Vehicle chassis frame

Abstract

To provide a vehicle chassis frame which protects an on-vehicle device in the vehicle from a side collision with the vehicle and which is mounted on the vehicle by saving a space.SOLUTION: A vehicle chassis frame comprises: a pair of side rails disposed on left and right sides of a vehicle and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a cross member that connects the pair of side rails; and a cross plate connecting the pair of side rails below the cross member and configured to mount an on-vehicle device of the vehicle thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chassis frame for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in the field of commercial vehicles such as trucks, electric vehicles such as electric trucks as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below and fuel cell trucks have been developed from the standpoint of reducing environmental impact.

[0003] In such electric vehicles, there is a demand for increased battery capacity to ensure a longer driving range, and in order to meet this demand, it is necessary to expand the space in which the batteries are installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-113825 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, if the mounting space for the battery is expanded, it becomes difficult to secure mounting space for on-board devices such as auxiliary equipment. For this reason, for example, in a vehicle equipped with a chassis frame having a ladder frame structure, the auxiliary equipment may be placed on the outer side of the side rail in the vehicle width direction. In such a case, measures are required to reduce the risk of damage to the auxiliary equipment and leakage current when an object (another vehicle, etc.) collides with the vehicle from the side (so-called side collision).

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a vehicle chassis frame that protects on-board equipment in a vehicle from a side collision with the vehicle and that can be mounted on the vehicle in a space-saving manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the problems described above, and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples.

[0008] (1) The vehicle chassis frame according to this application example includes a pair of side rails arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle and extending in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle, a cross member connecting the pair of side rails, and a cross plate connecting the pair of side rails below the cross member and supporting the vehicle's on-board equipment.

[0009] According to this application example, the cross member and the cross plate extend in the vehicle width direction and connect the pair of side rails, so that in the event of a side collision with the vehicle, a resistance based on the rigidity of the pair of side rails, the cross member, and the cross plate acts outward in the vehicle width direction, and deformation of the vehicle chassis frame is suppressed. In particular, since the cross plate is located below the cross member, in the event of a side collision with the vehicle, in the vicinity of the portion of the pair of side rails that overlaps with the cross plate in the vehicle width direction, a resistance based on the rigidity of the pair of side rails, the cross member, and the cross plate acts more strongly outward in the vehicle width direction, and deformation of the vicinity in the vehicle width direction is more suppressed. As a result, even in the event of a side collision with the vehicle, the on-board equipment mounted on the cross plate can be protected from the side collision. In addition, since the cross plate is located below the cross member and the on-board equipment is mounted on the cross plate, by arranging the on-board equipment in the space below the cross member, the on-board equipment can be protected while saving space in the horizontal direction of the vehicle chassis frame.

[0010] (2) In the vehicle chassis frame relating to the application example of (1) above, each of the pair of side rails has an upper flange portion, a lower flange portion, and a web portion located between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion, and has a cross-sectional structure that opens toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the cross plate has a pair of support portions supported by the pair of side rails and a base portion provided between the pair of support portions and on which the on-board equipment is assembled, and the pair of support portions are attached to the web portions of the pair of side rails.

[0011] Therefore, the resistance of the cross plate can be applied outward in the vehicle width direction by the cross plate having a pair of support parts supported by the pair of side rails and a base part provided between the pair of support parts and on which the on-board equipment is attached. In addition, since the support parts of the cross plate are supported by the web parts of the side rails which have a relatively high rigidity and a large area, the side rails can stably support the cross plate and heavy on-board equipment.

[0012] (3) In the vehicle chassis frame relating to the application example of (1) above, each of the pair of side rails has an upper flange portion, a lower flange portion, and a web portion located between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion, and has a cross-sectional structure that opens toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the cross plate has a pair of support portions supported by the pair of side rails and a base portion provided between the pair of support portions and on which the on-board equipment is assembled, and the pair of support portions are attached to the lower flange portions of the pair of side rails.

[0013] Therefore, the cross plate has a pair of support parts supported by the pair of side rails and a base part provided between the pair of support parts and on which the on-board equipment is attached, so that the resistance of the cross plate can be applied outward in the vehicle width direction. In addition, because the support parts of the cross plate are supported by the lower flange parts of the side rails, the cross plate and heavy on-board equipment can be stably supported by the side rails.

[0014] (4) In the vehicle chassis frame relating to the application example of (2) above, each of the pair of support parts has a crank shape having a first vertical part, a second vertical part located below the first vertical part, and a horizontal part located between the first vertical part and the second vertical part, the first vertical part is supported by the web part, and the base part is attached to the second vertical part.

[0015] In this way, the pair of support parts are crank-shaped, and the first vertical part is supported by the web part, which has a relatively high rigidity and a large area among the side rails. As a result, a resistance based on the rigidity of the cross plate acts outward in the vehicle width direction, and deformation of the vehicle chassis frame is suppressed when a side collision occurs. In addition, since the base part is attached to the second vertical part located below the first vertical part, the mounting space for on-vehicle devices in the vertical direction of the vehicle can be increased.

[0016] (5) In the vehicle chassis frame relating to the application example of (3) above, each of the pair of support parts has an L-shape having a horizontal part and a vertical part located below the horizontal part, the horizontal part is supported by the lower flange part, and the vertical part has the base part attached to it.

[0017] In this way, the pair of support parts are L-shaped, and the first vertical part is supported by the lower flange part. As a result, a resistance force based on the rigidity of the cross plate acts outward in the vehicle width direction, and deformation of the vehicle chassis frame is suppressed when a side collision occurs. In addition, since the base part is attached to the second vertical part located below the horizontal part, the mounting space for on-vehicle devices in the vertical direction of the vehicle can be increased.

[0018] (6) In the vehicle chassis frame relating to the application example of (1) above, the vehicle is an electric vehicle having an electric motor that drives the vehicle and a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, the cross plate is arranged in the vicinity of the battery, and the battery accessories are mounted as the on-board equipment.

[0019] With this, the battery and its accessories are disposed in close proximity to each other, and they can be connected by a short cable with no intermediate connections, thereby preventing leakage current. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle and a body frame of a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of a cross member and a cross plate in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a cross plate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a cross plate according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a pair of side rails and a cross plate according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a pair of side rails and a cross plate according to a second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] 1. Vehicle and body frame configuration First, a specific configuration of a vehicle 10 and a body frame 20 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 10 and a body frame 20 of the first embodiment.

[0022] In the following description, the vehicle length direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the X direction or the front-rear direction. In the following description, the vehicle height direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the Z direction, the up-down direction or the vertical direction. In the following description, the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the Y direction or the left-right direction.

[0023] In the following description, the horizontal plane may be referred to as the XY plane. In the following description, the plane including the vehicle length direction and vehicle height direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the XZ plane. In the following description, the plane including the vehicle width direction and vehicle height direction of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as the YZ plane.

[0024] Furthermore, in the following description, a pair of symmetrical parts may be distinguished by adding an R to the reference number of the part on the right side of the vehicle 10 and an L to the reference number of the part on the left side of the vehicle 10.

[0025] Vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle that uses electricity stored in a battery 40 as driving force, and examples of electric vehicles include electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).

[0026] The vehicle 10 is specifically an electric vehicle truck, and the vehicle body frame 20 is, for example, a chassis frame with a ladder frame structure applied to large vehicles such as trucks. The vehicle body frame 20 includes a pair of left and right side rails 22R, 22L, a plurality of cross members 24, etc.

[0027] The pair of side rails 22R, 22L includes a right side rail 22R and a left side rail 22L, which extend in the vehicle length direction. The pair of side rails 22R, 22L are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] The multiple cross members 24 extend in the vehicle width direction and connect the pair of side rails 22R, 22L. The multiple cross members 24 include a front cross member 24a, a first central cross member 24b, a second central cross member 24c, and a rear cross member 24d.

[0029] Specifically, the front cross member 24a connects the front ends of the pair of side rails 22R, 22L.

[0030] The first central cross member 24b and the second central cross member 24c connect the pair of side rails 22R, 22L at intermediate positions thereof. The first central cross member 24b is located forward of the second central cross member 24c.

[0031] The rear cross member 24d connects the rear ends of the pair of side rails 22R, 22L.

[0032] Here, the area defined by the pair of side rails 22R, 22L, the front cross member 24a, and the first central cross member 24b is referred to as a first area R1.

[0033] Moreover, an area defined by the pair of side rails 22R, 22L, the first central cross member 24b, and the second central cross member 24c is referred to as a second area R2.

[0034] Furthermore, an area defined by the pair of side rails 22R, 22L, the second central cross member 24c, and the rear cross member 24d is referred to as a third area R3.

[0035] The vehicle body frame 20 supports various components of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the vehicle body frame 20 supports components mounted in various regions and components mounted on the outer periphery of the vehicle body frame 20.

[0036] Although not shown in the figures, the first region R1 is equipped with, for example, a transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits steering force from a steering wheel (not shown) to the front wheels 32R, 32L via the steering shaft 30, etc. The front wheels 32R, 32L are driven wheels and are suspended from the body frame 20.

[0037] The second region R2 is equipped with a battery 40 and a control unit 42. The battery 40 is a high-voltage secondary battery used to drive the vehicle 10. Examples of the battery 40 include a high-voltage battery module such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The battery 40 is configured by housing multiple battery packs in a battery case and supported by the vehicle body frame 20.

[0038] In addition, the battery 40 is electrically connected to at least the drive unit 50 via the control unit 42 .

[0039] The control unit 42 controls and monitors the operation of various components of the vehicle 10. The control unit 42 includes, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that functions as a computer, and a PDU (Power Distribution Unit) that functions as a power distributor. The control unit 42 monitors, for example, the state of the battery 40. In addition, for example, the control unit 42 controls the distribution of the power of the battery 40 to each supply destination as appropriate.

[0040] The third region R3 is equipped with a drive unit 50. The drive unit 50 includes an inverter 52, an electric motor 54, a gear box 56, a differential device 58, and the like, which are integrally configured to form the drive unit 50.

[0041] The inverter 52 is electrically connected to an electric motor 54, and the electric motor 54 is mechanically connected to a gear box 56. Furthermore, the gear box 56 is mechanically connected to a differential device 58.

[0042] The inverter 52 converts the DC power input from the battery 40 side into AC power of a predetermined frequency, and outputs the AC power to the electric motor 54 side. The electric motor 54, which is essentially a drive source, converts the power input from the inverter 52 side into drive force (rotational force), and outputs it to the gear box 56 side.

[0043] The gear box 56 is a reduction mechanism equipped with a plurality of gears, which converts the rotation input from the electric motor 54 at a predetermined gear ratio and outputs it to the differential device 58. The differential device 58 distributes the driving force input from the gear box 56 to each of the left and right drive shafts 60R, 60L.

[0044] The drive shaft 60R mechanically connects the drive unit 50 to a right rear wheel 62R, and the drive shaft 60L mechanically connects the drive unit 50 to a left rear wheel 62L.

[0045] That is, according to the drive unit 50, the electric power supplied from the battery 40 to the drive unit 50 is converted into a driving force, and the driving force is transmitted to the rear wheels 62R, 62L via the drive shafts 60R, 60L. Therefore, the rear wheels 62R, 62L are driving wheels. The rear wheels 62R, 62L are suspended from the body frame 20.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the cross member 24 and the cross plate 70 of the first embodiment. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views showing the configuration of the cross plate 70 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is specifically a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the first central cross member 24b and the cross plate 70. FIG. 3 is also a view in which the pair of side rails 22R, 22L and the first central cross member 24b are omitted from FIG. 2. Furthermore, FIG. 4 is also a view in which an in-vehicle device 80 is additionally illustrated in FIG. 3. Next, the cross plate 70 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0047] The body frame 20 of the vehicle 10 includes, in addition to the pair of side rails 22R, 22L, etc., a cross plate 70. The cross plate 70 extends in the vehicle width direction, similar to the first central cross member 24b, and connects the pair of side rails 22R, 22L below the first central cross member 24b.

[0048] 4, an in-vehicle device 80 is mounted on the cross plate 70. The in-vehicle device 80 is, for example, an auxiliary device, and is electrically or mechanically connected to the battery 40, the electric motor 54 of the drive unit 50, and the like.

[0049] In this embodiment, the on-vehicle equipment 80 includes accessories used in a cooling circuit of the battery 40, such as a heat exchanger 80a, a PTC heater 80b, a compressor 80c, and a water pump 80d, and a muffler 80e.

[0050] The in-vehicle device 80 may be mounted only on the upper side of the cross plate 70, or only on the lower side of the cross plate 70, or on both.

[0051] 2. Configuration of side rails, cross members and cross plates Next, the specific configurations of the pair of side rails 22R, 22L, the cross member 24, and the cross plate 70 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configurations of the pair of side rails 22R, 22L, the cross member 24, and the cross plate 70 of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is also a view of the cut surface of the body frame 20 cut along the cutting line AA (see Fig. 1) as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle 10. That is, the cross member 24 shown in Fig. 5 is the first central cross member 24b.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the right side rail 22R specifically includes an upper flange portion 22Ra, a lower flange portion 22Rb, and a web portion 22Rc, which are integrally formed.

[0053] The lower flange portion 22Rb faces the upper flange portion 22Ra below the upper flange portion 22Ra.

[0054] Furthermore, the web portion 22Rc extends vertically between the upper flange portion 22Ra and the lower flange portion 22Rb, and connects the upper flange portion 22Ra and the lower flange portion 22Rb.

[0055] The length of the web portion 22Rc in the vehicle width direction (i.e., the plate thickness) is shorter than the lengths of the upper flange portion 22Ra and the lower flange portion 22Rb in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the upper flange portion 22Ra, the lower flange portion 22Rb, and the web portion 22Rc form an opening 22Rd, and the opening 22Rd faces inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 5, web portion 22Rc of right side rail 22R is located at the outer end in the vehicle width direction between upper flange portion 22Ra and lower flange portion 22Rb, and right side rail 22R has a U-shaped cross section.

[0057] The left side rail 22L specifically includes an upper flange portion 22La, a lower flange portion 22Lb, and a web portion 22Lc, which are integrally formed.

[0058] The lower flange portion 22Lb faces the upper flange portion 22La below the upper flange portion 22La.

[0059] Furthermore, the web portion 22Lc extends in the vertical direction between the upper flange portion 22La and the lower flange portion 22Lb, and connects the upper flange portion 22La and the lower flange portion 22Lb.

[0060] The length of the web portion Lc in the vehicle width direction (i.e., the plate thickness) is shorter than the lengths of the upper flange portion 22La and the lower flange portion 22Lb in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the upper flange portion 22La, the lower flange portion 22Lb, and the web portion 22Lc form an opening 22Ld, and the opening 22Ld faces inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 5, web portion 22Lc of left side rail 22L is located at the outer end in the vehicle width direction between upper flange portion 22La and lower flange portion 22Lb, and left side rail 22L has a U-shaped cross section.

[0062] Each cross member 24 has a similar configuration. For example, the first central cross member 24b has a pair of left and right upper connection portions 25R, 25L, a main portion 26, and a pair of left and right lower connection portions 27R, 27L, as shown in Figures 2 and 5.

[0063] The upper connection portion 25R is connected to the upper surface of the end of the main portion 26 and has an upper horizontal portion 25Rh that is T-shaped when viewed from above and extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and an upper vertical portion 25Rv that extends downward from the outer end of the upper horizontal portion 25Rh in the vehicle width direction along the web portion 22Rc of the right side rail 22R.

[0064] The upper connection portion 25L is connected to the upper surface of the end of the main portion 26 and has an upper horizontal portion 25Lh that is T-shaped when viewed from above and extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and an upper vertical portion 25Lv that extends downward from the outer end of the upper horizontal portion 25Lh in the vehicle width direction along the web portion 22Lc of the left side rail 22L.

[0065] The main portion 26 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a hat-shaped cross section that opens downward. The lower connection portion 27R is connected to the lower surface of the end of the main portion 26 and has a lower horizontal portion 27Rh that is T-shaped in top view and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a lower vertical portion 27Rv that extends downward from the outer end of the lower horizontal portion 27Rh in the vehicle width direction along the web portion 22Rc of the right side rail 22R.

[0066] The lower connection portion 27L has a lower horizontal portion 27Lh that is T-shaped when viewed from above and extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a lower vertical portion 27Lv that extends downward from the vehicle width outer end of the lower horizontal portion 27Lh along the web portion 22Lc of the left side rail 22L.

[0067] Specifically, the cross plate 70 includes a right support portion 72R, a left support portion 72L, and a base portion 74, which are a pair of left and right support portions.

[0068] The right support part 72R is attached to the inner surface of the opening 22Rd of the right side rail 22R, specifically, to the inner surface of the web part 22Rc of the right side rail 22R, using a fastener 90R (e.g., a bolt and a nut). That is, the right support part 72R is supported on the inner surface of the web part 22Rc of the right side rail 22R via the fastener 90R in the through hole.

[0069] The right support portion 72R is a plate member having a crank-shaped cross section, the crank shape being a stepped shape that is folded at least twice.

[0070] Specifically, the right support portion 72R includes a first vertical portion 72Ra, a second vertical portion 72Rb, and a horizontal portion 72Rc, which are integrally configured.

[0071] The first vertical portion 72Ra extends vertically on the inner surface of the web portion 22Rc and is supported by the inner surface of the web portion 22Rc via a fastener 90R in a through hole while sandwiching the lower vertical surface of the cross member.

[0072] The horizontal portion 72Rc is provided between the first vertical portion 72Ra and the second vertical portion 72Rb, and extends inward in the vehicle width direction from a lower end of the first vertical portion 72Ra on the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb.

[0073] The second vertical portion 72Rb extends vertically downward from the inner end of the horizontal portion 72Rc in the vehicle width direction. That is, the second vertical portion 72Rb is located further inward in the vehicle width direction than the first vertical portion 72Ra and lower than the first vertical portion 72Ra.

[0074] For these reasons, it can also be said that the right support portion 72R has a crank shape with a portion thereof fitting along the inner surface of the opening 22Rd, specifically, the inner surface of the web portion 22Rc and the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb.

[0075] The left support part 72L is attached to the inner surface of the opening 22Ld of the left side rail 22L, specifically, to the inner surface of the web part 22Lc of the left side rail 22L, using a fastener 90L. That is, the left support part 72L is supported on the inner surface of the web part 22Lc of the left side rail 22L via the fastener 90L in the through hole.

[0076] Similarly to the right support portion 72R, the left support portion 72L is a plate member having a crank-shaped cross section. Specifically, the left support portion 72L includes a first vertical portion 72La, a second vertical portion 72Lb, and a horizontal portion 72Lc, which are integrally formed.

[0077] The first vertical portion 72La extends vertically on the inner surface of the web portion 22Lc and is supported by the inner surface of the web portion 22Lc via the fastener 90L in the through hole while sandwiching the lower vertical surface of the cross member. In other words, the second vertical portion 72Lb is supported by the inner surface of the web portion 22Lc via the fastener 90L.

[0078] The horizontal portion 72Lc is provided between the first vertical portion 72La and the second vertical portion 72Lb, and extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the first vertical portion 72Ra on the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb.

[0079] The second vertical portion 72Lb extends vertically downward from the inner end of the horizontal portion 72Lc in the vehicle width direction. That is, the second vertical portion 72Lb is located further inward in the vehicle width direction than the first vertical portion 72La and lower than the first vertical portion 72La.

[0080] For these reasons, it can also be said that the left support portion 72L has a crank shape with a portion thereof fitting along the inner surface of the opening 22Ld, specifically, the inner surface of the web portion 22Lc and the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb.

[0081] The base portion 74 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the pair of support portions 72R, 72L. Specifically, a right end portion of the base portion 74 is attached to the second vertical portion 72Rb of the right support portion 72R, and a left end portion of the base portion 74 is attached to the second vertical portion 72Lb of the left support portion 72L. Specifically, the in-vehicle device 80 is mounted on the base portion 74 of the cross plate 70.

[0082] In the vehicle body frame 20 of the first embodiment, the multiple cross members 24 and the cross plate 70 extend in the vehicle width direction and connect the pair of side rails 22R, 22L. Therefore, in the event of a collision (side collision) from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle 10, a resistance based on the rigidity of the pair of side rails 22R, 22L, the multiple cross members 24, and the cross plate 70 acts on the outside in the vehicle width direction, suppressing deformation of the vehicle body frame 20 inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0083] In particular, the cross plate 70 is located below the cross member 24. Therefore, in the event of a collision (side collision) with the vehicle 10 from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction, a resistance based on the rigidity of the pair of side rails 22R, 22L, the cross member 24, and the cross plate 70 acts more strongly on the outside in the vehicle width direction around the portion of the pair of side rails 22R, 22L that overlaps with the cross plate 70 in the vehicle width direction, and deformation of the surrounding area towards the inside in the vehicle width direction is further suppressed.

[0084] For these reasons, in the body frame 20 of the first embodiment, even if a side collision occurs to the vehicle 10, the in-vehicle equipment 80 mounted on the cross plate 70 can be protected from the side collision.

[0085] In addition, since the cross plate 70 is positioned below the cross member 24 and the on-board equipment 80 is mounted on the cross plate 70, by arranging the on-board equipment 80 in the space below the cross member 24, it is possible to save space in the horizontal direction of the body frame 20.

[0086] From the viewpoint of utilizing the rigidity of the cross member 24 as well, it is preferable that the cross plate 70 be disposed below the cross member 24 and in a position close to the cross member 24 .

[0087] In addition, in the cross plate 70 of the first embodiment, the right support portion 72R and the left support portion 72L are crank-shaped, the right support portion 72R is supported on the inner surface of the web portion 22Rc of the right side rail 22R, the left support portion 72L is supported on the inner surface of the web portion 22Lc of the left side rail 22L, and the base portion 74 connects the pair of support portions 72R, 72L between them.

[0088] Therefore, the cross plate 70, which has a pair of support portions 72R, 72L and a base portion 74 provided between them to which the in-vehicle equipment 80 is attached, can exert a resistance force toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0089] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the cross plate 70 is supported on the web portions 22Rc, 22Lc of each side rail, which have relatively high rigidity and large area, so that the pair of side rails 22R, 22L can stably support the cross plate 70 and heavy vehicle-mounted equipment 80.

[0090] In the cross plate 70 of the first embodiment, specifically, the first vertical portion 72Ra of the right support portion 72R is supported on the inner surface of the web portion 22Rc of the right side rail 22R, the first vertical portion 72La of the left support portion 72L is supported on the inner surface of the web portion 22Lc of the left side rail 22L, and a base portion 74 is attached to the second vertical portion 72Rb of the right support portion 72R and the second vertical portion 72Lb of the left support portion 72L.

[0091] In this way, in the cross plate 70 of the first embodiment, the base portion 74 is attached to the second vertical portions 72Rb, 72Lb, which are located lower than the first vertical portions 72Ra, 72La, thereby increasing the mounting space for the on-board equipment 80 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 10.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of support portions 72R, 72L of the cross plate 70 are integrally connected to the lower connection portions 27R, 27L of the cross member 24. As a result, the cross member, the side frame, and the cross plate are integrated to form a closed cross section, and the in-vehicle equipment 80 can be protected more securely.

[0093] Furthermore, in the vehicle body frame 20 of the first embodiment, the cross plate 70 is disposed in the vicinity of the battery 40, and the accessories of the battery 40 carry the on-vehicle equipment 80 thereon.

[0094] If the battery 40 and the accessories of the battery 40 are far away from each other, the length of the cable connecting them will also be long, increasing the possibility of the cable being damaged. Furthermore, if the cable connecting the battery 40 and the accessories of the battery 40 is damaged, there is a possibility of a current leak occurring.

[0095] Furthermore, when the battery 40 and the accessories of the battery 40 are far away from each other, a cable having a connection point such as a connector at an intermediate position may be used to connect them. In this case, there is a possibility of electric leakage from the connection point at an intermediate position of the cable.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the battery 40 and the accessories of the battery 40 are arranged in close proximity to each other, and therefore they are connected by a short cable that has no connection points such as connectors along the way, thereby reducing the risk of leakage due to damage to the cable and leakage from connection points along the way.

[0097] 3. Second embodiment The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the configuration of the cross plate 70 is changed. Therefore, the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a pair of side rails 22R, 22L and the cross plate 70 of the second embodiment. Fig. 6 is also a view of the cross section of the second embodiment, taken along the cutting line AA (see Fig. 1), as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle 10.

[0098] The shape of the pair of support parts 72R, 72L is not limited to that in the above embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a pair of side rails 22R, 22L and the cross plate 70 in a modified example. Fig. 6 is also a view of the cross section of the body frame 20 cut along the cutting line AA (see Fig. 1) in the second embodiment, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle 10.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the first vertical portion 72Ra is omitted from the right support portion 72R, and the right support portion 72R is an L-shaped plate member. The right support portion 72R is attached to the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb of the right side rail 22R using a fastener 90R. That is, the right support portion 72R is supported by the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb of the right side rail 22R via the fastener 90R.

[0100] Specifically, the horizontal portion 72Rc of the right support portion 72R is attached to the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb of the right side rail 22R using a fastener 90R. That is, the horizontal portion 72Rc of the right support portion 72R is supported by the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb of the right side rail 22R via the fastener 90R.

[0101] For these reasons, it can be said that the right support portion 72R in the second embodiment has an L-shape with a portion thereof fitting along the inner surface of the opening 22Ld, specifically, along the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the first vertical portion 72La is omitted from the left support portion 72L, and the left support portion 72L is an L-shaped plate member. The left support portion 72L is attached to the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb of the left side rail 22L using a fastener 90L. That is, the left support portion 72L is supported by the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb of the left side rail 22L via the fastener 90L.

[0103] Specifically, the horizontal portion 72Lc of the left support portion 72L is attached to the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb of the left side rail 22L by using a fastener 90L. That is, the horizontal portion 72Lc of the left support portion 72L is supported by the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb of the left side rail 22L via the fastener 90L.

[0104] For these reasons, it can be said that the left support portion 72L in the second embodiment has an L-shape with a portion thereof fitting along the inner surface of the opening 22Ld, specifically, along the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb.

[0105] In the second embodiment of the cross plate 70, the right support portion 72R and the left support portion 72L are L-shaped, the right support portion 72R is supported on the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb of the right side rail 22R, the left support portion 72L is supported on the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb of the left side rail 22L, and the base portion 74 connects the pair of support portions 72R, 72L between them.

[0106] Therefore, the cross plate 70, which has a pair of support portions 72R, 72L and a base portion 74 provided between them to which the in-vehicle equipment 80 is attached, can exert a resistance force toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0107] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the cross plate 70 is supported on the lower flange portions 22Rb, 22Lb of each side rail, so that the pair of side rails 22R, 22L can stably support the cross plate 70 and heavy in-vehicle equipment 80.

[0108] In the cross plate 70 of the second embodiment, specifically, the horizontal portion 72Rc of the right support portion 72R is supported on the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb of the right side rail 22R, the horizontal portion 72Lc of the left support portion 72L is supported on the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb of the left side rail 22L, and a base portion 74 is attached to the second vertical portion 72Rb of the right support portion 72R and the second vertical portion 72Lb of the left support portion 72L.

[0109] In this way, in the cross plate 70 of the second embodiment, the base portion 74 is attached to the second vertical portions 72Rb, 72Lb, which are located lower than the horizontal portions 72Rc, 72Lc, thereby increasing the mounting space for the on-board equipment 80 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 10.

[0110] In addition, in the second embodiment, each support portion is L-shaped and supported by the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb of the right side rail 22R and the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb of the left side rail 22L, so that the cross plate 70 can be supported by the pair of side rails 22R, 22L with a minimal configuration.

[0111] For these reasons, the body frame 20 of the second embodiment is able to reduce space while still reliably protecting the on-board equipment 80 mounted on the cross plate 70 from a side collision with the vehicle 10, even if such a collision occurs.

[0112] It should be noted that the specific configurations shown in each embodiment are merely examples, and aspects of the present invention are not limited to the configurations shown in each embodiment.

[0113] For example, the web portion 22Rc of the right side rail 22R may be located in the center in the vehicle width direction between the upper flange portion 22Ra and the lower flange portion 22Rb, and the cross section of the right side rail 22R may be I-shaped.

[0114] Also, for example, the web portion 22Lc of the left side rail 22L may be located in the center in the vehicle width direction between the upper flange portion 22La and the lower flange portion 22Lb, and the cross section of the left side rail 22L may be I-shaped.

[0115] For example, the pair of support portions 72R, 72L of the cross plate 70 may be configured by connecting a plurality of plates.

[0116] Also, for example, the right support portion 72R may be supported on the inner surface of the right side rail 22R without using the fastener 90R, and the left support portion 72L may be supported on the inner surface of the left side rail 22L without using the fastener 90L.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, the right support portion 72R may be integral with the inner surface of the right side rail 22R, and the left support portion 72L may be integral with the inner surface of the left side rail 22L.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, the cross plate 70 may be provided below a cross member 24 other than the first central cross member 24b.

[0119] As long as the cross members 24 function as the vehicle body frame 20, the number and positions of the cross members 24 may be changed.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, if the vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle, the vehicle 10 further includes a hydrogen tank and a fuel cell system. This fuel cell system generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank and external air, and is mounted, for example, in the first region R1. Furthermore, in this case, on-board equipment 80 such as an air compressor, a hydrogen supply device (such as a regulator or check valve), a water pump in a refrigerant circuit, and a radiator, which are electrically or mechanically connected to the fuel cell system, are mounted on the cross plate 70.

[0121] In such a case, the hydrogen tank, fuel cell system, and associated on-board equipment 80 are placed close to each other and connected by a short pipe that has no intermediate connections such as connectors, thereby preventing water leakage due to damage to the pipe and water leakage from intermediate connections on the pipe.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the crank-shaped right support portion 72R may be attached to the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Rb using a fastener 90R, as in the second embodiment. The crank-shaped left support portion 72L may also be attached to the inner surface of the lower flange portion 22Lb using a fastener 90L, as in the second embodiment.

[0123] In this case, the pair of side rails 22R, 22L can stably support the cross plate 70 and the heavy in-vehicle equipment 80. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10 Vehicles 20 Body frame 22R Right side rail 22L Left side rail 22Ra Upper flange 22Rb Lower flange 22Rc Web Section 22Rd opening 22La Upper flange 22Lb Lower flange 22Lc Web section 22Ld opening 24 Cross member 40 Battery 54 Electric Motor 70 Cross Plate 72R Right support part 72Ra 1st vertical section 72Rb 2nd vertical section 72Rc horizontal section 72L Left support part 72La 1st vertical section 72Lb 2nd vertical section 72Lc horizontal section 74 Pedestal 80 Automotive equipment

Claims

1. A pair of side rails are disposed on the left and right sides of a vehicle and extend in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; A cross member connecting the pair of side rails; a cross plate that connects the pair of side rails below the cross member and supports on-board equipment of the vehicle.

2. Each of the pair of side rails has an upper flange portion, a lower flange portion, and a web portion located between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion, and has a cross-sectional structure that opens toward the inside in a vehicle width direction, the cross plate includes a pair of support parts supported by the pair of side rails, and a base part provided between the pair of support parts and on which the in-vehicle device is assembled, 2. The vehicle chassis frame according to claim 1, wherein the pair of support portions are attached to the web portions of the pair of side rails.

3. each of the pair of side rails has an upper flange portion, a lower flange portion, and a web portion located between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion, and has a cross-sectional structure that opens toward the inside in the vehicle width direction; the cross plate includes a pair of support parts supported by the pair of side rails, and a base part provided between the pair of support parts and on which the in-vehicle device is assembled, 2. The vehicle chassis frame according to claim 1, wherein the pair of support portions are attached to the lower flange portions of the pair of side rails.

4. 3. The chassis frame for a vehicle as described in claim 2, wherein each of the pair of support portions has a crank shape having a first vertical portion, a second vertical portion located lower than the first vertical portion, and a horizontal portion located between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion, the first vertical portion being supported by the web portion, and the second vertical portion being attached to the base portion.

5. 4. The chassis frame for a vehicle as described in claim 3, wherein each of the pair of support portions is L-shaped having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion located below the horizontal portion, the horizontal portion being supported by the lower flange portion, and the vertical portion being attached to the base portion.

6. The vehicle is an electric vehicle including an electric motor that drives the vehicle and a battery that serves as a power source for traveling and supplies electric power to the electric motor, 2. The chassis frame for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cross plate is disposed in the vicinity of the battery, and mounts an auxiliary device of the battery as the on-board device.

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