Vehicle under structure

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle underbody structure. A vehicle lower structure is provided with: a pair of rocker sections (40) that extend in the vehicle front-rear direction and are separated in the vehicle width direction; a battery case (32) that has a coupling section (100) coupled to the rocker sections (40), is disposed between the pair of rocker sections (40), and houses a single battery; a lower panel (50) that covers the battery case (32) and the pair of rocker sections (40) from the lower side of the vehicle; and a housing section (60) that is provided between the battery case (32) and the rocker section (40), is provided further toward the inside in the vehicle width direction than the coupling section (100), and above the lower panel (50), and houses a high-voltage cable (62) extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-051652 discloses a vehicle in which a battery is mounted at the lower part of the vehicle. In this vehicle, a raised portion protruding upward is provided at the center of the battery casing in the vehicle width direction, and battery auxiliary equipment is housed in this raised portion.

[0003] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of expanding the storage space under the vehicle, a study was conducted on the case where storage space for wiring harnesses and the like is ensured on the side of the battery casing. In this case, it is desirable to protect the stored items from the impact of the lower side beam, which moves inward in the vehicle width direction, during a side collision. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Taking into account the above facts, the present disclosure aims to provide a vehicle lower structure capable of protecting the stored items in the event of a side collision in a vehicle in which a storage section is provided on the side of the battery casing.

[0005] The vehicle lower structure involved in the first embodiment includes: a pair of lower side beams extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and separated in the vehicle width direction; a battery housing having a connecting portion attached to the lower side beams and disposed between the pair of lower side beams, and housing a single battery; a lower panel covering the battery housing and the pair of lower side beams from the lower side of the vehicle; and a storage portion disposed between the battery housing and the lower side beams, and disposed on the side inside the vehicle width direction and above the lower panel compared to the connecting portion, wherein a storage object extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction is stored in the storage portion.

[0006] In the vehicle's lower structure according to the first approach, a storage compartment is located between the battery casing and the lower side beam. This expands the storage space in the lower part of the vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, in the above structure, the storage section is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the joint between the lower side beam and the battery casing. In the event of a collision between a colliding object and the side of the vehicle (or, in other words, the outer part in the vehicle width direction) (hereinafter referred to as "side collision"), a collision load is applied to the lower side beam. Although the lower side beam, under load, is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction, its movement inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed at the joint. Thus, because the movement of the lower side beam inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed at the joint, which is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction compared to the storage section, deformation of the storage section can be suppressed. Therefore, the contents stored in the storage section can be protected.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above structure, the lower panel covers the battery casing and the lower side beam from the underside of the vehicle, and the storage compartment is located between the battery casing and the lower side beam. Thus, in this structure, the outer end of the lower panel in the vehicle width direction is located further outward than the storage compartment in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, the impact load is first applied to the lower panel before being applied to the storage compartment. This ensures that a portion of the impact load is applied to the lower panel. Consequently, the impact load during a side collision is distributed across the lower side beam and the lower panel, making the storage compartment less prone to deformation. Therefore, the items stored in the storage compartment can be protected.

[0009] The second method involves a vehicle lower structure in which, in the first method, the lower panel is combined with the lower side beam.

[0010] In the second approach to the vehicle's lower structure, the lower panel is integrated with the lower part of the lower side beam. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, the inward movement of the lower side beam in the vehicle width direction is also suppressed by the lower panel. This further reduces the likelihood of interference between the lower side beam and the storage compartment. Consequently, deformation of the storage compartment can be further suppressed, and the items stored within it can be protected more effectively.

[0011] The third method involves a vehicle lower structure in which, in the second method, the lower beam has a closed section and a flange. The closed section is a hollow component with a closed section obtained by cutting it with a surface orthogonal to the vehicle's front-rear direction. The flange is a plate-shaped component located on the lower side of the closed section. The lower panel is combined with the flange.

[0012] In the vehicle lower structure described in the third approach, the lower side beam has a hollow, closed cross-section and a flange located on the lower side of the closed cross-section. In the event of a side collision, the closed cross-section of the lower side beam is crushed and displaced to absorb the impact. Therefore, assuming the closed cross-section absorbs the impact before an impact is introduced onto the flange, the displacement of the flange becomes smaller. In this structure, the lower panel is combined with the flange, which has a smaller displacement in the event of a side collision. Thus, in the event of a side collision, the inward movement of the lower side beam in the vehicle width direction is further suppressed. Therefore, interference between the lower side beam and the storage compartment is further reduced. Therefore, deformation of the storage compartment can be further suppressed while the contents stored in the storage compartment are more effectively protected.

[0013] The fourth approach involves a vehicle lower structure in which, in the third approach, the flange portion has a longitudinal wall portion and a transverse wall portion, the longitudinal wall portion extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the transverse wall portion extends from the longitudinal wall portion in the width direction of the vehicle, and the lower panel is combined with the transverse wall portion.

[0014] The transverse wall extends in the vehicle width direction. That is, the transverse wall has a relatively long length in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the transverse wall has a large section modulus for loads in the vehicle width direction, resulting in high rigidity. In the vehicle lower structure according to the fourth embodiment, the highly rigid transverse wall is combined with the lower panel. This improves the rigidity of the joint between the lower panel and the lower side beam. Therefore, the inward movement of the lower side beam in the vehicle width direction is further suppressed. Therefore, interference between the lower side beam and the storage section is further reduced. Therefore, deformation of the storage section can be further suppressed, and the stored items within the storage section can be protected more effectively.

[0015] The fifth method involves a vehicle lower structure in any one of the first to fourth methods, wherein the lower side beam has an inner lower side beam and an outer lower side beam. The outer lower side beam is located on the outer side of the vehicle in the width direction compared to the inner lower side beam. The lower end of the outer lower side beam is located on the lower side of the vehicle compared to the lower end of the inner lower side beam. The storage part is located on the lower side of the inner lower side beam and on the inner side of the outer lower side beam in the width direction of the vehicle. The end of the lower panel is attached to the lower part of the outer lower side beam.

[0016] In the vehicle lower structure described in the fifth embodiment, the storage compartment is located on the vehicle's lower side of the lower side beam inner member. Furthermore, in the aforementioned structure, the storage compartment is located on the inner side of the lower side beam outer member in the vehicle's width direction. Thus, in the storage compartment, the upper side of the vehicle is covered by the lower side beam inner member, and the outer side of the vehicle's width direction is covered by the lower side beam outer member. Therefore, deformation of the storage compartment can be more effectively suppressed. Consequently, the items stored in the storage compartment can be more effectively protected.

[0017] The sixth method involves a vehicle substructure in which, in the fifth method, the bending stiffness of the inner component of the lower side beam is higher than that of the outer component of the lower side beam.

[0018] In the vehicle substructure described in the sixth method, the bending stiffness of the lower side beam inner member is higher than that of the lower side beam outer member. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, the lower side beam outer member, with its lower bending stiffness, deforms and absorbs the impact before the lower side beam inner member. Consequently, the load transmitted to the storage compartment located below the lower side beam inner member is reduced, thus more effectively suppressing deformation of the storage compartment. Therefore, the contents stored in the storage compartment can be protected more effectively.

[0019] The seventh method involves a vehicle lower structure in which, in the fifth or sixth method, the joint of the battery housing is located on the inner side of the vehicle width direction compared to the outer part of the lower side beam.

[0020] In the vehicle lower structure described in the seventh embodiment, the joint between the battery housing and the lower side beam is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the outer part of the lower side beam. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, after the outer part of the lower side beam absorbs the impact, movement of the lower side beam inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed at the joint. Thus, since the load input to the joint can be suppressed, movement of the lower side beam can be further suppressed more effectively. Therefore, interference between the lower side beam and the storage section is further reduced. Therefore, the contents stored in the storage section can be protected while further suppressing deformation of the storage section.

[0021] The vehicle lower structure involved in the eighth embodiment is, in the seventh embodiment, a connecting member that connects the battery housing to the lower side beam inner component, the connecting member inserting through a through hole formed on the lower panel from the lower side of the vehicle, the diameter of the through hole being larger than the diameter of the connecting member.

[0022] In the vehicle lower structure described in the eighth method, the battery pack and the lower side beam internals are joined by a connecting member that passes through a through hole in the lower panel. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, the load input to the lower panel is transferred to the battery pack via the connecting member. Thus, since deformation of the lower panel can be suppressed during a side collision, deformation of the storage compartment can also be suppressed. Therefore, the items stored in the storage compartment can be protected.

[0023] Furthermore, in the vehicle lower structure according to the eighth method, the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting component. That is, a gap is formed between the edge of the through hole and the connecting component. This gap allows for the connection of the battery pack to the lower side beam internals. Therefore, the connection of the battery pack to the lower side beam internals can be performed while the battery pack and the lower panel are fixed. This simplifies the assembly process of the vehicle lower structure.

[0024] The vehicle lower structure involved in the ninth method is, in the eighth method, a lower side beam trim strip, which covers the lower panel from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle, and the connecting member also serves as a mounting member for mounting the lower side beam trim strip on the lower panel.

[0025] In the vehicle lower structure according to the ninth method, a lower side beam trim strip is provided that covers the lower panel from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Thus, in the storage compartment, the lower side is covered by the lower panel, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction is covered by the lower side beam trim strip. Therefore, for example, it is possible to protect the items stored in the storage compartment from water droplets from the road surface.

[0026] The tenth method involves a vehicle substructure in which, in any one of the first to ninth methods, the housing has a cable.

[0027] The outer portion of the battery casing in the vehicle width direction is susceptible to impact during a side collision. However, as described above, in the vehicle lower structure according to the tenth embodiment, damage to the stored components can be suppressed during a side collision. Therefore, even if a high-voltage cable is assumed to be stored within the storage section on the outer side of the battery casing in the vehicle width direction, damage to the cable can be suppressed to improve safety.

[0028] The vehicle lower structure involved in the eleventh method is such that, in any one of the first to tenth methods, the storage part is located on the inside side of the vehicle width direction and on the lower side of the vehicle compared to the connecting part.

[0029] In the vehicle lower structure described in the eleventh method, the storage section is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and on the lower side of the vehicle, compared to the connecting section. This allows the battery housing to be joined to the lower side beam while the contents are pre-stored in the storage section and the lower panel is mounted on the battery housing. Therefore, the assembly operation of the vehicle lower structure is simplified.

[0030] The vehicle lower structure involved in the twelfth method is as follows: in any one of the first to eleventh methods, the battery housing has a storage space defining part and a protrusion. The storage space defining part defines the battery storage space in which the single battery is stored. The protrusion protrudes outward from the storage space defining part in the width direction of the vehicle, and the connecting part is provided on the protrusion.

[0031] In the vehicle lower structure according to the twelfth embodiment, the connection portion with the lower side beam in the battery casing is provided on a protrusion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the storage space provision portion. Thus, since the connection portion is provided at the portion protruding outward in the vehicle width direction, it is easy to position the connection portion outward in the vehicle width direction compared to the storage portion.

[0032] As explained above, the vehicle substructure disclosed herein has the following excellent effect: in vehicles where a storage compartment is provided on the side of the battery casing, the stored items can be protected in the event of a side collision. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Representative embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a vehicle to show the vehicle substructure according to this embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the battery pack and the lower beam involved in this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic sectional view along the AA line. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle substructure involved in this disclosure will be described with reference to... Figures 1 to 3This will be explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, the arrow symbol FR appropriately indicates the front of the vehicle in the forward / rear direction, the arrow symbol UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle in the vertical / horizontal direction, and the arrow symbol OUT indicates the outer side in the width direction. In the following explanation, the forward / rear direction, width direction, and vertical / horizontal direction refer to the forward / rear direction, the width direction, and the vertical / horizontal direction, respectively. Furthermore, the arrow symbol LH in the accompanying drawings indicates the left direction when facing forward.

[0037] [vehicle] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10, which utilizes the vehicle substructure according to this embodiment, is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that mounts a battery pack 30. The vehicle 10 generates driving force by using electricity supplied from the battery pack 30 to rotate a drive motor (not shown), and propels itself by transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the front wheels 11. Furthermore, the vehicle to which the vehicle substructure according to this embodiment can be applied is not limited to BEVs. For example, the vehicle substructure according to this embodiment can also be applied to hybrid vehicles (HVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the floor panel 12 of the vehicle 10 that forms the floor of the passenger compartment (see reference) Figure 2 The battery pack 30 is mounted on the lower side of the battery. When viewed in a planar view, the battery pack 30 is formed into a roughly cuboid shape with the front-to-back direction as the length direction, and is curved in a way that the rear end protrudes rearward.

[0039] Specifically, a pair of lower side beams 40 are disposed on the outer side of the floor panel 12 of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction. The front ends of the pair of lower side beams 40 are connected to each other by a front transverse member 13 with a rectangular closed cross-section extending in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the rear ends of the left and right lower side beams 40 are connected to each other by a rear transverse member 14 with a rectangular closed cross-section extending in the vehicle width direction. The battery pack 30 is disposed between the pair of lower side beams 40 and between the front transverse member 16 and the rear transverse member 18.

[0040] [Vehicle Substructure] Next, for the vehicle lower structure applied to the lower part of vehicle 10, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3The following description will be provided. The vehicle lower structure described in this embodiment is designed to be surface-symmetrical with reference to a vertical plane at the center of the vehicle's width direction. In the following description, the left side of the vehicle lower structure will be primarily explained, while descriptions of the right side will be appropriately omitted.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle's lower structure includes a lower side beam 40 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, a battery pack 30 located on the inner side of the lower side beam 40 in the vehicle width direction, a lower panel 50 located on the lower side beam 40 and the lower side of the battery pack 30, a storage section 60 having a storage space S4 located on the outer side of the battery pack 30 in the vehicle width direction, and a lower side beam trim 70 located on the outer side of the storage section 60 in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] The lower side beam portion 40 is provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction. That is, a pair of lower side beam portions 40 are provided, and the pair of lower side beam portions 40 are provided in a manner that separates them in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] The lower beam 40 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the lower side beam portion 40 includes a lower side beam inner member 41 and a lower side beam outer member 42 disposed on the outer side of the lower side beam inner member 41 in the vehicle width direction. The lower side beam inner member 41 and the lower side beam outer member 42 are fixed together by lower side beam bolts 43 and lower side beam nuts 44. The bending stiffness of the lower side beam inner member 41 is set to be higher than that of the lower side beam outer member 42.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, a pair of lower side beam inner members 41 are provided separately in the vehicle width direction. Each lower side beam inner member 41 extends linearly along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The front ends of the pair of lower side beam inner members 41 are connected to each other by a front connecting portion 45 extending linearly in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the rear ends of the pair of lower side beam inner members 41 are connected to each other by a rear connecting portion 46 extending in the vehicle width direction and bending towards the rear of the vehicle from the center in the vehicle width direction. The pair of lower side beam inner members 41, the front connecting portion 45, and the rear connecting portion 46 form a frame. A battery pack 30 is disposed inside the frame.

[0045] The cross-section (hereinafter referred to as "cross-section") obtained by cutting the lower side beam inner member 41 with a plane orthogonal to the vehicle's longitudinal direction is also set in the same way. The cross-section of the lower side beam inner member 41 is approximately rectangular in shape and is set to be recessed on the inner side and lower side in the vehicle width direction. The lower side beam inner member 41 has multiple spaces inside. In the following description, the space located on the lowermost side among the multiple spaces provided inside the lower side beam inner member 41 is referred to as the "lower space S1". On the outer side wall portion 41A that defines the outer side of the lower space S1 in the vehicle width direction, a through hole (symbol omitted) is formed that passes through in the vehicle width direction, and a lower side beam bolt 43 is inserted through the through hole. The lower side space S1 houses the top end of the lower side beam bolt 43 and the lower side beam nut 44 that engages with the top end. Furthermore, a through hole (notation omitted) extending through the vertical direction of the vehicle is formed on the lower side wall portion 41B, which defines the lower side of the lower space S1. The connecting member, described later, is inserted through this through hole. The top end of the connecting member is housed in the lower space S1.

[0046] The lower side beam outer member 42 is an elongated strip extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and its cross-sectional shape is also designed to be the same. The lower side beam outer member 42 has an inner panel 48 that abuts against the outer side of the lower side beam inner member 41 in the vehicle width direction, and an outer panel 49 disposed on the outer side of the inner panel 48 in the vehicle width direction. A portion of the inner panel 48 and a portion of the outer panel 49 are separated in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the lower side beam outer member 42 is positioned below the lower end of the lower side beam inner member 41.

[0047] An outer space S2 is provided between the inner panel 48 and the outer panel 49. The outer space S2 is a closed section. The head of the lower beam bolt 43 is housed in the outer space S2. Furthermore, an energy absorber 80 is housed in the outer space S2. The energy absorber 80 is located at the upper part of the outer space S2, positioned slightly above the lower beam bolt 43. The energy absorber 80 is a metal component with an internal space, and absorbs impacts by being crushed.

[0048] The inner panel 48 is a plate-shaped component. The inner panel 48 integrally has a first longitudinal wall portion 48A extending in the vertical direction, a first transverse wall portion 48B extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A, a second longitudinal wall portion 48C extending downward from the outer end of the first transverse wall portion 48B in the vehicle width direction, and a second transverse wall portion 48D extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the second longitudinal wall portion 48C.

[0049] The outer surface of the upper end of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A makes surface contact with the inner surface of the upper flange portion 49A of the outer side panel 49, which will be described later. Furthermore, the outer surface of the upper end of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A and the inner surface of the upper flange portion 49A of the outer side panel 49 are joined by welding. A portion of the inner surface of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A makes surface contact with the outer surface of the lower side beam inner member 41. Additionally, a through hole (notation omitted) extending in the vehicle width direction is formed on the lower part of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A, through which a lower side beam bolt 43 is inserted. The first longitudinal wall portion 48A and the lower side beam inner member 41 are joined by the lower side beam bolt 43 and the lower side beam nut 44. A portion of the outer surface of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A makes surface contact with the inner surface of the energy absorber 80 in the vehicle width direction. A portion of the outer surface of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A is joined with the inner surface of the energy absorber 80 in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] The outer surface of the second longitudinal wall portion 48C makes surface contact with the inner surface of the lower flange portion 49E of the outer panel 49, which will be described later. Furthermore, the outer surface of the second longitudinal wall portion 48C and the inner surface of the lower flange portion 49E of the outer panel 49, which will be described later, are joined by welding. Additionally, a high-pressure hose 81, which is connected to an air conditioner (not shown), is fixed to the inner surface of the second longitudinal wall portion 48C.

[0051] The lower side of the second transverse wall portion 48D makes surface contact with the upper surface of the lower panel 50. That is, the second transverse wall portion 48D and the lower panel 50 abut against each other in the vertical direction. In addition, a through hole (notation omitted) extending in the vertical direction is formed on the second transverse wall portion 48D, and a bolt 52 is inserted into the through hole. The second transverse wall portion 48D and the lower panel 50 are joined by the bolt 52 and the nut 53 that engages with the top of the bolt 52.

[0052] The outer panel 49 is a plate-shaped component. The outer panel 49 integrally has an upper flange portion 49A extending in the vertical direction, an upper inclined portion 49B extending outward and downward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the upper flange portion 49A, a longitudinal wall portion 49C extending downward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the upper inclined portion 49B in the vehicle width direction, a lower inclined portion 49D extending inward and downward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the longitudinal wall portion 49C, and a lower flange portion 49E extending downward from the inner end of the lower inclined portion 49D in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] The inner surface of the upper flange portion 49A makes surface contact with the outer surface of the upper end of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A of the inner panel 48. Furthermore, the inner surface of the upper flange portion 49A and the outer surface of the upper end of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A of the inner panel 48 are joined together by welding.

[0054] The longitudinal wall portion 49C faces the first longitudinal wall portion 48A of the inner panel 48. A portion of the inner side surface of the longitudinal wall portion 49C makes surface contact with the outer side surface of the energy absorber 80 in the vehicle width direction. A portion of the inner side surface of the longitudinal wall portion 49C is combined with the outer side surface of the energy absorber 80 in the vehicle width direction.

[0055] The inner surface of the lower flange portion 49E makes surface contact with the outer surface of the second longitudinal wall portion 48C of the inner panel 48. Furthermore, the inner surface of the lower flange portion 49E and the outer surface of the second longitudinal wall portion 48C of the inner panel 48 are joined together by welding.

[0056] Thus, the lower beam outer member 42 has an outer space S2 with a closed cross-section (obtained by cutting with a plane orthogonal to the front and rear directions) between the upper part of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A, the first transverse wall portion 48B, and the second longitudinal wall portion 48C of the inner panel 48, and the upper inclined portion 49B, the longitudinal wall portion 49C, and the lower inclined portion 49D of the outer panel 49. That is, the upper part of the first longitudinal wall portion 48A, the first transverse wall portion 48B, and the second longitudinal wall portion 48C of the inner panel 48, and the upper inclined portion 49B, the longitudinal wall portion 49C, and the lower inclined portion 49D of the outer panel 49 constitute a hollow closed cross-section portion 42A. In addition, the lower part of the second longitudinal wall portion (longitudinal wall portion) 48C and the second transverse wall portion (transverse wall portion) 48D of the inner panel 48 constitute a plate-shaped flange portion 42B provided on the lower side of the closed cross-section portion 42A.

[0057] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the battery pack 30 has multiple individual cells 31, a battery housing 32 that houses the individual cells 31 inside, and a junction box 33 disposed on the upper surface of the battery housing 32.

[0058] The single battery 31 is configured as a lithium-ion battery capable of being used as a power source for an vehicle. Multiple single batteries 31 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Multiple single batteries 10 are combined to form a battery pack.

[0059] The battery housing 32 is provided with a battery storage space S3 for storing a single battery 31 inside. The battery housing 32 has an upper cover 35 that defines the upper side of the storage space S3 and a lower housing 36 that defines the lower side of the storage space S3.

[0060] The upper cover 35 integrally comprises a cover portion (storage space defining portion) 35A that covers the single battery 31 from the top side, an upper side wall portion (storage space defining portion) 35B that bends downward from the outer end of the cover portion 35A in the vehicle width direction, and a plate-shaped upper flange portion (protrusion portion) 35C that extends outward from the lower end of the upper side wall portion 35B in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] The cover portion 35A defines the upper side of the battery storage space S3. The upper side wall portion 35B defines the upper part of the outer side of the battery storage space S3 in the vehicle width direction. The upper side wall portion 35B covers the single battery 31 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The upper flange portion 35C protrudes from the upper side wall portion 35B outwards in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] The lower housing 36 integrally includes a bottom wall portion (storage space defining portion) 36A that covers the single battery 31 from the bottom side, a lower side wall portion (storage space defining portion) 36B that bends upward from the outer end of the bottom wall portion 36A in the vehicle width direction, and a plate-shaped lower flange portion (protrusion) 36C that extends outward from the outer end of the lower side wall portion 36B in the vehicle width direction.

[0063] The bottom wall portion 36A defines the lower side of the battery storage space S3. The lower side wall portion 36B defines the lower part of the outer side of the battery storage space S3 in the vehicle width direction. The lower side wall portion 36B covers the single battery 31 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the lower flange portion 36C protrudes from the lower side wall portion 36B outwards in the vehicle width direction.

[0064] The cover portion 35A and the upper sidewall portion 35B of the upper cover 35 are located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the lower side beam inner member 41. Similarly, the bottom wall portion 36A and the lower sidewall portion 36B of the lower housing 36 are located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the lower side beam inner member 41. Thus, in this embodiment, a portion of the battery housing 32 is disposed between the pair of lower side beam portions 40. Specifically, the storage space of the battery housing 32 (cover portion 35A, upper sidewall portion 35B, bottom wall portion 36A, and lower sidewall portion 36B) is disposed between the pair of lower side beam portions 40. On the other hand, the upper flange portion 35C and the lower flange portion 36C of the battery housing 32 are not disposed between the pair of lower side beam portions 40.

[0065] The upper flange 35C of the upper cover 35 and the lower flange 36C of the lower housing 36 are located below the lower side beam inner member 41. Furthermore, the lower surface of the upper flange 35C and the upper surface of the lower flange 36C are in surface contact. Through holes (notation omitted) extending vertically are formed on both the upper flange 35C and the lower flange 36C. The through holes of the upper flange 35C and the lower flange 36C are arranged to overlap when viewed vertically, and a connecting member 90 is inserted into both through holes. The connecting member 90 thereby joins the upper flange 35C and the lower flange 36C together.

[0066] The connecting member 90 extends vertically and penetrates multiple components. Specifically, the connecting member 90, starting from the lower side, sequentially penetrates the lower edge trim 70, the lower panel 50, the lower flange 36C, the upper flange 35C, and the lower sidewall 41B. That is, the connecting member 90 connects the lower edge trim 70, the lower panel 50, the battery housing 32, and the lower edge 40. The top of the connecting member 90 is located in the lower space S1.

[0067] As described above, the connecting member 90 connects the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam portion 40 (more specifically, the lower side beam inner member 41). A connecting portion 100 (the portion connected to the lower side beam portion 40) in the battery housing 32 is provided at the upper flange portion 35C and the lower flange portion 36C. Specifically, the connecting portion 100 is a portion of the upper flange portion 35C and the lower flange portion 36C through which the connecting member 90 passes. The connecting portion 100 is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the lower side beam outer member 42.

[0068] The lower panel 50 is a plate-shaped component that covers the battery housing 32 and a pair of lower side beams 40 from the lower side of the vehicle. The outer end of the lower panel 50 in the vehicle width direction is located below the outer panel 49 of the lower side beam outer member 42. The upper surface of the outer end of the lower panel 50 in the vehicle width direction is in surface contact with the lower surface of the second transverse wall portion 48D of the inner panel 48. Through holes (notation omitted) extending vertically are formed on the outer end of the lower panel 50 in the vehicle width direction and the second transverse wall portion 48D, respectively. The through holes on the outer end of the lower panel 50 in the vehicle width direction and the second transverse wall portion 48D are arranged to overlap when viewed vertically, and bolts 52 are inserted from the lower side through the two through holes. The lower panel 50 and the lower side beam outer member 42 (more specifically, the inner panel 48) are joined together by bolts 52 and nuts 53 that engage with the top of the bolts 52.

[0069] Furthermore, a portion of the lower panel 50 (specifically, the portion between the lower sidewall 36B of the battery housing 32 and the inner panel 48) constitutes a part of the storage section 60. A high-voltage cable storage housing 63 is fixed to the upper surface of the portion constituting the storage section 60.

[0070] Furthermore, the lower surface of the lower panel 50 makes surface contact with the upper surface of the lower side beam trim 70. Working holes (notation omitted) extending vertically are formed on both the lower panel 50 and the lower side beam trim 70. The working holes of the lower panel 50 and the through holes of the lower side beam trim 70 are arranged to overlap when viewed vertically, and a connecting member 90 is inserted into both the working holes and the through holes. The lower panel 50 and the lower side beam trim 70 are joined together by the connecting member 90. The connecting member 90 serves as a connecting member for joining the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam portion 40, and also as a mounting member for mounting the lower side beam trim 70 onto the lower panel 50.

[0071] The diameter of the working hole formed on the lower panel 50 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting member 90. Specifically, the diameter of the working hole is set such that, when the connecting member 90 is inserted, the working hole allows for the connection of the upper flange 35C of the upper cover 35 and the lower flange 36C of the lower housing 36 located above the working hole.

[0072] A storage space S4 is provided in the storage section 60. The storage space S4 is provided between the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam section 40. More specifically, the storage space S4 is provided between the lower side wall section 35B of the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam outer member 42 of the lower side beam section 40. More specifically, the storage space S4 is provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the joint section 100. The storage space S4 is provided on the lower side compared to the joint section 100. The storage space S4 is provided on the upper side of the lower panel 50. In addition, the storage space S4 is provided on the lower side of the lower side beam inner member 41. In addition, the storage space S4 is provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the lower side beam outer member 42.

[0073] The storage space S4 is a space surrounded by the lower flange portion 36B of the lower housing 36, the lower side wall portion 36B of the lower housing 36, and the lower panel 50, and is positioned on the inner side of the space in the vehicle width direction compared to the connecting portion 100. Specifically, the upper side of the storage space S4 is defined by the lower flange portion 36B. Furthermore, the inner side of the storage space S4 in the vehicle width direction is defined by the lower side wall portion 36B. Additionally, the lower side of the storage space S4 is defined by the lower panel 50. Furthermore, the outer side of the storage space S4 in the vehicle width direction is covered by the lower side beam portion 40 (specifically, the lower side beam outer member 42).

[0074] The storage section 60 defines the storage space S4. Therefore, the storage section 60 includes a lower flange 36B, a lower side wall 36B, and a lower panel 50.

[0075] The storage space S4 houses two high-voltage cables (storage items) 62 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The two high-voltage cables 62 are arranged vertically. The two high-voltage cables 62 are arranged in the storage space S4 in a state where they are housed within the high-voltage cable storage housing 63.

[0076] The lower side beam trim 70 covers the lower panel 50 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the lower side beam trim 70 covers the lower side beam portion 40 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The upper end of the lower side beam trim 70 makes surface contact with the outer surface of the upper flange portion 49A of the outer panel 49 of the lower side beam outer member 42. Additionally, the lower end of the lower side beam trim 70 makes surface contact with the lower surface of the lower panel 50.

[0077] [Functions and Effects] In this embodiment, the storage portion 60 is provided between the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam portion 40. That is, the storage portion 60 is provided on the outer side of the battery housing 32 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide the storage portion 60 on the upper part of the battery housing 32. Thus, compared to providing the storage portion 60 on the upper part of the battery housing 32, the vertical length of the battery housing 32 in the vehicle direction can be shortened. Therefore, the battery housing 32 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, the lower structure of the vehicle can be miniaturized.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage portion 60 is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the joint 100 between the lower side beam portion 40 and the battery housing 32. In the event of a collision between a colliding object and the side of the vehicle (or, in other words, the outer part in the vehicle width direction) (hereinafter referred to as "side collision"), a collision load is input to the lower side beam portion 40. Although the lower side beam portion 40, which has been loaded, is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction, its movement inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed at the joint 100. Thus, in the joint 100, which is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction compared to the storage portion 60, the inward movement of the lower side beam portion 40 in the vehicle width direction is suppressed, thereby suppressing the pressing of the storage space S4 (specifically, the storage portion 60 provided with the storage space S4) formed by the lower side beam portion 40. Therefore, deformation of the storage portion 60 can be suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage section 60 can be protected.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower panel 50 covers the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam 40 from the lower side of the vehicle, and the storage portion 60 is disposed between the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam 40. Thus, in this embodiment, the outer end of the lower panel 50 in the vehicle width direction is located further outward in the vehicle width direction compared to the storage portion 60. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, the collision load is first input to the lower panel 50 before being input to the storage portion 60. Thus, since a portion of the collision load is input to the lower panel 50, the collision load input to the storage portion 60 can be reduced, thereby suppressing deformation of the storage portion 60. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage portion 60 can be protected.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower panel 50 covers the battery casing 32 and the pair of lower side beams 40 from the lower side of the vehicle. Thus, the lower part of the vehicle is covered by a single component (lower panel 50). Therefore, the airflow along the lower part of the vehicle can be rectified. Consequently, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle can be improved.

[0081] In this embodiment, the lower panel 50 is integrated with the lower part of the lower side beam 40. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, the inward movement of the lower side beam 40 in the vehicle width direction is also suppressed by the lower panel 50. This further reduces the likelihood of interference between the lower side beam 40 and the storage section 60. Consequently, deformation of the storage section 60 can be further suppressed, and the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage section 60 can be protected more effectively.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the lower side member portion 40 has a hollow closed cross-sectional portion 42A (a portion forming a closed cross-section by the inner panel 48 and the outer panel 49), and a flange portion 42B (the second transverse wall portion 48D, etc.) provided on the lower side of the closed cross-sectional portion 42A. When a side collision occurs, the closed cross-sectional portion 42A of the lower side member portion 40 is displaced in a crushed manner to absorb the impact. Thus, the closed cross-sectional portion 42A is displaced significantly. On the other hand, since the flange portion 42B is plate-shaped, the displacement is small. In the present embodiment, the lower panel 50 is joined to the flange portion 42B with a small displacement during a side collision. Thereby, during a side collision, the movement of the lower side member portion 40 toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, since the interference between the lower side member portion 40 and the storage portion 60 can be more effectively suppressed, the deformation of the storage portion 60 can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage portion 60 can be more effectively protected.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the second transverse wall portion 48D extending in the vehicle width direction is joined to the lower panel 50. The second transverse wall portion 48D has high rigidity against loads in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the rigidity of the joint portion 100 between the lower panel 50 provided at the second transverse wall portion 48D and the lower side member portion 40 can be improved. Therefore, the movement of the lower side member portion 40 toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, since the interference between the lower side member portion 40 and the storage portion 60 can be more effectively suppressed, the deformation of the storage portion 60 can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage portion 60 can be more effectively protected.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the storage portion 60 is provided on the lower side of the vehicle of the lower side member inner member 41. Further, in the present embodiment, the storage portion 60 is provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the lower side member outer member 42. Thus, in the storage portion 60, the upper side of the vehicle is covered by the lower side member inner member 41, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction is covered by the lower side member outer member 42. Therefore, the deformation of the storage portion 60 can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage portion 60 can be more effectively protected.

[0085] In this embodiment, the bending stiffness of the lower beam inner member 41 is set higher than that of the lower beam outer member 42. Therefore, in the event of a side impact, the lower beam outer member 42, with its lower bending stiffness, deforms before the lower beam inner member 41 to absorb the impact. Consequently, since the load transmitted to the storage portion 60 located below the lower beam inner member 41 is reduced, deformation of the storage portion 60 can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage portion 60 can be more effectively protected.

[0086] In this embodiment, the joint 100 between the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam portion 40 is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the lower side beam outer member 42. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, after the lower side beam outer member 42 absorbs the impact, movement of the lower side beam portion 40 inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed in the joint 100. Thus, since the load input to the joint 100 can be suppressed, movement of the lower side beam portion 40 can be more effectively suppressed, thereby suppressing interference between the lower side beam portion 40 and the storage portion 60. Therefore, deformation of the storage portion 60 can be suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage portion 60 can be protected.

[0087] In this embodiment, the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam inner member 41 are joined together by a connecting member 90 that passes through a through hole in the lower panel 50. Thus, in the event of a side impact, the load input to the lower panel 50 is transferred to the battery housing 32 via the connecting member 90. Therefore, since deformation of the lower panel 50 can be suppressed during a side impact, deformation of the storage section 60 can also be suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage section 60 can be protected.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting member 90. That is, a gap is formed between the edge of the through hole and the connecting member 90. This gap allows the battery housing 32 to be joined to the lower side beam inner member 41. Therefore, the joining operation of the battery housing 32 and the lower side beam inner member 41 can be performed while the battery housing 32 and the lower panel 50 are fixed. This simplifies the assembly of the vehicle's lower structure.

[0089] In this embodiment, a lower side beam trim 70 is provided that covers the lower panel 50 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the lower side of the storage section 60 is covered by the lower panel 50, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction is covered by the lower side beam trim 70. Therefore, for example, the high-voltage cable 62 stored in the storage section 60 can be protected from water droplets from the road surface.

[0090] The outer side of the battery housing 32 in the vehicle width direction is susceptible to impact during a side collision. On the other hand, as described above, in this embodiment, damage to the high-voltage cable 62 can be suppressed during a side collision. Therefore, even when the high-voltage cable 62 is housed in the storage portion 60 on the outer side of the battery housing 32 in the vehicle width direction, the high-voltage cable 62 can still be protected to improve safety.

[0091] In this embodiment, the storage section 60 is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and on the lower side compared to the connecting section 100. Therefore, the battery housing 32 can be joined to the lower side beam section 40 while the high-voltage cable 62 is pre-stored in the storage section 60 and the lower panel 50 is mounted on the battery housing 32. This simplifies the assembly process of the vehicle's lower structure.

[0092] Although the vehicle substructure involved in the embodiments has been described above, the present disclosure allows for appropriate design changes without departing from its spirit.

[0093] For example, although the above embodiment describes an example of storing the high-voltage cable 62 in the storage section 60, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The components stored in the storage section 60 only need to extend in the vehicle's longitudinal direction; for example, they could be wiring harnesses, air suspension hoses, or brake hoses. Furthermore, when this disclosure is applied to a PHEV, they could also be exhaust pipes for allowing exhaust gases from the engine to flow through.

[0094] Furthermore, the method of joining components together is not limited to the method described above. For example, components that are joined using bolts and nuts can also be joined together by welding. Conversely, components that are joined by welding can also be joined together using bolts and nuts.

[0095] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a pair of lower side beam portions 40 being symmetrical about a vertical plane at the center of the vehicle width direction, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the positions or shapes of the pair of lower side beam portions 40 may also be configured to be symmetrical about a plane other than the same plane.

[0096] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example of the high-voltage cable 62 being housed in the storage section 60 within the high-voltage cable storage housing 63, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the high-voltage cable 62 may also be housed in the storage section 60 without being housed in a housing or the like.

Claims

1. A vehicle substructure, comprising: A pair of lower side beams, which extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction and are separated in the vehicle width direction; A battery casing having a joint portion attached to the lower side beam and disposed between a pair of lower side beams, and for housing a single battery. The lower panel covers the battery casing and the pair of lower side beams from the lower side of the vehicle; A storage section is disposed between the battery housing and the lower side beam, and is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction compared to the joint portion, and on the upper side of the lower panel. The storage compartment contains storage items that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle substructure as described in claim 1, wherein, The lower panel is combined with the lower side beam.

3. The vehicle substructure as described in claim 2, wherein, The lower beam portion has a closed section and a flange portion. The closed section is a hollow component with a closed cross-section obtained by cutting it with a plane orthogonal to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The flange portion is a plate-shaped component located on the lower side of the closed section. The lower panel is combined with the flange.

4. The vehicle substructure as described in claim 3, wherein, The flange portion has a longitudinal wall portion and a transverse wall portion, the longitudinal wall portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the transverse wall portion extending from the longitudinal wall portion in the width direction of the vehicle. The lower panel is combined with the transverse wall portion.

5. The vehicle substructure as described in claim 1, wherein, The lower side beam has an inner lower side beam component and an outer lower side beam component, the outer lower side beam component being disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction compared to the inner lower side beam component. The lower end of the lower side beam outer component is positioned on the vehicle's underside compared to the lower end of the lower side beam inner component. The storage section is located on the vehicle-side underside of the lower side beam inner component and on the vehicle-width side inside the lower side beam outer component. The end of the lower panel is attached to the lower part of the lower side beam outer component.

6. The vehicle substructure as described in claim 5, wherein, The bending stiffness of the lower beam inner member is higher than that of the lower beam outer member.

7. The vehicle substructure as described in claim 5, wherein, The joint of the battery housing is located on the inner side of the vehicle width relative to the outer part of the lower side beam.

8. The vehicle substructure as described in claim 7, wherein, It has a connecting component that connects the battery housing to the lower side beam internals. The connecting component is inserted through a through hole formed on the lower panel from the underside of the vehicle. The diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting component.

9. The vehicle substructure as described in claim 8, wherein, It features a lower side beam trim strip that covers the lower panel from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The connecting component also serves as a mounting component for attaching the lower edge trim strip to the lower panel.

10. The vehicle substructure as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The storage container has a cable.

11. The vehicle substructure as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The storage section is located on the inside of the vehicle width direction and on the lower side of the vehicle, compared to the joint section.

12. The vehicle substructure as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The battery casing has a storage space defining portion and a protrusion. The storage space defining portion defines the battery storage space for storing the single battery, and the protrusion extends outward from the storage space defining portion in the vehicle width direction. The connecting portion is provided on the protrusion.

Images