Vehicle rear frame structure

Abstract

A vehicle rear frame structure is provided. The vehicle rear frame structure includes a rear frame main body portion integrally formed by casting and including a wheel house portion and a rear side member portion extending from a rear lower portion of the wheel house portion toward the rear of the vehicle, and a reinforcing portion integrally formed with the rear frame main body portion and provided at an upper portion of the rear side member portion on a rear side of the wheel house portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-117583 discloses a vehicle rear frame structure comprising a pair of left and right wheel arches integrally formed by casting. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the aforementioned rear frame structure of a vehicle, when the longitudinal beams are not properly compressed and stand up during a collision, the wheel arches will stand up as well, thus leaving room for improvement in the overall rigidity of the rear frame structure.

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to obtain a vehicle rear frame structure that can improve rigidity.

[0005] The vehicle rear frame structure of the present invention according to the first embodiment includes: a rear frame main body, integrally formed by casting, and including a wheel arch portion and a rear longitudinal beam portion extending from the lower rear portion of the wheel arch portion toward the rear of the vehicle; and a reinforcing portion, integrally formed with the rear frame main body, and disposed on the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion on the rear rear side of the wheel arch portion.

[0006] In the vehicle rear frame structure of the present invention according to the first embodiment, a reinforcing portion provided on the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam is provided on the rear side of the wheel arch portion. Therefore, the reinforcing portion can suppress the erection of the rear longitudinal beam portion during a rear-end collision. In this way, by suppressing the erection of the rear longitudinal beam portion, the erection of the wheel arch portion can also be suppressed, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the vehicle rear frame structure.

[0007] The second embodiment of the vehicle rear frame structure of the present invention is that, in the first embodiment, the reinforcing part connects the rear part of the wheel arch portion to the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion.

[0008] In the second embodiment of the vehicle rear frame structure of the present invention, a reinforcing member connects the rear part of the wheel arch to the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam. Therefore, in the event of a rear-end collision, the input load from the rear longitudinal beam can be distributed to the wheel arch via the reinforcing member. As a result, the lifting of the rear longitudinal beam during a rear-end collision can be suppressed, and thus the lifting of the wheel arch can also be suppressed, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the vehicle rear frame structure.

[0009] The third embodiment of the vehicle rear frame structure of the present invention is that, in the structure of the first or second embodiment, the reinforcing part is disposed on the common panel.

[0010] In the third-party vehicle rear frame structure of the present invention, since the reinforcement is provided on the common panel, the rigidity of the common panel, which serves as an endurance wall, can also be improved. Furthermore, in the event of a rear-end collision, the reinforcement can disperse the input load input to the rear longitudinal beams towards the common panel.

[0011] The fourth embodiment of the vehicle rear frame structure of the present invention is, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the vehicle rear frame structure has a reinforcing rib portion, the reinforcing rib portion is integrally formed with the rear frame main body portion and extends from the upper part of the wheel arch portion in the vehicle vertical direction to the upper side of the vehicle, and the upper end is joined with the upper side beam or column, and the reinforcing portion is continuously formed from the reinforcing rib portion.

[0012] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle rear frame structure of the present invention, strength is improved by integrally forming the rear frame main body and the reinforcing rib. Furthermore, when the wheel arch is raised due to the longitudinal beam, the upper end of the reinforcing rib is pressed down by the upper beam or column. This presses down the entire wheel arch, thus suppressing its upward movement. Consequently, the overall rigidity of the vehicle rear frame structure is improved. Additionally, the reinforcement is continuously formed from the reinforcing rib, allowing for smooth load transfer.

[0013] As explained above, the vehicle rear frame structure according to the present invention can improve rigidity. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts, wherein: Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically representing the rear frame structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing details of the main parts of the rear frame structure of the vehicle according to the second embodiment, including the reinforcing parts; Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of the rear frame structure of the vehicle according to the third embodiment; Figure 4 It is a schematic representation Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of a deformed example of the installation position of the reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0015] <First Implementation Method>

[0016] Hereinafter, a vehicle using the rear frame structure 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional structure are omitted from repeated description by using the same reference numerals. Additionally, in each figure, arrow FR appropriately indicates the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vehicle's vertical direction. Arrow LH indicates the left side in the vehicle's width direction, and arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle's width direction; in this embodiment, it indicates the outer side in the vehicle's width direction. Hereinafter, only the directions of front-rear, vertical, left-right, and inner and outer will be used in the description, unless otherwise specified, referring to the front-rear direction, vertical direction, left-right direction (vehicle width direction), and inner and outer sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each element may be not limited to one, and multiple elements may exist. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, substantially identical elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions from the specification are omitted.

[0018] Vehicles that utilize the rear frame structure 10 of the first embodiment are, for example, pure electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles that have a power unit including an electric motor, an engine, etc., as a drive source and that travel using the power generated by the power unit.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. Additionally, in Figure 1 The detailed shape of the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle is shown in a simplified manner. Figure 1 The rear frame structure 10 shown is provided at the rear of the vehicle, serving as the vehicle's skeleton. The rear frame structure 10 is integrally formed by casting.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle includes a rear frame main body 11, which is configured to include a pair of left and right wheel arch portions 12, a floor portion 14, and longitudinal beam portions 16 extending from the pair of left and right wheel arch portions 12 toward the front and rear of the vehicle. Here, the floor portion 14 is disposed between the pair of left and right wheel arch portions 12, forming the floor portion of the rear of the vehicle. The longitudinal beam portion 16 extends from the pair of left and right wheel arch portions 12 toward the front and rear of the vehicle.

[0021] The floor section 14 includes a floor base 18 extending in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. Wheel arch sections 12 are provided at the left and right ends of the floor base 18. A generally rectangular opening 20 extending vertically through the floor base 18 is provided approximately at the center of the floor base 18 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. A floor panel (not shown) is provided in this opening.

[0022] The longitudinal beams 16 are provided in pairs, left and right, extending from the front end of the rear frame structure 10 in the longitudinal direction to the rear end. Furthermore, the front ends of the longitudinal beams 16 are connected by a connecting portion 22 extending in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the front part of the rear frame structure 10 is formed into a generally frame shape by the floor base 18, the longitudinal beams 16, and the connecting portion 22. In addition, the longitudinal beams 16 include a rear longitudinal beam 16A extending from the wheel arch portion 12 towards the rear of the vehicle. A bumper reinforcement (not shown) is installed at the rear end of the rear longitudinal beam 16A.

[0023] Furthermore, the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle has a reinforcing portion 30 on the rear side of the wheel arch portion 12, located on the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A. Specifically, as an example, the reinforcing portion 30 connects the rear part of the wheel arch portion 12 to the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A. More specifically, as an example, the reinforcing portion 30 is formed into a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the front of the vehicle, and is arranged such that its corner is located at the boundary between the wheel arch portion 12 and the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A. That is, one side of the reinforcing portion 30 other than its inclined side engages with the upper part of the wheel arch portion 12, and the other side other than its inclined side engages with the rear surface of the wheel arch portion 12. As an example, in the rear frame structure 10 of this embodiment, two reinforcing portions 30 are provided along the rear surface of the wheel arch portion 12.

[0024] Furthermore, the reinforcing part 30 in this embodiment is roughly triangular in shape when viewed from the oblique front of the vehicle, but it can also be other shapes such as a quadrilateral. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle shown, the rear surface of the wheel arch portion 12 is formed obliquely relative to the vehicle width direction, but the rear surface can also be formed parallel to the vehicle width direction. In this case, the reinforcement portion 30 is configured in a generally triangular shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the orientation, shape, and number of the reinforcement portions 30 are not particularly limited as long as they can connect the rear part of the wheel arch portion 12 to the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A.

[0025] The rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle constructed in the above manner includes a rear frame main body 11, namely a pair of left and right wheel arches 12, a floor 14 (floor base 18, opening 20), a longitudinal beam 16 and a connecting part 22, and two reinforcing parts 30, and is integrally formed by casting. Here, the longitudinal beam 16 includes a rear longitudinal beam 16A.

[0026] (Functions and Effects)

[0027] Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0028] In the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, a reinforcing portion 30 is provided on the rear side of the wheel arch portion 12, above the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A. Therefore, the reinforcing portion 30 can suppress the erection of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A during a rear-end collision. In this way, by suppressing the erection of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A, the erection of the wheel arch portion 12 can also be suppressed, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, in the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, the reinforcing part 30 connects the rear part of the wheel arch part 12 and the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam part 16A. Therefore, in the event of a rear-end collision, the input load from the rear longitudinal beam part 16A can be distributed to the wheel arch part 12 via the reinforcing part 30. As a result, the erection of the rear longitudinal beam part 16A during a rear-end collision can be suppressed, and thus the erection of the wheel arch part 12 can also be suppressed, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the rear frame structure 10 of the vehicle.

[0030] <Second Implementation Method>

[0031] Next, the vehicle rear frame structure 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, structures identical to those in the vehicle rear frame structure 10 of the first embodiment described above are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted here; only the different structures will be described in detail. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing details of the main part of the rear frame structure 10A of the vehicle according to the second embodiment, including the reinforcing part 32.

[0032] Compared to the vehicle rear frame structure 10 of the first embodiment described above, such as Figure 2 As shown, the rear frame structure 10A of the vehicle in the second embodiment also has reinforcing ribs (also called support members) 13 on the upper part of a pair of wheel arch portions 12. As an example, the reinforcing ribs 13 extend in the upward direction of the vehicle along the inner side 12A of the wheel arch portion 12 in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcing ribs 13 are formed with an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0033] The reinforcing rib 13 extends upward from the upper part of the wheel arch portion 12. The reinforcing rib 13 has a main body 13A that opens outward in the vehicle width direction and extends upward. The main body 13A bends inward in the vehicle width direction. The main body 13A has an upper flange 13B at its upper end that bends inward in the vehicle width direction. This upper flange 13B engages with the upper side beam 24 of the vehicle. As an engagement method, it can be fastened with bolts or other known methods.

[0034] In addition, the main body 13A has flange portions 13C extending from the outer ends of the main body 13A in the vehicle longitudinal direction on both sides. Furthermore, the flange portions 13C are engaged with a common panel 40 disposed on the outer side of the wheel arch portion 12 in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] The common panel 40 is disposed on the outer side of the upper part of the wheel arch portion 12 in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the common panel 40 functions as an endurance wall. In this embodiment, the common panel 40 is integrally formed, but it may also be formed from multiple parts. Furthermore, the common panel 40 may be integrally formed with the rear frame structure 10A of the vehicle, or it may be formed separately.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rear frame structure 10A of the vehicle has a reinforcing portion 32 on the rear side of the wheel arch portion 12, which is provided on the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A. Specifically, as an example, the reinforcing portion 32 is provided on the common panel 40. More specifically, the reinforcing portion 32 connects the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A to the inner side surface of the common panel 40. In this embodiment, three reinforcing portions 32 are arranged along the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A at intervals between each other.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear frame structure 10A of the vehicle has three reinforcing parts 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. There may be one or more reinforcing parts 32. Additionally, the shape of the reinforcing parts 32 is not limited to a roughly triangular shape; it may also be a roughly quadrilateral shape, and can be appropriately modified. Furthermore, the reinforcing parts 32 can be provided on the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam 16A on the rear side of the wheel arch 12, or they may not be strictly connected to the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam 16A. That is, they may also be provided on... Figure 2 The reinforcement part 32 is provided at the position indicated by the dotted line. The position of the reinforcement part 32 can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the periphery of the wheel cover part 12 and the common panel 40, etc.

[0038] The rear frame structure 10A of the vehicle, as described above, includes a rear frame main body 11, namely a pair of wheel arches 12, a floor 14 (floor base 18, opening 20), a longitudinal beam 16 and a connecting part 22, a reinforcing rib 13, and three reinforcing parts 32, and is integrally formed by casting.

[0039] (Functions and Effects)

[0040] Next, the effects of the second embodiment will be explained.

[0041] In the rear frame structure 10A of the vehicle according to the second embodiment, since the reinforcing part 32 is provided on the common panel 40, the rigidity of the common panel 40, which serves as an endurance wall, can also be improved. In addition, in the event of a rear-end collision, the reinforcing part 32 can disperse the input load input to the rear longitudinal beam 16A to the common panel 40.

[0042] Furthermore, in the rear frame structure 10A of the second embodiment, the strength can be improved by integrally forming the rear frame main body 11 and the reinforcing rib 13. Additionally, when the rear longitudinal beam 16A and wheel arch 12 stand up during a rear-end collision, the upper end of the reinforcing rib 13 is pressed down by the upper side beam 24. This presses down the wheel arch 12 as a whole, thus suppressing its standing up. Therefore, the overall rigidity of the rear frame structure 10A of the vehicle can be improved.

[0043] <Third Implementation Method>

[0044] Next, the vehicle rear frame structure 10B according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, structures identical to those in the vehicle rear frame structure 10A of the second embodiment described above are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted here; only the different structures will be described in detail. Figure 3 A side view is shown schematically of the rear frame structure 10B of the vehicle according to the third embodiment.

[0045] In the reinforcing rib 43 of the rear frame structure 10B of the vehicle in the third embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the two ends of the reinforcing rib 43 in the vehicle longitudinal direction extend continuously from the two ends of the wheel arch portion 12 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the reinforcing rib 43 has a main body 43A that is open on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extends upward from the upper part of the wheel arch 12.

[0046] The main body 43A curves inward in the vehicle width direction. The main body 43A has lower flange portions 43C extending from the outer ends of the main body 43A in the vehicle longitudinal direction on both sides. The lower flange portions 43C extend downward beyond the lower end of the main body 43A, and the extended portion 43D engages with the wheel arch portion 12. The width of the extended portion 43D narrows as it faces downward; for example, it extends to a height near the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0047] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the rear frame structure 10B of the vehicle has a reinforcing portion 34 on the rear side of the wheel arch portion 12, which is provided on the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A. Specifically, as an example, the reinforcing portion 34 is continuously formed from the reinforcing rib portion 43. That is, the reinforcing portion 34 connects the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam portion 16A to the reinforcing rib portion 43.

[0048] In this embodiment, as an example, the upper end (one end) of the reinforcing part 34 is connected to the main body 43A of the reinforcing rib part 43, and the lower end (the other end) is connected to the upper surface of the reinforcing rib part 43. In the vehicle rear frame structure 10B of this embodiment, as an example, one reinforcing part 34 is provided, but multiple reinforcing parts 34 may also be provided in a manner that has gaps in the vehicle width direction.

[0049] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the shape of the reinforcing part 34 is not particularly limited. In side view, it can be approximately triangular or approximately quadrilateral, or it can be appropriately modified. In addition, in this embodiment, the reinforcing part 34 is continuously formed to the center of the vertical direction of the reinforcing rib part 43, but it can also be continuously formed to the upper end of the reinforcing rib part 43.

[0050] The vehicle rear frame structure 10B constructed as described above includes a rear frame main body 11, namely a pair of left and right wheel arches 12, a floor 14 (floor base 18, opening 20), a longitudinal beam 16 and connecting part 22, a reinforcing rib 43, and a reinforcing part 34, and is integrally formed by casting.

[0051] (Functions and Effects)

[0052] Next, the effects of the third embodiment will be explained.

[0053] In the rear frame structure 10B of the third embodiment, strength is improved by integrally forming the rear frame main body 11 and the reinforcing rib 43. Furthermore, when the rear longitudinal beam 16A and wheel arch 12 stand up during a rear-end collision, the upper end of the reinforcing rib 43 is pressed down by the upper side beam 24. This presses down the wheel arch 12 as a whole, thus suppressing its standing up. Therefore, the overall rigidity of the rear frame structure 10B of the vehicle is improved.

[0054] Furthermore, in the vehicle rear frame structure 10B of the third embodiment, the two ends of the reinforcing rib 43 in the vehicle longitudinal direction extend continuously from the two ends of the wheel arch 12 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, load can be smoothly transferred between the reinforcing rib 43 and the wheel arch 12.

[0055] Furthermore, in the rear frame structure 10B of the vehicle according to the third embodiment, the reinforcing part 34 is continuously formed from the reinforcing rib part 43. Therefore, in the event of a rear-end collision, the input load input to the rear longitudinal beam part 16A can be dispersed to the reinforcing rib part 43 through the reinforcing part 34.

[0056] <Supplementary Notes>

[0057] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the upper end of the reinforcing rib is joined to the upper side beam 24, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, it can also be joined with the rear column 25.

[0058] Furthermore, the structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments; the structure can be appropriately modified as long as the problem can be solved.

Claims

1. A rear frame structure for a vehicle, comprising: The rear frame main body is integrally formed by casting and includes a wheel arch section and a rear longitudinal beam section extending from the lower rear part of the wheel arch section toward the rear of the vehicle; and The reinforcing part is integrally formed with the main body of the rear frame and is provided on the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam on the rear side of the wheel arch.

2. The vehicle rear frame structure according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing section connects the rear part of the wheel arch section to the upper part of the rear longitudinal beam section.

3. The vehicle rear frame structure according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing part is located on the common panel.

4. The vehicle rear frame structure according to claim 1, wherein, The rear frame structure of the vehicle has a reinforcing rib, which is integrally formed with the main body of the rear frame and extends from the upper part of the wheel arch in the vertical direction of the vehicle toward the upper side of the vehicle, and its upper end is joined to the upper beam or column. The reinforcing portion is continuously formed from the reinforcing rib portion.

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