Vehicle under structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to a vehicle lower structure which is provided with a floor carpet, a middle component arranged below the floor carpet, an electrical storage device arranged below the middle component and a seat arranged above the floor carpet, and the middle component comprises a first component, a second component, a third component and a fourth component, and a second member having an overlapping portion that overlaps the seat in the vertical direction and a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the seat in the vertical direction. The flame retardancy of the first member is higher than the flame retardancy of the second member.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-139898, there are known vehicle lower structures equipped with energy storage devices. Utility Model Content

[0003] In vehicle substructures equipped with energy storage devices, higher flame retardancy is preferred; however, flame retardant components are often expensive. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle substructure that achieves flame retardancy at a lower cost.

[0004] The vehicle lower structure disclosed herein includes: a floor carpet forming part of the vehicle compartment; an intermediate member disposed below the floor carpet; an energy storage device disposed below the intermediate member; and a seat disposed above the floor carpet. The intermediate member includes: a first member that overlaps with the seat in the vertical direction; and a second member having an overlapping portion that overlaps with the seat in the vertical direction and a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the seat in the vertical direction. The first member has a higher flame retardancy than the second member.

[0005] Based on the above configuration, a vehicle lower structure can be provided that achieves flame retardancy at a lower cost by ensuring high flame retardancy in the portion that overlaps with the seat in the vertical direction and reducing the amount of expensive flame-retardant resin used in the portion that does not overlap with the seat in the vertical direction.

[0006] In the above disclosure, it may include a lower frame comprising a pair of sidemembers, a front member connecting the front portions of the pair of sidemembers to each other, a rear member connecting the rear portions of the pair of sidemembers to each other, and a cross member connecting the middle portions of the pair of sidemembers in the vehicle longitudinal direction to each other. The intermediate member is configured to fill the space formed inside the multiple beams (members) of the pair of sidemembers, the front member, the cross member, and the rear member.

[0007] Based on the above configuration, intermediate members can be arranged without gaps in the space formed inside the multiple beams, which are a pair of longitudinal beams, a front beam, a cross beam, and a rear beam.

[0008] In the above disclosure, the thermal conductivity of the second component may be lower than that of the first component.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the second member of the intermediate member, which has a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the seat in the vertical direction, is prone to transmitting heat from the energy storage device to the occupant sitting in the seat. Therefore, by reducing the thermal conductivity of this portion, it is possible to suppress the transmission of heat from the energy storage device to the feet of the occupant sitting in the seat.

[0010] Alternatively, the vehicle lower structure disclosed above may also include a metal sheet disposed between the floor carpet and the first and second components.

[0011] According to the above configuration, for example, the heat generated in the energy storage device and directed upwards can be dispersed in the horizontal direction at the height position of the metal sheet.

[0012] In the above disclosure, the metal sheet may be configured to contact the crossbeam.

[0013] According to the above configuration, for example, the heat generated in the energy storage device and directed upwards can be dispersed horizontally at the height of the metal sheet and transferred to the crossbeam.

[0014] In the above disclosure, the metal sheet may be arranged to cover the entire first member, the second member, and the crossbeam from above.

[0015] Based on the above configuration, the flow of air and other contaminants from the upper side of the metal sheet to the lower side of the intermediate component can be prevented, thereby achieving a higher flame-retardant effect on the lower side of the metal sheet.

[0016] Alternatively, the vehicle lower structure disclosed above may also include an expansion member disposed between the crossbeam and the energy storage device and expanded at least in the vertical direction by being heated.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the expansion member is a member that expands by heating, thereby increasing its volume and thus increasing the distance between the intermediate member and the energy storage device.

[0018] Alternatively, the vehicle lower structure disclosed above may have a channel for airflow generated by an air conditioning system for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle, the channel having an outlet that is configured to provide airflow to the location between the first component or the second component and the energy storage device.

[0019] Based on the above configuration, the intermediate components can be cooled by airflow from the air conditioning system, and the heat transfer from the energy storage device to the occupants can be suppressed.

[0020] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which is understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a vehicle 1 having the vehicle lower structure 10 of embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the cabin 13 of the vehicle 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lower structure 10 in Embodiment 1, viewed from the front side of vehicle 1, along with... Figure 4 The sectional view along line III-III is equivalent to that shown in the view.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the lower structure 10 of the vehicle in Embodiment 1, viewed from the left side of vehicle 1, along with... Figure 3 The sectional view along line IV-IV is equivalent to that shown in the view.

[0025] Figure 5 It is Figure 4 A portion of the image is shown in magnification.

[0026] Figure 6 and Figure 4 The corresponding view is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lower structure 10 in Embodiment 1 exploded.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the vehicle lower structure 10 in Embodiment 1 exploded.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lower structure 10A in Embodiment 2, compared to that in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 correspond.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lower structure 10B in Embodiment 3, compared to that in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 correspond.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lower structure 10C in Embodiment 4, compared to that in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 correspond. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. In the embodiments described below, when numbers, quantities, etc., are mentioned, the scope of this disclosure is not necessarily limited to those numbers, quantities, etc., unless specifically stated otherwise. Each constituent element is not necessarily essential to this disclosure unless specifically stated otherwise. Sometimes the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts and equivalent parts, and descriptions are not repeated.

[0032] In the following description, the arrows F, B, U, D, L, and R used in the diagrams indicate directions relative to the vehicle. Arrow F indicates "forward", arrow B indicates "rear", arrow U indicates "above", arrow D indicates "below", arrow L indicates "left", and arrow R indicates "right".

[0033] [Implementation Method 1]

[0034] (Vehicle 1)

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The vehicle 1 having the vehicle lower structure 10 in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a side view of vehicle 1. Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the cabin 13 of vehicle 1.

[0036] Vehicle 1 is, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an electric vehicle that can be driven by a motor. Vehicle 1 includes a passenger compartment 13, seats 11 and 12 for occupants, and a vehicle substructure 10. Figure 1 ).

[0037] (Vehicle substructure 10)

[0038] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the lower structure 10 of the vehicle as seen from the front side of vehicle 1, along with... Figure 4 The sectional view along line III-III is equivalent to that shown in the view. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the lower structure 10 of the vehicle viewed from the left side of vehicle 1, along with... Figure 3 The sectional view along line IV-IV is equivalent to that shown in the view. Figure 5 It is Figure 4 A portion of the image is shown in magnification. Figure 6 and Figure 4 The corresponding view is a sectional view showing the lower structure 10 of the vehicle disassembled. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the disassembled lower structure 10 of the vehicle.

[0039] like Figures 3-7 (in particular Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the vehicle's lower structure 10 includes a floor carpet 14, a middle component 20, a lower frame 15, and an energy storage device 40.

[0040] (Lower frame 15)

[0041] The lower frame 15, for example, supports the energy storage device 40. Here, the lower frame 15 ( Figure 7 It includes a pair of longitudinal beams 16L and 16R, a front beam 16F, a rear beam 16B, and crossbeams 17 and 18. The front beam 16F extends in the vehicle width direction, connecting the front portions of the pair of longitudinal beams 16L and 16R to each other. The rear beam 16B extends in the vehicle width direction, connecting the rear portions of the pair of longitudinal beams 16L and 16R to each other. The crossbeams 17 and 18 also extend in the vehicle width direction, connecting the midway portions of the pair of longitudinal beams 16L and 16R to each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0042] A plurality of beams, including a pair of longitudinal beams 16L and 16R, a front beam 16F, crossbeams 17 and 18, and a rear beam 16B, form spaces (spaces SP1, SP2, SP3) inside these beams. In this embodiment, the pair of longitudinal beams 16L and 16R, the front beam 16F, and the crossbeam 17 are arranged in a rectangular shape, and space SP1 is formed inside them. Figure 6 , Figure 7 Similarly, a pair of longitudinal beams 16L, 16R and transverse beams 17, 18 are configured in a square shape, with a space SP2 formed on their inner sides.

[0043] A pair of longitudinal beams 16L and 16R, a crossbeam 18, and a rear beam 16B are arranged in a square frame, with a space SP3 formed on their inner sides. The vehicle lower structure 10 does not include any components made of metal plates, such as floor panels. The vehicle lower structure 10 extends vertically through the spaces SP1, SP2, and SP3 at the portions where they are located.

[0044] (Intermediate component 20)

[0045] Intermediate component 20 is disposed beneath floor carpet 14. Intermediate component 20 is disposed such that it fills at least one of the aforementioned spaces SP1, SP2, and SP3. Intermediate component 20 includes first components 21A and 21B, and second components 22A and 22B. First components 21A and 21B, and second components 22A and 22B, are, for example, constructed from components containing foamed resin and have a block-like shape. First components 21A and 21B, and second components 22A and 22B, can be constructed from components that are lighter and more flexible than metal.

[0046] The first component 21A and the second component 22A are arranged, for example, adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. The first component 21A and the second component 22A are integrated with each other and have approximately the same size and shape as space SP1. The first component 21A and the second component 22A are arranged to fill space SP1. Figure 6 , Figure 7 ).

[0047] The second component 22B has approximately the same size and shape as space SP2, and is configured to fill space SP2. The first component 21B has approximately the same size and shape as space SP3, and is configured to fill space SP3.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 Although details will be described later, the first component 21A is arranged to overlap with the seat 11 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the second component 22A has an overlapping portion 24 that overlaps with the seat 11 in the vertical direction and a non-overlapping portion 23 that does not overlap with the seat 11 in the vertical direction.

[0049] (Floor carpet 14 and seats 11 and 12)

[0050] Floor carpet 14 is a component that forms part of the vehicle compartment 13 above floor carpet 14. Seats 11 and 12 are positioned above floor carpet 14. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, inside the cabin 13, above the floor carpet 14, a pair of seats 11 are arranged side by side, with a seat 12 arranged behind them.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the floor carpet 14 is positioned above the intermediate members 20 (first members 21A, 21B and second members 22A, 22B). The floor carpet 14 may be positioned in direct contact with the upper surfaces of the first members 21A, 21B and the second members 22A, 22B. Between the floor carpet 14 and the first members 21A, 21B and the second members 22A, 22B, appropriate fasteners to prevent movement of the floor carpet 14 and anti-slip structures (face-fitting fasteners, Velcro, etc.) may be provided. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the floor carpet 14 is composed of a single member, but the floor carpet 14 may also be composed of multiple members.

[0052] (Electric storage device 40)

[0053] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the energy storage device 40 is positioned below the intermediate components 20 (first components 21A, 21B and second components 22A, 22B). The energy storage device 40 ( Figure 3 The device includes an energy storage module 41 and a housing 42. The energy storage module 41 is housed in the housing 42 and includes a plurality of energy storage units 41C arranged in a horizontal direction. The energy storage units 41C are configured as batteries that store electricity supplied to the motor. The plurality of energy storage units 41C can be stacked in the vehicle width direction or in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0054] Casing 42 ( Figure 3 It has a top plate 43, an adhesive 44, side walls 45, an inner wall 46, a support member 47, and a bottom plate 48. The top plate 43, a pair of side walls 45, and the bottom plate 48 are made of, for example, FRP, and these components form the outer contour structure of the housing 42, in which the adhesive 44, the inner wall 46, the support member 47, and the energy storage module 41 are disposed.

[0055] The energy storage module 41 (each of the plurality of energy storage units 41C) is bonded to the top plate 43 via adhesive 44. Internal walls 46 are respectively disposed on both outer sides of the energy storage module 41 (the plurality of energy storage units 41C) in the stacking direction. A support member 47, having a plate-like shape, is disposed between the energy storage module 41 and the bottom plate 48. The internal walls 46 are integrated with the top plate 43 by fastener 61 and with the bottom plate 48 by fastener 62.

[0056] The energy storage device 40, configured as described above, is connected by multiple fastening connections 63. Figure 3 The energy storage device 40 is then securely connected to, for example, longitudinal beams 16L and 16R in the lower frame 15. Thus, the energy storage device 40 is supported by the lower frame 15. Seals 51 and 52 can be disposed between the energy storage device 40 (top plate 43) and the lower frame 15 (front beam 16F, longitudinal beam 16R). Figure 4 , Figure 6 ).

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, the energy storage device 40 is disposed below the intermediate members 20 (first members 21A, 21B and second members 22A, 22B). Alternatively, the energy storage device 40 (top plate 43) may be disposed in direct contact with the lower surfaces of the first members 21A, 21B and the second members 22A, 22B (see also...). Figure 3 ).

[0058] (Intermediate component 20 and flame retardancy)

[0059] As described above, the intermediate member 20 includes first members 21A and 21B and second members 22A and 22B. The first members 21A and 21B are arranged to overlap with the seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the second members 22A and 22B have overlapping portions that overlap with the seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction (in the case of the second member 22A, the overlapping portion 24 that overlaps with the seat 11) and non-overlapping portions that do not overlap with the seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction (in the case of the second member 22A, the non-overlapping portion 23 that does not overlap with the seat 11).

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, for example, a reference line 11M is defined that extends downward in the vertical direction through the front end 11T of the seat 11 (in this case, the seat cushion), and a reference line 11N is defined that extends downward in the vertical direction through the rear end 11V of the seat 11 (in this case, the seat cushion). In this embodiment, the first member 21A is located between the reference line 11M and the reference line 11N in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (see also [reference]). Figure 2 The first component 21A is constructed in a manner that overlaps with the seat 11.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, for example, a reference line 11M is defined that extends through the front end 11T of the seat 11 and toward the lower side in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the non-overlapping portion 23 of the second member 22A is disposed in front of the reference line 11M, and the overlapping portion 24 of the second member 22A is disposed behind the reference line 11M.

[0062] Component 22B (refer to) Figure 4 The portion of the second component 22B that is close to the rear end of the second component 22B is configured to overlap with the seat 12 in the vertical direction, while the majority of the second component 22B is configured not to overlap with the seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction.

[0063] Here, the flame retardancy of the first components 21A and 21B is higher than that of the second components 22A and 22B. For example, the first components 21A and 21B are made of resin materials having a higher flame retardancy than the components constituting the second components 22A and 22B.

[0064] Examples of flame retardancy assessments include UL standards (Underwriter's Laboratories: UL Test No. 94). Components that improve flame retardancy include, for example, glass cloth, carbon cloth made of carbon fiber, fluorofiber cloth made of fluorofiber, and fluoropolymer films. For example, substances obtained by using resin materials such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as a base material and adding halides, antimony oxide, glass fiber, etc., can also be used.

[0065] (Functions and effects)

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the floor carpet 14 is positioned above the intermediate members 20 (first members 21A, 21B and second members 22A, 22B), and the energy storage device 40 is positioned below the intermediate members 20 (first members 21A, 21B and second members 22A, 22B). In the vehicle lower structure 10, there are no components made of metal, such as steel plates, generally referred to as floor panels. With the energy storage device 40 positioned directly below the floor panel, the floor panel can exhibit flame-retardant properties.

[0067] In the lower structure 10 of the vehicle, the first components 21A and 21B of the intermediate component 20 overlap with the seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction, and the first components 21A and 21B of the intermediate component 20 ensure high flame retardancy. On the other hand, the second components 22A and 22B of the intermediate component 20 have non-overlapping portions that do not overlap with the seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction, and the flame retardancy of the second components 22A and 22B is lower than that of the first components 21A and 21B.

[0068] The vehicle lower structure can be provided in a way that ensures high flame retardancy in the portion that overlaps with seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction and reduces the amount of expensive flame-retardant resin used in the portion that does not overlap with seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction, thereby achieving flame retardancy at a lower cost.

[0069] [Modification of Implementation Method 1]

[0070] As a variation of the above-described embodiment 1, the thermal conductivity of the second components 22A and 22B can be configured to be lower than that of the first components 21A and 21B.

[0071] Regarding the portion of the intermediate member 20 that overlaps with seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction (first members 21A and 21B), taking into account the heat transfer path, heat from the energy storage device 40 is transferred to the occupants seated in seats 11 and 12 via the intermediate member 20, the floor carpet 14, and seats 11 and 12.

[0072] On the other hand, regarding the portion of the intermediate member 20 that does not overlap with the seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction (the second member 22A and 22B), the heat from the energy storage device 40 is transferred to the feet of the occupants seated in the seats 11 and 12 without passing through the seats 11 and 12.

[0073] That is, the portion of the intermediate member 20 that does not overlap with the seats 11 and 12 in the vertical direction (the non-overlapping portion of the second members 22A and 22B) is prone to transferring heat from the energy storage device 40 to the occupants seated in the seats 11 and 12. Therefore, by reducing the thermal conductivity of this portion (e.g., the non-overlapping portion of the second members 22A and 22B), it is possible to suppress the transfer of heat from the energy storage device 40 to the feet of the occupants seated in the seats 11 and 12.

[0074] [Implementation Method 2]

[0075] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lower structure 10A in Embodiment 2, compared to that in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 Correspondingly, the vehicle's lower structure 10A also includes a metal sheet 30 disposed between the floor carpet 14 and the first components 21A, 21B and the second components 22A, 22B.

[0076] In this embodiment, the metal sheet 30 is arranged in contact with a total of two first components 21A and 21B and a total of two second components 22A and 22B. It is preferable that the metal sheet 30 is arranged in contact with at least one first component and at least one second component. The metal sheet 30 can be formed, for example, from aluminum foil. With this configuration, for example, heat generated in the energy storage device 40 and directed upwards can be dispersed horizontally at the height of the metal sheet 30.

[0077] Alternatively, the metal sheet 30 may be configured to contact the crossbeams 17 and 18. With this configuration, for example, heat generated in the energy storage device 40 and directed upwards can be dispersed horizontally at the height of the metal sheet 30 and transferred to the crossbeams 17 and 18.

[0078] Alternatively, the metal sheet 30 can be arranged to cover the first members 21A, 21B, the second members 22A, 22B, and the crossbeams 17, 18 from the top. With this configuration, air and other contaminants can be prevented from flowing from the top of the metal sheet 30 towards the intermediate member 20 below, resulting in a higher flame-retardant effect on the lower side of the metal sheet 30.

[0079] [Implementation Method 3]

[0080] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lower structure 10B in Embodiment 3, compared to that in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 Corresponding. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the vehicle's lower structure 10B also includes an expansion member 32 disposed between the crossbeams 17 and 18 and the energy storage device 40 and which expands at least in the vertical direction by being heated.

[0081] The expansion member 32 is a member that expands by heating, increasing its volume and thus increasing the distance between the intermediate member 20 and the energy storage device 40. The expansion member 32 can be made of, for example, a member comprising expanded graphite and a thermoplastic elastomer. The expansion member 32 can also be made of polyurethane resin or silicone resin (silicone sheet, silicone rubber sheet, etc.). The expansion member 32 is not limited to a sheet shape; it can also be coated on the lower surface of the intermediate member 20 and the upper surface of the energy storage device 40.

[0082] [Implementation Method 4]

[0083] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lower structure 10C in Embodiment 4, compared to that in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 Corresponding. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the vehicle of Embodiment 4 has channels 71, 72, and 73 for airflow generated by an air conditioning system for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle. These channels 71, 72, and 73 have outlets 71H, 72H, and 73H, respectively. The outlets 71H, 72H, and 73H are arranged to provide airflow to the position between the first component 21A, 21B or the second component 22A, 22B and the energy storage device 40.

[0084] According to the above configuration, the intermediate component 20 can be cooled by airflow from the air conditioning system, and the heat transfer from the energy storage device 40 to the occupants can be suppressed.

[0085] Embodiments of this utility model have been described, but it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of this utility model is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and equivalent meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle lower structure, comprising: The carpeted floor forms part of the vehicle interior; An intermediate component is disposed beneath the floor carpet; An energy storage device is disposed below the intermediate component; as well as Seating, positioned above the carpeted floor. The intermediate component includes: The first component overlaps with the seat in the vertical direction; and The second component has an overlapping portion that overlaps with the seat in the vertical direction and a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the seat in the vertical direction. The flame retardancy of the first component is higher than that of the second component.

2. The vehicle lower structure according to claim 1, The vehicle's lower structure includes a lower frame, which comprises a pair of longitudinal beams, a front beam connecting the front portions of the pair of longitudinal beams to each other, a rear beam connecting the rear portions of the pair of longitudinal beams to each other, and a crossbeam connecting the midpoints of the pair of longitudinal beams in the vehicle's longitudinal direction to each other. The intermediate member is configured to fill the space formed inside the plurality of beams, which are the pair of longitudinal beams, the front beam, the cross beam, and the rear beam.

3. The vehicle substructure according to claim 1 or 2, The thermal conductivity of the second component is lower than that of the first component.

4. The vehicle substructure according to claim 2, The vehicle's lower structure also includes a metal sheet disposed between the floor carpet and the first and second components.

5. The vehicle substructure according to claim 4, The metal sheet is configured to contact the crossbeam.

6. The vehicle substructure according to claim 4, The metal sheet is arranged to cover the entire first component, the second component, and the crossbeam from above.

7. The vehicle substructure according to claim 2, The vehicle's lower structure also includes an expansion member disposed between the crossbeam and the energy storage device and expands at least in the vertical direction by being heated.

8. The vehicle substructure according to claim 1, The vehicle's lower structure includes channels for airflow generated by an air conditioning system used to adjust the temperature inside the vehicle. The channel has a blow-out port. The outlet is configured to provide airflow to the location between the first component or the second component and the energy storage device.

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