Vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle. The front side member is provided as a separate body from the unitary cast member including the wheel cover arch. Accordingly, even when the wheel cover arch itself has an open cross-sectional structure, the lower portion of the wheel cover arch can have a closed cross-sectional structure by fixing the front side member to the lower portion of the wheel cover arch. For this reason, the energy absorption amount can be ensured even if having a structure including an integrally cast member having a so-called open cross-sectional structure capable of improving the rigidity of a wheel cover arch including a front side member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] For example, WO 2022 / 031991 describes a vehicle including a structure in which members corresponding to left and right wheel arch liners, a lateral member connecting the left and right wheel arch liners, and a front side member are integrally formed by die casting. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, when a vehicle frontal collision occurs (hereinafter referred to as "when a vehicle frontal collision occurs") and a collision load is input to the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction, the amount of energy absorbed due to compression or crushing of the front side member is larger than that of other components around the front side member. On the other hand, when forming the front side member of a vehicle according to the above prior art, the die is slid outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, each front side member has a so-called open cross-sectional structure with an open outer side in the vehicle width direction, resulting in lower rigidity than a closed cross-sectional structure.

[0004] The present invention provides a vehicle that can ensure an amount of energy absorption even in a case including an integrally cast member having an open cross-sectional structure.

[0005] A solution of the present invention provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes: an integrally cast member configured to include left and right wheel arch liners and a lateral member extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the left and right wheel arch liners, the left and right wheel arch liners and the lateral member being integrally cast, or the left and right wheel arch liners and the lateral member being divided at a connection portion provided at a predetermined position in the vehicle width direction, the divided portions being integrally cast respectively, and the divided portions being joined together as one body at the connection portion; and a side member fixed to a lower portion of a corresponding one of the wheel arch liners of a member that is a part of the integrally cast member and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0006] The vehicle according to the above solution includes an integrally cast member and a side member. The integrally cast member is configured to include left and right wheel arch liners and a lateral member. The lateral member extends in the vehicle width direction. The left and right wheel arch liners are connected by the lateral member.

[0007] Here, in the integrally cast member according to the solution of the present invention, for example, the left and right wheel arch liners and the lateral member are integrally cast. Alternatively, the integrally cast member according to the present invention may be formed such that the left and right wheel arch liners and the lateral member are divided at a connection portion provided at a predetermined position in the vehicle width direction, the divided portions being integrally cast respectively, and then the divided portions being joined together as one body at the connection portion.

[0008] For example, when the connecting part is set at a substantially central part in the vehicle width direction, the right wheel arch and the right half of the transverse member are integrally cast (right cast member), and the left wheel arch and the left half of the transverse member are integrally cast (left cast member). Subsequently, the right cast member and the left cast member that are integrally cast respectively are joined together at the connecting part to form an integrally cast member. This case is also included in the integrally cast member according to the solution of the present invention.

[0009] In addition, in the solution of the present invention, a side member extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction is fixed to the lower part of a corresponding one of the wheel arches of a member that is part of the integrally cast member.

[0010] Generally, when a collision load is input to the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the front side member and the rear side member absorb most of the energy by compression or crushing. On the other hand, when the wheel arch and the side member are integrally cast, the wheel arch and the side member each have a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional structure, in which the outer or inner side in the vehicle width direction is open due to the structure of the die.

[0011] In the solution of the present invention, when the side member is formed separately from the integrally cast member including the wheel arch, even when a corresponding one of the wheel arches themselves has an open cross-sectional structure, by fixing the side member to the lower part of the wheel arch, the lower part of the wheel arch can have a closed cross-sectional structure.

[0012] For this reason, the rigidity of the wheel arch provided with the side member can be improved. In other words, in the solution of the present invention, even with a structure including an integrally cast member having a so-called open cross-sectional structure, the amount of energy absorption can be ensured.

[0013] In the side member according to the solution of the present invention, the side member itself may have a closed cross-sectional structure or a closed cross-sectional structure may be constructed between the side member and the lower part of the wheel arch having an open cross-sectional structure. Since the side member is formed separately from the integrally cast member, the side member may be an extruded member formed of an extruded material, or may be a metal plate member formed of a metal plate. In addition, the side member may be formed of a cast member formed by casting.

[0014] In the vehicle according to the above solution, in the integrally cast member, the left and right wheel arches and the transverse member may be integrally cast.

[0015] In a vehicle according to the above solution, in the integrally cast member, the left and right wheel arch ribs and the transverse member are integrally cast. For this reason, for example, compared with a case where a right casting member in which the right half of the right wheel arch rib and the transverse member are integrally cast and a left casting member in which the left half of the left wheel arch rib and the transverse member are integrally cast are joined together at the joint portion, the number of components (members) can be reduced. Therefore, in the solution of the present invention, the work of joining the members is reduced, and thus the cost can be reduced.

[0016] In a vehicle according to the above solution, the side member may be a front side member provided at the front of the vehicle.

[0017] In a vehicle according to the above solution, the front side member provided at the front of the vehicle needs to ensure a larger energy absorption amount than the rear side member provided at the rear of the vehicle, so the side member is a front side member.

[0018] In a vehicle according to the above structure, the front side member may be an extruded member formed of an extruded material, or may be a metal plate member formed of a metal plate.

[0019] In a vehicle according to the above structure, when the front side member is formed of an extruded member or a metal plate member, the front side member can have a higher strength than when the front side member is a casting member.

[0020] In a vehicle according to the above structure, when a cross-section of the front side member is cut along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up and down direction, the cross-sectional shape of the front side member may have a closed cross-section structure with a closed cross-section.

[0021] In a vehicle according to the above structure, the front side member has a closed cross-section structure with a cross-sectional shape that is a closed cross-section when cut along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up and down direction, and can have a higher rigidity than an open cross-section structure as a comparative example, so the energy absorption amount can be increased. Examples of the closed cross-section structure include cross-sectional shapes that are polygonal shapes, such as rectangular shapes and honeycomb shapes.

[0022] In a vehicle according to the above structure, the cross-sectional shape of the front side member may be a substantially rectangular shape, and the front side member may include: an inner wall that constitutes the inner side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction, an outer wall that constitutes the outer side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction and is arranged opposite to the inner wall, an upper wall that connects the upper ends of the inner wall and the outer wall, and a lower wall that connects the lower ends of the inner wall and the outer wall and is arranged opposite to the upper wall; and a corresponding one of the wheel arch ribs may be configured to include an upright wall extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up and down direction, the inner wall contacts the upright wall, and the front side member is allowed to be joined to the upright wall.

[0023] In a vehicle configured as described above, the cross-sectional shape of the front side member is substantially rectangular. The front side member is configured to include an inner wall, an outer wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall. The inner wall and the outer wall are arranged to face each other. The inner wall constitutes the inner side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction. The outer wall constitutes the outer side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction. The upper wall and the lower wall are arranged to face each other. The upper wall connects the upper ends of the inner wall and the outer wall. The lower wall connects the lower ends of the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0024] On the other hand, the wheel arch is configured to include an upper wall extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction. The inner wall of the front side member contacts the upright wall. The front side member is allowed to be coupled to the upright wall. In this way, since the inner wall of the front side member contacts and is coupled to the upright wall of the wheel arch, so-called inward folding of the front side member in the vehicle width direction during a frontal vehicle collision can be suppressed, and axial compression of the front side member can be assisted and impact energy can be effectively absorbed.

[0025] In a vehicle configured as described above, each of the wheel arches may be further configured to include: a first transverse wall that protrudes from the upright wall toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and is allowed to face the upper wall, and a second transverse wall that protrudes from the upright wall toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, the second transverse wall being arranged to face the first transverse wall, and the second transverse wall being allowed to face the lower wall.

[0026] In a vehicle configured as described above, each of the wheel arches is configured to further include a first transverse wall and a second transverse wall. The first transverse wall and the second transverse wall are arranged to face each other. The first transverse wall protrudes from the upright wall toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and is allowed to face the upper wall of the front side member. The second transverse wall protrudes from the upright wall toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and is allowed to face the lower wall of the front side member.

[0027] In other words, in the solution of the present invention, the front side member is arranged (fixed) in a state of being assembled in an integrally cast member. For this reason, so-called mountain folding or valley folding of the front side member in the vehicle up-down direction during a frontal vehicle collision can be reduced, axial compression of the front side member can be assisted, and the front side member can be sequentially crushed from the front end to the rear end, so that impact energy can be further effectively absorbed.

[0028] In a vehicle configured as described above, the integrally cast member may be further configured to include: a front wall provided at the front end in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a cutout portion cut toward the inside in the vehicle width direction in the front wall, and the front side member is inserted through the cutout portion so that the front end of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction protrudes toward the vehicle front side beyond the front wall.

[0029] In a vehicle configured as described above, the integrally cast member is configured to further include a front wall and a cutout portion. The front wall is provided at the front end of the integrally cast member in the vehicle front-rear direction. The cutout portion into which the front side member can be inserted is cut out in the front wall toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction. In the solution of the present invention, the front side member is inserted into the cutout portion, and the front end of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction protrudes toward the vehicle front side beyond the front wall of the integrally cast member.

[0030] Therefore, compared with a configuration in which a crush box used as a shock absorption member is additionally provided on the front side of the front side member, the front end of the front side member can also be used as a crush box. As a result, the number of components can be reduced.

[0031] In a vehicle configured as described above, the front side member may be coupled to the integrally cast member by a fastening member.

[0032] In a vehicle configured as described above, the front side member is coupled to the integrally cast member by a fastening member, and compared with coupling by welding or the like, a decrease in material strength due to heat can be suppressed.

[0033] In a vehicle configured as described above, the integrally cast member may be configured to further include: a support wall provided on the rear side of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction and configured to support the rear end of the front side member, and a reinforcing portion provided on the rear side of the support wall in the vehicle front-rear direction, the reinforcing portion being configured to include the support wall, and the reinforcing portion having higher rigidity than other portions.

[0034] In a vehicle configured as described above, the integrally cast member is configured to further include a support wall and a reinforcing portion. The support wall is provided on the rear side of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction and is configured to support the rear end of the front side member. The reinforcing portion is provided on the rear side of the support wall in the vehicle front-rear direction. The reinforcing portion is configured to include the support wall. The reinforcing portion has higher rigidity than other portions.

[0035] In this way, in the solution of the present invention, since the rear end of the front side member is supported by the support wall provided with the reinforcing portion on the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction, sufficient reaction force against axial compression of the front side member can be obtained when a vehicle front collision occurs. Therefore, in the solution of the present invention, the collision load can be smoothly applied to the front side member. Conversely, in the solution of the present invention, the impact energy can be effectively absorbed by the absorption amount of the front side member.

[0036] As described above, even with a configuration including an integrally cast member having a so-called open cross-sectional structure, the vehicle according to the solution of the present invention can ensure the energy absorption amount. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment as viewed from the front left obliquely and from above;

[0039] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a relevant part including Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of a relevant part, which shows the rear side of the vehicle at the front side member at the wheel arch of the vehicle according to the present embodiment;

[0041] Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a relevant part, which shows a first variant of the vehicle according to the present embodiment and corresponds to Figure 2 ;

[0043] Figure 6 is a sectional view, which shows a second variant of the vehicle according to the present embodiment and corresponds to Figure 4 ; and

[0044] Figure 7 is a sectional view, which shows a third variant of the vehicle according to the present embodiment and corresponds to Figure 4 . Detailed Description of the Invention

[0045] Hereinafter, a body structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the arrow "front" (FR) indicates the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the arrow "up" (UP) indicates the upper side in the vehicle up-down direction. The arrow "right" (RH) indicates the right hand side in the vehicle width direction and indicates the outside in the vehicle width direction in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, when simply described using the front-rear direction, up-down direction, and left-right direction, these directions respectively mean the front and rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, the up and down in the vehicle up-down direction, and the left and right in the vehicle left-right direction (vehicle width direction), unless otherwise specified.

[0046] Structure of the Vehicle

[0047] First, the structure of the vehicle according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0048] Figure 1 Shows an overall view of the vehicle, which shows the frame of the vehicle 10. Although not shown in the figure, for example, the vehicle 10 is a pure electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, etc. that is driven by the power generated by a power unit. As Figure 1 shown, the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment includes wheel arch ribs 12 on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle, and wheels (not shown) are arranged in the wheel arch ribs. The right wheel arch rib 12 and the left wheel arch rib 12 are connected by a transverse member 14.

[0049] The skirt upper member 16 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction at the upper end of each wheel arch rib 12. The skirt upper member 16 has a substantially U shape such that the outer side in the vehicle width direction is open. A suspension support cover 18 is provided inside the skirt upper member 16 in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] The front pillar 20 that constitutes the side part of the front part of the vehicle is coupled to the rear end of the wheel arch rib 12. In addition, the sill 22 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and constitutes the frame of the vehicle side part is coupled to the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction of the lower end of the wheel arch rib 12.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the left and right wheel arch ribs 12, the transverse member 14, the skirt upper member 16, and the suspension support cover 18 are integrally cast (integrally cast member 24) from materials such as aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy.

[0052] In the integrally cast member 24 according to the present embodiment, due to the structure of the mold, a part of the mold slides toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction during the formation of the inner surface side of the left and right wheel arch ribs 12. For this reason, each wheel arch rib 12 according to the present embodiment is formed such that the outer side in the vehicle width direction is open.

[0053] More specifically, the wheel arch rib 12 has an upright wall 26 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. A front wall 28 that extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction protrudes toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction at the front end of the upright wall 26.

[0054] A transverse wall (first transverse wall) 30 that protrudes toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided at a substantially central portion in the vehicle up-down direction of the upright wall 26 of the wheel arch rib 12. A lower wall (second transverse wall) 32 that protrudes toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided at the lower end of the upright wall 26 of the wheel arch rib 12. In other words, the wheel arch rib 12 has a substantially U-shaped open cross-sectional structure such that the outer side in the vehicle width direction is open.

[0055] In addition, a plurality of longitudinal ribs 34 extend from the upright wall 26 of the wheel arch 12 in the vehicle width direction and span between the skirt upper member 16 and the transverse wall 30. The longitudinal ribs 34 are arranged in the vehicle front-rear direction. Between adjacent longitudinal ribs 34, a plurality of convex strips 36 protruding toward the upper side and extending in the vehicle width direction are provided on the upper surface of the transverse wall 30. In the present embodiment, a front side member (side member) 38 is fixed between the transverse wall 30 and the lower wall 32 of the wheel arch 12.

[0056] Front side member

[0057] In the present embodiment, the front side member 38 is an extruded member formed of an extruded material, for example. The front side member 38 has a closed cross-sectional structure 40, and its cross-sectional shape cut along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction is a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0058] More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the front side member 38 is a generally rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the vehicle up-down direction. Regarding the closed cross-sectional structure 40, the cross-sectional shape may have another polygonal shape other than the rectangular shape, such as a honeycomb shape.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the front side member 38 is constructed to include an inner wall 42, an outer wall 44, an upper wall 46 and a lower wall 48. The inner wall 42 and the outer wall 44 of the front side member 38 are arranged so as to be opposite to each other. The inner wall 42 constitutes the inner side of the front side member 38 in the vehicle width direction. The outer wall 44 constitutes the outer side of the front side member 38 in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] The upper wall 46 and the lower wall 48 of the front side member 38 are arranged so as to face each other. The upper wall 46 connects the upper ends of the inner wall 42 and the outer wall 44. The lower wall 48 connects the lower ends of the inner wall 42 and the outer wall 44. Thus, the inner wall 42 and the outer wall 44 are longer than the upper wall 46 and the lower wall 48 in terms of size.

[0061] In addition, when the front side member 38 is fixed between the transverse wall 30 and the lower wall 32 of the wheel arch 12, the upper wall 46 of the front side member 38 can be opposite to the transverse wall 30 of the wheel arch 12, and the lower wall 48 of the front side member 38 can be opposite to the lower wall 32 of the wheel arch 12.

[0062] In the closed cross-sectional portion 50 defined by the inner wall 42 , the outer wall 44 , the upper wall 46 , and the lower wall 48 , for example, a partition wall 52 partitioning up and down and a partition wall 54 partitioning left and right intersect in a cross shape to form four spaces 56 .

[0063] Here, a plurality of cylindrical bosses 58 stand upright from the inner surface 26A of the upright wall 26 of the wheel arch 12 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, the inner wall 42 of the front side member 38 has an insertion hole 60 into which the boss 58 can be inserted, and the outer wall 44 of the front side member 38 has an insertion hole 66 into which a bolt (fastening member) 64 can be screwed, and each bolt 64 has substantially the same size as the hollow portion 62 of the boss 58.

[0064] The boss 58 is inserted through the insertion hole 60 formed in the inner wall 42 of the front side member 38, and in a state where the inner wall 42 of the front side member 38 is in contact with the upright wall 26 of the wheel arch 12, the bolt 64 is screwed into the boss 58 through the insertion hole 66 formed in the outer wall 44 of the front side member 38. Thus, the front side member 38 is fixed to the wheel arch 12.

[0065] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the front wall 28 protrudes from the front end of the upright wall 26 of the wheel arch 12 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. The front wall 28 has a substantially rectangular cutout portion 68 that is cut away toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the front side member 38 can be inserted into the cutout portion.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the front portion (front end) 38A of the front side member 38 is inserted into the cutout portion 68, and the front portion 38A of the front side member 38 protrudes toward the front side of the vehicle beyond the front wall 28 of the wheel arch 12. Then, a front bumper 70 extending along the vehicle width direction is coupled to the front ends of the left and right front side members 38.

[0067] In other words, in the present embodiment, the front portion 38A of the front side member 38 has the function of a vibration-absorbing box that serves as a so-called shock-absorbing member, and has a structure such that no vibration-absorbing box is interposed between the front portion 38A of the front side member 38 and the front bumper 70.

[0068] As Figure 3 shown, a support wall 72 that can be contacted by the rear end of the front side member 38 extends across between the transverse wall 30 and the lower wall 32 of the wheel arch 12. The rear end of the front side member 38 can be supported by the support wall 72. The support wall 72 may be thicker than other longitudinal rib plates 34 formed in the wheel arch 12.

[0069] A reinforcing portion 74 is provided on the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction of the support wall 72. The reinforcing portion 74 is configured to include a transverse wall 76 extending from the transverse wall 30 and a transverse wall 78 extending from the lower wall 32. The transverse walls 76 and 78 do not need to be directly connected to the transverse wall 30 and the lower wall 32, and may be separated from the transverse wall 30 and the lower wall 32 by the support wall 72.

[0070] A transverse wall 80 formed substantially parallel to the transverse walls 76 and 78 is disposed at a substantially central portion between the transverse walls 76 and 78. Then, a pair of inclined rib plates 82 that are inclined with respect to the transverse walls 76 and 78 and intersect each other at the transverse wall 80 are continuously provided between the transverse walls 76 and 78 in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0071] In this way, by providing the inclined rib plates 82 between the transverse walls 76, 78, and 80, a truss structure composed of a plurality of triangles is formed. Therefore, the reinforcing portion 74 has higher rigidity than other portions (for example, the upper side of the reinforcing portion 74). Since the reinforcing portion 74 only needs to have higher rigidity than other portions, the shape to be formed is not limited to a triangle and can be a honeycomb shape. Not only limited to the shape, the thickness of the walls constituting the reinforcing portion 74 can be thicker than other portions.

[0072] A transverse wall 81 and an inclined rib plate 83 formed substantially parallel to the transverse wall 78 are disposed below the reinforcing portion 74. In other words, at the rear side of the support wall 72 that supports the rear end of the front side member 38, the height of the cross-sectional shape in the vehicle up-down direction is increased.

[0073] In addition, solid cylinders or hollow cylindrical bosses 84 are provided at each intersection between the inclined rib plates 82 (or the inclined rib plate 83) and the transverse walls 78, 80 (or the transverse wall 81), and the bosses 84 are thicker than the inclined rib plates 82 and the transverse walls 78, 80.

[0074] For example, the boss 84 can be applied as a base for an extrusion pin that contacts the integrally cast member 24 when the integrally cast member 24 is separated from the mold when forming the integrally cast member 24. In addition to the above, the boss 84 can be applied as a thick portion for improving the fluidity of the materials of the inclined rib plates 82 and the transverse walls 78, 80 when forming the integrally cast member 24, and the boss can also be applied as a base for mounting fastening members for mounting other components to the integrally cast member 24.

[0075] Functions and beneficial effects of the vehicle

[0076] Next, the functions and beneficial effects of the vehicle according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0077] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment includes an integrally cast member 24 and a front side member 38. In the present embodiment, the integrally cast member 24 is configured to include left and right wheel arch ribs 12 and a transverse member 14. The transverse member 14 extends in the vehicle width direction. The left and right wheel arch ribs 12 are connected by the transverse member 14.

[0078] Here, in the integrally cast member 24 according to the present embodiment, the left and right wheel arch ribs 12 and the cross member 14 are integrally cast. Therefore, in the present embodiment, fasteners for fastening the left and right front side members 38 to the left and right wheel arch ribs 12 and for fastening each of the left and right wheel arch ribs 12 to the cross member 14 are not required, so the number of components can be reduced.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the front side member 38 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is fixed at the lower part of the wheel arch rib 12.

[0080] Normally, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle 10, the front side member 38 has a function of absorbing compressive or impact energy; however, the front side member 38 has a higher energy absorption sharing ratio than the shock absorber box, for example. On the other hand, when the wheel arch rib 12 and the front side member 38 are integrally cast, the wheel arch rib 12 and the front side member 38 have a substantially U-shaped open cross-sectional structure, in which the outer or inner side in the vehicle width direction is open due to the structure of the die.

[0081] In the present embodiment, when the front side member 38 is separately formed from the integrally cast member 24 including the wheel arch rib 12, even when a corresponding one of the wheel arch ribs 12 itself has an open cross-sectional structure, by fixing the front side member 38 to the lower part of the wheel arch rib 12, the lower part of the wheel arch rib 12 can have a closed cross-sectional structure.

[0082] For this reason, the rigidity of the wheel arch rib 12 provided with the front side member 38 can be improved. In other words, in the present embodiment, even with a configuration including the integrally cast member 24 having a so-called open cross-sectional structure, the amount of energy absorption can be ensured. By fixing the front side member 38, it is sufficient to form the lower part of the wheel arch rib 12 into a closed cross-sectional structure, so the front side member 38 does not necessarily need to have a closed cross-sectional structure.

[0083] In the present embodiment, when the front side member 38 is an extruded member, the front side member 38 can have higher rigidity than the front side member 38 as a cast member. The front side member 38 is not limited to an extruded member. The front side member 38 can be a metal plate member formed of a metal plate, or can be a cast member formed by casting. In the case of a metal plate member or a cast member, the design flexibility can be increased compared to an extruded member.

[0084] In addition, in the present embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the front side member 38 has a closed cross-sectional structure with a cross-section cut along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction being a closed cross-section, and can have higher rigidity than the open cross-sectional structure as a comparative example, so the amount of energy absorption can be increased.

[0085] Here, in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the front side member 38 is a substantially rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the up-and-down direction of the vehicle. The front side member 38 is configured to include an inner wall 42, an outer wall 44, an upper wall 46, and a lower wall 48. The inner wall 42 and the outer wall 44 are longer in dimension than the upper wall 46 and the lower wall 48.

[0086] Therefore, compared to the case where the cross-sectional shape of the front side member 38 is a square, the geometric moment of inertia increases. Thus, when a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 occurs, so-called mountain folds or valley folds, that is, damage to the front side member 38 in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle, can be suppressed.

[0087] On the other hand, the wheel arch 12 is configured to include an upright wall 26 extending in the front-rear direction and the up-and-down direction of the vehicle. The inner wall 42 of the front side member 38 contacts the upright wall 26. The front side member 38 is allowed to be coupled to the upright wall 26.

[0088] In this way, since the inner wall 42 of the front side member 38 contacts and is coupled to the upright wall 26 of the wheel arch 12, so-called inward folding, that is, the front side member 38 folding inward in the vehicle width direction when a frontal collision of the vehicle occurs, can be suppressed. Thus, axial compression of the front side member 38 can be assisted and impact energy can be effectively absorbed.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the wheel arch 12 is configured to further include a transverse wall 30 and a lower wall 32. The transverse wall 30 and the lower wall 32 are arranged to face each other. The transverse wall 30 projects outward in the vehicle width direction from the upright wall 26 and is allowed to face the upper wall 46 of the front side member 38. The lower wall 32 projects outward in the vehicle width direction from the upright wall 26 and is allowed to face the lower wall 48 of the front side member 38.

[0090] In other words, in the present embodiment, the front side member 38 is arranged (fixed) in a state of being assembled in the integrally cast member 24. For this reason, mountain folds or valley folds of the front side member 38 when a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 occurs can be reduced, so axial compression of the front side member 38 can be assisted. Thus, in the present embodiment, the front side member 38 can be crushed sequentially from the front end to the rear end, so impact energy can be further effectively absorbed.

[0091] In the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the integrally cast member 24 is configured to further include a front wall 28 and a cutout portion 68. The front wall 28 is provided at the front end of the integrally cast member 24. A cutout portion 68 into which the front side member 38 can be inserted is formed in the front wall 28. In the present embodiment, the front side member 38 is inserted through the cutout portion 68, and the front portion 38A of the front side member 38 projects forward of the vehicle beyond the front wall 28 of the integrally cast member 24.

[0092] Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, compared with the structure in which the vibration damping box (side member) 87 is additionally provided on the front side of the front side member 85 as shown in Figure 5 it is possible to reduce the number of components. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the work of connecting the components is reduced, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

[0093] In the first modification, as shown in Figure 5 it is of course possible to additionally provide the vibration damping box 87 on the front side of the front side member 85. In this case, it is not necessary to form the cutout portion 68 in the front wall 28 of the integrally cast member 24 (see Figure 2 ), and the rear end of the vibration damping box 87 is connected to the front wall 28 by welding or the like. In this way, when the front side member 85 and the vibration damping box 87 are formed as separate members, the front side member 85 and the vibration damping box 87 can be changed in terms of material, shape, etc.

[0094] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 the integrally cast member 24 is configured to further include a support wall 72 and a reinforcing portion 74. The support wall 72 is provided on the rear side of the front side member 38 in the vehicle front-rear direction and supports the rear end of the front side member 38. The reinforcing portion 74 is configured to include transverse walls 76, 78, 80 and inclined rib plates 82. The reinforcing portion 74 has a truss structure composed of a plurality of triangles. The reinforcing portion 74 is provided on the rear side of the support wall 72. The reinforcing portion 74 includes the support wall 72 and has higher rigidity than other portions.

[0095] In this way, in the present embodiment, when the rear end of the front side member 38 is supported by the support wall 72 provided with the reinforcing portion 74 on the rear side, sufficient reaction force against the axial compression of the front side member 38 can be obtained when a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 occurs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the collision load can be smoothly applied to the front side member 38. Conversely, in the present embodiment, the impact energy can be effectively absorbed by the absorption amount of the front side member 38.

[0096] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4 the front side member 38 is fixed to the wheel arch 12 via bolts 64. For this reason, for example, compared with the case where the front side member 38 is connected to the wheel arch 12 by welding, a decrease in the material rigidity due to heat can be suppressed.

[0097] When an impact load is input to the front side member 38 during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10, a shear force acts on the bolts 64; however, when the diameter size, the number, the arrangement, etc. of the bolts 64 are adjusted, it is possible to suppress the front side member 38 from detaching from the wheel arch 12.

[0098] Here, in Figure 4In the above, an example has been described in which the boss 58 is erected from the inner surface 26A of the upright wall 26 of the wheel arch 12 and the bolt 64 is fastened to the boss 58 as a method of fixing the front side member 38 to the wheel arch 12; however, the fixing method is not limited thereto.

[0099] For example, in the second modification, as Figure 6 shown, in order to fix the front side member 38 to the wheel arch 12, a hollow cylindrical column 86 made of metal can be used instead of Figure 4 the boss 58 shown. In this case, the hollow cylindrical column 86 is installed on the front side member 38, and the bolt 64 is fastened to the hollow cylindrical column 86.

[0100] In the third modification, as Figure 7 shown, in order to fix the front side member 38 to the wheel arch 12, a pop nut 88 can be used. In this case, the number of parts increases; however, the boss 58 does not need to be erected on the wheel arch 12.

[0101] In the above-described present embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, an example has been described in which the left and right wheel arches 12 and the transverse member 14 are integrally cast in the integral casting member 24; however, the structure is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown in the drawings, in the right casting member, the right wheel arch 12 and the right half of the transverse member 14 are integrally cast, and in the left casting member, the left wheel arch 12 and the left half of the transverse member 14 are integrally cast, and the right casting member and the left casting member can be joined together at the joining portion.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the front side member 38 has been described; however, the solution of the present invention can also be applied to members other than the front side member 38. For example, the solution of the present invention can be applied to the rear side member 90 (see Figure 1 ). The direction of impact load input changes according to the skeletal member to be applied.

[0103] One embodiment of the present invention has been described above; however, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment. The embodiments can be combined with various modifications as needed. Of course, the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0104] Appendix

[0105] As needed, a body structure according to the present invention can be constructed by combining the following structures.

[0106] Structure 1

[0107] A vehicle, comprising: a one-piece cast member configured to include left and right wheel arch ribs and a transverse member extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the left and right wheel arch ribs, the left and right wheel arch ribs and the transverse member being integrally cast, or the left and right wheel arch ribs and the transverse member being divided at a connection portion provided at a predetermined position in the vehicle width direction, the divided portions being integrally cast respectively, and the divided portions being joined to each other integrally at the connection portion; and a side member fixed to a lower portion of a corresponding one of the wheel arch ribs of a member that is part of the one-piece cast member and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0108] Structure 2

[0109] In the one-piece cast member, the left and right wheel arch ribs and the transverse member are integrally cast.

[0110] Structure 3

[0111] The side member is a front side member provided at the front of the vehicle.

[0112] Structure 4

[0113] The front side member is an extrusion member formed of an extruded material or a sheet metal member formed of a metal sheet.

[0114] Structure 5

[0115] When a cross-section of the front side member is cut along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-and-down direction, the cross-sectional shape of the front side member has a closed cross-section structure with a closed cross-section.

[0116] Structure 6

[0117] The cross-sectional shape of the front side member is a substantially rectangular shape. The front side member includes an inner wall constituting the inner side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction, an outer wall constituting the outer side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction and arranged opposite to the inner wall, an upper wall connecting the upper ends of the inner wall and the outer wall, and a lower wall connecting the lower ends of the inner wall and the outer wall and provided opposite to the upper wall. And the corresponding one of the wheel arch ribs is configured to include a vertical wall extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle up-and-down direction. The inner wall contacts the vertical wall, and the front side member is allowed to be joined to the vertical wall.

[0118] Structure 7

[0119] Each of the wheel arch ribs is configured to further include a first transverse wall that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the upright wall and is allowed to face the upper wall, and a second transverse wall that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the upright wall. The second transverse wall is arranged to face the first transverse wall and is allowed to face the lower wall.

[0120] Structure 8

[0121] The integrally cast member is configured to further include a front wall provided at the front end in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a cutout portion cut inward in the vehicle width direction in the front wall. The front side member is inserted through the cutout portion so that the front end of the front side member in the vehicle longitudinal direction protrudes forward of the vehicle beyond the front wall.

[0122] Structure 9

[0123] The front side member is coupled to the integrally cast member by a fastening member.

[0124] Structure 10

[0125] The integrally cast member is configured to further include a support wall provided at the rear side of the front side member in the vehicle longitudinal direction and configured to support the rear end of the front side member, and a reinforcing portion provided at the rear side of the support wall in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The reinforcing portion is configured to include the support wall and has higher rigidity than other portions.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that include: An integrally cast member, which is configured to include left and right wheel arches and a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the left and right wheel arches, the left and right wheel arches and the cross member being integrally cast, or the left and right wheel arches and the cross member being divided at a connecting portion provided at a predetermined position in the vehicle width direction, the divided portions being respectively integrally cast, and the divided portions being integrally connected to each other at the connecting portion; as well as A side member is fixed to a lower portion of a corresponding one of the wheel arches as a component that is a part of the integrally cast member and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that In the integrally cast member, the left and right wheel arches and the cross member are integrally cast.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The side member is a front side member provided at the front portion of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that The front side member is an extruded member formed of an extruded material, or a metal plate member formed of a metal plate.

5. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that When the cross section of the front side member is cut along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle up-down direction, the cross-sectional shape of the front side member has a closed cross-sectional structure with a closed cross section.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the front side member is a substantially rectangular shape; The front side member includes an inner wall constituting an inner side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction, an outer wall constituting an outer side of the front side member in the vehicle width direction and arranged to be opposed to the inner wall, an upper wall connecting the upper ends of the inner wall and the outer wall, and a lower wall connecting the inner wall and the lower ends of the outer wall and arranged to be opposite to the upper wall; and A corresponding one of the wheel arches is configured to include an upright wall extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle up-down direction, the inner wall is in contact with the upright wall, and the front side member is allowed to be coupled to the upright wall.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that Each of the wheel arches is configured to further include a first transverse wall which protrudes from the upright wall toward the vehicle width direction outer side and is allowed to be opposed to the upper wall, and a second lateral wall which projects from the upright wall toward the vehicle width direction outer side, the second lateral wall being arranged so as to be opposed to the first lateral wall, the second lateral wall being allowed to be opposed to the lower wall.

8. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that The integrally cast component is configured to further include a front wall disposed at a front end in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, and A cutout portion is cut out in the front wall toward the vehicle width direction inner side, and the front side member is inserted through the cutout portion so that the front end of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction protrudes beyond the front wall toward the vehicle front side.

9. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that The front side member is coupled to the integrally cast member by a fastening member.

10. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that The integrally cast component is configured to further include a support wall provided at a rear side of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction and configured to support a rear end of the front side member, and A reinforcing portion is provided at a rear side of the support wall in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the reinforcing portion being configured to include the support wall, the reinforcing portion having higher rigidity than other portions.

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