Vehicle body structure for electric vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle body structure of an electric automobile, in a vehicle body structure without a floor tunnel that greatly bulges upward from a floor panel, sufficiently ensures torsional rigidity of the vehicle body and improves layout of an air-conditioning air supply path. A vehicle body structure (A) of an electric automobile includes a floor panel (41) that constitutes a floor of an occupant space (R1); a hollow center tunnel (80) that extends in a vehicle front-rear direction and is provided so as to be separated upward from the floor panel (41) at a vehicle width direction central portion of the occupant space (R1); and a duct (122d) that communicates an air-conditioning device (120) with an inside of the center tunnel (80) and introduces air-conditioning air into the inside of the center tunnel (80).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

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

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

[0004] In Patent Literature 1, a duct connected to a blow-out portion of an air conditioning device is disposed in the closed cross section constituted by the tunnel portion and the tunnel members, and thus air conditioning air can be guided toward each portion of the passenger compartment.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-041395 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] However, in an automobile provided with a tunnel portion like Patent Literature 1, the rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved by the tunnel portion, and the rigidity of the vehicle body can also be improved by the closed cross section structure extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction constituted by the tunnel portion and the tunnel members, but in an automobile without the tunnel portion, how to improve the rigidity of the vehicle body becomes a problem.

[0010] That is, a general tunnel portion is largely bulged upward than the bottom of a seat cushion as described above, and thus the rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved to some extent by only providing such a tunnel portion, but in an automobile without the tunnel portion, not only the rigidity of the original vehicle body is easily reduced, but also it is disadvantageous in terms of rigidity that the tunnel frame of Patent Literature 1 cannot be provided.

[0011] Therefore, in order to reinforce the floor panel itself, a method of forming a partial closed cross-sectional structure on the floor panel by joining a reinforcing member like the passage member of Patent Literature 1 to the upper surface portion and the lower surface portion of the floor panel can be considered. However, since the floor panel is located in the lower portion of the vehicle body, when the vehicle body as a whole is considered, merely increasing the rigidity of the floor panel is not enough, particularly for improving the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body. Assuming that the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body is to be improved by the reinforcing structure of the floor panel alone, the reinforcing structure of the reinforcing member becomes a very large structure, which is heavy and inefficient. In any case, if the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body is to be set to the same degree as that of Patent Literature 1 or more, a reinforcing structure like that of Patent Literature 1 is required in the portion that is separated upward from the floor panel, but since the floor panel is as described above without a passage portion, this reinforcing structure cannot be adopted.

[0012] Further, in an automobile, how to layout an air conditioning duct becomes a technical problem. That is, if the comfort of an occupant is considered, it is desirable to simultaneously achieve an increase in the air conditioning air volume and a reduction in the sound of air supply, but if both of these are to be achieved simultaneously, a large cross-sectional air conditioning duct is required. However, in the case where there is no floor passage, since there is no closed cross-section that is constituted by a passage portion and a passage member like Patent Literature 1, the air conditioning duct cannot be laid out using this. As a result, it is necessary to take a complicated path inside the passenger compartment, and the layout deteriorates.

[0013] The present application was made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to sufficiently ensure the torsional rigidity of a vehicle body and improve the layout of the air conditioning air supply path in a vehicle body structure that has no floor passage that greatly bulges upward from a floor panel.

[0014] Solution to the technical problem

[0015] To achieve the foregoing object, a first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle body structure of an electric automobile that has a traveling motor and a battery unit that supplies electric power to the traveling motor. The vehicle body structure of the electric automobile includes a floor panel that constitutes a floor of an occupant space provided with a seat on which an occupant sits; a hollow center frame that extends in a vehicle front-rear direction and is provided so as to be separated upward from the floor panel at a central portion in a vehicle width direction of the occupant space; and a duct that communicates a blow-out portion of an air conditioning device with an inside of the center frame and introduces air conditioning air blown out from the blow-out portion into the inside of the center frame.

[0016] According to this configuration, by utilizing the center frame that is separated upward from the floor panel, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be sufficiently improved, although there is a floor panel that has no floor passage.

[0017] Further, the air-conditioning air generated by the air-conditioning device is introduced into the interior of the center pillar via the air duct. The center pillar is able to guide the air-conditioning air to a desired portion in the front-rear direction in the occupant space because it extends in the front-rear direction. At this time, the center pillar has a large cross section that is able to improve the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body to such a degree that the sound of the air supply is suppressed to be low even if the amount of air-conditioning air is increased.

[0018] Further, in the case where no heat insulating material or the like is provided on the center pillar, the heat of the air-conditioning air circulating in the interior of the center pillar is transferred to the wall portion of the center pillar, and radiated from the outer surface of the wall portion toward the occupant space. Thus, comfortable air conditioning using radiant heat can be achieved.

[0019] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a first partition wall portion that separates an upper passage and a lower passage is provided in the interior of the center pillar in a manner extending in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-rear direction. An upper air supply portion for blowing the air-conditioning air in the upper passage upward is provided on a portion of the upper wall portion of the center pillar that is separated from the air duct toward the rear of the vehicle, and a lower air supply portion for blowing the air-conditioning air in the lower passage downward is provided on a portion of the lower wall portion of the center pillar that is separated from the air duct toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0020] According to this configuration, the rigidity of the center pillar is improved by the first partition wall portion, and thus the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body is further improved. The air-conditioning air circulating in the upper passage in the center pillar is blown from the upper air supply portion toward the upper body portion of the occupant. Further, the air-conditioning air circulating in the lower passage in the center pillar is blown from the lower air supply portion toward the vicinity of the feet of the occupant. Thus, the comfort is improved in both the upper body portion and the feet of the occupant.

[0021] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a second partition wall portion that separates a left passage on the left side in the vehicle width direction and a right passage on the right side in the vehicle width direction is provided in the interior of the center pillar in a manner extending in the up-down direction and the vehicle front-rear direction. An left air supply portion for blowing the air-conditioning air in the left passage is provided on a portion of the upper wall portion of the center pillar that is separated from the air duct toward the rear of the vehicle, and a right air supply portion for blowing the air-conditioning air in the right passage is provided on a portion of the upper wall portion of the center pillar that is separated from the air duct toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0022] According to this configuration, the rigidity of the center pillar is improved by the second partition wall portion, and thus the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be further improved. The air-conditioning air circulating in the left passage in the center pillar is blown from the left air supply portion, and further, the air-conditioning air circulating in the right passage in the center pillar is blown from the right air supply portion. Thus, the occupant space can be efficiently air-conditioned in a large range.

[0023] In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a recessed portion recessed downward can be formed in the floor panel. In this case, the lower air supply portion is constituted by a foot pipe extending downward toward the recessed portion.

[0024] According to this configuration, for example, the occupant's comfort is improved by placing the feet in the recessed portion. In this case, although the center frame is distanced from the occupant's feet in the vertical direction, since air-conditioning air can be blown toward the recessed portion and its vicinity, etc. by the foot pipe, the comfort is not impaired.

[0025] In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the foot pipe is bent toward the outside in the vehicle width direction after extending downward from the center frame.

[0026] According to this configuration, in the case where the occupant sits on the left and right of the center frame, air-conditioning air at a desired temperature can be supplied to the left and right occupants, respectively.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] As described above, by providing the hollow center frame separated upward from the floor panel, even in the case of a vehicle body structure having a floor panel without a floor tunnel, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved, and further, since the air-conditioning air is introduced into the inside of the center frame by the air guide pipe, the center frame can be utilized as an air supply path for the air-conditioning air, and the layout can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a side view of an automobile having a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the automobile is divided into an upper structure and a lower structure.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the automobile is divided into an upper structure and a lower structure.

[0032] Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of the vehicle body structure.

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of line V-V in Figure 4

[0034] is a cross-sectional view of line VI-VI in Figure 6 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of line VII-VII in

[0035] Figure 7 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of line VII-VII in

[0036] Figure 8 ​​is an enlarged view showing a passenger space side floor panel and its vicinity.

[0037] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0038] Figure 10 is a plan view showing a part of a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0039] Figure 11 is an enlarged view showing a mounting portion of a seat rail and its vicinity.

[0040] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a bending portion of a center frame and its vicinity.

[0041] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a front portion of a rear side frame member constituting a center frame and its vicinity.

[0042] Figure 14 is an enlarged view showing a connecting member.

[0043] Figure 15 is an enlarged view showing a connecting member from another direction.

[0044] Figure 16 is a side view of a connecting member.

[0045] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioning device and its vicinity.

[0046] Figure 18 is an enlarged view showing a cowl panel and its vicinity from a rear side of a vehicle.

[0047] Figure 19 is a schematic view of a cooling path.

[0048] Figure 20 is a view showing a layout of a supply pipe and a discharge pipe of cooling water from a rear side.

[0049] Figure 21 is a view showing a layout of a supply pipe and a discharge pipe of cooling water from a left side.

[0050] Symbol Explanation

[0051] 1 vehicle

[0052] 41 passenger space side floor panel

[0053] 43 connecting panel

[0054] 44A front portion cross member

[0055] 50 cowl panel

[0056] 80 center frame

[0057] 101 first link member

[0058] 102 second link member

[0059] 120 air conditioning device

[0060] 120A air guide pipe

[0061] A vehicle body structure

[0062] R1 passenger space

[0063] R3 trunk space

[0064] Y battery unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] 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.

[0066] Figure 1 is a side view of an automobile 1 provided with a vehicle body structure A of an embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the left side. In the description of this embodiment, the vehicle front-rear direction is simply referred to as the "front-rear direction", the front side of the vehicle is simply referred to as the "front side", and the "rear side" of the vehicle is simply referred to as the rear. Further, the vehicle width direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle, the left side of the vehicle is simply referred to as the "left side", and the right side of the vehicle is simply referred to as the "right side".

[0067] (Overall configuration of automobile)

[0068] The automobile 1 is a passenger automobile, and in the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the automobile 1, a passenger space R1 for passengers to ride in is provided. In the passenger space R1, a front seat (front-seat seat) FS constituting a front seat and a rear seat (rear-seat seat) RS constituting a rear seat are provided. The front seat FS includes a driver's seat disposed on the right side (or left side) of the passenger space R1 and a front passenger's seat disposed on the left side (or right side) of the passenger space R1. The rear seat RS is also disposed on the right side and left side of the passenger space R1, respectively. Although not shown, a third seat can also be disposed behind the rear seat RS. Further, the rear seat RS is not essential and can be omitted.

[0069] A front door FD and a rear door RD are provided on the left side and right side of the passenger space R1, respectively. In the case of the automobile 1 without the rear seat RS, the rear door RD can be omitted.

[0070] A front side space R2 is provided in front of the passenger space Rl 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 in an upper portion of the front side space R2.

[0071] A trunk space R3 capable of accommodating luggage and the like is provided in a rear portion of the automobile 1 than the passenger space Rl. The trunk space R3 is openable and closable by a trunk lid TR. A rear side space R4 is provided in a rear portion of the automobile 1 than the passenger space Rl and below the trunk space R3. In the rear side space R4, a 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.

[0072] The powertrain PT can be mounted in both the front side space R2 and the rear side space R4, or can be mounted in only one of them. In the case where the powertrain PT is mounted in only the front side space R2, it is a front-wheel drive vehicle in which the powertrain PT drives only the front wheels FT. In the case where the powertrain PT is mounted in only the rear side space R4, it is a rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the powertrain PT drives only the rear wheels RT. Further, in the case where the powertrain PT is mounted in both the front side space R2 and the rear side space R4 to drive both the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT, it is a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0073] The powertrain PT includes at least a traveling motor M (shown in Figure 2 ) for driving the drive wheels, and can include a reduction gear, a transmission, or the like as needed. Thus, the automobile 1 is an electric automobile. The traveling motor M is disposed such that a rotation center thereof extends in the left-right direction. The powertrain PT can include, for example, a control unit or the like in addition to the traveling motor M. The powertrain PT can also include an internal combustion engine. A battery unit Y (also shown in Figure 1 ) for supplying electric power to the traveling motor M is mounted in a lower portion of the automobile 1. For example, charging of the battery unit Y can be performed using power generated by the internal combustion engine, or at least one of the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT can be driven by power generated by the internal combustion engine.

[0074] The automobile 1 can also not be Figure 1 the four-door vehicle shown as an example in the above embodiment, for example, can be an automobile without the rear door RD. Further, although not shown, the present application can also be applied to an automobile in which the rear side space R4 is openable and closable by a tailgate, like a hatchback car.

[0075] As Figure 2 shown, the automobile 1 is provided with a lower structure 2 and an upper structure 3, and a vehicle body structure A is configured 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 garnish devices, an instrument panel, front and rear seats, and the like, which 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, and the like, which are originally provided in the lower structure 2, are detached is shown.

[0076] The lower structure 2 is provided with a battery unit Y. The battery unit Y has front and rear side batteries FB and RB and a frame-shaped frame 10 that surrounds the front and rear side batteries FB and 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.

[0077] Although not shown, in the case of a general electric automobile, the battery unit is often provided under the floor as a member different from the vehicle body so as to be detachable, but in the present embodiment, not only the batteries FB and RB but also the front and rear support frames 20 and 30 are integrated on the frame-shaped frame 10 that surrounds the batteries FB and RB, and the front and rear support frames 20 and 30 are also detachable with respect to the upper structure 3 together with the batteries FB and RB.

[0078] Specifically, the automobile 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be vertically split into the lower structure 2 having the batteries FB and RB and the upper structure 3 that forms a passenger room R1 and a trunk room R3. The vertical split means that the lower structure 2 is integrated with respect to the upper structure 3 by using fastening members such as bolts and nuts, screws, and the like, instead of using welding and adhesion and the like. Thus, when maintenance and repair are performed after the automobile 1 is delivered to a user, the lower structure 2 can be separated from the upper structure 3 as needed, and thus the maintainability is good.

[0079] Here, as a vehicle body structure of an automobile, a vehicle body structure of a ladder frame type is known. In the case of the vehicle body structure of the ladder frame type, it is vertically split 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 vehicle body structure of the ladder frame type, 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.

[0080] In the case of the automobile 1 of this embodiment, although the lower structure 2, which has a front support frame 20, and the upper structure 3, can be separated, the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 bear the collision load in both frontal and rearward collisions and side collisions. This allows the collision load to be distributed and absorbed by the two structures 2 and 3, which is a significant departure from the conventional ladder frame type vehicle body structure. The structure of the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 will be described below.

[0081] (Lower structure)

[0082] First, let's explain the lower structure 2. In addition to the battery FB, RB, frame 10, front support frame 20, and rear support frame 30, the lower structure 2 also includes the powertrain PT, front wheel FT, and rear wheel RT. Figure 4 The front suspension devices SP1 and SP2 and the rear suspension devices SP3 and SP4 are represented by dashed lines. The form of the front suspension devices SP1 and SP2 and the rear suspension devices SP3 and SP4 is not particularly limited, and the vehicle structure can be changed according to the form of the front suspension devices SP1, SP2 and the rear suspension devices SP3 and SP4.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the frame 10 of the battery cell Y is a component used to surround and protect the front battery FB, the rear battery RB, wiring harnesses, etc. This frame 10 is a large component located below the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 (described later), extending from near the left end to near the right end of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, and from near the front end to near the rear end of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. By providing the frame 10 over such a wide area below the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, large-capacity batteries FB and RB can be mounted on the vehicle 1. The batteries FB and RB can be, for example, lithium-ion batteries, all-solid-state batteries, or other rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, the batteries FB and RB can be either individual battery cells or battery packs containing multiple battery cells.

[0084] The frame 10 includes a left side member 11, a right side member 12, a front member 13, and a rear member 14. The left side member 11, right side member 12, front member 13, and rear member 14 are, for example, made of extruded aluminum alloy, but can also be made of pressed aluminum alloy sheet or steel sheet. In the following description, "extruded" refers to an extruded aluminum alloy, and "pressed" refers to a pressed aluminum alloy sheet or steel sheet. Furthermore, each component can also be made of, for example, castings or die-castings.

[0085] 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 a rectangular shape. In addition, 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. In addition, 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 front wall 50 by a fastening member, and the left side member 11 and the right side member 12 are fastened and fixed to the left and right side sills 60, respectively, by fastening members. In addition, the rear side member 14 is fastened and fixed to the connection panel 43 described later by a fastening member.

[0086] The left side member 11 is provided at the left end portion of the lower structure 2 and extends in the front-rear direction. The right side member 12 is provided at the right end portion of the lower structure 2 and extends in the front-rear direction. The left side member 11 and the right side member 12 are arranged inward in the vehicle width direction of the left and right side sills 60 described later, respectively. In addition, 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.

[0087] A cover member 15 that becomes a floor panel is installed at 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.

[0088] Figure 5 A cross section of the central portion in the left-right direction of the vehicle body structure A is shown. As in this Figure 5As reinforcing members extending in the left-right direction, first to third battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are provided on the inner side of the frame-type frame 10. The first to third battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are all the same height as the front side member 13 and the rear side member 14. The first to third battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C can be formed of extruded members or press-formed members. In this embodiment, three battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are provided, but the number of battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C can be increased or decreased according to the size of the frame-type frame 10 in the front-rear direction.

[0089] The first to third battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are arranged at intervals from each other in the front-rear direction, with the first battery-side cross member 10A being located at the frontmost position and the third battery-side cross member 10C being located at the rearmost position. The lower portions of the battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are fixed to the upper surface of the cover member 15. In addition, the left end portions of the battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are fixed to the inner surface (right side surface) of the left side member 11, and the right end portions of the battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are fixed to the inner surface (left side surface) of the right side member 12. That is, the battery-side cross members 10A, 10B, 10C are members that connect the left side member 11 and the right side member 12.

[0090] On the inner side of the frame-type frame 10, a front central member 16 and first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are provided as reinforcing members extending in the front-rear direction. 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.

[0091] 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 in the center in the left-right direction of the frame-type 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.

[0092] The front central member 16 is arranged between the front side member 13 and the first battery-side cross member 10A, with the front end portion of the front central member 16 being fixed to the left-right direction central portion of the front side member 13 and the rear end portion of the front central member 16 being fixed to the left-right direction central portion of the first battery-side cross member 10A. Therefore, 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The front power unit PT is attached to the front support frames 20 via unillustrated attachment members. In this case, the front support frames 20 become front motor support frames that support the travel motor M in front of the battery cells Y. On the lower structure body 2, drive shafts S1 that transmit the output (rotational force of the travel motor M) of the power unit PT to the left and right front wheels FT, respectively, are provided.

[0098] Further, the left and right suspension arms that constitute a part of the front suspension devices SP1, SP2 indicated by broken lines in the figure are supported so as to be swingable in the up-and-down direction with respect to the left and right front support frames 20, respectively. The front support frames 20 can also be members for supporting the suspension arms without supporting the power unit PT. Figure 4

[0099] As shown in the figure, the rear support frames 30 are provided with a pair of left and right ones, which extend linearly toward the rear in a substantially horizontal manner. Each of the rear support frames 30 can be constituted by an extruded member, a press-molded member, or the like. In this embodiment, each of the rear support frames 30 is constituted by an extruded member. Figure 2

[0100] The left rear support frame 30 is connected to a portion of the rear side member 14 that constitutes the rear portion of the frame 10, which is located to the left of the center in the left-and-right direction, at a position that is located to the right of the left side member 11 of the frame 10. Further, the right rear support frame 30 is connected to a portion of the rear side member 14 that is located to the right of the center in the left-and-right direction, at a position that is located to the left of the right side member 12 of the frame 10.

[0101] The rear power unit PT is attached to the rear support frames 30 via unillustrated attachment members. In this case, the rear support frames 30 become rear motor support frames that support the travel motor M in rear of the battery cells Y. On the lower structure body 2, drive shafts S2 that transmit the output (rotational force of the travel motor M) of the power unit PT to the left and right rear wheels RT, respectively, are provided.

[0102] Further, the left and right suspension arms that constitute a part of the rear suspension devices SP3, SP4 indicated by broken lines in the figure are supported so as to be swingable in the up-and-down direction with respect to the left and right rear support frames 30, respectively. The rear support frames 30 can also be members for supporting the suspension arms without supporting the power unit PT. Figure 4 (upper structure body)

[0103]

[0104] ​​​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

[0105] The floor member 40 can be formed, for example, by press forming 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 as members and then connected. In this 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 these 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.

[0106] The passenger space side floor panel 41 extends from a front portion to a rear portion of the passenger space Rl and from a left side portion to a right side portion of the passenger space Rl. The passenger space side floor panel 41 of this embodiment is a floor tunnel-less structure that does not have a tunnel portion. That is, in a floor panel of a conventional automobile, a tunnel portion that greatly bulges 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 the front of the vehicle or a propeller shaft that transmits the output of the engine mounted in the engine compartment at the front of the vehicle to the rear wheels passes. In many cases, the diameter of the exhaust pipe or the propeller shaft is, for example, 10 cm or more, and in order to prevent interference between the exhaust pipe or the propeller shaft and the floor panel in advance, a gap of at least several cm or more is required between the exhaust pipe or the propeller shaft and the floor panel. Further, in some cases, an insulator or the like is provided on the inner surface of the tunnel portion. For these reasons, the bulging height of the tunnel portion from the floor panel is, for example, 15 cm or more or 20 cm or more, and in terms of the positional relationship with the seat, the upper end of the tunnel portion is higher than the lower end of the seat cushion on the seat rail or the central portion in the up-down direction of the seat cushion. A structure in which the tunnel portion does not greatly bulge upward in this way is a tunnel-less structure.

[0107] ​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 several cm or so, and therefore even if the rib is provided, it is a floor panel of the no passage structure.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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 that bulges 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.

[0110] 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 in the front-rear direction between the recessed portion 41a and the seat cushion of the rear seat RS is set so that when the rear seat occupant seated on the rear seat RS places his feet directly below, the feet are naturally placed on the floor surface portion 41b. The position of the front portion of the recessed portion 41a is set so that when the rear seat occupant seated on the rear seat RS moves his feet obliquely forward, the feet are placed on the floor surface portion 41b. That is, the position of the recessed portion 41a and the dimension in the front-rear direction are set so that even if the rear seat occupant moves his feet 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] The upper structure 3 can be divided into, for example, a front body structure and a rear body structure. Figure 4As shown, the upper structure 3 can be configured as a rear vehicle body structure, located further rearward than the passenger space side floor panel 41. Further rearward than the connecting panel 43 in the upper structure 3, there is a left rear frame 111A connecting the rear of the center frame 80 to the left rear wheel suspension support member 110A, and a right rear frame 111B connecting the rear of the center frame 80 to the right rear wheel suspension support member 110B. By connecting the left and right rear wheel suspension support members 110A and 110B to the rear of the center frame 80, the rigidity of the rear wheel suspension support members 110A and 110B can be improved, thus enhancing the vehicle's handling stability. Furthermore, the rigidity of the rear side of the vehicle, including the periphery of the connecting panel 43, can also be improved.

[0128] The left rear rack 111A and the right rear rack 111B are positioned below the side floor panel 42 of the trunk space. Figure 6 As shown, the rear part of the left rear frame 111A is fixed to the upper part of the rear wheel suspension support member 110A, i.e., the left load input part 110a. When viewed from the side, the left rear frame 111A tilts in a manner that extends from the upper part of the rear wheel suspension support member 110A towards the front, becoming lower as it moves forward, and as... Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from above, it tilts so that it is closer to the center of the vehicle width direction as it moves forward. Furthermore, the rear of the right rear frame 111B is fixed to the upper part of the rear wheel suspension support member 110B, i.e., the right load input section 110b. When viewed from the side, the right rear frame 111B tilts so that it is tilted from the upper part of the rear wheel suspension support member 110B towards the front, and becomes lower as it moves forward. Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from above, the structure is tilted so that it is closer to the center of the vehicle width direction as it moves forward. Therefore, the left rear frame 111A and the right rear frame 111B are respectively configured so that they are further out in the vehicle width direction as they move further back, and the gap between the left rear frame 111A and the right rear frame 111B becomes narrower as it moves forward.

[0129] Furthermore, the rear part of the left rear frame 111A is also connected to the middle part of the left rear side frame 112A in the front-rear direction. Thus, the left rear frame 111A becomes a left connecting frame that extends from the rear part of the center frame 80 to the left rear side frame 112A and connects the rear part of the center frame 80 to the left rear side frame 112A. The left rear frame 111A is also a left rear connecting frame that connects the left load input part 110a to the rear crossbeam 44E. That is, the rear part of the left rear frame 111A is also fixed to the left load input part 110a, and the front part of the left rear frame 111A is also fixed to the rear crossbeam 44E.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] like Figure 18 As shown, 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] As shown inFigure 10 As shown, the intermediate cross member 44B has a front common bracket 45 to which the front portions of the left and right seat rails 90 and 91 are attached in a state of being separated from each other in the left-right direction. In addition, in Figure 10 In the present embodiment, the center frame 80 is omitted. As shown in Figure 11 The front common bracket 45 is long in the left-right direction and is fixed to the upper surface of the intermediate cross member 44B. The left-right direction central portion of the front common bracket 45 is located at the left-right direction central portion of the intermediate cross member 44B. In the left-right direction central portion of the front common bracket 45, a central fixing portion 45a (shown only in Figure 10 and Figure 11 ) is provided to which the lower portion of the second link member 102 described later is inserted. To the left side of the central fixing portion 45a of the front common bracket 45, a left side fixing portion 45b (shown only in Figure 4 and Figure 11 ) is provided to which the front portion of the left side seat rail 90 is fixed by a fastening member (not shown) such as a bolt or a vis. To the right side of the central fixing portion 45a of the front common bracket 45, a right side fixing portion 45c (shown only in Figure 4 and Figure 11 ) is provided to which the front portion of the right side seat rail 91 is fixed by a fastening member (not shown). In addition, in Figure 3-5 , Figure 11 the seat rails are omitted.

[0141] Further, the recess front side cross member 44C has a rear common bracket 46 to which the rear portions of the left and right seat rails 90 and 91 are attached in a state of being separated from each other in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 11 The rear common bracket 46 is long in the left-right direction and is fixed to the upper surface of the recess front side cross member 44C. The left-right direction central portion of the rear common bracket 46 is located at the left-right direction central portion of the recess front side cross member 44C. In the left-right direction central portion of the rear common bracket 46, a central fixing portion 46a (shown only in Figure 10 and Figure 11 ) is provided to which the lower portion of the link member described later is fixed in an inserted state. To the left side of the central fixing portion 46a of the rear common bracket 46, a left side fixing portion 46b (shown only in Figure 4 and Figure 11 ) is provided to which the rear portion of the left side seat rail 90 is fixed by a fastening member (not shown). To the right side of the central fixing portion 46a of the rear common bracket 46, a right side fixing portion 46c (shown only in Figure 4 and Figure 11 ) is provided to which the rear portion of the right side seat rail 91 is fixed by a fastening member (not shown).

[0142] As shown in 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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 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.

[0145] ​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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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 front-rear direction central portion of the occupant space 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.

[0148] 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 smaller than the first inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane 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 configured to be inclined downward toward the rear side.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] In addition, such as Figure 18 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 18As 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.

[0157] Further, the rear portion of the right side frame forming member 84B is fixed to the right side surface of the front-rear direction middle 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. The right connecting portion 54b is a member for connecting the right front frame 54B to the front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B, and is fixed to the dash panel 50. The front portion of the right front frame 54B extends to the right side front wheel suspension support member 51B, and is fixed to the right side front wheel suspension support member 51B. Figure 4 Figure 18 Further, the rear portion of the right side frame forming member 84B is fixed to the right side surface of the front-rear direction middle 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. The right connecting portion 54b is a member for connecting the right front frame 54B to the front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B, and is fixed to the dash panel 50. The front portion of the right front frame 54B extends to the right side front wheel suspension support member 51B, and is fixed to the right side front wheel suspension support member 51B.

[0158] The upper structure body 3 is provided with a plurality of link members 101 to 103. The link 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 link members 101 to 103 include a first link member 101, a second link member 102, and a third link member 103, and are formed of, for example, extruded members. The number of the link members 101 to 103 is not limited to a plurality, and can be one.

[0159] Among the first to third link members 101 to 103, the first link 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 link 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 link member 101 is fixed to the portion on the center frame 80 that separates rearward from the dash panel 50. Thus, the center frame 80, the first link member 101, the passenger room side floor panel 41, and the dash panel 50 form a closed cross-sectional configuration in side view. That is, the center frame 80, the first link member 101, the passenger room side floor panel 41, and the dash panel 50 are connected to form a ring-shaped configuration.

[0160] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the portion on the dash panel 50 that separates upward from the passenger room side floor panel 41. The rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the front portion of the left side frame forming member 84A (as shown) and the front portion of the right side frame forming member 84B (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.

[0161] like Figure 18 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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 in the front-rear direction of the lower wall portion 83b of the connecting member 83 is longer than the dimension in the front-rear direction of the upper wall portion 83a, the engagement area with the second link member 102 can be ensured to be large. In the case where the connecting member 83 is omitted, the upper portion of the second link member 102 can be directly fixed to the center frame 80.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 6, the third link member 103 is also fixed to the front portion of the floor frame 41c. Figure 5As shown, the traveling motor M of the rear-side powertrain PT is supported to the rear support frame 30 via an unillustrated mounting member or the like, and is disposed behind the rear portion of the center frame 80. The height of the rear-side traveling motor M can be arbitrarily set according to the mounting height to the rear support frame 30. In this embodiment, the height of the rear-side traveling motor M is set so that the height from the upper portion to at least a portion of the lower portion of the rear-side traveling motor M is the same as the height of the rear portion of the center frame 80. Further, the height of the center of rotation of the rear-side traveling motor M, that is, the height of the central portion in the vertical direction of the traveling motor M, is set to be lower than the rear portion of the center frame 80. By thus disposing the rear-side powertrain PT, if, for example, an impact load from the rear of the vehicle is input to the traveling motor M so that the traveling motor M attempts to move toward the front of the vehicle, a load toward the front of the vehicle is applied to the rear portion of the center frame 80. At this time, since the rear portion of the center frame 80 is linked to the rear cross member 44E, the connection panel 43, and the like, and is integrated with the passenger room side floor panel 41, movement of the traveling motor M toward the front is prevented by the center frame 80. Movement of the traveling motor M toward the front is also prevented by the passenger room side floor panel 41 and the rear cross member 44E.

[0172] Next, based on the above-described layout of the powertrain PT, the operation of the air conditioning device 120 will be described. Figure 17 The layout of the front-side powertrain PT will be described. The front-side powertrain PT is supported to the front support frame 20 via an unillustrated mounting member or the like. The height of the front-side traveling motor M can be arbitrarily set according to the mounting height on the front support frame 20. The front-side powertrain PT is disposed in front of the first connection member 101. Between the first connection member 101 and the powertrain PT, at least a portion of the air conditioning device 120 is disposed.

[0173] The air conditioning device 120 has a cooler (heat exchanger) 121 through which air for air conditioning passes, and an air conditioning case 122 that houses the cooler 121. The cooler 121 is a cooling heat exchanger composed of an evaporator or the like that cools air for air conditioning. However, it is not limited thereto, and instead of the cooler 121, a heating heat exchanger composed of a heating core that heats air for air conditioning, a condenser, or the like can be used, and a cooler can be disposed in other portions. The cooler 121 of this embodiment is disposed at a position further forward than the cowl panel 50. In addition, although not illustrated, a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an expansion valve that depressurizes refrigerant, and the like also constitute a portion of the air conditioning device 120.

[0174] The central portion of the cooler 121 in the vertical direction is positioned above the rotation center of the front drive motor M. That is, for example, if the vehicle 1 collides from the front and applies a rearward impact load to the powertrain PT, the powertrain PT will begin to move backward depending on the magnitude of the impact load. Since the front powertrain PT is configured as described above, a center frame 80 extending in the longitudinal direction is positioned behind the powertrain PT and connected to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 via connecting members 101-103. Therefore, the backward movement of the powertrain PT is suppressed by the center frame 80 and the connecting members 101-103. Furthermore, since the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 is located behind the powertrain PT, the backward movement of the powertrain PT is also suppressed by the passenger compartment side floor panel 41.

[0175] Next, a specific configuration example of the air conditioning unit 120 will be described. Inside the air conditioning housing 122 of the air conditioning unit 120, in addition to the aforementioned cooler 121, a heater (not shown), an air mixing damper 122a for changing the mixing ratio of cold air from the cooler 121 and warm air from the heater to generate air conditioning air at the desired temperature, and a blowing direction switching damper 122b for distributing the generated air conditioning air at the desired temperature to various parts of the vehicle compartment. By operating the blowing direction switching damper 122b, the air conditioning air can be directed towards the front window FG (…). Figure 1 The airflow is supplied to the inner surface of the occupant (as shown), or to the upper body of the occupant, or to the vicinity of the occupant's feet. The operation of the airflow direction switching damper 122b is well known.

[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 18 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 portion of the lower wall portion of the center console 80 that is separated from the air duct 122d toward the rear is provided with a lower side air supply portion 80c for supplying air-conditioned air in the left lower passage T13 and the right lower passage T14 toward the lower side. The lower side air supply portions 80c are located at positions that are rearward of the seat cushion portions of the front seats FS and are provided on the left and right sides of the lower wall portion of the center console 80. The left lower side air supply portion 80c is in a tubular shape that communicates with the left lower passage T13, and the right lower side air supply portion 80c is in a tubular shape that communicates with the right lower passage T14. The lower side air supply portions 80c are formed by rear leg pipes that extend downward from the recessed portions 41a and are bent toward the outside in the vehicle width direction after extending downward from the center console 80. The rear leg pipes can also be referred to as rear heater pipes.

[0181] Further, the center console 80 has a large cross section that can increase the degree of torsional rigidity of the vehicle body, so even if the amount of air-conditioned air that flows through the interior is increased, the sound of the air supply is suppressed to be low. In particular, since the center console 80 extends in a shape that is close to a straight line, the passages in the interior are also close to a straight line, so the sound of the air supply can also be suppressed to be low. Further, in the case where no heat insulating material or the like is provided on the center console 80, the heat of the air-conditioned air that flows through the interior of the center console 80 is transferred to the wall portion of the center console 80 and is radiated from the outer surface of the wall portion toward the passenger compartment R1. Thus, a comfortable air conditioner that utilizes radiant heat can be achieved. In addition, a heat insulating material can also be provided on the center console 80.

[0182] (LAYOUT OF CONTROL DEVICE)

[0183] The vehicle body structure A is provided with a control device 130 (as shown in FIG. 1) that controls controlled portions mounted on the automobile 1. Figure 9 and Figure 17 , Figure 21 and the like. The controlled portions can include, for example, the powertrain PT, the brake device, the electronically controlled suspension device, the light decoration device, the navigation device, the head-up display device, the audio device, the in-vehicle monitor, the television, and the like. The control device 130 that controls these controlled portions is large in size because it contains a high-performance CPU, a memory, and the like, and is weak to high temperatures and impacts. In the control device 130, a water jacket through which cooling water flows or the like is provided as a countermeasure against heat generation. Further, there are cases where an entertainment function (video playback function, music playback function) or the like is mounted in the vehicle interior, and in such cases, the control device 130 is also large in size.

[0184] The control device 130 of the present embodiment is disposed below the front portion of the center console 80 in the passenger compartment R1. As described above, since the height of the front portion of the center console 80 is higher than the height of the rear portion of the center console 80, even a large control device 130 can be disposed. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 130 is disposed in the front portion of the center console 80 in the passenger compartment R1. 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 19 is a view showing the outline configuration of the cooling path provided in the automobile 1. The cooler 121 can be constituted by a cooling heat exchanger of the air conditioning device 120, for example, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a dedicated cooler provided separately from the air conditioning device 120. A passage of cooling water as a heat exchange medium is formed in the cooler 121, and the cooling water circulating in the passage is cooled by heat exchange with low-temperature refrigerant in the interior of the cooler 121. The vehicle body structure A is provided with a supply pipe 131 for supplying the cooling water cooled by the cooler 121 to a water jacket (not shown) provided in the control device 130, and a discharge pipe 132 for discharging the cooling water supplied to the control device 130. A pump P for delivering the cooling water to the control device 130 is provided on the supply pipe 131. The cooling water discharged from the discharge pipe 132 is drawn in by the pump P after being cooled by the cooler 121. By circulating the cooling water in this way, the control device 130 is cooled. The cooling water that has cooled the control device 130 is used for cooling of the batteries FB, RB, and then used for cooling of the traveling motor M, and then returned to the cooler 121. Alternatively, refrigerant can be used instead of the cooling water.

[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 20As shown, the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132 extend through the front floor 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, by using the center pillar 80 that is separated upward from the occupant space side floor panel 41, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be sufficiently improved even though the occupant space side floor panel 41 has a floor tunnel-less structure.

[0196] Further, the air conditioning air generated by the air conditioning device 120 can be introduced into the interior of the center pillar 80 via the air guide pipe 122d. The center pillar 80 extends in the front-rear direction, and thus the air conditioning air can be guided to a desired position in the front-rear direction in the occupant space Rl. At this time, the center pillar 80 has a large cross section that can improve the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body to such an extent that even if the amount of air conditioning air is increased, the sound of the air supply is suppressed to be low.

[0197] Further, in the case where no heat insulating material or the like is provided on the center pillar 80, the heat of the air conditioning air that circulates in the interior of the center pillar 80 is transferred to the wall portion of the center pillar 80 and is radiated from the outer surface of the wall portion to the occupant space Rl. Thus, a comfortable air conditioning using radiant heat can be achieved.

[0198] 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.

[0199] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0200] As described above, the present application can be utilized as a vehicle body structure of an electric vehicle, for example.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure for an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising a driving motor and a battery unit supplying power to the driving motor, the vehicle body structure being characterized in that it comprises: The floor panel forms the floor of the passenger compartment, which is equipped with seats for occupants to sit on; A hollow center frame extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is disposed at the center of the passenger compartment, separating upwards from the floor panel; and The air duct connects the air outlet of the air conditioning unit to the interior of the central frame, directing the air conditioning air blown out from the air outlet into the interior of the central frame. Inside the center frame, a first partition wall is provided, extending in both the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-to-back direction, to separate the upper and lower passages. On the upper wall of the central frame, in the portion separating from the air duct towards the rear of the vehicle, there is an upper air supply section for blowing the air conditioning air in the upper passage upwards. On the lower wall of the center frame, a portion separating from the air duct towards the rear of the vehicle is provided with a lower air supply section for blowing the air conditioning air in the lower passage downwards.

2. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, Inside the central frame, a second partition wall is provided, extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, to separate a left passageway on the left side of the vehicle width direction and a right passageway on the right side of the vehicle width direction. On the upper wall of the center frame, in the section separating from the air duct towards the rear of the vehicle, there is a left-side air supply section for blowing air conditioning air into the left passage. On the upper wall of the center frame, a portion separating from the air duct towards the rear of the vehicle is provided with a right-side air supply section for blowing air conditioning air into the right passage.

3. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floor panel has a downwardly recessed portion. The lower air supply section is composed of a foot tube extending downward toward the recessed portion.

4. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The foot tube extends downward from the center frame and then bends outward in the vehicle width direction.

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