Vehicle body front structure

Abstract

A front body structure in an electric vehicle, by positioning the driving motor as close as possible to the rear of the vehicle, ensures sufficient crumple zone in the longitudinal direction during a collision while suppressing impact loads on the battery during a collision. The front body structure (A) includes: a partition defining the interior space of the passenger compartment; a motor mounting section formed by a portion of the partition extending inwards into the passenger compartment, where at least a portion of the driving motor can be mounted; and a reinforcing member (94) extending from the upper part of the motor mounting section toward the rear of the vehicle, inclined downwards towards the rear of the vehicle. The rear part of the reinforcing member (94) is mounted to the floor panel (70) and the cover (35) of the battery cell (BY).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle in which a battery is mounted below a floor panel. At the front of the floor panel of the vehicle in Patent Document 1, a central member extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is provided. Multiple protrusions protruding upwards and extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and recesses recessed downwards between the protrusions, are formed on this central member.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-062676 Summary of the Invention

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

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

[0008] However, in the case of electric vehicles like those in Patent Document 1, the number of auxiliary components is greatly reduced compared to the engine, thus posing a risk that they may not be able to adequately absorb impact loads.

[0009] Therefore, it is considered to ensure sufficient crumple zone in the longitudinal direction during a collision by positioning the drive motor as close to the rear of the vehicle as possible. However, since the battery is typically located below the floor panel, positioning the drive motor close to the rear of the vehicle would result in the drive motor being close to the battery. If an obstacle enters during a collision and causes the drive motor to move backward, the drive motor would end up transferring the impact load to the battery, which is undesirable.

[0010] This application is made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to, in an electric vehicle, ensure sufficient crumple travel in the longitudinal direction during a collision by arranging the driving motor as close as possible to the rear of the vehicle, while suppressing the impact load acting on the battery during a collision.

[0011] Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the premise of the first aspect of this disclosure can be a front body structure, specifically a front body structure for an electric vehicle, which includes a drive motor and a battery cell comprising a battery supplying power to the drive motor and a cover covering the battery, disposed below the floor panel. The front body structure includes: a partition portion extending in the width direction at the front of the vehicle, defining an interior space; a motor mounting portion formed by a portion of the partition portion bulging inwards into the interior space, wherein at least a portion of the drive motor mounted on the outer side of the interior space can be mounted; and a reinforcing member extending from the motor mounting portion toward the rear of the vehicle. The rear portion of the reinforcing member is mounted to the floor panel and the cover.

[0013] With this configuration, since the motor mounting section formed on the partition protrudes inwards towards the vehicle compartment, the driving motor can be moved closer to the rear of the vehicle. This ensures sufficient crumple zone in the longitudinal direction during a collision.

[0014] Furthermore, in the event of a frontal collision where the impact load acts from the front, if an obstacle enters the space ahead of the partition, this obstacle exerts a backward load on the driving motor. The driving motor, subjected to this backward load, pushes the motor mounting section backward. At this time, because a reinforcing member is provided behind the motor mounting section, the backward movement of the motor mounting section is suppressed by this reinforcing member. Moreover, the impact load acting on the reinforcing member is dispersed and transferred to the floor panel and the battery cell cover, thus making it difficult for the impact load to act on the battery.

[0015] The reinforcing member of the second aspect of this disclosure can also extend from the upper part of the motor mounting section toward the rear of the vehicle, tilting downwards as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the portion of the motor mounting section that separates upwards from the floor panel can be supported by the reinforcing member, thus suppressing deformation of the motor mounting section.

[0016] In the third embodiment of this disclosure, a crossbeam may also be provided, which is fixed to the floor panel on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the motor mounting section and extends in the vehicle width direction. The rear portion of the reinforcing member can abut against the crossbeam from the front of the vehicle.

[0017] With this configuration, the motor mounting section is supported from the rear by a high-rigidity crossbeam via reinforcing members, thus suppressing rearward deformation of the motor mounting section. Consequently, the backward movement of the travel motor into the carriage is suppressed.

[0018] The battery cell of the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may further have a battery rack formed in a manner that surrounds the battery. The cover can be mounted on the battery rack. According to this configuration, impact loads transmitted to the cover via reinforcing members are dispersed and absorbed by the battery rack, thus making it difficult for impact loads to act on the battery.

[0019] In the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the rear portion of the reinforcing member, the floor panel, and the cover can also be fastened by a common fastening member. According to this configuration, the rear portion of the reinforcing member, the floor panel, and the cover can be securely integrated.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] As explained above, at least a portion of the driving motor is arranged in a motor mounting section formed by bulging a part of the partition into the vehicle compartment, and a reinforcing member extending from the upper part of the motor mounting section toward the rear of the vehicle is installed on the floor panel and the cover of the battery cell. This allows for sufficient crumple zone travel in the longitudinal direction during a collision by arranging the driving motor as close to the rear of the vehicle as possible, while simultaneously suppressing the impact load acting on the battery during a collision. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a side view of an electric vehicle with the implementation method omitted.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the electric vehicle divided into a lower structure and an upper structure.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of the lower structure.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a magnified top view showing the front part of the lower structure.

[0026] Figure 5 It is an enlarged view showing the front part of the lower structure after omitting the powertrain, shock absorbers, springs, wheel hubs, etc.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the front of the vehicle body.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the front of the vehicle body.

[0029] Figure 8 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the front powertrain and its vicinity at the front of the vehicle body.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the front part of the vehicle body cut horizontally from the middle of the vertical direction.

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The XX-line cross-sectional diagram.

[0032] Figure 11 This indicates the state where the reinforcing components have been removed. Figure 9 A fairly accurate diagram.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a construction example of installing a reinforcing member on the cover of the battery cell.

[0034] Figure 13 It is a three-dimensional view of the interior of the carriage after the reinforcing components have been removed.

[0035] Figure 14 It is a bottom view of the front of the vehicle body, omitting the powertrain, battery unit, suspension system, etc.

[0036] Figure 15 This indicates that the upper structure, such as the battery, has been omitted, which is consistent with... Figure 9 The XV-XV line in the diagram corresponds to a cross-sectional view.

[0037] Symbol Explanation

[0038] 1. Electric vehicles

[0039] 10 Battery casing

[0040] 32 Front battery rack

[0041] 35. Cover

[0042] 70 Floor Panels

[0043] 71 Front bulkhead (partition section)

[0044] 71a Motor Configuration Department

[0045] 93 Front crossbeam

[0046] 94 Reinforcing Components

[0047] A. Front structure of the vehicle body

[0048] B battery

[0049] M1 driving motor

[0050] B1 and N1 bolts and nuts (fastening components) Detailed Implementation

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following description of preferred embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention, its applicability, or its uses.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a left-side view of an electric vehicle (electric car) 1 having a front body structure A according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle 1, as shown... Figure 2 The diagram shows a lower structure 2 and an upper structure 3. In Figure 1 In the image, the front bumper, rear bumper, and front and rear wheels are omitted and represented by dashed lines, with each part indicated schematically. Figure 2 In addition to Figure 1 In addition to the parts omitted, the doors, hood, front fenders, windows, front and rear lights, interior parts, etc. are also omitted, and each part is indicated schematically.

[0053] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the front side of the vehicle is referred to as "front", the rear side of the vehicle as "rear", the right side of the vehicle as "right", and the left side of the vehicle as "left". The left and right direction of the vehicle refers to the width direction of the vehicle.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, electric vehicle 1 is a passenger car. Electric vehicle 1 can be, for example, any type such as a van, hatchback, or single-box, and its shape is not particularly limited. Figure 2 As shown, an interior space (passenger compartment space), i.e., compartment R1, is formed on the electric vehicle 1. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a front seat (seat) S1 is provided at the front of the passenger compartment R1, and a rear seat S2 is provided behind the front seat S1. A trunk R2 is provided behind the rear seat S2 as needed. The passenger compartment R1 and the trunk R2 are located in the upper structure 3. Alternatively, the passenger compartment R1 may only have the front seat S1, or a third row of seats (not shown) may be provided behind the rear seat S2.

[0055] On the other hand, the front part of the electric vehicle 1, that is, the space forward of the passenger compartment R1 (front space), can be, for example, the power compartment R3. That is, as Figure 3 As shown, the front structure A of the vehicle body is provided for an electric vehicle 1, which includes a front-side drive motor M1 mounted at the front of the vehicle, a rear-side drive motor M2 mounted at the rear of the vehicle, a battery B that supplies power to the drive motors M1 and M2, and a battery case 10 that houses the battery B. The battery case 10 is disposed below the floor panel 70, which will be described later. Figure 4 This is a top view of the front powertrain PT1 and its vicinity. Figure 5 This is a bottom view with the front powertrain PT1 omitted.

[0056] The front drive motor M1 is a motor that generates the driving force to drive the left and right front wheels FT. The front powertrain PT1 consists solely of this front drive motor M1, or either the front drive motor M1 combined with a reducer, transmission, etc. Furthermore, Figure 2and Figure 3 The rear-side driving motor M2 shown in the image generates the drive motor RT for the left and right rear wheels. Figure 1 The motor that drives the vehicle (shown in the diagram) consists only of the rear travel motor M2, or the rear travel motor M2 and the reducer, gearbox, etc., constitute the rear powertrain PT2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the rear-side drive motor M2 produces a higher maximum output (maximum torque) than the front-side drive motor M1, and the rear-side drive motor M2 is larger than the front-side drive motor M1. Consequently, the rear-side powertrain PT2 is larger than the front-side powertrain PT1. Alternatively, the rear-side drive motor M2 may produce a lower maximum output than the front-side drive motor M1, or the rear-side drive motor M2 may produce the same maximum output as the front-side drive motor M1. Furthermore, it is possible to have only the front-side powertrain PT1 or only the rear-side powertrain PT2. Additionally, for example, in the case of a large vehicle, a front-side drive motor M1 and a rear-side drive motor M2 that are larger than those in a small vehicle are used.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower structure 2 includes a battery housing 10, a pair of left and right front side frames 11 and 12 extending forward in front of the battery housing 10, and a pair of left and right rear side frames 13 and 14 extending rearward behind the battery housing 10. Symbol 11 indicates the left front side frame, and symbol 12 indicates the right front side frame. Furthermore, symbol 13 indicates the left rear frame, and symbol 14 indicates the right rear frame. Figure 2 The cover 35 of the battery casing 10 was removed (described later).

[0059] In the case of typical electric vehicles, the battery casing is often separated from the vehicle body and detachably installed under the floor. However, in this embodiment, not only the battery casing 10 can be detached from the upper structure 13, but the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 and the left and right rear frames 13 and 14 are integrated into the battery casing 10. The front side frames 11 and 12 and the rear frames 13 and 14 can also be detached from the upper structure 3 together with the battery casing 10.

[0060] Specifically, the electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured to be divisible into a lower structure 2 having a battery casing 10 and an upper structure 3 forming a passenger compartment R1 and a trunk R2. The ability to be divisible means that the lower structure 2 is integrated with the upper structure 3 using bolts, nuts, screws, and other fastening components without welding or bonding. Therefore, after the electric vehicle 1 is handed over to the user, the lower structure 2 can be separated from the upper structure 3 as needed for maintenance or repair, resulting in good maintainability. Furthermore, the fastening components used in the following description also include bolts, nuts, screws, etc.

[0061] Here, as a vehicle body structure, the ladder frame type is well known. In a ladder frame type body structure, it can be divided into a ladder frame and a cabin. However, since the ladder frame extends continuously in the longitudinal direction, it mainly bears the collision load in frontal and rear-end collisions. In side collisions, the ladder frame only auxiliaryly bears the collision load, while the cabin mainly bears the collision load. Thus, in a ladder frame type body structure, the components that bear the collision load in frontal and rear-end collisions are usually distinguished from those that bear the collision load in side collisions.

[0062] In the case of the electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, although the lower structure 2, which has front side frames 11 and 12, and rear frames 13 and 14, can be separated from the upper structure 3, the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 bear the collision load in both frontal and rearward collisions and side collisions. This allows the collision load to be distributed and absorbed by the two structures 2 and 3, which is a significant departure from the conventional ladder-frame vehicle structure. The structure of the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 will be described in detail below.

[0063] (Lower structure)

[0064] First, the lower structure 2 will be described. In addition to the battery housing 10, front side frames 11 and 12, and rear frames 13 and 14, the lower structure 2 also includes front and rear powertrains PT1 and PT2, front wheels FT, rear wheels RT, a front suspension device 20, and a rear suspension device 21. The form of the front suspension device 20 and the rear suspension device 21 is not particularly limited.

[0065] The battery cell BY consists of the battery casing 10 and the battery B housed inside the battery casing 10. In addition, the battery cell BY may also include, for example, a battery cooling device.

[0066] The battery casing 10 is a large casing formed below the floor panel 70 of the upper structure 3, extending from near the left end to near the right end of the floor panel 70, and from near the front end to near the rear end of the floor panel 70. By providing the battery casing 10 over such a large area below the floor panel 70, a high-capacity battery B can be mounted on the electric vehicle 1. The battery B can be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a solid-state battery, or other rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, the battery B can be either a single battery cell or a battery pack containing multiple battery cells. In this embodiment, the battery B is composed of battery packs, and multiple battery packs are mounted in a configuration arranged in both the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0067] Battery housing 10 includes a left battery holder 30, a right battery holder 31, a front battery holder 32, a rear battery holder 33, a bottom plate 34, and a cover 35 that covers the battery B from above (shown in the figure). Figure 4 Additionally. Figure 3 The middle part indicates that the cover 35 has been removed.

[0068] The left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, and rear battery holder 33 are made of, for example, extruded aluminum alloy parts, but can also be made of aluminum alloy sheet or stamped steel sheet. The base plate 34 can also be made of extruded parts. In the following description, "extruded parts" refers to extruded aluminum alloy parts, and "stamped parts" refers to stamped aluminum alloy sheet or stamped steel sheet. Furthermore, each component can also be made of, for example, castings.

[0069] The cross-sectional shape of the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33 in the direction orthogonal to the length direction is all rectangular. In addition, the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33 are all arranged at the same height and extend approximately horizontally.

[0070] The left battery rack 30 and the right battery rack 31 are outer battery racks extending in the front-rear direction from the outside of the battery B in the vehicle width direction. The left battery rack 30 is located on the left side of the battery housing 10 and extends in the front-rear direction along the left side beam 74. The left battery rack 30 is fixed to the left side beam 74 by fastening members or the like. The right battery rack 31 is located on the right side of the battery housing 10 and extends in the front-rear direction along the right side beam 75. The right battery rack 31 is fixed to the right side beam 75 by fastening members or the like.

[0071] Furthermore, the front battery rack 32 is disposed at the front of the battery housing 10 and extends in the left-right direction. In the front view, at least a portion of the front driving motor M1 constituting the front powertrain PT1 is positioned overlapping with at least a portion of the front battery rack 32, i.e., the middle portion of the front battery rack 32 in the vehicle width direction. Additionally, the rear battery rack 33 is disposed at the rear of the battery housing 10 and extends in the left-right direction.

[0072] The left end of the front battery holder 32 is connected to the front end of the left battery holder 30, and the right end of the front battery holder 32 is connected to the front end of the right battery holder 31. The left end of the rear battery holder 33 is connected to the rear end of the left battery holder 30, and the right end of the rear battery holder 33 is connected to the rear end of the right battery holder 31. Therefore, the left battery holder 30, the right battery holder 31, the front battery holder 32, and the rear battery holder 33 are components that constitute a frame-shaped frame that surrounds all batteries B when viewed from above.

[0073] The base plate 34 extends approximately horizontally and is fixed to the lower surfaces of the left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, and rear battery holder 33. Furthermore, the cover 35 is fixed to the upper surfaces of the left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, and rear battery holder 33. That is, the cover 35 is mounted on the battery holders 30-33. When mounting the cover 35 to the battery holders 30-33, fastening components, adhesive bonding, welding, etc., can be used. Thus, the left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, rear battery holder 33, base plate 34, and cover 35 divide the space to form a battery housing space S (shown in Figure 1). Figure 2 ).

[0074] The size of the battery housing space S can be changed according to the capacity of the battery B. The size of the battery housing space S can be easily changed by altering the lengths of the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33, as well as the shape of the base plate 34. For example, in a small car with a short wheelbase and narrow track, the battery housing space S is reduced accordingly by shortening the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33, and correspondingly reducing the shape of the base plate 34 and cover 35. On the other hand, in a large car, the battery housing space S is increased accordingly by lengthening the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33, and correspondingly increasing the shape of the base plate 34 and cover 35. When the left battery rack 30, right battery rack 31, front battery rack 32, and rear battery rack 33 are constructed from extruded parts, the length can be easily changed. In addition, the base plate 34 can also be made of extruded material, which allows for easy changes in shape.

[0075] The upper part of the battery housing space S can be closed either by the aforementioned cover 35 or by the floor panel 70 of the upper structure 3. In addition to housing the battery B, the battery housing space S can also be equipped with a cooling device for cooling the battery B, a heating device for heating the battery B, etc. (temperature control devices). Furthermore, the power from the battery B is supplied to the driving motors M1 and M2 via a control device not shown. Moreover, the battery B can be charged via a charging socket not shown, a contactless charger, etc.

[0076] like Figure 2As shown, inside the battery casing 10 constituting the battery unit BY, there are first to third casing inner parts (unit inner parts) 25A, 25B, and 25C as strength members extending in the left-right direction. The first to third casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C all have the same height, approximately the same as the height of the left-side battery holder 30, etc. The casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C can be formed by extrusion or stamping. In this embodiment, although there are three casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C, the number of casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C can be increased or decreased depending on the front-rear dimensions of the battery casing 10. The first to third casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C are the second constituent parts.

[0077] The first to third housing inner components 25A, 25B, and 25C are arranged spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction, with the first housing inner component 25A at the front and the third housing inner component 25C at the back. The lower part of each housing inner component 25A, 25B, and 25C is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 34. In addition, the left end of each housing inner component 25A, 25B, and 25C is fixed to the inner surface (right side) of the left battery rack 30, and the right end of each housing inner component 25A, 25B, and 25C is fixed to the inner surface (left side) of the right battery rack 31. That is, the housing inner components 25A, 25B, and 25C are components that connect the left battery rack 30 and the right battery rack 31.

[0078] Inside the battery casing 10, a front central member (unit inner member) 26 and first to third rear central members (unit inner members) 27 to 29 are provided as strength members extending in the front-rear direction. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are arranged at approximately the same height and are located at the center in the left-right direction of the battery casing 10. The lower ends of the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 34. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are first structural members. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 intersect with the first to third inner members 25A, 25B, and 25C.

[0079] The front central member 26 is disposed between the front battery holder 32 and the first inner housing member 25A. The front end of the front central member 26 is fixed to the center portion of the front battery holder 32 in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the front central member 26 is fixed to the center portion of the first inner housing member 25A in the left-right direction. Therefore, the front battery holder 32 is a member that extends in such a way that the front ends of the left battery holder 30 and the right battery holder 31 are connected to the front end of the front central member 26.

[0080] A first rear central member 27 is disposed between a first inner shell member 25A and a second inner shell member 25B. The front end of the first rear central member 27 is fixed to the center portion of the first inner shell member 25A in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the first rear central member 27 is fixed to the center portion of the second inner shell member 25B in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a second rear central member 28 is disposed between a second inner shell member 25B and a third inner shell member 25C. The front end of the second rear central member 28 is fixed to the center portion of the second inner shell member 25B in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the second rear central member 28 is fixed to the center portion of the third inner shell member 25C in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a third rear central member 29 is disposed between a third inner shell member 25C and a rear battery holder 33. The front end of the third rear central member 29 is fixed to the center portion of the third inner shell member 25C in the left-right direction, and the rear end of the third rear central member 29 is fixed to the center portion of the rear battery holder 33 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the first to third inner shell components 25A, 25B, 25C, the front central component 26, and the first to third rear central components 27 to 29 are arranged in a grid pattern inside the battery casing 10 and connected to each other, thus further improving the reinforcing effect of the battery casing 10.

[0081] When conceiving a hypothetical straight line extending in the front-to-back direction when viewed from above, the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are positioned in the left-to-right direction on this hypothetical straight line. That is, the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are arranged on the hypothetical extension line of the front central member 26 facing rearward. Alternatively, the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 can also be composed of a single, continuous member in the front-to-back direction.

[0082] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the front structure A of the vehicle body includes a pair of left and right front side frames 11 and 12, a frame bracket 40, a first crossbeam 15, a pair of left and right impact-absorbing members 16 and 17, and a second crossbeam 19. In this embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned components, it also includes a front member 18, reinforcing members 19A and 19B, etc. The components constituting the front structure A of the vehicle body are not limited to the above-mentioned components, and may also include other components, equipment, devices, etc. Furthermore, components that are not essential elements of the present invention may be omitted.

[0083] The front side frames 11 and 12 extend in a generally horizontal, straight line below the left and right front main frames 72 and 73 of the upper structure 3. The front side frames 11 and 12 can be made of, for example, extruded parts or stamped parts. In this embodiment, the front side frames 11 and 12 are made of extruded parts, so the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is approximately equal from the front end to the rear end.

[0084] The left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are mounted to the front battery holder 32, which constitutes the front part of the battery case 10, via a frame bracket 40. That is, the rear parts of the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are connected to the front battery holder 32 via the frame bracket 40. The frame bracket 40 is a one-piece metal piece that extends along the front surface of the front battery holder 32 in the left-right direction. The rear parts of the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are fixed to the frame bracket 40. The metal constituting the frame bracket 40 is not particularly limited; for example, aluminum can be used. In this case, the frame bracket 40 can be made of die-cast aluminum.

[0085] Although the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are mounted to the front battery holder 32 via the frame bracket 40, the rear parts of the front side brackets 11 and 12 touch the front surface of the front battery holder 32. Therefore, the front side brackets 11 and 12 extend forward from the front battery holder 32. Alternatively, the rear parts of the front side brackets 11 and 12 may be separated from the front surface of the front battery holder 32 somewhat forward; in this case, overall, it can also be said that the front side brackets 11 and 12 extend forward from the front battery holder 32.

[0086] The rear portion of the left front side bracket 11 is positioned to correspond to the portion of the front battery holder 32 that is slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction. Similarly, the rear portion of the right front side bracket 12 is positioned to correspond to the portion of the front battery holder 32 that is slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction. Thus, the spacing between the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 is a predetermined spacing. The spacing between the rear portions of the front side brackets 11 and 12 is set to be narrower than the spacing between the left battery holder 30 and the right battery holder 31 of the battery case 10.

[0087] The left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are at approximately the same height. In addition, the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12, the front central member 26 of the battery case 10, the left battery holder 30 and the right battery holder 31 are mounted at approximately the same height.

[0088] The left and right front side frames 11 and 12 extend outwards in the vehicle width direction as they move forward. Specifically, the left front side frame 11 is inclined relative to a hypothetical straight line extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction when viewed from above, as it is positioned further forward and to the left. Similarly, the right front side frame 12 is inclined relative to a hypothetical straight line extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction when viewed from above, as it is positioned further forward and to the right. Thus, the distance between the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 (the separation distance in the vehicle width direction) widens as it moves forward, creating a space C between the left and right front side frames 11 and 12, capable of housing all or part of various components, equipment, devices, etc. Furthermore, this space C has a shape that expands in the vehicle width direction as it moves forward.

[0089] The tilt angle of the left front side bracket 11 relative to the aforementioned illusory straight line is equal to the tilt angle of the right front side bracket 12 relative to the aforementioned illusory straight line. The front part of the left front side bracket 11 is positioned inside the left battery rack 30 of the battery case 10 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the front part of the right front side bracket 12 is positioned inside the right battery rack 31 of the battery case 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the front parts of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are positioned approximately the same in the front-rear direction as the front parts of the left and right front main frames 72 of the upper structure 3.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the frame bracket 40 includes a longitudinal plate portion 40a extending along the front surface of the front battery rack 32 in both the vehicle width and vertical directions, and a lower plate portion 40b extending rearward from the lower edge of the longitudinal plate portion 40a along the lower surface of the front battery rack 32 and also extending in the vehicle width direction. The longitudinal plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b are fixed to the front battery rack 32 by fasteners or the like. By fixing the longitudinal plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b of the frame bracket 40 to the front surface and lower surface of the front battery rack 32 respectively, the mounting rigidity of the frame bracket 40 relative to the front battery rack 32 can be improved.

[0092] On the longitudinal plate portion 40a of the frame bracket 40, a left insertion hole 40c for inserting the rear part of the left front side bracket 11 and a right insertion hole 40d for inserting the rear part of the right front side bracket 12 are formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The rear part of the left front side bracket 11 is fixed to the frame bracket 40 by means of adhesive, fastening members or the like when inserted into the left insertion hole 40c.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, the frame bracket 40 includes a left upper plate portion 40e extending in the front-rear direction to cover the upper surface of the left front side frame 11, and a right upper plate portion 40f extending in the front-rear direction to cover the upper surface of the right front side frame 12. The left upper plate portion 40e is bonded to the upper surface of the left front side frame 11, for example, by an adhesive, and the right upper plate portion 40f is similarly bonded to the upper surface of the right front side frame 12. Thus, the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 can be securely fixed to the frame bracket 40.

[0094] The frame bracket 40 has a left support portion 41 and a right support portion 42, which are integrally formed with the longitudinal plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b. The left support portion 41 is located on the outer side (left side) of the left front side bracket 11 in the vehicle width direction, supporting the front side bracket 11 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the left support portion 41 protrudes forward from the left side portion of the left insertion hole 40c on the longitudinal plate portion 40a and extends along the left side surface of the left front side bracket 11. The front portion of the left support portion 41 reaches near the center of the left front side bracket 11 in the front-rear direction, thus enabling the left support portion 41 to support a large area of ​​the front side bracket 11. The left front side bracket 11 can also be glued to the left support portion 41.

[0095] Furthermore, the right-side support portion 42 is located on the outer side (right side) of the right front side frame 12 in the vehicle width direction, supporting the front side frame 12 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the right-side support portion 42 protrudes forward from the right side portion of the right-side insertion hole 40d on the longitudinal plate portion 40a and extends along the right side surface of the right front side frame 12. The front portion of the right-side support portion 42 reaches near the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the right front side frame 12, thus enabling the right-side support portion 42 to support a large area of ​​the front side frame 12. The right front side frame 12 can also be glued to the right-side support portion 42.

[0096] On the outer side of the frame bracket 40 in the vehicle width direction, the left and right suspension arms 20A constituting the front suspension device 20 are supported so as to swing freely in the vertical direction. That is, a left arm mounting portion 43 is provided on the frame bracket 40, protruding to the left from the left side of the left support portion 41. The base end of the left suspension arm 20A is rotatably mounted on this left arm mounting portion 43 about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a right arm mounting portion 44 is provided on the frame bracket 40, protruding to the right from the right side of the right support portion 42. The base end of the right suspension arm 20A is rotatably mounted on this right arm mounting portion 44 about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0097] The first crossbeam 15 is a component mounted on the left front side frame 11, separating the front battery rack 32 from the front, and on the right front side frame 12, separating the front battery rack 32 from the front. It extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. The first crossbeam 15 may also be made of an extruded part, a stamped part, or the like. In this embodiment, the left side portion of the first crossbeam 15 is fixed to the front of the left front side frame 11, and the right side portion of the first crossbeam 15 is fixed to the front of the right front side frame 12, thereby connecting the front portions of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 to each other via the first crossbeam 15.

[0098] Furthermore, the first crossbeam 15 is approximately parallel to the front battery rack 32. Thus, when viewed from above, the first crossbeam 15, the left and right front side racks 11 and 12, and the front battery rack 32 form a rectangle (trapezoidal in this example), which constitutes a closed section when viewed horizontally.

[0099] The left side of the first crossbeam 15 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction than the front part of the left front side frame 11. In addition, the right side of the first crossbeam 15 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction than the front part of the right front side frame 12.

[0100] The second crossbeam 19 is positioned between the first crossbeam 15 and the front battery rack 32. It is a component mounted on the left front side frame 11 and the right front side frame 12, extending linearly in the vehicle width direction. The second crossbeam 19 can also be made of extruded parts, stamped parts, etc. The dimension of the second crossbeam 19 in the vehicle width direction is shorter than the dimension of the first crossbeam 15 in the vehicle width direction.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the left end of the second crossbeam 19 is fixed to the right side of the left front side frame 11 by means of adhesive bonding, welding, fastening components, etc. The right end of the second crossbeam 19 is similarly fixed to the left side of the right front side frame 12. Thus, the middle portions of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 in the front-rear direction are connected to each other.

[0102] Furthermore, the second crossbeam 19 is approximately parallel to the front battery rack 32. Thus, when viewed from above, the second crossbeam 19, the left and right front side racks 11 and 12, and the front battery rack 32 form a rectangle (trapezoidal in this example), which constitutes a closed section when viewed horizontally. Additionally, when viewed from above, the second crossbeam 19, the left and right front side racks 11 and 12, and the first crossbeam 15 also form a rectangle.

[0103] like Figure 5 As shown, the left-side reinforcing member 19A extends rearward from the portion of the second crossbeam 19 that is slightly to the left of the center in the vehicle width direction toward the front battery rack 32. The rear portion of the left-side reinforcing member 19A is fixed to the right side of the left-side front side frame 11. Furthermore, the right-side reinforcing member 19B extends rearward from the portion of the second crossbeam 19 that is slightly to the right of the center in the vehicle width direction toward the front battery rack 32. The rear portion of the right-side reinforcing member 19B is fixed to the left side of the right-side front side frame 12.

[0104] The impact-absorbing member 16 on the left is located in front of the left front side frame 11 and is composed of a cylindrical member extending forward. Similarly, the impact-absorbing member 17 on the right is located in front of the right front side frame 12 and is also composed of a cylindrical member extending forward. The impact-absorbing members 16 and 17, like the collapse boxes 72a and 73a of the upper structure 3, undergo compressive deformation before the front side frames 11 and 12 deform due to impact loads from the front, thus absorbing the impact load. Figure 1 As shown, the rear parts of the left and right impact absorbing members 16 and 17 are positioned approximately the same in the front-to-back direction as the rear parts of the collapse boxes 72a and 73a of the upper structure 3.

[0105] The rear portion of the left-side impact-absorbing member 16 is fixed to the front portion of the left-side front side frame 11. The left-side impact-absorbing member 16 extends along the length of the left-side front side frame 11, and its axis lies on the forward-facing extension line of the front side frame 11. Furthermore, the rear portion of the right-side impact-absorbing member 17 is fixed to the front portion of the right-side front side frame 12. The right-side impact-absorbing member 17 extends along the length of the right-side front side frame 12, and its axis lies on the forward-facing extension line of the front side frame 12.

[0106] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the front member 18 is a component mounted on the left and right impact-absorbing members 16 and 17. The portion of the front member 18 located to the left of the center in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the front of the left impact-absorbing member 16, and the portion of the front member 18 located to the right of the center in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the front of the right impact-absorbing member 17. Thus, the left and right impact-absorbing members 16 and 17 are connected via the front member 18. Figure 1 As shown, the front part 18 and the front bumper reinforcement 87 of the upper structure 3 are positioned approximately the same in the front-rear direction, with the front part 18 located directly below the front bumper reinforcement 87.

[0107] (Upper structure)

[0108] First, let's explain the upper structure 3. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the upper structure 3 includes a floor panel 70, a front bulkhead (partition) 71, a pair of left and right front main frames 72 and 73, and a pair of left and right side beams 74 and 75. Symbol 72 represents the left front main frame, and symbol 73 represents the right front main frame. Symbol 74 represents the left side beam, and symbol 75 represents the right side beam.

[0109] The floor panel 70 forms the floor of the carriage R1 and is constructed of steel plates extending in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The space above the floor panel 70 forms the carriage R1. A roof 80 is provided on the upper part of the carriage R1. Furthermore, a front opening 3a and a rear opening 3b are formed on the left and right sides of the upper structure 3, respectively. Figure 1 As shown, the front opening 3a and the rear opening 3b are opened and closed freely by the front door 81 and the rear door 82, respectively. In addition, although not shown, a front door and a rear door are also provided freely on the right side of the upper structure 3.

[0110] The left and right side beams 74 and 75 are configured to extend in the front-rear direction from the left and right ends of the floor panel 70, respectively. The left end of the floor panel 70 is connected to the middle of the left side beam 74 in the vertical direction, and the right end of the floor panel 70 is connected to the middle of the right side beam 75 in the vertical direction. The upper portions of the side beams 74 and 75 protrude upwards from the connection points of the floor panel 70, and the lower portions of the side beams 74 and 75 protrude downwards from the connection points of the floor panel 70. Since the battery housing 10 is disposed below the floor panel 70, it is positioned between the left and right side beams 74 and 75, and the lower portions of the side beams 74 and 75 overlap with the battery housing 10 when the vehicle is viewed from the side. The battery housing 10 is fixed to the side beams 74 and 75.

[0111] The left and right front main frames 72 and 73 are located at the front of the vehicle body and are high-strength components extending in the front-rear direction. That is, the left and right front main frames 72 and 73 are located in front of the floor panel 70 and above the floor panel 70, specifically arranged to extend forward from the left and right sides of the lower part of the front bulkhead 71.

[0112] The left and right front main frames 72 and 73 are symmetrically constructed, for example, by joining multiple stamped parts or by extruding parts. The cross-section of each front main frame 72 and 73 in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is set to be larger than the cross-section of the front side frames 11 and 12 of the lower structure 2 in the same direction. As a result, each front main frame 72 and 73 is thicker than the front side frames 11 and 12, becoming a high-strength component.

[0113] The front ends of the left and right front mainframes 72 respectively have crash cans 72a and 73a that compress and deform to absorb impact energy during a frontal collision. Crash cans 72a and 73a are cylindrical components extending in the longitudinal direction. Crash cans 72a and 73a compress and deform before the front mainframes 72 and 73 deform due to the impact load from the front, absorbing the impact load. Front bumper reinforcement members 87 extending in the left and right directions are fixed to the front ends of the left and right crash cans 72a and 73a.

[0114] like Figures 6-9 As also shown, the front bulkhead 71 is a component used to divide the passenger compartment R1 and the engine compartment R3, defining the passenger compartment R1 by means of the front bulkhead 71. This front bulkhead 71 is made of, for example, steel plate, and extends in the left-right direction and also in the up-down direction at the front of the vehicle. Figure 9 As shown, on the left and right sides of the front part of the upper structure 3, there are a pair of suspension towers 90 and 91. Symbol 90 represents the left suspension tower, and symbol 91 represents the right suspension tower.

[0115] The left and right suspension tower portions 90 and 91 are respectively formed to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the left suspension tower portion 90 is formed such that it bulges from the left side of the engine compartment R3 to the passenger compartment R1 toward the right side, and its bulge range is also set in the vertical direction, capable of accommodating a portion of the left front suspension device 20 installed on the lower structure 2 described later. The upper part of the left front suspension device 20 (e.g., the upper part of the shock absorber) is supported by the upper part of the left suspension tower portion 90. In addition, the right suspension tower portion 91 is formed such that it bulges from the right side of the engine compartment R3 to the passenger compartment R1 toward the left side, and its bulge range is also set in the vertical direction, capable of accommodating a portion of the right front suspension device 20 installed on the lower structure 2 described later. The upper part of the right front suspension device 20 is supported by the upper part of the right suspension tower portion 91.

[0116] like Figure 9 As shown, on the left and right sides of the front part of the upper structure 3, left and right front wheel covers 85 and 86 are formed in a manner that bulges inward in the vehicle width direction to accommodate the left and right front wheels FT. The symbol 85 indicates the left front wheel cover 85, and the symbol 86 indicates the right front wheel cover 86. The left front wheel cover 85 is continuous with the rear side of the left suspension tower 90 and bulges to the right from the left side of the vehicle body R1 to accommodate the left front wheel FT. In addition, the right front wheel cover 86 is continuous with the rear side of the right suspension tower 91 and bulges to the left from the right side of the vehicle body R1 to accommodate the right front wheel FT.

[0117] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a cowl portion 88 is provided above the front bulkhead 71. The cowl portion 88 extends in the left-right direction from the upper part of the left suspension tower portion 90 to the upper part of the right suspension tower portion 91. In addition, the lower part of the cowl portion 88 extends forward, reaching the middle part in the front-rear direction of the left and right suspension tower portions 90 and 91.

[0118] The front bulkhead 71 includes an upper side plate portion (first partition portion) 71A constituting the upper part of the front bulkhead 71, and a lower side plate portion (second partition portion) 71B constituting the lower part of the front bulkhead 71. The upper side plate portion 71A and the lower side plate portion 71B can be composed of different components, or they can be composed of different parts of a single component. When the upper side plate portion 71A and the lower side plate portion 71B are composed of different components, they can be molded into a desired shape and then joined together to form an integral unit, or the two components can be joined together and then molded into a desired shape.

[0119] The upper end of the upper side plate 71A is connected to the lower part of the cover 88. The upper side plate 71A extends in the left-right direction and in the up-down direction, specifically, it extends from the middle part of the left suspension tower 90 in the front-rear direction to the middle part of the right suspension tower 91 in the front-rear direction.

[0120] The upper end of the lower side plate portion 71B is connected to the lower end of the upper side plate portion 71A. Therefore, the upper end of the lower side plate portion 71B extends in the left-right direction from the middle of the front-rear direction of the left suspension tower portion 90 to the middle of the front-rear direction of the right suspension tower portion 91. On the other hand, the lower part of the lower side plate portion 71B that is lower than the upper end (hereinafter referred to as the lower part of the lower side plate portion 71B) is formed in such a way that it is located further back as it goes down. The lower part of the lower side plate portion 71B can be inclined or bent.

[0121] The lower end (rear end) of the lower side panel 71B is connected to the front end of the floor panel 70. The left and right sides of the lower side portion of the lower side panel 71B are connected to the left and right front wheel arches 85 and 86 respectively, and extend rearward to the left and right side beams 74 and 75 respectively.

[0122] like Figures 6-9 As shown, the front travel motor M1 is mounted below the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B. In other words, the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B is configured to cover the front travel motor M1 from above. As a configuration that allows the front travel motor M1 to be mounted below the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B, the upper structure 3 includes a motor mounting section 71a. The motor mounting section 71a is a portion capable of mounting at least a portion of the front travel motor M1, and is a bulge formed by extending the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B inwards toward the vehicle compartment R1. Figure 14 The image below shows the state of the motor mounting section 71a as viewed from below.

[0123] Specifically, the front drive motor M1 is configured to extend from between the left and right suspension towers 90 and 91 to between the left and right front wheel arches 85 and 86, thus located directly below the lower portion of the lower side panel 71B. The middle portion of the lower side panel 71B in the vehicle width direction bulges upwards, forming the motor mounting section 71a to accommodate at least the upper and rear portions of the front drive motor M1. The left-right dimension of the motor mounting section 71a is set shorter than the dimension between the left and right front wheel arches 85 and 86, thus the left and right sides of the motor mounting section 71a are composed of rearward-sloping inclined surfaces. That is, by providing the motor mounting section 71a, the front drive motor M1, i.e., the front powertrain PT1, can be moved closer to the rear of the vehicle, thus ensuring sufficient crumple zone in the event of a frontal collision or similar event in the longitudinal direction.

[0124] The motor mounting section 71a may also house a reducer, a gearbox, and a housing for the front powertrain PT1. Furthermore, the motor mounting section 71a may also house a control device for controlling the front travel motor M1 and a wiring harness (not shown). When the downward-facing surface of the motor mounting section 71a is defined as its inner surface, as... Figure 7 As shown, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the motor mounting section 71a and the front travel motor M1 to prevent the front travel motor M1 from contacting the inner surface of the motor mounting section 71a during normal driving.

[0125] The upper structure 3 includes a front crossbeam 93 disposed within the passenger compartment R1. The front crossbeam 93 is fixed to the upper surface of the floor panel 70, located rearward of the motor mounting section 71a, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The front crossbeam 93 is, for example, formed to open downwards; its open portion is closed by engaging with the upper surface of the floor panel 70, forming a closed section. The left end of the front crossbeam 93 is fixed to the right side of the left side beam 74, and the right end of the front crossbeam 93 is fixed to the left side of the right side beam 75. Figure 10 As shown, the upper end of the front crossbeam 93 is configured to be at the same height as the upper end of the side beam 75.

[0126] The front part of the left front seat S1 is mounted on the left side of the center portion of the front crossbeam 93 in the width-than-vehicle direction, and the front part of the right front seat S1 is mounted on the right side of the center portion of the front crossbeam 93 in the width-than-vehicle direction. A slide rail (not shown) is provided under each front seat S1, and the front part of the slide rail is fixed to the front crossbeam 93 via a bracket or the like. Furthermore, the rear part of the slide rail is fixed to the floor panel 70 located rearward of the front crossbeam 93.

[0127] The upper structure 3 includes a reinforcing member 94 that connects the motor mounting section 71a to the front crossbeam 93. The rear part of the reinforcing member 94 abuts against the front surface of the front crossbeam 93 from the front, and when a rearward load is applied to the reinforcing member 94, the front crossbeam 93 can reliably bear the load.

[0128] The reinforcing member 94 is disposed in the center of the vehicle width direction and is used to support the motor mounting section 71a from the rear to suppress rearward deformation of the motor mounting section 71a. For example, if the front travel motor M1 moves backward and hits the motor mounting section 71a due to an impact load from the front, the motor mounting section 71a may deform rearward under the impact load. In this case, by suppressing the deformation of the motor mounting section 71a by the reinforcing member 94, the entry of the front travel motor M1 into the vehicle compartment R1 side is suppressed. Furthermore, during normal driving other than during a collision, by connecting the motor mounting section 71a to the high-strength front crossbeam 93, the rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved, and the reinforcing member 94 contributes to improvements such as handling stability.

[0129] The reinforcing member 94 is configured with its length direction facing the front-to-back direction. The front-to-back dimension of the reinforcing member 94 is set to be longer than its left-to-right dimension. Furthermore, the vertical dimension of the reinforcing member 94 is set to be shorter than its left-to-right dimension, and it has an overall flat shape. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 94 is made of a stamped part, but it is not limited to this; for example, it can also be made of an extruded part. Figure 7 As shown, a rib 94b extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the reinforcing member 94.

[0130] like Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the front portion of the reinforcing member 94 is fixed to the upper portion of the motor mounting section 71a. The reinforcing member 94 extends rearward from the upper portion of the motor mounting section 71a, tilting downwards as it moves further rearward. Therefore, a space is formed between the reinforcing member 94 and the floor panel 70. Alternatively, the reinforcing member 94 can be fixed to the lower portion of the motor mounting section 71a. In this case, the reinforcing member 94 extends rearward along the upper surface of the floor panel 70 and can be fixed to the floor panel 70.

[0131] The upper structure 3 includes a floor reinforcement 96 extending along the floor panel 70 in the front-rear direction below the reinforcement member 94. The floor reinforcement 96 is fixed to the upper surface of the floor panel 70. The rear part of the floor reinforcement 96 is connected to the middle part of the front crossbeam 93 in the vehicle width direction.

[0132] In this embodiment, such as Figure 11 and Figure 13As shown, a connecting member 95 is provided at the rear of the motor mounting section 71a, connecting the front part of the reinforcing member 94 and the front part of the floor reinforcement member 96 in the vertical direction. The front parts of the reinforcing member 94 and the floor reinforcement member 96 are fixed to the connecting member 95 by fastening members. This connecting member 95 is, for example, formed from sheet metal, and is a component constituting part of the motor mounting section 71a. That is, the motor mounting section 71a has a main body part composed of bulges and a connecting member 95. Alternatively, although not shown, the front part of the reinforcing member 94 may be directly fixed to the rear part of the main body part of the motor mounting section 71a without using the connecting member 95.

[0133] In this embodiment, since the connecting member 95 is a component constituting part of the motor mounting section 71a, the front part of the floor reinforcement 96 is connected to the lower part of the motor mounting section 71a. Thus, the front parts of the floor reinforcement 96 and the front parts of the reinforcement member 94 are respectively connected to the vertically separated portions of the motor mounting section 71a, thereby significantly improving the rigidity of the motor mounting section 71a.

[0134] Furthermore, the rear of the reinforcing member 94 is connected to the rear of the floor reinforcing member 96. Therefore, as... Figure 10 As shown, the first closed section is formed by the motor mounting section 71a, the reinforcing member 94 extending obliquely downward from the upper part of the motor mounting section 71a, and the floor reinforcing member 96 extending in the front-rear direction. The first closed section is triangular in shape when viewed from the side, and its vertical dimension becomes shorter as it moves further back.

[0135] In addition, structural components 95, etc. Figure 10 The motor mounting section 71a is formed by extending rearward from the upper rear portion of its main body and then downward. The upper part of the connecting member 95 is connected to the upper rear portion of the main body of the motor mounting section 71a, and the lower part of the connecting member 95 is connected to the lower rear portion of the main body of the motor mounting section 71a. Thus, the connecting member 95 and the main body of the motor mounting section 71a form a second closed section when viewed from the side. This second closed section is approximately rectangular in shape and is located in front of the first closed section. The second closed section is not mandatory and can be configured as needed.

[0136] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, the connecting member 95 is a component constituting part of the motor mounting section 71a, but it is not limited thereto; the motor mounting section 71a may also be constituted solely by the protrusion. In this case, the front part of the reinforcing member 94 is directly fixed to the rear part of the motor mounting section 71a, and the motor mounting section 71a, the reinforcing member 94, and the floor reinforcing member 96 constitute a first closed section. Moreover, by fixing the connecting member 95 to the rear part of the protrusion constituting the motor mounting section 71a, the connecting member 95 and the motor mounting section 71a constitute a second closed section.

[0137] like Figure 12 As shown, the rear of the reinforcing member 94 is mounted to the floor panel 70 and the cover 35 of the battery unit BY. Specifically, a flange 94a extending in the vehicle width direction is formed at the rear of the reinforcing member 94, and a bolt B1 passes through the flange 94a. A nut N1 for screwing the bolt B1 is fixed to the upper surface of the flange 94a. The bolt B1 passes through the portion directly below the aforementioned flange 94a on the cover 35 and the portion directly below the aforementioned flange 94a on the floor panel 70. By having the bolt B1 pass through the cover 35, floor panel 70, and flange 94a from below and screwed into the nut N1, the rear of the reinforcing member 94 can be fixed to the floor panel 70 and the cover 35. In this way, the rear of the reinforcing member 94, the floor panel 70, and the cover 35 are fastened by common fastening members B1 and N1, thus achieving a secure integration. Alternatively, bolt B1 can pass through from above flange 94a and be screwed into nut N1 fixed to the lower surface of cover 35. Small screws (vis) or similar devices can also be used instead of bolt B1. Furthermore, multiple locations of reinforcing member 94, separated in the vehicle width direction, can be installed on cover 35 and floor panel 70.

[0138] like Figure 10 As shown, the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 is also mounted to the center portion of the first housing inner part 25A in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 has a flange 94a (shown in...) Figure 12 Bolt B2 passes through the portion that is separated in the vehicle width direction. Bolt B2 also passes through the floor reinforcement 96, floor panel 70, and cover 35. Nut N2 is fixed to the rear of the reinforcement member 94, consistent with the through portion of bolt B2.

[0139] A through hole 25a for bolt B2 is formed on the first inner shell 25A. By inserting bolt B2, which passes through the through hole 25a from below, through the upper wall of the first inner shell 25A, the cover 35, the floor panel 70, the floor reinforcement 96, and the rear of the reinforcement member 94, and screwing it into the nut N2, the rear of the reinforcement member 94 can also be fastened to the first inner shell 25A. In this way, the rear of the reinforcement member 94, the floor reinforcement 96, the floor panel 70, the cover 35, and the first inner shell 25A are fastened together by the common fastening members B2 and N2, thus achieving a secure integration. Alternatively, bolt B2 can pass through from above the rear of the reinforcement member 94 and be screwed into the nut N2 fixed to the first inner shell 25A. Small screws or the like can also be used instead of bolt B2. Furthermore, multiple locations of the reinforcement member 94 that are separated in the vehicle width direction can be installed on the first inner shell 25A.

[0140] For example, Figure 3As shown, the central portion of the first housing inner member 25A in the vehicle width direction is both the intersection with the front central member 26 and the intersection with the first rear central member 27. The intersection of the first housing inner member 25A with the front central member 26 (or the first rear central member 27) is reinforced by the front central member 26 (or the first rear central member 27), becoming a particularly strong portion. The rear of the reinforcing member 94 can be installed in this high-strength portion.

[0141] Furthermore, the rear part of the reinforcing member 94 can also be installed on the front crossbeam 93. For example, the rear part of the reinforcing member 94 can be fixed to the upper part of the front crossbeam 93 by fastening members, or the rear part of the reinforcing member 94 can be fixed to the front crossbeam 93 via a bracket (not shown).

[0142] based on Figure 8 The positional relationship between the reinforcing member 94 and the battery B is explained. When comparing the positions of the front part of the foremost battery B among the multiple batteries B included in the battery cell BY with the front part of the reinforcing member 94, the battery B is positioned such that the front part of the foremost battery B is located behind the front part of the reinforcing member 94. As a result, impact loads from the front are less likely to act on the battery B during a collision.

[0143] Furthermore, in the main view, at least a portion of the front-side driving motor M1 is positioned overlapping the front of the reinforcing member 94. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the vertical position of the front travel motor M1 is set to be approximately the same as the vertical position of the front part of the reinforcing member 94. Therefore, when the front travel motor M1 moves backward, the front part of the reinforcing member 94 can reliably bear its load.

[0144] like Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the upper structure 3 includes a partition wall reinforcement 98. The partition wall reinforcement 98 is positioned forward of the motor mounting portion 71a on the surface inside the car body R1 of the upper side panel 71A, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The front portion of the partition wall reinforcement 98 engages with the lower side panel 71B. The left end of the partition wall reinforcement 98 connects to the left side suspension tower portion 90, and the right end of the partition wall reinforcement 98 connects to the right side suspension tower portion 91.

[0145] (Effects of the implementation method)

[0146] As explained above, since the motor mounting section 71a is formed by bulging the lower part of the front bulkhead 71 inward toward the vehicle compartment R1, and the front travel motor M1 is mounted on the motor mounting section 71a, the front travel motor M1 can be moved toward the rearward side. As a result, the crumple zone during a collision can be sufficiently ensured in the longitudinal direction.

[0147] Next, the collision of the electric vehicle 1 configured as described above will be explained. In a collision where the impact load acts from the front, if an obstacle enters the power compartment R3 formed ahead of the front bulkhead 71, this obstacle will exert a backward load on the front driving motor M1. The front driving motor M1, subjected to the backward load, pushes the motor mounting section 71a backward. At this time, since a reinforcing member 94 is provided behind the motor mounting section 71a, the backward movement of the motor mounting section 71a is suppressed by the reinforcing member 94. Furthermore, the impact load acting on the reinforcing member 94 is dispersed and transmitted to the floor panel 70 and the cover 35 of the battery unit BY, thus making it difficult for the impact load to act on the battery B.

[0148] Furthermore, since the cover 35 is mounted on the battery racks 30-33, the impact load transmitted to the cover 35 via the reinforcing member 94 is dispersed and absorbed by the battery racks 30-33.

[0149] Furthermore, since the reinforcing member 94 descends and tilts backward from the upper part of the motor mounting section 71a, the portion of the motor mounting section 71a that separates upward from the floor panel 70 can be supported by the reinforcing member 94, thus further improving the deformation suppression effect of the motor mounting section 71a.

[0150] 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.

[0151] Industrial availability

[0152] As explained above, the front body structure of this disclosure can be installed, for example, in an electric vehicle.

Claims

1. A front body structure for an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle having a drive motor, and a battery unit comprising a battery supplying power to the drive motor and a cover covering the battery disposed below the floor panel, the front body structure being characterized in that it comprises: The adjacent section is designed to extend in the width direction at the front of the vehicle, defining the interior space of the passenger compartment. The motor mounting section has a bulge formed by bulging a portion of the lower side plate constituting the lower part of the partition wall towards the interior of the passenger compartment to a position closer to the interior of the passenger compartment than the upper side plate constituting the upper part of the partition wall. This bulge allows the travel motor, mounted on the outside of the passenger compartment, to be mounted at a position closer to the interior of the passenger compartment than the upper side plate. The reinforcing member extends from the motor mounting section toward the rear of the vehicle. The motor mounting section has a connecting member that connects the bulge to the front of the reinforcing member. With the front portion of the reinforcing member connected to the bulge via the connecting member, the vertical position of the front portion of the reinforcing member is the same as the vertical position of the travel motor. The rear part of the reinforcing member is installed on the floor panel and the cover.

2. The front structure of the vehicle body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing member extends from the upper part of the motor configuration toward the rear of the vehicle, and is inclined in such a way that it is positioned lower as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

3. The front structure of the vehicle body according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a crossbeam fixed to the floor panel on the rear side of the vehicle, which is located above the motor mounting section, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The rear part of the reinforcing member abuts against the crossbeam from the front of the vehicle.

4. The front structure of the vehicle body according to claim 2, characterized in that, It includes a crossbeam fixed to the floor panel on the rear side of the vehicle, which is located above the motor mounting section, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The rear part of the reinforcing member abuts against the crossbeam from the front of the vehicle.

5. The front body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell has a battery rack formed in a manner that surrounds the battery. The cover is mounted on the battery holder.

6. The front body structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery cell has a battery rack formed in a manner that surrounds the battery. The cover is mounted on the battery holder.

7. The front body structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery cell has a battery rack formed in a manner that surrounds the battery. The cover is mounted on the battery holder.

8. The vehicle body front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The rear part of the reinforcing member, the floor panel, and the cover are fastened together by a common fastening member.

Images