Vehicle front structure

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle front structure capable of protecting a vehicle cabin by dispersing a collision load input to the front part of the vehicle while protecting a battery in an electric vehicle in which the battery is disposed on the lower side of the vehicle cabin. The vehicle front structure is provided with: a battery cross member which is disposed on the vehicle front side of a battery mounted on the lower side of a vehicle cabin, and which extends in the vehicle width direction; and a suspension member disposed on a vehicle front side of the battery cross member and connected to the battery cross member at a rear end side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle front structure. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-224104 discloses a vehicle front structure. In this structure, a dashboard cross beam extending in the vehicle width direction and a subframe (suspension member) whose rear end is fixed to the lower surface of the dashboard cross beam are provided at the vehicle front. Furthermore, a pair of left and right extended longitudinal beams extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and connected to a pair of left and right front longitudinal beams are provided at the vehicle front. Both ends of the dashboard cross beam are connected to the pair of left and right extended longitudinal beams. The pair of left and right extended longitudinal beams extend along both sides of the vehicle width direction of the floor panel of the vehicle compartment.

[0003] According to Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-224104, when a front collision occurs on a vehicle, the collision load is transmitted from a pair of left and right front longitudinal beams to a pair of left and right extension longitudinal beams. In addition, the collision load is transmitted from the suspension member to the instrument panel cross beam. The load transmitted to the instrument panel cross beam is dispersed to the pair of extension longitudinal beams. In this way, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-224104, the deformation of the vehicle compartment is suppressed by dispersing the collision load when the vehicle is in a front collision.

[0004] However, there are known electric vehicles that have batteries mounted on the lower side of the vehicle cabin. In the case of such electric vehicles, it is necessary to study the dispersion of collision loads not only for the vehicle cabin as in the prior art, but also for the batteries. That is, it is desired to protect the battery from the impact of a frontal collision while dispersing the collision load input to the front of the vehicle to protect the vehicle cabin. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a vehicle front structure that can protect the battery from the impact of a frontal collision in an electric vehicle having a battery disposed below a vehicle compartment and disperse the collision load input to the front of the vehicle to protect the vehicle compartment.

[0006] A vehicle front structure of a first embodiment includes: a battery cross member that is arranged on the vehicle front side of a battery mounted on the lower side of a vehicle cabin and extends in the vehicle width direction; and a suspension member that is arranged on the vehicle front side of the battery cross member and connected to the battery cross member at the rear end side.

[0007] According to the vehicle front structure of the first embodiment, the suspension member is connected to the battery cross beam at its rear end side. Therefore, when the front of the vehicle collides (hereinafter, simply referred to as "front collision"), the collision load input to the suspension member will be transmitted to the battery cross beam. Since the battery cross beam extends in the vehicle width direction, the collision load input to the battery cross beam will be dispersed along the vehicle width direction. In addition, the "front collision" mentioned here is a concept that includes not only a completely overlapping front collision (frontal collision) but also an offset collision, an oblique collision, and a slight overlapping collision. In addition, the "connection" mentioned here is a concept that includes not only a case where the suspension member is directly connected to the battery cross beam, but also a case where it is indirectly connected via other components.

[0008] Here, the battery cross beam is arranged on the vehicle front side of the battery. When the vehicle is hit from the front, the battery cross beam receives the collision load and causes the collision load to flow in the vehicle width direction, thereby avoiding direct collision load input to the battery. Therefore, compared with a vehicle front structure without a battery cross beam, the collision load input to the battery is reduced.

[0009] Furthermore, since the battery cross member is located below the vehicle cabin, the collision load is dispersed in the vehicle width direction below the vehicle cabin, thereby reducing the collision load during a frontal collision input from the suspension member to the vehicle cabin reinforcement body frame member such as the pillar.

[0010] A vehicle front structure according to a second aspect is the vehicle front structure according to the first aspect, wherein the suspension member is connected to a surface of the battery cross member on the vehicle front side.

[0011] According to the vehicle front structure of the second embodiment, the rear end side of the suspension member is connected to the surface of the battery cross beam on the vehicle front side, so that the collision load input to the suspension member is input to the surface of the battery cross beam on the vehicle front side. Therefore, the distance from the battery to the load input point (position) becomes longer. In addition, since the collision load transmitted from the vehicle front side to the vehicle rear side in a frontal collision is input to the battery cross beam from the surface on the vehicle front side, it is input to the battery cross beam at the shortest distance.

[0012] A vehicle front structure according to a third aspect is the vehicle front structure according to the first aspect, wherein a rear end side of the suspension member is directly fixed to the battery cross member.

[0013] According to the vehicle front structure of the third aspect, the collision load input to the suspension member during a frontal collision is directly transmitted to the battery cross member.

[0014] The vehicle front structure of the fourth embodiment is that in the second embodiment, the suspension member has a pair of left and right side portions extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a flange portion is formed on the rear end side of the pair of left and right side portions, and the suspension member is fixed to the surface of the battery cross beam on the vehicle front side at the flange portion.

[0015] According to the vehicle front structure of the fourth embodiment, the collision load during a frontal collision is transmitted to the rear side of the vehicle using the side portion extending in the vehicle front-rear direction as a load path. The collision load transmitted from the side portion to the rear side of the vehicle is transmitted to the battery cross member via the surface of the flange portion formed on the rear end side of the side portion.

[0016] A vehicle front structure according to a fifth aspect is the vehicle front structure according to the fourth aspect, wherein the flange portion is extended in the vehicle width direction from the rear end portion of the side portion.

[0017] According to the vehicle front structure of the fifth aspect, the battery cross member extends in the vehicle width direction, and the flange portion is extended in the same direction as the direction in which the battery cross member extends. Therefore, the collision load dispersed outward in the vehicle width direction at the flange portion is transmitted to the battery cross member, and the collision load is also directly dispersed in the same direction inside the battery cross member.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the vehicle front structure is the structure of the first aspect, wherein the rear portion of the suspension member is joined to a dashboard cross member extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0019] According to the vehicle front structure of the sixth aspect, the collision load during a frontal collision is dispersed not only from the suspension member to the battery cross member but also to the instrument panel cross member.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the vehicle front structure is the vehicle front structure according to the first aspect, wherein the battery cross member is joined to an instrument panel cross member extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0021] According to the vehicle front structure of the seventh aspect, the collision load during a frontal collision input from the suspension member to the battery cross member is transmitted to the instrument panel cross member.

[0022] An eighth aspect of the vehicle front structure is the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, wherein the instrument panel cross member is joined to front portions of a pair of left and right side rails extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides of the vehicle body floor in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] According to the vehicle front structure of the eighth aspect, during a frontal collision, the collision load input from the suspension member or the battery cross member to the instrument panel cross member is dispersed to the pair of left and right side sills disposed on both sides of the vehicle body floor in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] The vehicle front structure of the ninth aspect is, in the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, further comprising a pair of left and right front longitudinal beams extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides of the vehicle front in the vehicle width direction, wherein the instrument panel cross beam is connected to rear portions of the pair of left and right front longitudinal beams.

[0025] According to the vehicle front structure of the ninth embodiment, the collision load inputted to the front longitudinal beam from the front side of the vehicle is transmitted to the instrument panel cross beam connected to the rear part of the front longitudinal beam during a frontal collision. In particular, in the case of an offset collision, an oblique collision, and a slight overlap collision, a large collision load is inputted to one front longitudinal beam. At this time, the collision load inputted to the front longitudinal beam is transmitted from one side to the other side in the vehicle width direction along the instrument panel cross beam and the battery cross beam connected to the instrument panel cross beam. Therefore, it is not necessary for the collision load to be borne only by the side of the vehicle that is collided.

[0026] A tenth aspect of the vehicle front structure is the vehicle front structure according to the ninth aspect, wherein the pair of left and right front side members and the instrument panel cross member are integrally formed.

[0027] According to the vehicle front structure of the tenth aspect, the collision load input to the front side members is effectively dispersed to the integrally formed instrument panel cross member.

[0028] A vehicle front structure according to an eleventh aspect is the vehicle front structure according to the first aspect, wherein the battery cross member constitutes a part of a battery case that houses the battery.

[0029] According to the vehicle front structure of the eleventh aspect, the collision load input to the battery cross member is dispersed throughout the battery case that accommodates the battery.

[0030] The vehicle front structure of the twelfth embodiment is that, in the fourth embodiment, it also has a pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams extending from both end portions of the battery cross beam in the vehicle width direction toward the rear side of the vehicle, and the pair of left and right side portions are fixed to the battery cross beam at positions closer to the battery longitudinal beam than the center of the battery cross beam in the vehicle width direction.

[0031] According to the vehicle front structure of the twelfth aspect, the side portions of the suspension member are fixed to the battery cross member at positions close to the battery side members. Therefore, the collision load transmitted from the suspension member to the battery cross member is dispersed to the left and right battery side members via a short load path.

[0032] The vehicle front structure of the first aspect can protect the battery from a frontal collision in an electric vehicle in which the battery is arranged below the vehicle cabin, while dispersing the collision load input to the front of the vehicle to protect the vehicle cabin.

[0033] The vehicle front structure of the second aspect can further suppress the impact during a frontal collision from being transmitted to the battery, and can effectively transmit the collision load transmitted from the vehicle front side to the vehicle rear side to the battery cross member.

[0034] The vehicle front structure of the third aspect can effectively disperse the collision load to the battery cross member, compared with a case where the rear end side of the suspension member is joined to the battery cross member via another member.

[0035] The vehicle front structure according to the fourth aspect can effectively distribute the collision load to the battery cross member via the surface of the flange portion.

[0036] The vehicle front structure according to the fifth aspect can effectively transmit the collision load to the battery cross member in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] The vehicle front structure according to the sixth aspect can ensure a plurality of load paths from the suspension member in response to the collision load during a frontal collision.

[0038] The vehicle front structure of the seventh aspect can further reduce the impact on the battery by dissipating the collision load from the battery cross member to the instrument panel cross member.

[0039] The vehicle front structure according to the eighth aspect can reduce the amount of collision load input to the vehicle cabin.

[0040] The vehicle front structure of the ninth aspect can disperse the collision load input to one front side member to the opposite side of the vehicle during an offset collision, an oblique collision, and a small overlap collision.

[0041] The vehicle front structure of the tenth aspect can effectively disperse the collision load input to the front side members during a frontal collision to the instrument panel cross member.

[0042] The vehicle front structure of the eleventh aspect can widely disperse the collision load input to the vehicle front portion using the entire battery case as a load path.

[0043] The vehicle front structure of the twelfth aspect can suppress the collision load transmitted from the suspension member to the battery cross member from being input into the battery and the vehicle cabin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 It is a plan view of the vehicle front structure according to the present embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 2-2 line cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Below, use Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The vehicle front structure involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure is described. In addition, the arrow mark FR, the arrow mark UP, and the arrow mark RH appropriately shown in each figure respectively represent the front side, the upper side, and the right side in the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle. In addition, when the front-back, up-down, and left-right directions are used without special description in the following description, they are assumed to represent the front-back in the front-back direction of the vehicle, the up-down in the up-down direction of the vehicle, and the left-right in the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle.

[0048] exist Figure 1 , a top view of the front part 13 of a vehicle 12 to which the vehicle front part structure according to the present embodiment is applied is shown. The vehicle 12 is an electric vehicle in which a battery 14 is arranged under the floor (on the vehicle lower side of a floor panel 46 of a vehicle compartment 44 described later). The battery 14 is accommodated in a battery case 16. The battery case 16 is constructed as an example to include: a battery frame 18 that is constructed in a substantially rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, an upper panel (not shown) arranged on the upper side of the battery frame 18, and a lower panel (not shown) arranged on the lower side of the battery frame 18. In addition, the structure of the battery case is not limited to the above structure.

[0049] The battery frame 18 includes a pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams 20 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both ends in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the battery frame 18 includes a battery cross beam 22 on the vehicle front side that connects the front ends of the pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams 20 in the vehicle width direction, and a battery cross beam (not shown) on the vehicle rear side that connects the rear ends of the pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] The vehicle front structure is configured to include a pair of left and right front longitudinal beams 24 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides in the vehicle width direction, and an instrument panel cross member 26 connecting the rear ends of the pair of left and right front longitudinal beams 24 to each other in the vehicle width direction. The pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams 20 are arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the pair of left and right front longitudinal beams 24. In addition, the battery cross member 22 is arranged on the vehicle lower side of the instrument panel cross member 26 (see Figure 2 The left and right front longitudinal beams 24 and the instrument panel cross beam 26 are integrally formed by die casting. In addition, the left and right front longitudinal beams and the instrument panel cross beam are not limited to die casting, and can also be integrally formed by resin, for example.

[0051] In addition, a pair of left and right side rails 28 are arranged at both ends in the width direction of a floor panel 46 described later of the vehicle 12. The pair of left and right side rails 28 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction at the outer sides in the vehicle width direction relative to the pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams 20. The instrument panel cross member 26 connects the front ends of the pair of left and right side rails 28 in the vehicle width direction. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a pair of left and right front side members 24 and an instrument panel cross member 26 that are integrally formed, and a pair of left and right side members 28 that are joined to the instrument panel cross member 26 are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0052] Furthermore, a suspension member 30 that swingably supports the inner end of a suspension arm (not shown) is provided at the front portion 13 of the vehicle 12. The suspension member 30 is disposed on the vehicle width direction inner side of the pair of left and right front longitudinal members 24 in a plan view and on the vehicle lower side relative to the front longitudinal members 24 in a side view.

[0053] The suspension member 30 includes a pair of left and right side portions 32 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides in the vehicle width direction. The pair of left and right side portions 32 are arranged at substantially the same height as the battery cross member 22, on the vehicle front side of the battery cross member 22 and on the vehicle lower side of the instrument panel cross member 26. Since the pair of left and right side portions 32 are configured in a bilaterally symmetrical manner, in the following description, the side portion 32 on the vehicle right side will be described, and the description of the side portion 32 on the vehicle left side will be omitted.

[0054] The side portion 32 is formed into a square tube shape having a substantially rectangular closed cross section when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. A pair of left and right flange portions 34 are formed at the rear end portion of the side portion 32. The right flange portion 34 extends from the rear end portion of the surface of the side portion 32 on the right side of the vehicle toward the right side of the vehicle. Similarly, the left flange portion 34 extends from the rear end portion of the surface of the side portion 32 on the left side of the vehicle toward the left side of the vehicle. As an example, the pair of left and right flange portions 34 are formed into a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0055] A through hole 34A is formed at the center of the left and right flange portions 34 in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction (see FIG. Figure 2 ). In addition, on the vehicle front side surface of the battery cross member 22, through holes 34A (see Figure 2 ) is formed at a position corresponding to Figure 2 ). In each through hole 34A (refer to Figure 2 ) and through hole 22A (see Figure 2) is inserted through the bolt 36. In addition, a welding nut 38 is provided around the through hole 22A of the battery cross beam 22 to be threadedly engaged with the bolt 36. The left and right pair of flanges 34 are connected by the bolt 36 and the welding nut 38 (see Figure 2 ), thereby being fastened to the vehicle front side surface of the battery cross member 22. In other words, the side portion 32 and the battery cross member 22 are fastened together in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0056] Here, the side portion 32 on the vehicle right side is fixed to the battery cross member 22 at a position closer to the battery longitudinal member 20 on the vehicle right side than the center of the battery cross member 22 in the vehicle width direction.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the dashboard cross member 26 is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the vehicle side, and is configured to include a bottom portion 26A extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and a rear wall portion 26B extending from the rear end portion of the bottom portion 26A toward the vehicle upper side.

[0058] An instrument panel 40 is integrally formed on the upper side of the instrument panel cross member 26. The instrument panel 40 is formed to be inclined downwardly as it approaches the rear side of the vehicle. The instrument panel 40 is a component that has the function of dividing the power unit room 42 and the vehicle cabin 44, and pedals are arranged on the inclined surface. Figure 2 As an example, the lower end of another instrument panel not shown in the figure is joined to the front end of the instrument panel 40 shown in the figure, which extends in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction. In such a case, the instrument panel 40 is equivalent to the lower part of the instrument panel, and the other instrument panel is equivalent to the upper part of the instrument panel. At the rear end of the instrument panel 40, an extension portion 40A is formed, which extends from the upper end of the rear wall portion 26B of the instrument panel cross beam 26 to the rear side of the vehicle. On the extension portion 40A, a floor panel 46 constituting the floor portion of the vehicle compartment 44 is placed. Specifically, the surface of the front end of the floor panel 46 on the lower side of the vehicle is fixed to the surface of the extension portion 40A on the upper side of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle 12 may not have the floor panel 46. In this case, the upper panel (not shown) arranged on the upper side of the battery frame 18 may also function as a floor panel.

[0059] The front portion of the bottom portion 26A of the instrument panel cross member 26 is fixed to the vehicle upper side surface of the pair of left and right side portions 32 of the suspension member 30. In addition, the rear portion of the bottom portion 26A of the instrument panel cross member 26 is fixed to the vehicle upper side surface of the battery cross member 22. The bottom portion 26A of the instrument panel cross member 26 is formed with a pair of left and right suspension member through holes (not shown) for fastening to the suspension member 30 and a pair of left and right battery cross member through holes (not shown) for fastening to the battery cross member 22, respectively, penetrating in the plate thickness direction. As an example, the suspension member through holes (not shown) and the battery cross member through holes (not shown) are formed side by side in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0060] At the rear end of the side portion 32 of the suspension member 30, a pair of upper and lower through holes (both not shown) are formed in the upper plate formed on the upper side of the vehicle and the lower plate formed on the lower side of the vehicle, respectively, penetrating in the plate thickness direction. Bolts 48 are inserted through the suspension member through holes (not shown) of the instrument panel cross member 26 and the pair of upper and lower through holes (not shown) of the side portion 32. The bolts 48 are screwed with nuts 50. As a result, the rear end of the side portion 32 of the suspension member 30 is fastened to the front portion of the bottom portion 26A of the instrument panel cross member 26. In other words, the front portion of the bottom portion 26A of the instrument panel cross member 26 and the rear end of the side portion 32 of the suspension member 30 are fastened together in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0061] The battery cross beam 22 is formed into a square tube shape having a substantially rectangular closed cross section when viewed from the vehicle width direction. In the battery cross beam 22, a pair of upper and lower through holes (both not shown) are formed in the upper plate formed on the upper side of the vehicle and the lower plate formed on the lower side of the vehicle, respectively, and penetrate in the plate thickness direction. Bolts 52 are inserted through the battery cross beam through holes (not shown) of the instrument panel cross beam 26 and the pair of upper and lower through holes (not shown) of the battery cross beam 22. The bolts 52 are screwed into nuts 54. As a result, the battery cross beam 22 is fastened to the rear portion of the bottom 26A of the instrument panel cross beam 26. In other words, the rear portion of the bottom 26A of the instrument panel cross beam 26 and the battery cross beam 22 are fastened together in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0062] (effect)

[0063] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0064] According to the vehicle front structure of the present embodiment, the battery cross member 22 is arranged on the vehicle front side of the battery 14. As a result, the collision load input to the battery 14 at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle 12 is reduced. In addition, the rear end side of the suspension member 30 is connected to the battery cross member 22. Therefore, the collision load input to the suspension member 30 at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle 12 is transmitted to the battery cross member 22 extending in the vehicle width direction, and is dispersed in the vehicle width direction.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure of the present embodiment, the rear end side of the suspension member 30 is fixed to the surface of the battery cross member 22 on the vehicle front side, so that the collision load input to the suspension member 30 is input to the surface of the battery cross member 22 on the vehicle front side. Therefore, the distance from the battery 14 to the load input point (position) is increased, thereby reducing the influence on the battery 14. In addition, the collision load transmitted from the vehicle front side to the vehicle rear side at the time of a frontal collision is input to the battery cross member 22 from the surface on the vehicle front side, so that it is effectively transmitted.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure of the present embodiment, the collision load input to the suspension member 30 at the time of the front collision of the vehicle 12 is transmitted to the rear side of the vehicle via the side portion 32 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction as a load path. Then, the collision load transmitted to the rear side of the vehicle from the side portion 32 is input to the battery cross member 22 via the flange portion 34. In addition, since the flange portion 34 formed at the rear end of the side portion 32 abuts against the battery cross member in a surface manner, the collision load input to the suspension member 30 is effectively dispersed to the battery cross member 22.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure of the present embodiment, the flange portion 34 is extended in the same direction (vehicle width direction) as the direction in which the battery cross member 22 extends. Therefore, the collision load can be effectively transmitted from the suspension member 30 to the battery cross member 22 in the vehicle width direction.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure according to the present embodiment, the collision load during a frontal collision of the vehicle 12 is dispersed not only from the suspension member 30 to the battery cross member 22 but also to the instrument panel cross member 26 .

[0069] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle 12 is subjected to a frontal collision, the collision load input from the suspension member 30 to the battery cross member 22 is transmitted to the instrument panel cross member 26 .

[0070] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure of the present embodiment, the frontal collision load input from the suspension member 30 and the battery cross member 22 to the instrument panel cross member 26 is dispersed to the pair of left and right rocker members 28 disposed on both sides of the vehicle body floor in the vehicle width direction.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure of the present embodiment, the collision load inputted to the front longitudinal beam 24 from the front side of the vehicle is transmitted to the battery cross beam 22 via the instrument panel cross beam 26 during a frontal collision of the vehicle 12. In particular, in the case of an offset collision, an oblique collision, and a slight overlap collision, a large collision load is inputted to one of the front longitudinal beams 24. In this case, the collision load inputted to the front longitudinal beam 24 is transmitted from one side to the other side in the vehicle width direction along the instrument panel cross beam 26 and the battery cross beam 22 connected to the instrument panel cross beam 26. Therefore, it is not necessary for the collision load to be borne only by the side of the vehicle that is hit.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure involved in the present embodiment, since the pair of left and right front longitudinal beams 24 and the instrument panel cross beam 26 are integrally formed, the collision load input to the front longitudinal beams 24 during a frontal collision of the vehicle 12 is effectively transmitted to the instrument panel cross beam 26. In addition, since the pair of left and right front longitudinal beams 24 and the instrument panel cross beam 26 are integrally formed, the number of parts and the number of assembly man-hours can be reduced.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure according to the present embodiment, since the battery cross member 22 constitutes a part of the battery case 16 that accommodates the battery 14 , the collision load input to the battery cross member 22 is widely dispersed over the entire battery case 16 .

[0074] Furthermore, according to the vehicle front structure according to the present embodiment, the side portion 32 of the suspension member 30 is fixed to the battery cross member 22 at a position close to the battery side member 20. Therefore, the collision load transmitted from the suspension member 30 to the battery cross member 22 is effectively transmitted to the left and right battery side members 20. In this way, the vehicle front structure has a plurality of load paths for the collision load received when the vehicle 12 is in a frontal collision.

[0075] [Supplementary explanation of the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0076] In the above embodiment, the suspension member 30 is fastened to the battery cross member 22, and the suspension member 30 and the battery cross member 22 are fastened to the instrument panel cross member 26, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the components may be joined together by other joining methods such as fitting or welding. For example, the suspension member may be connected to the battery cross member via another component.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the suspension member 30 is fixed to the vehicle front side surface of the battery cross member 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the suspension member may be fixed to the vehicle lower side surface of the battery cross member.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the suspension member 30 is described as including a pair of left and right side portions 32 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the rear end portions of the side portions 32 are fastened to the battery cross member 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the suspension member may be formed in a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, include a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction on the vehicle rear side, and be joined to the battery cross member on the cross member.

[0079] Furthermore, although in the above-mentioned embodiment, a pair of left and right flange portions 34 extending in the vehicle width direction are formed on the rear end portion of each side portion 32, and the suspension member 30 is fixed to the battery cross beam 22 at the pair of left and right flange portions 34, it is not limited to this. For example, the flange portion of the side portion may also be extended in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In addition, the side portion may not have a flange portion. For example, the rear end portion of the side portion formed into a square tube shape may also be welded to the battery cross beam. Furthermore, for example, in the case where the suspension member is connected to the battery cross beam via another component extended to the rear end side of the suspension member, the flange portion may also be formed on the other component.

[0080] In addition, although the above-mentioned embodiment is described as a case where the rear end of the suspension member 30 is joined to the instrument panel cross member 26 in the vehicle vertical direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the suspension member may be joined to the instrument panel cross member in the vehicle front-rear direction. In addition, for example, the suspension member is not limited to the rear end, and may be joined to the instrument panel cross member at a position closer to the vehicle front side than the rear end in the rear portion. In addition, the suspension member may not be joined to the instrument panel cross member.

[0081] Furthermore, although the battery cross member 22 and the instrument panel cross member 26 are joined together in the vehicle vertical direction in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cross member and the instrument panel cross member may be joined together in the vehicle front-rear direction. In addition, the battery cross member may not be joined together with the instrument panel cross member.

[0082] Furthermore, although the above embodiment is described as a case where the instrument panel cross member 26 connects the front end portions of the pair of left and right side rails 28 in the vehicle width direction, it is not limited to this. For example, the instrument panel cross member is not limited to the front end portions of the pair of left and right side rails, and may be connected to a position in the front portion closer to the rear side of the vehicle than the front end portions in the vehicle width direction. In addition, for example, the instrument panel cross member may also connect the pair of left and right side rails in the vehicle width direction via another component.

[0083] In addition, although the above embodiment is described as a case where the instrument panel cross beam 26 connects the rear end portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams 24 in the vehicle width direction, it is not limited to this. For example, the instrument panel cross beam is not limited to the rear end portions of the left and right front longitudinal beams, and the left and right front longitudinal beams may be connected in the vehicle width direction at a position closer to the vehicle front side than the rear end portions in the rear portion. In addition, for example, the instrument panel cross beam may also connect the left and right front longitudinal beams in the vehicle width direction via another component such as an instrument panel.

[0084] Furthermore, although the above embodiment is described as a case where the pair of left and right front longitudinal beams 24 and the instrument panel cross beam 26 are integrally formed by die casting, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one front longitudinal beam and the instrument panel cross beam may be integrally formed, and the other front longitudinal beam may be separately formed. In addition, the pair of left and right front longitudinal beams and the instrument panel cross beam may also be separately formed.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the battery cross beam 22 is described as constituting a part of the battery case 16 that accommodates the battery 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the battery case that accommodates the battery and the battery frame including the battery cross beam may be separately constituted. In this case, the battery frame may also serve as a frame constituting the vehicle body.

[0086] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the side portion 32 on the right side of the vehicle is fixed to the battery cross beam 22 at a position closer to the battery longitudinal beam 20 on the right side of the vehicle than the center of the battery cross beam 22 in the vehicle width direction, and the side portion 32 on the left side of the vehicle is also described as being symmetrical with the side portion 32 on the right side of the vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the pair of left and right side portions may be fixed at positions that divide the battery cross beam into three equal parts in the vehicle width direction.

[0087] Regarding the above embodiment, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0088] (Note 1)

[0089] A vehicle front structure, comprising:

[0090] a battery cross member disposed on the vehicle front side of the battery mounted on the lower side of the vehicle compartment and extending in the vehicle width direction;

[0091] A suspension member is disposed on the vehicle front side of the battery cross member and is connected to the battery cross member at the rear end side.

[0092] (Note 2)

[0093] The vehicle front structure as described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0094] The suspension member is connected to a surface of the battery cross member on the vehicle front side.

[0095] (Note 3)

[0096] The vehicle front structure as described in Supplement 1 or Supplement 2, wherein:

[0097] The rear end side of the suspension member is directly fixed to the battery cross member.

[0098] (Note 4)

[0099] The vehicle front structure as described in Supplement 2 or Supplement 3, wherein:

[0100] The suspension member includes a side portion extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle,

[0101] A flange portion is formed on the rear end side of the side portion.

[0102] The suspension member is fixed to the surface of the battery cross member on the vehicle front side at the flange portion.

[0103] (Note 5)

[0104] The vehicle front structure as described in Supplementary Note 4, wherein:

[0105] The flange portion is provided to extend in the vehicle width direction from the rear end portion of the side portion.

[0106] (Note 6)

[0107] The vehicle front structure as described in any one of Supplement 1 to Supplement 5, wherein:

[0108] A rear portion of the suspension member is joined to a dashboard cross member extending in a vehicle width direction.

[0109] (Note 7)

[0110] The vehicle front structure as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein:

[0111] The battery cross member is joined to an instrument panel cross member extending in a vehicle width direction.

[0112] (Note 8)

[0113] The vehicle front structure as described in Supplement 6 or Supplement 7, wherein:

[0114] The instrument panel cross member is joined to front portions of a pair of left and right rocker members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides of the vehicle body floor in the vehicle width direction.

[0115] (Note 9)

[0116] The vehicle front structure as described in any one of Supplement 6 to Supplement 8, wherein:

[0117] The vehicle further comprises a pair of left and right front longitudinal beams extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides of the front portion of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction,

[0118] The instrument panel cross member is connected to the rear portions of the pair of left and right front longitudinal members.

[0119] (Note 10)

[0120] The vehicle front structure as described in Supplementary Note 9, wherein:

[0121] The pair of left and right front side members and the instrument panel cross member are integrally formed.

[0122] (Note 11)

[0123] The vehicle front structure as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, wherein:

[0124] The battery beam constitutes a part of a battery case that houses the battery.

[0125] (Note 12)

[0126] The vehicle front structure as described in Supplement 4 or Supplement 5, wherein:

[0127] A pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams are provided extending from both ends of the battery cross beam in the vehicle width direction toward the rear side of the vehicle.

[0128] The pair of left and right side portions are fixed to the battery cross beam at positions closer to the pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams than the center of the battery cross beam in the vehicle width direction.

Claims

1. A vehicle front structure, comprising: a battery cross member disposed on the vehicle front side of the battery mounted on the lower side of the vehicle compartment and extending in the vehicle width direction; A suspension member is disposed on the vehicle front side of the battery cross member and is connected to the battery cross member at the rear end side.

2. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: The suspension member is connected to a surface of the battery cross member on the vehicle front side.

3. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: The rear end side of the suspension member is directly fixed to the battery cross member.

4. The vehicle front structure according to claim 2, wherein: The suspension member includes a pair of left and right side portions extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A flange portion is formed on the rear end side of the pair of left and right side portions. The suspension member is fixed to the surface of the battery cross member on the vehicle front side at the flange portion.

5. The vehicle front structure according to claim 4, wherein: The flange portion is provided to extend in the vehicle width direction from the rear end side of the pair of left and right side portions.

6. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: A rear portion of the suspension member is joined to a dashboard cross member extending in a vehicle width direction.

7. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cross member is joined to an instrument panel cross member extending in a vehicle width direction.

8. The vehicle front structure according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The instrument panel cross member is joined to front portions of a pair of left and right rocker members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides of the vehicle body floor in the vehicle width direction.

9. The vehicle front structure according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The vehicle further comprises a pair of left and right front longitudinal beams extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides of the front portion of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, The instrument panel cross member is connected to the rear portions of the pair of left and right front longitudinal members.

10. The vehicle front structure according to claim 9, wherein: The pair of left and right front side members and the instrument panel cross member are integrally formed.

11. The vehicle front structure according to claim 1, wherein: The battery beam constitutes a part of a battery case that houses the battery.

12. The vehicle front structure according to claim 4, wherein: A pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams are provided extending from both ends of the battery cross beam in the vehicle width direction toward the rear side of the vehicle. The pair of left and right side portions are fixed to the battery cross beam at positions closer to the pair of left and right battery longitudinal beams than the center of the battery cross beam in the vehicle width direction.

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