Vehicle body structure

Abstract

A vehicle frame structure capable of inhibiting water from accumulating around a ground terminal. A vehicle frame member has a first surface, a second surface, a longitudinal surface, and a rib portion. The first surface has a fastening portion to which the ground terminal is attached, and the second surface is lower in height than the first surface. The rib portion is connected to the longitudinal surface, partially surrounds the second surface at a first outer edge portion on a second mounting seat side of the second surface, and abuts against an abutting piece of the ground terminal. The second surface is a first inclined surface that is inclined downward toward a direction away from the longitudinal surface. Thus, in the second surface, water that has entered the second surface is drained along the first inclined surface, and accumulation of water on the second surface is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a water-stopping structure provided on a bolt fastening portion of a vehicle's metal body. In this prior art, a water-stopping component is provided in such a way that it surrounds the bolt hole formed on the vehicle's metal body. When the grounding terminal is fastened to the vehicle, the bolt is tightened by pressing the water-stopping component to stop the water flow.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-130258 Summary of the Invention However, in the aforementioned prior art, if water accumulates near the grounding terminal, the grounding terminal may corrode.

[0004] In view of the above facts, the present invention aims to obtain a vehicle frame structure that can suppress the accumulation of water near the grounding terminal.

[0005] The first embodiment relates to a vehicle frame structure comprising a vehicle frame component integrally formed by casting, wherein the vehicle frame component comprises: a first surface having a fastening portion for mounting a grounding terminal; a second surface having a height lower than the first surface; a longitudinal surface connecting the fastening portion and the second surface in the height direction; and a rib connecting to the longitudinal surface and partially surrounding the second surface, and abutting against an abutment formed on the grounding terminal, wherein the second surface is configured as a first inclined surface that slopes toward the underside of the vehicle in a direction separating from the longitudinal surface.

[0006] In the vehicle frame structure according to the first embodiment, a vehicle frame component is integrally formed by casting. This vehicle frame component has a first surface, a second surface, a longitudinal surface, and ribs. The first surface has a fastening part for mounting a grounding terminal, and the height of the second surface is formed to be lower than that of the first surface. The fastening part provided on the first surface is connected to the second surface in the height direction via the longitudinal surface.

[0007] On the other hand, the rib connects to the longitudinal surface and partially surrounds the second surface, and abuts against the front end of the grounding terminal. Therefore, when the grounding terminal is installed on the fastener, the front end of the grounding terminal abuts against the rib relative to the rotation direction of the fastener, thereby locking the grounding terminal.

[0008] Here, the second surface is configured as a first inclined surface that slopes downward toward the vehicle as it moves toward the direction of separation from the longitudinal surface. Therefore, water directed onto the second surface is guided (discharged) along the first inclined surface toward the vehicle's underside. Thus, in this configuration, by providing a drainage path to discharge water that has seeped into the second surface, water accumulation on the second surface can be prevented.

[0009] In the vehicle frame structure of the second method, in the vehicle frame structure of the first method, the second surface includes: a first outer edge portion connected to the longitudinal surface and having the rib portion erected thereon; and a second outer edge portion connected to the longitudinal surface and opposite to the first outer edge portion. The first inclined surface also has a second inclined surface, which is inclined towards the underside of the vehicle as it moves from the second outer edge portion side toward the first outer edge portion side.

[0010] In the vehicle frame structure according to the second method, the second surface is composed of a first outer edge portion and a second outer edge portion that are connected to and opposite to the longitudinal surface, and a rib is provided on the side of the first outer edge portion. Here, the first inclined surface also has a second inclined surface, which is inclined towards the underside of the vehicle from the side of the second outer edge portion toward the side of the first outer edge portion.

[0011] Therefore, in this method, by forming a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface on the second surface, water that has been guided onto the second surface is guided (discharged) along the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface toward the side below the vehicle. Thus, in this method, it is possible to further prevent water from accumulating on the second surface.

[0012] In the vehicle frame structure of the third method, in the vehicle frame structure of the second method, the rib is formed on the upstream side of the first inclined surface in the inclined direction, and the second inclined surface is formed on the downstream side of the first inclined surface in the inclined direction.

[0013] In the vehicle frame structure according to the third embodiment, a rib is formed on the upstream side of the first inclined surface in the direction of inclination, and a second inclined surface is formed on the downstream side of the first inclined surface in the direction of inclination. That is, in this embodiment, on the second surface, water flows along the inclination of the first inclined surface on the side where the rib is provided, and water flows along the inclination of the second inclined surface on the side where the rib is not provided. Therefore, in this embodiment, water on the second surface can be discharged to other surfaces through the portion where the rib is not provided.

[0014] In the vehicle frame structure of the fourth embodiment, the grounding terminal comprises: a conductive portion fastened to the fastening portion; a front end portion formed on a surface different from the conductive portion and capable of abutting against the rib; and a connecting piece connecting the conductive portion and the front end portion in the height direction, wherein the height of the longitudinal surface is greater than the length of the connecting piece.

[0015] In the vehicle frame structure according to the fourth embodiment, the grounding terminal includes a conductive portion, a front end portion, and a connecting piece. The conductive portion is fastened to a fastening portion, and the front end portion is formed on a surface different from the conductive portion and can abut against a rib. Furthermore, the connecting piece connects the conductive portion and the front end portion in the height direction. In this embodiment, the height of the longitudinal surface connecting the first and second surfaces is greater than the length of the connecting piece.

[0016] Therefore, when the conductive part of the grounding terminal is fastened to the fastening part, a gap is provided between the front end and the second surface while the front end of the grounding terminal is in contact with the rib. Thus, even if water adheres to the area around the rib, the front end can be prevented from contacting the water.

[0017] Invention Effects As explained above, the vehicle frame structure involved in this invention can suppress the accumulation of water near the grounding terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle frame component that incorporates the vehicle frame structure described in this embodiment, viewed from the right front and above side of the vehicle.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of the vehicle frame component that uses the vehicle frame structure described in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the vehicle frame structure involved in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the function of the vehicle frame structure involved in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 (A) is a top view used to illustrate the function of the vehicle frame structure involved in this embodiment. Figure 5 (B) is along Figure 5 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0023] Figure 6 It indicates viewing from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 4 The rear view of the status. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, the vehicle frame structure according to embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. In addition, arrows FR, appropriately shown in each figure, indicate the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vehicle's vertical direction. Arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle's width direction, and in this embodiment, it indicates the outer side in the vehicle's width direction. Hereinafter, only the longitudinal, vertical, and left-right directions will be used in the description; unless otherwise specified, these refer to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction (vehicle width direction).

[0025] (The structure of the vehicle's frame) First, the structure of the vehicle frame structure involved in this embodiment will be described.

[0026] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of a vehicle frame component 12 that utilizes the vehicle frame structure 10 described in this embodiment. The vehicle frame component 12 is integrally formed from a material such as aluminum alloy by casting. This vehicle frame component 12 is used, for example, in vehicles 14 such as electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles that are powered by a power unit.

[0027] The vehicle frame component 12 has wheel covers 18, each containing a front wheel (not shown), on the left and right sides of the front part 16 of the vehicle. The right wheel cover 18 is connected to the left wheel cover 18 by a crossbeam 20. At the upper end of each wheel cover 18, an upper component 22 extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a suspension tower (hereinafter referred to as "suspension tower") 24 is provided on the inner side of the upper component 22 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, a front longitudinal beam 26 extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the lower side of the suspension tower 24.

[0028] Typically, for equipment requiring high current, such as cooling fans and steering wheel motors mounted on vehicle 14, grounding connections are required. The negative terminal of each device (grounding terminal 28; see reference) should be connected to this connection. Figure 2 It is connected (installed) to the vehicle frame component 12.

[0029] For example, in this embodiment, the grounding terminal 28 is made of stainless steel or the like and is mounted on a mounting portion 30 (described later) located on the front side (region I) of the suspension tower 24 of the vehicle frame component 12. However, the location of the mounting portion 30 is not limited to this.

[0030] exist Figure 2 The image shows an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the vehicle frame component 12, showing the grounding terminal 28 mounted on the mounting portion 30 located in area I on the left side of the vehicle. Figure 3 The figure shows an exploded perspective view of the structure of the grounding terminal 28 and the mounting portion 30 provided on the vehicle frame component 12.

[0031] (Grounding terminal) First, let’s explain the grounding terminal 28.

[0032] The grounding terminal 28 is configured to include: a conductive portion 34 for connecting the grounding wire 32; an abutment piece (front end) 36 disposed in the conductive portion 34 on the side opposite to the grounding wire 32; and a connecting piece 38 for connecting the conductive portion 34 and the abutment piece 36.

[0033] The guide portion 34 is flat and can contact the fastening portion 40 surface of the mounting portion 30 provided on the vehicle frame component 12. Furthermore, in the guide portion 34, a through hole 34A is formed corresponding to the fastening hole 40A for inserting a fastening bolt 42 that is screwed into the fastening hole 40A formed in the fastening portion 40.

[0034] The abutment piece 36 can abut against the rib 44 provided on the mounting portion 30. Furthermore, the abutment piece 36 is formed on a different surface from the conductive portion 34, and there is a height difference between the abutment piece 36 and the conductive portion 34. Therefore, the connecting piece 38 connects the abutment piece 36 and the conductive portion 34 in the height direction.

[0035] Furthermore, in this case, the connecting piece 38 is crank-shaped in a side view viewed from the front of the vehicle, and it connects the abutment piece 36 and the guide portion 34 in both the height and length directions (the length along the length direction of the guide portion 34). However, the connecting piece 38 only needs to connect the abutment piece 36 and the guide portion 34 in the height direction, so there is no particular limitation on the shape of the connecting piece 38.

[0036] (Installation Department) Next, the mounting section 30 will be described. Furthermore, the orientation of the mounting section 30 (in the vehicle's longitudinal direction or vehicle width direction) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed, but for ease of explanation, it will be... Figure 2 The orientation shown is illustrated as an example.

[0037] The mounting section 30 is configured to include a first mounting base 46 and a second mounting base 48, with the second mounting base 48 positioned further below the vehicle than the first mounting base 46. The basic structures of the first mounting base 46 and the second mounting base 48 are substantially the same; therefore, the first mounting base 46 will be described to represent both, while the structure of the second mounting base 48 will be described using the same reference numerals as the first mounting base 46 and will be omitted.

[0038] In this embodiment, for example, the first mounting base 46 is rectangular in shape with the vehicle width direction as its length when viewed generally from above. The first mounting base 46 is configured to include a first surface 50 and a second surface 52 as the upper surface of the first mounting base 46, with the second surface 52 disposed on the side lower than the first surface 50 of the vehicle.

[0039] Therefore, a longitudinal surface 54 connecting the first surface 50 and the second surface 52 is formed in the vertical direction (height direction) of the vehicle. In addition, the height of the longitudinal surface 54 is greater than the length of the connecting piece 38 of the grounding terminal 28.

[0040] Here, a fastening portion 40 is formed on the first surface 50 of the first mounting base 46. The fastening portion 40 is slightly higher than the flush surface of the first surface 50, and can be felt even if it is formed in a part that is not visible to the naked eye. Two fastening holes 40A are formed on the fastening portion 40, and fastening bolts 42 can be screwed in through washers 55 respectively.

[0041] exist Figure 6 The image shows a view from the rear side of the vehicle. Figure 4 The image. (As shown) Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the shape of the fastening part 40 is formed along the shape of the fastening hole 40A. That is, the first mounting base 46 is hollowed out, forming a shape that does not produce fleshy protrusions (excess flesh).

[0042] And, as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown in (A), the fastening part 40 is provided on the side of the second mounting base 48 on the first surface 50, and the side wall 56 that connects the first mounting base 46 and the second mounting base 48 in the height direction partially protrudes into an arc shape along the shape of the fastening hole 40A. Additionally, in Figure 4 , Figure 5 (A) illustrates a state where the fastening hole 40A is not formed in the fastening part 40.

[0043] On the other hand, on the second surface 52, a rib 44 is provided on the first outer edge 52A on the side of the second mounting base 48, connected to the longitudinal surface 54. That is, the rib 44 is provided on the extension line of the fastening part 40, partially surrounding the second surface 52, and the upper end of the rib 44 is formed to be slightly lower than the fastening part 40. Furthermore, the rib 44 is formed to the middle of the first outer edge 52A of the second surface 52, and the first outer edge 52A of the second surface 52 is divided into a first part P where the rib 44 is formed and a second part Q where the rib 44 is not formed.

[0044] Furthermore, a first inclined surface 58 (arrow A) is formed on the second surface 52, which slopes downward toward the vehicle side in the direction separating from the longitudinal surface 54. Also, on the second surface 52, downstream of the first inclined surface 58 (second portion Q side), a second inclined surface 60 (arrow B) is formed from the second outer edge portion 52B located on the side opposite to the first outer edge portion 52A, slopes downward toward the vehicle side. That is, in this embodiment, a rib 44 is formed upstream of the first inclined surface 58 in its inclined direction, and a second inclined surface 60 is formed downstream of the first inclined surface 58 in its inclined direction.

[0045] (The function and effect of vehicle frame structure) Next, the function and effects of the vehicle frame structure involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0046] In this embodiment, Figure 1 The vehicle frame component 12 shown is integrally formed by casting. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle frame component 12 has a first surface 50, a second surface 52, a longitudinal surface 54, and a rib 44 on the mounting portion 30 for connecting the grounding terminal 28. The first surface 50 has a fastening portion 40 for mounting the grounding terminal 28, and the height of the second surface 52 is lower than that of the first surface 50.

[0047] On the other hand, the rib is connected to the longitudinal surface, and partially surrounds the second surface at the first outer edge of the second mounting seat side on the second surface, and abuts against the abutment piece of the grounding terminal. Therefore, when the grounding terminal 28 is installed on the fastening part 40, the abutment piece 36 of the grounding terminal 28 abuts against the rib 44 relative to the rotation direction of the fastening bolt 42, thereby locking the grounding terminal 28.

[0048] Here, as Figure 4 As shown, the second surface 52 is a first inclined surface 58 that slopes towards the underside of the vehicle as it moves in the direction separating from the longitudinal surface 54 (arrow A). Therefore, water guided onto the second surface 52 is guided along the first inclined surface 58 towards the underside of the vehicle.

[0049] Thus, in this embodiment, a path for draining water that has seeped into the second surface 52 is provided, which prevents water from accumulating on the second surface 52. That is, in this embodiment, even if a rib 44 is provided for locking the grounding terminal 28 onto the second surface 52, water accumulation around the rib 44 can be suppressed.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, water accumulation near the grounding terminal 28 can be suppressed, corrosion of the grounding terminal 28 can be suppressed, and leakage current can be suppressed.

[0051] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the second surface 52 is configured to include a first outer edge portion 52A and a second outer edge portion 52B that are connected to and opposite to the longitudinal surface 54, and a rib 44 is provided on the side of the first outer edge portion 52A. In this embodiment, further, on the downstream side (second part Q side) of the first inclined surface 58 in the inclined direction, a second inclined surface 60 (arrow B) is formed that is inclined toward the side below the vehicle from the second outer edge portion 52B toward the first outer edge portion 52A.

[0052] Thus, in this embodiment, by forming a first inclined surface 58 and a second inclined surface 60 in the second surface 52, water that has been guided onto the second surface 52 is guided (discharged) along the first inclined surface 58 and the second inclined surface 60 toward the side below the vehicle. Therefore, in this embodiment, water accumulation on the second surface 52 can be prevented.

[0053] In this embodiment, the rib 44 is provided on the side of the longitudinal surface 54 in the first outer edge portion 52A. That is, in this embodiment, since the rib 44 is not provided on the side of the first outer edge portion 52A opposite to the longitudinal surface 54, the first outer edge portion 52A is configured to include a first portion P in which the rib 44 is formed and a second portion Q in which the rib 44 is not formed.

[0054] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown in (A) and (B), water on the second surface 52 is discharged towards the second mounting base 48 through the second portion Q where the rib 44 is not formed. Furthermore, the second mounting base 48 has a structure substantially the same as the first mounting base 46; therefore, as a result, water on the second surface 52 of the first mounting base 46 is discharged towards the underside of the vehicle through the second surface 52 of the second mounting base 48. Additionally, Figure 5 (B) is along Figure 5 (A) shows a cross section cut by line AA, but it becomes a diagram that mainly represents the water flowing from the first mounting base 46 to the second mounting base 48.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height of the vertical surface 54 connecting the first surface 50 and the second surface 52 is greater than the length of the connecting piece 38 provided on the grounding terminal 28. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the conductive portion 34 of the grounding terminal 28 is fastened to the fastening portion 40, a gap is provided between the abutting piece 36 and the second surface 52 when the abutting piece 36 of the grounding terminal 28 abuts against the rib 44. Therefore, even if water adheres to the area around the rib, the abutting piece 36 can be prevented from contacting the water.

[0056] Furthermore, when the conductive portion 34 of the grounding terminal 28 is fastened to the fastening portion 40, the connecting piece 38 of the grounding terminal 28 abuts against the longitudinal surface 54, and the abutting piece 36 of the grounding terminal 28 abuts against the rib 44. Thus, even in a location on the fastening portion 40 that is not visible to the naked eye, the grounding terminal 28 can be positioned on the first mounting base 46 from three directions. In other words, even in a location difficult to observe with the naked eye, the grounding terminal 28 can be fastened to a predetermined position.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fastening hole 40A for engaging the fastening bolt 42 is formed on the first surface 50 of the first mounting base 46. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first surface 50 can be formed to be substantially flat. In this embodiment, since the mounting portion 30 for connecting the grounding terminal 28 is formed on the vehicle frame component 12 formed by casting, the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the mounting portion 30 is increased.

[0058] Furthermore, as a comparative example, although not shown, a boss capable of engaging and fastening the bolt 42 may be erected on the first surface 50, but in this case, the shape of the first surface 50 becomes complex. Therefore, in the comparative example, there are concerns about problems such as the wall thickness of the mold becoming thinner around the boss, or gas accumulating during molding at the part where the boss is formed, resulting in poor flow of molten metal.

[0059] In contrast, in this embodiment, since the first surface 50 is formed into a generally flat shape, the mold life can be extended compared to the comparative example, and the flow of molten metal during molding is improved, thus enhancing the formability.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, on the second surface 52, downstream of the first inclined surface 58 (second portion Q side), a second inclined surface 60 is formed that slopes downward toward the vehicle from the second outer edge portion 52B toward the first outer edge portion 52A (arrow B). However, in this embodiment, as long as drainage is possible on the second surface 52, the second inclined surface 60 is not necessarily required.

[0061] Furthermore, the first inclined surface 58 and the second inclined surface 60 do not necessarily need to be formed at the same angle. For example, the first inclined surface 58 can also be formed with a larger inclination angle to allow for rapid drainage around the rib 44.

[0062] Furthermore, while the second surface 52 has been described in this embodiment, the first surface 50 may also be formed with an inclined surface that tilts toward the side below the vehicle as it moves toward the direction separating from the second surface 52, similar to the second surface 52.

[0063] Furthermore, the above embodiment describes the vehicle frame component 12, which is a vehicle frame structure integrally formed by casting, located at the front of the vehicle. However, it can also be applied to the vehicle frame component located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0064] The present invention has been described above as an embodiment of the invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It can also be used by appropriately combining an embodiment and various modifications. Of course, it can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0065] Symbol Explanation 10-Vehicle frame structure, 12-Vehicle frame component, 14-Vehicle, 28-Grounding terminal, 32-Grounding wire, 34-Conducting part, 36-Abutting piece (front end, grounding terminal), 38-Connecting piece, 40-Fastening part, 44-Rib, 50-First surface, 52-Second surface, 52A-First outer edge, 52B-Second outer edge, 54-Longitudinal surface, 58-First inclined surface, 60-Second inclined surface.

Claims

1. A vehicle frame structure comprising vehicle frame components integrally formed by casting, characterized in that, The vehicle frame component includes: The first side has a fastening part for mounting the grounding terminal; The second side is formed to be lower in height than the first side; The longitudinal surface connects the fastener and the second surface in the height direction; and The rib, connected to the longitudinal surface and partially surrounding the second surface, abuts against the front end of the grounding terminal. The second surface is configured as a first inclined surface that tilts toward the underside of the vehicle as it moves toward the direction of separation from the longitudinal surface.

2. The vehicle frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second side includes: A first outer edge portion, which is connected to the longitudinal surface and has the rib portion erected thereon; and The second outer edge portion is connected to the longitudinal surface and is opposite to the first outer edge portion. The first inclined surface also has a second inclined surface, which is inclined toward the underside of the vehicle as it moves from the second outer edge side toward the first outer edge side.

3. The vehicle frame structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rib is formed on the upstream side of the first inclined surface in the inclined direction, and the second inclined surface is formed on the downstream side of the first inclined surface in the inclined direction.

4. The vehicle frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grounding terminal is configured to include: A conductive part, which is fastened to the fastening part; The front end portion, formed on a different surface from the conductive portion, and capable of abutting against the rib; and A connecting piece that connects the conductive portion to the front end portion in the height direction. The height of the longitudinal section is greater than the length of the connecting piece.

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