VEHICLE FRAME CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Vehicle frame construction (10) with: two beams (12) extending on both sides of a vehicle width direction in a vehicle length direction; two die-cast elements (24), each die-cast element being connected to at least one rear end section of one of the two spars (12); a first cross member (18) extending in the vehicle width direction and connected to the two die-cast elements (24); and a second cross member (20) which is provided on the two die-cast elements (24) on at least either a front side or a rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the first cross member (18), wherein the second cross member (20) extends in the width direction of the vehicle and connects the two die-cast elements (24), characterized in that each of the two die-cast elements (24) is connected to the rear end section of one of the two beams (12) and each of the two die-cast elements (24) has a hat-like cross-sectional shape when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, which is open to an outside of each of the two die-cast elements (24) in the vehicle width direction; a curved section (24B), which is set back from the top view to an inside in the vehicle width direction, is formed at a rear end section of each of the two die-cast elements (24); and an outer sheet (46) is bent to fit an outer shape of the bent section (24B) and is connected to the bent section (24B) such that the rear end section of each of the two die-cast elements (24) forms a closed cross-sectional structure.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle frame construction according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] 2007-106 JP 320 A discloses a frame structure of a vehicle. This frame structure includes a front frame forming a frame at a front portion of the vehicle, a rear frame forming the frame at the rear portion of the vehicle, and a center frame forming the frame between the front frame and rear frame.

[0003] Standardized components can be attached to a longitudinal end portion of the front frame and rear frame, which can selectively change the length in the forward / rearward direction of the vehicle or the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, a common frame can be used for vehicles with different power units, different vehicle sizes, etc., because it is easy to extend or shorten the vehicle frame in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0004] DE 10 2015 223 280 A1 teaches a rear axle design for an electric vehicle with rear-wheel drive. Particular attention is paid to the problem of creating sufficient space between the wheels for an electric motor instead of the differential provided there (in combustion engines).

[0005] DE 10 2016 209 614 A1 shows an axle beam with two longitudinal and two cross beams. One of the cross beams is installed under tensile stress.

[0006] DE 10 2013 002 701 A1 proposes combining two components with different internal structures. This is intended to achieve greater strength after assembly.

[0007] DE 10 2011 111 708 A1 describes a subframe for a motor vehicle body. Different areas exhibit different strengths in the longitudinal direction in order to induce targeted deformation in the event of an accident.

[0008] DE 10 2009 020 305 A1 describes an axle beam in which two half-shell-shaped profiles are used instead of the conventional tubular connections between cast nodes. This is intended to make the cast nodes themselves less complex to form and increase the rigidity of the axle beam.

[0009] DE 10 2009 004 310 B4 discloses a construction according to the preamble of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims. SUMMARY

[0010] Methods explained in JP 2007-106320 A for using a unified frame in vehicles of different sizes include a method in which spars and cross members, which together form a frame structure, are connected by die-cast elements. When a frontal or rear-end collision occurs, collision loads tend to concentrate on the die-cast elements. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in preventing deformation of the die-cast parts.

[0011] Taking the above-described circumstances into consideration, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a vehicle frame structure which, in a structure in which spars and cross members are connected by die-casting members, can suppress the deformation of the die-casting members in a frontal collision or a rear-end collision.

[0012] A vehicle frame construction according to a first aspect of the present disclosure solves this problem by means of the features listed in claim 1.

[0013] In the vehicle frame structure according to the first aspect, each die-cast member is connected to one or both of the front end portion and the rear end portion of one of the two spars extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The two die-cast members are connected to each other via the first cross member extending in the vehicle width direction. Since the spars are connected to the first cross member via the die-cast members, the definition of connecting portions for the first cross member on the spars is unnecessary. This simplifies the use of the frame structure for vehicles of different sizes.

[0014] The second cross member, extending in the vehicle width direction, is provided on the two die-casting members at the front or rear of the first cross member in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The two die-casting members are connected to each other via the second cross member. In a frontal or rear-end collision, one of the two die-casting members deforms in the vehicle width direction when a collision load is applied to it. However, this deformation can be suppressed by the second cross member connecting the two die-casting members.The meaning of the sentence "(The second cross member is provided on) the die-casting elements at the front or rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the first cross member" means that in a case where the die-casting elements are connected to and through the first cross member at front end portions of the spars, the term "front side" refers to a position relative to the first cross member in the vehicle longitudinal direction further toward a vehicle front side, and in a case where the die-casting elements are connected to and through the first cross member at rear end portions of the spars, the term "rear side" refers to a position relative to the first cross member in the vehicle longitudinal direction toward a vehicle rear side.

[0015] In a vehicle frame structure according to the invention, each of the pair of die-cast members is connected to the rear end portion of one of the pair of pillars, and each of the pair of die-cast members has a hat-like cross-sectional shape, as viewed from the vehicle rear side, which is open to an outer side of each of the pair of die-cast members in the vehicle width direction; a bent portion, which is recessed toward an inner side in the vehicle width direction as viewed from the plan view, is formed at a rear end portion of each of the pair of die-cast members; and an outer panel is connected to the bent portion such that the rear end portion of each of the pair of die-cast members forms a closed-section structure.

[0016] In the vehicle frame structure according to the invention, each of the two die-cast members is connected to the rear end portion of one of the two pillars, and the cross-sectional shape of each die-cast member is a hat shape, which is open to the outside of the respective die-cast member in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the vehicle rear. The bent portion, which is recessed to the inside in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the top view, is formed at the rear end portion of each of the two die-cast members. The outer panel is connected to the bent portion in such a way that the rear end portion of each of the two die-cast members is formed as a closed cross-sectional structure. Therefore, the rigidity of the die-cast members can be improved.Although the tensile load acts on one of the bent portions formed on the die-casting element during a rear-end collision, the outer panel absorbs part of the tensile load. Therefore, the tensile load acting on the die-casting element can be mitigated.

[0017] In a vehicle frame structure according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an end portion on the outer side of the outer panel in the vehicle width direction is configured to be connectable to a frame member having a closed cross-sectional structure.

[0018] In the vehicle frame structure of the further aspect, the end portion on the outer side of each outer panel in the vehicle width direction is connected to the frame member. Therefore, the origin of a moment acting on the die-cast member during a rear-end collision can be transmitted to a region of the connection with the frame member. Consequently, the deformation of the die-cast member can be more effectively suppressed than in a structure in which an end portion on the outer side of each outer panel in the vehicle width direction is connected to a die-cast member.

[0019] In a vehicle frame structure according to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the second cross member is provided at a vehicle rear side relative to a front end portion of the bent portion of each of the two die-cast members.

[0020] In the vehicle frame structure of yet another aspect, the second cross member is provided relative to the front end portion of the bent portions of each of the two die-casting members at the vehicle rear. Forces in the vehicle width direction are likely to act on portions of the die-casting members relative to the front end portions of the bent portion at the vehicle rear during a rear-end collision. Therefore, deformations of the portions in the vehicle width direction can be effectively suppressed by the second cross member provided at these portions.

[0021] According to the vehicle frame structure of the invention, an excellent effect is achieved in that, in a structure in which spars and cross members are connected by die-casting members, the deformation of the die-casting members can be suppressed in a frontal collision or a rear-end collision.

[0022] According to the vehicle frame structure of the invention, an excellent effect is achieved in that tensile loads acting on the die-cast member can be alleviated.

[0023] According to the vehicle frame structure of the further aspect, an excellent effect is achieved in that the moments acting on the die-casting members can be mitigated.

[0024] According to the vehicle frame structure of still another aspect, an excellent effect is achieved in that the deformation of the die-cast member in the vehicle width direction can be effectively suppressed. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an entire frame of a vehicle to which a vehicle frame structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is applied; Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating essential portions of the vehicle to which a vehicle frame structure according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is applied; Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the essential portions of the vehicle to which a vehicle frame structure according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is applied; Fig. 4 is a view illustrating the essential portions of the vehicle to which a vehicle frame structure according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, which is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which an outer panel has been removed; Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a section along line 5-5 in Fig. 2; and Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional plan view illustrating the essential portions of the vehicle to which a vehicle frame structure according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. DETAILED EXPLANATION

[0025] In the following, a vehicle frame construction according to the present disclosure is described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. In the corresponding illustrations, an arrow FR points to the front of the vehicle, an arrow UP points to the top of the vehicle, and an arrow RH points to the right side in the vehicle width direction. When descriptions are given below using the simple directions front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right, unless otherwise stated, these represent the front and rear in the vehicle lengthwise direction, the top and bottom in the vehicle height direction, and the left and right in the vehicle width direction, viewed in a direction of travel.

[0026] As in Fig. 1, a vehicle 10 employing the vehicle frame structure includes pillars or sills 12, a front cross member 14, floor cross members 16, a rear cross member 18 acting as a first cross member, a reinforcing cross member 20 acting as a second cross member, front or front die-cast elements 22 and rear or rear die-cast elements 24.

[0027] The beams 12 are provided as a pair of left and right members extending in the front-to-rear direction or longitudinal direction of the vehicle on both sides of the vehicle width direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, each spar 12 is formed by an extrusion process. In the present exemplary embodiment, the spars 12 are formed, for example, by extrusion of an aluminum alloy.

[0028] Specifically, each pillar 12 is provided with a bottom portion 13 constituting the lower side thereof and a top portion 15 constituting the upper side thereof. In a cross-section viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the bottom portion 13 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The bottom portion 13 is formed as a chamber structure by a bottom upper surface 13A, a bottom lower surface 13B, a bottom inner surface 13C, and a bottom outer surface 13D. An inner cavity of the bottom portion 13 is multi-divided and structured to function as an impact absorption region during a side impact.

[0029] The upper side portion 15 is provided integrally with the upper surface 13A of the lower side portion 13. The upper side portion 15 is disposed on the lower side upper surface 13A outward in the vehicle width direction. The upper side portion 15 has an upper side inner surface 15A projecting upright from the lower side upper surface 13A, an upper side outer surface 15B, and an upper side upper surface 15C. An upper rib 15D projects from a vehicle width-direction central portion of the upper side upper surface 15C toward a vehicle upper side. An end portion of the lower side upper surface 13A, located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, projects beyond the lower side inner surface 13C of the lower side portion 13 toward an inner side in the vehicle width direction. A battery case, not shown in the figures, is attached to this projecting portion of the lower side upper surface 13A.

[0030] As in Fig. 1, a center pillar 26 is connected to a front end portion of the beam 12. The center pillar 26 includes a center pillar inner plate 28 extending in the vehicle height direction. In a top sectional view, the center pillar inner plate 28 has a substantially hat-like shape open to an outer side in the vehicle width direction. A center pillar outer plate, not shown in the figures, is connected to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the center pillar inner plate 28 to form a chamber structure.

[0031] In this exemplary embodiment, the front die-cast elements 22 are connected to the front end portions of the spars 12. Each of the front die-cast elements 22 is manufactured by die casting (metal die casting) and has a substantially L-shape in plan view. The front die-cast elements 22 are provided as a pair of left and right elements at the front end portions of the corresponding spars 12.

[0032] A spar connecting portion 22A, which matches the outer shape of the spar 12, is formed at a rear portion of each front die-cast member 22. The spar connecting portion 22A is connected to the front end portion of the spar 12 via fastening members such as rivets or the like. A cross connecting portion 22B, which projects toward a vehicle interior, is formed at a front portion of the front die-cast member 22. The cross connecting portion 22B is connected to the front cross member 14, which will be described later, via fastening members such as rivets or the like. A protruding portion 22C is formed to protrude from the proximal end side of the cross connecting portion 22B toward a vehicle front side. A front side member, which is not shown in the figures, is connected to the protruding portion 22C.

[0033] A front outer panel 23 is connected to the front side of the front die-cast element 22 via fasteners such as rivets or the like. The front outer panel 23 is formed by bending a metal plate. The front outer panel 23 is connected to the front die-cast element 22, thus forming a closed-section structure.

[0034] The front cross member 14 is arranged at a front side of the vehicle relative to the end portion of the pillar 12 and extends in the vehicle width direction. Two end portions in the vehicle width direction of the front cross member 14 are connected to the cross connecting portions 22B of the front die-cast elements 22.

[0035] The floor cross members 16 are arranged behind the front cross member 14. The floor cross members 16 are arranged between the two pillars 12. In the present exemplary embodiment, three floor cross members 16 are arranged (one floor cross member 16A, one floor cross member 16B, and one floor cross member 16C).

[0036] The floor cross member 16A is arranged at the front of the vehicle, has a substantially hat-like shape in cross section open to a vehicle underside, and is connected to the upper surface of a floor panel 50. Two end portions of the floor cross member 16A in the vehicle width direction are connected to the corresponding side members 12 via connectors 17A. The connectors 17A are formed so that their shapes match the floor cross member 16A and are arranged at each of the two end portions of the floor cross members 16A in the vehicle width direction. Outer sides of the connectors 17A in the vehicle width direction overlap the side members 12 and are connected to the side members 12 via fasteners such as rivets or the like. Inner sides of the connectors 17A in the vehicle width direction overlap the floor cross member 16A and are connected to the floor cross member 16A via fasteners such as rivets or the like.

[0037] The floor cross member 16B is arranged behind the floor cross member 16A. The floor cross member 16B is arranged to be substantially parallel to the floor cross member 16A, has a substantially hat-like cross-sectional shape open to a vehicle underside, and is connected to the upper side of the floor panel 50. Two end portions of the floor cross member 16B in the vehicle width direction are connected to the pillars 12 via connectors 17B, which have a similar shape to the connectors 17A.

[0038] The floor cross member 16C is located further rearward relative to the floor cross member 16B. The floor cross member 16C is arranged to be substantially parallel to the floor cross member 16A and the floor cross member 16B, has a substantially hat-like cross-sectional shape open toward the vehicle underside, and is connected to the upper surface of the floor panel 50. Two end portions of the floor cross member 16C in the vehicle width direction are connected to the pillars 12 via connectors 17C, which are shaped similarly to the connectors 17A.

[0039] Rear pillars 30, which function as frame members, are connected to corresponding end portions of the left and right pillars 12. Each rear pillar 30 extends in the vehicle height direction and is formed as a chamber structure including a rear pillar inner panel 32 and a rear pillar outer panel 34.

[0040] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the rear pillar inner panel 32 includes an inner main body portion 32A, an inner rear flange portion 32B, and an inner front flange portion 32C. The inner main body portion 32A has a substantially L-like shape in a top sectional view, which is divided by a portion extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a portion extending from a rear end portion of this portion to an outer side in the vehicle width direction. The inner rear flange portion 32B extends from an end portion in the vehicle width direction of the inner main body portion 32A. The inner front flange portion 32C extends from a front end portion of the inner main body portion 32A and projects toward a vehicle front side.

[0041] The rear pillar outer panel 34 includes an outer main body portion 34A, an outer rear flange portion 34B, and an outer front flange portion 34C. The outer main body portion 34A has a substantially L-shaped plan view, consisting of a portion extending in the vehicle width direction and a portion extending from an end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of this portion toward the vehicle rear. The outer rear flange portion 34B extends from a rear end portion of the outer main body portion 34A and protrudes toward a vehicle rear. The outer rear flange portion 34B and the inner rear flange portion 34B are joined together to form a rear outer panel, which will be described below.

[0042] The outer front flange portion 34C protrudes from an end portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the outer main body portion 34A toward a vehicle front side. The outer front flange portion 34C and the inner front flange portion 32C are connected to each other. Thus, the chamber structure is formed by the rear pillar inner panel 32 and the rear pillar outer panel 34 being connected to each other.

[0043] As in Fig. 4, a lower end portion of the rear pillar outer panel 34 is formed as a bent portion 34D bent along the pillar 12 toward a vehicle front side. The bent portion 34D overlaps the pillar 12 and is connected to the pillar 12 in this state. Although not shown in the figures, a lower end portion of the rear pillar inner panel 32 is bent along the pillar 12 toward a vehicle rear side and connected to the pillar 12 in a similar manner to the rear pillar outer panel 34. An upper end portion of the rear pillar 30 is connected to a roof rail, which is not shown in the figures.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the rear die-cast members 24 are arranged on the corresponding inner side in the vehicle width direction of the left and right rear pillars 30. Each rear die-cast member 24 is a member formed by die casting (metal die casting) and is connected to a rear end portion of the pillar 12.

[0045] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the rear die-cast member 24 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction in plan view, and a front end portion of the rear die-cast member 24 is connected to the rear end portion of the spar 12. A cross section of the rear die-cast member 24, viewed from the rear, has a hat-like shape that is open to an outside in the vehicle width direction (see Fig. 5).

[0046] The rear die-cast member 24 includes an upper wall portion 40 and a side wall portion 42. The upper wall portion 40 is angled toward a vehicle upper side, extending toward an outer side in the vehicle width direction. An upper flange portion 40A protrudes from an upper end portion (end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction) of the upper wall portion 40 toward a vehicle upper side. Ribs 44 are provided between the upper wall portion 40 and the upper flange portion 40A. In the present exemplary embodiment, four of these ribs 44 are arranged along the vehicle longitudinal direction. The side wall portion 42 extends from a lower end portion (end portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction) of the upper wall portion 40 to a vehicle lower side.A central flange portion 42A projects from a vertically central portion of the side wall portion 42 to an inner side in the vehicle width direction (see . Fig. 5).

[0047] A step portion 24A is provided at a front end portion of the upper wall portion 40 and a front end portion of the side wall portion 42. A portion at a vehicle front side of the upper wall portion 40 is located at a vehicle lower side relative to the step portion 24A. In a state where the upper wall portion 40 overlaps the upper surface 15C of the upper side of the spar 12, the portion at the vehicle front side of the upper wall portion 40 is connected to the upper surface 15C of the upper side via fasteners such as rivets or the like. In a state where a portion of the upper flange portion 40A overlaps the upper rib 15D of the spar 12, the portion of the upper flange portion 40A is connected to the upper rib 15D via fasteners such as rivets or the like.

[0048] A vehicle-front portion of the side wall portion 42 is located on an outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the step portion 24A. In a state where the vehicle-front portion of the side wall portion 42 overlaps the inner surface 15A on the upper side of the spar 12, the portion of the side wall portion 42 is connected to the inner surface 15A on the upper side via fasteners such as rivets or the like. In addition, in a state where the center flange portion 42A overlaps the surface 13A on the lower side of the spar 12, the center flange portion 42A is connected to the surface 13A on the lower side via fasteners such as rivets or the like.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a lower wall portion 43 protrudes from a lower end portion of the side wall portion 42 toward an outer side in the vehicle width direction. The lower wall portion 43 is angled toward a vehicle underside, protruding toward an outer side in the vehicle width direction. A lower flange portion 43A protrudes from a lower end portion of the lower wall portion 43 toward a vehicle underside.

[0050] As in Fig. 2, a bent portion 24B, which is depressed toward an inner side in the vehicle width direction in plan view, is formed at a rear end portion of the rear die-cast member 24. Accordingly, an outer shape in plan view of the rear die-cast member 24 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is depressed toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction from a central portion of the rear die-cast member 24 in the vehicle front-rear direction. A part of the rear die-cast member 24 facing the vehicle front side on an inner side in the vehicle width direction is bent to form a protrusion and extends toward the vehicle rear side.

[0051] The rear outer plate 46 or the rear outer sheet 46 is connected to the bent portion 24B of the rear die-cast member 24. The rear outer sheet 46 is formed from a metal plate member and is bent to fit an outer shape of the bent portion 24B. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, an upper flange portion 46A protrudes from an upper end portion of the rear outer panel 46 toward a vehicle upper side. In a state where the upper flange portion 46A overlaps the upper flange portion 40A of the rear die-cast member 24, the upper flange portion 46A is joined to the upper flange portion 40A. A lower flange portion 46B protrudes from a lower end portion of the rear outer panel 46 toward a vehicle lower side. In a state where the lower flange portion 46B overlaps the lower flange portion 43A of the rear die-cast member 24, the lower flange portion 46B is joined to the lower flange portion 43A. Accordingly, the rear die-cast member 24 and the rear outer panel 46 form a closed cross-sectional structure when viewed from the vehicle rear side.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 6, an outer flange portion 46C protrudes from the end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear outer panel 46 toward a vehicle rear side. In a state where the outer flange portion 46C overlaps both the outer rear flange portion 34B and the inner rear flange portion 32B of the rear pillar 30, the outer flange portion 46C is connected to them via fastening members such as rivets or the like.

[0053] An inner flange portion 46D protrudes from an end portion of the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the rear outer panel 46 toward a vehicle rear side. A rear flange portion 42B is formed at a rear end portion of the side wall portion 42 of the rear die-cast member 24. In a state where the inner flange portion 46D is superimposed on the rear flange portion 42B, the inner flange portion 46D is connected to the rear flange portion 42B via fasteners such as rivets or the like.

[0054] As in Fig. 1, the rear cross member 18 is connected to the front sections of the rear die-cast element 24. The rear cross member 18 extends in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the two rear die-cast elements 24.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the rear cross member 18 is designed as a chamber structure with a substantially rectangular cross section when viewed in the vehicle width direction. A front flange portion 18A protrudes from a front end portion of the rear cross member 18 toward a vehicle front side. An end portion on a right outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front flange portion 18A is superimposed and connected to an upper surface of the center flange portion 42A of the corresponding rear die-cast member 24. As shown in Fig. 3, in a state where a rear end portion of the floor panel 50 is superimposed on a surface of the front flange portion 18A, the floor panel 50 is connected to the surface of the front flange portion 18A.

[0056] Connectors 52 are attached to a front surface portion 18C and an upper surface portion 18B of the rear cross member 18. The rear cross member 18 is connected to the rear die-cast members 24 via these connectors 52. The front surface portion 18C of the rear cross member 18 extends from a rear end of the front flange portion 18A to a vehicle upper side. The upper surface portion 18B has an angled surface extending diagonally to a vehicle upper side from an upper end portion of the front surface portion 18C to a vehicle rear side, and a horizontal surface extending from a rear end portion (upper end portion) of the angled surface to a vehicle rear side. An end portion 52A on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of each connector 52 is formed so that its shape matches the front surface portion 18C and the upper surface portion 18B.In a state where the end portion 52A is superimposed on the front surface portion 18C and the upper surface portion 18B, the end portion 52A is connected to the front surface portion 18C and the upper surface portion 18B via fastening members such as rivets or the like.

[0057] An end portion 52B of the connector 52, located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, is bent along the upper wall portion 40 and the side wall portion 42 of the rear die-cast member 24. In a state where the end portion 52B is abutted against the upper wall portion 40 and the side wall portion 42, the end portion 52B is connected to the upper wall portion 40 and the side wall portion 42 via fastening members such as rivets or the like.

[0058] A corner portion 52C, provided at an end portion in the vehicle width direction on the inside of a rear end portion of the connector 52, overlies a connecting plate 54 that connects the rear cross member 18 to the reinforcement cross member 20. The corner portion 52C is connected to the connecting plate 54 via fasteners such as rivets or the like. Similar structures are also formed at an end portion on the left side of the vehicle of the rear cross member 18.

[0059] As in Fig. 1, the reinforcement cross member 20 is provided on a vehicle rear side (the rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction) of the rear die-cast member 24 relative to the rear cross member 18. The reinforcement cross member 20 is a member that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the two rear die-cast members 24 to each other. From the perspective of the vehicle width direction, the reinforcement cross member 20 is a chamber structure with a substantially rectangular cross section (see Fig. 4).

[0060] As in Fig. 2, the reinforcing cross member 20 is arranged at a vehicle rear relative to a front end portion 24C of the bent portion 24B of each rear die-cast member 24. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 3, a front flange portion 20A protrudes from a front end portion of the reinforcement cross member 20 toward a vehicle front side. An end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front flange portion 20A is superimposed on and connected to the center flange portion 42A of the rear die-cast member 24. In a state where a rear end portion of the connecting plate 54 is superimposed on a surface of the front flange portion 20A, the connecting plate 54 is connected to the front flange portion 20A. Similar to the rear cross member 18, structures may be formed that connect the reinforcement cross member 20 to the rear die-cast members 24 via connectors. - Functionality and effects -

[0061] Now, the operation and effects of the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0062] In the present exemplary embodiment, the rear die-cast members 24 are connected to the corresponding rear end portions of the two pillars 12, and the two rear die-cast members 24 are connected in the vehicle width direction via the rear cross member 18 extending in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, due to the structure in which the pillars 12 and the rear cross member 18 are connected via the rear die-cast members 24, it is not necessary to specify connecting portions for the rear cross member 18 on the pillars 12. As a result, a structure is formed that is easier to apply to vehicles of different sizes. That is, when this structure is to be applied to vehicles with a longer overall length, pillars that are longer in the vehicle longitudinal direction can be used instead of the pillars 12.In this case, it is not necessary for the rear cross member 18 and the spars to be directly connected to each other, since the rear end portions of these spars are connected to the rear die-cast elements 24, and it is not necessary to previously manufacture connecting portions or the like for the rear cross member 18 on the spars.

[0063] In the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement cross member 20 is provided on the rear die-cast members 24 at the vehicle rear side of the rear cross members 18, and the two rear die-cast members 24 are connected to each other via the reinforcement cross member 20. When a collision load acts on the rear die-cast members 24 during a rear-end collision, the rear die-cast members 24 deform toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. At this time, since the two rear die-cast members 24 are connected to each other via the reinforcement cross member 20 as in the present exemplary embodiment, the deformation of the rear die-cast members 24 can be suppressed. Therefore, cases in which the rear die-cast members 24 break and the reinforcement cross member 20, the rear cross member 18, and the like shift toward the vehicle front side (a vehicle inner side) can be suppressed.In particular, in a vehicle in which a battery housing is arranged on a lower side of the floor panel 50, a load effect on the battery can be avoided.

[0064] In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, each rear die-cast member 24 has the hat-like cross-sectional shape open to the outside in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, and the bent portion 24B is formed at the rear end portion of the rear die-cast member 24. The rear outer panel 46 is connected to the bent portion 24B to form the closed cross-sectional structure. Consequently, the rigidity of the rear die-cast member 24 can be improved, and the deformation of the rear die-cast member 24 can be suppressed. During a rear-end collision, tensile stress acts on the bent portion 24B formed on the rear die-cast member 24. However, since the rear outer panel 46 absorbs part of the tensile stress, the tensile stress acting on the rear die-cast member 24 can be suppressed.

[0065] In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the flange portion 46C on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the rear outer panel 46 is connected to the rear pillar 30, which is a frame member. As indicated by the arrow M in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a moment "M" may act on the rear die-cast member 24 during a rear-end collision. In this situation, the connecting portion between the rear outer panel 46 and the rear pillar 30 is the origin of the moment. Consequently, the moment acting on the rear outer panel 46 can be suppressed. That is, deformation of the rear die-cast member 24 can be suppressed more effectively than in a structure in which the outer flange portion 46C of the rear outer panel 46 is connected to the rear die-cast member 24.

[0066] In the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement cross member 20 is provided at the vehicle rear side of each rear die-cast member 24 relative to the front end portion 24C of the bent portion 24B. Since the vehicle front side of the rear die-cast member 24 relative to the bent portion 24B is arranged along the spar 12, the vehicle front side of the rear die-cast member 24 is resistant to deformation in the vehicle width direction. A force in the vehicle width direction during a rear-end collision is likely to act on a region at the vehicle rear side of the rear die-cast member 24 relative to the front end portion 24C of the bent portion 24B. Since the reinforcement cross member 20 is provided in this region, the reinforcement cross member 20 is anchored between the two rear die-cast members 24, and deformation in the vehicle width direction can be effectively suppressed.

[0067] As explained above, a vehicle frame structure according to the exemplary embodiment has been described, but it is clear that numerous forms can be implemented within a range that does not deviate from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing cross member 20 is provided at the vehicle rear of the rear die-casting elements 24 relative to the rear cross member 18, but this is not intended to be limiting. The reinforcing cross member 20 may be provided at the vehicle front or further forward relative to the front cross member 14. In this case, the reinforcing cross member 20 is arranged relative to the front cross member 14 in Fig. 1, the front die-cast members 22 are provided at the vehicle front side, and the two front die-cast members 22 are connected to each other via the reinforcement cross member 20. As a result, cases where the front die-cast members 22 deform in the vehicle width direction when a collision load acts on the front die-cast members 22 during a frontal collision can be suppressed by the reinforcement cross member 20. That is, in this construction, the front die-cast members 22 correspond to the die-cast member of the present disclosure, and the front cross member 14 corresponds to the first cross member of the present disclosure. A construction in which reinforcement cross members are provided at both the vehicle rear side of the rear cross member 18 and the vehicle front side of the front cross member 14 is also possible.

[0068] In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer flange portion 46C formed at the end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of each rear outer panel 46 is connected to the rear pillar 30, but this is not limiting. For example, a structure in which the outer flange portion 46C is connected to the beam 12, which is a frame member having a chamber structure similar to that of the rear pillar 30, enables similar effects to the present exemplary embodiment. That is, deformation of the rear die-cast member 24 can be suppressed compared to a structure in which the outer flange portion 46C of the rear outer panel 46 is connected to the rear die-cast member 24.

[0069] In the present exemplary embodiment, as in Fig. 2, the bent portion 24B, which is recessed toward the inside in the vehicle width direction from the plan view, is formed at the rear end portion of each rear die-cast member 24, but this is not limitative; the shape of the bent portion 24B may be changed. Furthermore, a rear die-cast member that does not have the bent portion 24B may be adopted.

[0070] In the present exemplary embodiment, as in Fig.5, a closed cross-sectional structure is formed by the rear die-cast member 24 and the rear outer panel 46 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, but this is not limiting. In a structure in which tensile stress acting on the rear die-cast member 24 during a rear-end collision can be absorbed by the rear outer panel 46, deformation of the rear die-cast member 24 can be suppressed even if the rear die-cast member 24 and the rear outer panel 46 do not form a closed cross-section.

Claims

[1] Vehicle frame construction (10) with: two spars (12) extending on both sides of a vehicle width direction in a vehicle longitudinal direction; two die-cast elements (24), each die-cast element being connected to at least one rear end portion of one of the two spars (12); a first cross member (18) extending in the vehicle width direction and connected to the two die-cast elements (24); and a second cross member (20) provided on the two die-cast elements (24) on at least one of a front side and a rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the first cross member (18), the second cross member (20) extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the two die-cast elements (24), characterized by , that each of the two die-cast elements (24) is connected to the rear end portion of one of the two spars (12), and each of the two die-cast elements (24) has, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, a hat-like cross-sectional shape which is open to an outer side of each of the two die-cast elements (24) in the vehicle width direction; a bent portion (24B) which is recessed to an inner side in the vehicle width direction from the plan view is formed at a rear end portion of each of the two die-cast members (24); and an outer sheet (46) is bent to match an outer shape of the bent portion (24B) and is connected to the bent portion (24B) so that the rear end portion of each of the two die-cast elements (24) forms a closed cross-sectional structure. [2] Vehicle frame construction (10) according to claim 1, further characterized bythat an end portion in a vehicle width direction on the outside of the outer panel (46) is designed to be connected to a frame member (30) having a closed cross-sectional construction. [3] Vehicle frame construction (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further characterized by that the second cross member (20) is provided at a vehicle rear relative to a front end portion of the bent portion (24B) of each of the two die-cast elements (24).

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