Vehicle body structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle body structure, which improves the rigidity of a cast frame for a vehicle. A front side frame (60) integrally molded by casting has: a transverse plate section (63); a first vertical plate section (64) that is continuous with one end of the transverse plate section (63) in the width direction and extends toward both sides of the transverse plate section (63) in the thickness direction; and a second vertical plate section (65) that is continuous with the other end of the transverse plate section (63) in the width direction and extends toward both sides of the transverse plate section (63) in the thickness direction. The transverse plate section (63) has a protruding section (63a).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a vehicle body structure such as an automobile. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, a dash panel is provided at the front of an automobile, and separates a passenger room and a space located on the front side of the passenger room. A pair of front side frames extending in the front direction is respectively fixed to the left and right sides of the dash panel. In a general automobile, the front side frames are composed of a plurality of steel sheets formed by press working, and are configured as a hollow structure, but a structure in which the front side frames are not configured as a hollow structure is also known. As an example thereof, a front side frame disclosed in Patent Literature 1, which is composed of an aluminum alloy cast member integrally provided with a front damper housing, can be cited.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 001928

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, in a frontal collision of an automobile, a large impact load from the front is input to the front side frame. At this time, it is required to suppress deformation of the passenger room by the front side frame receiving the impact load, and further improve the protection performance of the occupant.

[0008] As in a general automobile of the related art, in a case where the front side frame is configured as a hollow structure, since it is a structure that is difficult to bend due to an impact load from the front, it can be considered that the impact load can be sufficiently received by the front side frame.

[0009] However, when the front side frame is composed of a cast member as in Patent Literature 1, although there is an effect of reducing the number of parts, it is difficult to form a hollow structure from the front end to the rear end of the front side frame in terms of mold structure. Therefore, there is a concern that the front side frame is easily bent due to an impact load from the front. In the case where the front side frame is bent due to an impact load from the front, the impact load cannot be sufficiently received by the front side frame. SUMMARY

[0010] The present application was completed in view of the above points, and aims to improve the rigidity of a cast vehicle frame.

[0011] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0012] To achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present application, a vehicle body structure provided with a vehicle frame integrally formed by casting and extending in a prescribed direction is assumed. When the vehicle frame is viewed in the prescribed direction, the vehicle frame has a transverse plate portion, a first longitudinal plate portion that is continuous with a width direction one end portion of the transverse plate portion and extends to both thickness direction sides of the transverse plate portion, and a second longitudinal plate portion that is continuous with a width direction other end portion of the transverse plate portion and extends to both thickness direction sides of the transverse plate portion. The transverse plate portion has a raised portion that is raised in the thickness direction of the transverse plate portion and extends in the prescribed direction.

[0013] According to this structure, since the cross section of the vehicle frame is close to an H shape, the load in the prescribed direction is difficult to bend. In addition, since the raised portion is raised in the thickness direction, the raised portion functions like a hollow rib, so it is difficult to bend compared to the case of a flat transverse plate portion. Thus, in the case where an impact load acts on the vehicle frame in the extending direction of the vehicle frame, the vehicle frame is difficult to bend.

[0014] Also, the raised portion can be integrally formed with a rib that protrudes in the raised direction and extends in the width direction of the transverse plate portion. In addition, a tip side reinforcement portion that protrudes in the raised direction and extends in the prescribed direction can be integrally formed at the raised direction tip end portion of the raised portion. That is, by integrally forming the rib and the tip side reinforcement portion in the vehicle frame, the number of parts does not increase, and the rigidity of the vehicle frame can be improved. In addition, by appropriately setting the position and shape of the rib and the tip side reinforcement portion, the rigidity of the necessary portion of the vehicle frame can be improved as necessary.

[0015] The raised portion can also have an inclined portion that extends obliquely with respect to the transverse plate portion in such a way that the closer to the raised direction base end portion, the closer to the width direction one end portion of the transverse plate portion. In this case, a base end side reinforcement portion that protrudes in the direction opposite the raised direction and extends in the prescribed direction can be integrally formed at the intersection of the inclined portion and the transverse plate portion. By the base end side reinforcement portion, the number of parts does not increase, and the rigidity of the vehicle frame can be improved.

[0016] The vehicle body structure can have the vehicle frame disposed with the prescribed direction as the vehicle front-rear direction on the right side and the left side of the vehicle body front portion, and a coupling portion that extends from the rear portion of the vehicle frame on the right side to the rear portion of the vehicle frame on the left side. In this case, by integrally forming the vehicle frame on the right side, the vehicle frame on the left side, and the coupling portion by casting, the rigidity of the vehicle body front portion as a whole can be improved while reducing the number of parts.

[0017] Also, the right side vehicle frame and the left side vehicle frame can be formed so that the longer the vehicle frame is, the longer the length of the vehicle frame in the left-right direction is. That is, the rear portion of the right side vehicle frame and the rear portion of the left side vehicle frame can be formed in a conical shape. In this case, the connecting portion is formed so as to extend from the left side portion of the rear portion of the right side vehicle frame to the right side portion of the rear portion of the left side vehicle frame, thereby shortening the length of the connecting portion in the left-right direction and sufficiently improving the strength and rigidity at the time of connection.

[0018] A drain hole for draining water remaining on the upper surface of the cross plate portion to the lower side of the cross plate portion is formed in the cross plate portion so as to penetrate the cross plate portion in the thickness direction. That is, when a vehicle frame is provided so as to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction, rainwater or water at the time of car washing remaining on the upper surface of the cross plate portion of the vehicle frame is taken into consideration, but according to the present structure, water remaining on the upper surface of the cross plate portion can be drained through the drain hole.

[0019] The vehicle body structure can also include a front panel that separates a passenger compartment and a front side space located on the front side of the vehicle body with respect to the passenger compartment. In this case, the rear portion of the left side vehicle frame and the rear portion of the right side vehicle frame can be fixed to the front panel. In addition, the rear portion of at least one of the left side vehicle frame and the right side vehicle frame can be formed so as to have a hollow portion that is open to the rear. Also, a through hole through which a steering shaft that extends from the passenger compartment to the front side space is inserted can be formed in the inner side wall portion of the hollow portion in the vehicle width direction. That is, by making the rear portion of the vehicle frame that is fixed to the front panel hollow, the fixing portion of the vehicle frame to the front panel is increased, and the fixing strength of the vehicle frame to the front panel is improved. In this case, by forming the through hole in the inner side wall portion of the hollow portion in the vehicle width direction so that the steering shaft is inserted therethrough, the layout of the steering shaft that achieves the target driving position can be maintained.

[0020] The forming positions of the cross plate portion and the raised portion can be set so that the center of gravity of the cross-sectional shape of the vehicle frame in a direction orthogonal to the prescribed direction is located at the center of a rectangle that connects one end portion of the first longitudinal plate portion, the other end portion of the first longitudinal plate portion, one end portion of the second longitudinal plate portion, and the other end portion of the second longitudinal plate portion. Thus, when a load is input to the vehicle frame in the prescribed direction (axial direction), the vehicle frame can be easily bent and deformed without being bent, and the load can be borne by the vehicle frame.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] As explained above, since the longitudinal plate portion is provided at each of both ends of the horizontal plate portion, the raised portion raised in the thickness direction is formed at the horizontal plate portion, and thus the rigidity of the cast vehicle frame can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a side view of an automobile provided with the vehicle body structure according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 2 is a plan view of the vehicle body structure.

[0025] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the vehicle body structure.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the front cast member.

[0027] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a right side portion of the front cast member.

[0028] Figure 6 is a VI-VI line sectional view of Figure 5

[0029] Figure 7 is a VII-VII line sectional view of Figure 5

[0030] Figure 8 is a back view of the front cast member.

[0031] Figure 9 is a IX-IX line sectional view of Figure 4

[0032] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a B portion in Figure 7

[0033] Figure 11 is an explanatory view showing the center of gravity position of the section.

[0034] Figure 12 is a sectional view of a front side frame according to Modification 1 of the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 13 is a sectional view of a front side frame according to Modification 2 of the embodiment.

[0036] SYMBOL EXPLANATION

[0037] 1 automobile

[0038] 20 front panel

[0039] 60 right front side frame (vehicle frame)

[0040] 61e insertion hole​​​​

[0041] 63 transverse plate portion

[0042] 63a protruding portion

[0043] 63b right side inclined portion

[0044] 63d rib

[0045] 63e top end side reinforcement portion

[0046] 63f right base end side reinforcement portion

[0047] 63h drain hole

[0048] 64 right side longitudinal plate portion (first longitudinal plate portion)

[0049] 65 left side longitudinal plate portion (second longitudinal plate portion)

[0050] 70 left side front side frame (vehicle frame)

[0051] 80 connecting portion

[0052] 95 steering shaft

[0053] 200 center of gravity

[0054] A vehicle body structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, an embodiment related to the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the following description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the application, its application, or its uses.

[0056] Figure 1 is a side view of an automobile 1 provided with the vehicle body structure A related to the embodiment of the present application. Furthermore, in the description of the present embodiment, the vehicle front side will be simply referred to as "front", the vehicle rear side will be simply referred to as "rear", the vehicle right side will be simply referred to as "right", and the vehicle left side will be simply referred to as "left". The left-right direction of the vehicle is the vehicle width direction.

[0057] The automobile 1 is, for example, a passenger car, and can be, for example, each of a two-seater type, a hatchback type, and a sedan type. In addition, the automobile 1 can be an automobile in which an internal combustion engine that generates a driving force to be transmitted to a drive wheel is mounted, can be an electric automobile in which a traveling motor that generates a driving force to be transmitted to a drive wheel is mounted, or can be a hybrid automobile in which an internal combustion engine and a driving force generating motor generate a driving force to be transmitted to a drive wheel. The internal combustion engine and the electric motor constitute a powertrain PT.

[0058] An engine hood 2 is provided at the front of the vehicle 1. Below the engine hood 2, a front side space R1 is provided, as needed, to house the powertrain PT. Additionally, a rear cover 3 is provided at the rear of the vehicle 1. Below the rear cover 3, a rear side space R2 is provided for storing luggage. Alternatively, the powertrain PT may not be housed in the front side space R1, but rather in the rear side space R2 (not shown). In this case, the front side space R1 can be used as a luggage storage space. Alternatively, the powertrain may be housed in both the front side space R1 and the rear side space R2.

[0059] On the left and right sides of the vehicle 1, a left door 4 and a right door (not shown) are respectively provided in an openable and closable manner. In addition, the body structure A of the vehicle 1 has a front wheel 7 and a rear wheel 8 on each side. At least one of the front wheel 7 and the rear wheel 8 can be used as a drive wheel.

[0060] A passenger compartment R3, which serves as the space for occupants, is located between the front side space R1 and the rear side space R2. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body structure A of the automobile 1 includes a floor 10 that forms the floor of the passenger compartment R3 and a front bulkhead 20 that forms the front wall of the passenger compartment R3. In addition, the vehicle body structure A includes an inclined plate 16 that extends upward from the rear end of the floor 10 and is inclined in a manner that the further upward it moves, the further rearward it is, and a rear plate 17 that extends rearward from the upper end of the inclined plate 16.

[0061] A rear-cast component 18, integrally formed by casting, is provided above the inclined plate 16. The rear-cast component 18 has a right rear wheel cover 18a, a left rear wheel cover 18b, and a middle portion 18c connecting the right rear wheel cover 18a and the left rear wheel cover 18b. The right rear wheel cover 18a, the left rear wheel cover 18b, and the middle portion 18c can be integrally formed from aluminum alloy, for example, by die casting. The front end of a rearwardly extending right rear frame 19a is connected to the rear of the right rear wheel cover 18a. The front end of a rearwardly extending left rear frame 19b is connected to the rear of the left rear wheel cover 18b. A rear plate 17 is configured to connect the right rear frame 19a and the left rear frame 19b.

[0062] A passageway 11, which rises upward and extends in the front-rear direction, is formed in the center of the floor 10 in the left-right direction. Additionally, the vehicle 1 has a right side beam 12 extending in the front-rear direction along the right edge of the floor 10 and a left side beam 13 extending in the front-rear direction along the left edge of the floor 10. A right hinge pillar 12a extending upward is provided at the front of the right side beam 12. The right hinge pillar 12a is a component supporting the right-side door. A left hinge pillar 13a extending upward is provided at the front of the left side beam 13. The left hinge pillar 13a is a component supporting the left-side door 4.

[0063] The front end portion of the tunnel portion 11 is positioned at the front end portion of the floor 10, and the rear end portion of the tunnel portion 11 is positioned at the rear end portion of the floor 10. Thus, the tunnel portion 11 has a shape that continuously extends from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the floor 10.

[0064] The automobile 1 is a right-hand drive vehicle. Thus, the vehicle body structure A has a front passenger seat 30 as a left-side seat (seat) and a driver seat 40 as a right-side seat (seat) on the left and right sides of the tunnel portion 11 of the floor 10, respectively. Specifically, the front passenger seat 30 is provided on the left side of the tunnel portion 11 in the floor 10 and is disposed between the tunnel portion 11 and the left-side side sill 13. The driver seat 40 is provided on the right side of the tunnel portion 11 in the floor 10 and is disposed between the tunnel portion 11 and the right-side side sill 12. Thus, the front passenger seat 30 and the driver seat 40 are arranged in the left-right direction with the tunnel portion 11 interposed therebetween. Further, the automobile 1 can also be a left-hand drive vehicle, in which case, the driver seat 40 can be provided on the left side and the front passenger seat 30 can be provided on the right side. In addition, a rear seat can be provided behind the driver seat 40 and the front passenger seat 30.

[0065] The front panel 20 extends upward and in the left-right direction from the front end portion of the floor 10 and is a member that separates the passenger compartment R3 from a front space R1 that is positioned on the front side of the passenger compartment R3. The front end portion of the tunnel portion 11 is connected to the left-right direction central portion of the lower side portion of the front panel 20.

[0066] A front cast member 50 is provided in the front portion of the automobile 1. The front cast member 50 has a right-side front side frame (vehicle frame) 60, a left-side front side frame (vehicle frame) 70, and a connecting portion 80 that connects the right-side front side frame 60 and the left-side front side frame 70. The rear portion of the left-side front side frame 70 and the rear portion of the right-side front side frame 60 are fixed to the front panel 20. In addition, the rear portion of the connecting portion 80 is fixed to the front panel 20 and the front portion of the tunnel portion 11. When the right-side front side frame 60, the left-side front side frame 70, and the connecting portion 80 are fixed to the front panel 20 and the tunnel portion 11, various fixing methods such as fixing by welding, fastening fixing using a fastening member (for example, including a self-piercing rivet or the like), and the like can be applied, only one of these fixing methods can be used, or two or more of these fixing methods can be used in combination.

[0067] The right-side front side frame 60, the left-side front side frame 70, and the connecting portion 80 are integrally formed by casting. As shown in FIG. 1, the right-side front side frame 60, the left-side front side frame 70, and the connecting portion 80 are integrally formed by casting. Figure 4As shown, the front cast member 50 is composed of the right front side frame 60, the left front side frame 70, and the connecting portion 80 as one member or a single member. The material of the front cast member 50 can be, for example, an aluminum alloy. In the case where the material of the front cast member 50 is an aluminum alloy, the front cast member 50 can be manufactured by an aluminum die casting method. Further, the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 can also be structures that are cast separately.

[0068] The right front side frame 60 is disposed at the right side of the vehicle 1 in comparison with the left-right direction center at the front portion of the vehicle 1 and extends in the front-rear direction. Further, the left front side frame 70 is disposed at the left side of the vehicle 1 in comparison with the left-right direction center at the front portion of the vehicle 1 and extends in the front-rear direction. The prescribed direction of the present application is a direction corresponding to the front-rear direction of the present embodiment, and thus, as a vehicle frame configured in a manner that the prescribed direction is the front-rear direction, the vehicle body structure A has the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 at the right side and the left side of the front portion of the vehicle body, respectively.

[0069] The right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 are disposed at the same height. The rear portion of the right front side frame 60 and the rear portion of the left front side frame 70 are connected by the connecting portion 80 extending in the left-right direction, and thus, the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 are disposed at intervals from each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, the vehicle body structure A has the connecting portion 80 extending from the rear portion of the right front side frame 60 to the rear portion of the left front side frame 70. The front side space R1 is provided between the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70.

[0070] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 are disposed at the same height. The rear portion of the right front side frame 60 and the rear portion of the left front side frame 70 are connected by the connecting portion 80 extending in the left-right direction, and thus, the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 are disposed at intervals from each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, the vehicle body structure A has the connecting portion 80 extending from the rear portion of the right front side frame 60 to the rear portion of the left front side frame 70. The front side space R1 is provided between the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70. Figure 2 Figure 3 As shown, a front cross beam 90 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the front portion of the front cast member 50 of the vehicle 1. As shown, a right recessed portion 60a in which the front cross beam 90 is to be embedded is formed at the front portion of the right front side frame 60 in a manner that is recessed toward the rear. Further, as shown, a left recessed portion 70a in which the front cross beam 90 is to be embedded is formed at the front portion of the left front side frame 70 in a manner that is recessed toward the rear. The right portion of the front cross beam 90 is fixed to the front portion of the right front side frame 60 in a state of being embedded in the right recessed portion 60a of the right front side frame 60, and further, the left portion of the front cross beam 90 is fixed to the front portion of the left front side frame 70 in a state of being embedded in the left recessed portion 70a of the left front side frame 70. Therefore, the front portion of the right front side frame 60 and the front portion of the left front side frame 70 are connected by the front cross beam 90. When viewed in the front view, the front cross beam 90 is positioned in a manner of overlapping the front portion of the right front side frame 60 and the front portion of the left front side frame 70. Figures 4-6 Figure 4

[0071] ​​​Right and left energy absorbing boxes 91 and 92 are provided at the front of the front cross member 90 of the automobile 1. The right energy absorbing box 91 is fixed to the right portion of the front cross member 90 in a cylindrical shape extending forward from the right portion of the front cross member 90. The left energy absorbing box 92 is fixed to the left portion of the front cross member 90 in a cylindrical shape extending forward from the left portion of the front cross member 90. When viewed in the front view, the right and left energy absorbing boxes 91 and 92 are positioned so as to overlap the front portions of the right and left front side frames 60 and 70, respectively.

[0072] A bumper reinforcement member 93 extending in the right-left direction is provided at the front of the right and left energy absorbing boxes 91 and 92 of the automobile 1. The right portion of the bumper reinforcement member 93 is fixed to the front of the right energy absorbing box 91, and the left portion of the bumper reinforcement member 93 is fixed to the front of the left energy absorbing box 92. Thus, the front of the right energy absorbing box 91 and the front of the left energy absorbing box 92 are connected by the bumper reinforcement member 93. When viewed in the front view, the bumper reinforcement member 93 is positioned so as to overlap the front portions of the right and left front side frames 60 and 70. Further, the front cross member 90, the right and left energy absorbing boxes 91 and 92, and the bumper reinforcement member 93 are components that are not essential to the present application, and can be provided as needed.

[0073] The right and left front side frames 60 and 70 are right-left symmetrical structures. Specifically, when an imaginary line extending in the up-down direction through the right-left direction center of the automobile 1 is taken as a center of symmetry, the left front side frame 70 is linearly symmetrical to the right front side frame 60, and the right front side frame 60 is linearly symmetrical to the left front side frame 70. Thus, since the right and left front side frames 60 and 70 are right-left symmetrical structures, the structure of the right front side frame 60 will be described in detail below, and the left front side frame 70 will be described only in outline.

[0074] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view when cut by a plane extending in the up-down direction by a straight line extending in the long side direction (front-rear direction) of the right front side frame 60. As shown in this Figure 6 , the right front side frame 60 can be divided into a rear portion 61 and a front portion 62. The rear portion 61 is a conical shape portion having a hollow portion S1 formed in a hollow shape. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7 , the front portion 62 is a portion having a cross-sectional shape close to an H shape. As shown in Figure 4 , the left front side frame 70 also has a rear portion (conical shape portion) 71 having a hollow portion S2 (shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) formed in a hollow shape and a front portion 72 having a cross-sectional shape close to an H shape. Further, the hollow portion can be formed only in one of the right and left front side frames 60 and 70.

[0075] As a mold (not shown) when the front cast member 50 is formed, a mold that opens and closes in the up-down direction can be used, for example. In this case, since the hollow portions S1, S2 are open to the rear, they become portions that are difficult to form using the above-described mold. Therefore, when the hollow portions S1, S2 are formed, a slide mold (not shown) that is capable of moving in the front-rear direction of the front cast member 50 is provided.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, the rear portion 61 of the right front side frame 60 is open to the rear. Figure 6 Figure 8 is a back view of the front cast member 50, and the rear portion 61 is viewed from the side that is open from the rear. As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the rear portion 61 has an upper wall portion 61a, a lower wall portion 61b, an outer side wall portion 61c, and an inner side wall portion 61d. The hollow portion S1 that is open to the rear is formed by the upper wall portion 61a, the lower wall portion 61b, the outer side wall portion 61c, and the inner side wall portion 61d.

[0077] The upper wall portion 61a constitutes the upper side portion of the rear portion 61 and extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The lower wall portion 61b constitutes the lower side portion of the rear portion 61 and extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and is inclined or curved in a manner that becomes lower as it progresses to the rear side. Due to this, the dimension in the up-down direction of the hollow portion S1 of the rear portion 61 becomes longer as it progresses to the rear side. In correspondence with the inclined shape or the curved shape of the lower wall portion 61b, the dimensions in the up-down direction of the outer side wall portion 61c and the inner side wall portion 61d become longer as they progress to the rear side.

[0078] The outer side wall portion 61c and the inner side wall portion 61d extend in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The outer side wall portion 61c is formed so as to be located further to the vehicle width direction outer side (right side) as it progresses to the rear side. In addition, the inner side wall portion 61d is formed so as to be located further to the vehicle width direction inner side (left side) as it progresses to the rear side. Due to this, the rear portion 61 of the right front side frame 60 is formed so as to be longer in the left-right direction as it progresses to the rear side.

[0079] In this way, the shape of the longitudinal section of the rear portion 61 that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction becomes the largest at the rear portion of the rear portion 61, and due to this, the rear portion 61 becomes a circular conical shape portion in which the longitudinal section that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction gradually expands toward the rear side. Since the portion where the longitudinal section is the largest is fixed to the cowl panel 20, it is possible to improve the fixing strength of the right front side frame 60 with respect to the cowl panel 20.

[0080] ​The rear portion 71 of the left front frame 70, like the rear portion 61 of the right front frame 60, has an upper wall portion 71a, a lower wall portion 71b, an outer wall portion 71c, and an inner wall portion 71d. Therefore, the portion with the largest longitudinal section of the left front frame 70 can be fixed to the front bulkhead 20, thereby improving the fixation strength of the left front frame 70 relative to the front bulkhead 20.

[0081] The right side portion of the connecting portion 80 is integrated with the inner wall portion (left side portion) 61d of the rear portion 61 of the right front frame 60. Similarly, the left side portion of the connecting portion 80 is integrated with the inner wall portion (right side portion) 71d of the rear portion 71 of the left front frame 70. Therefore, the connecting portion 80 is formed to extend continuously from the left side portion of the rear portion 61 of the right front frame 60 to the right side portion of the rear portion 71 of the left front frame 70. By using this connecting structure of the connecting portion 80, the narrowly spaced portions in the left-right direction of the right front frame 60 and the left front frame 70 can be connected, thus shortening the length of the connecting portion 80 and significantly improving the strength and rigidity of the connection.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, an insertion hole 61e is formed in the inner wall 61d of the right front frame 60 for inserting a steering shaft 95 (shown only partially by an imaginary line) extending from the passenger compartment R3 to the front space R1. That is, the steering shaft 95 is configured to pass through the front bulkhead 20 and also through the inner wall 61d of the right front frame 60. A steering wheel (not shown) is mounted on the passenger compartment R3 side of the steering shaft 95, while a steering device (not shown) is connected to the front space R1 side of the steering shaft 95. In this embodiment, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear portion 61 of the right front frame 60 increases towards the rear, the inner wall 61d is positioned where the steering shaft 95 passes. Therefore, by forming the insertion hole 61e in the inner wall 61d, the strength can be increased by expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear portion 61 of the right front frame 60 while maintaining the layout of the steering shaft 95 (position and angle of the steering shaft 95) to achieve the desired driving position. In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, a through hole 71e for inserting a steering shaft (not shown) is also formed on the right side. This is for vehicles with left-hand drive steering wheels. Furthermore, the through holes 61e and 71e are not limited to the positions shown in the diagram; they can be positioned to correspond to the position of the steering shaft 95. Alternatively, the through holes 61e and 71e can be omitted.

[0083] Next, the structure of the front portion 62 of the right front frame 60 will be described. For example... Figure 10As illustrated in the enlarged view, the front side portion 62 has a horizontal plate portion 63, a right side vertical plate portion (first vertical plate portion) 64, and a left side vertical plate portion (second vertical plate portion) 65 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The horizontal plate portion 63 extends in the front-rear direction from the front portion of the rear side portion 61 toward the front, and also extends in the left-right direction. The width direction of the horizontal plate portion 63 is the left-right direction, the long edge direction of the horizontal plate portion 63 is the front-rear direction, and the thickness direction of the horizontal plate portion 63 is the up-down direction.

[0084] The right side vertical plate portion 64 continuously extends to both sides in the thickness direction of the horizontal plate portion 63 from the right end portion (one end portion in the width direction) of the horizontal plate portion 63. The left side vertical plate portion 65 continuously extends to both sides in the thickness direction of the horizontal plate portion 63 from the left end portion (other end portion in the width direction) of the horizontal plate portion 63. Thus, the right side vertical plate portion 64 and the left side vertical plate portion 65 extend above the upper surface of the horizontal plate portion 63 and below the lower surface of the horizontal plate portion 63, whereby the front side portion 62 becomes a cross-sectional shape close to an H shape. The right side vertical plate portion 64 and the left side vertical plate portion 65 can be parallel to each other or can not be parallel to each other. Also, since draft of a mold is generally provided in the right side vertical plate portion 64 and the left side vertical plate portion 65, the right side vertical plate portion 64 and the left side vertical plate portion 65 become thinner as they progress upward and downward, but the draft can be omitted and the right side vertical plate portion 64 and the left side vertical plate portion 65 can have a uniform thickness from the upper portion to the lower portion. The rear portions of the right side vertical plate portion 64 and the left side vertical plate portion 65 are continuous with the front portion of the rear side portion 61.

[0085] The horizontal plate portion 63 has a raised portion 63a that is raised in the thickness direction of the horizontal plate portion 63 and extends in the front-rear direction. The raised portion 63a is located in the left-right direction central portion of the horizontal plate portion 63 and is raised upward in one of the thickness directions of the horizontal plate portion 63. Also, the raised portion 63a can be raised downward in the other of the thickness directions of the horizontal plate portion 63.

[0086] The raised portion 63a has a right side inclined portion 63b and a left side inclined portion 63c. The right side inclined portion 63b extends obliquely with respect to the horizontal plate portion 63 in such a manner that the closer to the right end portion (one end portion in the width direction) of the horizontal plate portion 63 the base end portion of the raised portion 63a progresses in the raised direction, in other words, becomes an inclined plate portion that declines to the right. The left side inclined portion 63c extends obliquely with respect to the horizontal plate portion 63 in such a manner that the closer to the left end portion (other end portion in the width direction) of the horizontal plate portion 63 the base end portion of the raised portion 63a progresses in the raised direction, in other words, becomes an inclined plate portion that declines to the left. The left edge portion of the right side inclined portion 63b and the right edge portion of the left side inclined portion 63c are connected in the left-right direction central portion of the front side portion 62, and the connection portions of the two inclined portions 63b, 63c become the top end portion of the raised portion 63a and form a ridge line. Thus, the raised portion 63a is a shape in which the height gradually becomes higher from the base end portion toward the top end portion in the raised direction.

[0087] A rib 63d is integrally formed in the raised portion 63a, protruding in the raised direction and extending along the left-right direction (width direction) of the horizontal plate portion 63. The rib 63d is provided on the upper surface of the right inclined portion 63b and the upper surface of the left inclined portion 63c. The rib 63d provided on the upper surface of the right inclined portion 63b extends continuously from the right side of the right inclined portion 63b of the horizontal plate portion 63 to the left edge of the right inclined portion 63b. The rib 63d provided on the upper surface of the left inclined portion 63c extends continuously from the left side of the left inclined portion 63c of the horizontal plate portion 63 to the right edge of the left inclined portion 63c. The rib 63d provided on the upper surface of the right inclined portion 63b and the rib 63d provided on the upper surface of the left inclined portion 63c are continuous and integral in the left-right direction.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, multiple ribs 63d are spaced apart from each other along the length of the front portion 62. The rearmost rib 63d is located at the front end of the rear portion 61. The foremost rib 63d is located near the right concave portion 60a. The multiple ribs 63d can be arranged at equal intervals along the front-rear direction or at unequal intervals. In addition, the protrusion height of the multiple ribs 63d can be all the same, or only some ribs can be higher than the others.

[0089] like Figure 10 As shown, a top-side reinforcing rib 63e is integrally formed at the top of the raised portion 63a in the raised direction, protruding upwards and extending in the front-rear direction. The top-side reinforcing rib 63e is provided at the connection between the right inclined portion 63b and the left inclined portion 63c. The top-side reinforcing rib 63e connects to multiple ribs 63d, thereby integrating the multiple ribs 63d extending in the left-right direction and the top-side reinforcing rib 63e extending in the front-rear direction to obtain a reinforced structure.

[0090] At the intersection P1 of the right-side inclined portion 63b and the horizontal plate portion 63, a right base-side reinforcing rib 63f is integrally formed, protruding in the direction opposite to the raised direction (downward direction) and extending in the front-rear direction. The right base-side reinforcing rib 63f is offset to the right compared to the top-side reinforcing rib 63e. Similarly, at the intersection P2 of the left-side inclined portion 63c and the horizontal plate portion 63, a left base-side reinforcing rib 63g is integrally formed, protruding in the direction opposite to the raised direction (downward direction) and extending in the front-rear direction. The left base-side reinforcing rib 63g is offset to the left compared to the top-side reinforcing rib 63e. Therefore, when viewed from above, the top-side reinforcing rib 63e is positioned between the right base-side reinforcing rib 63f and the left base-side reinforcing rib 63g.

[0091] The rear portions of the right base-end reinforcing rib 63f and the left base-end reinforcing rib 63g extend to the front end of the rear portion 61 of the right front frame 60. Thus, the right base-end reinforcing rib 63f and the left base-end reinforcing rib 63g extend continuously from the rear portion 61 of the right front frame 60 to near the front end of the front portion 62. Furthermore, the right base-end reinforcing rib 63f and the left base-end reinforcing rib 63g can be provided as needed; one or both can be omitted.

[0092] Drainage hole 63h (only) for discharging water retained on the upper surface of the horizontal plate 63 to the lower part of the horizontal plate 63. Figure 10 (As shown) The drainage hole 63 is formed in the horizontal plate portion 63 in such a way that it extends through the thickness direction. The number of drainage holes 63h is not particularly limited; either only one may be formed at the lower part of the horizontal plate portion 63, or, as in this embodiment, if the upper surface of the horizontal plate portion 63 is divided by multiple ribs 63d, drainage holes 63h may be formed between adjacent ribs 63d in the front-rear direction. For example, if rainwater or water from a car wash remains on the upper surface of the horizontal plate portion 63, the water remaining on the upper surface of the horizontal plate portion 63 can drain smoothly downwards through the drainage holes 63h. The shape of the drainage hole 63h is preferably circular, but it can also be elliptical or polygonal. In this embodiment, a drainage hole 63h is shown formed on the right side of the protrusion 63a in the horizontal plate portion 63, but a drainage hole 63h may also be formed on the left side of the protrusion 63a in the horizontal plate portion 63.

[0093] A lower side rib 66 is formed on the front portion 62. The lower side rib 66 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the transverse plate portion 63 and the inner surface of the raised portion 63a, and extends in the left-right direction. The right end of the lower side rib 66 is continuous and integral with the right side longitudinal plate portion 64. The left end of the lower side rib 66 is continuous and integral with the left side longitudinal plate portion 65. Figure 6 As shown, multiple lower side ribs 66 are provided at intervals in the front-back direction. The lower portion of the lower side rib 66 extends further downward than the right base end side reinforcing rib 63f and the left base end side reinforcing rib 63g, but is located above the lower end of the right longitudinal plate portion 64 and the left longitudinal plate portion 65.

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed along the front-rear direction, the front portion 72 of the left front frame 70 also has a transverse plate portion 73, a right longitudinal plate portion (first longitudinal plate portion) 74, and a left longitudinal plate portion (second longitudinal plate portion) 75. A raised portion 73a is formed in the transverse plate portion 73. Ribs and reinforcing ribs are provided in the same manner as on the right side.

[0095] For example, in the case of a front collision, a load in the rearward direction is input to the right front side frame 60. By not bending the right front side frame 60 that receives the load, but rather by compressively deforming the right front side frame 60, the load can be received by the right front side frame 60. In the present embodiment, a structure for compressively deforming the front portion 62 in the right front side frame 60 is adopted. Hereinafter, the structure will be described in detail.

[0096] First, the front portion 62 of the right front side frame 60 has a cross-sectional shape close to an H shape by the transverse plate portion 63, the right longitudinal plate portion 64, and the left longitudinal plate portion 65. In addition to this, the position of the center of gravity is also taken into consideration. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, a rectangle 100 (indicated by an imaginary line) is assumed to be formed by connecting the upper end portion of the right longitudinal plate portion 64 (one end portion of the right longitudinal plate portion 64, indicated by point C1), the lower end portion of the right longitudinal plate portion 64 (the other end portion of the right longitudinal plate portion 64, indicated by point C2), the upper end portion of the left longitudinal plate portion 65 (one end portion of the left longitudinal plate portion 65, indicated by point C3), and the lower end portion of the left longitudinal plate portion 65 (the other end portion of the left longitudinal plate portion 65, indicated by point C4). The center of the rectangle 100 is indicated by symbol 100a. In addition, the drain hole is omitted in FIG. 10. Figure 11 Figure 11

[0097] Also, the formation positions of the transverse plate portion 63 and the raised portion 63a are set in such a manner that the center of gravity 200 of the cross section of the front portion 62 of the right front side frame 60 in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is located at the center 100a of the rectangle 100 formed by connecting the points C1, C2, C3, and C4. The center of gravity 200 of the cross section of the front portion 62 of the right front side frame 60 in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction moves upward, for example, when the transverse plate portion 63 and the raised portion 63a are moved upward, and moves downward when the transverse plate portion 63 and the raised portion 63a are moved downward. In addition, the center of gravity 200 also moves to the right when the formation position of the raised portion 63a is moved to the right, and moves to the left when the formation position of the raised portion 63a is moved to the left. In this way, the position of the center of gravity 200 is set in such a manner that the center of gravity 200 coincides with the center 100a of the rectangle 100.

[0098] By making the center 100a of the rectangle 100 coincide with the center of gravity 200, the front portion 62 of the right front side frame 60 can be compressively deformed when a load in the front-rear direction is input to the front portion 62. In addition, the center of gravity position of the cross section is also set in the same manner for the left front side frame 70.

[0099] Figure 2 Figure 3 ​​​​As shown, the front cast member 50 has a right side suspension tower portion 51 and a left side suspension tower portion 52. The right side suspension tower portion 51 and the left side suspension tower portion 52 are portions on which upper portions of suspension devices (not shown) are mounted. The right side suspension tower portion 51 is located above the right side front side frame 60 and is connected to an upper portion of the front side portion 62 of the right side front side frame 60. A rear portion of the right side suspension tower portion 51 is connected to a rear portion of the right side front side frame 60 by a left side connecting portion 53. In addition, the left side suspension tower portion 52 is located above the left side front side frame 70 and is connected to an upper portion of the front side portion 72 of the left side front side frame 70. A rear portion of the left side suspension tower portion 52 is connected to a rear portion of the left side front side frame 70 by a right side connecting portion 54.

[0100] (Modified example of the embodiment)

[0101] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the front side portion 62 of the right side front side frame 60 according to Modified Example 1 of the embodiment of the present application. As with Modified Example 1, the raised portion 63a can also be formed to have a circular arc cross-section. That is, the outer surface (upper surface) of the raised portion 63a is curved in such a manner that the closer it is to the central portion in the left-right direction, the higher it is, and is constituted by a surface that is curved as a whole. The raised portion 63a can be either a semicircular arc shape or a sector shape.

[0102] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the front side portion 62 of the right side front side frame 60 according to Modified Example 2 of the embodiment of the present application. As with Modified Example 2, the raised portion 63a can also be formed to have a rectangular cross-section. That is, the right end portion and the left end portion of the raised portion 63a are formed in a plate shape that extends upward. The upper end portion of the raised portion 63a extends in the left-right direction. The dimension of the raised portion 63a in the up-down direction can be the same as the dimension in the left-right direction, or one of the dimensions can be longer than the other. In addition, the dimension of the raised portion 63a in the left-right direction can also be set to be longer as it progresses toward the lower portion.

[0103] Although not shown, a plurality of raised portions 63a can also be arranged in the left-right direction. In this case, raised portions 63a having different cross-sectional shapes can also be arranged in the left-right direction.

[0104] (Action effects of the embodiment)

[0105] As explained above, according to the present embodiment, since the right side front side frame 60 and the left side front side frame 70 are integrally formed by casting, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the vehicle body while reducing the number of parts of the front cast member 50.

[0106] Since the rear portions 61, 71 of the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 are conical portions, respectively, deformation of the rear portions 61, 71 is suppressed when an impact load from the front acts. Thus, the rear portions 61, 71 can bear the load.

[0107] Further, since the cross sections of the front portions 62, 72 of the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 are shapes close to H-shapes, the front portions 62, 72 are difficult to bend when an impact load acts. In addition, since, for example, the raised portion 63a that is raised in the up-down direction is formed in the horizontal plate portion 63 of the right front side frame 60, the raised portion 63a functions like a hollow rib, the rigidity of the right front side frame 60 is improved compared to the case where the horizontal plate portion 63 is flat, and the right front side frame 60 is difficult to bend. Thus, in the case where an impact load acts in the extending direction of the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70, the right front side frame 60 and the left front side frame 70 are difficult to bend, and can bear the impact load.

[0108] The above-described embodiments are merely simple examples and are not to be construed limitatively. Further, modifications and changes within the scope of equivalence of the claimed invention are all included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can also be applied to, for example, the right rear frame 19a and the left rear frame 19b. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to the right side sill 12 and the left side sill 13. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to the right hinge pillar 12a and the left hinge pillar 13a. In addition, although not shown, the present invention can also be applied to various cross members, beams, reinforcing members, and the like.

[0109] Industrial Applicability

[0110] As described above, the vehicle body structure according to the present invention can be applied to, for example, an automobile.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure comprising a vehicle frame integrally cast and extending along a predetermined direction, characterized in that, When the vehicle frame is viewed along the specified direction, the vehicle frame has a transverse plate portion, a first longitudinal plate portion, and a second longitudinal plate portion. The first longitudinal plate portion is continuous with one end of the transverse plate portion in the width direction and extends to both sides of the transverse plate portion in the thickness direction. The second longitudinal plate portion is continuous with the other end of the transverse plate portion in the width direction and extends to both sides of the transverse plate portion in the thickness direction. The horizontal plate portion has a raised portion that protrudes in the thickness direction of the horizontal plate portion and extends along the predetermined direction.

2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raised portion has an integrally formed rib that protrudes in the raised direction and extends along the width direction of the horizontal plate portion.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A top-side reinforcing rib is integrally formed at the top end of the raised portion in the raised direction. The rib protrudes in the raised direction and extends along the specified direction.

4. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raised portion has an inclined portion that extends obliquely relative to the horizontal plate portion, such that the inclined portion approaches one end of the horizontal plate portion in the width direction as it advances towards the base end in the raised direction. A base end reinforcing rib is integrally formed at the intersection of the inclined portion and the horizontal plate portion, protruding in the direction opposite to the bulging direction and extending along the predetermined direction.

5. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle frame is provided on the right and left sides of the front of the vehicle body, respectively, with the predetermined direction being the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and has a connecting portion extending from the rear of the right vehicle frame to the rear of the left vehicle frame. The vehicle frame on the right, the vehicle frame on the left, and the connecting part are integrally formed by casting.

6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vehicle frame on the right and the vehicle frame on the left are configured such that the lateral dimension increases as they move further back. The connecting portion is formed to extend from the left portion of the rear portion of the right side of the vehicle frame to the right portion of the rear portion of the left side of the vehicle frame.

7. The vehicle body structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, A drainage hole for discharging water retained on the upper surface of the horizontal plate portion downwards is formed in the horizontal plate portion in such a way that it penetrates the horizontal plate portion along the thickness direction.

8. The vehicle body structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, It features a front bulkhead that separates the passenger compartment from the front space located at the front of the vehicle body. The rear portions of the vehicle frame on the right and the rear portions of the vehicle frame on the left are fixed to the front bulkhead. At least one of the vehicle frame on the right and the vehicle frame on the left has a rearwardly open hollow portion. An insertion hole is formed on the inner sidewall of the hollow section in the vehicle width direction for inserting a steering shaft, which is configured to extend from the vehicle compartment to the front space.

9. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positions for forming the transverse plate and the raised portion are set such that the center of gravity of the cross section of the vehicle frame in a direction orthogonal to the specified direction is located at the center of a rectangle formed by connecting one end of the first longitudinal plate, the other end of the first longitudinal plate, one end of the second longitudinal plate, and the other end of the second longitudinal plate.

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