Vehicle structure

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle structure. The vehicle structure is provided with: a first frame module in which a pair of side members that support a battery pack disposed at the lower part of the vehicle and that extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and a first cross member that extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at both ends in the vehicle width direction are integrally formed; the first cross member extends in a vehicle width direction between the pair of side members at a substantially central portion of the pair of side members in a vehicle front-rear direction. A second frame module in which a second cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and a pair of extension portions are integrally formed, the pair of extension portions extend in the vehicle front-rear direction at both side portions of the second cross member in the vehicle width direction and are joined to end portions of the pair of side members in the vehicle front-rear direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle structure. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-156029 discloses a technology related to a vehicle substructure in which a battery is mounted under the floor of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-156029, front side members are provided on both sides (a pair) of the floor in the vehicle width direction. The front side members extend from the front bumper reinforcement provided at the front of the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction, through the front bulkhead that divides the front of the engine compartment and the front of the passenger compartment, to the floor of the passenger compartment in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0004] Furthermore, on both outer sides of the left and right front side members relative to the vehicle width direction, a pair of lower side beams extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In addition, the front ends of a pair of left and right rear side members extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction are respectively connected to the rear ends of the left and right front side members, and a rear bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction is connected to the rear ends of the left and right rear side members.

[0005] For example, when different parts at the front and rear of a vehicle are connected (joined) to each other in a state aligned in the vehicle width direction, there is no particular problem when the left and right parts of a pair of left and right parts are formed separately. However, when the left and right parts are formed together in a state of left and right integration, the alignment in the vehicle width direction becomes difficult, and higher dimensional accuracy is required. Consequently, the yield rate deteriorates.

[0006] This disclosure takes into account the above-mentioned actual situation and provides a vehicle structure that can absorb manufacturing errors that occur between the components that are joined together.

[0007] The vehicle structure of the first aspect of this disclosure includes: a first frame module integrally formed with a pair of side members and a first transverse member, the pair of side members supporting a battery pack disposed at the lower part of the vehicle and extending at both ends in the vehicle width direction in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the first transverse member extending in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members at approximately the center of the pair of side members in the vehicle longitudinal direction; and a second frame module integrally formed with a second transverse member and a pair of extensions, the second transverse member extending in the vehicle width direction, the pair of extensions extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction at both sides of the second transverse member in the vehicle width direction and engaging with the ends of the pair of side members in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0008] In the first embodiment of the vehicle structure, a first frame module and a second frame module are included. The first frame module supports a battery pack disposed in the lower part of the vehicle. Furthermore, the first frame module integrally forms a pair of side members and a first lateral member. The pair of side members extend at both ends in the vehicle width direction in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the first lateral member extends in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members at approximately the center of the pair of side members in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0009] On the other hand, the second frame module is integrally formed with a second transverse member and a pair of extensions. The second transverse member extends in the vehicle width direction, and the pair of extensions extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction at both sides of the second transverse member in the vehicle width direction. The pair of extensions are coupled to the ends of a pair of side members in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0010] In this disclosure, the end of the side member of the first frame module in the vehicle longitudinal direction is a free end, and the side member is configured to be elastically flexible about the approximate central portion of the side member on which the first transverse member is provided in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0011] Therefore, the ends of the side members can be offset along the vehicle width direction by this elastic flexure. Thus, in this disclosure, when the ends of the pair of extensions of the second frame module are respectively joined to the ends of the pair of side members of the first frame module, the elastic flexure of the side members can absorb the positional offset along the vehicle width direction generated between the extensions and the ends of the side members. Therefore, in this disclosure, the reduction in the bonding force between components caused by the formation of this gap can be suppressed.

[0012] Furthermore, a second transverse member is provided on the second frame module. Therefore, in this disclosure, even if the ends of the side members of the first frame module become free ends, the rigidity of the first frame module can be ensured because a pair of extensions are connected in the vehicle width direction by the second transverse member.

[0013] Here, "integrated formation" means not only the case where a pair of side members and the first transverse member are integrated by integral molding, but also the case where the first transverse member is integrated with a pair of side members by fastening or other means.

[0014] In addition, the meaning of "one-piece molding" includes not only cases where metals such as aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys are used as materials and are formed into one piece through die casting, but also cases where resins such as CFRP are used as materials and are formed into one piece through injection molding.

[0015] The second aspect of the vehicle structure disclosed herein is that, in the first aspect of the vehicle structure, the second frame module is formed by casting and is configured as at least one of a front module constituting the frame of the front of the vehicle and a rear module constituting the frame of the rear of the vehicle.

[0016] In the second vehicle structure, the second frame module is formed by casting and is configured as at least one of a front module constituting the front frame of the vehicle and a rear module constituting the rear frame of the vehicle. That is, in this disclosure, either the front module or the rear module can be used as the second frame module. Furthermore, both the front and rear modules can be used. And, in this disclosure, at least one of the front and rear modules is a so-called one-piece molded part.

[0017] For example, as a comparative example, compared to the case where the front module is integrated by combining multiple parts, in this disclosure, by molding the front module as a single piece, the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to the case where multiple parts are combined, in this disclosure, work hours can be reduced.

[0018] The third-party vehicle structure disclosed herein is such that, in a first-mode vehicle structure, the second frame module is configured to further include a pair of left and right wheel covers on which wheels are disposed, the pair of left and right wheel covers being connected via the second transverse member.

[0019] In the third-party vehicle structure, the second frame module is configured to include a pair of left and right wheel covers on which wheels are mounted, the pair of left and right wheel covers being connected via a second transverse member. In this way, in this disclosure, by integrally molding the pair of left and right wheel covers and the second transverse member, compared with the case where the pair of left and right wheel covers and the second transverse member are formed separately, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0020] The fourth embodiment of the vehicle structure disclosed herein is that, in the first embodiment of the vehicle structure, the pair of extension portions are respectively configured to include a first joint portion and a second joint portion, wherein the first joint portion is joined to the inner wall portion of the inner end of the corresponding side member forming the pair of side members in the vehicle width direction, and the second joint portion is joined to the upper wall portion of the upper end of the corresponding side member forming the pair of side members in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0021] In the fourth type of vehicle structure, the extension formed on the second frame module is configured to include a first joint and a second joint that engage with corresponding side members of a pair of side members. The first joint engages with the inner wall portion of the inner end of the corresponding side member in the vehicle width direction, and the second joint engages with the upper wall portion of the upper end of the corresponding side member in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0022] At the junction where the extension of the second frame module joins the side member, the bonding force decreases when a gap exists between the extension and the side member. In this disclosure, the positional offset along the vehicle width direction generated between the extension and the side member can be absorbed by the elastic flexure of the side member, thereby eliminating the gap between the extension and the side member and suppressing the decrease in bonding force caused by the formation of the gap.

[0023] Here, "bonding" includes not only fastening achieved by fasteners such as bolts and rivets, but also bonding achieved by adhesives and fusion achieved by welding. Furthermore, these methods can be used individually or in combination with bolts and adhesives.

[0024] The fifth aspect of the vehicle structure disclosed herein is that, in the first aspect of the vehicle structure, a through hole is formed on the first transverse member, and the battery pack is fastened via a first fastening member inserted into the through hole.

[0025] In the fifth type of vehicle structure, a through hole is formed in the first transverse member, and the battery pack is secured by a first fastening member inserted into the through hole. That is, in this disclosure, the battery pack is supported by a pair of side members and a first transverse member extending between the pair of side members. By supporting the battery pack by the pair of side members and further by the first transverse member, in this disclosure, the falling of the battery pack can be suppressed during a vehicle collision.

[0026] The sixth aspect of the vehicle structure disclosed herein is that, in the fourth aspect of the vehicle structure, a first fastening hole through which a second fastening member can be inserted is formed on at least one of the first joint and the second joint.

[0027] In the sixth type of vehicle structure, a first fastening hole is formed on at least one of the first joint and the second joint, and a second fastening member is inserted through and fastened relative to the first fastening hole. Therefore, in this disclosure, the extension provided on the second frame module is coupled to the side member provided on the first frame module via the second fastening member inserted into the first fastening hole.

[0028] In this way, the side members of the first skeleton module and the extension of the second skeleton module are directly joined by the second fastening member, thereby reducing the number of parts and assembly time, for example, compared with the case where the two are joined by a bracket.

[0029] Here, the "first fastening hole" can be provided on either the first joint or the second joint. Furthermore, it can be provided on both the first joint and the second joint.

[0030] The seventh embodiment of the vehicle structure disclosed herein is that, in the sixth embodiment of the vehicle structure, the cross-section of each of the pair of side members when cut along the width direction orthogonal to the length direction is set to a closed cross-section shape, and an opening is provided on the wall portion opposite to the first fastening hole.

[0031] In the seventh type of vehicle structure, the cross-sections of each of the pair of side members when cut along the width direction orthogonal to the length direction are designed as closed cross-sections. Therefore, an opening is provided on the wall portion opposite to the first fastening hole, and the fastening member can be fastened relative to the first fastening hole by passing through the opening.

[0032] The vehicle structure of the eighth aspect of this disclosure is, in the vehicle structure of the seventh aspect, a second fastening hole through which the second fastening member can be inserted is formed on at least one of the inner wall portion and the upper wall portion of each of the pair of side members, and the opening is provided on at least one of the outer wall portion forming the outer end of each of the pair of side members in the vehicle width direction and the lower wall portion forming the lower end of the side members in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0033] In the vehicle structure of the eighth embodiment, an opening is provided on the wall portion opposite to the second fastening hole, allowing the fastening component to pass through the opening and be fastened relative to the second fastening hole.

[0034] As explained above, the vehicle structure disclosed herein is capable of absorbing manufacturing errors that arise between the components that unite them together. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle with the vehicle structure described in this embodiment, viewed from the left rear and above.

[0036] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a vehicle to illustrate the vehicle structure described in this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 For along Figure 1 The end face view when cut along line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following description uses the accompanying drawings to illustrate a vehicle structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the drawings, arrow radix FR, UP, and RH, appropriately shown, represent the front side, top side, and right side (width direction) of the vehicle, respectively. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions front-back, up-down, and left-right are used to represent front-back in the front-back direction, up-down in the up-down direction, and left-right in the left-right direction (width direction), respectively.

[0039] <Composition of Vehicle Structure>

[0040] First, the configuration of the vehicle structure involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0041] exist Figure 2The diagram schematically shows an exploded perspective view of a vehicle 12 that utilizes the vehicle structure 10 described in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the vehicle 12 is divided into a front section (hereinafter referred to as "front module") 14, which serves as a second frame module; a central section (hereinafter referred to as "center module") 16, which serves as a first frame module; and a rear section (hereinafter referred to as "rear module") 18, which serves as a second frame module.

[0042] (Previous module)

[0043] In this embodiment, for example, the front module 14 includes wheel covers 20 on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, with wheels (not shown) arranged thereon. At the rear side of each wheel cover 20, a front pillar 22 constituting a side portion of the front of the vehicle is provided, and a lateral member (second lateral member) 24 extends in the vehicle width direction to connect the left and right wheel covers 20 to the front pillar 22. Furthermore, at the rear side of the lower end 22A of each front pillar 22, a connecting portion (extension) 26, which is coupled to the center module 16, extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (described later).

[0044] In this embodiment, the front module 14 is made of materials such as aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy, and the wheel cover 20, front pillar 22, and lateral member 24 are integrally formed (integrated) by die casting. In addition, the front module 14 can also be integrally formed using resins such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) in addition to metal.

[0045] (Central Module)

[0046] In this embodiment, for example, the central module 16 is configured to include a battery pack 28 and a battery frame 30. The battery pack 28 is made of a light metal such as aluminum alloy and is a rectangular plate with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle as its length when viewed from above. An auxiliary unit 28A is provided at the rear end of the battery pack 28 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0047] The battery pack 28 is supported by a battery frame 30. The battery frame 30, for example, is roughly H-shaped in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from above. In addition, the battery frame 30 has a pair of left and right side members 32 extending from the outer sides of the battery pack 28 in the vehicle width direction in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] For example, flanges 33 extend from the inner side of the pair of left and right side members 32 in the vehicle width direction toward each other. On the other hand, flanges 29 extend from the outer periphery of the battery pack 28 in a horizontal direction. The flanges 29 and 33 are joined together by bolts, adhesives, etc., when the vehicle is stacked vertically. Thus, the battery pack 28 is supported relative to the pair of left and right side members 32.

[0049] Here, at approximately the center 32A of the pair of left and right side members 32 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, plate-shaped central transverse members (first transverse members) 34 and 36, arranged in the vehicle's width direction, extend along the vehicle's width direction. Through holes 34A and 36A are formed on the left and right sides of the central transverse members 34 and 36 in the vehicle's width direction, respectively. The through holes 34A are designed to allow insertion. Figure 1 The bolt (first fastening member) 35 shown is configured to allow insertion of a bolt (first fastening member) 37 through the through hole 36A. Furthermore, the bolt 35 is, for example, via... Figure 2 The bolt 37 is fastened by the weld nut 28B provided on the side of the battery pack 28, and the bolt 37 is fastened by the weld nut 28C provided on the side of the battery pack 28.

[0050] In this embodiment, for example, the battery frame 30 is integrally formed (integrated) using materials such as aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy by die casting to create a pair of left and right side members 32 and central transverse members 34 and 36. Alternatively, the left and right side members 32 and central transverse members 34 and 36 can be formed separately using materials such as aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy by extrusion molding, and then combined together to achieve integration. Furthermore, the battery frame 30 can be formed from resins such as CFRP, in addition to metal.

[0051] (Later module)

[0052] In this embodiment, for example, the rear module 18 includes wheel covers 38 on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, each with wheels (not shown). Lateral members (second lateral members) 40 and 42, arranged at the front and rear of the vehicle to connect the left and right wheel covers 38, extend in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, on the front side of each wheel cover 38, a connecting portion (extension) 44, which engages with the rear end portion 32C of the side member 32 of the center module 16, extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Additionally, at the top end of the connecting portion 44, a lateral member (second lateral member) 46 extends in the vehicle width direction and is connected to it.

[0053] Similarly to the front module 14, the rear module 18 is integrally formed using materials such as aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy, with the wheel cover 38 and lateral members 40, 42, and 46 integrally molded through die casting. Furthermore, similar to the front module 14, the rear module 18 can also be integrally formed using resins such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), in addition to metal.

[0054] (Vehicle structure)

[0055] Here, the main parts of the vehicle structure in this embodiment will be described.

[0056] In this embodiment, the joint 26 of the front module 14 of the vehicle 12 is joined to the front end 32B of the side member 32 of the center module 16, and the joint 44 of the rear module 18 is joined to the rear end 32C of the side member 32 of the center module 16.

[0057] For example, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the side member 32 when cut along the vehicle width direction is approximately rectangular and is designed as a closed cross-sectional shape. Figure 3 As shown, the side member 32 forms a closed section portion 55, which is configured to include an inner wall portion 48 disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, an outer wall portion 50 disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, an upper wall portion 52 connecting the upper end of the inner wall portion 48 and the upper end of the outer wall portion 50 to each other, and a lower wall portion 54 connecting the lower end of the inner wall portion 48 and the lower end of the outer wall portion 50 to each other.

[0058] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 is configured to include an inner wall portion 56 that abuts against and connects with the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32, an upper wall portion 58 that abuts against and connects with the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32, and a longitudinal wall 60 that abuts against the front end surface 32D of the side member 32.

[0059] Here, Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown is taken when cut along line AA. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 is configured to include a connecting wall (first connecting portion) 62 for the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32 to abut against and be connected by a bolt (second fastening member) 61, and a connecting wall (second connecting portion) 64 for the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32 to abut against and be connected by a bolt (second fastening member) 63. That is, fastening holes 26A and 26B (first fastening holes) are formed on the connecting portion 26, respectively, which are configured to allow the bolts 61 and 63 to be screwed in.

[0060] In this embodiment, a fastening hole 52A (second fastening hole) for fastening a bolt 63 is formed on the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32. Furthermore, an opening 54A is formed on the lower wall portion 54 opposite to the upper wall portion 52, at a position opposite to the fastening hole 52A. This opening 54A is sized to allow the bolt 63 to be inserted, and is configured such that the bolt 63 can enter the closed section portion 55 through the opening 54A. The bolt 63 is fastened relative to the fastening hole 52A formed on the upper wall portion 52 and the fastening hole 26B formed on the connecting portion 26. That is, the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32 is fastened (connected) to the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 via the bolt 63. Additionally, threads can be pre-formed in the fastening hole 26B using a tap. The same applies to the fastening hole 26A described later.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fastening hole 48A (second fastening hole) for fastening a bolt 61 is formed on the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32. Additionally, an opening 50A is formed on the outer wall portion (wall portion) 50 opposite the inner wall portion 48, at a position opposite to the fastening hole 48A. This opening 50A, like the opening 54A, is formed to a size that allows the bolt 61 to be inserted, and is configured such that the bolt 61 can enter the closed section portion 55 through the opening 50A. The bolt 61 is fastened relative to the fastening hole 48A formed on the inner wall portion 48 and the fastening hole 26A formed on the connecting portion 26. In other words, the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32 is fastened (connected) to the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 via the bolt 61.

[0062] Furthermore, although the joint 26 side of the front module 14 is described here with respect to the side member 32, the joint 44 side of the rear module 18 is also substantially the same as the joint 26 side of the front module 14.

[0063] <The function and effect of vehicle structure>

[0064] Next, the function and effects of the vehicle structure involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the vehicle 12 includes a central module 16 and a front module 14. The central module 16 supports the battery pack 28 disposed at the lower part of the vehicle 12. Furthermore, for the central module 16, a pair of side members 32 and central transverse members 34, 36 are integrally formed.

[0066] In this embodiment, a pair of side members 32 extend at both ends in the vehicle width direction in the vehicle front-rear direction, and at approximately the center portion 32A of the pair of side members 32, central transverse members 34 and 35 extend in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members 32.

[0067] On the other hand, for the front module 14, the transverse member 24 and a pair of connecting portions 26 are integrally formed. The transverse member 24 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of connecting portions 26 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction at both sides of the transverse member 24 in the vehicle width direction. The pair of connecting portions 26 are respectively connected to the front ends 32B of a pair of side members 32.

[0068] In this embodiment, the front end portion 32B of the side member 32 of the center module 16 is a free end and is configured to be elastically flexed about approximately the central portion 32A of the side member 32. Therefore, the front end portion 32B of the side member 32 can be offset along the vehicle width direction by this elastic flexing.

[0069] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the pair of joints 26 of the front module 14 are respectively joined to the front ends 32B of the pair of side members 32 of the center module 16, the positional offset along the vehicle width direction generated between the joints 26 and the front ends 32B of the side members 32 can be absorbed by the elastic flexure of the side members 32.

[0070] That is, in this embodiment, manufacturing errors arising between the components that unite them, specifically between the side members 32 of the front module 14 and the center module 16, can be absorbed. Furthermore, although not shown, similarly to the front module 14, manufacturing errors arising between the rear module 18 and the side members 32 of the center module 16 can also be absorbed.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a transverse member 24 is provided between a pair of joints 26 in the front module 14, even if the front end 32B of the side member 32 of the center module 16 becomes a free end, the rigidity of the center module 16 is ensured by the transverse member 24 being therebetween.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one of the front module 14 constituting the frame of the front of the vehicle and the rear module 18 constituting the frame of the rear of the vehicle is formed by casting. That is, in this embodiment, at least one of the front module 14 and the rear module 18 is a so-called one-piece molded part.

[0073] For example, as a comparative example, although not shown, compared to the case where the front module 14 is integrated by combining multiple parts, in this embodiment, by molding the front module 14 as a single piece, the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to the case where multiple parts are combined, in this embodiment, work time can be reduced.

[0074] In this embodiment, the front module 14 is configured to include a pair of left and right wheel covers 20 on which wheels are arranged, and the pair of left and right wheel covers 20 are connected via a transverse member 24. In this way, in this embodiment, by integrally molding the pair of left and right wheel covers 20 and the transverse member 24, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where, although not shown, the pair of left and right wheel covers 20 and the transverse member 24 are formed separately.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 26 formed on the front module 14 is configured to include connecting walls 62 and 64 that connect with the side member 32 of the center module 16. The connecting wall 62 is connected to the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32 via bolt 61, and the connecting wall 64 is connected to the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32 via bolt 63.

[0076] In the joint 26 of the front module 14, to which the side member 32 of the center module 16 is attached, when a gap exists between the joint 26 and the side member 32, the bonding force (fastening force) generated by the axial force of the bolts 61 and 63 decreases. In this embodiment, the elastic deflection along the vehicle width direction generated between the joint 26 and the side member 32 can be absorbed by the elastic deflection of the side member 32. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reduction in the bonding force between the front module 14 and the side member 32 caused by the formation of this gap can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, through holes 34A and 36A are formed on the left and right sides of the central transverse members 34 and 36 in the vehicle width direction, respectively. Bolts 35 and 37, which are inserted into the through holes 34A and 36A, are fastened to welding nuts 28B and 28C, which are provided on the side of the battery pack 28. That is, in this embodiment, the battery pack 28 is fixed (supported) on the central transverse members 34 and 36 by means of bolts 35 and 37 and welding nuts 28B and 28C.

[0078] The battery pack 28 is supported by a pair of left and right side members 32 that form part of the battery frame 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the pair of left and right side members 32, the battery pack 28 is also supported by central transverse members 34, 36 extending along the vehicle width direction at approximately the center 32A of the pair of left and right side members 32 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the falling of the battery pack 28 can be suppressed in the event of a collision with the vehicle 12.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fastening hole 52A is formed on the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32, and the bolt 63 is fastened to the upper wall portion 52 and the connecting portion 26 through the opening 54A formed on the lower wall portion 54. Additionally, a fastening hole 48A is formed on the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32, and the bolt 61 is fastened relative to the fastening hole 48A through the opening 50A formed on the outer wall portion 50.

[0080] In this way, the side member 32 of the center module 16 is directly joined to the joint 26 of the front module 14 via bolts 61 and 63. This reduces the number of parts and assembly time compared to the case where the two are joined via a bracket.

[0081] <Supplementary Explanation of This Embodiment>

[0082] In the above embodiment, a fastening hole 52A is formed on the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32, and the bolt 63 is fastened in the fastening hole 52A and the fastening hole 26B formed on the connecting portion 26 through the opening 54A formed on the lower wall portion 54. Furthermore, a fastening hole 48A is formed on the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32, and the bolt 61 is fastened in the fastening hole 48A and the fastening hole 26A formed on the connecting portion 26 through the opening 50A formed on the outer wall portion 50.

[0083] In this manner, although the above embodiment describes the main idea of ​​joining the side member 32 of the center module 16 and the joint 26 of the front module 14 via bolts 61 and 63, it is not limited to this method as long as the two can be joined. That is, adhesives can be used in addition to bolts 61 and 63, or other fastening components such as rivets can be used instead of bolts 61 and 63. In addition to fastening, the two can also be joined by bonding with adhesives or by welding.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fastening hole 52A is formed on the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32, and the bolt 63 is fastened in the fastening hole 52A through the opening 54A formed on the lower wall portion 54. Further, a fastening hole 48A is formed on the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32, and the bolt 61 is fastened relative to the fastening hole 48A through the opening 50A formed on the outer wall portion 50, but this is not a limitation. For example, it is also possible to combine, for example, either the upper wall portion 52 or the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32 by a fastening member, and to bond the other by an adhesive.

[0085] Furthermore, although in this embodiment, the wheel cover 20, front pillar 22, and lateral member 24 are integrally formed by die casting in the front module 14, and the wheel cover 38 and lateral members 40, 42, and 46 are integrally formed by die casting in the rear module 18, this is not a limitation. For example, it is also possible to integrally form only one of the front module 14 and the rear module 18 by die casting.

[0086] Although one embodiment of this disclosure has been described above, this disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. One embodiment can be used in combination with various modifications as appropriate, and it goes without saying that it can be implemented in a variety of ways without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0087] <Postscript>

[0088] Alternatively, the following structures can be appropriately combined to form the vehicle structure involved in this disclosure.

[0089] (Structure 1)

[0090] The vehicle structure includes: a first frame module integrally formed with a pair of side members and a first transverse member, the pair of side members supporting a battery pack disposed at the lower part of the vehicle and extending at both ends in the vehicle width direction in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the first transverse member extending between the pair of side members in the vehicle width direction at approximately the center of the pair of side members in the vehicle longitudinal direction; and a second frame module integrally formed with a second transverse member and a pair of extensions, the second transverse member extending in the vehicle width direction, the pair of extensions extending at both sides of the second transverse member in the vehicle width direction in the vehicle longitudinal direction and respectively engaging with the ends of the pair of side members in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0091] (Structure 2)

[0092] The second frame module is formed by casting and is configured as at least one of a front module constituting the frame of the front of the vehicle and a rear module constituting the frame of the rear of the vehicle.

[0093] (Structure 3)

[0094] The second frame module is configured to further include a pair of left and right wheel covers on which wheels are arranged, the pair of left and right wheel covers being connected via the second transverse member.

[0095] (Structure 4)

[0096] The extension is configured to include a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion is connected to an inner wall portion forming the inner end of the side member in the vehicle width direction, and the second connecting portion is connected to an upper wall portion forming the upper end of the side member in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0097] (Structure 5)

[0098] A through hole is formed on the first transverse member, and the battery pack is fastened by a first fastening member inserted into the through hole.

[0099] (Structure 6)

[0100] A first fastening hole through which a second fastening member can be inserted is formed on at least one of the first joint and the second joint.

[0101] (Structure 7)

[0102] The cross-section of the side member when cut along the width direction orthogonal to the length direction is set to a closed cross-section shape, and an opening is provided on the wall portion opposite to the first fastening hole.

[0103] (Structure 8)

[0104] A second fastening hole through which the second fastening member can be inserted is formed on at least one of the inner wall portion and the upper wall portion of the side member, and the opening is provided on at least one of the outer wall portion forming the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the side member and the lower wall portion forming the lower end in the vehicle vertical direction of the side member.

Claims

1. A vehicle structure comprising: a first frame module integrally formed with a pair of side members and a first cross member, the pair of side members supporting a battery pack arranged at a lower portion of a vehicle and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction at both end portions in a vehicle width direction, the first cross member extending in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members at a substantially central portion in the vehicle front-rear direction of the pair of side members; and a second frame module integrally formed with a second cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and a pair of extension portions extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both side portions in the vehicle width direction of the second cross member and joining end portions in the vehicle front-rear direction of the pair of side members.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the second frame module is formed by casting and is provided as at least one of a front module constituting a frame of a front portion of the vehicle and a rear module constituting a frame of a rear portion of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the second frame module is configured to further include a pair of left and right wheel covers arranged with wheels, and the pair of left and right wheel covers are connected via the second cross member.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the pair of extension portions are each configured to include a first joining portion and a second joining portion, the first joining portion joins an inner wall portion of an inner end in the vehicle width direction in a corresponding side member forming the pair of side members, and the second joining portion joins an upper wall portion of an upper end in the vehicle up-down direction in the corresponding side member forming the pair of side members.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein a through hole is formed in the first cross member, and the battery pack is fastened via a first fastening member inserted into the through hole.

6. The vehicle structure according to claim 4, wherein a first fastening hole through which a second fastening member can be inserted is formed in at least one of the first joining portion and the second joining portion.

7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6, wherein a cross section of each of the pair of side members when cut along a width direction orthogonal to a length direction is provided in a closed cross-sectional shape, and an opening portion is provided in a wall portion opposite the first fastening hole.

8. The vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein a second fastening hole through which the second fastening member can be inserted is formed in at least one of the inner wall portion and the upper wall portion of each of the pair of side members, and the opening portion is provided in at least one of an outer wall portion of an outer end in the vehicle width direction of each of the pair of side members and a lower wall portion of a lower end in the vehicle up-down direction of the side member. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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