Automotive front body structure

Abstract

A front body structure of an automobile, capable of preventing damage to exterior trim parts and the like in light collision situations, and at the same time, normally fixing the exterior trim parts to the front bumper with an appropriate fastening force. A lower bracket (17) made of stamped and formed steel plate is provided between the lower part of the exterior trim and the upper part of the front bumper, and the lower bracket includes a bracket body (61) having a substantially Z-shaped cross-section and a The clamping portion (62) is made of stamped and formed steel sheet and has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The clamping part (62) includes a first clamping part (62) fixed on the upper wall part (61a) of the bracket body (61) and cooperates with the first clamping part (62a) to clamp the inner panel (22) The second clamping member (62b) of the rib (22a). The clamping portion (62) of the lower bracket (17) is provided with a pair of clamping force generating mechanisms (68) in a transversely spaced relationship, and each clamping force generating mechanism includes a stepped bolt (65), a coil spring (66) and Nut (67). Thus, a relatively large elastic clamping force is generated to clamp the rib (22a) of the front trim (8) with the clamping portion (62).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an automobile front body structure, and more particularly to a technique for preventing damage to exterior trim members, etc., in the event of a minor collision, while securing the exterior trim members normally with an appropriate fastening force. Fastened to the front bumper. Background technique [0002] In automobiles, a front trim is generally disposed at a central position above a front bumper (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Documents No. 10-230798 and No. 11-263246). The front trim may include a grille for directing air into the engine compartment when the vehicle is in motion, and is typically shaped to continue smoothly into the hood and headlights for aesthetic reasons. The front trim can be provided with a hollow structure, which for aesthetic effect comprises an outer panel (external lens) made of transparent material and an inner panel with a metallized front surface. This hollow front trim ca...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

If the front trim is fixed to the front bumper by using plastic clips, since the front trim and the front bumper are not fastened to each other with sufficient fastening force, rattling may occur during operation especially when the plastic clips deteriorate due to aging sound and other noise

In either case, tightening of bolts or tightening of clamps must be performed behind the front trim, which increases labor required in assembly work and reduces work efficiency

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