Vehicle body front structure

Abstract

A front body structure is provided that can simultaneously meet the requirements for absorbing impact loads during a collision and the layout requirements related to the orientation and position of the steering wheel. The front body structure (A) includes a partition (71) that defines the interior space (R1) of the passenger compartment. The lower part of the partition (71) is formed such that it is located further back in the vehicle as it is lower. A drive motor is mounted below the lower part of the partition (71). A recess (71b) is formed on the partition (71) above the drive motor, which is recessed towards the front of the vehicle. A through hole (71d) for inserting a steering shaft (122) is formed on the lower wall (71c) of the recess (71b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to, for example, the front structure of an electric vehicle body. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the engine compartment and the passenger compartment are divided by a partition extending in the vehicle width direction and vertical direction. In the engine compartment in front of this partition, a pair of left and right suspension towers at the upper part of the front suspension device are formed in a manner that bulges inward toward the passenger compartment, and a pair of left and right front side racks extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction are provided.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-119458 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in conventional vehicles equipped with engines, the engine and auxiliary components that make up the intake and exhaust system are located in the engine compartment. Therefore, when an impact load is applied from the front during a collision, the components in the engine compartment and the front side frame are deformed to absorb the impact load.

[0008] However, in the case of electric vehicles, the number of auxiliary components is significantly reduced compared to the engine, thus posing a risk that the vehicle may not be able to adequately absorb impact loads. Therefore, the position of the driving motor needs to be designed in a way that can compensate for this situation.

[0009] Furthermore, the vehicle has a steering shaft that runs through the partition from the side of the passenger compartment. In the case of an electric vehicle, since the drive motor is located further forward than the partition, it is necessary to set the position and tilt angle of the steering shaft to avoid interference with the drive motor. On the other hand, since the tilt angle of the steering shaft affects the orientation and position of the steering wheel, which is fixed behind it, relative to the occupants, the position and tilt angle of the steering shaft must be set taking into account the orientation and position of the steering wheel relative to the occupants.

[0010] That is, even if the location of the driving motor that is conducive to absorbing the impact load during a collision is determined, there is still a risk that the driving motor located at that location will interfere with the steering shaft. In addition, even if interference with the driving motor can be avoided, there is still a situation where the orientation and position of the steering wheel are not suitable, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the requirements for absorbing the impact load during a collision and the layout requirements related to the orientation and position of the steering wheel.

[0011] This application is made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to simultaneously meet the requirements for absorbing impact loads during a collision and the layout requirements related to the orientation and position of the steering wheel in an electric vehicle.

[0012] Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the premise of the first aspect of this disclosure is a front body structure, specifically a front body structure for an electric vehicle in which a drive motor is mounted at the front of the vehicle. The front body structure includes: a partition extending in the width direction at the front of the vehicle, defining the interior space of the passenger compartment; and a steering shaft extending through the partition in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and inclined upwards towards the rear of the vehicle. The lower portion of the partition is formed such that it is further downwards towards the rear of the vehicle. The drive motor is mounted below the lower portion of the partition. A recess is formed on the partition above the drive motor, facing forward, and a through hole is formed on the lower wall of this recess for the steering shaft to pass through.

[0014] With this configuration, since the driving motor is mounted below the lower part of the partition, which is formed in a manner that positions it further down towards the rear of the vehicle, the driving motor can be moved closer to the rear of the vehicle. This ensures sufficient crumple zone in the longitudinal direction during a collision, thus meeting the requirements for absorbing impact loads.

[0015] Furthermore, since a through hole is formed on the lower wall of the recessed portion facing forward of the vehicle, the through hole can be located on the front side of the vehicle compared to the case where the through hole is formed on the upper part of the partition. Moreover, since the recess is located above the drive motor, even if the position and tilt angle of the steering shaft are set in a manner that satisfies the layout requirements of the steering wheel, the steering shaft is unlikely to interfere with the drive motor.

[0016] The second embodiment of the partition portion disclosed herein may further include a first partition portion and a second partition portion extending from the lower portion of the first partition portion in a manner that the further down it is, the further rearward it is located in the vehicle. The drive motor can be mounted below the lower portion of the second partition portion, and the recess can be formed in the second partition portion. In this configuration, the first and second partition portions can be composed of different components or a single component. When composed of different components, the recess can be formed on the second partition portion without affecting the shape of the first partition portion, thus increasing the freedom in setting the depth and shape of the recess.

[0017] In the third aspect of this disclosure, a motor mounting section is also provided, which is formed by bulging a portion of the second partition section toward the interior of the carriage, and at least a portion of the driving motor can be mounted in the motor mounting section.

[0018] With this configuration, since the motor mounting section formed on the second partition bulges inward toward the vehicle compartment, the driving motor can be moved closer to the rear of the vehicle. This ensures a greater crumple zone during a collision.

[0019] In the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the recess may also be located at the front of the vehicle where the motor mounting section is located. With this configuration, the insertion hole and the motor mounting section can be separated in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, thus making it less likely for the steering shaft and the driving motor to interfere with each other.

[0020] In the fifth aspect of this disclosure, a partition reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction may be provided in the first partition portion. According to this configuration, if the strength of the second partition portion decreases due to the formation of the recess, this strength reduction can be compensated by the partition reinforcement disposed above the recess.

[0021] In the sixth embodiment of this disclosure, a pair of left and right suspension towers may also be provided, which are formed to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction and support the upper part of the front suspension device. The first partition portion can extend from the middle portion of the left suspension tower in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the middle portion of the right suspension tower in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to this configuration, the middle portions of the suspension towers that bulge inward in the vehicle width direction are connected to each other by a first partition portion, thus shortening the length of the first partition portion in the vehicle width direction and achieving high strength.

[0023] Invention Effects

[0024] As explained above, since the lower part of the partition is shaped such that it is located further down and further back in the vehicle, the drive motor is mounted below the lower part of the partition, and the lower wall of the recess formed on the partition above the drive motor has a through hole for the steering shaft, it is possible to simultaneously meet the requirements for absorbing impact loads during a collision and the layout requirements related to the orientation and position of the steering wheel. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a side view of an electric vehicle with the implementation method omitted.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the electric vehicle divided into a lower structure and an upper structure.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a top view of the lower structure.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a magnified top view showing the front part of the lower structure.

[0029] Figure 5 It is an enlarged view showing the front part of the lower structure after omitting the powertrain, shock absorbers, springs, wheel hubs, etc.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the front of the vehicle body.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the front of the vehicle body.

[0032] Figure 8 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the front powertrain and its vicinity at the front of the vehicle body.

[0033] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the front part of the vehicle body cut horizontally from the middle of the vertical direction.

[0034] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The XX-line cross-sectional diagram.

[0035] Figure 11 This indicates the state where the reinforcing components have been removed. Figure 9 A fairly accurate diagram.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a construction example of installing a reinforcing member on the cover of the battery cell.

[0037] Figure 13 It is a three-dimensional view of the interior of the carriage after the reinforcing components have been removed.

[0038] Figure 14 It is a bottom view of the front of the vehicle body, omitting the powertrain, battery unit, suspension system, etc.

[0039] Figure 15 This indicates that the upper structure, such as the battery, has been omitted, which is consistent with... Figure 9 The XV-XV line in the diagram corresponds to a cross-sectional view.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional view of the front of the lower structure from the left rear.

[0041] Symbol Explanation

[0042] 1. Electric vehicles

[0043] 10 Battery casing

[0044] 70 Floor Panels

[0045] 71 Front bulkhead (partition section)

[0046] 71A Upper side panel

[0047] 71B Lower side panel

[0048] 71a Motor Configuration Department

[0049] 71b Left side recess

[0050] 71c Lower wall portion

[0051] 71d Through Hole

[0052] 98. Partition reinforcement

[0053] 122 Steering Axle

[0054] A. Front structure of the vehicle body

[0055] B battery

[0056] M1 driving motor

[0057] S1 Front Seats Detailed Implementation

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following description of preferred embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention, its applicability, or its uses.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a left-side view of an electric vehicle (electric car) 1 having a front body structure A according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle 1, as shown... Figure 2 The diagram shows a lower structure 2 and an upper structure 3. In Figure 1 In the image, the front bumper, rear bumper, and front and rear wheels are omitted and represented by dashed lines, with each part indicated schematically. Figure 2 In addition to Figure 1 In addition to the parts omitted, the doors, hood, front fenders, windows, front and rear lights, interior parts, etc. are also omitted, and each part is indicated schematically.

[0060] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the front side of the vehicle is referred to as "front", the rear side of the vehicle as "rear", the right side of the vehicle as "right", and the left side of the vehicle as "left". The left and right direction of the vehicle refers to the width direction of the vehicle.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, electric vehicle 1 is a passenger car. Electric vehicle 1 can be, for example, any type such as a van, hatchback, or single-box, and its shape is not particularly limited. Figure 2 As shown, an interior space (passenger compartment space), i.e., compartment R1, is formed on the electric vehicle 1. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a front seat (seat) S1 is provided at the front of the passenger compartment R1, and a rear seat S2 is provided behind the front seat S1. A trunk R2 is provided behind the rear seat S2 as needed. The passenger compartment R1 and the trunk R2 are located in the upper structure 3. Alternatively, the passenger compartment R1 may only have the front seat S1, or a third row of seats (not shown) may be provided behind the rear seat S2.

[0062] On the other hand, the front part of the electric vehicle 1, that is, the space forward of the passenger compartment R1 (front space), can be, for example, the power compartment R3. That is, as Figure 3 As shown, the front structure A of the vehicle body is provided for an electric vehicle 1, which includes a front-side drive motor M1 mounted at the front of the vehicle, a rear-side drive motor M2 mounted at the rear of the vehicle, a battery B that supplies power to the drive motors M1 and M2, and a battery case 10 that houses the battery B. The battery case 10 is disposed below the floor panel 70, which will be described later. Figure 4 This is a top view of the front powertrain PT1 and its vicinity. Figure 5 This is a bottom view with the front powertrain PT1 omitted.

[0063] The front drive motor M1 is a motor that generates the driving force to drive the left and right front wheels FT. The front powertrain PT1 consists solely of this front drive motor M1, or either the front drive motor M1 combined with a reducer, transmission, etc. Furthermore, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rear-side driving motor M2 shown in the image generates the drive motor RT for the left and right rear wheels. Figure 1 The motor that drives the vehicle (shown in the diagram) consists only of the rear travel motor M2, or the rear travel motor M2 and the reducer, gearbox, etc., constitute the rear powertrain PT2.

[0064] In this embodiment, the rear-side drive motor M2 produces a higher maximum output (maximum torque) than the front-side drive motor M1, and the rear-side drive motor M2 is larger than the front-side drive motor M1. Consequently, the rear-side powertrain PT2 is larger than the front-side powertrain PT1. Alternatively, the rear-side drive motor M2 may produce a lower maximum output than the front-side drive motor M1, or the rear-side drive motor M2 may produce the same maximum output as the front-side drive motor M1. Furthermore, it is possible to have only the front-side powertrain PT1 or only the rear-side powertrain PT2. Additionally, for example, in the case of a large vehicle, a front-side drive motor M1 and a rear-side drive motor M2 that are larger than those in a small vehicle are used.

[0065] like Figure 2As shown, the lower structure 2 includes a battery housing 10, a pair of left and right front side frames 11 and 12 extending forward in front of the battery housing 10, and a pair of left and right rear side frames 13 and 14 extending rearward behind the battery housing 10. Symbol 11 indicates the left front side frame, and symbol 12 indicates the right front side frame. Furthermore, symbol 13 indicates the left rear frame, and symbol 14 indicates the right rear frame. Figure 2 The cover 35 of the battery casing 10 was removed (described later).

[0066] In the case of typical electric vehicles, the battery casing is often separated from the vehicle body and detachably installed under the floor. However, in this embodiment, not only the battery casing 10 can be detached from the upper structure 13, but the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 and the left and right rear frames 13 and 14 are integrated into the battery casing 10. The front side frames 11 and 12 and the rear frames 13 and 14 can also be detached from the upper structure 3 together with the battery casing 10.

[0067] Specifically, the electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured to be divisible into a lower structure 2 having a battery casing 10 and an upper structure 3 forming a passenger compartment R1 and a trunk R2. The ability to be divisible means that the lower structure 2 is integrated with the upper structure 3 using bolts, nuts, screws, and other fastening components without welding or bonding. Therefore, after the electric vehicle 1 is handed over to the user, the lower structure 2 can be separated from the upper structure 3 as needed for maintenance or repair, resulting in good maintainability. Furthermore, the fastening components used in the following description also include bolts, nuts, screws, etc.

[0068] Here, as a vehicle body structure, the ladder frame type is well known. In a ladder frame type body structure, it can be divided into a ladder frame and a cabin. However, since the ladder frame extends continuously in the longitudinal direction, it mainly bears the collision load in frontal and rear-end collisions. In side collisions, the ladder frame only auxiliaryly bears the collision load, while the cabin mainly bears the collision load. Thus, in a ladder frame type body structure, the components that bear the collision load in frontal and rear-end collisions are usually distinguished from those that bear the collision load in side collisions.

[0069] In the case of the electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, although the lower structure 2, which has front side frames 11 and 12, and rear frames 13 and 14, can be separated from the upper structure 3, the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 bear the collision load in both frontal and rearward collisions and side collisions. This allows the collision load to be distributed and absorbed by the two structures 2 and 3, which is a significant departure from the conventional ladder-frame vehicle structure. The structure of the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 will be described in detail below.

[0070] (Lower structure)

[0071] First, the lower structure 2 will be described. In addition to the battery housing 10, front side frames 11 and 12, and rear frames 13 and 14, the lower structure 2 also includes front and rear powertrains PT1 and PT2, front wheels FT, rear wheels RT, a front suspension device 20, and a rear suspension device 21. The form of the front suspension device 20 and the rear suspension device 21 is not particularly limited.

[0072] The battery cell BY consists of the battery casing 10 and the battery B housed inside the battery casing 10. In addition, the battery cell BY may also include, for example, a battery cooling device.

[0073] The battery casing 10 is a large casing formed below the floor panel 70 of the upper structure 3, extending from near the left end to near the right end of the floor panel 70, and from near the front end to near the rear end of the floor panel 70. By providing the battery casing 10 over such a large area below the floor panel 70, a high-capacity battery B can be mounted on the electric vehicle 1. The battery B can be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a solid-state battery, or other rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, the battery B can be either a single battery cell or a battery pack containing multiple battery cells. In this embodiment, the battery B is composed of battery packs, and multiple battery packs are mounted in a configuration arranged in both the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0074] Battery housing 10 includes a left battery holder 30, a right battery holder 31, a front battery holder 32, a rear battery holder 33, a bottom plate 34, and a cover 35 that covers the battery B from above (shown in the figure). Figure 4 Additionally. Figure 3 The middle part indicates that the cover 35 has been removed.

[0075] The left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, and rear battery holder 33 are made of, for example, extruded aluminum alloy parts, but can also be made of aluminum alloy sheet or stamped steel sheet. The base plate 34 can also be made of extruded parts. In the following description, "extruded parts" refers to extruded aluminum alloy parts, and "stamped parts" refers to stamped aluminum alloy sheet or stamped steel sheet. Furthermore, each component can also be made of, for example, castings.

[0076] The cross-sectional shape of the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33 in the direction orthogonal to the length direction is all rectangular. In addition, the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33 are all arranged at the same height and extend approximately horizontally.

[0077] The left battery rack 30 and the right battery rack 31 are outer battery racks extending in the front-rear direction from the outside of the battery B in the vehicle width direction. The left battery rack 30 is located on the left side of the battery housing 10 and extends in the front-rear direction along the left side beam 74. The left battery rack 30 is fixed to the left side beam 74 by fastening members or the like. The right battery rack 31 is located on the right side of the battery housing 10 and extends in the front-rear direction along the right side beam 75. The right battery rack 31 is fixed to the right side beam 75 by fastening members or the like.

[0078] Furthermore, the front battery rack 32 is disposed at the front of the battery housing 10 and extends in the left-right direction. In the front view, at least a portion of the front driving motor M1 constituting the front powertrain PT1 is positioned overlapping with at least a portion of the front battery rack 32, i.e., the middle portion of the front battery rack 32 in the vehicle width direction. Additionally, the rear battery rack 33 is disposed at the rear of the battery housing 10 and extends in the left-right direction.

[0079] The left end of the front battery holder 32 is connected to the front end of the left battery holder 30, and the right end of the front battery holder 32 is connected to the front end of the right battery holder 31. The left end of the rear battery holder 33 is connected to the rear end of the left battery holder 30, and the right end of the rear battery holder 33 is connected to the rear end of the right battery holder 31. Therefore, the left battery holder 30, the right battery holder 31, the front battery holder 32, and the rear battery holder 33 are components that constitute a frame-like structure that surrounds the entire battery B when viewed from above.

[0080] The base plate 34 extends approximately horizontally and is fixed to the lower surfaces of the left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, and rear battery holder 33. Furthermore, the cover 35 is fixed to the upper surfaces of the left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, and rear battery holder 33. That is, the cover 35 is mounted on the battery holders 30-33. When mounting the cover 35 to the battery holders 30-33, fastening components, adhesive bonding, welding, etc., can be used. Thus, the left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, rear battery holder 33, base plate 34, and cover 35 divide the space to form a battery housing space S (shown in Figure 1). Figure 2 ).

[0081] The size of the battery housing space S can be changed according to the capacity of the battery B. The size of the battery housing space S can be easily changed by altering the lengths of the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33, as well as the shape of the base plate 34. For example, in a small car with a short wheelbase and narrow track, the battery housing space S is reduced accordingly by shortening the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33, and correspondingly reducing the shape of the base plate 34 and cover 35. On the other hand, in a large car, the battery housing space S is increased accordingly by lengthening the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33, and correspondingly increasing the shape of the base plate 34 and cover 35. When the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33 are constructed from extruded parts, the length can be easily changed. In addition, the base plate 34 can also be made of extruded material, which allows for easy changes in shape.

[0082] The upper part of the battery housing space S can be closed either by the aforementioned cover 35 or by the floor panel 70 of the upper structure 3. In addition to housing the battery B, the battery housing space S can also be equipped with a cooling device for cooling the battery B, a heating device for heating the battery B, etc. (temperature control devices). Furthermore, the power from the battery B is supplied to the driving motors M1 and M2 via a control device not shown. Moreover, the battery B can be charged via a charging socket not shown, a contactless charger, etc.

[0083] like Figure 2As shown, inside the battery casing 10 constituting the battery unit BY, there are first to third casing inner parts (unit inner parts) 25A, 25B, and 25C as strength members extending in the left-right direction. The first to third casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C all have the same height, approximately the same as the height of the left-side battery holder 30, etc. The casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C can be formed by extrusion or stamping. In this embodiment, although there are three casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C, the number of casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C can be increased or decreased depending on the front-rear dimensions of the battery casing 10. The first to third casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C are the second constituent parts.

[0084] The first to third housing inner components 25A, 25B, and 25C are arranged spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction, with the first housing inner component 25A at the front and the third housing inner component 25C at the back. The lower part of each housing inner component 25A, 25B, and 25C is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 34. In addition, the left end of each housing inner component 25A, 25B, and 25C is fixed to the inner surface (right side) of the left battery rack 30, and the right end of each housing inner component 25A, 25B, and 25C is fixed to the inner surface (left side) of the right battery rack 31. That is, the housing inner components 25A, 25B, and 25C are components that connect the left battery rack 30 and the right battery rack 31.

[0085] Inside the battery casing 10, a front central member (unit inner member) 26 and first to third rear central members (unit inner members) 27 to 29 are provided as strength members extending in the front-rear direction. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are arranged at approximately the same height and are located at the center in the left-right direction of the battery casing 10. The lower ends of the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 34. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are first structural members. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 intersect with the first to third inner members 25A, 25B, and 25C.

[0086] The front central member 26 is disposed between the front battery holder 32 and the first inner housing member 25A. The front end of the front central member 26 is fixed to the center portion of the front battery holder 32 in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the front central member 26 is fixed to the center portion of the first inner housing member 25A in the left-right direction. Therefore, the front battery holder 32 is a member that extends in such a way that the front ends of the left battery holder 30 and the right battery holder 31 are connected to the front end of the front central member 26.

[0087] A first rear central member 27 is disposed between a first inner shell member 25A and a second inner shell member 25B. The front end of the first rear central member 27 is fixed to the center portion of the first inner shell member 25A in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the first rear central member 27 is fixed to the center portion of the second inner shell member 25B in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a second rear central member 28 is disposed between a second inner shell member 25B and a third inner shell member 25C. The front end of the second rear central member 28 is fixed to the center portion of the second inner shell member 25B in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the second rear central member 28 is fixed to the center portion of the third inner shell member 25C in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a third rear central member 29 is disposed between a third inner shell member 25C and a rear battery holder 33. The front end of the third rear central member 29 is fixed to the center portion of the third inner shell member 25C in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the third rear central member 29 is fixed to the center portion of the rear battery holder 33 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the first to third inner shell components 25A, 25B, 25C, the front central component 26, and the first to third rear central components 27 to 29 are arranged in a grid pattern inside the battery casing 10 and connected to each other, thus further improving the reinforcing effect of the battery casing 10.

[0088] When conceiving a hypothetical straight line extending in the front-to-back direction when viewed from above, the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are positioned in the left-to-right direction on this hypothetical straight line. That is, the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are arranged on the hypothetical extension line of the front central member 26 facing rearward. Alternatively, the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 can also be composed of a single, continuous member in the front-to-back direction.

[0089] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the front structure A of the vehicle body includes a pair of left and right front side frames 11 and 12, a frame bracket 40, a first crossbeam 15, a pair of left and right impact-absorbing members 16 and 17, and a second crossbeam 19. In this embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned components, it also includes a front member 18, reinforcing members 19A and 19B, etc. The components constituting the front structure A of the vehicle body are not limited to the above-mentioned components, and may also include other components, equipment, devices, etc. Furthermore, components that are not essential elements of the present invention may be omitted.

[0090] The front side frames 11 and 12 extend in a generally horizontal, straight line below the left and right front main frames 72 and 73 of the upper structure 3. The front side frames 11 and 12 can be made of, for example, extruded parts or stamped parts. In this embodiment, the front side frames 11 and 12 are made of extruded parts, so the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is approximately equal from the front end to the rear end.

[0091] The left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are mounted to the front battery holder 32, which constitutes the front part of the battery case 10, via a frame bracket 40. That is, the rear parts of the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are connected to the front battery holder 32 via the frame bracket 40. The frame bracket 40 is a one-piece metal piece that extends along the front surface of the front battery holder 32 in the left-right direction. The rear parts of the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are fixed to the frame bracket 40. The metal constituting the frame bracket 40 is not particularly limited; for example, aluminum can be used. In this case, the frame bracket 40 can be made of die-cast aluminum.

[0092] Although the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are mounted to the front battery holder 32 via the frame bracket 40, the rear parts of the front side brackets 11 and 12 touch the front surface of the front battery holder 32. Therefore, the front side brackets 11 and 12 extend forward from the front battery holder 32. Alternatively, the rear parts of the front side brackets 11 and 12 may be separated from the front surface of the front battery holder 32 somewhat forward; in this case, overall, it can also be said that the front side brackets 11 and 12 extend forward from the front battery holder 32.

[0093] The rear portion of the left front side bracket 11 is positioned to correspond to the portion of the front battery holder 32 that is slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction. Similarly, the rear portion of the right front side bracket 12 is positioned to correspond to the portion of the front battery holder 32 that is slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction. Thus, the spacing between the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 is a predetermined spacing. The spacing between the rear portions of the front side brackets 11 and 12 is set to be narrower than the spacing between the left battery holder 30 and the right battery holder 31 of the battery case 10.

[0094] The left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are at approximately the same height. In addition, the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12, the front central member 26 of the battery case 10, the left battery holder 30 and the right battery holder 31 are mounted at approximately the same height.

[0095] The left and right front side frames 11 and 12 extend outwards in the vehicle width direction as they move forward. Specifically, the left front side frame 11 is inclined relative to a hypothetical straight line extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction when viewed from above, as it is positioned further forward and to the left. Similarly, the right front side frame 12 is inclined relative to a hypothetical straight line extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction when viewed from above, as it is positioned further forward and to the right. Thus, the distance between the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 (the separation distance in the vehicle width direction) widens as it moves forward, creating a space C between the left and right front side frames 11 and 12, capable of housing all or part of various components, equipment, devices, etc. Furthermore, this space C has a shape that expands in the vehicle width direction as it moves forward.

[0096] The tilt angle of the left front side bracket 11 relative to the aforementioned illusory straight line is equal to the tilt angle of the right front side bracket 12 relative to the aforementioned illusory straight line. The front part of the left front side bracket 11 is positioned inside the left battery rack 30 of the battery case 10 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the front part of the right front side bracket 12 is positioned inside the right battery rack 31 of the battery case 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the front parts of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are positioned approximately the same in the front-rear direction as the front parts of the left and right front main frames 72 of the upper structure 3.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the frame bracket 40 includes a longitudinal plate portion 40a extending along the front surface of the front battery rack 32 in both the vehicle width and vertical directions, and a lower plate portion 40b extending rearward from the lower edge of the longitudinal plate portion 40a along the lower surface of the front battery rack 32 and also extending in the vehicle width direction. The longitudinal plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b are fixed to the front battery rack 32 by fasteners or the like. By fixing the longitudinal plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b of the frame bracket 40 to the front surface and lower surface of the front battery rack 32 respectively, the mounting rigidity of the frame bracket 40 relative to the front battery rack 32 can be improved.

[0099] On the longitudinal plate portion 40a of the frame bracket 40, a left insertion hole 40c for inserting the rear part of the left front side bracket 11 and a right insertion hole 40d for inserting the rear part of the right front side bracket 12 are formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The rear part of the left front side bracket 11 is fixed to the frame bracket 40 by means of adhesive, fastening members or the like when inserted into the left insertion hole 40c.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, the frame bracket 40 includes a left upper plate portion 40e extending in the front-rear direction to cover the upper surface of the left front side frame 11, and a right upper plate portion 40f extending in the front-rear direction to cover the upper surface of the right front side frame 12. The left upper plate portion 40e is bonded to the upper surface of the left front side frame 11, for example, by an adhesive, and the right upper plate portion 40f is similarly bonded to the upper surface of the right front side frame 12. Thus, the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 can be securely fixed to the frame bracket 40.

[0101] The frame bracket 40 has a left support portion 41 and a right support portion 42, which are integrally formed with the longitudinal plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b. The left support portion 41 is located on the outer side (left side) of the left front side bracket 11 in the vehicle width direction, supporting the front side bracket 11 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the left support portion 41 protrudes forward from the left side portion of the left insertion hole 40c on the longitudinal plate portion 40a and extends along the left side surface of the left front side bracket 11. The front portion of the left support portion 41 reaches near the center of the left front side bracket 11 in the front-rear direction, thus enabling the left support portion 41 to support a large area of ​​the front side bracket 11. The left front side bracket 11 can also be glued to the left support portion 41.

[0102] Furthermore, the right-side support portion 42 is located on the outer side (right side) of the right front side frame 12 in the vehicle width direction, supporting the front side frame 12 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the right-side support portion 42 protrudes forward from the right side portion of the right-side insertion hole 40d on the longitudinal plate portion 40a and extends along the right side surface of the right front side frame 12. The front portion of the right-side support portion 42 reaches near the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the right front side frame 12, thus enabling the right-side support portion 42 to support a large area of ​​the front side frame 12. The right front side frame 12 can also be glued to the right-side support portion 42.

[0103] On the outer side of the frame bracket 40 in the vehicle width direction, the left and right suspension arms 20A constituting the front suspension device 20 are supported so as to swing freely in the vertical direction. That is, a left arm mounting portion 43 is provided on the frame bracket 40, protruding to the left from the left side of the left support portion 41. The base end of the left suspension arm 20A is rotatably mounted on this left arm mounting portion 43 about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a right arm mounting portion 44 is provided on the frame bracket 40, protruding to the right from the right side of the right support portion 42. The base end of the right suspension arm 20A is rotatably mounted on this right arm mounting portion 44 about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] The first crossbeam 15 is a component mounted on the left front side frame 11, separating the front battery rack 32 from the front, and on the right front side frame 12, separating the front battery rack 32 from the front. It extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. The first crossbeam 15 may also be made of an extruded part, a stamped part, or the like. In this embodiment, the left side portion of the first crossbeam 15 is fixed to the front of the left front side frame 11, and the right side portion of the first crossbeam 15 is fixed to the front of the right front side frame 12, thereby connecting the front portions of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 to each other via the first crossbeam 15.

[0105] Furthermore, the first crossbeam 15 is approximately parallel to the front battery rack 32. Thus, when viewed from above, the first crossbeam 15, the left and right front side racks 11 and 12, and the front battery rack 32 form a rectangle (trapezoidal in this example), which constitutes a closed section when viewed horizontally.

[0106] The left side of the first crossbeam 15 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction than the front part of the left front side frame 11. In addition, the right side of the first crossbeam 15 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction than the front part of the right front side frame 12.

[0107] The second crossbeam 19 is positioned between the first crossbeam 15 and the front battery rack 32. It is a component mounted on the left front side frame 11 and the right front side frame 12, extending linearly in the vehicle width direction. The second crossbeam 19 can also be made of extruded parts, stamped parts, etc. The dimension of the second crossbeam 19 in the vehicle width direction is shorter than the dimension of the first crossbeam 15 in the vehicle width direction.

[0108] like Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the left end of the second crossbeam 19 is fixed to the right side of the left front side frame 11 by means of adhesive bonding, welding, fastening components, etc. The right end of the second crossbeam 19 is similarly fixed to the left side of the right front side frame 12. Thus, the middle portions of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 in the front-rear direction are connected to each other.

[0109] Furthermore, the second crossbeam 19 is approximately parallel to the front battery rack 32. Thus, when viewed from above, the second crossbeam 19, the left and right front side racks 11 and 12, and the front battery rack 32 form a rectangle (trapezoidal in this example), which constitutes a closed section when viewed horizontally. Additionally, when viewed from above, the second crossbeam 19, the left and right front side racks 11 and 12, and the first crossbeam 15 also form a rectangle.

[0110] like Figure 5 As shown, the left-side reinforcing member 19A extends rearward from the portion of the second crossbeam 19 that is slightly to the left of the center in the vehicle width direction toward the front battery rack 32. The rear portion of the left-side reinforcing member 19A is fixed to the right side of the left-side front side frame 11. Furthermore, the right-side reinforcing member 19B extends rearward from the portion of the second crossbeam 19 that is slightly to the right of the center in the vehicle width direction toward the front battery rack 32. The rear portion of the right-side reinforcing member 19B is fixed to the left side of the right-side front side frame 12.

[0111] The impact-absorbing member 16 on the left is located in front of the left front side frame 11 and is composed of a cylindrical member extending forward. Similarly, the impact-absorbing member 17 on the right is located in front of the right front side frame 12 and is also composed of a cylindrical member extending forward. The impact-absorbing members 16 and 17, like the collapse boxes 72a and 73a of the upper structure 3, undergo compressive deformation before the front side frames 11 and 12 deform due to impact loads from the front, thus absorbing the impact load. Figure 1 As shown, the rear parts of the left and right impact absorbing members 16 and 17 are positioned approximately the same in the front-to-back direction as the rear parts of the collapse boxes 72a and 73a of the upper structure 3.

[0112] The rear portion of the left-side impact-absorbing member 16 is fixed to the front portion of the left-side front side frame 11. The left-side impact-absorbing member 16 extends along the length of the left-side front side frame 11, and its axis lies on the forward-facing extension line of the front side frame 11. Furthermore, the rear portion of the right-side impact-absorbing member 17 is fixed to the front portion of the right-side front side frame 12. The right-side impact-absorbing member 17 extends along the length of the right-side front side frame 12, and its axis lies on the forward-facing extension line of the front side frame 12.

[0113] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the front member 18 is a component mounted on the left and right impact-absorbing members 16 and 17. The portion of the front member 18 located to the left of the center in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the front of the left impact-absorbing member 16, and the portion of the front member 18 located to the right of the center in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the front of the right impact-absorbing member 17. Thus, the left and right impact-absorbing members 16 and 17 are connected via the front member 18. Figure 1 As shown, the front part 18 and the front bumper reinforcement 87 of the upper structure 3 are positioned approximately the same in the front-rear direction, with the front part 18 located directly below the front bumper reinforcement 87.

[0114] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, a steering device 120 is provided on the electric vehicle 1. The steering device 120 includes a steering gearbox 121, a steering shaft 122, and a steering wheel 123. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 1 with the driver's seat on the left is described, but the present invention can also be applied to electric vehicles with the driver's seat on the right (not shown).

[0115] like Figure 2 As shown, the steering gearbox 121 has a box that is elongated in the left-right direction, and gears and an electric motor for power assistance are built inside. Figure 1The steering shaft 122 shown is a component that transmits the driver's operating force to the steering gearbox 121. Since the driver's seat is located on the left, the steering shaft 122 is also located on the left. A joint 122a, which is made of a universal joint or the like, is provided in the middle of the steering shaft 122. The steering shaft 122 has an upper shaft 122b that is closer to the driver's side than the joint 122a, and a lower shaft 122c that is connected to the input shaft (not shown) of the steering gearbox 121. The steering shaft 122 is supported by a support member (not shown) or the like provided on the upper structure 3 so that it can rotate. In addition, a steering wheel 123 is mounted on the upper end (rear end) of the upper shaft 122b.

[0116] Among the various components constituting the steering system 120, the steering gearbox 121 is located in the lower structure 2. Specifically, the steering gearbox 121 is fixed to the upper part of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12. Furthermore, the steering gearbox 121 is located in front of the front powertrain PT1. The output of the steering gearbox 121 is transmitted to the left and right front wheels FT.

[0117] (Upper structure)

[0118] First, let's explain the upper structure 3. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the upper structure 3 includes a floor panel 70, a front bulkhead (partition) 71, a pair of left and right front main frames 72 and 73, and a pair of left and right side beams 74 and 75. Symbol 72 represents the left front main frame, and symbol 73 represents the right front main frame. Symbol 74 represents the left side beam, and symbol 75 represents the right side beam.

[0119] The floor panel 70 forms the floor of the carriage R1 and is constructed of steel plates extending in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The space above the floor panel 70 forms the carriage R1. A roof 80 is provided on the upper part of the carriage R1. Furthermore, a front opening 3a and a rear opening 3b are formed on the left and right sides of the upper structure 3, respectively. Figure 1 As shown, the front opening 3a and the rear opening 3b are opened and closed freely by the front door 81 and the rear door 82, respectively. In addition, although not shown, a front door and a rear door are also provided freely on the right side of the upper structure 3.

[0120] The left and right side beams 74 and 75 are configured to extend in the front-rear direction from the left and right ends of the floor panel 70, respectively. The left end of the floor panel 70 is connected to the middle of the left side beam 74 in the vertical direction, and the right end of the floor panel 70 is connected to the middle of the right side beam 75 in the vertical direction. The upper portions of the side beams 74 and 75 protrude upwards from the connection points of the floor panel 70, and the lower portions of the side beams 74 and 75 protrude downwards from the connection points of the floor panel 70. Since the battery housing 10 is disposed below the floor panel 70, it is positioned between the left and right side beams 74 and 75, and the lower portions of the side beams 74 and 75 overlap with the battery housing 10 when the vehicle is viewed from the side. The battery housing 10 is fixed to the side beams 74 and 75.

[0121] The left and right front main frames 72 and 73 are located at the front of the vehicle body and are high-strength components extending in the front-rear direction. That is, the left and right front main frames 72 and 73 are located in front of the floor panel 70 and above the floor panel 70, specifically arranged to extend forward from the left and right sides of the lower part of the front bulkhead 71.

[0122] The left and right front main frames 72 and 73 are symmetrically constructed, for example, by joining multiple stamped parts or by extruding parts. The cross-section of each front main frame 72 and 73 in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is set to be larger than the cross-section of the front side frames 11 and 12 of the lower structure 2 in the same direction. As a result, each front main frame 72 and 73 is thicker than the front side frames 11 and 12, becoming a high-strength component.

[0123] The front ends of the left and right front mainframes 72 respectively have crash cans 72a and 73a that compress and deform to absorb impact energy during a frontal collision. Crash cans 72a and 73a are cylindrical components extending in the longitudinal direction. Crash cans 72a and 73a compress and deform before the front mainframes 72 and 73 deform due to the impact load from the front, absorbing the impact load. Front bumper reinforcement members 87 extending in the left and right directions are fixed to the front ends of the left and right crash cans 72a and 73a.

[0124] like Figures 6-9 As also shown, the front bulkhead 71 is a component used to divide the passenger compartment R1 and the engine compartment R3, defining the passenger compartment R1 by means of the front bulkhead 71. This front bulkhead 71 is made of, for example, steel plate, and extends in the left-right direction and also in the up-down direction at the front of the vehicle. Figure 9 As shown, on the left and right sides of the front part of the upper structure 3, there are a pair of suspension towers 90 and 91. Symbol 90 represents the left suspension tower, and symbol 91 represents the right suspension tower.

[0125] The left and right suspension tower portions 90 and 91 are respectively formed to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the left suspension tower portion 90 is formed such that it bulges from the left side of the engine compartment R3 to the passenger compartment R1 toward the right side, and its bulge range is also set in the vertical direction, capable of accommodating a portion of the left front suspension device 20 installed on the lower structure 2 described later. The upper part of the left front suspension device 20 (e.g., the upper part of the shock absorber) is supported by the upper part of the left suspension tower portion 90. In addition, the right suspension tower portion 91 is formed such that it bulges from the right side of the engine compartment R3 to the passenger compartment R1 toward the left side, and its bulge range is also set in the vertical direction, capable of accommodating a portion of the right front suspension device 20 installed on the lower structure 2 described later. The upper part of the right front suspension device 20 is supported by the upper part of the right suspension tower portion 91.

[0126] like Figure 9 As shown, on the left and right sides of the front part of the upper structure 3, left and right front wheel covers 85 and 86 are formed in a manner that bulges inward in the vehicle width direction to accommodate the left and right front wheels FT. The symbol 85 indicates the left front wheel cover 85, and the symbol 86 indicates the right front wheel cover 86. The left front wheel cover 85 is continuous with the rear side of the left suspension tower 90 and bulges to the right from the left side of the vehicle body R1 to accommodate the left front wheel FT. In addition, the right front wheel cover 86 is continuous with the rear side of the right suspension tower 91 and bulges to the left from the right side of the vehicle body R1 to accommodate the right front wheel FT.

[0127] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a cowl portion 88 is provided above the front bulkhead 71. The cowl portion 88 extends in the left-right direction from the upper part of the left suspension tower portion 90 to the upper part of the right suspension tower portion 91. In addition, the lower part of the cowl portion 88 extends forward, reaching the middle part in the front-rear direction of the left and right suspension tower portions 90 and 91.

[0128] The front bulkhead 71 includes an upper side plate portion (first partition portion) 71A constituting the upper part of the front bulkhead 71, and a lower side plate portion (second partition portion) 71B constituting the lower part of the front bulkhead 71. The upper side plate portion 71A and the lower side plate portion 71B can be composed of different components, or they can be composed of different parts of a single component. When the upper side plate portion 71A and the lower side plate portion 71B are composed of different components, they can be molded into a desired shape and then joined together to form an integral unit, or the two components can be joined together and then molded into a desired shape.

[0129] The upper end of the upper side plate 71A is connected to the lower part of the cover 88. The upper side plate 71A extends in the left-right direction and in the up-down direction, specifically, it extends from the middle part of the left suspension tower 90 in the front-rear direction to the middle part of the right suspension tower 91 in the front-rear direction.

[0130] The upper end of the lower side plate portion 71B is connected to the lower end of the upper side plate portion 71A. Therefore, the upper end of the lower side plate portion 71B extends in the left-right direction from the middle of the front-rear direction of the left suspension tower portion 90 to the middle of the front-rear direction of the right suspension tower portion 91. On the other hand, the lower part of the lower side plate portion 71B that is lower than the upper end (hereinafter referred to as the lower part of the lower side plate portion 71B) is formed in such a way that it is located further back as it goes down. The lower part of the lower side plate portion 71B can be inclined or bent.

[0131] The lower end (rear end) of the lower side panel 71B is connected to the front end of the floor panel 70. The left and right sides of the lower side portion of the lower side panel 71B are connected to the left and right front wheel arches 85 and 86 respectively, and extend rearward to the left and right side beams 74 and 75 respectively.

[0132] like Figures 6-9 As shown, the front travel motor M1 is mounted below the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B. In other words, the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B is configured to cover the front travel motor M1 from above. As a configuration that allows the front travel motor M1 to be mounted below the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B, the upper structure 3 includes a motor mounting section 71a. The motor mounting section 71a is a portion capable of mounting at least a portion of the front travel motor M1, and is a bulge formed by extending the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B inwards toward the vehicle compartment R1. Figure 14 The image below shows the state of the motor mounting section 71a as viewed from below.

[0133] Specifically, the front drive motor M1 is configured to extend from between the left and right suspension towers 90 and 91 to between the left and right front wheel arches 85 and 86, thus located directly below the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B. The middle portion of the lower side panel 71B in the vehicle width direction bulges upwards, forming the motor mounting section 71a to accommodate at least the upper and rear portions of the front drive motor M1. The left-right dimension of the motor mounting section 71a is set shorter than the dimension between the left and right front wheel arches 85 and 86, thus the left and right sides of the motor mounting section 71a are composed of rearward-sloping inclined surfaces. That is, by providing the motor mounting section 71a, the front drive motor M1, i.e., the front powertrain PT1, can be moved closer to the rear of the vehicle, thus ensuring sufficient crumple zone in the event of a frontal collision or similar event in the longitudinal direction.

[0134] The motor mounting section 71a may also house a reducer, a gearbox, and a housing for the front powertrain PT1. Furthermore, the motor mounting section 71a may also house a control device for controlling the front travel motor M1 and a wiring harness (not shown). When the downward-facing surface of the motor mounting section 71a is defined as its inner surface, as... Figure 7 As shown, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the motor mounting section 71a and the front travel motor M1 to prevent the front travel motor M1 from contacting the inner surface of the motor mounting section 71a during normal driving.

[0135] The upper structure 3 includes a front crossbeam 93 disposed within the passenger compartment R1. The front crossbeam 93 is fixed to the upper surface of the floor panel 70, located rearward of the motor mounting section 71a, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The front crossbeam 93 is, for example, formed to open downwards; its open portion is closed by engaging with the upper surface of the floor panel 70, forming a closed section. The left end of the front crossbeam 93 is fixed to the right side of the left side beam 74, and the right end of the front crossbeam 93 is fixed to the left side of the right side beam 75. Figure 10 As shown, the upper end of the front crossbeam 93 is configured to be at the same height as the upper end of the side beam 75.

[0136] The front part of the left front seat S1 is mounted on the left side of the center portion of the front crossbeam 93 in the width-than-vehicle direction, and the front part of the right front seat S1 is mounted on the right side of the center portion of the front crossbeam 93 in the width-than-vehicle direction. A slide rail (not shown) is provided under each front seat S1, and the front part of the slide rail is fixed to the front crossbeam 93 via a bracket or the like. Furthermore, the rear part of the slide rail is fixed to the floor panel 70 located rearward of the front crossbeam 93.

[0137] The upper structure 3 includes a reinforcing member 94 that connects the motor mounting section 71a to the front crossbeam 93. The rear part of the reinforcing member 94 abuts against the front surface of the front crossbeam 93 from the front, and when a rearward load is applied to the reinforcing member 94, the front crossbeam 93 can reliably bear the load.

[0138] The reinforcing member 94 is disposed in the center of the vehicle width direction and is used to support the motor mounting section 71a from the rear to suppress rearward deformation of the motor mounting section 71a. For example, if the front travel motor M1 moves backward and hits the motor mounting section 71a due to an impact load from the front, the motor mounting section 71a may deform rearward under the impact load. In this case, by suppressing the deformation of the motor mounting section 71a by the reinforcing member 94, the entry of the front travel motor M1 into the vehicle compartment R1 side is suppressed. Furthermore, during normal driving other than during a collision, by connecting the motor mounting section 71a to the high-strength front crossbeam 93, the rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved, and the reinforcing member 94 contributes to improvements such as handling stability.

[0139] The reinforcing member 94 is configured with its length direction facing the front-to-back direction. The front-to-back dimension of the reinforcing member 94 is set to be longer than its left-to-right dimension. Furthermore, the vertical dimension of the reinforcing member 94 is set to be shorter than its left-to-right dimension, and it has an overall flat shape. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 94 is made of a stamped part, but it is not limited to this; for example, it can also be made of an extruded part. Figure 7 As shown, a rib 94b extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the reinforcing member 94.

[0140] like Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the front portion of the reinforcing member 94 is fixed to the upper portion of the motor mounting section 71a. The reinforcing member 94 extends rearward from the upper portion of the motor mounting section 71a, tilting downwards as it moves further rearward. Therefore, a space is formed between the reinforcing member 94 and the floor panel 70. Alternatively, the reinforcing member 94 can be fixed to the lower portion of the motor mounting section 71a. In this case, the reinforcing member 94 extends rearward along the upper surface of the floor panel 70 and can be fixed to the floor panel 70.

[0141] The upper structure 3 includes a floor reinforcement 96 extending along the floor panel 70 in the front-rear direction below the reinforcement member 94. The floor reinforcement 96 is fixed to the upper surface of the floor panel 70. The rear part of the floor reinforcement 96 is connected to the middle part of the front crossbeam 93 in the vehicle width direction.

[0142] In this embodiment, such as Figure 11 and Figure 13As shown, a connecting member 95 is provided at the rear of the motor mounting section 71a, connecting the front part of the reinforcing member 94 and the front part of the floor reinforcement member 96 in the vertical direction. The front parts of the reinforcing member 94 and the floor reinforcement member 96 are fixed to the connecting member 95 by fastening members. This connecting member 95 is, for example, formed from sheet metal, and is a component constituting part of the motor mounting section 71a. That is, the motor mounting section 71a has a main body part composed of bulges and a connecting member 95. Alternatively, although not shown, the front part of the reinforcing member 94 may be directly fixed to the rear part of the main body part of the motor mounting section 71a without using the connecting member 95.

[0143] In this embodiment, since the connecting member 95 is a component constituting part of the motor mounting section 71a, the front part of the floor reinforcement 96 is connected to the lower part of the motor mounting section 71a. Thus, the front parts of the floor reinforcement 96 and the front parts of the reinforcement member 94 are respectively connected to the vertically separated portions of the motor mounting section 71a, thereby significantly improving the rigidity of the motor mounting section 71a.

[0144] Furthermore, the rear of the reinforcing member 94 is connected to the rear of the floor reinforcing member 96. Therefore, as... Figure 10 As shown, the first closed section is formed by the motor mounting section 71a, the reinforcing member 94 extending obliquely downward from the upper part of the motor mounting section 71a, and the floor reinforcing member 96 extending in the front-rear direction. The first closed section is triangular in shape when viewed from the side, and its vertical dimension becomes shorter as it moves further back.

[0145] In addition, structural components 95, etc. Figure 10 The motor mounting section 71a is formed by extending rearward from the upper rear portion of its main body and then downward. The upper part of the connecting member 95 is connected to the upper rear portion of the main body of the motor mounting section 71a, and the lower part of the connecting member 95 is connected to the lower rear portion of the main body of the motor mounting section 71a. Thus, the connecting member 95 and the main body of the motor mounting section 71a form a second closed section when viewed from the side. This second closed section is approximately rectangular in shape and is located in front of the first closed section. The second closed section is not mandatory and can be configured as needed.

[0146] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, the connecting member 95 is a component constituting part of the motor mounting section 71a, but it is not limited thereto; the motor mounting section 71a may also be constituted solely by the protrusion. In this case, the front part of the reinforcing member 94 is directly fixed to the rear part of the motor mounting section 71a, and the motor mounting section 71a, the reinforcing member 94, and the floor reinforcing member 96 constitute a first closed section. Moreover, by fixing the connecting member 95 to the rear part of the protrusion constituting the motor mounting section 71a, the connecting member 95 and the motor mounting section 71a constitute a second closed section.

[0147] like Figure 12 As shown, the rear of the reinforcing member 94 is mounted to the floor panel 70 and the cover 35 of the battery unit BY. Specifically, a flange 94a extending in the vehicle width direction is formed at the rear of the reinforcing member 94, and a bolt B1 passes through the flange 94a. A nut N1 for screwing the bolt B1 is fixed to the upper surface of the flange 94a. The bolt B1 passes through the portion directly below the aforementioned flange 94a on the cover 35 and the portion directly below the aforementioned flange 94a on the floor panel 70. By having the bolt B1 pass through the cover 35, floor panel 70, and flange 94a from below and screwed into the nut N1, the rear of the reinforcing member 94 can be fixed to the floor panel 70 and the cover 35. In this way, the rear of the reinforcing member 94, the floor panel 70, and the cover 35 are fastened by common fastening members B1 and N1, thus achieving a secure integration. Alternatively, bolt B1 can pass through from above flange 94a and be screwed into nut N1 fixed to the lower surface of cover 35. Small screws (vis) or similar devices can also be used instead of bolt B1. Furthermore, multiple locations of reinforcing member 94, separated in the vehicle width direction, can be installed on cover 35 and floor panel 70.

[0148] like Figure 10 As shown, the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 is also mounted to the center portion of the first housing inner part 25A in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 has a flange 94a (shown in...) Figure 12 Bolt B2 passes through the portion that is separated in the vehicle width direction. Bolt B2 also passes through the floor reinforcement 96, floor panel 70, and cover 35. Nut N2 is fixed to the rear of the reinforcement member 94, consistent with the through portion of bolt B2.

[0149] A through hole 25a for bolt B2 is formed on the first inner shell 25A. By inserting bolt B2, which passes through the through hole 25a from below, through the upper wall of the first inner shell 25A, the cover 35, the floor panel 70, the floor reinforcement 96, and the rear of the reinforcement member 94, and screwing it into the nut N2, the rear of the reinforcement member 94 can also be fastened to the first inner shell 25A. In this way, the rear of the reinforcement member 94, the floor reinforcement 96, the floor panel 70, the cover 35, and the first inner shell 25A are fastened together by the common fastening members B2 and N2, thus achieving a secure integration. Alternatively, bolt B2 can pass through from above the rear of the reinforcement member 94 and be screwed into the nut N2 fixed to the first inner shell 25A. Small screws or the like can also be used instead of bolt B2. Furthermore, multiple locations of the reinforcement member 94 that are separated in the vehicle width direction can be installed on the first inner shell 25A.

[0150] For example, Figure 3As shown, the central portion of the first housing inner member 25A in the vehicle width direction is both the intersection with the front central member 26 and the intersection with the first rear central member 27. The intersection of the first housing inner member 25A with the front central member 26 (or the first rear central member 27) is reinforced by the front central member 26 (or the first rear central member 27), becoming a particularly strong portion. The rear of the reinforcing member 94 can be installed in this high-strength portion.

[0151] based on Figure 8 The positional relationship between the reinforcing member 94 and the battery B is explained. When comparing the positions of the front part of the foremost battery B among the multiple batteries B included in the battery cell BY with the front part of the reinforcing member 94, the battery B is positioned such that the front part of the foremost battery B is located behind the front part of the reinforcing member 94. As a result, impact loads from the front are less likely to act on the battery B during a collision.

[0152] Furthermore, in the main view, at least a portion of the front-side driving motor M1 is positioned overlapping the front of the reinforcing member 94. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the vertical position of the front travel motor M1 is set to be approximately the same as the vertical position of the front part of the reinforcing member 94. Therefore, when the front travel motor M1 moves backward, the front part of the reinforcing member 94 can reliably bear its load.

[0153] like Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the upper structure 3 includes a partition wall reinforcement 98. The partition wall reinforcement 98 is positioned forward of the motor mounting portion 71a on the surface inside the car body R1 of the upper side panel 71A, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The front portion of the partition wall reinforcement 98 engages with the lower side panel 71B. The left end of the partition wall reinforcement 98 connects to the left side suspension tower portion 90, and the right end of the partition wall reinforcement 98 connects to the right side suspension tower portion 91.

[0154] (Steering shaft configuration)

[0155] Figure 1The steering shaft 122 shown is configured to pass through the front bulkhead 71 and is tilted so that it is positioned higher towards the rear. In the electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, since the front drive motor M1 is provided in the power compartment R3 connected to the outside of the front bulkhead 71, it is necessary to set the position and tilt angle of the steering shaft 122 to avoid interference with the front drive motor M1 (front powertrain PT1). On the other hand, since the tilt angle of the steering shaft 122 affects the orientation and position of the steering wheel 123 relative to the driver, it is necessary to take into account the orientation and position of the steering wheel 123 relative to the driver when setting the position and tilt angle of the steering shaft 122. In this embodiment, since the motor mounting section 71a is formed on the front bulkhead 71 and the front drive motor M1 is positioned towards the rear of the vehicle, the steering gearbox 121 is located in front of the front drive motor M1.

[0156] That is, the steering shaft 122 needs to be positioned so that its lower part is in front of the front travel motor M1, therefore it is desirable to position the portion of the steering shaft 122 that passes through the front bulkhead 71 as far forward as possible. As a configuration to achieve this, such as... Figure 16 As shown, a left-side recess 71b is formed on the left side of the central portion of the front bulkhead 71 in the direction of vehicle width. That is, the left-side recess 71b is formed in a forward-facing recess on the lower side panel 71B of the front bulkhead 71, above the front drive motor M1. The left-side recess 71b is located in front of the motor mounting section 71a. Figure 13 In the middle, the front part of the left recess 71b is covered by the partition reinforcement 98, and the covered part is indicated by a dashed line. Furthermore, Figure 14 Since the view is taken from the bottom, the left recess 71b is represented by a dashed line.

[0157] The lower wall portion 71c of the left recess 71b slopes downwards towards the rear. A steering shaft 122 is formed on the lower wall portion 71c in a manner that extends through the lower wall portion 71c in the vertical direction. Figure 16 (Indicated by dashed lines) Through hole 71d. Because the left side recess 71b is recessed forward, the lower wall portion 71c can be positioned in front, which is different from the case where the through hole 71d is formed on the upper part of the front panel 71.

[0158] Furthermore, a right-side recess 71e, identical to the left-side recess, is also formed on the right side of the central portion of the front bulkhead 71 in the direction of vehicle width. When the driver's seat is on the right, an insertion hole (not shown) for the steering shaft 122 to be inserted is formed in the lower wall portion 71f of the right-side recess 71e.

[0159] (Effects of the implementation method)

[0160] As explained above, the lower side panel 71B of the front bulkhead 71 is formed such that the further down it is, the more rearward it is, and the front driving motor M1 is mounted below the lower side panel 71B, thus allowing the front driving motor M1 to be moved closer to the rear of the vehicle. As a result, sufficient crumple zone can be ensured in the longitudinal direction during a collision, thereby meeting the requirements for absorbing impact loads.

[0161] Furthermore, since a left recessed portion 71b facing forward is formed on the lower side panel portion 71B of the front bulkhead 71, and a through hole 71d is formed on the lower wall portion 71c of the left recessed portion 71b, the through hole 71d can be located on the front side of the vehicle compared to the case where the through hole 71d is formed on the upper side panel portion 71A. Moreover, since the left recessed portion 71b is located above the front drive motor M1, even if the position and tilt angle of the steering shaft 122 are set in a manner that satisfies the layout requirements of the steering wheel 123, the steering shaft 122 is unlikely to interfere with the front drive motor M1.

[0162] Furthermore, since the motor mounting portion 71a formed on the lower side panel 71B of the front bulkhead 71 bulges inward toward the vehicle compartment R1, the front driving motor M1 can be moved further toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the crumple zone during a collision can be ensured more effectively.

[0163] Furthermore, since a partition wall reinforcement 98 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at a position above the left recess 71b, the strength reduction of the lower side plate portion 71B due to the formation of the left recess 71b can be compensated by the partition wall reinforcement 98.

[0164] The foregoing embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limiting way. Furthermore, variations and modifications within the scope of equivalents of the claims are all within the scope of this invention.

[0165] Industrial availability

[0166] As explained above, the front body structure of this disclosure can be installed, for example, in an electric vehicle.

Claims

1. A front body structure for an electric vehicle in which a driving motor is mounted at the front, characterized in that, have: The adjacent section is designed to extend in the width direction at the front of the vehicle, defining the interior space of the passenger compartment. The steering axle is configured to extend through the partition in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and is tilted upwards towards the rear of the vehicle; and The left and right suspension towers are formed by bulging inwards in the vehicle width direction, supporting the upper part of the front suspension assembly. The partition includes a first partition and a second partition extending from the lower part of the first partition in a manner that the further down it is, the further rearward it is from the vehicle. The first partition extends from the middle portion of the left suspension tower portion in the vehicle's longitudinal direction to the middle portion of the right suspension tower portion in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The driving motor is mounted below the lower part of the second partition. On the second partition of the partition, a portion above the driving motor is formed with a recessed portion facing forward of the vehicle, and a through hole for the steering shaft to be inserted is formed on the lower wall of the recessed portion.

2. The front structure of the vehicle body according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a motor mounting section formed by bulging a portion of the second partition into the interior of the vehicle compartment, wherein at least a portion of the driving motor can be mounted.

3. The front body structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The recess is located at the front of the vehicle where the motor is mounted.

4. The vehicle body front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first partition is provided with a partition reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction.

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