Vehicle structure

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle structure. The vehicle structure is provided with: a floor panel (24) that is disposed above the battery and constitutes the floor surface of the vehicle cabin; a cross member (26) provided above the floor panel (24) and extending in the vehicle width direction; a seat rail (22) which is configured so as to include a lower rail (28) provided above the cross member (26) and an upper rail (30) supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle with respect to the lower rail (28), and which supports a vehicle seat; and an extension rail (32) that is disposed on the outer side of the seat rail (22) in the vehicle width direction, extends further toward the front of the vehicle than the seat rail (22), and engages with the lower rail (28) so as to be movable in the vehicle front-rear direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In International Publication No. 2023 / 068307, a structure in which a long slide rail is provided below a floor panel is disclosed. Specifically, by including a first floor that supports the slide rail and a second floor that is provided above the first floor, a structure is formed in which the slide rail is buried in the floor panel, and thus the floor surface of the vehicle compartment becomes flat. In addition, the slide rail extends from the front end to the rear end of the vehicle compartment.

[0003] However, in the case of an electric vehicle in which a storage battery is mounted below the floor panel, if a structure in which the slide rail is buried is adopted, the space inside the vehicle compartment becomes narrow, and thus the comfort may be impaired. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to obtain a vehicle structure that can increase the sliding amount of a vehicle seat while ensuring the comfort inside the vehicle compartment.

[0005] The vehicle structure according to the first aspect has: a floor panel that is disposed above the storage battery and constitutes the floor surface of the vehicle compartment; a lateral member that is provided above the floor panel and extends in the vehicle width direction; a seat rail that is configured to include a lower rail provided above the lateral member and an upper rail that is supported so as to be slidable in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the lower rail, and supports a vehicle seat; an extension rail that is disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the seat rail and extends to a position in front of the vehicle compared to the seat rail, and the lower rail is engaged with the extension rail so as to be movable in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0006] In the vehicle structure according to the first aspect, the floor panel is disposed above the storage battery, and the floor surface of the vehicle compartment is constituted by the floor panel. In addition, above the floor panel, a lateral member that extends in the vehicle width direction is provided. Further, a seat rail that supports a vehicle seat is provided above the lateral member, and the seat rail is configured to include a lower rail and an upper rail that is supported so as to be slidable in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the lower rail. Thus, by sliding the upper rail with respect to the lower rail, the vehicle seat can be moved back and forth together with the upper rail.

[0007] In addition, at the outside in the vehicle width direction of the seat track, an extended track extending to a position in front of the seat track in the vehicle front-rear direction is arranged, and a lower track is engaged with the extended track in a manner movable in the vehicle front-rear direction. Thus, by moving the lower track along the extended track, the entire seat track can be moved back and forth. In addition, by arranging the extended track at the outside in the vehicle width direction of the seat track, it is not necessary to increase the height of the seat track, and thus it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the space inside the vehicle compartment.

[0008] The vehicle structure of the second mode is that in the first mode, a lower side sill is provided, and the vehicle width direction end portion of the lower side sill extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the extended track is fixed to the lower side sill.

[0009] In the vehicle structure of the second mode, since the extended track is fixed to the lower side sill, the load input from the vehicle seat can be transmitted to the lower side sill. In addition, in the case of a side collision of the vehicle, the collision load can be borne by the lower side sill and the extended track.

[0010] The vehicle structure of the third mode is that in the first mode, the lower track is fixed to the transverse member via a locking mechanism, and the locking state achieved by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat is not in use.

[0011] In the vehicle structure of the third mode, the lower track is fixed to the transverse member via a locking mechanism, and the locking state achieved by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat is not in use. Thus, in the state where the vehicle seat is in use, the locking state can be maintained to suppress the inadvertent movement of the lower track.

[0012] The vehicle structure of the fourth mode is that in the first mode, the transverse member and the extended track are covered by a carpet.

[0013] In the vehicle structure of the fourth mode, since the transverse member and the extended track are covered by a carpet, the appearance inside the vehicle compartment can be improved compared with the structure where the extended track is exposed.

[0014] The vehicle structure of the fifth mode is that in the first mode, the seat track and the extended track are arranged on the co-driver seat side, and the extended track extends to a position below the instrument panel.

[0015] In the vehicle structure of the fifth mode, since the extended track extends to a position below the instrument panel, when the vehicle seat on the co-driver seat side is not in use, the vehicle seat can be stored below the instrument panel.

[0016] As described above, according to the vehicle structure related to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the sliding amount of the vehicle seat while ensuring the comfort inside the vehicle compartment. Description of the Drawings

[0017] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following drawings, where:

[0018] Figure 1 It is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle compartment to which the vehicle structure according to the embodiment is applied.

[0019] Figure 2 It is to show from Figure 1 The side view of the state where the vehicle seat has been slid from the state.

[0020] Figure 3 It is to be Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view which magnifies and shows the state cut at the 3-3 line in. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0021] Regarding the vehicle structure according to the embodiment, it will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle compartment to which the vehicle structure according to the embodiment is applied. In addition, the arrow mark FR, the arrow mark UP, and the arrow mark LH in the figure respectively indicate the vehicle front direction, the vehicle upward direction, and the vehicle left direction in the vehicle 10. In the following description, when the directions of front and rear, up and down, left and right are used without special description, it is assumed that they respectively represent 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 (width direction).

[0023] As Figure 1 shown, a vehicle seat 12 is provided at the front part of the vehicle compartment to which the vehicle structure of the present embodiment is applied. The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion 14 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction and can support the buttocks and thighs of the occupant.

[0024] At the rear end of the seat cushion 14, a seat back 16 that can support the back of the occupant is rotatably mounted relative to the seat cushion 14, and the seat back 16 extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction. In addition, a headrest 18 that can support the head of the occupant is provided at the upper end of the seat back 16.

[0025] The vehicle seat 12 configured as described above is, for example, the seat on the co-pilot side, and a vehicle seat for the driver (not shown) is provided adjacent to the vehicle seat 12 in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] At the vehicle front side of the vehicle seat 12, an instrument panel 19 is provided as an interior trim member. Further, a space 20 is provided below the instrument panel 19. The space 20 is a space for an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat 12 at the front passenger seat to put their feet in.

[0027] The vehicle seat 12 is provided above a floor panel 24 that constitutes a floor surface of a vehicle compartment, and a battery BT is provided below the floor panel 24. The battery BT stores electric power for supplying to a motor (not shown), and the motor is driven by supplying the electric power from the battery BT to the motor to make the vehicle travel. That is, the vehicle in the present embodiment is an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle mentioned here includes battery electric vehicles (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), and the like.

[0028] A lateral member 26 is provided above the floor panel 24. The lateral member 26 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects between vehicle skeletons. Specifically, the lateral member 26 connects a pair of left and right lower side members 52 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the vehicle width direction (refer to Figure 3 ). In addition, in the present embodiment, two lateral members 26 are provided at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0029] A seat rail 22 is provided above the lateral member 26, and the vehicle seat 12 is mounted on the lateral member 26 via the seat rail 22. The seat rail 22 is configured to include a lower rail 28 and an upper rail 30.

[0030] Figure 3 For magnifying and showing the state where it is cut at the 3-3 line in Figure 1 . As shown in this Figure 3 , the lower rail 28 is disposed above the floor panel 24. In addition, the lower rail 28 is configured to include a bottom wall portion 28A in contact with the floor panel 24, side wall portions 28B extending upward from both ends in the vehicle width direction of the bottom wall portion 28A, and an upper wall portion 28C extending inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper ends of the side wall portions 28B and further bending downward in the vehicle.

[0031] The upper rail 30 is engaged with the lower rail 28. The upper rail 30 is configured to include a rail main body portion 30A having a substantially U-shaped cross section when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and an engaging portion 30B having a substantially L-shaped cross section that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end portion of the rail main body portion 30A and further bends upward. And, a bearing (not shown) is interposed between the engaging portion 30B of the upper rail 30 and the lower rail 28, and the upper rail 30 is supported so as to be slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail 28.

[0032] On the upper surface of the rail main body portion 30A of the upper rail 30, the seat frame 44 of the vehicle seat 12 is fixed. Therefore, by sliding the upper rail 30 in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail 28, the vehicle seat 12 slides in the vehicle longitudinal direction together with the upper rail 30.

[0033] In addition, a locking mechanism 40 is provided on the side wall portion 28B on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the lower rail 28. The locking mechanism 40 includes a claw portion (not shown) that can be engaged with a bumper 42 erected on the floor panel 24. By engaging the claw portion of the locking mechanism 40 with the bumper 42, the lower rail 28 is fixed to the lateral member 26. In addition, by operating the locking mechanism 40 to release the engagement state between the claw portion and the bumper 42, the lower rail 28 can move relative to the lateral member 26.

[0034] Here, in the present embodiment, as an example, the locking state achieved by the locking mechanism 40 when the vehicle seat 12 is not in use is released. For example, it can be set that a control device (not shown) such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) determines whether the vehicle seat 12 is in a use state or a non-use state, and releases the locking state achieved by the locking mechanism 40 when it is determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in a non-use state.

[0035] The use state of the vehicle seat 12 can be determined using sensor components such as a seating sensor, a buckle sensor, and a camera. For example, when it is detected based on a signal from the seating sensor that an occupant has seated on the vehicle seat 12, it is determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in a use state. In addition, it can be set that when it is detected based on a signal from the buckle sensor that the seat belt is installed in the buckle of the passenger seat, it is determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in a use state. Moreover, it can be set that based on the image data obtained from a camera that photographs the interior of the vehicle compartment, when an occupant has seated on the vehicle seat 12, it is determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in a use state.

[0036] An extension rail 32 is disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the seat rail 22. As Figure 1 shown, the extension rail 32 extends to a position in front of the vehicle compared to the seat rail 22, and the front end portion of the extension rail 32 is located in the space 20 below the instrument panel 19.

[0037] As Figure 3 shown, the extension rail 32 has an outer shape that is substantially rectangular when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, in the extension rail 32, through holes are formed in the wall surface facing the seat rail 22, and the support portion 50 of the connecting member 46 is inserted into the through holes.

[0038] The connecting member 46 is provided between the lower rail 28 and the extension rail 32, and the connecting member 46 and the lower rail 28 are joined by bolts 48. Although not shown, nuts that are screwed with the bolts 48 are provided inside the lower rail 28.

[0039] The support portion 50 is provided on the outer surface of the connecting member 46 in the vehicle width direction. The support portion 50 extends outward in the vehicle width direction and is inserted into the inside of the extension rail 32. The top end of the support portion 50 branches up and down and is supported by the extension rail 32 via bearings (not shown). Therefore, the connecting member 46 can slide in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the extension rail 32.

[0040] The wall surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the extension rail 32 is joined (fixed) to the side sill 52 by bolts 58 and nuts 60.

[0041] The side sill 52 is a skeletal member having a closed cross section that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is configured to include a side sill inner panel 54 and a side sill outer panel 56. The side sill inner panel 54 is formed to have a substantially top hat shape with the outside in the vehicle width direction open in cross section. Further, the side sill outer panel 56 is formed to have a substantially top hat shape with the inside in the vehicle width direction open in cross section, and is joined to the side sill inner panel 54.

[0042] Here, a carpet 70 is provided on the floor panel 24, and the carpet 70 covers the lateral member 26 and the extension rail 32.

[0043] As described above, the extension rail 32 is fixed to the lower side beam 52, and the connecting member 46 is slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the extension rail 32. That is, the lower rail 28 is engaged with the extension rail 32 in a manner movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, in a state where the locking state achieved by the locking mechanism 40 is released, by sliding the lower rail 28 relative to the extension rail 32 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the vehicle seat 12 can be moved in the vehicle longitudinal direction together with the seat rail 22.

[0044] Figure 2 To show the Figure 1 state where the vehicle seat 12 has been slid forward in the vehicle from the Figure 2 state shown in the side view. As shown in this

[0045] (Function)

[0046] Next, the function of the vehicle structure according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0047] In the vehicle structure according to the present embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, a floor panel 24 is disposed above the battery BT, and the floor panel 24 forms the floor surface of the passenger compartment. In addition, a transverse member 26 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided above the floor panel 24. Further, a seat rail 22 for supporting the vehicle seat 12 is provided above the transverse member 26, and the seat rail 22 is configured to include a lower rail 28 and an upper rail 30 supported so as to be slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the lower rail 28. Thus, by sliding the upper rail 30 relative to the lower rail 28, the vehicle seat 12 can be moved back and forth together with the upper rail 30.

[0048] In addition, as Figure 3 shown, an extension rail 32 extending to a position in front of the seat rail 22 in the vehicle width direction is disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the seat rail 22, and the lower rail 28 is engaged with the extension rail 32 in a manner movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Thus, by moving the lower rail 28 along the extension rail 32, the entire seat rail 22 can be moved back and forth. In addition, by disposing the extension rail 32 outside the vehicle width direction of the seat rail 22, it is not necessary to increase the height of the seat rail 22, and thus it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the space in the passenger compartment.

[0049] Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the extension rail 32 is fixed to the lower side beam 52, the load input from the vehicle seat 12 can be transmitted to the lower side beam 52. In addition, during a side collision of the vehicle, the collision load can be borne by the lower side beam 52 and the extension rail 32.

[0050] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lower rail 28 is fixed to the transverse member 26 via the locking mechanism 40, and the locked state achieved by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat 12 is not in use. Thus, in a state where the vehicle seat 12 is in use, the locked state can be maintained to suppress the inadvertent movement of the lower rail 28.

[0051] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the transverse member 26 and the extension rail 32 are covered by the carpet 70, the interior design of the vehicle compartment can be improved as compared with a structure in which the extension rail 32 is exposed.

[0052] Moreover, since the extension rail 32 extends to the lower side of the instrument panel 19, when the vehicle seat 12 on the co-driver side is not in use, the vehicle seat 12 can be stored under the instrument panel 19. In this way, the sliding amount of the vehicle seat 12 can be increased while ensuring the comfort of the vehicle compartment.

[0053] As described above, although the vehicle structure according to the present disclosure has been described, it can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. For example, although the extension rail 32 is fixed to the lower side beam 52 in the above embodiment, it is not limited thereto, and a structure in which the extension rail 32 is separated from the lower side beam 52 may also be used. Even in this case, by fixing the extension rail 32 to the transverse member 26 or the like, the fixed state of the extension rail 32 can be maintained well.

[0054] In addition, although the lower rail 28 is fixed to the transverse member 26 using the locking mechanism 40 and the striker plate 42 in the above embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, a locking pin that is movable in the vertical direction may be provided on the transverse member 26, and the locking pin may be inserted through the lower wall portion of the lower rail to engage with the lower rail in a state where the vehicle seat is in use. In this case, the fixed state of the lower rail and the transverse member can be released by lowering the locking pin when the vehicle seat is not in use.

[0055] Moreover, although in the above-described embodiment, the lower rail 28 is configured to be slidable relative to the extension rail 32 by the connecting member 46 provided on the lower rail 28, it is not limited thereto. For example, the shapes and structures of the connecting member 46 and the support portion 50 may be changed. In addition, the shape of the extension rail 32 is not particularly limited, and other shapes and structures may be adopted as long as the lower rail is slidable relative to the extension rail.

[0056] Regarding the above-described embodiment, the following supplementary notes are also disclosed.

[0057] (Supplementary Note 1)

[0058] A vehicle structure having:

[0059] A floor panel, which is disposed above the battery and constitutes the floor surface of the passenger compartment;

[0060] A transverse member, which is provided above the floor panel and extends in the vehicle width direction;

[0061] A seat rail, which is configured to include a lower rail provided above the transverse member and an upper rail supported so as to be slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the lower rail, and supports a vehicle seat;

[0062] An extension rail, which is disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the seat rail and extends to a position in front of the vehicle compared to the seat rail, and the lower rail is engaged with the extension rail so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0063] (Supplementary Note 2)

[0064] In the vehicle structure described in Supplementary Note 1,

[0065] A lower side sill is provided, and the vehicle width direction ends of the lower side sill extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction,

[0066] The extension rail is fixed to the lower side sill.

[0067] (Supplementary Note 3)

[0068] In the vehicle structure described in Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2,

[0069] The lower rail is fixed to the transverse member via a locking mechanism,

[0070] The locking state achieved by the locking mechanism when the vehicle seat is not in use is released.

[0071] (Supplementary Note 4)

[0072] In the vehicle structure according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, the lateral member and the extension rail are covered by a floor mat.

[0073] (Supplementary Note 5)

[0074] In the vehicle structure according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, the seat rail and the extension rail are provided on the front passenger seat side,

[0075] and the extension rail extends to a position below the instrument panel.

Claims

1. A vehicle structure having: A floor panel configured above a battery and forming a floor surface of a passenger compartment; A transverse member disposed above the floor panel and extending in a vehicle width direction; A seat track configured to include a lower track disposed above the transverse member and an upper track supported to be slidable in a vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the lower track, and supporting a vehicle seat; An extension track disposed outside the seat track in the vehicle width direction and extending to a position forward of the seat track in the vehicle, and the lower track being engaged with the extension track so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein: A lower side sill is provided, and end portions in the vehicle width direction of the lower side sill extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, The extension track is fixed to the lower side sill.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein: The lower track is fixed to the transverse member via a locking mechanism, When the vehicle seat is not in use, a locked state achieved by the locking mechanism is released.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein: The transverse member and the extension track are covered with a carpet.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein: The seat track and the extension track are provided on the co-driver side, The extension track extends to a position below a dashboard.

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