Vehicle body structure for electric vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle body structure of an electric vehicle, in a vehicle body structure without a floor tunnel that greatly bulges upward from a floor panel, is capable of sufficiently improving the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body. The vehicle body structure (A) is provided with: a floor panel (41) that constitutes a floor of an occupant space (R1); a center tunnel (80) that extends in a front-rear direction and is provided so as to be separated upward from the floor panel (41) at a central portion in a vehicle width direction of the occupant space (R1); and a connecting member (101-103) that extends upward from the floor panel (41) and is fixed to the center tunnel (80) at an upper portion, and links the center tunnel (80) to the floor panel (41).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In conventional automobiles, a passageway is formed in the center of the floor panel in the left-right direction, extending in the front-rear direction. The passageway houses the exhaust pipe extending from the engine compartment at the front of the vehicle to the rear, the drive shaft that transmits power from the engine at the front of the vehicle to the rear wheels, and so it bulges out significantly upwards from the bottom of the seat cushion.

[0003] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, left and right passage frames are provided on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the passage portion, extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Each passage frame has a downwardly open cross-section, with flanges formed on its left and right sides respectively. The two flanges are joined to the upper surface of the passage portion, thereby forming a closed cross-section structure extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction from the passage portion and the passage frame.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-101815 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in automobiles with a passageway like in Patent Document 1, the rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved by the passageway, and the rigidity of the vehicle body can also be improved by forming a closed cross-section structure that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by the passageway and the passageway frame. However, in automobiles without a passageway, how to improve the rigidity of the vehicle body becomes a problem.

[0009] That is, as mentioned above, the general passage section bulges upwards significantly from the bottom of the seat cushion. Therefore, the rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved to a certain extent simply by setting such a passage section. However, in cars without this passage section, not only is the rigidity of the original vehicle body easily reduced, but the inability to set the passage frame of Patent Document 1 is also disadvantageous from a rigidity point of view.

[0010] Therefore, to strengthen the floor panel itself, it is possible to consider joining reinforcing members, such as the channel frame in Patent Document 1, to the upper and lower surfaces of the floor panel, thus creating a partially closed cross-section structure on the floor panel. However, since the floor panel is located at the lower part of the vehicle body, when viewed as a whole vehicle body, especially for improving the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body, simply increasing the rigidity of the floor panel is insufficient. If the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body is to be improved solely through the reinforcing structure of the floor panel, the reinforcing member would become a very large structure, heavy, and inefficient. In short, if the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body is to be set to the same level as or higher than that of Patent Document 1, a reinforcing structure like that in Patent Document 1 is needed in the portion separating upwards from the floor panel. However, since this is a floor panel without a channel section as described above, this reinforcing structure cannot be used.

[0011] This application is made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to fully improve the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body in a vehicle body structure that does not have a floor passage that bulges upward from the floor panel.

[0012] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the premise of the first aspect of this disclosure is that an electric vehicle body structure is provided on an electric vehicle having a driving motor and a battery unit that supplies power to the driving motor. The electric vehicle body structure includes: a floor panel forming a floor for an occupant space with seats for occupants; a center frame extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, disposed at the center of the occupant space in the vehicle width direction, separating upwards from the floor panel; and a connecting member extending upwards from the floor panel, the upper part of which is fixed to the center frame, connecting the center frame to the floor panel.

[0014] According to this configuration, the central frame, which separates from the floor panel upwards, is connected to the floor panel by a connecting member. Therefore, although the floor panel has a floor channel-less structure, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be significantly improved.

[0015] In a second aspect of this disclosure, the connecting structure includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure disposed separately from the first connecting structure toward the rear of the vehicle. The lower portions of the first and second connecting structures are respectively fixed to portions of the floor panel that are separated from each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the upper portions of the first and second connecting structures are respectively fixed to portions of the center frame that are separated from each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0016] According to this configuration, the first and second structural members are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, thus enabling at least two points of the center frame to be securely connected to the floor panel. This further improves the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body.

[0017] In the third aspect of this disclosure, when viewed from the side, the central frame, the first connecting structural member, the floor panel, and the second connecting structural member form a closed cross-section structure.

[0018] In the fourth aspect of this disclosure, the electric vehicle body structure further includes a front bulkhead extending upward from the front of the floor panel, defining the front portion of the passenger compartment. The front portion of the center frame is connected to the front bulkhead. Furthermore, a connecting member is disposed separately from the front bulkhead toward the rear of the vehicle. The lower portion of the connecting member is fixed to the portion of the floor panel that separates from the front bulkhead toward the rear of the vehicle, and the upper portion of the connecting member is fixed to the portion of the center frame that separates from the front bulkhead toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0019] According to this configuration, the front part of the center frame is fixed to the front bulkhead, and the part of the center frame that separates from the front to the rear is connected to the floor panel by a connecting member, thus further improving the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body based on the center frame.

[0020] In the fifth aspect of this disclosure, when viewed from the side, the central frame, the connecting structural member, the floor panel, and the front bulkhead form a closed cross-section structure.

[0021] On the sixth side of this disclosure, the floor panel has a crossbeam extending in the vehicle width direction, and the lower part of the connecting member is fixed to the crossbeam.

[0022] That is, the part of the floor panel with the crossbeam is a particularly rigid part, and by fixing the lower part of the connecting structural member to the crossbeam, the connection strength of the central frame to the floor panel can be improved.

[0023] The effects of the invention

[0024] As explained above, the center frame that can be separated from the floor panel upwards is connected to the floor panel by a connecting member that extends upwards from the floor panel. Therefore, even for a vehicle body structure with a floor panel without a floor passage structure that does not have a floor passage that bulges upwards from the floor panel, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a side view of a car with a body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state of a car divided into an upper structure and a lower structure.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the vehicle's structure from above.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a top view of part of the vehicle's body structure.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the VV line in the diagram.

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the VI-VI line.

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line VII-VII in the diagram.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a magnified three-dimensional view of the passenger compartment side floor panel and its vicinity.

[0033] Figure 9 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the seat rail and its vicinity.

[0034] Figure 10 It is a magnified top view showing a portion of the seat rail and its vicinity.

[0035] Figure 11 It is a magnified 3D view showing the installation part of the seat rail and its vicinity.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the buckling section of the central frame and its vicinity.

[0037] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view of the front part of the rear structural member that constitutes the central frame.

[0038] Figure 14 It is a three-dimensional view of the connecting components.

[0039] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional view of the connecting components from another direction.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a side view of the connecting component.

[0041] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit and its vicinity.

[0042] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the rear body structure when the tilt angle of the center frame is increased.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the case where the tilt angle of the center frame is increased.

[0044] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional view of the front bulkhead and its surroundings from the rear of the vehicle.

[0045] Figure 21 This is a rough diagram of the cooling path.

[0046] Figure 22 This diagram shows the layout of the cooling water supply and discharge piping from the rear.

[0047] Figure 23 This diagram shows the layout of the cooling water supply and discharge piping from the left side.

[0048] Symbol Explanation

[0049] 1. Car

[0050] 41. Passenger compartment side floor panel

[0051] 43 Connection Panel

[0052] 44A Front crossbeam

[0053] 50 Front bulkhead

[0054] 80 center frame

[0055] 101 First connecting structural component

[0056] 102 Second connecting structural component

[0057] A. Vehicle body structure

[0058] R1 passenger space

[0059] R3 trunk space Detailed Implementation

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following description of preferred embodiments is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention, its applicability, or its uses.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a side view of a car 1 equipped with the vehicle body structure A according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left. In the description of this embodiment, the vehicle's front-rear direction is simply referred to as "front-rear direction," the front side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "front side," and the rear side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "rear." Furthermore, the vehicle width direction is the vehicle's left-right direction, so the left side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "left side," and the right side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "right side."

[0062] (The overall structure of a car)

[0063] Car 1 is a passenger car, and a passenger space R1 for occupants is provided in the middle of the front-rear direction of car 1. In the passenger space R1, there are front seats (front seats) FS constituting the front seats and rear seats (rear seats) RS constituting the rear seats. The front seats FS include a driver's seat located on the right (or left) side of the passenger space R1 and a front passenger seat located on the left (or right) side of the passenger space R1. The rear seats RS are also respectively located on the right and left sides of the passenger space R1. Although not shown, a third row of seats may also be arranged behind the rear seats RS. Furthermore, the rear seats RS are not mandatory and may be omitted.

[0064] The front door FD and the rear door RD are located on the left and right sides of the passenger compartment R1, respectively. In the case of a car 1 without rear seats RS, the rear door RD can be omitted.

[0065] A front side space R2 is located further forward than the passenger space R1 in the vehicle 1. The powertrain PT can be installed in this front side space R2 as needed. When the powertrain PT is installed in the front side space R2, it can also be referred to as, for example, a powertrain storage compartment, an electric motor compartment, or an engine compartment. A bonnet hood BF is located on the upper part of the front side space R2.

[0066] A trunk space R3, capable of accommodating luggage, is located further rearward than the passenger compartment R1 in the vehicle 1. The trunk space R3 can be opened and closed via a trunk lid TR. A rear side space R4 is located further rearward than the passenger compartment R1 and below the trunk space R3 in the vehicle 1. The powertrain PT, which generates power for the vehicle 1, can be mounted in this rear side space R4 as needed. When the powertrain PT is mounted in the rear side space R4, it can also be referred to as, for example, a powertrain storage compartment, an electric motor compartment, or an engine compartment.

[0067] The powertrain PT can be installed in both the front side space R2 and the rear side space R4, or only in one side. When the powertrain PT is installed only in the front side space R2, it is a front-wheel drive vehicle that uses this powertrain PT to drive only the front wheels FT. Similarly, when the powertrain PT is installed only in the rear side space R4, it is a rear-wheel drive vehicle that uses this powertrain PT to drive only the rear wheels RT. Furthermore, when the powertrain PT is installed in both the front side space R2 and the rear side space R4 to drive the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT, it is a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0068] The powertrain PT includes at least a driving motor M (shown in) for driving the drive wheels. Figure 2The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle, and may also include a reducer, transmission, etc., as needed. The driving motor M is configured such that its center of rotation extends in the left-right direction. In addition to the driving motor M, the powertrain PT may also include, for example, a control unit. The powertrain PT may also include an internal combustion engine. A battery unit Y (also shown in…) is used to supply power to the driving motor M. Figure 1 It is mounted on the lower part of the car 1. For example, the battery unit Y can be charged using the power generated by the internal combustion engine, or the power generated by the internal combustion engine can be used to drive at least one of the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT.

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

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

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

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

[0073] Specifically, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured to be divisible into a lower structure 2 containing batteries FB and RB, and an upper structure 3 forming a passenger compartment R1 and a trunk space R3. The ability to be divisible means that the lower structure 2 is integrated with the upper structure 3 using bolts, nuts, screws, and other fastening components without welding or bonding. Therefore, after the vehicle 1 is delivered to the user, the lower structure 2 can be separated from the upper structure 3 as needed for maintenance and repair, resulting in good maintainability.

[0074] Here, as a vehicle body structure, the ladder frame type is well known. In a ladder frame type body structure, it can be divided into a ladder frame and a cabin. However, since the ladder frame extends continuously in the longitudinal direction, it mainly bears the collision load in frontal and rear-end collisions. In side collisions, the ladder frame only plays a supporting role in bearing the collision load, while the cabin bears the primary load. Thus, in a ladder frame type body structure, the components that bear the collision load in frontal and rear-end collisions are usually distinguished from those that bear the collision load in side collisions.

[0075] 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.

[0076] (Lower structure)

[0077] 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.

[0078] like Figure 2As 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The cross-sectional shape of each of the left side square member 11, right side square member 12, front side member 13, and rear side member 14, in the direction orthogonal to the length direction, is rectangular. Furthermore, the left side square member 11, right side square member 12, front side member 13, and rear side member 14 are all positioned at the same height and extend approximately horizontally. When the lower structure 2 is attached to the upper structure 3, the front side member 13 is fastened to the lower part of the front bulkhead 50 using fastening members, and the left side square member 11 and right side square member 12 are respectively fastened to the left and right side beams 60 using fastening members. Additionally, the rear side member 14 is fastened to the connecting panel 43, described later, using fastening members.

[0081] Left side member 11 is located at the left end of the lower structure 2 and extends in the longitudinal direction. Right side member 12 is located at the right end of the lower structure 2 and extends in the longitudinal direction. Left side member 11 and right side member 12 are respectively positioned inside the left and right side beams 60 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, front side member 13 is located at the front of the battery unit Y and extends in the left-right direction from the front end of left side member 11 to the front end of right side member 12. The left end of front side member 13 connects to the front end of left side member 11, and the right end of front side member 13 connects to the front end of right side member 12. Rear side member 14 is located at the rear of the battery unit Y and extends in the left-right direction from the rear end of left side member 11 to the rear end of right side member 12. The left end of rear side member 14 connects to the rear end of left side member 11, and the right end of rear side member 14 connects to the rear end of right side member 12.

[0082] A cover member 15, serving as a base plate, is installed at the lower part of the frame 10. The frame 10 is closed from below by the cover member 15. The cover member 15 extends substantially horizontally and is fixed to the lower surfaces of the left side member 11, right side member 12, front side member 13, and rear side member 14, and is also fixed to the side beam 60 as described later. The upper part of the frame 10 can be closed either by a cover (not shown) or by the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 (described later). Furthermore, the power from the batteries FB and RB housed within the frame 10 is supplied to the driving motor M via a driving control circuit (not shown). The batteries FB and RB can be charged via a charging socket (not shown).

[0083] Figure 5 This represents the cross-section of the central portion of vehicle body structure A in the left-right direction. For example... Figure 5 As shown, on the inner side of the frame 10, first to third battery-side crossbeams 10A, 10B, and 10C are provided as reinforcing members extending in the left-right direction. The first to third battery-side crossbeams 10A, 10B, and 10C all have the same height, the same as the height of the front member 13 and the rear member 14. The first to third battery-side crossbeams 10A, 10B, and 10C can be formed by extrusion or compression molding. In this embodiment, although three battery-side crossbeams 10A, 10B, and 10C are provided, the number of battery-side crossbeams 10A, 10B, and 10C can be increased or decreased according to the front-rear dimensions of the frame 10.

[0084] The first to third battery-side crossbeams 10A, 10B, and 10C are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction, with the first battery-side crossbeam 10A at the front and the third battery-side crossbeam 10C at the back. The lower part of each battery-side crossbeam 10A, 10B, and 10C is fixed to the upper surface of the cover member 15. Furthermore, the left end of each battery-side crossbeam 10A, 10B, and 10C is fixed to the inner surface (right side) of the left square member 11, and the right end of each battery-side crossbeam 10A, 10B, and 10C is fixed to the inner surface (left side) of the right square member 12. That is, the battery-side crossbeams 10A, 10B, and 10C are members that connect the left square member 11 and the right square member 12.

[0085] Inside the frame 10, a front central member 16 and three rear central members 17-19 are provided as reinforcing members extending in the front-rear direction. The front central member 16 and the three rear central members 17-19 can also be referred to as a battery rack extending in the front-rear direction, and the battery unit Y has a structure having a battery rack composed of the front central member 16, the three rear central members 17-19, etc. The battery rack may also include a left side member 11, a right side member 12, a front side member 13, and a rear side member 14.

[0086] The front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are arranged at approximately the same height and are positioned at the center of the frame 10 in the left-right direction. The lower ends of the front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 are mounted on the upper surface of the cover member 15. The front central member 16 and the first to third rear central members 17 to 19 extend from the front side member 13 to the rear side member 14.

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

[0088] 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 strengthening effect of the lower structure 2.

[0089] 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 17-19 are positioned in the left-to-right direction on this hypothetical straight line. That is, the first to third rear central members 17-19 are arranged such that they exist 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 17-19 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The left front support frame 20 is connected to the front side member 13, which forms the front part of the frame 10, at a position slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction. This connection point is located to the right of the left side member 11 of the frame 10. Similarly, the right front support frame 20 is connected to the front side member 13, which is slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction. This connection point is located to the left of the right side member 12 of the frame 10. The left and right front support frames 20 are approximately the same height.

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

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

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

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

[0096] The rear powertrain PT is mounted to the rear support frame 30 via a mounting member (not shown). In this case, the rear support frame 30 becomes a rear motor support frame that supports the driving motor M behind the battery unit Y. On the lower structure 2, drive shafts S2 that transmit the output of the powertrain PT (the rotational force of the driving motor M) to the left and right rear wheels RT respectively are provided on the left and right sides.

[0097] In addition, constituting Figure 4 The left and right suspension arms of a portion of the rear suspension devices SP3 and SP4, indicated by dashed lines, are supported in a vertically swaying manner relative to the left and right rear support frames 30. The rear support frame 30 may also be a component used to support the suspension arms without supporting the powertrain PT.

[0098] (Upper structure)

[0099] Next, the upper structure 3 will be described. The upper structure 3 includes a floor component 40, a front bulkhead 50, and a pair of left and right side beams 60. The floor component 40 is positioned above the frame 10 and rear support frame 30 of the lower structure 2. This floor component 40 includes front seats FS and rear seats RS (indicated by...) for occupants. Figure 1 The floor of the passenger compartment R1 includes a passenger compartment side floor panel (first floor panel) 41, a trunk space side floor panel (second floor panel) 42, which forms the floor of the trunk space R3, and a connecting panel 43 that connects the rear part of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 to the front part of the trunk space side floor panel 42. The connecting panel 43 forms an upturned kick-up section.

[0100] The floor component 40 can be made of, for example, a component formed by pressing steel plates. The passenger compartment side floor panel 41, the trunk space side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43 can be integrally formed or formed separately as components and then connected. Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described as consisting of three parts—the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, the trunk space side floor panel 42, and the connecting panel 43—the floor component 40 including these panels 41-43 can also be referred to as a floor panel. Alternatively, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 can be referred to simply as a floor panel.

[0101] The passenger compartment side floor panel 41 extends from the front to the rear of the passenger compartment R1, and from the left side to the right side of the passenger compartment R1. In this embodiment, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 is a floor-less passageway structure without a passageway. That is, conventional automobile floor panels typically have a passageway that bulges significantly upwards and extends in the longitudinal direction at the center of the width direction. This passageway is used, for example, to pass through an exhaust pipe extending rearward from an engine mounted in the engine compartment at the front of the vehicle, or to pass through a drive shaft that transmits the output of an engine mounted in the engine compartment at the front of the vehicle to the rear wheels. The diameter of the exhaust pipe and drive shaft is often, for example, 10 cm or more, and to prevent interference between the exhaust pipe / drive shaft and the floor panel, a gap of at least several centimeters is required between the exhaust pipe / drive shaft and the floor panel. Furthermore, there are cases where an insulator or similar material is provided on the inner surface of the passageway. For these reasons, the bulge height of the passageway from the floor panel can be, for example, 15cm or more, or 20cm or more. In terms of its position relative to the seat, the upper end of the passageway is higher than the lower end of the seat cushion on the seat rail and the center of the seat cushion in the vertical direction. A structure without such a large upward bulge of the passageway is called a non-passageway structure.

[0102] While the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, as described above, does not have a passageway with a height of 15cm or more or 20cm or more from its upper surface, it may also have a low bulge with a height of 5cm or less or 10cm or less from its upper surface. In the case of such a low bulge, since the exhaust pipe and drive shaft cannot pass through it, it does not function as a passageway. Therefore, even with a low bulge with a height of 5cm or less or 10cm or less from the upper surface of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, it is still a floor panel without a passageway. Furthermore, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 may also have ribs that protrude upwards and extend in the front-rear direction. The height of such ribs is approximately several centimeters, so even with ribs, it is still a floor panel without a passageway.

[0103] In this embodiment, since the powertrain PT includes a driving motor M, it is not necessary to mount an internal combustion engine in the front side space R2, and therefore the exhaust pipe does not need to be directed to the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, if the powertrain PT is mounted in the rear side space R4, the rear wheels RT can be driven by this powertrain PT, eliminating the need for a drive shaft. Therefore, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 can be configured without access channels.

[0104] As in Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, a recessed portion 41a, bulging downwards, is formed in the middle of the front-rear direction of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. The recessed portion 41a has a bottom portion 41b capable of supporting the feet of the rear passenger seat RS. The bottom portion 41b is formed approximately horizontally. The front portion of the recessed portion 41a is formed to gradually deepen towards the rear. The recessed portion 41a is continuously formed from the left side to the right side of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41.

[0105] The bottom portion 41b of the recess 41a is set to approximately the same height as the lower part of the side beam 60 (described later), thereby sufficiently reducing the height of the bottom portion 41b. The positional relationship between the recess 41a and the seat cushion of the rear seat RS in the fore-and-aft direction is set such that when a rear passenger seated on the rear seat RS places their feet directly beneath it, their feet are naturally resting on the bottom portion 41b. The position of the front portion of the recess 41a is set such that when a rear passenger seated on the rear seat RS moves their feet diagonally forward, their feet are resting on the bottom portion 41b. In other words, the position and fore-and-aft dimensions of the recess 41a are set such that even if the rear passenger moves their feet slightly forward or backward, their feet can still rest on the bottom portion 41b. This increases the legroom for the rear passenger, improving comfort. Furthermore, the depth of the recess 41a can be, for example, 5 cm or more, or 10 cm or more.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

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

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

[0112] like Figure 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 (…) are rotatably mounted on the left and right hinge pillars 70 respectively. Figure 1 (As shown). The left edge of the front bulkhead 50 is connected to the right side of the left hinge pillar 70. Furthermore, the right edge of the front bulkhead 50 is connected to the left side of the right hinge pillar 70. Additionally, although not shown, a center pillar and a rear pillar are also provided on the upper structure 3.

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

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

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

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

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

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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 positioned 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0139] By separating the center frame 80 from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 and positioning it upwards, components, for example, can be arranged between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. Furthermore, the area between the lower surface of the center frame 80 and the upper surface of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 can be used as an item storage area. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the center frame 80 of this embodiment has a bent portion 80A in the vertical direction at its midpoint in the front-rear direction. By providing the bent portion 80A on the center frame 80, for example, the rear portion of the center frame 80 can be made lower than the front portion, thus improving the comfort of rear passengers. Furthermore, since the front portion of the center frame 80 can be made higher than the rear portion, large components and articles, multiple components, etc., can be placed below the front portion of the center frame 80. The bent portion 80A is formed in a portion of the center frame 80 that is forward of the midpoint in the front-rear direction. The location of the bent portion 80A is not limited to the position shown in the figure; for example, it can be either in the midpoint in the front-rear direction or in a portion of the center frame 80 that is backward of the midpoint in the front-rear direction.

[0140] That is, the center frame 80 has a front side frame member 81 extending in the longitudinal direction, a rear side frame member 82 disposed behind 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 and 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, that is, cylindrical in the longitudinal direction, and can be made of, for example, extruded parts. By making the front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82 hollow, they can be made into lightweight and highly rigid components. When the center frame 80 is used as an air supply mechanism for air conditioning air as described later, the rear portion of the rear side frame member 82 can also be closed to prevent air conditioning air leakage.

[0141] The front side frame member 81 and the rear side frame member 82 have rectangular vertical cross-sections along the vehicle width direction. 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. In addition, 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. It can be a polygon with more than one pentagon, or it can be a circle or an ellipse.

[0142] The length of the rear frame member 82 is set to be longer than that of the front frame member 81. Therefore, the connection between the front frame member 81 and the rear frame member 82 is located forward of the center of the passenger compartment R1. In addition, the center frame 80 is not limited to a two-part structure of the front frame member 81 and the rear frame member 82; it can be composed of a single member from front to rear, or it can be a three-part structure.

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

[0144] like Figure 12 and Figure 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.

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

[0146] like Figures 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0157] 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.

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

[0159] The lateral dimension of the second structural member 102 is set to be longer than its longitudinal dimension, but shorter than the lateral dimension of the central frame 80. Therefore, the left and right sides of the second structural member 102 do not protrude laterally from the central frame 80. Furthermore, the cross-section of the second structural member 102 is set to be larger than the cross-section of either the left member 101A or the right member 101B.

[0160] The lower part of the second connecting structural member 102 is fixed between the left seat rail 90 and the right seat rail 91 on the front common bracket 45 of the intermediate crossbeam 44B. Specifically, the lower part of the second connecting structural member 102 is fixed in a state where it is inserted into the central fixing part 45a provided at the center of the left-right direction of the front common bracket 45. That is, the common bracket 45 for mounting the left seat rail 90 and the right seat rail 91 is a high-strength component, and its dimension in the vehicle width direction is lengthened to a certain extent, thus ensuring a larger fixing range on the main body of the crossbeam 44B and improving the fixing strength. By fixing the lower part of the second connecting structural member 102 to such a high-strength and high-fixing-strength common bracket 45, the connection strength of the second connecting structural member 102 to the center frame 80 can be further improved. In addition, the lower part of the second connecting structural member 102 can be directly fixed to the main body of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 or directly fixed to the intermediate crossbeam 44B.

[0161] The upper part of the second connecting structural member 102 is fixed to the buckled portion 80A of the central frame 80. Specifically, the upper part of the second connecting structural member 102 is fixed to the lower wall portion 83b of the connecting member 83. Thus, the second connecting structural member 102 extends from the buckled portion 80A of the central frame 80 toward the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. Since the longitudinal dimension of the lower wall portion 83b of the connecting member 83 is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the upper wall portion 83a, a larger engagement area with the second connecting structural member 102 can be ensured. If the connecting member 83 is omitted, the upper part of the second connecting structural member 102 can be directly fixed to the central frame 80.

[0162] The third structural member 103, like the second structural member 102, has a cross-section that is elongated in the left-right direction. The lower part of the third structural member 103 is fixed to the front crossbeam 44C of the recess. The upper part of the third structural member 103 is fixed to the lower wall of the rear structural member 82 of the central frame 80. (As...) Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, the third connecting structural member 103 is also fixed to the front of the floor frame 41c.

[0163] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear of the center frame 80 is connected to the connecting panel 43 and the rear crossbeam 44E. Specifically, a rear connecting member 104 is fixed to the rear of the center frame 80, and the center portion of the rear crossbeam 44E in the left-right direction is fixed to the lower part of the rear connecting member 104. The rear of the center frame 80 is connected to the rear crossbeam 44E through the rear connecting member 104.

[0164] The rear of the rear connecting member 104 is fixed to the connecting panel 43. Thus, the rear of the center frame 80 is also connected to the connecting panel 43 via the rear connecting member 104. The lower part of the rear connecting member 104 is also fixed to the rear of the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. That is, the front bulkhead 50 and the connecting panel 43 are connected via the center frame 80. At this time, since the center frame 80 separates upwards from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, the front bulkhead 50, the connecting panel 43, and the center frame 80 are integrated and form a closed section structure when viewed from the side. Therefore, although the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 has a floor-passage-less structure, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be significantly improved.

[0165] Furthermore, the front parts of the left rear frame 111A and the right rear frame 111B are fixed to the lower part of the rear connecting member 104. Thus, the rear part of the center frame 80 is connected to the left rear wheel suspension support member 110A via the left rear frame 111A, and the rear part of the center frame 80 is connected to the right rear wheel suspension support member 110B via the right rear frame 111B. Therefore, the rigidity of the rear wheel suspension support members 110A and 110B can be improved, enhancing the vehicle's handling stability. In addition, the rigidity of the rear side of the vehicle, including the connecting panel 43 and its surrounding area, can also be improved.

[0166] Figure 18 and Figure 19This diagram illustrates the case where the center frame 80 has a large tilt angle. In this example, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is connected to the rear portion of the floor frame 41c. The center frame 80 is a straight shape without any bends, but it can also have bends. The rear portion of the center frame 80 is positioned lower than the front of the rear seat cushions of the rear seats RS. Therefore, the rear portion of the center frame 80 is less likely to obstruct the occupants of the rear seats RS, thus preventing a deterioration in the comfort of the rear occupants. The rear portion of the center frame 80 is also fixed to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41.

[0167] In addition, Figure 19 In the example shown, the rear of the center frame 80 is also connected to the front of the rear reinforcing member 47. In this example, since a rear crossbeam 44D is provided at the rear of the recess 41a, the recess 41a and its vicinity are reinforced by the rear crossbeam 44D. Furthermore, the recess 41a and its vicinity are also reinforced by the floor frame 41c. Moreover, since the center frame 80, which separates upward from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, is connected to the floor frame 41c, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be sufficiently improved.

[0168] like Figure 5 As shown, the drive motor M of the rear powertrain PT is supported on the rear support frame 30 via mounting members (not shown), and is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, behind the center frame 80. The height of the rear drive motor M can be arbitrarily set according to the mounting height of the rear support frame 30. In this embodiment, the height of the rear drive motor M is set such that at least a portion of the height from the upper to the lower part of the rear drive motor M is the same as the height of the rear part of the center frame 80. Furthermore, the height of the rotation center of the rear drive motor M, i.e., the height of the center portion of the drive motor M in the vertical direction, is set lower than the rear part of the center frame 80. By configuring the rear powertrain PT in this way, for example, if an impact load acting from the rear of the vehicle is input to the drive motor M, causing the drive motor M to move forward of the vehicle, the load toward the front of the vehicle acts on the rear part of the center frame 80. At this time, since the rear of the center frame 80 is integrated with the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 by connecting the rear crossbeam 44E, connecting panel 43, etc., the forward movement of the travel motor M is prevented by the center frame 80. The forward movement of the travel motor M is also prevented by the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 and the rear crossbeam 44E.

[0169] Next, based on Figure 17The layout of the front powertrain PT is explained. The front powertrain PT is supported on the front support frame 20 via mounting members as shown in the figure. The height of the front drive motor M can be arbitrarily set according to its mounting height on the front support frame 20. The front powertrain PT is positioned in front of the first connecting structural member 101. At least a portion of the air conditioning unit 120 is disposed between the first connecting structural member 101 and the powertrain PT.

[0170] The air conditioning unit 120 includes a cooler (heat exchanger) 121 through which air for air conditioning passes, and an air conditioning housing 122 that houses the cooler 121. The cooler 121 is a cooling heat exchanger consisting of an evaporator or the like for cooling the air conditioning air. However, it is not limited to this; instead of the cooler 121, a heating heat exchanger consisting of a heating element for heating the air conditioning air, a condenser, or the like may be used, with the cooler installed in other parts. In this embodiment, the cooler 121 is located further forward than the front panel 50. In addition, although not shown, a compressor for compressing refrigerant, an expansion valve for reducing the pressure of refrigerant, and the like are also part of the air conditioning unit 120.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0179] (Layout of the control device)

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

[0181] In this embodiment, the control device 130 is disposed in the passenger compartment R1 below the front of the center frame 80. As mentioned earlier, since the front of the center frame 80 is higher than the rear, even a large control device 130 can be disposed there. Figure 17As shown by the dotted lines, an instrument panel IP is positioned above the front of the center frame 80, housing the instruments. The instrument panel IP extends from the left to the right of the passenger compartment R1 in a left-right direction. Furthermore, the front of the instrument panel IP reaches the windshield FG (…). Figure 1 The lower part (as shown).

[0182] In front of the control device 130, a left-side member 101A and a right-side member 101B constituting the first connecting structural member 101 are arranged. Furthermore, a second connecting structural member 102 is arranged behind the control device 130. Thus, the control device 130 is positioned between the first connecting structural member 101 and the second connecting structural member 102, with gaps provided between the first connecting structural member 101 and the control device 130, and between the second connecting structural member 102 and the control device 130, respectively.

[0183] Because the control device 130 is positioned below the center frame 80 within the passenger compartment R1, direct sunlight from the outside is blocked by the center frame 80, making it difficult for the control device 130 to reach it. Therefore, the control device 130 can be positioned advantageously from a thermal perspective. Furthermore, since the instrument panel IP is positioned above the control device 130, direct sunlight is also blocked by the instrument panel IP, making it even more difficult for the control device 130 to reach it. Moreover, because the control device 130 is covered by the instrument panel IP, it is difficult to see from the outside, which is also ideal for safety.

[0184] Furthermore, an air duct 122d is disposed above the control device 130. Heat from the air conditioning air is transferred to the wall of the air duct 122d, and radiates as radiant heat from the outer surface of this wall towards the control device 130. At this time, since the air conditioning air flowing inside the air duct 122d is temperature-adjusted to ensure the comfort of the occupant space R1, the radiant heat from the air duct 122d helps to suppress the temperature rise of the control device 130. In addition, the air duct 122d can also block direct sunlight.

[0185] Furthermore, if, for example, an impact load is conceived from the front, since the center frame 80 extends in the longitudinal direction, at least a portion of the impact load is absorbed by the center frame 80, and deformation of the vehicle body in its vicinity is suppressed. That is, the control device 130, located below the center frame 80, is protected against impact loads from the front. The same applies to impact loads from the rear. In particular, by means of the left member 101A and the right member 101B, at least two points of the center frame 80 can be securely connected to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, thereby improving the protective performance of the control device 130.

[0186] Furthermore, assuming an impact load acts from the side of the vehicle, since the control device 130 is configured to correspond to the center of the vehicle width direction, the impact load from the side is difficult to be directly transmitted to the control device 130, thus protecting the control device 130 from the impact load from the side. In addition, since the control device 130 is arranged between the first structural member 101 and the second structural member 102, the impact load in the front-rear direction is difficult to act on the control device 130, further improving the protection performance.

[0187] (Cooling path)

[0188] Next, the cooling path will be explained. Figure 21 This diagram shows a schematic structure of the cooling path of the vehicle 1. The cooler 121 can be, for example, a heat exchanger for cooling the air conditioning unit 120, but is not limited to this; it can also be a dedicated cooler separately from the air conditioning unit 120. A passage for cooling water, serving as the heat exchange medium, is formed in the cooler 121. The cooling water flowing through this passage is cooled by exchanging heat with the low-temperature refrigerant inside the cooler 121. The vehicle body structure A includes a supply pipe 131 for supplying the cooling water cooled by the cooler 121 to the water jacket (not shown) of the control device 130, and a discharge pipe 132 for discharging the cooling water supplied to the control device 130. A pump P for supplying cooling water to the control device 130 is provided on the supply pipe 131. The cooling water discharged from the discharge pipe 132 is cooled by the cooler 121 and then drawn into the pump P. By circulating the cooling water in this way, the control device 130 is cooled. The cooling water used to cool the control unit 130 is then used to cool the batteries FB and RB, and then to cool the driving motor M before returning to the cooler 121. Alternatively, refrigerant can be used instead of cooling water.

[0189] like Figure 17 As shown, the cooler 121 is positioned rearward from the powertrain PT, close to the front bulkhead 50. This allows the cooler 121 to be closer to the control unit 130 than the powertrain PT. Consequently, the length of the supply piping 131 can be shortened, the piping path simplified, pressure loss during cooling water supply to the control unit 130 reduced, and heat loss from the cooler 121 to the control unit 130 minimized, enabling efficient cooling of the control unit 130.

[0190] In addition, such as Figure 22As shown, the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132 extend through the front bulkhead 50 and are disposed between the left-side member 101A and the right-side member 101B. By distributing the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132 between the left-side member 101A and the right-side member 101B, it is difficult for occupants' feet to come into contact with the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132, thus suppressing damage to the supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132. The supply pipe 131 and the discharge pipe 132 extend in the front-rear direction below the air conditioning unit 120.

[0191] (Effects of the implementation method)

[0192] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the center frame 80, which can be separated from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 upward, is connected to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41 by connecting members 101 to 103 extending upward from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. Therefore, even in a floorless passage structure without a floor passage that bulges significantly upward from the passenger compartment side floor panel 41, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved.

[0193] Furthermore, since the connecting structural members 101-103 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction, at least three points of the center frame 80 can be securely connected to the passenger compartment side floor panel 41. As a result, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle body can be further improved.

[0194] The foregoing embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limiting way. Furthermore, variations and modifications within the scope of equivalents of the claims are all within the scope of this invention.

[0195] Industrial availability

[0196] As explained above, the present invention can be used, for example, as a body structure for an electric vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure for an electric vehicle, disposed on an electric vehicle having a driving motor and a battery unit supplying power to the driving motor, characterized in that, have: The floor panel forms the floor of the passenger compartment, which is equipped with seats for occupants to sit on; A center frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is provided, separated from the floor panel and arranged upwards at the center of the passenger compartment in the width direction; as well as A connecting structural member extends upward from the floor panel, its upper part being fixed to the central frame, connecting the central frame to the floor panel. The connecting structure includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure that is separated from the first connecting structure and disposed towards the rear of the vehicle. The lower parts of the first connecting structural member and the lower parts of the second connecting structural member are respectively fixed to the parts of the floor panel that are separated from each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The upper parts of the first connecting structural member and the upper parts of the second connecting structural member are respectively fixed to the parts of the central frame that are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In a side view, the central frame, the first connecting structural member, the floor panel, and the second connecting structural member form a closed cross-section structure. The front part of the center frame is connected to the front bulkhead extending upward from the front part of the floor panel to divide the front part of the passenger compartment, and the rear part of the center frame is connected to the connecting panel connecting the rear part of the floor panel to the front part of the trunk space side floor panel. The center frame is separated from the floor panel along its entire length from the front bulkhead to the connecting panel, so that the floor panel, the front bulkhead, the connecting panel and the center frame are integrated and form a closed section structure when viewed from the side.

2. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It features a front bulkhead that extends upward from the front of the floor panel, defining the front portion of the passenger compartment. The front part of the central frame is connected to the front bulkhead. The connecting structural member is disposed separately from the front bulkhead toward the rear of the vehicle. The lower part of the connecting component is fixed to the portion of the floor panel that separates from the front bulkhead towards the rear of the vehicle. The upper part of the connecting component is fixed to the part of the central frame that separates from the front bulkhead towards the rear of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, When viewed from the side, the central frame, the connecting structural members, the floor panel, and the front panel form a closed cross-section structure.

4. The vehicle body structure of the electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The floor panel has a crossbeam extending in the vehicle width direction. The lower part of the connecting member is fixed to the crossbeam.

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