioned higher than the lower part 152a of the decorative member <NUM>. With this configuration as well, the decorative member <NUM> is unlikely to interfere with the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. Lower end portions of the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B are positioned higher than the lower part 152a of the decorative member <NUM>. When the decorative member <NUM> includes an upper part (not illustrated), an upper end portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> can be positioned lower than the upper part of the decorative member <NUM>, and upper end portions of the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B can be positioned lower than the upper part of the decorative member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper-side cross member <NUM> arranged at a higher position than the bumper reinforcement <NUM>, and a lower-side cross member <NUM> arranged at a lower position than the bumper reinforcement <NUM> are provided at the front portion of the vehicle-body front structure A. The upper-side cross member <NUM> and the lower-side cross member <NUM> extend in the right-left direction, and longitudinal cross-sections of the cross members <NUM> and <NUM>, which are orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, are set smaller than a cross-section of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> in the same direction. The upper-side cross member <NUM> and the lower-side cross member <NUM> are each curved such that a right-left direction central portion thereof is positioned farthest on the front side and the cross member is positioned farther on the rear side at positions farther on the left side and the right side from the right-left direction central portion. The upper-side cross member <NUM>, and the lower-side cross member <NUM> are each formed of, for example, an extruded material.

An upper-left-portion support member <NUM> extending toward the front side is provided at an upper portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A, and an upper-right-portion support member <NUM> extending toward the front side is provided at an upper portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B. The upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> are upper-side impact absorption members that support respective ones of both vehicle-width-direction sides of the upper-side cross member <NUM> and absorb an impact load in the front-rear direction. When receiving an impact load in the front-rear direction, the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> absorb the impact load through compressive deformation or bending deformation. The upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> may be each provided with a part that triggers compressive deformation or a part that triggers bending deformation.

The upper-left-portion support member <NUM> is tilted relative to a central line of the vehicle in the front-rear direction such that the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> is positioned farther on the left side at a position farther on the front side. The upper-right-portion support member <NUM> is tilted relative to the central line of the vehicle in the front-rear direction such that the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> is positioned farther on the right side at a position farther on the front side. Accordingly, the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> are each positioned farther on a vehicle-width-direction outer side at a position farther on the front side, and thus the interval between the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> is larger at a position farther on the front side. The front sides of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> are positioned on the vehicle-width-direction outer side of the left and right end portions, respectively, of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. The front sides of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> are also positioned on the vehicle-width-direction outer side of the front sides of the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B, respectively. Note that the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> may extend in parallel to the central line of the vehicle in the front-rear direction.

The left side of the upper-side cross member <NUM> is fixed to a front portion of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM>, and the right side of the upper-side cross member <NUM> is fixed to a front portion of the upper-right-portion support member <NUM>. Accordingly, the front portion of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the front portion of the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> are connected to each other through the upper-side cross member <NUM>.

The left side of the upper-side cross member <NUM> extends on the left side of the front portion of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM>, and the right side of the upper-side cross member <NUM> extends on the right side of the front portion of the upper-right-portion support member <NUM>. Accordingly, the dimension of the upper-side cross member <NUM> in the right-left direction is longer than the dimension of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> in the right-left direction, the left side of the upper-side cross member <NUM> extends on the vehicle-width-direction outer side beyond the left side of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>, and the right side of the upper-side cross member <NUM> extends on the vehicle-width-direction outer side beyond the right side of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>.

The height of the upper-side cross member <NUM> may be optionally set in accordance with installation heights of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the installation heights of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> are set such that the upper-side cross member <NUM> is positioned higher than the decorative member <NUM>. The position of the upper-side cross member <NUM> in the front-rear direction may be optionally set in accordance with the dimensions of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the dimensions of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> in the front-rear direction are set such that the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is positioned on the front side of the upper-side cross member <NUM>.

The left side of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> of the upper-side cross member <NUM> is connected to the left-side crush can 53A through a left-side connection member <NUM>. The right side of the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> of the upper-side cross member <NUM> is connected to the right-side crush can 53B through a right-side connection member <NUM>. The left-side headlight L is fixed on the vehicle-width-direction outer side of the left-side connection member <NUM>, and the right-side headlight L is fixed on the vehicle-width-direction outer side of the right-side connection member <NUM>. The left-side connection member <NUM> and the right-side connection member <NUM> are positioned on the rear side of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>.

A lower-left-portion support member <NUM> extending toward the front side is provided at a lower portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A, and a lower-right-portion support member <NUM> extending toward the front side is provided at a lower portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B. The lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> are lower-side impact absorption members that support respective ones of both vehicle-width-direction sides of the lower-side cross member <NUM> and absorb an impact load in the front-rear direction. The lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> may be configured similarly to the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM>.

The lower-left-portion support member <NUM> is tilted relative to the central line of the vehicle in the front-rear direction such that the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> is positioned farther on the left side at a position farther on the front side. The lower-right-portion support member <NUM> is tilted relative to the central line of the vehicle in the front-rear direction such that the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> is positioned farther on the right side at a position farther on the front side. Accordingly, the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> are each positioned farther on the vehicle-width-direction outer side at a position farther on the front side, and thus the interval between the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> is larger at a position farther on the front side. The front sides of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> are positioned on the vehicle-width-direction outer side of the left and right end portions, respectively, of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>. The front sides of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> are positioned on the vehicle-width-direction outer side of the front sides of the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B, respectively. Note that the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> may extend in parallel to the central line of the vehicle in the front-rear direction.

The left side of the lower-side cross member <NUM> is fixed to a front portion of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM>, and the right side of the lower-side cross member <NUM> is fixed to a front portion of the lower-right-portion support member <NUM>. Accordingly, the front portion of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the front portion of the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> are connected to each other through the lower-side cross member <NUM>.

The left side of the lower-side cross member <NUM> extends on the left side beyond the front portion of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM>, and the right side of the lower-side cross member <NUM> extends on the right side beyond the front portion of the lower-right-portion support member <NUM>. Accordingly, the dimension of the lower-side cross member <NUM> in the right-left direction is longer than the dimension of the bumper reinforcement <NUM> in the right-left direction, the left side of the lower-side cross member <NUM> extends on the vehicle-width-direction outer side beyond the left side of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>, and the right side of the lower-side cross member <NUM> extends on the vehicle-width-direction outer side beyond the right side of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>.

The height of the lower-side cross member <NUM> may be optionally set in accordance with installation heights of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the installation heights of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> are set such that the lower-side cross member <NUM> is positioned lower than the decorative member <NUM>. The position of the lower-side cross member <NUM> in the front-rear direction may be optionally set in accordance with the dimensions of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the dimensions of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> in the front-rear direction are set such that a front portion of a right-left direction central portion of the lower-side cross member <NUM> is positioned on the front side of a front portion of a right-left direction central portion of the bumper reinforcement <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the upper-side cross member <NUM> and the lower-side cross member <NUM> are both arranged not overlapping with the decorative member <NUM> in a front view. Accordingly, for example, when an obstacle collides the front bumper <NUM> from the front side, the decorative member <NUM> is unlikely to interfere with the upper-side cross member <NUM> and the lower-side cross member <NUM>, and thus retraction of the decorative member <NUM> is unlikely to be encumbered by the upper-side cross member <NUM> and the lower-side cross member <NUM>. Accordingly, an impact on the obstacle can be reduced and pedestrian protection performance can be improved, in particular. Note that one of the upper-side cross member <NUM> and the lower-side cross member <NUM> may be arranged not overlapping with the decorative member <NUM> in a front view. In this case as well, pedestrian protection performance is improved.

The front portions of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> are positioned on the vehicle-width-direction outer side of the front portions of the crush cans 53A and 53B, and also the upper-side cross member <NUM> extends on the vehicle-width-direction outer side beyond the bumper reinforcement <NUM>, and thus, for example, an impact load at offset collision can be absorbed by the upper-left-portion support member <NUM>, the upper-right-portion support member <NUM>, and the upper-side cross member <NUM>. Similarly, the front portions of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> are positioned on the vehicle-width-direction outer side of the front portions of the crush cans 53A and 53B, and also, the lower-side cross member <NUM> extends on the vehicle-width-direction outer side beyond the bumper reinforcement <NUM>, and thus, for example, an impact load at offset collision can be absorbed by the lower-left-portion support member <NUM>, the lower-right-portion support member <NUM>, and the lower-side cross member <NUM>. Offset collision is a collision form that an obstacle collides in a predetermined range only on the left side or the right side of the vehicle.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the vehicle-body front structure A includes a rear-portion connecting portion 164A that connects the rear side of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> to the lower portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A. The rear-portion connecting portion 164A includes a body plate portion 164a interposed between the rear side of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower portion of the front-wheel suspension support member 51A, and a reinforcement plate portion (reinforcement portion) 164b formed along a right-side wall portion of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM>. The body plate portion 164a and the reinforcement plate portion 164b can be obtained by, for example, press-forming a plate material.

The body plate portion 164a is formed extending in the up-down direction and the right-left direction along the lower portion of the front-wheel suspension support member 51A and fixed to the front-wheel suspension support member 51A by a fastening member or the like. The dimension of the body plate portion 164a in the up-down direction is set to be longer than the dimension of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> in the up-down direction, and the rear side of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> is fixed to an up-down direction intermediate portion of the body plate portion 164a by welding or the like. Although not illustrated, a reinforcement portion formed along a left-side wall portion of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> may be provided.

The reinforcement plate portion 164b protrudes on the front side from a right edge portion of the body plate portion 164a and extends in the up-down direction. The reinforcement plate portion 164b and the right-side wall portion of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> may be joined to each other or may not be joined. When the reinforcement plate portion 164b is provided, inclination of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> in the vehicle width direction, to which an impact load is applied, can be suppressed, and thus the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> can be deformed as desired to further increase an impact absorption effect.

Note that, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear-portion connecting portion 165A that connects the rear side of the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> to the lower portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B may be provided, and the rear-portion connecting portion 165A may be configured similarly to the rear-portion connecting portion 164A. Although not illustrated, a rear-portion connecting portion that connects the rear side of the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> to the upper portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A may be provided, and the rear-portion connecting portion may be configured similarly to the rear-portion connecting portion 164A. Although not illustrated, a rear-portion connecting portion that connects the rear side of the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> to the upper portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B may be provided, and the rear-portion connecting portion may be configured similarly to the rear-portion connecting portion 164A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the left-side crush can 53A includes a rear-portion crush can 53a attached to the front portion of the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A and extending on the front side, and a front-portion crush can 53b attached to a front portion of the rear-portion crush can 53a and extending on the front side. The front portion of the rear-portion crush can 53a and a rear portion of the front-portion crush can 53b are connected and integrated. The rear-portion crush can 53a is formed to be less likely to be crushed when an impact load in the front-rear direction is applied than the front-portion crush can 53b. Specifically, the rear-portion crush can 53a is configured to maintain the initial shape until a first predetermined load is applied at front collision of the automobile <NUM> and perform compressive deformation when the first predetermined load is applied, and the front-portion crush can 53b is configured to maintain the initial shape until a second predetermined load smaller than the first predetermined load is applied at front collision of the automobile <NUM> and perform compressive deformation when the second predetermined load is applied. The initial shape is a shape before front collision, and for example, deformation in several millimeters approximately causes substantially no problem and thus is allowable.

Thus, at light collision such as collision with fixed barrier at several kilometers per hour, only the front-portion crush can 53b crushes and deforms but the rear-portion crush can 53a does not crush and deform in some cases. Such a strength difference between the front-portion crush can 53b and the rear-portion crush can 53a is obtained by changing structure, plate thickness, material, or the like.

Note that the front-portion crush can 53b and the rear-portion crush can 53a both crush and deform when an impact load is so large at collision even classified as light collision that an impact load applied to the front-portion crush can 53b and the rear-portion crush can 53a exceeds the first predetermined load.

Similarly to the left-side crush can 53A, the right-side crush can 53B includes a rear-portion crush can 53c extending from the front portion of the right-side front-wheel suspension support member 51B to the front side, and a front-portion crush can 53d extending from a front portion of the rear-portion crush can 53c to the front side. A load at which the front-portion crush can 53d and the rear-portion crush can 53c start deforming is set similarly to that of the front-portion crush can 53b and the rear-portion crush can 53a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is positioned on the rear side of the front portions of the rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c. Specifically, a fixation portion <NUM> for fixing the bonnet BF to the upper-side cross member <NUM> is arranged near the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF, and the fixation portion <NUM> is provided at the upper-side cross member <NUM>.

The fixation portion <NUM> is configured to be switchable to a fixed state in which the bonnet BF is fixed to the upper-side cross member <NUM> and a canceled state in which the fixed state is canceled, and has been conventionally well known. A switching operation of the fixation portion <NUM> can be performed from the outside, and the fixation portion <NUM> can be switched from the fixed state to the canceled state, for example, when the user cancels lock of the fixation portion <NUM> through an operation of an operation lever (not illustrated) provided in the occupant space R1 and then inserts the user's hand into a gap between the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF and the upper-side cross member <NUM> to operate the fixation portion <NUM>. The fixation portion <NUM> is releasably attached to, for example, an engaging portion BF1 protruding from the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF to the lower side.

At light collision of the automobile <NUM>, an impact load toward the rear side is applied to the bumper reinforcement <NUM> through the bumper fascia <NUM>. The impact load applied to the bumper reinforcement <NUM> is applied to the left-side crush can 53A and the right-side crush can 53B. Since the front-portion crush cans 53b and 53d are configured to be crushed and deformed by a smaller impact load than the rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c, the front-portion crush cans 53b and 53d are crushed and deformed before the rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c are crushed and deformed. The impact load is absorbed as the front-portion crush cans 53b and 53d are crushed and deformed, and thus the rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c are not crushed and deformed but remain in their original shapes or shapes close to the original shapes, depending on the magnitude of the impact load, in some cases. In such a case, since the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is positioned on the rear side of the front portions of the rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c, the impact load is hardly input to the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF.

The lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> supporting the lower-side cross member <NUM> extend on the front side beyond the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF. Accordingly, the front portions of the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> are arranged on the front side of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF, and as a result, the lower-side cross member <NUM> is arranged on the front side of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF as well. Since such an arrangement is employed, an impact load at light collision can be absorbed by the lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> as well, and thus the effect of suppressing damage on the bonnet BF further increases.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a left-side portion BF2 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is formed such that the left-side portion BF2 is positioned farther on the rear side at a position closer to the left end. A right-side portion BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is formed such that the right-side portion BF3 is positioned farther on the rear side at a position closer to the right end. An intermediate portion BF4 between the left-side portion BF2 and the right-side portion BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is formed extending in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF is formed such that the intermediate portion BF4 is positioned farthest on the front side and the left-side portion BF2 and the right-side portion BF3 are positioned on the rear side at a position farther on the vehicle-width-direction outer side.

The pair of right and left rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c are positioned directly below the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF. Specifically, as described above, when the left-side portion BF2 and the right-side portion BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF are formed in accordance with, for example, a request on design of the automobile <NUM> such that the left-side portion BF2 and the right-side portion BF3 are each positioned farther on the rear side at a position farther on the vehicle-width-direction outer side, an obstacle at light collision is unlikely to collide with the left-side portion BF2 and the right-side portion BF3 of the front portion BFa of the bonnet BF. However, since the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF extends in the vehicle width direction, an obstacle at light collision is likely to collide with the intermediate portion BF4. In the present embodiment, since the pair of right and left rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c can be arranged corresponding to the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF, an obstacle at light collision is unlikely to collide with the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF.

The lower-left-portion support member <NUM> and the lower-right-portion support member <NUM> supporting the lower-side cross member <NUM>, and the upper-left-portion support member <NUM> and the upper-right-portion support member <NUM> supporting the upper-side cross member <NUM> are positioned directly below the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF. Specifically, since the support members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be arranged corresponding to the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF, an obstacle at light collision is unlikely to collide with the intermediate portion BF4 of the bonnet BF.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, an impact load is applied to the front-portion crush cans 53b and 53d and the rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c at collision of the automobile <NUM>. In a case of light collision, the front-portion crush cans 53b and 53d perform compressive deformation and the front portions of the rear-portion crush cans 53a and 53c are maintained in a state of being positioned on the front side of the front portion of the bonnet BF. With this configuration, an obstacle relatively moving to the vehicle rear side does not collide with the front portion of the bonnet BF, and thus damage on the bonnet BF due to collision with the obstacle can be suppressed. Accordingly, repair cost is low.

The above-described embodiment is merely exemplary in any aspects and not to be interpreted in a restrictive manner.

Claim 1:
A vehicle-body structure (A) of an automobile (<NUM>) including a bonnet (BF) on a vehicle front side, the vehicle-body structure (A) comprising:
a pair of right and left rear-portion crush cans (53c, 53a) that each are attached to a vehicle-body side member (51B, 51A), extend from the vehicle-body side member (51B, 51A) toward a front of the automobile (<NUM>), maintain an initial shape until a first predetermined load is applied at collision of the automobile (<NUM>), and perform compressive deformation when the first predetermined load is applied; and
a pair of right and left front-portion crush cans (53d, 53b) that extend from front portions of the rear-portion crush cans (53c, 53a) toward the front of the automobile (<NUM>) and perform compressive deformation when a second predetermined load smaller than the first predetermined load is applied at collision of the automobile (<NUM>), wherein
a front portion of the bonnet (BFa) is positioned on the automobile (<NUM>) rear side of the front portions of the rear-portion crush cans (53c, 53a), characterized in that
each vehicle-body side member (51B, 51A) is a suspension support member supporting a front suspension device (SP1, SP2), and
rear portions of the rear-portion crush cans (53c, 53a) are attached to front portions of the respective suspension support members.