Vehicle body structure

Abstract

A vehicle body structure is capable of efficiently cooling a control device of a vehicle. The vehicle body structure is provided with: a floor panel (41); a dash panel (50) extending upward from a vehicle front portion of the floor panel (41) to divide a vehicle front portion of an occupant space; a cooler (21) disposed at a position further to the vehicle front than the dash panel (50); a control device (130) disposed in the occupant space; and a supply pipe (131) that supplies a heat exchange medium, which has been subjected to heat exchange in a heat exchanger (121), to the control device (130). The heat exchanger (121) is closer to the control device (130) than a powertrain (PT) mounted on the vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] In recent years, electronic control of each part of an automobile has been developed, and a control device including a high-performance microcomputer or the like that performs control of a plurality of controlled parts has become large-sized. Further, automation of driving, mounting of a communication function with the outside, mounting of an entertainment function, and the like also lead to large-sizing of the control device.

[0003] For example, in an automobile disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a control device is disposed inside an instrument panel at a position lower than an upper surface of the instrument panel and higher than an accelerator pedal.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-35789 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, since the control device of the vehicle contains a high-performance microcomputer or the like as described above, a heat countermeasure is required. However, the automobile has a heat generating body such as a running motor, an engine, and the like, and is also used under the sun, so it is a severe environment from the viewpoint of heat. Further, the amount of mounting of fuel and batteries is limited, so it is desired to suppress the energy used for cooling the control device as much as possible. In any case, how to perform a heat countermeasure for a high-performance control device becomes a technical problem.

[0009] The present disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to be able to efficiently cool a control device of a vehicle.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] To achieve the foregoing object, a first aspect of the present disclosure is premised on a vehicle body structure of an automobile. The vehicle body structure includes a floor panel extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a cowl extending upward from a front portion of the floor panel to divide a vehicle front portion of an occupant space; a heat exchanger disposed at a position closer to a front of the vehicle than the cowl; a control device disposed in the occupant space, which controls a controlled part mounted on the automobile; and a supply pipe that supplies a heat exchange medium, which has been subjected to heat exchange in the heat exchanger, to the control device. The heat exchanger is closer to the control device than a powertrain mounted on the automobile.

[0012] According to this configuration, the heat exchange medium that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger is supplied to the control device via the supply pipe, and thus the temperature increase of the control device provided in the passenger compartment is suppressed. At this time, since the heat exchanger is close to the control device, the length of the supply pipe can be shortened, and the pipe path is simplified. Thus, the pressure loss at the time of supplying the heat exchange medium is reduced, and the loss of cold and heat during the period from the heat exchanger to the control device is reduced, and thus the control device can be efficiently cooled.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioning device that blows air conditioning air to the passenger compartment is further provided. The heat exchanger is a part of the air conditioning device, and cools the air conditioning air.

[0014] According to this configuration, the heat exchanger provided in the air conditioning device not only cools the air conditioning air, but also cools the heat exchange medium for cooling the control device, and thus the cooling structure is compact.

[0015] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a center frame that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and is provided by separating a vehicle-width-direction central portion of the passenger compartment upward from the floor panel, and a link member that extends upward from a portion of the floor panel that is forward of the control device in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is fixed to the center frame to link the center frame to the floor panel are further provided. The link member has a left side member on the left side in the vehicle-width direction and a right side member on the right side in the vehicle-width direction, at least a portion of the left side member and the right side member is separated in the vehicle-width direction, and the supply pipe is provided between the left side member and the right side member.

[0016] According to this configuration, the center frame is linked to the floor panel by the link member, and thus the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved. At this time, since the supply pipe is provided between the left side member and the right side member that constitute the link member, the left side member is positioned on the left side of the supply pipe, and the right side member is positioned on the right side of the supply pipe. Thus, for example, when the passengers move their feet, the feet are less likely to hit the supply pipe, and thus damage to the supply pipe is suppressed.

[0017] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the front portion of the center frame is constituted by a left side frame constituting member and a right side frame constituting member that are provided at intervals from each other in the vehicle-width direction. The upper portion of the left side member of the link member is fixed to the left side frame constituting member, and the upper portion of the right side member of the link member is fixed to the right side frame constituting member.

[0018] According to this configuration, by linking the left and right frame members that constitute the front portion of the center frame to the floor panel, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be further improved. In this case, the left and right members of the link member are provided separately at least on the upper side in the left-right direction, and the supply piping is provided at the portion that is separated in the left-right direction, whereby damage to the supply piping is suppressed.

[0019] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is further provided: a center frame that is hollow and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is provided so as to be separated upward from the floor panel at a central portion in the vehicle width direction of the passenger compartment; and a duct that communicates an outlet portion of the air conditioning device with the inside of the center frame, and guides air-conditioned air blown from the outlet portion to the inside of the center frame. The duct is provided above the control device.

[0020] According to this configuration, the heat of the air-conditioned air is transferred to the wall portion of the duct, and is radiated from the outer surface of the wall portion toward the control device as radiant heat. At this time, since the air-conditioned air that has been temperature-adjusted in a manner that makes the passenger compartment comfortable flows inside the duct, the radiant heat from the duct acts in a manner that suppresses an increase in the temperature of the control device.

[0021] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in an electric vehicle that is provided with a travel motor and a battery unit that supplies electric power to the travel motor, there is provided a discharge pipe that discharges a heat exchange medium supplied to the control device to the battery. According to this configuration, the control device, which is weak in terms of heat, can be preferentially cooled, and the battery can be cooled using this cooling water, and thus the cooling system of the electric vehicle can be simplified.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] As explained above, in the case where a heat exchange medium that has undergone heat exchange in a heat exchanger provided at a position that is further forward in the vehicle than the dash panel is supplied to the control device of the passenger compartment via the supply pipe, since the heat exchanger is brought close to the control device, the control device can be efficiently cooled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a side view of an automobile that is provided with the vehicle body structure of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view that shows a state in which the automobile is divided into an upper structure and a lower structure.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view that shows a state in which the automobile is divided into an upper structure and a lower structure.

[0027] Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of the vehicle body structure.

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the V-V line in FIG. Figure 4

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the VI- VI line in FIG. Figure 4

[0030] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the VII-VII line in FIG. Figure 4

[0031] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a passenger room side floor panel and its vicinity.

[0032] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0033] Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0034] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a mounting portion of a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0035] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a bending portion of a center frame and its vicinity.

[0036] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a front portion of a rear frame member constituting a center frame and its vicinity.

[0037] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a connecting member.

[0038] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a connecting member, viewed from another direction.

[0039] Figure 16 is a side view of a connecting member.

[0040] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioning device and its vicinity.

[0041] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a rear vehicle body structure in a case where an inclination angle of a center frame is increased.

[0042] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where an inclination angle of a center frame is increased.

[0043] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a dash panel and its vicinity, viewed from a rear side of a vehicle.

[0044] Figure 21 is a schematic view of a cooling path.​​​

[0045] Figure 22 Fig. 1 is a view of the layout of the supply and discharge pipes of cooling water as viewed from the rear.

[0046] Figure 23 Fig. 2 is a view of the layout of the supply and discharge pipes of cooling water as viewed from the left side.

[0047] Explanation of Symbols

[0048] 1 automobile

[0049] 41 passenger space side floor panel

[0050] 43 connecting panel

[0051] 44A front cross member

[0052] 50 dash panel

[0053] 80 center pillar

[0054] 101 first connecting member

[0055] 102 second connecting member

[0056] 120 air conditioning device

[0057] 121 cooler

[0058] 130 control device

[0059] 131 supply pipe

[0060] A vehicle body structure

[0061] R1 passenger space

[0062] R3 trunk space DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] 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.

[0064] Figure 1 Fig. 1 is a side view of an automobile 1 provided with the vehicle body structure A of the 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".

[0065] (Overall configuration of automobile)

[0066] The automobile 1 is a passenger car, and an occupant space R1 for an occupant to ride is provided at a middle portion in a front-rear direction of the automobile 1. In the occupant 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 a right side (or a left side) of the occupant space R1 and a front passenger's seat disposed on a left side (or a right side) of the occupant space R1. The rear seat RS is also disposed on the right side and the left side of the occupant space R1, respectively. Although not shown, a third seat can also be disposed behind the rear seat RS. In addition, the rear seat RS is not necessarily required and can be omitted.

[0067] A front door FD and a rear door RD are provided on a left side and a right side of the occupant space R1, respectively. In the case of the automobile 1 without the rear seat RS, the rear door RD can be omitted.

[0068] A front-side space R2 is provided in front of the occupant space R1 of the automobile 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 at an upper portion of the front-side space R2.

[0069] A trunk space R3 capable of accommodating luggage and the like is provided behind the occupant space R1 of the automobile 1. The trunk space R3 is openable and closable by a trunk lid TR. A rear-side space R4 is provided behind the occupant space R1 of the automobile 1 and below the trunk space R3. In the rear-side space R4, the powertrain PT that generates power of the automobile 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.

[0070] 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, and 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 the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT, it is a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0071] The powertrain PT includes at least a travel motor M (shown in Figure 2) and a speed reducer, a transmission, etc. as needed. Thus, the automobile 1 is an electric automobile. The traveling motor M is disposed with its rotational center extending in the left-right direction. The powertrain PT can include, for example, a control unit, etc. in addition to the traveling motor M. An internal combustion engine can also be included in the powertrain PT. A battery unit Y (also shown in Figure 1 ) is mounted on the lower portion of the automobile 1. Charging of the battery unit Y can be performed using power generated by the internal combustion engine, for example, and at least one of the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT can be driven by power generated by the internal combustion engine.

[0072] The type of the automobile 1 can also not be Figure 1 a four-door vehicle as an example, it can be an automobile without the rear door RD, for example. Further, although not shown, the present application can also be applied to an automobile in which a rear side space R4 is opened and closed by a tailgate, like a hatchback car.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2 , the automobile 1 is provided with a lower structure 2 and an upper structure 3, and a vehicle body structure A is constituted by the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3. In Figure 2 , a state in which doors FD, RD, a hood BF, fenders, window glasses, a roof, center pillars, rear pillars, bumpers, front and rear lamp fixtures, an instrument panel, front and rear seats, etc. that are originally provided in the upper structure 3 are detached is shown. Further, in Figure 2 , a state in which front wheels FT, rear wheels RT, suspension devices, etc. that are originally provided in the lower structure 2 are detached is shown.

[0074] The lower structure 2 is provided with a battery unit Y. The battery unit Y has front and rear battery units FB, RB and a frame-shaped frame 10 that surrounds the front and rear battery units FB, RB. Further, the lower structure 2 is provided with a front support frame 20 that extends toward the front from a front portion of the frame-shaped frame 10 and a rear support frame 30 that extends toward the rear from a rear portion of the frame-shaped frame 10.

[0075] Although not shown, in the case of a general automobile, the battery unit is often provided under the floor as a member that is separate from the vehicle body and is capable of being attached and detached, but in the present embodiment, not only the batteries FB, RB but also the front and rear support frames 20, 30 are integrated on the frame-shaped frame 10 that surrounds the batteries FB, RB, and the front and rear support frames 20, 30 are also capable of being attached and detached with respect to the upper structure 3 together with the batteries FB, RB.

[0076] Specifically, the automobile 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be vertically divided into the lower structure body 2 having the batteries FB, RB and the upper structure body 3 forming the passenger room Rl and the trunk room R3. The vertically divided means that the lower structure body 2 is integrated with the upper structure body 3 using fastening members such as bolts and nuts, screws, and the like, without using welding and adhesion and the like. Thus, when the automobile 1 is handed over to a user and maintenance and repair are performed thereafter, the lower structure body 2 can be separated from the upper structure body 3 as needed, and thus the maintainability is good.

[0077] 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 vertically divided into a ladder frame and a cabin, but since the ladder frame 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 frame 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.

[0078] In the case of the automobile 1 of the present embodiment, although the lower structure body 2 having the front support frame 20 and the rear support frame 30 is vertically divided from the upper structure body 3, a collision load is received by both the lower structure body 2 and the upper structure body 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, and thus the collision load can be dispersed to both the structure bodies 2, 3 to be absorbed, which is quite different from the technical idea of the conventional ladder frame type vehicle body structure. The configurations of the lower structure body 2 and the upper structure body 3 will be described in turn.

[0079] (Lower structure body)

[0080] First, the lower structure body 2 will be described. The lower structure body 2 has, in addition to the batteries FB, RB, the frame-type frame 10, the front support frame 20, and the rear support frame 30, a powertrain PT, front wheels FT, rear wheels RT, Figure 4 The front side suspension devices SP1, SP2 and the rear side suspension devices SP3, SP4 are indicated by dotted 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.

[0081] As Figure 2As shown, the frame of the battery cell Y, i.e., the frame 10, is a member for enclosing and protecting the front-side battery FB and the rear-side battery RB, wire harnesses, and the like. The 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, below the passenger space side floor panel 41. By thus providing the frame 10 in a wide range of the area below the passenger space side floor panel 41, it is possible to mount the batteries FB and RB, each of which has a large capacity, on the automobile 1. The batteries FB and RB may, for example, be lithium ion batteries, all-solid-state batteries, or other secondary batteries. Further, the batteries FB and RB may be so-called battery cells or battery packs in which a plurality of battery cells are housed.

[0082] The frame 10 includes 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, for example, formed of extruded members made of an aluminum alloy, but may be formed of press-formed members made of an aluminum alloy sheet or a steel sheet. In the following description, the extruded members made of an aluminum alloy are referred to as "extruded members", and the press-formed members made of an aluminum alloy sheet or a steel sheet are referred to as "press-formed members". Further, each of the members may be formed of, for example, a casting or a die casting.

[0083] 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 lower structure 2 is coupled to the upper structure 3, the front side member 13 is fastened and fixed to the lower portion of the cowl panel 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 roof side rails 60, respectively, by fastening members. Further, the rear side member 14 is fastened and fixed to the connection panel 43, which will be described later, by a fastening member.

[0084] 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 respectively arranged inside in the vehicle width direction of the left and right side sills 60 described later. 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.

[0085] A cover member 15 that becomes a floor panel is attached to 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 side sills 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.

[0086] Figure 5 A cross section that indicates the left-right direction central portion of the vehicle body structure A. As shown in this Figure 5 As shown in the figure, on the inside of the frame 10, as a reinforcing member that extends in the left-right direction, the first to third battery side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are provided. 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.

[0087] The first to third battery side beams 10A, 10B, 10C are arranged at intervals from each other in the front-rear direction, with the first battery side beam 10A being located at the frontmost position and the third battery side beam 10C being located at the rearmost position. The lower portions of the battery side beams 10A, 10B, 10C are fixed to the upper surface of the cover member 15. Further, the left end portions of the battery side beams 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 battery side beams 10A, 10B, 10C are fixed to the inner surface (left side surface) of the right side member 12. That is, the battery side beams 10A, 10B, 10C are members that connect the left side member 11 and the right side member 12.

[0088] On the inner side of the frame-shaped frame 10, as a reinforcing member extending in the front-rear direction, a front central member 16 and first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are provided. The front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 can also be referred to as battery racks extending in the front-rear direction, and the battery cells Y have a configuration in which the battery racks composed of the front central member 16, the first to third rear central members 17 to 19, and the like are provided. 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.

[0089] 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 provided at the center 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 mounted 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.

[0090] The front central member 16 is arranged between the front side member 13 and the first battery side beam 10A, with the front end portion of the front central member 16 being fixed to the center portion in the left-right direction of the front side member 13 and the rear end portion of the front central member 16 being fixed to the center portion in the left-right direction of the first battery side beam 10A. Thus, the front side member 13 is a member that extends in such a manner as to connect the front end portions of the left side member 11 and the right side member 12 to the front end portion of the front central member 16.

[0091] A first rear central member 17 is disposed between the first battery-side crossbeam 10A and the second battery-side crossbeam 10B. The front end of the first rear central member 17 is fixed to the center portion of the first battery-side crossbeam 10A in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the first rear central member 17 is fixed to the center portion of the second battery-side crossbeam 10B in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a second rear central member 18 is disposed between the second battery-side crossbeam 10B and the third battery-side crossbeam 10C. The front end of the second rear central member 18 is fixed to the center portion of the second battery-side crossbeam 10B in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the second rear central member 18 is fixed to the center portion of the third battery-side crossbeam 10C in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the third rear central member 19 is disposed between the third battery side crossbeam 10C and the rear member 14. The front end of the third rear central member 19 is fixed to the center of the third battery side crossbeam 10C in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the third rear central member 19 is fixed to the center of the rear member 14 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the first to third battery side crossbeams 10A, 10B, 10C, the front central member 16, and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are arranged in a grid pattern on the inner side of the frame 10 and connected to each other, thereby further improving the strengthening effect of the frame 10 and the lower structure 2.

[0092] When conceiving a hypothetical straight line extending in the front-to-back direction when viewed from above, the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are positioned in the left-to-right direction on this hypothetical straight line. That is, the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are arranged on the hypothetical extension line of the front central member 16 facing rearward. Alternatively, the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 can also be composed of a single continuous member in the front-to-back direction. In this case, a single member extends from the front member 13 to the rear member 14.

[0093] like Figure 2 As 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The rear powertrain PT is mounted to the rear support frame 30 via a mounting member (not shown). In this case, the rear support frame 30 becomes a rear motor support frame that supports the driving motor M behind the battery unit Y. On the lower structure 2, drive shafts S2 that transmit the output of the powertrain PT (rotational force of the driving motor M) to the left and right rear wheels RT respectively are provided on the left and right sides.

[0100] In addition, constituting Figure 4 The left and right suspension arms of a portion of the rear suspension devices SP3 and SP4, indicated by dashed lines, are supported in a vertically swaying manner relative to the left and right rear support frames 30. The rear support frame 30 may also be a component used to support the suspension arms without supporting the powertrain PT.

[0101] (Upper structure)

[0102] Next, the upper structure 3 will be described. The upper structure 3 includes a floor member 40, a dash panel 50, and a pair of side sills 60. The floor member 40 is a member disposed above the frame 10 and the rear support 30 of the lower structure 2. The floor member 40 includes a passenger space side floor panel (first floor panel) 41 that constitutes a floor of a passenger space Rl in which a front seat FS and a rear seat RS (indicated in FIG. 1) are disposed, 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. The connecting panel 43 constitutes a kick-up portion. Figure 1 ) of the vehicle. The passenger space side floor panel 41, the trunk space side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43 can be integrally formed or separately formed and then connected.

[0103] The floor member 40 can be formed by press-molding a steel sheet or the like. The passenger space side floor panel 41, the trunk space side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43 can be integrally formed or separately formed and then connected. In the present embodiment, although the floor member 40 is described as being divided into the passenger space side floor panel 41, the trunk space side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43, the floor member 40 including the panels 41 to 43 can be referred to as a floor panel. Further, the passenger space side floor panel 41 can be referred to as a floor panel.

[0104] The passenger space side floor panel 41 extends from a front portion to a rear portion of the passenger space Rl and extends from a left portion to a right portion of the passenger space Rl. The passenger space side floor panel 41 of the present embodiment is a floor tunnel-less structure. That is, in a floor panel of a conventional vehicle, a tunnel portion that is largely bulged upward and extends in the front-rear direction is generally provided in a central portion in the vehicle width direction. The tunnel portion is a portion through which, for example, an exhaust pipe extending rearward from an engine mounted in an engine compartment at a front portion of the vehicle or a propeller shaft that transmits an output of the engine mounted in the engine room at the front portion of the vehicle to rear wheels passes. In many cases, the exhaust pipe and the propeller shaft have a diameter of, 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, in some cases, an insulator or the like is provided to an inner surface of the tunnel portion. For these reasons, the tunnel portion is largely bulged upward by, for example, 15 cm or more or 20 cm or more from the floor panel, and in terms of the positional relationship with the seat, the upper end of the tunnel portion is higher than the lower end of a seat cushion on a seat rail or a central portion in the up-down direction of the seat cushion. A structure in which the tunnel portion is not largely bulged upward is a tunnel-less structure.

[0105] The passenger space side floor panel 41 can also have, for example, a low bulging portion from the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41 having a height of 5 cm or less or 10 cm or less, although it does not have a passage portion having a height of 15 cm or more or 20 cm or more from the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41 as described above. In the case of such a low bulging portion, since the exhaust pipe and the drive shaft cannot pass through the inside thereof, it does not function as a passage portion. Therefore, even if the passenger space side floor panel 41 has a low bulging portion having a height of 5 cm or less or 10 cm or less from the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41, it is a floor panel of the no passage structure. Further, the passenger space side floor panel 41 can also 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 about several cm, and therefore even if the rib is provided, it is a floor panel of the no passage structure.

[0106] 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 possible not 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 drive shaft. Therefore, it is possible to provide the passenger space side floor panel 41 as a floor panel of the no passage structure.

[0107] As also shown in Figure 3 In the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the passenger space side floor panel 41, a recessed portion 41a is formed so as to bulge downward. 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 continuously formed from the left side portion to the right side portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0108] The floor surface portion 41b of the recessed portion 41a is provided at substantially the same height as the lower portion of the side beam 60 described later, and therefore 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 such that when the rear seat occupant seated on the rear seat RS places the 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 such that when the rear seat occupant seated on the rear seat RS moves the 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 such that even if the rear seat occupant moves the feet a little forward and rearward, 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 set to 5 cm or more or 10 cm or more, for example.

[0109] A floor frame 41c extending in the front-rear direction is provided at the center of the recessed portion 41a in the left-right direction. The lower part of the floor frame 41c is fixed to the bottom part 41b of the recessed portion 41a. By providing the floor frame 41c, the portion of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 where the recessed portion 41a is formed can be strengthened.

[0110] Furthermore, a rear reinforcing member 47 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, further rearward than the recess 41a. The rear reinforcing member 47 is engaged with the upper surface of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. This rear reinforcing member 47 can be provided as needed or omitted.

[0111] The trunk space side floor panel 42 is positioned 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 to separate the trunk space R3 and the rear side space R4. The front-rear dimension of the trunk space side floor panel 42 is set to be shorter than the front-rear dimension of the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0112] Because the trunk-side floor panel 42 is positioned higher than the passenger-side floor panel 41, the connecting panel 43 extends vertically. The connecting panel 43 can be vertical or tilted towards the rear as it moves higher.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] like Figure 3As 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] like Figure 6 As shown, on the left side, which is forward of the front bulkhead 50, there are three left-side fixing brackets 52A for fixing the left-side front wheel suspension support member 51A. The three left-side fixing brackets 52A are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and the front parts of the three left-side fixing brackets 52A are fixed to the front wheel suspension support member 51A. On the other hand, the rear part of the left-side fixing bracket 52A located at the top and the middle in the vertical direction is fixed to the left-side hinge pillar 70 and the left side of the front bulkhead 50. In addition, the rear part of the left-side fixing bracket 52A located at the bottom is fixed to the left-side side beam 60.

[0118] like Figure 3As shown in the partial diagram, three right-side mounting brackets 52B are provided on the right side, forward of the front bulkhead 50, for securing the right-side front wheel suspension support member 51B. The three right-side mounting brackets 52B are spaced apart vertically, and their front portions are fixed to the front wheel suspension support member 51B. On the other hand, the rear portion of the right-side mounting bracket 52B located at the top and middle vertically is fixed to the right-side hinge pillar 70 and the right side of the front bulkhead 50. Furthermore, the rear portion of the right-side mounting bracket 52B located at the bottom is fixed to the right-side side beam 60.

[0119] like Figure 2 As shown, a left-side crash can 53A extending forward is fixed to the front of the left-side front wheel suspension support member 51A. Similarly, a right-side crash can 53B extending forward is fixed to the front of the right-side front wheel suspension support member 51B. Bumper reinforcement members 140 extending in the left-right direction are installed at the front of both the left-side crash can 53A and the right-side crash can 53B.

[0120] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper structure 3 includes a left front frame 54A and a right front frame 54B. Specifically, a left front frame 54A, connecting the front part of the center frame 80 (described later) to the left front wheel suspension support member 51A, and a right front frame 54B, connecting the front part of the center frame 80 to the right front wheel suspension support member 51B, are located further forward than the front bulkhead 50. The left front frame 54A is tilted so that it is further forward and located further to the left. The right front frame 54B is tilted so that it is further forward and located further to the right. By connecting the left and right front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B to the front part of the center frame 80, the rigidity of the front wheel suspension support members 51A and 51B can be improved, thus enhancing the vehicle's handling stability. Furthermore, the rigidity of the front of the vehicle, including the periphery of the extended front bulkhead 50, can also be improved.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a rear crossbeam 44E is provided below the left load input section 110a and the right load input section 110b. The rear crossbeam 44E is connected to the rear of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41.

[0125] The upper structure 3 can be divided into, for example, a front body structure and a rear body structure. Figure 4As shown, the rear portion of the left rear bracket 111 A 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 bracket 111 A is inclined in a manner that the farther to the front side, the lower in the side view, and inclined in a manner that the farther to the front side, the closer to the center portion in the vehicle width direction in the plan view. As shown, the rear portion of the right rear bracket 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 bracket 111B is inclined in a manner that the farther to the front side, the lower in the side view, and inclined in a manner that the farther to the front side, the closer to the center portion in the vehicle width direction in the plan view. As shown, the rear portion of the left rear bracket 111 A is connected to the front-rear direction intermediate portion of the left rear side bracket 112A. Thus, the left rear bracket 111 A is a left connecting bracket that extends from the rear portion of the center bracket 80 to the left rear side bracket 112A and connects the rear portion of the center bracket 80 to the left rear side bracket 112A. The left rear bracket 111 A is a left rear connecting bracket that also connects the left load input portion 110a and the rear cross member 44E. That is, the rear portion of the left rear bracket 111 A is also fixed to the left load input portion 110a, and the front portion of the left rear bracket 111 A is also fixed to the rear cross member 44E.

[0126] The left rear bracket 111 A and the right rear bracket 111B are disposed below the trunk space side floor panel 42. As shown, the rear portion of the left rear bracket 111 A 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 bracket 111 A is inclined in a manner that the farther to the front side, the lower in the side view, and inclined in a manner that the farther to the front side, the closer to the center portion in the vehicle width direction in the plan view. As shown, the rear portion of the right rear bracket 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 bracket 111B is inclined in a manner that the farther to the front side, the lower in the side view, and inclined in a manner that the farther to the front side, the closer to the center portion in the vehicle width direction in the plan view. As shown, the rear portion of the left rear bracket 111 A is connected to the front-rear direction intermediate portion of the left rear side bracket 112A. Thus, the left rear bracket 111 A is a left connecting bracket that extends from the rear portion of the center bracket 80 to the left rear side bracket 112A and connects the rear portion of the center bracket 80 to the left rear side bracket 112A. The left rear bracket 111 A is a left rear connecting bracket that also connects the left load input portion 110a and the rear cross member 44E. That is, the rear portion of the left rear bracket 111 A is also fixed to the left load input portion 110a, and the front portion of the left rear bracket 111 A is also fixed to the rear cross member 44E. Figure 6 Figure 4 Figure 4

[0127]

[0128] ​​​​Furthermore, the rear part of the right rear frame 111B is also connected to the middle part of the right rear side frame 112B in the front-rear direction. Thus, the right rear frame 111B becomes a right-side connecting frame extending from the rear part of the center frame 80 to the right rear side frame 112B, connecting the rear part of the center frame 80 to the right rear side frame 112B. The right rear frame 111B is also a right-side rear connecting frame that connects the right load input section 110b to the rear crossbeam 44E. That is, the rear part of the right rear frame 111B is also fixed to the right load input section 110b, and the front part of the right rear frame 111B is also fixed to the rear crossbeam 44E.

[0129] The left rear frame 111A is arranged at an upward angle toward the left load input section 110a. Therefore, the upward load from the rear suspension device SP3 is input to the left rear frame 111A in the tensile direction. As a result, compared with the case where a load in the compressive direction is input, it is difficult to cause flexural deformation of the left rear frame 111A, thereby suppressing vibration and noise caused by the load input from the rear suspension device SP3. The same applies to the right rear frame 111B.

[0130] A left rear frame 111A is positioned in front of the left rear driveshaft S2. The left rear driveshaft S2 is configured to overlap with a portion of the left rear frame 111A when viewed from the front-rear direction. Specifically, the height of the middle portion of the left rear driveshaft S2 in the left-right direction is approximately the same as the height of the portion between the front and rear portions of the left rear frame 111A.

[0131] Furthermore, a right rear frame 111B is positioned in front of the right rear driveshaft S2. The right rear driveshaft S2 is configured such that a portion of it coincides with a portion of the right rear frame 111B when viewed from the front-rear direction. Specifically, the height of the middle portion of the right rear driveshaft S2 in the left-right direction is approximately the same as the height of the portion between the front and rear portions of the right rear frame 111B.

[0132] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As 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.

[0133] The front cross member 44A is provided at the front portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41. The front portion of the front cross member 44A is also joined to the lower portion of the dash panel 50. The intermediate cross member 44B is provided at a position behind the front cross member 44A and forward of the recessed portion 41a, and a closed cross section is formed by the intermediate cross member 44B and the passenger space side floor panel 41. The rear cross member 44E is provided at the rear portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41. The rear cross member 44E is also fixed to the connection panel 43.

[0134] The recessed portion front side cross member 44C is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction along the front portion of the recessed portion 41a behind the intermediate cross member 44B. The recessed portion rear side cross member 44D is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction along the rear portion of the recessed portion 41a behind the recessed portion front side cross member 44C. A closed cross section is formed by the recessed portion front side cross member 44C and the passenger space side floor panel 41, and a closed cross section is also formed by the recessed portion rear side cross member 44D and the passenger space side floor panel 41. By providing the recessed portion front side cross member 44C and the recessed portion rear side cross member 44D, the portion in which the recessed portion 41a is formed can be strengthened. The front portion of the floor frame 41c provided inside the recessed portion 41a is connected to the left-right direction central portion of the recessed portion front side cross member 44C, and the rear portion of the floor frame 41c is connected to the left-right direction central portion of the recessed portion rear side cross member 44D.

[0135] As shown in Figure 8 The upper structure 3 is provided with a pair of left side seat rails 90 that support the left front seat FS, and a pair of right side seat rails 91 that support the right front seat FS. The left side seat rails 90 are used to adjust the front-rear direction position of the left front seat FS, and are provided at the left side of the passenger space side floor panel 41 so as to extend in the front-rear direction. Further, the right side seat rails 91 are used to adjust the front-rear direction position of the right front seat FS, and are provided at the right side of the passenger space side floor panel 41 so as to extend in the front-rear direction.

[0136] The left side seat rails 90 are positioned above and are attached to the intermediate cross member 44B and the recessed portion front side cross member 44C. That is, as also shown in Figure 9 The left side seat rails 90 extend from the intermediate cross member 44B to the recessed portion front side cross member 44C, the front portion of the left side seat rails 90 is attached to the intermediate cross member 44B, and the rear portion of the left side seat rails 90 is attached to the recessed portion front side cross member 44C.

[0137] The right side seat rails 91 also extend from the intermediate cross member 44B to the recessed portion front side cross member 44C, the front portion of the right side seat rails 91 is attached to the intermediate cross member 44B, and the rear portion of the right side seat rails 91 is attached to the recessed portion front side cross member 44C.

[0138] AsFigure 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.

[0139] 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 11 The 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 ).

[0140] like Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1, the upper structure 3 has a center frame 80 that is continuous from the dash panel 50 to the connection panel 43. The center frame 80 is positioned in the left-right direction central portion, and the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 of the battery cells Y are also positioned in the left-right direction central portion. That is, the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 and the center frame 80 are arranged so as to be in a positional relationship in which they overlap each other in plan view.

[0141] Further, the center frame 80 is arranged so as to be separated upward from the passenger space side floor panel 41 in the left-right direction central portion of the passenger space Rl, 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 space side floor panel 41 can be set to be, for example, 10 cm or more or 20 cm or more at the most distant portion. On the left side of the center frame 80, the left front seat FS and the rear seat RS are arranged, and on the right side of the center frame 80, the right front seat FS and the rear seat RS are arranged.

[0142] By arranging the center frame 80 so as to be separated upward from the passenger space side floor panel 41, it is possible to arrange, for example, a component or the like between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41. Further, it is possible to use the space between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger space side floor panel 41 as an article storage portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the center frame 80 is arranged so as to be separated upward from the passenger space side floor panel 41 in the left-right direction central portion of the passenger space Rl, 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 space side floor panel 41 can be set to be, for example, 10 cm or more or 20 cm or more at the most distant portion. On the left side of the center frame 80, the left front seat FS and the rear seat RS are arranged, and on the right side of the center frame 80, the right front seat FS and the rear seat RS are arranged. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, the center frame 80 of this embodiment has a bent portion 80A that is bent in the up-down direction at the front-rear direction intermediate portion. By providing the bent portion 80A in the center frame 80, it is possible to make the rear side portion of the center frame 80 lower than the front side portion of the center frame 80, for example, and thus it is possible to improve the ride comfort of the rear seat occupant. Further, it is possible to make the front side portion of the center frame 80 higher than the rear side portion of the center frame 80, and thus it is possible to arrange a large component or article, a plurality of components, or the like under the front side portion of the center frame 80. The bent portion 80A is formed at a position in the center frame 80 that is forward of the front-rear direction central portion. The position at which the bent portion 80A is formed is not limited to the position shown in the drawing, and can be, for example, the front-rear direction central portion of the center frame 80 or a position in the center frame 80 that is rearward of the front-rear direction central portion.

[0143] That is, the center frame 80 has a front side frame member 81 extending in the front-rear direction, a rear side frame member 82 provided at the vehicle rear of the front side frame member 81 and extending rearward, and a connecting member 83 connecting the rear portion of the front side frame member 81 with the front portion of the rear side frame member 82. The front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82 are hollow, i.e., cylindrical, and can be formed of extruded members, for example. By making the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82 hollow, a lightweight and highly rigid member can be obtained. In the case where the center frame 80 is used as a blowout mechanism of air-conditioning air to be described later, the rear portion of the rear side frame member 82 can also be closed to prevent leakage of the air-conditioning air.

[0144] The vertical cross section of the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82 along the vehicle width direction is rectangular, and therefore the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82 have upper and lower wall portions extending in the left-right direction and left and right side wall portions extending in the up-down direction. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame 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.

[0145] The lengthwise dimension of the rear side frame member 82 is set to be longer than the lengthwise dimension of the front side frame member 81. Therefore, the connecting portion of the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82 is located at a position forward of the central portion in the front-rear direction of the passenger compartment R1. Note that the center frame 80 is not limited to a two-part structure of the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82, and can be formed of one member from the front portion to the rear portion, or can be a three-part structure.

[0146] The front side frame member 81 is inclined at a first inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane and extends linearly. On the other hand, the rear side frame member 82 is inclined at a second inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane, which is smaller than the first inclination angle, and extends linearly. That is, the rear side frame member 82 is inclined at a different inclination angle from the front side frame member 81, and therefore a bent portion 80A bent toward the lower side is formed at the connecting portion of the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82. In this embodiment, the rear side frame member 82 is inclined so as to be lowered toward the rear side. Note that the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82 can also be inclined at the same inclination angle. In this case, the bent portion 80A is not formed.

[0147] As Figure 12 and Figure 13As 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] like Figure 14-16 As shown, the connecting member 83 is a cylindrical shape that allows communication between the rear part of the front frame member 81 and the front part of the rear frame member 82. The rear part of the front frame member 81 and the front part of the rear frame member 82 are connected in a state where they are inserted into the connecting member 83. Specifically, the connecting member 83 has an upper wall portion 83a and a lower wall portion 83b extending in the left-right direction, and a left wall portion 83c and a right wall portion 83d extending in the up-down direction. The upper wall portion 83a extends from the upper part of the left wall portion 83c to the upper part of the right wall portion 83d, and the lower wall portion 83b extends from the lower part of the left wall portion 83c to the lower part of the right wall portion 83d. The front-back dimension of the lower wall portion 83b of the connecting member 83 is set to be longer than the front-back dimension of the upper wall portion 83a. Corresponding to the difference in the front-back dimensions of the upper wall portion 83a and the lower wall portion 83b, the front-back dimensions of the left wall portion 83c and the right wall portion 83d are longer towards the lower side.

[0150] Inside the connecting member 83, there is a first connecting wall portion 83e extending in the left-right direction from the middle of the left wall portion 83c to the middle of the right wall portion 83d, and a second connecting wall portion 83f extending in the left-right direction from the middle of the upper wall portion 83a to the middle of the lower wall portion 83b. The first connecting wall portion 83e and the second connecting 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.

[0151] On the front side of the second connecting wall portion 83f, a front notch 83g is formed for the rear portion of the front structural member 81 to be inserted. Furthermore, on the rear side of the second connecting wall portion 83f, a rear notch 83h is formed for the front portion of the rear structural member 82 to be inserted. If the front structural member 81 and the rear structural member 82 are connected by a connecting member 83, the upper left passage T11, upper right passage T12, lower left passage T13, and lower right passage T14 of the front structural member 81 are respectively connected to the upper left passage T11, upper right passage T12, lower left passage T13, and lower right passage T14 of the rear structural member 82.

[0152] Alternatively, the buckling portion 80A can be omitted from the connecting member 83. In this case, the buckling portion 80A of the center frame 80 is formed by bending the center frame 80. For example, bending can be performed simultaneously with the extrusion process of the center frame 80, or bending can be performed after the extrusion process.

[0153] like Figure 17 As shown, the upper structure 3 includes an air conditioning unit 120 that generates air conditioning air to be blown into the passenger compartment R1. This air conditioning unit 120 is positioned forward of the front of the front structural member 81, in front of the center frame 80. Details of the air conditioning unit 120 will be described later.

[0154] In addition, such as Figure 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 20As shown, the rear portion of the left front frame 54A has a left connecting portion 54a. The left connecting portion 54a is a member for connecting the left front frame 54A to the front portion of the left side frame forming member 84A, and is fixed to the dash panel 50. The front portion of the left front frame 54A extends to the left side front wheel suspension support member 51A, and is fixed to the left side front wheel suspension support member 51A.

[0155] Further, the rear portion of the right side frame forming member 84B is fixed to the right side surface of the front-rear direction intermediate portion of the front side frame member 81. The right side frame forming member 84B is inclined in plan view so as to be located more to the right side as it goes further forward from the fixed portion on the front side frame member 81. The front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B is joined to the portion on the dash panel 50 that separates upward from the passenger room side floor panel 41. The rear portion of the right front frame 54B (as shown) is connected to the front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B. Specifically, the rear portion of the right front frame 54B has a right connecting portion 54b, as shown. Figure 4 Figure 20 Further, the rear portion of the right side frame forming member 84B is fixed to the right side surface of the front-rear direction intermediate portion of the front side frame member 81. The right side frame forming member 84B is inclined in plan view so as to be located more to the right side as it goes further forward from the fixed portion on the front side frame member 81. The front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B is joined to the portion on the dash panel 50 that separates upward from the passenger room side floor panel 41. The rear portion of the right front frame 54B (as shown) is connected to the front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B. Specifically, the rear portion of the right front frame 54B has a right connecting portion 54b, as shown.

[0156] The upper structure body 3 is provided with a plurality of connecting members 101 to 103. The connecting members 101 to 103 extend upward from the passenger room side floor panel 41, are fixed to the center frame 80, and are members for joining the center frame 80 to the passenger room side floor panel 41. The connecting members 101 to 103 include a first connecting member 101, a second connecting member 102, and a third connecting member 103, which are formed of, for example, extruded members. The number of the connecting members 101 to 103 is not limited to a plurality, and can be one.

[0157] Among the first to third connecting members 101 to 103, the first connecting member 101 is disposed at the foremost in the passenger room Rl, and separates rearward from the dash panel 50. The lower portion of the first connecting member 101 is fixed to the portion on the passenger room side floor panel 41 that separates rearward from the dash panel 50, and the upper portion of the first connecting member 101 is fixed to the portion on the center frame 80 that separates rearward from the dash panel 50. Thus, a closed cross-sectional configuration is formed in side view by the center frame 80, the first connecting member 101, the passenger room side floor panel 41, and the dash panel 50. That is, the center frame 80, the first connecting member 101, the passenger room side floor panel 41, and the dash panel 50 are connected to become a ring-shaped configuration.

[0158] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the rear portion of the front side frame member 81. Specifically, the front portion of the center frame 80 has a front connecting portion 80a, as shown. 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] Furthermore, in the front view, the right-side member 101B extends obliquely upwards from the front crossbeam 44A, becoming more rightward as it rises. The upper part of the right-side member 101B is fixed to the front part of the right-side structural member 84B of the center frame 80. The upper part of the right-side member 101B can also be fixed to the right-side connecting part 54b. In this case, the right-side member 101B connects the right-side connecting part 54b to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. In addition, since the front parts of the left-side structural member 84A and the right-side structural member 84B are separated in the left-right direction, most of the left-side member 101A and the right-side member 101B, except for their lower parts, are separated in the left-right direction, and the distance between the left-side member 101A and the right-side member 101B in the left-right direction becomes wider as it rises.

[0161] Although not shown, the first link member 101 can also link the rear portion of the left front frame 54A to the passenger space side floor panel 41. In this case, the upper portion of the left member 101 A of the first link member 101 is fixed to the rear portion of the left front frame 54A, and the lower portion of the left member 101 A 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 front frame 54B to the passenger space side floor panel 41. In this case, the upper portion of the right member 101 B of the first link member 101 is fixed to the rear portion of the right front frame 54B, and the lower portion of the right member 101 B is fixed to the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0162] 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 dimension of 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 member 101 A or the right member 101 B.

[0163] The lower portion of the second link member 102 is fixed to the left and right seat rails 90 and 91 of the front common bracket 45 provided on the intermediate cross beam 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 beam 44B is ensured to be large, and the fixing strength is also improved. 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 linking strength of the second link member 102 to the center frame 80 can be further improved. In addition, the lower portion of the second link member 102 can be directly fixed to the main portion of the passenger space side floor panel 41 or directly fixed to the intermediate cross beam 44B.

[0164] 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 space side floor panel 41. Since the dimension of the lower wall portion 83b of the connecting member 83 in the front-rear direction is longer than the dimension of the upper wall portion 83a in the front-rear direction, 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.

[0165] The third link member 103 has a cross section that is long in the left-right direction, like the second link member 102. The lower portion of the third link member 103 is fixed to the front side cross member 44C of the recessed portion. The upper portion of the third link member 103 is fixed to the lower wall portion of the rear side 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] The rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the rear cross member 44E and the connection panel 43. Specifically, a rear link member 104 is fixed to the rear portion of the center frame 80, and the left-right direction central portion of the rear cross member 44E is fixed to the lower portion of the rear link member 104. The rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the rear cross member 44E via the rear link member 104.

[0168] Further, the front portions of the left side rear frame 111A and the right side rear frame 111B are fixed to the lower portion of the rear link member 104. Thus, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the left side rear suspension support member 110A via the left side rear frame 111A, and the rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the right side rear suspension support member 110B via the right side 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.

[0169] Figure 18 Further, the front portions of the left side rear frame 111A and the right side rear frame 111B are fixed to the lower portion of the rear link member 104. Thus, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the left side rear suspension support member 110A via the left side rear frame 111A, and the rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the right side rear suspension support member 110B via the right side 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. Figure 19is 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 joined to the rear portion of the floor frame 41c. This 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 deterioration in comfort of the rear seat occupant can be avoided. The rear portion of the center frame 80 is also fixed to the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0170] Further, in Figure 19 In the example shown, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is also joined 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 its vicinity are reinforced by the recess portion rear side beam 44D. Further, the recess portion 41a and its vicinity are also reinforced by the floor frame 41c. Since the center frame 80, which is separated upward from the passenger space side floor panel 41, is joined to the floor frame 41c, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be sufficiently improved.

[0171] As Figure 5 shown, the traveling motor M of the rear side powertrain PT is supported to the rear support frame 30 via a mounting member or the like, not shown, and is disposed at a position rearward of 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 of at least a portion of the upper portion to 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 rotation center of the rear side traveling motor M, i.e., the height of the central portion in the up-down 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 joined to the rear portion beam 44E, the connection panel 43, and the like, and is integrated with the passenger space side floor panel 41, the movement of the traveling motor M toward the front is prevented by the center frame 80. The movement of the traveling motor M toward the front is also prevented by the passenger space side floor panel 41 and the rear portion beam 44E.

[0172] Next, based on Figure 17The layout of the front-side powertrain PT is described. The front-side powertrain PT is supported on the front support frame 20 via the illustrated 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 forward of the first link member 101. Between the first link member 101 and the powertrain PT, at least a portion of the air-conditioning device 120 is disposed.

[0173] The air-conditioning device 120 has a cooler (heat exchanger) 121 through which air-conditioning air 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-conditioning air. However, it is not limited thereto, and instead of the cooler 121, a heating heat exchanger composed of a heating core that heats air-conditioning air, a condenser, or the like can be used, and the cooler can be provided in other portions. The cooler 121 of this embodiment is provided 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 form a portion of the air-conditioning device 120.

[0174] The central portion of the cooler 121 in the vertical direction is disposed at a position higher than the center of rotation of the front-side traveling motor M. That is, for example, if the vehicle 1 collides from the front and a rearward impact load is applied to the powertrain PT, depending on the magnitude of the impact load, the powertrain PT starts to retreat. Since the front-side powertrain PT is disposed as described above, the center tunnel 80 that extends in the front-rear direction is disposed behind the powertrain PT in a state of being connected to the passenger space side floor panel 41 by the link members 101 to 103. Thus, by the center tunnel 80 and the link members 101 to 103, the retreat of the powertrain PT is suppressed. In addition, behind the powertrain PT, there is the passenger space side floor panel 41, and thus there is a case where the retreat of the powertrain PT is further suppressed by the passenger space side floor panel 41.

[0175] Next, a specific configuration example of the air-conditioning device 120 is described. Inside the air-conditioning case 122 of the air-conditioning device 120, in addition to the aforementioned cooler 121, a heater that is not illustrated, an air mixing damper 122a that is used to change the mixing ratio of cool air that has passed through the cooler 121 and warm air that has passed through the heater to generate air-conditioning air of a desired temperature, and a blow direction switching damper 122b that is used to distribute the generated air-conditioning air of the desired temperature to each portion of the vehicle cabin are housed. By the operation of the blow direction switching damper 122b, it is possible to supply air-conditioning air to the inner surface of the front window glass FG (illustrated), or to the upper body of the occupant, or to the vicinity of the feet of the occupant. The operation of the blow direction switching damper 122b is known in the art. Figure 1

[0176] ​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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] (Layout of the control unit)

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] ​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.

[0190] (Cooling path)

[0191] Next, the cooling path will be described. Figure 21 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a 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 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 cooled by 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.

[0192] As shown in Figure 17 , the cooler 121 is disposed at a position further rearward than the powertrain PT on the front side, close to the cowl panel 50. By this, the cooler 121 can be made 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.

[0193] 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 the occupant and 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.

[0194] (EFFECTS OF THE EMBODIMENTS)

[0195] As described above, according to this embodiment, the heat exchange medium cooled by the cooler 121 is supplied to the control device 130 through the supply pipe 131, and therefore the temperature rise of the control device 130 disposed in the occupant space R1 is suppressed. At this time, since the cooler 121 is close to the control device 130, the length of the supply pipe 131 can be shortened, and the pipe path is simplified. Thus, the pressure loss at the time of supplying the heat exchange medium is reduced, and the loss of the cold and heat during the period from the cooler 121 to the control device 130 is reduced, and therefore the control device 130 can be efficiently cooled.

[0196] Further, the cooler 121 is a part of the air conditioning device 120 and can cool the air conditioning air. Thus, by the cooler 121 possessed by the air conditioning device 120, not only the air conditioning air but also the cooling water for cooling the control device 130 can be cooled, and therefore the cooling structure is compact.

[0197] 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.

[0198] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0199] 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 provided in an automobile, characterized by comprising: Possessing: a floor panel extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a dash panel extending upward from a front portion of the floor panel, dividing a vehicle front portion of an occupant space; a heat exchanger provided at a position closer to a front of the vehicle than the dash panel; a control device provided in the occupant space, controlling a controlled portion mounted on the automobile; and a supply pipe supplying a heat exchange medium, which has been subjected to heat exchange in the heat exchanger, to the control device, the heat exchanger is closer to the control device than a power unit mounted on the automobile, the vehicle body structure possesses an air conditioning device that blows air conditioning air into the occupant space, the heat exchanger is a part of the air conditioning device, and cools the air conditioning air, the vehicle body structure possesses: a center frame extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, provided upward from a central portion in a vehicle width direction of the occupant space, of the floor panel; and a link member extending upward from a portion of the floor panel closer to the front of the vehicle than the control device, an upper portion of which is fixed to the center frame, and a lower portion of which is fixed to the floor panel, linking the center frame to the floor panel, the link member has a left side member on a left side in the vehicle width direction, and a right side member on a right side in the vehicle width direction, at least a portion of the left side member and the right side member being separated in the vehicle width direction, the supply pipe is provided between the left side member and the right side member.

2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein a front portion of the center frame is composed of a left side frame constituting member and a right side frame constituting member provided at intervals from each other in the vehicle width direction, an upper portion of the left side member of the link member is fixed to the left side frame constituting member, an upper portion of the right side member of the link member is fixed to the right side frame constituting member.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein the center frame is a hollow center frame extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, the vehicle body structure possesses a duct that communicates a blow-out portion possessed by the air conditioning device with an inside of the center frame, and guides air conditioning air blown out from the blow-out portion into the inside of the center frame, the duct is provided above the control device.

4. The vehicle body structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by Possessing: a traveling motor; a battery unit that supplies electric power to the traveling motor; and an exhaust pipe that exhausts a heat exchange medium supplied to the control device, and supplies to the battery.

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