Vehicle body structure for electric vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle body structure of an electric automobile, in a vehicle body structure without a floor tunnel that greatly bulges upward from a floor panel, suppresses deformation of a passenger room caused by an impact load from a vehicle front-rear direction. A vehicle body structure (A) of an electric automobile is provided with: a floor panel (41) that constitutes a floor of a passenger space (R1); and a center frame (80) that extends in a front-rear direction and is provided so as to be separated upward from the floor panel (41) at a vehicle width direction central portion of the passenger space (R1). A battery unit (Y) has a battery frame (16-19) that is provided below the floor panel (41) and extends in the front-rear direction. In a plan view, the battery frame (16-19) and the center frame (80) are in a positional relationship in which they coincide with each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle body structure of an electric vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the floor panel of a conventional automobile, a tunnel portion is formed in the vehicle transverse direction center portion in a manner extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The tunnel portion is a portion that houses an exhaust pipe extending from an engine room at the front side of the vehicle to the rear portion, a drive shaft that transmits power of an engine at the front side of the vehicle to the rear wheels, and the like, and thus is largely bulged upward than the bottom of a seat cushion.

[0003] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, left and right tunnel brackets are provided on both sides of the upper surface portion of the tunnel portion in a manner extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Each of the tunnel brackets has a cross section that is open downward, and a flange portion is formed on each of the left and right sides thereof. The two flange portions are joined to the upper surface portion of the tunnel portion, and thus the tunnel portion and the tunnel brackets constitute a closed cross section structure extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-101815 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in the case of a collision in which an impact load is applied from the front of the vehicle, there is a demand to suppress deformation of the passenger compartment as much as possible when subjected to the impact load, but the floor panel of the floor tunnel structure has no tunnel bracket extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and thus there is a risk that it is difficult to suppress deformation of the passenger compartment. The same is true in the case of a collision in which an impact load is applied from the rear of the vehicle.

[0009] The present application has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to suppress deformation of a passenger compartment caused by an impact load from the vehicle longitudinal direction in a vehicle body structure that has no floor tunnel in which a floor panel is largely bulged upward.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] To achieve the foregoing object, a first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle body structure of an electric vehicle provided on an electric vehicle having a traveling motor and a battery unit that supplies electric power to the traveling motor. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle includes a floor panel that constitutes a floor of an occupant space provided with a seat on which an occupant sits, and a center frame that extends in a vehicle front-rear direction and is disposed so as to be separated upward from the floor panel at a central portion in a vehicle width direction of the occupant space. The battery unit has a battery frame that is disposed below the floor panel and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the disposed positions of the battery frame and the center frame are set so as to be in a positional relationship in which the battery frame and the center frame overlap each other in plan view.

[0012] According to this configuration, the center frame and the battery frame that extend in the vehicle front-rear direction are in a positional relationship in which they overlap each other in plan view, so if, for example, an impact load is applied from the front of the vehicle, the impact load is dispersedly input to the center frame and the battery frame. At this time, the center frame is separated upward from the floor panel at the occupant space, and the battery frame is located below the floor panel, so the impact load is dispersed to a plurality of locations that are separated in the up-down direction and is absorbed separately, so the deformation suppression effect of the passenger compartment is improved compared to a case in which the impact load acts on a local portion. The same applies in the case in which an impact load is applied from the rear of the vehicle.

[0013] A second aspect of the present disclosure is related to a battery frame that is disposed at a central portion in a vehicle width direction.

[0014] A third aspect of the present disclosure further includes a front motor support frame that extends from a front portion of the battery unit toward the front of the vehicle and supports the traveling motor in front of the battery unit.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure further includes a rear motor support frame that extends from a rear portion of the battery unit toward the rear of the vehicle and supports the traveling motor behind the battery unit.

[0016] For example, in the case in which an impact load is applied from the front of the vehicle, a force that moves the traveling motor toward the rear of the vehicle acts on the front motor support frame. The impact load that acts on the front motor support frame is input to the battery frame and is absorbed, so the deformation suppression effect of the passenger compartment is further improved. Furthermore, in the case in which an impact load is applied from the rear of the vehicle, a force that moves the traveling motor toward the front of the vehicle acts on the rear motor support frame. The impact load that acts on the rear motor support frame is input to the battery frame and is absorbed, so the deformation suppression effect of the passenger compartment is further improved.

[0017] In the 5th aspect of the disclosure, a front side member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at the front of the battery unit, a rear side member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at the rear of the battery unit, and the battery rack extends from the front side member to the rear side member.

[0018] According to this configuration, impact loads from the front of the vehicle are transmitted to the rear side member via the front side member and the battery rack, and impact loads from the rear of the vehicle are transmitted to the front side member via the rear side member and the battery rack, so the impact loads are dispersed over a wide range and absorbed.

[0019] In the 6th aspect of the disclosure, a front dash panel is further provided, which extends upward from the front of the floor panel and divides the front of the vehicle of the passenger compartment. The front side member is fixed to the lower portion of the front dash panel, and the front portion of the center rack is connected to the portion of the front dash panel that is separated upward from the floor panel.

[0020] According to this configuration, in the case where impact loads from the front of the vehicle act on the front dash panel, the impact loads acting on the front dash panel can be dispersed to the front portion of the center rack and the front side member.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] As explained above, even with a vehicle body structure having a floor panel that does not have a floor tunnel that bulges significantly upward from the floor panel, deformation of the passenger compartment caused by impact loads from the front and rear of the vehicle can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a side view of an automobile having the vehicle body structure of the embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the automobile is divided into an upper structure and a lower structure.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the vehicle body structure viewed from above.

[0026] Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of the vehicle body structure.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of line V-V in Figure 4

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of line VI-VI in Figure 4

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of line VII-VII in Figure 4 ​​​

[0030] Figure 8 FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a perspective view of a passenger space side floor panel and its vicinity.

[0031] Figure 9 FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a sectional view of a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0032] Figure 10 FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a plan view of a part of a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0033] Figure 11 FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a perspective view of a mounting portion of a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0034] Figure 12 FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a bending portion of a center frame and its vicinity.

[0035] Figure 13 FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a front portion of a rear frame member constituting a center frame and its vicinity.

[0036] Figure 14 FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connection member.

[0037] Figure 15 FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a connection member viewed from another direction.

[0038] Figure 16 FIG. 15 is a side view of a connection member.

[0039] Figure 17 FIG. 16 is a sectional view of an air conditioning device and its vicinity.

[0040] Figure 18 FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a rear vehicle body structure in a case where an inclination angle of a center frame is increased.

[0041] Figure 19 FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing a case where an inclination angle of a center frame is increased.

[0042] Figure 20 FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cowl panel and its vicinity viewed from a rear side of a vehicle.

[0043] Figure 21 FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a cooling path.

[0044] Figure 22 FIG. 21 is a view showing a layout of a supply pipe and a discharge pipe of cooling water viewed from a rear side.

[0045] Figure 23 FIG. 22 is a view showing a layout of a supply pipe and a discharge pipe of cooling water viewed from a left side.

[0046] Symbol Explanation

[0047] 1 automobile

[0048] 16-19 members of the battery unit (battery rack)

[0049] 41 passenger space side floor panel

[0050] 43 connecting panel

[0051] 44A front cross member

[0052] 50 front bulkhead

[0053] 80 center rack

[0054] 101 first connecting member

[0055] 102 second connecting member

[0056] A vehicle body structure

[0057] R1 passenger space

[0058] R3 trunk space

[0059] Y battery unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below based on the drawings. Note that the following description of preferred embodiments is merely an illustration in nature and does not limit the present application and its applicability or use.

[0061] Figure 1 is a side view of an automobile 1 provided with a vehicle body structure A of an embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the left side. In the description of this embodiment, the vehicle front-rear direction is simply referred to as the "front-rear direction", the front side of the vehicle is simply referred to as the "front side", and the "rear side" of the vehicle is simply referred to as the rear. Further, the vehicle width direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle, the left side of the vehicle is simply referred to as the "left side", and the right side of the vehicle is simply referred to as the "right side".

[0062] (Overall configuration of automobile)

[0063] The automobile 1 is a passenger automobile, and in the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the automobile 1, a passenger space R1 for passengers to ride is provided. In the passenger space R1, a front seat (front-seat seat) FS that constitutes a front seat and a rear seat (rear-seat seat) RS that constitutes a rear seat are provided. The front seat FS includes a driver's seat disposed on the right side (or left side) of the passenger space R1 and a front passenger's seat disposed on the left side (or right side) of the passenger space R1. The rear seat RS is also disposed on the right side and left side of the passenger space R1, respectively. Although not shown, a third seat can also be disposed behind the rear seat RS. Further, the rear seat RS is not essential and can be omitted.

[0064] A front door FD and a rear door RD are provided on the left side and the right side of the passenger space Rl, respectively. In the case of the vehicle 1 without the rear seat RS, the rear door RD can be omitted.

[0065] A front side space R2 is provided in front of the passenger space Rl in the vehicle 1. In the front side space R2, a powertrain PT can be mounted as needed. In the case where the powertrain PT is mounted in the front side space R2, the front side space R2 can be referred to as, for example, a powertrain housing chamber, a motor compartment, an engine compartment, or the like. A bonnet hood BF is provided in the upper portion of the front side space R2.

[0066] A trunk space R3 capable of accommodating luggage and the like is provided in the rear of the passenger space Rl in the vehicle 1. The trunk space R3 is openable and closable by a trunk lid TR. A rear side space R4 is provided in the rear of the passenger space Rl and below the trunk space R3 in the vehicle 1. In the rear side space R4, a powertrain PT that generates power for the vehicle 1 can be mounted as needed. In the case where the powertrain PT is mounted in the rear side space R4, the rear side space R4 can be referred to as, for example, a powertrain housing chamber, a motor compartment, an engine compartment, or the like.

[0067] The powertrain PT can be mounted in both the front side space R2 and the rear side space R4, or can be mounted in only one of them. In the case where the powertrain PT is mounted in only the front side space R2, it is a front-wheel drive vehicle in which the powertrain PT drives only the front wheels FT. In the case where the powertrain PT is mounted in only the rear side space R4, it is a rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the powertrain PT drives only the rear wheels RT. Further, in the case where the powertrain PT is mounted in both the front side space R2 and the rear side space R4 to drive both the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT, it is a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0068] The powertrain PT includes at least a traveling motor M (shown in Figure 2 ) for driving the drive wheels, and can include a reducer, a transmission, or the like as needed. Thus, the vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle. The traveling motor M is provided so that its rotation center extends in the left-right direction. The powertrain PT can include, for example, a control unit or the like in addition to the traveling motor M. The powertrain PT can also include an internal combustion engine. A battery unit Y (also shown in Figure 1 ) for supplying power to the traveling motor M is mounted in the lower portion of the vehicle 1. For example, charging of the battery unit Y can be performed using power generated by the internal combustion engine, or at least one of the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT can be driven by power generated by the internal combustion engine.

[0069] The type of the vehicle 1 can also be Figure 1The example shown is a four-door vehicle, such as a car without a rear door RD. Furthermore, although not shown, the invention can also be applied to vehicles like hatchbacks where the rear side space R4 can be opened and closed via the tailgate.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, automobile 1 has a lower structure 2 and an upper structure 3, and the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 constitute the vehicle body structure A. Figure 2 The image shows the upper structure 3 after the original doors (FD), RD, hood (BF), fenders, windows, roof, center pillars, rear pillars, bumpers, front and rear lights, dashboard, and front and rear seats have been removed. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 The image shows the lower structure 2 after its original front wheel FT, rear wheel RT, suspension system, and other components have been removed.

[0071] The lower structure 2 includes a battery unit Y. The battery unit Y has a front battery FB and a rear battery RB, and a frame 10 surrounding the front battery FB and the rear battery RB. In addition, the lower structure 2 includes a front support frame 20 extending forward from the front of the frame 10 and a rear support frame 30 extending rearward from the rear of the frame 10.

[0072] Although not illustrated, in the case of a typical electric vehicle, the battery unit is usually installed under the floor as a separate component from the vehicle body so that it can be installed and removed. However, in this embodiment, not only the batteries FB and RB, but also the front support frame 20 and the rear support frame 30 are integrated into the frame 10 surrounding the batteries FB and RB. The front support frame 20 and the rear support frame 30 can also be installed and removed from the upper structure 3 together with the batteries FB and RB.

[0073] Specifically, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured to be divisible into a lower structure 2 containing batteries FB and RB, and an upper structure 3 forming a passenger compartment R1 and a trunk space R3. 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 vehicle 1 is delivered to the user, the lower structure 2 can be separated from the upper structure 3 as needed for maintenance and repair, resulting in good maintainability.

[0074] Here, as a vehicle body structure of an automobile, a ladder frame type vehicle body structure is known. In the case of the ladder frame type vehicle body structure, it is possible to divide into a ladder and a cabin upward and downward, but since the ladder extends continuously in the front-rear direction, it mainly receives a collision load at the time of a front collision and at the time of a rear collision. At the time of a side collision, the ladder only receives a collision load assistively, and the cabin mainly receives a collision load. In this way, in the ladder frame type vehicle body structure, members that receive a collision load at the time of a front collision and at the time of a rear collision are distinguished from members that receive a collision load at the time of a side collision.

[0075] However, in the case of the automobile 1 of the present embodiment, although the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 having the front support frame 20 and the rear support frame 30 are divided, a collision load is received by both the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 at the time of a front collision and at the time of a rear collision as well as at the time of a side collision, so that it is possible to disperse and absorb the collision load to both the structures 2, 3, which is greatly different from the technical idea of the conventional ladder frame type vehicle body structure. The structures of the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 will be described in turn.

[0076] (Lower structure)

[0077] First, the lower structure 2 will be described. The lower structure 2 has, in addition to the batteries FB, RB, the frame-shaped frame 10, the front support frame 20, and the rear support frame 30, a powertrain PT, front wheels FT, rear wheels RT, Figure 4 front side suspension devices SP1, SP2 and rear side suspension devices SP3, SP4 are indicated by broken lines. The forms of the front side suspension devices SP1, SP2 and the rear side suspension devices SP3, SP4 are not particularly limited, and the vehicle body structure can be changed according to the forms of the front side suspension devices SP1, SP2 and the rear side suspension devices SP3, SP4.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 1, the frame-shaped frame 10 is a member for protecting the front side battery FB and the rear side battery RB, wire harnesses, and the like by surrounding them. The frame-shaped frame 10 is formed as a large member from the vicinity of the left end portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 to the vicinity of the right end portion thereof and from the vicinity of the front end portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 to the vicinity of the rear end portion thereof on the lower side of the passenger space side floor panel 41 as described later. By providing the frame-shaped frame 10 in a wide range of the lower area of the passenger space side floor panel 41 in this way, it is possible to mount large-capacity batteries FB, RB on the automobile 1. The batteries FB, RB can be, for example, lithium ion batteries, all-solid-state batteries, or other secondary batteries. In addition, the batteries FB, RB can be so-called battery cells or battery packs in which a plurality of battery cells are housed. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, the frame-shaped frame 10 is a member for protecting the front side battery FB and the rear side battery RB, wire harnesses, and the like by surrounding them. The frame-shaped frame 10 is formed as a large member from the vicinity of the left end portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 to the vicinity of the right end portion thereof and from the vicinity of the front end portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 to the vicinity of the rear end portion thereof on the lower side of the passenger space side floor panel 41 as described later. By providing the frame-shaped frame 10 in a wide range of the lower area of the passenger space side floor panel 41 in this way, it is possible to mount large-capacity batteries FB, RB on the automobile 1. The batteries FB, RB can be, for example, lithium ion batteries, all-solid-state batteries, or other secondary batteries. In addition, the batteries FB, RB can be so-called battery cells or battery packs in which a plurality of battery cells are housed.

[0079] The frame 10 has a left side member 11, a right side member 12, a front side member 13, and a rear side member 14. The left side member 11, the right side member 12, the front side member 13, and the rear side member 14 are formed of, for example, extruded members made of aluminum alloy, but can be formed of press-formed members made of aluminum alloy sheet or steel sheet. In the following description, the case where referred to as "extruded member" is an extruded member made of aluminum alloy, and the case where referred to as "press-formed member" is a press-formed member made of aluminum alloy sheet or steel sheet. Further, each member can be formed of, for example, a casting or a die casting.

[0080] The cross-sectional shape of each of the left side member 11, the right side member 12, the front side member 13, and the rear side member 14 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is rectangular. Further, the left side member 11, the right side member 12, the front side member 13, and the rear side member 14 are all arranged at the same height and extend substantially horizontally. Further, when the upper structure 3 is coupled to the lower structure 2, the front side member 13 is fastened and fixed to the lower portion of the front wall 50 by a fastening member, and the left side member 11 and the right side member 12 are fastened and fixed to the left and right side sills 60, respectively, by fastening members. Further, the rear side member 14 is fastened and fixed to the connection panel 43 described later by a fastening member.

[0081] The left side member 11 is provided at the left end portion of the lower structure 2 and extends in the front-rear direction. The right side member 12 is provided at the right end portion of the lower structure 2 and extends in the front-rear direction. The left side member 11 and the right side member 12 are arranged inward in the vehicle width direction of the left and right side sills 60 described later, respectively. Further, the front side member 13 is provided at the front portion of the battery unit Y and extends in the left-right direction from the front end portion of the left side member 11 to the front end portion of the right side member 12. The left end portion of the front side member 13 is connected to the front end portion of the left side member 11, and the right end portion of the front side member 13 is connected to the front end portion of the right side member 12. The rear side member 14 is provided at the rear portion of the battery unit Y and extends in the left-right direction from the rear end portion of the left side member 11 to the rear end portion of the right side member 12. The left end portion of the rear side member 14 is connected to the rear end portion of the left side member 11, and the right end portion of the rear side member 14 is connected to the rear end portion of the right side member 12.

[0082] A cover member 15 that becomes a floor panel is installed in the lower portion of the frame 10. The frame 10 is closed from below by the cover member 15. The cover member 15 extends substantially horizontally, is fixed to the lower surfaces of the left side member 11, the right side member 12, the front side member 13, and the rear side member 14, and is also fixed to the sill 60 as described later. In addition, the upper portion of the frame 10 can be closed by a cover not shown, or by the passenger space side floor panel 41 described later. In addition, the electric power of the batteries FB, RB housed in the frame 10 is supplied to the traveling motor M via a traveling control circuit not shown. Further, charging of the batteries FB, RB can be achieved via a charging socket not shown.

[0083] Figure 5 A cross section that indicates the central portion in the left-right direction of the vehicle body structure A. As shown in this Figure 5 As reinforcing members that extend in the left-right direction, first to third battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are provided inside the frame 10. The heights of the first to third battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are all the same, and are the same as the heights of the front side member 13 and the rear side member 14. The first to third battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C can be composed of extruded members, or can be composed of press-formed members. In this embodiment, although three battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are provided, the number of battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C can be increased or decreased according to the dimensions in the front-rear direction of the frame 10.

[0084] The first to third battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are arranged at intervals from each other in the front-rear direction, with the first battery side cross member 10A being located at the frontmost and the third battery side cross member 10C being located at the rearmost. The lower portions of the respective battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are fixed to the upper surface of the cover member 15. In addition, the left end portions of the respective battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are fixed to the inner surface (right side surface) of the left side member 11, and the right end portions of the respective battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are fixed to the inner surface (left side surface) of the right side member 12. That is, the battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are members that connect the left side member 11 and the right side member 12.

[0085] As reinforcing members that extend in the front-rear direction, a front central member 16 and first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are provided inside the frame 10. The front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 can also be referred to as battery racks that extend in the front-rear direction, and the battery cells Y are configured to have battery racks composed of the front central member 16, the first to third rear central members 17 to 19, and the like. The battery racks can also include the left side member 11, the right side member 12, the front side member 13, and the rear side member 14.

[0086] The front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are arranged at substantially the same height and are disposed in the central portion in the left-right direction of the frame-shaped frame 10. The lower end portions of the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are attached to the upper surface of the cover member 15. The front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 extend from the front side member 13 to the rear side member 14.

[0087] The front central member 16 is arranged between the front side member 13 and the first battery side beam 10A, and the front end portion of the front central member 16 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the front side member 13, and the rear end portion of the front central member 16 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the first battery side beam 10A. Therefore, the front side member 13 is a member that extends in such a manner that the front end portions of the left side member 11 and the right side member 12 are connected to the front end portion of the front central member 16.

[0088] The first rear central member 17 is arranged between the first battery side beam 10A and the second battery side beam 10B, and the front end portion of the first rear central member 17 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the first battery side beam 10A, and the rear end portion of the first rear central member 17 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the second battery side beam 10B. Further, the second rear central member 18 is arranged between the second battery side beam 10B and the third battery side beam 10C, and the front end portion of the second rear central member 18 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the second battery side beam 10B, and the rear end portion of the second rear central member 18 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the third battery side beam 10C. Further, the third rear central member 19 is arranged between the third battery side beam 10C and the rear side member 14, and the front end portion of the third rear central member 19 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the third battery side beam 10C, and the rear end portion of the third rear central member 19 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the rear side member 14. Therefore, the first to third battery side beams 10A, 10B, 10C and the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are arranged in a lattice shape on the inner side of the frame-shaped frame 10 and are connected to each other, and thus the reinforcing effect of the frame-shaped frame 10 and the reinforcing effect of the lower structure 2 are further improved.

[0089] When a virtual straight line extending in the front-rear direction in plan view is assumed, the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are each set in the left-right direction so as to be arranged on the virtual straight line. That is, the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are arranged in such a manner that there are virtual extension lines of the front central member 16 toward the rear. In addition, the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 can also be constituted by one member that is continuous in the front-rear direction. In this case, one member extends from the front side member 13 to the rear side member 14.

[0090] As Figure 2As shown, there is a pair of front support frames 20, extending horizontally in a straight line below the upper structure 3. Each front support frame 20 can be made of, for example, an extruded part or a pressed part. In this embodiment, each front support frame 20 is made of an extruded part, 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 front support frame 20 is connected to the front side member 13, which forms the front part of the frame 10, at a position slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction. This connection point is located to the right of the left side member 11 of the frame 10. Similarly, the right front support frame 20 is connected to the front side member 13, which is slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction. This connection point is located to the left of the right side member 12 of the frame 10. The left and right front support frames 20 are approximately the same height.

[0092] The front powertrain PT is mounted to the front support frame 20 via a mounting member not shown. In this case, the front support frame 20 becomes a front motor support frame that supports the driving motor M in front of the battery unit Y. On the lower structure 2, drive shafts S1 that transmit the output of the powertrain PT (the rotational force of the driving motor M) to the left and right front wheels FT are respectively provided on the left and right sides.

[0093] In addition, constituting Figure 4 The left and right suspension arms of a portion of the front suspension devices SP1 and SP2, indicated by dashed lines, are supported in a vertically swaying manner relative to the left and right front support frames 20. The front support frame 20 may also be a component used to support the suspension arms without supporting the powertrain PT.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the rear support frame 30, like the front support frame 20, is provided in a pair on the left and right, extending rearward in a generally horizontal, straight line. Each rear support frame 30 can be constructed, for example, from an extruded part or a pressed molded part. In this embodiment, each rear support frame 30 is constructed from an extruded part.

[0095] The left rear support bracket 30 is connected to the rear side member 14, which forms the rear part of the frame 10, at a position slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction. This connection point is located to the right of the left side member 11 of the frame 10. Similarly, the right rear support bracket 30 is connected to the rear side member 14, which is slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction. This connection point is located to the left of the right side member 12 of the frame 10.

[0096] The powertrain PT on the rear side is attached to the rear support frame 30 via an unillustrated attachment member. In this case, the rear support frame 30 becomes a rear motor support frame that supports the travel motor M on the rear side of the battery unit Y. On the lower structure body 2, a drive shaft S2 that transmits the output (rotational force of the travel motor M) of the powertrain PT to the left and right rear wheels RT is provided.

[0097] Further, the left and right suspension arms that constitute Figure 4 A portion of the suspension devices SP3, SP4 on the rear side indicated by a broken line is supported so as to be swingable in the up-down direction with respect to the left and right rear support frames 30, respectively. The rear support frames 30 can also be members for supporting the suspension arms without supporting the powertrain PT.

[0098] (Upper structure body)

[0099] Next, the upper structure body 3 will be described. The upper structure body 3 is provided with a floor constituting member 40, a dash panel 50, and a pair of side sills 60. The floor constituting member 40 is a member that is disposed above the frame-type frame 10 of the lower structure body 2 and the rear support frames 30. This floor constituting member 40 is provided with a passenger space side floor panel (first floor panel) 41 that constitutes a floor of a passenger space R1 in which a front seat FS and a rear seat RS (indicated in Figure 1 ) are provided, a trunk space side floor panel (second floor panel) 42 that constitutes a floor of a trunk space R3, and a connecting panel 43 that connects a rear portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 and a front portion of the trunk space side floor panel 42. A kick-up portion is constituted by the connecting panel 43.

[0100] The floor constituting member 40 can be constituted by a member that is press-formed from a steel sheet or the like, for example. The passenger space side floor panel 41, the trunk space side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43 can be integrally formed, or can be formed as members that are connected after being formed separately. Further, in the present embodiment, although the case where the floor constituting member 40 is divided into the passenger space side floor panel 41, the trunk space side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43 is described, the floor constituting member 40 including these panels 41 to 43 can also be referred to as a floor panel. Further, the passenger space side floor panel 41 can also be referred to as a floor panel alone.

[0101] The occupant-space-side floor panel 41 extends from the front portion to the rear portion of the occupant space Rl and extends from the left side portion to the right side portion of the occupant space Rl. The occupant-space-side floor panel 41 of the present embodiment is a floor panel of a no-tunnel configuration that does not have a tunnel portion. That is, in the floor panel of a conventional automobile, a tunnel portion that greatly bulges upward and extends in the front-rear direction is generally provided in the central portion in the vehicle width direction. This tunnel portion is a portion through which, for example, an exhaust pipe that extends rearward from an engine mounted in an engine compartment at the front portion of the vehicle or a propeller shaft that transmits the output of the engine mounted in the engine room at the front portion of the vehicle to the rear wheels passes. In many cases, the diameter of the exhaust pipe or the propeller shaft is, for example, 10 cm or more, and in order to prevent interference between the exhaust pipe or the propeller shaft and the floor panel in advance, a gap of at least several cm or more is required between the exhaust pipe or the propeller shaft and the floor panel. Further, there are cases in which an insulator or the like is provided to the inner surface of the tunnel portion. For these reasons, the bulging height of the tunnel portion from the floor panel is, for example, 15 cm or more or 20 cm or more, and in terms of the positional relationship with the seat, the upper end of the tunnel portion is higher than the lower end of the seat cushion on the seat rail or the central portion in the up-down direction of the seat cushion. A configuration in which the tunnel portion does not greatly bulge upward in this way is a no-tunnel configuration.

[0102] The occupant-space-side floor panel 41, although it does not have a tunnel portion that has a height of 15 cm or more or 20 cm or more from the upper surface of the occupant-space-side floor panel 41 as described above, can have, for example, a low bulging portion that has a height of 5 cm or less or 10 cm or less from the upper surface of the occupant-space-side floor panel 41. In the case of such a low bulging portion, since the exhaust pipe and the propeller shaft cannot pass through the inside thereof, it does not function as a tunnel portion. Therefore, even if a low bulging portion that has a height of 5 cm or less or 10 cm or less from the upper surface of the occupant-space-side floor panel 41 is provided, the floor panel is a floor panel of a no-tunnel configuration. Further, the occupant-space-side floor panel 41 can be provided with a rib or the like that protrudes upward and extends in the front-rear direction. The height of such a rib is several cm or so, and therefore even if a rib is provided, the floor panel is a floor panel of a no-tunnel configuration.

[0103] In the present embodiment, since the powertrain PT includes the travel motor M, it is not necessary to mount an internal combustion engine in the front-side space R2, and therefore it is not necessary to guide the exhaust pipe to the rear of the vehicle. Further, if the powertrain PT is mounted in the rear-side space R4, it is also possible to drive the rear wheels RT by the powertrain PT, and it is possible to omit the propeller shaft. Therefore, it is possible to provide the occupant-space-side floor panel 41 as a floor panel of a no-tunnel configuration.

[0104] As described above, Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1, the recessed portion 41a is formed in the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the passenger space side floor panel 41. The recessed portion 41a has a floor surface portion 41b on which the feet of a rear seat occupant seated on the rear seat RS can be placed. The floor surface portion 41b is formed substantially horizontally. The front side portion of the recessed portion 41a is formed so as to gradually deepen toward the rear side. The recessed portion 41a can be formed continuously from the left side portion to the right side portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0105] The floor surface portion 41b of the recessed portion 41a is provided at substantially the same height as the lower portion of the side sill 60 described later, whereby the height of the floor surface portion 41b can be sufficiently reduced. The positional relationship between the recessed portion 41a and the seat cushion of the rear seat RS in the front-rear direction is set so that when the rear seat occupant seated on the rear seat RS places his feet directly below, the feet are naturally placed on the floor surface portion 41b. The position of the front portion of the recessed portion 41a is set so that when the rear seat occupant seated on the rear seat RS moves his feet obliquely forward, the feet are placed on the floor surface portion 41b. That is, the position of the recessed portion 41a and the dimension in the front-rear direction are set so that even if the rear seat occupant moves his feet forward and rearward somewhat, the feet can be placed on the floor surface portion 41b. Thus, the foot space of the rear seat occupant can be enlarged, and the ride comfort is improved. Further, the depth of the recessed portion 41a can be, for example, 5 cm or more or 10 cm or more.

[0106] In the central portion in the left-right direction of the recessed portion 41a, a floor cross member 41c extending in the front-rear direction is provided. The lower portion of the floor cross member 41c is fixed to the floor surface portion 41b of the recessed portion 41a. By providing the floor cross member 41c, the portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 in which the recessed portion 41a is formed can be strengthened.

[0107] Further, on the rear side of the passenger space side floor panel 41 than the recessed portion 41a, a rear reinforcement member 47 extending in the front-rear direction is provided. The rear reinforcement member 47 is joined to the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41. This rear reinforcement member 47 can be provided as needed, or can be omitted.

[0108] The trunk space side floor panel 42 is located at a position higher than the passenger space side floor panel 41. The rear side space R4 is located below the trunk space side floor panel 42. That is, the trunk space side floor panel 42 is arranged so as to partition the trunk space R3 and the rear side space R4. The dimension in the front-rear direction of the trunk space side floor panel 42 is set to be shorter than the dimension in the front-rear direction of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0109] Since the trunk space side floor panel 42 is arranged at a position higher than the passenger space side floor panel 41, the connecting panel 43 extends in the vertical direction. The connecting panel 43 can be vertical, or can be inclined in a manner that the upper side is more rearward than the lower side.

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the front bulkhead 50 is a component that serves as a partition between the front side space R2 and the passenger space R1. It extends upward from the front of the passenger space side floor panel 41 and also extends in the left and right directions, dividing the front of the passenger space R1.

[0111] like Figure 4 As shown, the left and right side beams 60 are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction from the left and right ends of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, respectively. The left side beam 60 is connected to the left end of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 at its midpoint in the vertical direction. The upper portion of the side beam 60 protrudes upward from the connection point of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and the lower portion of the side beam 60 protrudes downward from the connection point of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. Since the battery unit Y, including batteries FB and RB, is arranged below the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, when viewing the vehicle from the side, the lower portion of the side beam 60 is configured to overlap with the batteries FB and RB. Similarly, the right side beam 60 is also connected to the right end of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41.

[0112] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper structure 3 has a pair of hinge pillars 70 on the left and right sides. The right hinge pillar 70 extends upward from the front end of the right side beam 60. Similarly, the left hinge pillar 70 extends upward from the front end of the left side beam 60. Left and right front doors FD (front doors) are rotatably mounted on the left and right hinge pillars 70, respectively. Figure 1 (As shown). The left edge of the front bulkhead 50 is connected to the right side of the left hinge pillar 70. Furthermore, the right edge of the front bulkhead 50 is connected to the left side of the right hinge pillar 70. Additionally, although not shown, a center pillar and a rear pillar are also provided on the upper structure 3.

[0113] On the left side of the upper structure 3, which is further forward than the front bulkhead 50, there is a suspension device (front suspension device) SP1 for the left front wheel FT. Figure 4 The left front wheel suspension support member 51A is supported by a dashed line. Furthermore, on the right side of the upper structure 3, further forward of the front bulkhead 50, a suspension device (front suspension device) SP2 for the right front wheel FT is provided. Figure 4 The front wheel suspension support member 51B on the right side (shown as a dashed line) is supported. The form of the suspension devices SP1 and SP2 is not particularly limited; for example, they may include suspension arms, shock absorbers, springs, etc., that freely support the front wheel FT in the vertical direction. The front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B are fitted with the vehicle body-side ends of the suspension arms and the upper ends of the shock absorbers. The front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B may be made of, for example, die-cast aluminum, but are not limited to this; they may also be constructed by combining steel plates, etc.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 1, three left-side brackets 52A for fixing the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side of the front side of the cowl panel 50. The three left-side brackets 52A are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left-side brackets 52A are fixed to the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear portions of the left-side brackets 52A arranged at the uppermost position and the intermediate position in the vertical direction are fixed to the left-side hinge pillar 70 and the left side of the cowl panel 50. Further, the rear portion of the left-side bracket 52A arranged at the lowermost position is fixed to the left-side rocker 60. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, three left-side brackets 52A for fixing the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side of the front side of the cowl panel 50. The three left-side brackets 52A are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left-side brackets 52A are fixed to the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear portions of the left-side brackets 52A arranged at the uppermost position and the intermediate position in the vertical direction are fixed to the left-side hinge pillar 70 and the left side of the cowl panel 50. Further, the rear portion of the left-side bracket 52A arranged at the lowermost position is fixed to the left-side rocker 60.

[0115] Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, three left-side brackets 52A for fixing the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side of the front side of the cowl panel 50. The three left-side brackets 52A are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left-side brackets 52A are fixed to the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear portions of the left-side brackets 52A arranged at the uppermost position and the intermediate position in the vertical direction are fixed to the left-side hinge pillar 70 and the left side of the cowl panel 50. Further, the rear portion of the left-side bracket 52A arranged at the lowermost position is fixed to the left-side rocker 60.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 1, three left-side brackets 52A for fixing the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side of the front side of the cowl panel 50. The three left-side brackets 52A are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left-side brackets 52A are fixed to the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear portions of the left-side brackets 52A arranged at the uppermost position and the intermediate position in the vertical direction are fixed to the left-side hinge pillar 70 and the left side of the cowl panel 50. Further, the rear portion of the left-side bracket 52A arranged at the lowermost position is fixed to the left-side rocker 60. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, three left-side brackets 52A for fixing the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side of the front side of the cowl panel 50. The three left-side brackets 52A are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left-side brackets 52A are fixed to the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear portions of the left-side brackets 52A arranged at the uppermost position and the intermediate position in the vertical direction are fixed to the left-side hinge pillar 70 and the left side of the cowl panel 50. Further, the rear portion of the left-side bracket 52A arranged at the lowermost position is fixed to the left-side rocker 60.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 1, three left-side brackets 52A for fixing the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side of the front side of the cowl panel 50. The three left-side brackets 52A are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left-side brackets 52A are fixed to the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear portions of the left-side brackets 52A arranged at the uppermost position and the intermediate position in the vertical direction are fixed to the left-side hinge pillar 70 and the left side of the cowl panel 50. Further, the rear portion of the left-side bracket 52A arranged at the lowermost position is fixed to the left-side rocker 60. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1, three left-side brackets 52A for fixing the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A are provided on the left side of the front side of the cowl panel 50. The three left-side brackets 52A are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction, and the front portions of the three left-side brackets 52A are fixed to the left-side front-wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear portions of the left-side brackets 52A arranged at the uppermost position and the intermediate position in the vertical direction are fixed to the left-side hinge pillar 70 and the left side of the cowl panel 50. Further, the rear portion of the left-side bracket 52A arranged at the lowermost position is fixed to the left-side rocker 60.

[0118] ​The upper structure 3 includes a left rear side frame 112A extending in the front-rear direction from the rear of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and a right rear side frame 112B extending in the front-rear direction from the rear of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. The front part of the left rear side frame 112A is connected to the rear part of the left side beam 60. The front part of the right rear side frame 112B is connected to the rear part of the right side beam 60. Furthermore, the middle part of the left rear side frame 112A and the middle part of the right rear side frame 112B in the front-rear direction are connected by a trunk side crossbeam (connector) 105 extending in the left-right direction.

[0119] On the left side of the upper structure 3, behind the connecting panel 43, there is a suspension device (rear suspension device) SP3 for the left rear wheel RT. Figure 4 The rear wheel suspension support member 110A on the left side (shown as a dashed line) is supported by a suspension member 110A. The rear wheel suspension support member 110A is fixed to the left rear side frame 112A. Furthermore, on the right side of the upper structure 3, further rear of the connecting panel 43, a suspension device (rear suspension device) SP4 for the right rear wheel RT is provided. Figure 4 The rear wheel suspension support member 110B on the right side (shown as a dashed line) is supported. The rear wheel suspension support member 110B is fixed to the right rear side frame 112B. The form of the suspension devices SP3 and SP4 is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, suspension arms, shock absorbers, springs, etc., that can freely support the rear wheel RT in the vertical direction.

[0120] The upper part of the rear wheel suspension support member 110A is connected to the upper part of the spring and shock absorber of the left suspension device SP3. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the upper part of the rear wheel suspension support member 110A is the left load input section 110a, which receives loads from the springs and shock absorbers. Furthermore, the upper part of the springs and shock absorbers of the right-side suspension device SP4 is connected to the upper part of the rear wheel suspension support member 110B. The upper part of the rear wheel suspension support member 110B is the right load input section 110b, which receives loads from the springs and shock absorbers. The left load input section 110a and the right load input section 110b are also fixed to the left and right sides of the trunk space side floor panel 42. Further, the left load input section 110a and the right load input section 110b are connected by a trunk side crossbeam 105. The trunk side crossbeam 105 is joined to the upper surface of the trunk space side floor panel 42, and the trunk space side floor panel 42 and the trunk side crossbeam 105 form a closed cross-section structure extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, a rear cross member 44E is provided below the left and right load input portions 110a and 110b. The rear cross member 44E is joined to the rear portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0122] The upper structure 3 can be divided into a front vehicle body structure and a rear vehicle body structure, for example. As shown, Figure 4 As shown, the rear portion of the upper structure 3 can be provided as a rear vehicle body structure further to the rear of the passenger space side floor panel 41. Further to the rear of the connection panel 43 in the upper structure 3, a left rear frame 111A that links the rear portion of the center frame 80 to the left rear wheel suspension support member 110A and a right rear frame 111B that links the rear portion of the center frame 80 to the right rear wheel suspension support member 110B are provided. By linking the left and right rear wheel suspension support members 110A and 110B to the rear portion of the center frame 80, respectively, the rigidity of the rear wheel suspension support members 110A and 110B can be improved, and the handling stability of the vehicle can be improved. In addition, the rigidity of the rear portion of the vehicle including the periphery of the connection panel 43 can also be improved.

[0123] The left and right rear frames 111A and 111B are disposed below the trunk space side floor panel 42. As shown, Figure 6 As shown, the rear portion of the left rear frame 111A is fixed to the upper portion of the rear wheel suspension support member 110A, i.e., the left load input portion 110a. The left rear frame 111A is inclined in such a manner that the further to the front side it is, the lower it is positioned, from the upper portion of the rear wheel suspension support member 110A toward the front in a side view, and is inclined in such a manner that the further to the front side it is, the closer it is to the center portion in the vehicle width direction in a plan view, as shown. Figure 4 As shown, the rear portion of the right rear frame 111B is fixed to the upper portion of the rear wheel suspension support member 110B, i.e., the right load input portion 110b. The right rear frame 111B is inclined in such a manner that the further to the front side it is, the lower it is positioned, from the upper portion of the rear wheel suspension support member 110B toward the front in a side view, and is inclined in such a manner that the further to the front side it is, the closer it is to the center portion in the vehicle width direction in a plan view, as shown. Figure 4 Therefore, the left and right rear frames 111A and 111B are disposed in such a manner that the further to the rear side it is, the further to the outer side in the vehicle width direction it is, respectively, and the interval between the left and right rear frames 111A and 111B is narrower the further to the front side it is.

[0124] Further, the rear portion of the left side rear bracket 111A is also connected to the front-rear direction middle portion of the left side rear side bracket 112A. Thus, the left side rear bracket 111A becomes a left side connecting bracket that extends from the rear portion of the center bracket 80 to the left side rear side bracket 112A and links the rear portion of the center bracket 80 and the left side rear side bracket 112A. The left side rear bracket 111A is a left side rear connecting bracket that also links the left side load input portion 110a and the rear portion cross member 44E. That is, the rear portion of the left side rear bracket 111A is also fixed to the left side load input portion 110a, and further, the front portion of the left side rear bracket 111A is also fixed to the rear portion cross member 44E.

[0125] Further, the rear portion of the right side rear bracket 111B is also connected to the front-rear direction middle portion of the right side rear side bracket 112B. Thus, the right side rear bracket 111B becomes a right side connecting bracket that extends from the rear portion of the center bracket 80 to the right side rear side bracket 112B and links the rear portion of the center bracket 80 and the right side rear side bracket 112B. The right side rear bracket 111B is a right side rear connecting bracket that also links the right side load input portion 110b and the rear portion cross member 44E. That is, the rear portion of the right side rear bracket 111B is also fixed to the right side load input portion 110b, and further, the front portion of the right side rear bracket 111B is also fixed to the rear portion cross member 44E.

[0126] The left side rear bracket 111A is disposed upwardly inclined toward the left side load input portion 110a. Thus, an upward load from the rear suspension device SP3 is inputted to the left side rear bracket 111A in a tensile direction, and thus, compared to a case where a load in a compression direction is inputted, it is difficult to cause a flexural deformation of the left side rear bracket 111A, and thus, vibration and noise caused by the load input from the rear suspension device SP3 are suppressed. The same applies to the right side rear bracket 111B.

[0127] In front of the left side rear propeller shaft S2, the left side rear bracket 111A is disposed. The left side rear propeller shaft S2 is disposed so as to coincide with a portion of the left side rear bracket 111A when viewed from the front-rear direction. Specifically, the height of the leftward-rightward direction middle portion of the left side rear propeller shaft S2 is substantially identical to the height of the portion between the front portion and the rear portion of the left side rear bracket 111A.

[0128] Further, in front of the right side rear propeller shaft S2, the right side rear bracket 111B is disposed. The right side rear propeller shaft S2 is disposed so as to coincide with a portion of the right side rear bracket 111B when viewed from the front-rear direction. Specifically, the height of the leftward-rightward direction middle portion of the right side rear propeller shaft S2 is substantially identical to the height of the portion between the front portion and the rear portion of the right side rear bracket 111B.

[0129] As Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 has a front crossbeam 44A, a middle crossbeam 44B, a front side crossbeam 44C of the recess, a rear side crossbeam 44D of the recess, and a rear crossbeam 44E. The front crossbeam 44A, the middle crossbeam 44B, the front side crossbeam 44C of the recess, the rear side crossbeam 44D of the recess, and the rear crossbeam 44E extend in the left-right direction and are fixed to the upper surface of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. Therefore, the front crossbeam 44A, the middle crossbeam 44B, the front side crossbeam 44C of the recess, the rear side crossbeam 44D of the recess, and the rear crossbeam 44E are arranged in the passenger compartment R1 to intersect with the center frame 80 (described later) when viewed from above.

[0130] A front crossbeam 44A is mounted on the front of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. The front of the front crossbeam 44A also connects to the lower part of the front bulkhead 50. A middle crossbeam 44B is mounted behind the front crossbeam 44A and forward of the recess 41a, forming a closed section with the middle crossbeam 44B and the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. A rear crossbeam 44E is mounted on the rear of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. The rear crossbeam 44E is also fixed to the connecting panel 43.

[0131] A front crossbeam 44C of the recessed portion extends laterally along the front of the recessed portion 41a, behind the intermediate crossbeam 44B. A rear crossbeam 44D of the recessed portion extends laterally along the rear of the recessed portion 41a, behind the front crossbeam 44C. The front crossbeam 44C and the passenger compartment-side floor panel 41 form a closed section, as do the rear crossbeam 44D and the passenger compartment-side floor panel 41. By providing the front crossbeam 44C and the rear crossbeam 44D, the portion where the recessed portion 41a is formed can be strengthened. The front of the floor frame 41c, located inside the recessed portion 41a, is connected to the center of the front crossbeam 44C in the left-right direction, and the rear of the floor frame 41c is connected to the center of the rear crossbeam 44D in the left-right direction.

[0132] like Figure 8 As shown, the upper structure 3 includes a pair of left-side seat rails 90 supporting the left front seat FS and a pair of right-side seat rails 91 supporting the right front seat FS. The left-side seat rails 90 are used to adjust the fore-and-aft position of the left front seat FS and are disposed on the left side of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, extending in the fore-and-aft direction. Similarly, the right-side seat rails 91 are used to adjust the fore-and-aft position of the right front seat FS and are disposed on the right side of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, extending in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0133] The left seat rail 90 is located above the middle crossbeam 44B and the front crossbeam 44C of the recess, and is mounted on the middle crossbeam 44B and the front crossbeam 44C of the recess. That is, asFigure 9 As indicated in the text, the left seat rail 90 extends from the middle crossbeam 44B to the front crossbeam 44C of the recess, with the front part of the left seat rail 90 mounted on the middle crossbeam 44B and the rear part of the left seat rail 90 mounted on the front crossbeam 44C of the recess.

[0134] The right seat rail 91 also extends from the middle crossbeam 44B to the front crossbeam 44C of the recess. The front part of the right seat rail 91 is mounted on the middle crossbeam 44B, and the rear part of the right seat rail 91 is mounted on the front crossbeam 44C of the recess.

[0135] like Figure 10 As shown, the middle crossbeam 44B has a common front bracket 45 for mounting the front portions of the left seat rail 90 and the right seat rail 91 in a state separated from each other in the left-right direction. Additionally, in Figure 10 The center frame 80 is omitted in the text. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the front common bracket 45 is elongated in the left-right direction and is fixed to the upper surface of the intermediate crossbeam 44B. The central portion of the front common bracket 45 in the left-right direction is located at the central portion of the intermediate crossbeam 44B in the left-right direction. At the central portion of the front common bracket 45 in the left-right direction, there is a central fixing part 45a (shown only in the figure) for the lower portion of the second connecting structural member 102 described later to be inserted. Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). On the left side of the front common bracket 45, which is located to the left of the central fixing part 45a, there is a left fixing part 45b (shown only) for the front part of the left seat guide rail 90 to be fixed by fastening components (not shown) such as bolts and small screws (vis). Figure 4 and Figure 11 ). On the right side of the front common bracket 45, which is located above the central fixing part 45a, there is a right fixing part 45c (shown only in the front of the central fixing part 45a) for fixing the front part of the right seat guide rail 91 by a fastening member (not shown). Figure 4 and Figure 11 Additionally, in Figure 3-5 , Figure 11 The seat rails are omitted in the text.

[0136] Furthermore, the front crossbeam 44C of the recess has a rear common bracket 46 for mounting the rear portions of the left seat rail 90 and the right seat rail 91 in a state that is separated from each other in the left-right direction. Figure 11 As shown, the rear common bracket 46 is elongated in the left-right direction and is fixed to the upper surface of the front crossbeam 44C of the recess. The center portion of the rear common bracket 46 in the left-right direction is located at the center portion of the front crossbeam 44C of the recess in the left-right direction. At the center portion of the rear common bracket 46 in the left-right direction, there is a central fixing part 46a (shown only in the figure) for fixing the lower part of the connecting member described later in an inserted state. Figure 10 and Figure 11The rear common bracket 46 is located to the left of the central fixing part 46a, and has a left fixing part 46b (shown only) for the rear of the left seat rail 90 to be fixed by a fastening member (not shown). Figure 4 and Figure 11 ). On the right side of the rear common bracket 46, which is located above the central fixing part 46a, there is a right fixing part 46c (shown only in the figure) for the rear of the right seat rail 91 to be fixed by a fastening member (not shown). Figure 4 and Figure 11 ).

[0137] like Figure 8 As shown, the upper structure 3 has a continuous central frame 80 extending from the front bulkhead 50 to the connecting panel 43. This central frame 80 is located at the center in the left-right direction, and the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 of the battery unit Y are also located at the center in the left-right direction. That is, the positions of the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19, and the central frame 80 are configured such that, when viewed from above, the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 overlap with the central frame 80.

[0138] Furthermore, the center frame 80 is disposed at the center of the passenger compartment R1, separating upwards from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and extends in the front-rear direction. The distance between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 at its furthest point can be set to, for example, 10cm or more or 20cm or more. On the left side of the center frame 80, the left front seat FS and the rear seat RS are disposed; on the right side of the center frame 80, the right front seat FS and the rear seat RS are disposed.

[0139] By separating the center frame 80 from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 and positioning it upwards, components, for example, can be arranged between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. Furthermore, the area between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 can be used as an item storage area. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the center console 80 of this embodiment has a bent portion 80A bent in the up-down direction at the middle portion in the front-rear direction. By providing the bent portion 80A on the center console 80, for example, the rear side portion of the center console 80 can be made lower than the front side portion of the center console 80, and thus the ride comfort of the rear seat occupant can be improved. Also, since the front side portion of the center console 80 can be made higher than the rear side portion of the center console 80, large components and articles, a plurality of components, and the like can be arranged below the front side portion of the center console 80. The bent portion 80A is formed at a position forward of the central portion in the front-rear direction of the center console 80. The position where the bent portion 80A is formed is not limited to the position shown, and can be, for example, the central portion in the front-rear direction of the center console 80 or a position rearward of the central portion in the front-rear direction of the center console 80.

[0140] That is, the center console 80 has a front side console member 81 extending in the front-rear direction, a rear side console member 82 provided rearward of the front side console member 81 and extending rearward, and a connecting member 83 connecting the rear portion of the front side console member 81 and the front portion of the rear side console member 82. The front side console member 81 and the rear side console member 82 are hollow, i.e., have a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction, and can be composed of extruded members, for example. By making the front side console member 81 and the rear side console member 82 hollow, a lightweight and highly rigid member can be obtained. In the case where the center console 80 is used as a blowout mechanism of air-conditioning air to be described later, the rear portion of the rear side console member 82 can also be closed to prevent leakage of the air-conditioning air.

[0141] The vertical cross section of the front side console member 81 and the rear side console member 82 along the vehicle width direction is rectangular, and thus the front side console member 81 and the rear side console member 82 have an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion extending in the left-right direction and left and right side wall portions extending in the up-down direction. The cross-sectional shape of the front side console member 81 and the rear side console member 82 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and can be a polygonal shape of five sides or more, or a circular or elliptical shape.

[0142] The lengthwise dimension of the rear side console member 82 is set to be longer than the lengthwise dimension of the front side console member 81. Thus, the connecting portion of the front side console member 81 and the rear side console member 82 is located at a position forward of the central portion in the front-rear direction of the occupant space Rl. The center console 80 is not limited to a two-part structure of the front side console member 81 and the rear side console member 82, and can be composed of one member from the front portion to the rear portion, or a three-part structure.

[0143] The front structural member 81 is inclined at a first angle relative to the horizontal plane and extends in a straight line. On the other hand, the rear structural member 82 is inclined at a second angle relative to the horizontal plane, smaller than the first angle, and also extends in a straight line. That is, the rear structural member 82 is inclined at a different angle than the front structural member 81, thereby forming a downwardly buckling portion 80A at the connection between the front structural member 81 and the rear structural member 82. In this embodiment, the rear structural member 82 is configured to tilt downwards towards the rear. Alternatively, the front structural member 81 and the rear structural member 82 may also have the same angle. In this case, the buckling portion 80A is not formed.

[0144] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, inside the rear frame member 82, a first partition wall 82a is provided, extending in both the width and front-rear directions, to divide the internal space into an upper passage and a lower passage. Further, inside the rear frame member 82, a second partition wall 82b is provided, extending in both the vertical and front-rear directions, to divide the space into a left passage (left side in the width direction) and a right passage (right side in the width direction). The first partition wall 82a and the second partition wall 82b are integrally formed. Through the first partition wall 82a and the second partition wall 82b, four passages are formed inside the rear frame member 82: an upper left passage T11, an upper right passage T12, a lower left passage T13, and a lower right passage T14. The first partition wall 82a and the second partition wall 82b function as ribs provided inside the center frame 80. Furthermore, the first partition wall 82a and the second partition wall 82b can be provided as needed, and one or both can be omitted. In addition, more than three partition walls can be provided.

[0145] Furthermore, similarly to the rear structure member 82, a first partition wall 81a is provided inside the front structure member 81, extending in both the vehicle width and longitudinal directions. This first partition wall 81a divides the interior space of the front structure member 81 into an upper passage and a lower passage. Additionally, a second partition wall 81b is also provided inside the front structure member 81, dividing the space into a left passage (left side in the vehicle width direction) and a right passage (right side in the vehicle width direction). Through the first partition wall 81a and the second partition wall 81b, the front structure member 81, like the rear structure member 82, forms an upper left passage T11, an upper right passage T12, a lower left passage T13, and a lower right passage T14.

[0146] like Figure 14-16As shown, the connection member 83 is a cylinder that connects the rear portion of the front side member 81 and the front portion of the rear side member 82 so as to be communicable with each other, and the rear portion of the front side member 81 and the front portion of the rear side member 82 are connected in a state of being inserted in the connection member 83. Specifically, the connection member 83 has an upper wall portion 83a and a lower wall portion 83b that extend in the left-right direction, and a left wall portion 83c and a right wall portion 83d that extend in the up-down direction. The upper wall portion 83a extends from the upper portion of the left wall portion 83c to the upper portion of the right wall portion 83d, and the lower wall portion 83b extends from the lower portion of the left wall portion 83c to the lower portion of the right wall portion 83d. The front-rear direction dimension of the lower wall portion 83b of the connection member 83 is set to be longer than the front-rear direction dimension of the upper wall portion 83a. In correspondence with the difference in the front-rear direction dimension of the upper wall portion 83a and the lower wall portion 83b, the front-rear direction dimension of the left wall portion 83c and the right wall portion 83d is longer toward the lower side.

[0147] In the inside of the connection member 83, a first link wall portion 83e that extends in the left-right direction from the up-down direction intermediate portion of the left wall portion 83c to the up-down direction intermediate portion of the right wall portion 83d, and a second link wall portion 83f that extends from the left-right direction intermediate portion of the upper wall portion 83a to the left-right direction intermediate portion of the lower wall portion 83b are provided. The first link wall portion 83e and the second link wall portion 83f are integrally formed with the upper wall portion 83a, the lower wall portion 83b, the left wall portion 83c, and the right wall portion 83d.

[0148] On the front side of the second link wall portion 83f, a front side notch portion 83g into which the rear portion of the front side member 81 is inserted is formed. Further, on the rear side of the second link wall portion 83f, a rear side notch portion 83h into which the front portion of the rear side member 82 is inserted is formed. If the front side member 81 and the rear side member 82 are connected by the connection member 83, the upper left passage T11, the upper right passage T12, the lower left passage T13, and the lower right passage T14 of the front side member 81 are respectively communicated with the upper left passage T11, the upper right passage T12, the lower left passage T13, and the lower right passage T14 of the rear side member 82.

[0149] The bending portion 80A can also be provided without the connection member 83. In this case, the bending portion 80A of the center member 80 is formed by bending the center member 80. For example, bending can be performed at the same time as extrusion processing of the center member 80, or bending can be performed after extrusion processing.

[0150] As shown in Figure 17 The upper structure body 3 is provided with an air conditioning device 120 that generates air conditioning air that is blown to the passenger compartment R1. The air conditioning device 120 is disposed at a position that is further forward than the front portion of the front side member 81, and is located in front of the center member 80. Details of the air conditioning device 120 will be described later.

[0151] Further, asFigure 20 As shown, the center frame 80 has a left-side structural member 84A and a right-side structural member 84B constituting the front portion of the center frame 80, thereby making the front portion of the center frame 80 branch out to the left and right. The left-side structural member 84A and the right-side structural member 84B are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The rear portion of the left-side structural member 84A is fixed to the left side of the middle portion of the front side structural member 81 in the front-rear direction. When viewed from above, the left-side structural member 84A is inclined in such a way that it is located further forward and to the left as it moves towards the front side of the fixed portion on the front side structural member 81. The front portion of the left-side structural member 84A is connected to the portion of the front bulkhead 50 that separates upward from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. The rear portion of the left-side front frame 54A is connected to the front portion of the left-side structural member 84A. Specifically, as Figure 20 As shown, the rear of the left front frame 54A has a left connecting portion 54a. The left connecting portion 54a is a component for connecting the left front frame 54A to the front of the left frame assembly 84A and is fixed to the front bulkhead 50. The front of the left front frame 54A extends to the left front wheel suspension support member 51A and is fixed to the left front wheel suspension support member 51A.

[0152] Furthermore, the rear of the right-side structural member 84B is fixed to the right side of the middle portion of the front structural member 81 in the longitudinal direction. When viewed from above, the right-side structural member 84B is tilted such that it is positioned further forward and to the right as it moves towards the front from the fixed portion on the front structural member 81. The front of the right-side structural member 84B is connected to the portion of the front bulkhead 50 that separates upward from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. A right-side front frame 54B is connected to the front of the right-side structural member 84B. Figure 4 The rear of the right front frame 54B (as shown). Specifically, the rear of the right front frame 54B is as shown. Figure 20 The diagram shows a right-side connecting portion 54b. The right-side connecting portion 54b is a component for connecting the right-side front frame 54B to the front portion of the right-side structural member 84B, and is fixed to the front bulkhead 50. The front portion of the right-side front frame 54B extends to the right-side front wheel suspension support member 51B, and is fixed to this right-side front wheel suspension support member 51B.

[0153] The upper structure 3 includes multiple connecting members 101 to 103. Connecting members 101 to 103 extend upwards from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, are fixed at their upper parts to the central frame 80, and are components used to connect the central frame 80 to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. Connecting members 101 to 103 include a first connecting member 101, a second connecting member 102, and a third connecting member 103, which are constructed, for example, by extrusion parts. The number of connecting members 101 to 103 is not limited to multiple; it can also be a single member.

[0154] Of the first to third structural members 101 to 103, the first structural member 101 is located at the foremost position in the passenger compartment R1, and it separates from the front bulkhead 50 rearward. The lower part of the first structural member 101 is fixed to the rearward-separating portion of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and the upper part of the first structural member 101 is fixed to the rearward-separating portion of the central frame 80. Thus, the central frame 80, the first structural member 101, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and the front bulkhead 50 form a closed cross-section structure when viewed from the side. That is, the central frame 80, the first structural member 101, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and the front bulkhead 50 are connected to form a ring-shaped structure.

[0155] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second structural member 102 is arranged rearwardly separate from the first structural member 101. The lower parts of the first structural member 101 and the lower parts of the second structural member 102 are respectively fixed to portions that are separated from each other in the front-rear direction of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. Furthermore, the upper parts of the first structural member 101 and the upper parts of the second structural member 102 are respectively fixed to portions that are separated from each other in the front-rear direction of the central frame 80. Thus, the central frame 80, the first structural member 101, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and the second structural member 102 form a closed cross-section structure when viewed from the side. Furthermore, the third structural member 103 is arranged rearwardly separate from the second structural member 102.

[0156] like Figure 20 As shown, the first connecting structural member 101 has a left-side member (left-side connecting structural member) 101A and a right-side member (right-side connecting structural member) 101B. The lower parts of the left-side member 101A and the right-side member 101B are fixed to the front crossbeam 44A, but they can also be directly fixed to the main body of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. In the front view, the left-side member 101A extends obliquely upward from the front crossbeam 44A, and the further upward it goes, the more it is located on the left side. The upper part of the left-side member 101A is fixed to the front part of the left-side structural member 84A of the center frame 80. The upper part of the left-side member 101A can also be fixed to the left-side connecting portion 54a. In this case, the left-side member 101A connects the left-side connecting portion 54a to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41.

[0157] Further, the right side member 101B is inclined to extend from the front cross member 44A toward the upper side in a manner that the right side is located more on the right side as it goes up. The upper portion of the right side member 101B is fixed to the front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B of the center frame 80. The upper portion of the right side member 101B can also be fixed to the right side connecting portion 54b. In this case, the right side member 101B links the right side connecting portion 54b and the passenger space side floor panel 41. Further, since the front portion of the left side frame forming member 84A and the front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B are separated in the left-right direction, most of the left side member 101A and the right side member 101B are separated in the left-right direction except for the lower portions, and the interval between the left side member 101A and the right side member 101B in the left-right direction is wider as it goes up.

[0158] Although not shown, the first link member 101 can also link the rear portion of the left side front frame 54A to the passenger space side floor panel 41. In this case, the upper portion of the left side member 101A of the first link member 101 is fixed to the rear portion of the left side front frame 54A, and the lower portion of the left side member 101A is fixed to the passenger space side floor panel 41. Further, the first link member 101 can also link the rear portion of the right side front frame 54B to the passenger space side floor panel 41. In this case, the upper portion of the right side member 101B of the first link member 101 is fixed to the rear portion of the right side front frame 54B, and the lower portion of the right side member 101B is fixed to the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0159] The second link member 102 is set to have a longer dimension in the left-right direction than in the front-rear direction, but is shorter than the center frame 80 in the left-right direction. Thus, the left and right sides of the second link member 102 do not protrude in the left-right direction from the center frame 80. Further, the cross section of the second link member 102 is set to be larger than the cross section of the left side member 101A or the right side member 101B.

[0160] The lower portion of the second link member 102 is fixed between the left and right seat rails 90 and 91 on the front common bracket 45 of the intermediate cross member 44B. Specifically, the lower portion of the second link member 102 is fixed in a state of being inserted into the central fixing portion 45a provided at the left-right direction center portion of the front common bracket 45. That is, the common bracket 45 that mounts the left and right seat rails 90 and 91 becomes a member having high strength, and the dimension in the vehicle width direction is somewhat lengthened, so the fixing range on the main portion of the cross member 44B is ensured to be large, and the fixing strength is also increased. By fixing the lower portion of the second link member 102 to the common bracket 45 that is high in strength and high in fixing strength, the joining strength of the second link member 102 to the center frame 80 can be further increased. In addition, the lower portion of the second link member 102 can be directly fixed to the main portion of the passenger room floor panel 41 or directly fixed to the intermediate cross member 44B.

[0161] The upper portion of the second link member 102 is fixed to the bent portion 80A of the center frame 80. Specifically, the upper portion of the second link member 102 is fixed to the lower wall portion 83b of the connecting member 83. Thus, the second link member 102 extends from the bent portion 80A of the center frame 80 toward the passenger room floor panel 41. Since the front-rear direction dimension of the lower wall portion 83b of the connecting member 83 is longer than the front-rear direction dimension of the upper wall portion 83a, the engagement area with the second link member 102 can be ensured to be large. In the case where the connecting member 83 is omitted, the upper portion of the second link member 102 can be directly fixed to the center frame 80.

[0162] The third link member 103 has a left-right direction long cross section like the second link member 102. The lower portion of the third link member 103 is fixed to the recess front side cross member 44C. The upper portion of the third link member 103 is fixed to the lower wall portion of the rear side frame member 82 of the center frame 80. As shown in FIG. 6, the third link member 103 is also fixed to the front portion of the floor frame 41c. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 6, the third link member 103 is also fixed to the front portion of the floor frame 41c.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 6, the third link member 103 is also fixed to the front portion of the floor frame 41c. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 6, the third link member 103 is also fixed to the front portion of the floor frame 41c.

[0164] The rear side of the rear connecting member 104 is fixed to the connection panel 43. Thus, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is also connected to the connection panel 43 via the rear connecting member 104. The lower portion of the rear connecting member 104 is also fixed to the rear portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41. That is, the front wall 50 and the connection panel 43 are connected by the center frame 80. At this time, the center frame 80 is separated upward from the passenger space side floor panel 41, and thus the passenger space side floor panel 41, the front wall 50, the connection panel 43, and the center frame 80 are integrated to form a closed cross-sectional structure in a side view. Thus, although the passenger space side floor panel 41 has a floor tunnel-less structure, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be sufficiently improved.

[0165] Further, in the lower portion of the rear connecting member 104, the front portion of the left rear frame 111A and the front portion of the right rear frame 111B are fixed. Thus, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the left rear suspension support member 110A via the left rear frame 111A, and the rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the right rear suspension support member 110B via the right rear frame 111B. Therefore, the rigidity of the rear suspension support members 110A and 110B can be improved, and the handling stability of the vehicle is improved. Further, the rigidity of the rear side of the vehicle including the connection panel 43 and the periphery thereof can also be improved.

[0166] Figure 18 and Figure 19 is a view showing a case where the inclination angle of the center frame 80 is large. In this example, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the rear portion of the floor frame 41c. The center frame 80 is in a straight shape without a bent portion, but can be formed with a bent portion. The rear portion of the center frame 80 is disposed at a position lower than the vehicle front portion of the seat cushion of the rear seat RS. Thus, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is less likely to interfere with the occupant of the rear seat RS, and thus the comfort of the rear seat occupant can be prevented from deteriorating. The rear portion of the center frame 80 is also fixed to the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0167] Further, in the example shown in Figure 19 , the rear portion of the center frame 80 is also connected to the front portion of the rear reinforcement member 47. In this example, since the recess portion rear side beam 44D is provided at the rear portion of the recess portion 41a, the recess portion 41a and the vicinity thereof are reinforced by the recess portion rear side beam 44D. Further, the recess portion 41a and the vicinity thereof are also reinforced by the floor frame 41c. Further, since the center frame 80 separated upward from the passenger space side floor panel 41 is connected to the floor frame 41c, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be sufficiently improved.

[0168] As shown in Figure 5As shown, the traveling motor M of the rear-side powertrain PT is supported to the rear support frame 30 via an unillustrated mounting member or the like, and is disposed behind the rear portion of the center frame 80. The height of the rear-side traveling motor M can be arbitrarily set according to the mounting height to the rear support frame 30. In this embodiment, the height of the rear-side traveling motor M is set so that the height from the upper portion to at least a portion of the lower portion of the rear-side traveling motor M is the same as the height of the rear portion of the center frame 80. Further, the height of the center of rotation of the rear-side traveling motor M, that is, the height of the central portion in the vertical direction of the traveling motor M, is set to be lower than the rear portion of the center frame 80. By thus disposing the rear-side powertrain PT, if, for example, an impact load from the rear of the vehicle is input to the traveling motor M so that the traveling motor M attempts to move toward the front of the vehicle, a load toward the front of the vehicle is applied to the rear portion of the center frame 80. At this time, since the rear portion of the center frame 80 is linked to the rear cross member 44E, the connection panel 43, and the like, and is integrated with the passenger room side floor panel 41, movement of the traveling motor M toward the front is prevented by the center frame 80. Movement of the traveling motor M toward the front is also prevented by the passenger room side floor panel 41 and the rear cross member 44E.

[0169] Next, based on the above-described layout of the powertrain PT, the operation of the air conditioning device 120 will be described. Figure 17 The layout of the front-side powertrain PT will be described. The front-side powertrain PT is supported to the front support frame 20 via an unillustrated mounting member or the like. The height of the front-side traveling motor M can be arbitrarily set according to the mounting height on the front support frame 20. The front-side powertrain PT is disposed in front of the first connection member 101. Between the first connection member 101 and the powertrain PT, at least a portion of the air conditioning device 120 is disposed.

[0170] The air conditioning device 120 has a cooler (heat exchanger) 121 through which air for air conditioning passes, and an air conditioning case 122 that houses the cooler 121. The cooler 121 is a cooling heat exchanger composed of an evaporator or the like that cools air for air conditioning. However, it is not limited thereto, and instead of the cooler 121, a heating heat exchanger composed of a heating core that heats air for air conditioning, a condenser, or the like can be used, and a cooler can be disposed in other portions. The cooler 121 of this embodiment is disposed at a position further forward than the cowl panel 50. In addition, although not illustrated, a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve that depressurizes refrigerant, and the like also constitute a portion of the air conditioning device 120.

[0171] The central portion of the cooler 121 in the vertical direction is positioned above the rotation center of the front drive motor M. That is, for example, if the vehicle 1 collides from the front and applies a rearward impact load to the powertrain PT, the powertrain PT will begin to move backward depending on the magnitude of the impact load. Since the front powertrain PT is configured as described above, a center frame 80 extending in the longitudinal direction is positioned behind the powertrain PT and connected to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 via connecting members 101-103. Therefore, the backward movement of the powertrain PT is suppressed by the center frame 80 and the connecting members 101-103. Furthermore, since the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 is located behind the powertrain PT, the backward movement of the powertrain PT is also suppressed by the passenger compartment side floor panel 41.

[0172] Next, a specific configuration example of the air conditioning unit 120 will be described. Inside the air conditioning housing 122 of the air conditioning unit 120, in addition to the aforementioned cooler 121, a heater (not shown), an air mixing damper 122a for changing the mixing ratio of cold air from the cooler 121 and warm air from the heater to generate air conditioning air at the desired temperature, and a blowing direction switching damper 122b for distributing the generated air conditioning air at the desired temperature to various parts of the vehicle compartment. By operating the blowing direction switching damper 122b, the air conditioning air can be directed towards the front window FG (…). Figure 1 The airflow is supplied to the inner surface of the occupant (as shown), or to the upper body of the occupant, or to the vicinity of the occupant's feet. The operation of the airflow direction switching damper 122b is well known.

[0173] The front portion of the air conditioning housing 122 houses the cooler 121 and the air mixing damper 122a, and is positioned forward of the front bulkhead 50. Conversely, the rear portion of the air conditioning housing 122 houses the airflow direction switching damper 122b, extending through the front bulkhead 50 and located in the passenger compartment R1. Therefore, the cooler 121 and air mixing damper 122a are closer to the powertrain PT than the airflow direction switching damper 122b. Alternatively, the front portion of the air conditioning housing 122 can be positioned rearward of the front bulkhead 50.

[0174] The rear portion of the air conditioner housing 122 has an outlet section 122c, which is shaped like a pipe for blowing out air conditioning air generated inside the air conditioner housing 122. The air conditioner housing 122 also has a guide duct 122d that communicates with the interior of the center frame 80, guiding the air conditioning air blown from the outlet section 122c into the interior of the center frame 80. The guide duct 122d is positioned above the control device 130 (described later) and extends in the front-rear direction. The front portion of the guide duct 122d is connected to the outlet section 122c, while the rear portion is connected to the front portion of the front frame member 81 of the center frame 80. Thus, the air conditioning air generated by the air conditioning unit 120 is guided into the interior of the center frame 80 via the guide duct 122d. The guide duct 122d may also be a component forming part of the center frame 80.

[0175] Since the center frame 80 extends in the front-to-back direction, the air conditioning air can be guided to the desired location in the front-to-back direction of the passenger space R1. In this case, since the air duct 122d is positioned above the control device 130 and has a predetermined width in the left-to-right direction, direct sunlight is also blocked by the air duct 122d, making it even more difficult for it to reach the control device 130. Furthermore, by utilizing the center frame 80 as an air conditioning duct, there is no need to install a separate air conditioning duct, and the passenger space R1 can be expanded compared to the case where a separate air conditioning duct is installed.

[0176] like Figure 20 As shown, on the upper wall of the center frame 80, a portion separating rearward from the air duct 122d is provided with an upper air supply section 80b for directing air conditioning air from the upper left passage T11 and the upper right passage T12 upward. The upper air supply sections 80b are located on the upper wall of the center frame 80, positioned rearward than the backrest of the front seat FS, and are located on the left and right sides respectively. The left upper air supply section (left side air supply section) 80b is cylindrical, communicating into the upper left passage T11, and the right upper air supply section (right side air supply section) 80b is cylindrical, communicating into the upper right passage T12. The downstream end of the upper air supply section 80b opens upward toward the occupant seated in the rear seat RS.

[0177] like Figure 5As shown, a lower air supply section 80c is provided on the lower wall of the center frame 80, separating rearward from the air duct 122d, for directing the air conditioning air from the lower left passage T13 and the lower right passage T14 downward. The lower air supply section 80c is located rearward of the seat cushion of the front seat FS, and is respectively located on the left and right sides of the lower wall of the center frame 80. The left lower air supply section 80c is cylindrical, communicating into the lower left passage T13, and the right lower air supply section 80c is cylindrical, communicating into the lower right passage T14. The lower air supply section 80c is composed of a rear foot tube extending downward toward the recess 41a, extending downward from the center frame 80 and then curving outward in the vehicle width direction. The rear foot tube can also be referred to as a rear heating tube.

[0178] Furthermore, because the center frame 80 has a large cross-section that enhances the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body, even with increased airflow from the air conditioning system, the noise level is kept low. In particular, since the center frame 80 extends in a near-straight line, the internal passageways are also nearly straight, further reducing noise. Moreover, even without insulation on the center frame 80, the heat from the air conditioning air flowing inside the center frame 80 is transferred to its walls and radiated from the outer surface of those walls towards the passenger compartment R1. This allows for comfortable air conditioning that utilizes radiant heat. Alternatively, insulation can be provided on the center frame 80.

[0179] (Layout of the control unit)

[0180] Vehicle body structure A includes a control device 130 for controlling the controlled components mounted on vehicle 1. Figure 9 and Figure 17 , Figure 23 (As shown in the image). Examples of controlled components include the powertrain PT, braking system, electronically controlled suspension, lighting system, navigation system, head-up display, audio system, in-vehicle monitor, and television. The control unit 130, which controls these components, is large in size due to the inclusion of a high-performance CPU and memory, and is less susceptible to high temperatures and impacts. As a heat-reducing measure, the control unit 130 also includes a water jacket for cooling water circulation. Furthermore, in cases where in-vehicle entertainment functions (video playback, music playback, etc.) are included, the control unit 130 is also larger.

[0181] In this embodiment, the control device 130 is disposed in the passenger compartment R1 below the front of the center frame 80. As mentioned earlier, since the front of the center frame 80 is higher than the rear, even a large control device 130 can be disposed there. Figure 17As shown by a dummy line, an instrument panel IP on which instruments and the like are mounted is disposed above the front portion of the center pillar 80. The instrument panel IP extends in the left-right direction from the left side to the right side of the passenger compartment Rl. Further, the front portion of the instrument panel IP reaches the lower portion of the front window glass FG (not shown). Figure 1

[0182] In front of the control device 130, the left side member 101 A and the right side member 101 B that constitute the first link member 101 are disposed. Further, in the rear of the control device 130, the second link member 102 is disposed. Thus, the control device 130 is disposed between the first link member 101 and the second link member 102, and a gap is provided between the first link member 101 and the control device 130 and between the second link member 102 and the control device 130.

[0183] Since the control device 130 is disposed below the center pillar 80 in the passenger compartment Rl, direct sunlight from the outside is blocked by the center pillar 80 and is less likely to reach the control device 130. Thus, the control device 130 can be disposed in a position that is advantageous in terms of heat. Further, since the instrument panel IP is disposed above the control device 130, direct sunlight is also blocked by the instrument panel IP and is less likely to reach the control device 130. Further, since the control device 130 is covered by the instrument panel IP, it is less likely to be seen from the outside, and is also desirable in terms of safety.

[0184] Further, a duct 122d is disposed above the control device 130. Heat of air-conditioned air is transferred to the wall portion of the duct 122d and is radiated from the outer surface of the wall portion toward the control device 130 as radiant heat. At this time, since air-conditioned air that has been temperature-adjusted in a manner to make the passenger compartment Rl comfortable flows inside the duct 122d, the radiant heat from the duct 122d acts in a manner to suppress temperature rise of the control device 130. Further, direct sunlight can also be blocked by the duct 122d.

[0185] Further, if, for example, a case where an impact load acts from the front is assumed, since the center pillar 80 extends in the front-rear direction, at least a portion of the impact load is absorbed by the center pillar 80, and deformation of the vehicle body in the vicinity thereof is suppressed. That is, the control device 130 disposed below the center pillar 80 is protected from the impact load from the front. The same applies to the impact load from the rear. In particular, by the left side member 101 A and the right side member 101 B, at least two portions of the center pillar 80 can be firmly linked to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and thus the protection performance of the control device 130 can be improved.

[0186] ​Further, if a collision load from the side of the vehicle is assumed, since the control device 130 is disposed corresponding to the central portion in the vehicle width direction, the collision load from the side is less likely to be directly transmitted to the control device 130, and the control device 130 is also protected against the collision load from the side. In addition to this, since the control device 130 is disposed between the first link member 101 and the second link member 102, a collision load in the front-rear direction is less likely to act on the control device 130, and the protection performance is further improved.

[0187] (Cooling path)

[0188] Next, the cooling path will be described. Figure 21 is a view showing the outline configuration of the cooling path provided in the automobile 1. The cooler 121 can be constituted by a cooling heat exchanger of the air conditioning device 120, for example, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a dedicated cooler provided separately from the air conditioning device 120. A passage of cooling water as a heat exchange medium is formed in the cooler 121, and the cooling water circulating in the passage is cooled by heat exchange with low-temperature refrigerant in the interior of the cooler 121. The vehicle body structure A is provided with a supply pipe 131 for supplying the cooling water cooled by the cooler 121 to a water jacket (not shown) provided in the control device 130, and a discharge pipe 132 for discharging the cooling water supplied to the control device 130. A pump P for delivering the cooling water to the control device 130 is provided on the supply pipe 131. The cooling water discharged from the discharge pipe 132 is drawn in by the pump P after being cooled by the cooler 121. By circulating the cooling water in this way, the control device 130 is cooled. The cooling water that has cooled the control device 130 is used for cooling of the batteries FB, RB, and then used for cooling of the traveling motor M, and then returned to the cooler 121. Alternatively, refrigerant can be used instead of the cooling water.

[0189] As shown in Figure 17 , the cooler 121 is disposed at a position further rearward than the powertrain PT on the front side, in the vicinity of the cowl panel 50. By this, the cooler 121 can be brought closer to the control device 130 than the powertrain PT on the front side. As a result, the length of the supply pipe 131 can be shortened, and the pipe path is simplified, the pressure loss at the time of supplying the cooling water to the control device 130 is reduced, the loss of heat during the period from the cooler 121 to the control device 130 is reduced, and the control device 130 can be efficiently cooled.

[0190] Further, as shown in Figure 22As shown, the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132 extend through the dash panel 50 and are disposed between the left side member 101A and the right side member 101B. By disposing the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132 between the left side member 101A and the right side member 101B, the feet of an occupant or the like are less likely to come into contact with the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132, and damage to the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132 is suppressed. The supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132 extend in the front-rear direction below the air conditioning device 120.

[0191] (EFFECTS OF THE EMBODIMENTS)

[0192] As described above, according to this embodiment, the members 16 to 19 of the battery unit Y and the center brace 80 extending in the front-rear direction have a positional relationship in which they coincide with each other in plan view, and therefore, if a crash load is assumed to be applied, for example, from the front of the vehicle, the crash load is dispersedly input to the members 16 to 19 of the battery unit Y and the center brace 80. At this time, the center brace 80 is separated upward from the occupant space side floor panel 41 from the occupant space side, and the members 16 to 19 of the battery unit Y are located below the occupant space side floor panel 41, and therefore the crash load is dispersedly to a plurality of locations separated in the up-down direction, and is respectively absorbed, and therefore, compared to a case in which the crash load acts on a local portion, the deformation of the passenger compartment is suppressed, and the effect is improved. The same is true in a case in which a crash load is applied from the rear of the vehicle.

[0193] The foregoing embodiments are merely examples in all aspects and should not be construed as limiting. Further, modifications and changes within the scope of equivalents of the claims are included in the scope of the present application.

[0194] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0195] As described above, the present application can be utilized, for example, as a vehicle body structure of an electric vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure for an electric vehicle, disposed on an electric vehicle having a driving motor and a battery unit supplying power to the driving motor, characterized in that, have: The floor panel forms the floor of the passenger compartment, which is equipped with seats for occupants to sit on; as well as A center frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is disposed at the center of the passenger compartment in the width direction, separating upwards from the floor panel. The rear part of the center frame is connected to the left rear wheel suspension support member via the left rear frame, and the rear part of the center frame is connected to the right rear wheel suspension support member via the right rear frame. The left and right rear frames, when viewed from above, form a V-shaped structure with openings towards the rear, and when viewed from the side, they tilt upwards from the front to the rear. This allows the upward load of the rear suspension support devices, supported by the left and right rear wheel suspension support members, to be input into the left and right rear frames in a tensile direction. The battery cell has a battery rack disposed below the floor panel and extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The battery rack and the center frame are positioned such that, when viewed from above, the battery rack and the center frame are in a positional relationship that overlaps with each other.

2. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery rack is located in the center of the vehicle width direction.

3. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a front motor support bracket that extends from the front of the battery cell toward the front of the vehicle and supports the driving motor in front of the battery cell.

4. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a front motor support bracket that extends from the front of the battery cell toward the front of the vehicle and supports the driving motor in front of the battery cell.

5. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a rear motor support bracket that extends from the rear of the battery cell toward the rear of the vehicle and supports the driving motor at the rear of the battery cell.

6. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a rear motor support bracket that extends from the rear of the battery cell toward the rear of the vehicle and supports the driving motor at the rear of the battery cell.

7. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a rear motor support bracket that extends from the rear of the battery cell toward the rear of the vehicle and supports the driving motor at the rear of the battery cell.

8. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a rear motor support bracket that extends from the rear of the battery cell toward the rear of the vehicle and supports the driving motor at the rear of the battery cell.

9. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, At the front of the battery cell, a front side member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided. At the rear of the battery cell, a rear side member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided. The battery holder extends from the front member to the rear member.

10. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also features a front bulkhead that extends upward from the front of the floor panel, defining the front of the vehicle and the passenger compartment. The front side piece is fixed to the lower part of the front bulkhead. The front part of the central frame is connected to the portion of the front panel that separates upwards from the floor panel.

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