VEHICLE UNDERBODY STRUCTURE
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle underbody structures, such as those with welded bulkheads and bulkhead cross members, are difficult to disassemble, leading to challenges in reusing vehicle parts and potentially increasing weight.
A vehicle underbody structure design featuring a bulkhead that is mechanically attached to a cross member via fasteners, allowing easy separation without additional parts, and incorporating closed or open cross-sectional structures to maintain rigidity and reduce weight.
Enables easy separation of the bulkhead from the cross member, prevents weight increase, and allows reuse of the frame with a closed cross-sectional structure, while maintaining rigidity and reducing the number of parts.
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Abstract
Description
BACKGROUNDTechnical field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle underbody structure or a lower part or lower portion of a vehicle body. State of the art
[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2006-193086 discloses a structure in which a floor panel is connected to a lower part of a firewall separating an engine compartment from a passenger compartment of a vehicle. Furthermore, in the structure of the above-mentioned publication, a firewall cross member is connected to a front surface of the firewall. SUMMARY
[0003] Consideration is being given to introducing circular economy structures instead of the current economic systems.
[0004] However, in a structure in which the firewall and the firewall cross member are welded together, as in the structure disclosed in JP-A No. 2006-193086, it is difficult to continue to use a part of the vehicle because the firewall and the firewall cross member cannot be separated.
[0005] The present disclosure provides a vehicle underbody structure in which a firewall can be easily separated from a firewall cross member.
[0006] A vehicle underbody structure of a first aspect of the disclosure includes: a left and right pair of sills provided on respective sides, in a vehicle width direction, of a vehicle underbody and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a left and right pair of front side members provided on a front side, in the vehicle front-rear direction, of the sills and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction; a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction, connecting front end portions of the left and right pair of sills to each other, and connecting rear end portions of the left and right pair of front side members to each other;and a bulkhead disposed on a rear side, in the vehicle front-rear direction, of the cross member, mechanically fixed to the cross member via fasteners, and separating a vehicle passenger compartment inside from a vehicle passenger compartment outside;
[0007] In the vehicle underbody structure of the first aspect, a pair of sills are provided on the respective sides in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle underbody, and the sills extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, a left and right pair of front side members are provided on the front side of the sill, and the front side members extend in the vehicle front-rear direction. The cross member extending in the vehicle width direction connects the front end portions of the sill to each other and connects the rear end portions of the front side members to each other. Further, a firewall is arranged on the rear side of the cross member, and the firewall separates the vehicle passenger compartment inside from the vehicle passenger compartment outside. Furthermore, the firewall is mechanically fastened to the cross member via fasteners.As a result, the splash guard can be easily separated from the cross member by simply loosening the fastening elements.
[0008] Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide special parts or the like between the cross member and the bulkhead, so that an increase in weight of the vehicle underbody structure can be prevented.
[0009] A vehicle underbody structure of a second aspect of the disclosure is the first aspect, wherein the cross member has a closed cross-sectional structure viewed from the vehicle width direction.
[0010] In the vehicle underbody structure of the second aspect, the cross member is designed with a closed cross-sectional structure, so that after separating the bulkhead from the cross member, a vehicle frame with a closed cross-sectional structure can be reused.
[0011] A vehicle underbody structure of a third aspect of the disclosure is the second aspect, wherein the cross member includes an upper dash cross member disposed on an upper side and a lower dash cross member disposed on a lower side in a vehicle vertical direction, the upper dash cross member and the lower dash cross member each have a closed cross-sectional structure, and the dash panel is fixed at a position between the upper dash cross member and the lower dash cross member.
[0012] In the vehicle underbody structure of the third aspect, the rigidity of the vehicle can be ensured by providing the upper dash cross member and the lower dash cross member each with a closed cross-sectional structure. Furthermore, by providing a dash panel attachment point at a position between the upper dash cross member and the lower dash cross member, vibrations and the like applied to the attachment point can be absorbed by the upper dash cross member and the lower dash cross member, and the attached state between the dash panel and the cross member can be well maintained.
[0013] A vehicle underbody structure of a fourth aspect of the disclosure is the third aspect, wherein sound insulation members are provided between the cross member and the bulkhead.
[0014] In the vehicle underbody structure of the fourth aspect, the sound generated by the contact between the bulkhead and the cross member can be inhibited by the sound insulation elements. Furthermore, at least a portion of the vibration input to the attachment points can be absorbed by the sound insulation elements.
[0015] A vehicle underbody structure of a fifth aspect of the disclosure is the first aspect, wherein the cross member includes open cross-sectional portions open in the vehicle rearward direction as viewed from the vehicle width direction, the dash panel includes open cross-sectional portions open in the vehicle forward direction as viewed from the vehicle width direction, and closed cross sections are formed in a state where the cross member and the dash panel are fixed to each other.
[0016] In the vehicle underbody structure of the fifth aspect, the cross member is formed with an open cross section, and closed cross sections are formed in a state where the dash panel is attached to the cross member, so that the number of parts can be reduced while maintaining the strength.
[0017] A vehicle underbody structure of a sixth aspect of the disclosure is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a lower end portion of the dash panel is connected to a floor panel forming a floor within the vehicle passenger compartment.
[0018] In the vehicle underbody structure of the sixth aspect, the floor panel and the bulkhead are connected to each other so that the floor panel and the bulkhead can be integrally separated from the cross member by loosening the fastening members.
[0019] As described above, with the vehicle underbody structure according to the present disclosure, a vehicle underbody structure in which the dash panel can be easily separated from the cross member while preventing an increase in weight is obtained. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of main components of a vehicle to which a vehicle underbody structure for a first embodiment has been applied; Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged exploded sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 is a section showing main components of the vehicle to which the vehicle underbody structure according to the first embodiment has been attached; Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in which the Fig. 2 exploded parts were assembled; Fig. 4 is an enlarged exploded sectional view of main components of a vehicle to which a vehicle underbody structure for a second embodiment has been applied; Fig. Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in which the Fig. 4 exploded parts were assembled; Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of main components of a vehicle to which a vehicle underbody structure of a third embodiment has been applied; Fig. 7 is a perspective view, taken from the rear of the vehicle and obliquely from the upper left side of the vehicle, showing main components of a vehicle to which a vehicle underbody structure according to a modification example has been applied; Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the main components of a vehicle underbody structure according to Comparative Example 1; and Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the main components of a vehicle underbody structure corresponding to Comparative Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION<Erste Ausführungsform>
[0020] A vehicle underbody structure pertaining to a first embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. Note that arrows UP, FR, and LH, respectively shown in the drawings, indicate an upward direction in a vehicle vertical direction, a forward direction in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a vehicle leftward direction in a vehicle width direction (in the traveling direction) of a vehicle 10 to which the vehicle underbody structure has been applied, respectively. Hereinafter, when only the front / rear, top / bottom, and left / right directions are described, these directions are understood to mean front / rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, top / bottom in the vehicle vertical direction, and left / right in the vehicle width direction unless otherwise specified.
[0021] Fig. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing main components of a vehicle 10 to which the vehicle underbody structure according to the first embodiment has been applied. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 to which the vehicle underbody structure is applied is configured to mainly include a lower frame or chassis 12 and a body 14. The lower frame 12 forms a lower frame of the vehicle 10 and includes rocker panels 16 extending in the front-rear direction.
[0022] The sills 16 are provided on outer sides, in the vehicle width direction, of a vehicle underbody and extend in the front-rear direction. A pair of the sills 16 are provided on respective sides, in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the sills 16 are each formed in a closed cross-section by extrusion or the like.
[0023] Front end portions of the pair of sills 16 are connected to each other in the vehicle width direction by a cross member 18. The cross member 18 extends in the vehicle width direction, and the rear end portions of the front side members 20 are connected to the cross member 18 at positions offset inward in the vehicle width direction from the respective ends, in the vehicle width direction, of the cross member 18. The cross member 18 connects the front end portions of the left and right pair of sills 16 to each other and connects the rear end portions of the left and right pair of front side members 20 to each other.
[0024] The front side members 20 are provided as a pair on respective sides in the vehicle width direction and extend in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the front side members 20 are each formed in a closed cross-section by extrusion or the like, but may also have a closed cross-sectional structure by overlapping steel plates. The front end portions of the two front side members 20 are connected to each other in the vehicle width direction by a front cross member 22. Furthermore, each of the two front side members 20 is provided with a suspension tower 21.
[0025] Rear end portions of the pair of sills 16 are connected to each other in the vehicle width direction by a cross member 19, and front end portions of rear side members 24 are connected to the cross member 19. The rear side members 24 are provided as a pair in the vehicle width direction and extend in the front-rear direction. Further, the rear side members 24 are each formed into a closed cross-section by extrusion or the like, but may also be formed into a closed cross-sectional structure by superimposing steel sheets. Rear portions of the pair of rear side members 24 are connected to each other in the vehicle width direction by a rear cross member 26.
[0026] The body 14 forms a passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 and is designed to essentially comprise A-pillars 30, B-pillars 32, C-pillars 34, roof rails 35, a roof panel 36, a floor panel 38 and outer panels 40.
[0027] The A-pillars 30 extend in the vertical direction at a front end portion of the body 14. The B-pillars 32 extend in the vertical direction at a rear side of the A-pillars 30. The C-pillars 34 extend in the vertical direction at a rear side of the B-pillars 32. Further, the A-pillars 30, the B-pillars 32, and the C-pillars 34 are provided on respective sides in the vehicle width direction and formed to have closed cross-sectional structures to function as a frame of the body 14.
[0028] The roof rails 35 connect the upper ends of the A-pillars 30, the B-pillars 32, and the C-pillars 34 in the front-rear direction and are provided on the respective sides in the vehicle width direction. The roof panel 36 bridges the left and right roof rails 35, extends in the vehicle width direction and in the front-rear direction, and forms a ceiling of the vehicle passenger compartment.
[0029] The floor panel 38 is provided at a lower portion of the body 14, extends in the vehicle width direction and in the front-rear direction, and forms a floor of the vehicle passenger compartment. Note that the floor panel 38 is configured to include a center floor panel connected to the sill 16 and a rear floor panel connected to the rear side members 24. Further, a front end portion of the floor panel 38 is connected to a firewall 46, which forms a front wall of the vehicle passenger compartment.
[0030] The outer panels 40 constitute outer panels of the body 14. Specifically, the outer panels 40 are provided on outer surfaces of the A-pillar frames 30, outer surfaces of the B-pillar frames 32, and outer surfaces of the C-pillar frames 34. Furthermore, lower portions of the outer panels 40 connect lower end portions of the A-pillars 30, the B-pillars 32, and the C-pillars 34 in the front-rear direction and serve as portions attached to the rocker panel 16.
[0031] Front openings are formed by the A-pillars 30, the B-pillars 32, the roof rails 35, and the outer panels 40, and these front openings are closed by front side doors not shown in the drawings. Furthermore, rear openings are formed by the B-pillars 32, the C-pillars 34, the roof rails 35, and the outer panels 40, and these rear openings are closed by rear side doors not shown in the drawings. (Cross element 18)
[0032] Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged exploded sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and shows main components of the vehicle 10 to which the vehicle underbody structure belonging to the first embodiment has been attached. As shown in Fig. 2, the cross member 18 is formed in a closed cross section comprising an upper bulkhead cross member 42 and a lower bulkhead cross member 44.
[0033] The upper dash panel cross member 42 forms an upper portion of the cross member 18 and is formed in a closed cross-sectional structure by a first outer plate 50 and an inner plate 48. Furthermore, the lower dash panel cross member 44 is provided on a lower side of the upper dash panel cross member 42 and is formed in a closed cross-sectional structure by a second outer plate 52 and the inner plate 48.
[0034] The first outer plate 50 is formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross section, which is open rearwardly as viewed in the vehicle width direction, and an upper end of the first outer plate 50 is formed as a first upper flange 50A extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, an insertion hole 50C through which a bolt is passed is formed on the first upper flange 50A, and a weld nut 54A is attached to the first upper flange 50A at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 50C.
[0035] At a lower end of the first outer plate 50, a first lower flange 50B extending in the vertical direction is formed. Further, upper portions of the front side members 20 are joined to the first outer plate 50 by spot welding or the like in a state where the front side members 20 and the first outer plate 50 overlap each other.
[0036] An insertion hole 50D through which a bolt is inserted is formed on the first lower flange 50B of the first outer plate 50, and a weld nut 54B is attached to the first outer plate 50 at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 50D.
[0037] The second outer plate 52 is arranged on a lower surface of the first outer plate 50 and is formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross section, which is open in the vehicle rearward direction as viewed from the vehicle width direction. Further, an upper end of the second outer plate 52 is formed as a second upper flange 52A extending in the vertical direction. The second upper flange 52A overlaps a rear surface of the first lower flange 50B and is joined thereto by spot welding or the like.
[0038] A lower end of the second outer plate 52 is formed as a second lower flange 52B extending in the front-rear direction, and the second lower flange 52B is connected to the inner plate 48 described later. Further, at a front side of the second lower flange 52B, lower portions of the front side members 20 are joined to the second outer plate 52 by spot welding or the like in a state where the front side members 20 and the second outer plate 52 overlap each other.
[0039] The inner plate 48 is arranged opposite the first outer plate 50 and the second outer plate 52 in the front-to-rear direction and has rearwardly projecting portions at its upper and lower parts. A projecting portion at the upper part of the inner plate 48 forms a closed cross-section with the first outer plate 50. Furthermore, a projecting portion at the lower part of the inner plate 48 forms a closed cross-section with the second outer plate 52.
[0040] An upper end of the inner plate 48 is formed as an inner upper flange 48A extending in the vertical direction, and the inner upper flange 48A is joined by spot welding or the like to the first upper flange 50A of the first outer plate 50 in a state where the inner upper flange 48A overlaps the first upper flange 50A. Further, the inner upper flange 48A is formed shorter in length than the first upper flange 50A, so that the insertion hole 50C on the first upper flange 50A is not covered by the inner upper flange 48A.
[0041] A lower end of the inner plate 48 is formed as an inner lower flange 48B extending in the front-rear direction, and the inner lower flange 48B is joined by spot welding or the like to the second lower flange 52B of the second outer plate 52 in a state where the inner lower flange 48B overlaps with the second lower flange 52B. Further, the inner lower flange 48B extends rearward beyond the second lower flange 52B, and an insertion hole 48E through which a bolt is inserted is formed on the inner lower flange 48B. Further, a weld nut 54C is attached to the inner lower flange 48B at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 48E.
[0042] At an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the inner plate 48, a connecting portion 48C is formed, connecting the upper protrusion portion and the lower protrusion portion of the inner plate 48. The connecting portion 48C overlaps with the first outer plate 50, and an insertion hole 48D through which a bolt is inserted is formed at the connecting portion 48C. The insertion hole 48D formed at the connecting portion 48C communicates with the insertion hole 50D formed on the first outer plate 50. Note that the weld nuts 54A, 54B, 54C constitute fastening members of the present disclosure. (Splashboard 46)
[0043] The bulkhead 46 of the body 14 is arranged at the rear of the cross member 18 in a state in which the bulkhead 46 has been mounted to the lower frame 12. Furthermore, the bulkhead 46 separates the vehicle passenger compartment inside from the vehicle passenger compartment outside.
[0044] The dash panel 46 is formed in a shape corresponding to that of the cross member 18, as viewed from the vehicle width direction. Specifically, an upper portion of the dash panel 46 is formed in a shape corresponding to that of the upper dash panel cross member 42, and a lower portion of the dash panel 46 is formed in a shape corresponding to that of the lower dash panel cross member 44.
[0045] An upper end portion of the dash panel 46 is formed as a dashed upper flange 46A extending in the vertical direction, and an insertion hole 46D through which a bolt is inserted is formed at a lower end portion of the dashed upper flange 46A.
[0046] A lower end portion of the dash panel 46 is formed as a dash lower flange 46B extending in the front-rear direction, and a front end portion of the bottom plate 38 is joined by spot welding or the like to a lower surface of the dash lower flange 46B in a state where the front end portion of the bottom plate 38 overlaps with the dash lower flange 46B. Furthermore, an insertion hole 46E through which a bolt is inserted is formed on a back side of the welding portion on the dash panel lower part 46B. Furthermore, an insertion hole 38A is formed on the bottom plate 38, and the insertion hole 38A communicates with the insertion hole 46E.
[0047] Further, an intermediate portion in the up-and-down direction of the dash panel 46 is formed as an intermediate fixing portion 46C, the shape of which corresponds to that of the connecting portion 48C of the inner plate 48. An insertion hole 46F through which a bolt is inserted is formed at the intermediate fixing portion 46C.
[0048] Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in which the Fig. 2 exploded parts are assembled. As shown in Fig. 3, in a state where the body 14 is mounted to the lower frame 12, the bulkhead 46 is mechanically fastened to the cross member 18 via screws 56A, 56B, 56C which form fastening elements.
[0049] Specifically, the upper flange 46A at the upper end of the firewall 46 overlaps with the first upper flange 50A of the first outer plate 50 in the vehicle front-rear direction. Furthermore, in a state where the insertion hole 46D of the firewall 46 and the insertion hole 50C of the first outer plate 50 communicate with each other, the bolt 56A is inserted through the insertion hole 46D and the insertion hole 50C and screwed into the weld nut 54A, thereby mechanically securing the firewall 46 and the upper part of the upper firewall cross member 42 (see Fig. 2).
[0050] The dashed lower flange 46B at the lower end of the dash panel 46 overlaps with the inner lower flange 48B of the inner plate 48 in the vertical direction via the bottom plate 38. Further, in a state where the insertion hole 46E of the dash panel 46, the insertion hole 38A of the bottom plate 38, and the insertion hole 48E of the inner plate 48 communicate with each other, the bolt 56C is inserted through the insertion hole 46E, the insertion hole 38A, and the insertion hole 48E and screwed into the weld nut 54C, whereby the dash panel 46 and the lower part of the lower dash panel cross member 44 are mechanically fixed to each other.
[0051] Further, the central fixing portion 46C of the dash panel 46 overlaps with the inner plate 48 and the first outer plate 50. Further, in a state where the insertion hole 46F of the dash panel 46, the insertion hole 48D of the inner plate 48, and the insertion hole 50D of the first outer plate 50 communicate with each other, the bolt 56B is inserted through the insertion hole 46F, the bolt 56B is passed through the insertion hole 46F, the insertion hole 48D, and the insertion hole 50D, and is screwed into the weld nut 54B, whereby the dash panel 46 is mechanically fixed to the cross member 18 between the upper dash panel cross member 42 and the lower dash panel cross member 44. (Action)
[0052] Next, the effect of the present embodiment will be described.
[0053] According to the vehicle underbody structure of the present embodiment as shown in Fig. 1, the cross member 18, which extends in the vehicle width direction, connects the front end portions of the sill 16 and connects the rear end portions of the front side members 20. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the firewall 46 is disposed at the vehicle rear of the cross member 18, and the firewall 46 separates the vehicle passenger compartment inside from the vehicle passenger compartment outside. Further, the firewall 46 is mechanically fastened to the cross member 18 via the bolts 56A, 56B, 56C and the weld nuts 54A, 54B, 54C, which are fastening members. Due to this, the firewall 46 can be easily separated from the cross member 18 by simply loosening these fastening members. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide separate parts or the like between the cross member 18 and the firewall 46, so that weight increase can be prevented.
[0054] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the cross member 18 is configured to have a closed cross-sectional structure so that when the bulkhead 46 has been separated from the cross member 18, the frame with the closed cross-sectional structure can be reused.
[0055] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the rigidity of the vehicle 10 can be ensured by forming the upper dash cross member 42 and the lower dash cross member 44 each with a closed cross-sectional structure. Furthermore, by setting a mounting location of the dash 46 between the upper dash cross member 42 and the lower dash cross member 44, vibrations and the like applied to the mounting location can be absorbed by the upper dash cross member 42 and the lower dash cross member 44, and the mounted state between the dash 46 and the cross member 18 can be well maintained.
[0056] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the bottom plate 38 and the dash panel 46 are joined by welding, so that the bottom plate 38 and the dash panel 46 can be integrally separated from the cross member 18 by loosening the fasteners. These effects will be described by comparing the structures of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. (Comparison example 1)
[0057] Fig. Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of main components of a vehicle underbody structure according to Comparative Example 1. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 8, a vehicle 100 according to Comparative Example 1 is configured to include an upper dash cross member 102 and a lower dash cross member 104. The upper dash cross member 102 is formed in a closed cross section by a first outer panel 106 and a dash panel 110.
[0058] The lower bulkhead cross member 104 is formed in a closed cross section by a second outer plate 108, a bottom plate 112 and an inner plate 114.
[0059] Specifically, an upper end of the first outer plate 106 is formed as a first upper flange 106A extending in the vertical direction, and the first upper flange 106A is joined to the dash panel 110 by spot welding or the like in a state where the first upper flange 106A overlaps with the dash panel 110 in the front-rear direction. Further, a lower end of the first outer plate 106 is formed as a first lower flange 106B extending in the vertical direction, and the first lower flange 106B is joined to the second outer plate 108 by spot welding or the like in a state where the first lower flange 106B overlaps with the second outer plate 108.
[0060] An upper end of the second outer plate 108 is formed as a second upper flange 108A extending in the vertical direction and overlapping with the first lower flange 106B, and the second upper flange 108A is connected to the first lower flange 106B. Further, a lower end of the second outer plate 108 is formed as a second lower flange 108B extending in the front-rear direction, and the second lower flange 108B is connected to both the bottom plate 112 and the inner plate 114 described later.
[0061] The bulkhead 110 is disposed opposite to the first outer plate 106 in the front-rear direction, and a lower end of the bulkhead 110 is connected by welding or the like to the floor plate 112 at a position of a lower end of the first outer plate 106.
[0062] The bottom plate 112 is arranged opposite the second outer plate 108 in the front-to-rear direction, and an upper end of the bottom plate 112 is joined to the first outer plate 106 and the inner plate 114 to form three layers. Furthermore, the bottom plate 112 is joined to the second outer plate 108 and the inner plate 114 at a location on the second lower flange 108B to form three layers.
[0063] The inner plate 114 is arranged opposite the bottom plate 112 in the front-rear direction, and an upper end of the inner plate 114 is formed as an inner upper flange 114A, which is connected to the first outer plate 106 and the bottom plate 112. Further, a lower end of the inner plate 114 is formed as an inner lower flange 114B, which is connected to the second outer plate 108 and the bottom plate 112.
[0064] In Comparative Example 1 configured as described above, a cross member is configured by the upper dash cross member 102 and the lower dash cross member 104. The first outer plate 106, the second outer plate 108, the dash 110, the floor plate 112, and the inner plate 114 constituting the upper dash cross member 102 and the lower dash cross member 104 are joined together by welding. The dash 110 and the floor plate 112 cannot be easily separated from a frame of the vehicle 100. In particular, because the upper end of the floor plate 112 is joined to the first outer plate 106 and the inner plate 114 to form three layers, the floor plate 112, the first outer plate 106, and the inner plate 114 cannot be separated, leaving a frame shape.
[0065] In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the bulkhead 46 and the bottom plate 38 are mechanically secured to the cross member 18 in a state where the bulkhead 46 and the bottom plate 38 are connected to each other. Therefore, the bulkhead 46 and the bottom plate 38 can be separated from the lower frame 12 by simply loosening the screws 56A, 56B, 56C. (Comparison example 2)
[0066] Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of main components of a vehicle underbody structure according to Comparative Example 2. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, a vehicle 200 according to Comparative Example 2 is configured to include an upper dash cross member 202 and a lower dash cross member 204. The upper dash cross member 202 forms a closed cross section with a first outer panel 206 and an inner panel 210. Further, the lower dash cross member 204 forms a closed cross section with a second outer panel 208 and the inner panel 210.
[0067] Specifically, an upper end of the first outer plate 206 is formed as a first upper flange 206A extending in the vertical direction, and the first upper flange 206A is joined by spot welding or the like to the inner plate 210 with a dash panel 212 therebetween in a state where the first upper flange 206A overlaps with the inner plate 210 in the front-rear direction.
[0068] Further, a lower end of the first outer plate 206 is formed as a first lower flange 206B extending in the vertical direction, and the first lower flange 206B is joined to the second outer plate 208 by spot welding or the like in a state where the first lower flange 206B overlaps the second outer plate 208.
[0069] An upper end of the second outer plate 208 is formed as a second upper flange 208A extending in the vertical direction and overlapping with the first lower flange 206B, and the second upper flange 208A is connected to the first lower flange 206B. Further, a lower end of the second outer plate 208 is formed as a second lower flange 208B extending in the front-rear direction, and the second lower flange 208B is connected to both a bottom plate 214 and the inner plate 210.
[0070] The inner plate 210 is disposed opposite to the first outer plate 206 and the second outer plate 208 in the front-rear direction, and an upper end of the inner plate 210 is formed as an inner upper flange 210A which is welded to both the first upper flange 206A of the first outer plate 206 and the bulkhead 212.
[0071] A lower end of the inner plate 210 is formed as an inner lower flange 210B, which is welded to both the second lower flange 208B of the second outer plate 208 and the bottom plate 214.
[0072] Further, an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the inner plate 210 is formed as a connecting portion 210C connecting the upper dash cross member 202 and the lower dash cross member 204 to each other, and the connecting portion 210C is connected to the first outer plate 206 by spot welding or the like in a state where the connecting portion 210C overlaps with the first outer plate 206.
[0073] In Comparative Example 2 configured as described above, a cross member is configured by the upper dash cross member 202 and the lower dash cross member 204. The first outer plate 206, the second outer plate 208, and the inner plate 110 constituting the upper dash cross member 202 and the lower dash cross member 204 are joined together by welding. The dash 212 and the floor panel 214 cannot be easily separated from a frame of the vehicle 200. In particular, because the lower end of the dash 212 is joined to the first outer plate 206 and the inner plate 210 to form three layers, they cannot be separated from the frame shape. Since the bottom plate 214 is connected to the second outer plate 208 and the inner plate 210 to form three layers, they cannot be separated, so that the shape of the frame is maintained.
[0074] In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the bulkhead 46 and the bottom plate 38 are mechanically secured to the cross member 18 in a state where the bulkhead 46 and the bottom plate 38 are connected to each other. Therefore, the bulkhead 46 and the bottom plate 38 can be separated from the lower frame 12 by simply loosening the screws 56A, 56B, 56C. <Sekundäre Ausführungsform>
[0075] Hereinafter, a vehicle underbody structure belonging to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Note that configurations common to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted where appropriate.
[0076] Fig. Fig. 4 is an enlarged exploded sectional view showing main components of a vehicle 60 to which the vehicle underbody structure according to the second embodiment has been applied. As shown in Fig. 4, the vehicle underbody structure of the present embodiment includes a lower frame 62, and a body 64 is attached to the lower frame 62.
[0077] A cross member 65 constituting the lower frame 62 is formed to include an upper dash cross member 66 and a lower dash cross member 68. Furthermore, the cross member 65 of the present embodiment includes open cross-sectional portions that are open toward the rear as viewed in the vehicle width direction.
[0078] The upper dash cross member 66 forms an upper portion of the cross member 65 and is formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross section, which is open rearwardly when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Further, an upper end of the upper dash cross member 66 is formed as a first upper flange 66A extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, an insertion hole 66C through which a bolt is inserted is formed on the first upper flange 66A, and a weld nut 54D is attached to the first upper flange 66A at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 66C.
[0079] At a lower end portion of the upper dash cross member 66, a first lower flange 66B extending in the vertical direction is formed. Furthermore, portions of the front side members 20 are joined by spot welding or the like to the upper dash cross member 66 in a state where the front side members 20 and the upper dash cross member 66 overlap each other.
[0080] Above the first lower flange 66B of the upper dash cross member 66, an insertion hole 66D through which a bolt is inserted is formed, and a weld nut 54E is attached to the upper dash cross member 66 at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 66D.
[0081] The lower dash cross member 68 is disposed on a lower surface of the upper dash cross member 66 and is formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross section, opening rearwardly as viewed in the vehicle width direction. Further, an upper end of the lower dash cross member 68 is formed as a second upper flange 68A extending in the vertical direction. The second upper flange 68A overlaps a rear surface of the first lower flange 66B and is joined thereto by spot welding or the like.
[0082] A lower end of the lower dash cross member 68 is formed as a second lower flange 68B extending in the front-rear direction, and the second lower flange 68B is connected to a floor plate 74 described later. Further, at a front side of the second lower flange 66B, parts of the front side members 20 are joined by spot welding or the like to the lower dash cross member 68 in a state where the front side members 20 and the lower dash cross member 68 overlap each other.
[0083] A dash panel 70 is arranged opposite the upper dash panel cross member 66 and the lower dash panel cross member 68 in the front-rear direction and has open cross-sectional portions that are open in the forward direction as viewed in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the dash panel 70 includes open, rearwardly projecting cross-sectional portions in its upper and lower parts. The projecting portion in an upper portion of the dash panel 70 forms a closed cross-section with the upper dash panel cross member 66. Furthermore, the projecting portion in a lower portion of the dash panel 70 forms a closed cross-section with the lower dash panel cross member 68.
[0084] An upper end of the dash panel 70 is formed as an upper flange 70A extending in the vertical direction, and a lower end of a dash top plate 72 is joined by spot welding or the like to the upper flange 70A in a state where the upper flange 70A and the dash top plate 72 overlap each other. Furthermore, an insertion hole 72A through which a bolt is inserted is formed on the dash top plate 72.
[0085] A lower end of the bulkhead 70 is formed as a lower flange 70B extending in the front-rear direction, and a front end of the bottom plate 74 is connected to the lower flange 70B by spot welding or the like. Furthermore, an insertion hole 74A through which a bolt is inserted is formed on the bottom plate 74.
[0086] At an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the dash panel 70, a connecting portion 70C is formed which connects the protrusion portion in the upper portion and the protrusion portion in the lower portion of the dash panel 70.
[0087] Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in which the Fig. 4 exploded parts are assembled. As shown in Fig. 5, in a state where the body 64 is mounted to the lower frame 62, the dash top 72 is mechanically fastened to the cross member 65 via a bolt 56D constituting a fastening element. Further, the dash 70 is mechanically fastened to the cross member 65 via a bolt 56E constituting a fastening element, and the bottom plate 74 is mechanically fastened to the cross member 65 via a bolt 56F constituting a fastening element.
[0088] Specifically, the dash top plate 72 overlaps with the first upper flange 66A of the upper dash cross member 66 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, in a state where the insertion hole 72A in the dash top part 72 and the insertion hole 66C in the upper dash cross member 66 communicate with each other, the bolt 56D is passed through the insertion hole 72A and the insertion hole 66C and screwed into the weld nut 54D, thereby mechanically securing the dash top part 72 and the upper part of the upper dash cross member 66 (see Fig. 5).
[0089] The bottom plate 74, which is connected to the lower flange 70B at the lower end of the dash panel 70, overlaps with the second lower flange 68B of the lower dash panel cross member 68 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in a state where the insertion hole 74A on the bottom plate 74 and an insertion hole 68C on the lower dash panel cross member 68 communicate with each other, the bolt 56F is inserted through the insertion hole 74A and the insertion hole 68C and screwed into a weld nut 54F, thereby mechanically securing the bottom plate 74 and the lower part of the lower dash panel cross member 68.
[0090] Further, the connecting portion 70C of the dash panel 70 overlaps with the lower end portion of the upper dash panel cross member 66. Further, in a state where an insertion hole 70E on the dash panel 70 and an insertion hole 66D on the upper dash panel cross member 66 communicate with each other, the bolt 56E is inserted through the insertion hole 70E and the insertion hole 66D and screwed into the weld nut 54E, whereby the dash panel 70 and the lower portion of the upper dash panel cross member 66 are mechanically fixed to each other.
[0091] As described above, in the present embodiment, a closed cross section is formed by the upper dash panel cross member 66 and the dash panel 70, and a closed cross section is formed by the lower dash panel cross member 68 and the dash panel 70. Furthermore, the present embodiment is not provided with a member corresponding to the inner panel 48 of the first embodiment. (Effect)
[0092] Next, the effect of the present embodiment will be described.
[0093] According to the vehicle underbody structure of the present embodiment, the body 64 including the firewall 70, the firewall upper 72, and the floor panel 74 is mechanically fastened to the cross member 65 via the bolts 56D, 56E, 56F and the weld nuts 54D, 54E, 54F, which are fastening elements. Therefore, the body 64 including the firewall 70 can be separated from the cross member 65 by simply detaching these fastening elements.
[0094] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a closed cross-sectional structure is formed by joining the cross member 65 and the dash panel 70 together, so that compared with a case where a closed cross-sectional structure is formed on the lower frame 62 side, the number of parts can be reduced while preventing deterioration of the shape of the lower dash panel cross member 68. Other measures are the same as those in the first embodiment. <Dritte Ausführungsform>
[0095] Hereinafter, a vehicle underbody structure of a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that configurations common to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted where appropriate.
[0096] Fig. Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing main components of a vehicle 80 to which the vehicle underbody structure according to the third embodiment has been applied. As shown in Fig. 6, the present embodiment has the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, except that it is provided with sound insulation members 82, 84.
[0097] The soundproofing element 82 is provided between the upper dash panel cross member 42 and the dash panel 46. The soundproofing element 82 can be, for example, a urethane sponge or a rubber sheet. Furthermore, a porous sound-absorbing material can be used as the soundproofing element 82.
[0098] The sound insulation element 84 is provided between the lower bulkhead cross member 44 and the bulkhead 46 and is made of the same material as the sound insulation element 82. (Action)
[0099] Next, the effect of the present embodiment will be described.
[0100] According to the vehicle underbody structure of the present embodiment, the sound generated by the contact between the firewall 46 and the cross member 18 can be inhibited by the sound insulation members 82, 84. Furthermore, at least part of the vibration applied to the fastening portions can be absorbed by the sound insulation members 82, 84. That is, by inhibiting the vibration of the fastened portion where the firewall 46 and the cross member 18 are fastened to each other by the bolt 56B and the weld nut 54B, the fastened state can be well maintained. Other actions are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0101] Vehicle underbody structures relating to embodiments have been described above, but the present disclosure may, of course, be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 3, the dash panel 46 is mechanically fixed to the inner panel 48 and the first outer panel 50 at the intermediate fixing portion 46C, but the vehicle underbody structure of the first embodiment is not limited thereto. As an example of a modification of the first embodiment, the vehicle underbody structure may have a structure in which the inner panel 48 and the first outer panel 50 are joined together by welding. (Example of modifications)
[0102] Fig. Fig. 7 is a perspective view taken from the rear of the vehicle and obliquely from the left upper side of the vehicle, showing main parts of the vehicle 10 to which a vehicle underbody structure according to a modification example has been attached. As shown in Fig. 7, in the connecting portion 48C of the inner plate 48 constituting the cross member 18, the insertion hole 48D through which a screw is inserted is formed.
[0103] Here, the insertion hole 48D is formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction, and areas between adjacent insertion holes 48D are welding points where the inner plate 48 and the first outer plate 50 are spot-welded together.
[0104] In the present embodiment, the inner plate 48 and the first outer plate 50 are welded together at the connecting portion 48C of the inner plate 48, thereby improving the strength of the cross member 18. Furthermore, the insertion holes 48D are formed between the welds so that the bulkhead 46 can be mechanically secured to the cross member 18.
[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the front side members 20 are welded to the cross members 18, 65, but they are not limited thereto. For example, the cross members 18, 65 and the front side members 20 may be integrally formed. Similarly, in Fig. 1 the sill 16 and the cross element 18 are formed in one piece.
[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, bolts and weld nuts are used as fastening elements, but the fastening elements are not limited to these, and other fastening elements may also be used. For example, fasteners such as rivets may be used for at least some of the fastening elements. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the cross member 65 is formed to include the upper dash cross member 66 and the lower dash cross member 68, but the cross member 65 is not limited to this, and the cross member may be formed by a dash cross member. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] JP 2006193086 A [0002, 0004]
Claims
[1] Vehicle underbody structure comprising: a pair of left and right sills (16) arranged on respective sides in the vehicle width direction of a vehicle underbody and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a pair of left and right side members (20) disposed at a front side of the sill (16) in a vehicle front-rear direction and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction; a cross member (18, 65) extending in the vehicle width direction, connecting front connecting end portions of the pair of left and right sills (16) and rear end portions of the pair of left and right side members (20) to each other; and a bulkhead (46, 70) arranged on a rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction of the cross member (18, 65), which is mechanically fastened to the cross member (18, 65) via fastening elements (54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, 54E, 54F, 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, 56f) and separates a vehicle passenger compartment from an area outside the vehicle passenger compartment. [2] The vehicle underbody structure according to claim 1, wherein the cross member (18) has a closed cross-sectional structure when viewed from the vehicle width direction. [3] A vehicle underbody structure according to claim 2, wherein: the cross member (18) comprises an upper bulkhead cross member (42) arranged on an upper side and a lower bulkhead cross member (44) arranged on a lower side in a vehicle vertical direction, the upper bulkhead cross member (42) and the lower bulkhead cross member (44) each have a closed cross-sectional structure, and the bulkhead (46) is attached at a position between the upper bulkhead cross member (42) and the lower bulkhead cross member (44). [4] Vehicle underbody structure according to claim 3, wherein sound insulation elements (82, 84) are arranged between the cross member (18) and the bulkhead (46). [5] A vehicle underbody structure according to claim 1, wherein: the transverse element (65) comprises open cross-sectional sections which, viewed from the vehicle width direction, are open in the vehicle rearward direction, the bulkhead (70) comprises open cross-sectional sections which, viewed from the vehicle width direction, are open in the vehicle forward direction, and closed cross sections are formed in a state in which the cross member (65) and the bulkhead (70) are fastened to each other. [6] A vehicle underbody structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a lower end portion of the bulkhead (46, 70) is connected to a floor panel (38, 74) forming a floor within the vehicle passenger compartment.