Vehicle body front structure

Abstract

A vehicle body front structure that is capable of absorbing impact load by side frames even in the case of a side collision occurring more outward in the vehicle width direction than the front portions of the side frames. A vehicle body front structure (A) is provided with: a front side battery frame (32) provided at the front portion of a battery case (10); a pair of left and right side frames (11, 12) extending from the front side battery frame (32) toward the front of the vehicle in such a manner that the more forward the side frames are, the more outward in the vehicle width direction the side frames are located; a pair of left and right impact absorbing members (16, 17) provided in front of the side frames (11, 12); a front piece (18) erected on the left and right impact absorbing members (16, 17); and protruding members (15A, 15B) configured between the side frames (11, 12) and the impact absorbing members (16, 17) and protruding more outward in the vehicle width direction than the front portions of the side frames (11, 12).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, in the front of the automobile body disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pair of left and right front side frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are provided, and a front subframe is provided below these front side frames and behind the engine compartment. At the left and right front ends of the front subframe, a left tubular frame and a right tubular frame extend towards the front of the vehicle, respectively. The left and right tubular frames are inclined relative to the centerline extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with the left and right tubular frames positioned further forward and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, by tilting the left and right tubular frames in a manner that is further forward and further outward in the vehicle width direction, the impact load can be effectively absorbed in the case of an offset collision in which the impact load is input from the oblique front of the vehicle.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-101952 Summary of the Invention

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

[0008] However, in Patent Document 1, although the left and right tubular frames are tilted so that the further forward they are, the further out they are in the vehicle width direction, there is a risk that the tubular frames may not be able to absorb the impact load in the case of an offset collision in which the impact load is input further out in the vehicle width direction than the front of the left and right tubular frames.

[0009] This application is made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to enable the side frame to absorb impact loads even in the event of an offset collision that occurs on the outer side of the vehicle width direction, which is further outward than the front of the side frame.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0011] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the premise of the first aspect of this disclosure is a front body structure for an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle having a drive motor and a battery case housing a battery supplying power to the drive motor located below the floor panel. The front body structure includes: a front battery rack disposed at the front of the battery case; a pair of left and right side frames extending from the front battery rack toward the front of the vehicle in a manner that the further forward it is, the further outward it is in the vehicle width direction; a pair of left and right impact-absorbing members disposed in front of the left and right side frames respectively; a front member mounted on the left and right impact-absorbing members; and a protruding member disposed between the side frames and the impact-absorbing members, protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the front of the side frames.

[0012] Based on this configuration, for example, in an offset collision where the impact load is input to the left side of the front of the left side frame, the impact load acts on the left end of the front member, causing the left impact-absorbing member to compress and deform. At this time, since the right side (non-impact side) of the front member is fixed to the right side frame via the right impact-absorbing member, the front member undergoes a rotational movement with the right side as a fulcrum and the left side moving rearward. Because there is a protruding member extending outward in the vehicle width direction behind the left end of the front member, after the left impact-absorbing member undergoes compression deformation, the left end of the front member contacts the left protruding member. Thus, the impact load is transferred to the left side frame via the left protruding member, inputting in the axial direction along the left side frame, causing axial compression of the left side frame, thereby absorbing the impact load. The same applies to offset collisions where the impact load is input to the right side of the front of the right side frame.

[0013] In the second aspect of this disclosure, a frame bracket may also be provided, which connects the rear portions of the left and right side frames to the front battery rack. The frame bracket may also have: a left support portion disposed on the outer side of the left side frame in the vehicle width direction, supporting the side frame from the outer side in the vehicle width direction; and a right support portion disposed on the outer side of the right side frame in the vehicle width direction, supporting the side frame from the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] According to this configuration, when an impact load is input, the left and right side frames can be supported from the outside in the vehicle width direction through the left and right support parts, so the left and right side frames are difficult to tilt outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0015] The third embodiment of the front battery rack can also extend in the vehicle width direction. Alternatively, the outer end of the front battery rack in the vehicle width direction may extend outwards than the rear portion of the left side rack and outwards than the rear portion of the right side rack.

[0016] According to this configuration, the front battery rack can withstand and absorb impact loads input to the left or right side racks.

[0017] The protruding member of the fourth aspect of this disclosure may further have: a base, which is fixed to the front of the side frame and the impact absorbing member to connect the impact absorbing member to the side frame; and a protrusion that protrudes outward from the base in the vehicle width direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, the impact load during the aforementioned offset collision is input to the protrusion of the protruding member. Since the protrusion is a portion that protrudes from the base fixed to the side frame, the impact load input to the protrusion is effectively transmitted to the side frame via the base and absorbed.

[0019] In the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the outer end portion of the front member in the vehicle width direction may extend outward in the vehicle width direction than the front portion of the left side frame and outward in the vehicle width direction than the front portion of the right side frame.

[0020] According to this configuration, the collision load during the aforementioned offset collision is easily input to the outer end of the forward member in the vehicle width direction, and is also easily input to the protruding member.

[0021] In the sixth aspect of this disclosure, when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the outer end of the front member in the vehicle width direction can overlap with at least a portion of the protruding member.

[0022] That is, although the outer end of the front member in the vehicle width direction, which has been subjected to the collision load of the aforementioned offset collision, moves rearward, it can reliably bear the collision load through the protruding member because there is at least a part of the protruding member behind it.

[0023] Invention Effects

[0024] As explained above, since a protruding member that extends outward in the vehicle width direction is provided between the side frame and the impact absorption member, the side frame can absorb the impact load even in the event of an offset collision that occurs at a position further outward in the vehicle width direction than the front of the side frame. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a side view of an electric vehicle with the implementation method omitted.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the electric vehicle divided into a lower structure and an upper structure.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a top view of the lower structure.

[0028] Figure 4It is a magnified top view showing the front part of the lower structure.

[0029] Figure 5 It is the result of omitting the powertrain, shock absorbers, springs, wheels, etc. Figure 4 The corresponding diagram.

[0030] Figure 6 It is an enlarged bottom view showing the front part of the lower structure after omitting the powertrain, shock absorbers, springs, wheel hubs, etc.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the rear part of the front side frame from below.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate a collision.

[0033] Symbol Explanation

[0034] 1. Electric vehicles

[0035] 10 Battery casing

[0036] 11, 12 Front Side Frames

[0037] 15A and 15B protruding components

[0038] 15a base

[0039] 15b protrusion

[0040] Impact absorbing components 16 and 17

[0041] 18 front parts

[0042] 19. Crossbeam

[0043] 32 Front battery holder

[0044] 40 Frame Bracket

[0045] 70 Floor Panels

[0046] A. Front structure of the vehicle body

[0047] B battery

[0048] M1 driving motor Detailed Implementation

[0049] 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.

[0050] Figure 1This 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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, a passenger compartment R1, which provides seating space for occupants, is formed on the electric vehicle 1. Figure 1 As shown, a front seat S1 is located at the front of the passenger compartment R1, and a rear seat S2 is located behind the front seat S1. A trunk R2 is located behind the rear seat S2, if necessary. The passenger compartment R1 and the trunk R2 are located in the upper structure 3. Alternatively, the passenger compartment R1 can contain only the front seat S1, or a third row of seats (not shown) can be installed behind the rear seat S2.

[0053] On the other hand, the space in front of the electric vehicle 1, that is, in front of the passenger compartment R1, can be configured as the power compartment R3. That is, the front structure A of the vehicle body is provided for the electric vehicle 1, which has a front-side driving motor M1 and a rear-side driving motor M2, a battery B that supplies power to the driving 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.

[0054] 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 the front drive motor M1, or the front drive motor M1 combined with a reducer, transmission, etc. Similarly, the rear drive motor M2 is a motor that generates the driving force to drive the left and right rear wheels RT. The rear powertrain PT2 consists solely of the rear drive motor M2, or the rear drive motor M2 combined with a reducer, transmission, etc.

[0055] 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 also possible to have only the front-side powertrain PT1 or only the rear-side powertrain PT2.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] (Upper structure)

[0062] 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 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The front bulkhead 71 is a component used to separate the carriage R1 and the engine compartment R3 in the longitudinal direction. This front bulkhead 71 is made of, for example, steel plate and extends in the left-right direction as well as in the vertical direction. On the left and right sides of the front of the upper structure 3, left and right front wheel covers 85 and 86 are respectively provided for housing the left and right front wheels FT. The left end of the front bulkhead 71 is connected to the left front wheel cover 85, and the right end of the front bulkhead 71 is connected to the right front wheel cover 86.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 configured such that 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.

[0069] (Lower structure)

[0070] Next, 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.

[0071] 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 or an all-solid-state battery, or other rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, the battery B can be a single battery cell or a battery pack containing multiple battery cells. In this embodiment, the battery B is composed of a battery pack, and multiple battery packs are mounted in a configuration arranged in both the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0072] 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 (shown in...). Figure 3 ).exist Figure 2 The middle part indicates that the cover 35 has been removed.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The cross-sectional shape of the left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, and rear battery holder 33 in the direction orthogonal to the length direction is all rectangular. In addition, the left battery holder 30, right battery holder 31, front battery holder 32, and rear battery holder 33 are all arranged at the same height and extend approximately horizontally.

[0075] The left battery holder 30 is located on the left side of the battery housing 10 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The right battery holder 31 is located on the right side of the battery housing 10 and extends in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the front battery holder 32 is located at the front of the battery housing 10 and extends in the left-to-right direction. The rear battery holder 33 is located at the rear of the battery housing 10 and extends in the left-to-right direction.

[0076] 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. Thus, the left battery holder 30, the right battery holder 31, the front battery holder 32, and the rear battery holder 33 form a frame that surrounds the entire battery B when viewed from above.

[0077] The base plate 34 extends substantially 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. 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 ).

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] like Figure 2As shown, inside the battery casing 10, there are first to third casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C, which serve 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 three casing inner parts 25A, 25B, and 25C are provided, 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Inside the battery casing 10, a front central member 26 and three rear central members (rear reinforcement members) 27-29 are provided as reinforcing members extending in the front-rear direction. The front central member 26 and the three rear central members 27-29 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 three rear central members 27-29 are mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 34.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 pair of left and right protruding members 15A and 15B, a pair of left and right impact-absorbing members 16 and 17, and a 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are mounted to the front battery rack 32, which forms the front of the battery case 10, via frame brackets 40. That is, the rear parts of the left and right front side brackets 11 and 12 are connected to the front battery rack 32 via frame brackets 40. The outer end of the front battery rack 32 in the vehicle width direction extends further outward in the vehicle width direction than the rear part of the left front side bracket 11, and further outward in the vehicle width direction than the rear part of the right front side bracket 12.

[0089] The frame bracket 40 is a one-piece metal part that extends in the left-right direction along the front surface of the front battery holder 32. 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 listed. In this case, the frame bracket 40 can be made of die-cast aluminum.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] like Figure 7 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] like Figure 5As 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] The crossbeam 19 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 crossbeam 19 may also be made of extruded parts, stamped parts, etc.

[0103] like Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the left end of the crossbeam 19 is fixed to the right side of the left front side frame 11 by means of adhesive bonding, welding, or fastening components. The right end of the 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.

[0104] Furthermore, the crossbeam 19 is approximately parallel to the front battery rack 32. Thus, when viewed from above, the 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 the horizontal cross-section is observed.

[0105] like Figure 5 As shown, the left-side reinforcing member 19A extends rearward from the portion of the 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 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The left-side protruding member 15A is positioned between the left-side front side frame 11 and the left-side impact-absorbing member 16, protruding outward (to the left) in the vehicle width direction beyond the front portion of the front side frame 11. The left-side protruding member 15A has a base 15a that is fixed to the front portion of the left-side front side frame 11 and the left-side impact-absorbing member 16, connecting the impact-absorbing member 16 to the front side frame 11, and a protrusion 15b that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the base 15a. It is constructed from a cylindrical member extending in the vehicle width direction. The front portion of the protrusion 15b is located outward in the vehicle width direction than the front portion of the left-side impact-absorbing member 16. Furthermore, the left-side protruding member 15A may be constructed from, for example, an extruded part or a stamped part.

[0108] The protruding member 15B on the right side and the protruding member 15A on the left side are symmetrically configured and are disposed between the front side frame 12 on the right side and the impact absorbing member 17 on the right side, protruding outward (to the right) in the vehicle width direction from the front part of the front side frame 12. The protruding member 15B on the right side has a base 15c that is fixed to the front part of the front side frame 12 on the right side and the impact absorbing member 17 on the right side, and a protrusion 15d that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the base 15c.

[0109] The impact-absorbing member 16 on the left extends along the length of the left front side frame 11, and the axis of the impact-absorbing member 16 is located on the forward extension line of the front side frame 11. Similarly, the impact-absorbing member 17 on the right extends along the length of the right front side frame 12, and the axis of the impact-absorbing member 17 is located on the forward extension line of the front side frame 12.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The outer end of the front member 18 in the vehicle width direction extends outward in the vehicle width direction than the front part of the left front side bracket 11, and also extends outward in the vehicle width direction than the front part of the right front side bracket 12. That is, the left end of the front member 18 extends to a position to the left of the front part of the left front side bracket 11, and the right end of the front member 18 extends to a position to the right of the front part of the right front side bracket 12.

[0112] Furthermore, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the outer end of the front member 18 in the vehicle width direction is arranged overlapping with at least the protrusions 15b and 15d of the protruding members 15A and 15B. That is, the outer end of the front member 18 in the vehicle width direction and the protrusions 15b and 15d are at approximately the same height.

[0113] (Effects of the implementation method)

[0114] Next, the collision of the electric vehicle 1 configured as described above will be explained. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, imagine an offset collision in which the impact load (impact load in the direction indicated by arrow D) is input to the left side of the front side frame 11, relative to the left side. First, let's explain... Figure 2 As shown in the upper structure 3, a portion of the impact load in the direction of arrow D is absorbed via the front bumper reinforcement 87, inputting into the left-side crumple zone 72a and the left-side front mainframe 72. Next, the lower structure 2 will be described. Figure 8 As shown by arrow D, the impact load is input to the front member 18 at a position to the left of the impact absorbing member 16, causing the impact absorbing member 16 to compress and deform. If the impact absorbing member 16 compresses and deforms, the impact load in the direction of arrow D acts on the left end of the left-side protruding member 15A. At this time, since the right side portion (non-collision side) of the front member 18 is fixed to the right-side front side frame 12 via the right-side impact absorbing member 17, the front member 18 undergoes a rotational behavior, with the right side portion as the fulcrum and the left side portion moving rearward, as shown by the dashed line and arrow E. Because the left-side protruding member 15A is located behind the left end of the front member 18, the impact load is transferred from the front member 18 to the left-side protruding member 15A and then to the left-side front side frame 11. This impact load is input in the axial direction along the left-side front side frame 11, causing axial compression of the left-side front side frame 11, thereby absorbing the impact load. The same applies to offset collisions where the impact load is input to a position to the right of the front of the right-side front side frame 12.

[0115] 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.

[0116] Industrial availability

[0117] 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 case housing a battery supplying power to the drive motor located below the floor panel, the front body structure being characterized by comprising: A front battery holder is located at the front of the battery housing; A pair of side frames extend from the front battery rack toward the front of the vehicle in a manner that the further forward it is, the further out it is in the width direction of the vehicle. A pair of impact-absorbing components are respectively disposed in front of the left and right side frames; The front component is mounted on the left and right impact-absorbing components; as well as A protruding member, disposed between the side frame and the impact-absorbing member, protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the front portion of the side frame. The two outermost parts of the front component in the vehicle width direction are inclined such that the closer to the outermost end in the vehicle width direction, the further back in the vehicle it is located. The distance between the left and right portions of the front member, which are located on the outer side of the central portion, and the protruding member in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is narrower as they approach the outer end in the vehicle's width direction.

2. The front structure of the vehicle body according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a frame bracket that connects the rear of the left and right side frames to the front battery holder. The frame bracket has: a left support portion, which is disposed on the outer side of the left side frame in the vehicle width direction, and supports the side frame from the outer side in the vehicle width direction; And a right-side support portion, which is configured on the outside of the right-side side frame in the vehicle width direction, supports the side frame from the outside of the vehicle width direction.

3. The front structure of the vehicle body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front battery rack extends in the vehicle width direction. The outer end of the front battery rack in the vehicle width direction extends outward in the vehicle width direction than the rear part of the left side rack, and also extends outward in the vehicle width direction than the rear part of the right side rack.

4. The front structure of the vehicle body according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front battery rack extends in the vehicle width direction. The outer end of the front battery rack in the vehicle width direction extends outward in the vehicle width direction than the rear part of the left side rack, and also extends outward in the vehicle width direction than the rear part of the right side rack.

5. The front body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protruding member has: a base, which is fixed to the front of the side frame and the impact absorbing member, thereby connecting the impact absorbing member to the side frame; And a protrusion that protrudes outward from the base in the direction of vehicle width.

6. The front body structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protruding member has: a base, which is fixed to the front of the side frame and the impact absorbing member, thereby connecting the impact absorbing member to the side frame; And a protrusion that protrudes outward from the base in the direction of vehicle width.

7. The front body structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protruding member has: a base, which is fixed to the front of the side frame and the impact absorbing member, thereby connecting the impact absorbing member to the side frame; And a protrusion that protrudes outward from the base in the direction of vehicle width.

8. The vehicle body front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The outer end of the front component in the vehicle width direction extends outward in the vehicle width direction than the front part of the left side frame and also extends outward in the vehicle width direction than the front part of the right side frame.

9. The front body structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, When viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the outer end of the front member in the vehicle width direction is configured to overlap with at least a portion of the protruding member.

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