Vehicle frame structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle frame structure which can efficiently absorb collision energy and contribute to development of a sustainable transport system.SOLUTION: A first portion 10 of a side frame 3 serving as a vehicle frame structure includes: a pair of facing wall parts 11, 11 extending in a vehicle body front-back direction; a connection wall part 12 extending in the vehicle body front-back direction and connecting the pair of facing wall parts 11, 11; and straight ribs 12b and V-shaped ribs 12c serving as installation ribs formed at the connection wall part 12 so as to connect the pair of facing wall parts 11, 11; and fragile parts 11a formed at the facing wall parts 11 and / or the connection wall part 12. The fragile part 11a is formed so as to be located between the two adjacent installation ribs in the vehicle body front-back direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame structure of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of improving the global environment in order to suppress natural disasters, improvement of the fuel efficiency of automobiles has been demanded. On the other hand, maintenance or improvement of the collision safety of vehicles has been demanded. In order to satisfy these demands, development of a vehicle frame structure that absorbs collision energy has been underway. As such a vehicle frame structure, Patent Document 1 discloses a front body (engine room) composed of a single cast part having a plurality of ribs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Such a structure can be set to have high rigidity, but due to its high rigidity, it is difficult to cause deformation or crushing, and there is room for improvement in terms of absorbing collision energy. Further, in such a structure, even when deformation occurs, there is a possibility that residual crushing may occur and the collision energy may not be sufficiently absorbed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle frame structure that can efficiently absorb collision energy and thus contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the vehicle frame structure of the present invention includes a pair of opposing wall portions extending in the vehicle body front-rear direction, a connecting wall portion extending in the vehicle body front-rear direction and connecting the pair of opposing wall portions, a plurality of erection ribs formed on the connecting wall portion to connect the pair of opposing wall portions, and a weak portion formed on the opposing wall portion and / or the connecting wall portion, wherein the weak portion is formed to be located between two adjacent erection ribs in the vehicle body front-rear direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, collision energy can be efficiently absorbed, and thus it can contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Next, regarding the embodiments of the present invention, taking the case where the vehicle frame structure of the present invention is applied to the front side frame as an example, it will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. In the reference drawings, "front and rear" indicates the front-rear direction in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and "left and right" indicates the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) as viewed from the driver's seat, respectively. Further, since the vehicle frame structure is applied to the front part of the vehicle body, the outer side (outer side) in the vehicle body front-rear direction becomes the front side (front side), and the inner side (inner side) in the vehicle body front-rear direction becomes the rear side (rear side) (when applied to the rear part of the vehicle body, it is the opposite).

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle body structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is composed of die-cast castings formed at least in part by a die-casting method (aluminum die-casting method) using aluminum as a material. The vehicle body structure 1 includes a pair of front members 2, 2 in the vehicle width direction disposed at the front part of the vehicle body.

[0011] <Front member> The front member 2 is an example of a vehicle body structure member to which the vehicle frame structure of the present invention is applied, and is a member that constitutes the front part of the vehicle body structure 1. The front member 2 is a die-cast casting formed (integrally molded) by the aluminum die-casting method, and integrally includes a side frame 3, an upper member 4, a connecting portion 5, a wheel house 6, and a damper housing 7.

[0012] <Side frame (front side frame)> The side frame 3 is an example of the vehicle frame structure of the present invention, and is a frame having an open cross-sectional shape extending in the front-rear direction at the lower part of the vehicle body and on the vehicle width direction end side. The side frame 3 will be described in detail later.

[0013] <Upper member> The upper member 4 is a frame having an open cross-sectional shape extending in the front-rear direction outside the side frame 3 in the vehicle width direction. The upper member 4 has a shape following the upper end portions of the wheel house 6 and the damper housing 7, and is formed so as to go upward as it goes rearward.

[0014] <Connecting portion> The connecting portion 5 is a frame with an open cross-sectional shape extending in the vehicle width direction, and is a portion that connects a portion slightly behind the front end of the side frame 3 and the front end of the upper member 4. The inner end in the vehicle width direction of the connecting portion 5 is connected to the outer end in the vehicle width direction slightly behind the front end of the side frame 3. The outer end and the rear end in the vehicle width direction of the connecting portion 5 are connected to the front end of the upper member 4. The rear end of the connecting portion 5 is connected to the front end of the wheel house 6.

[0015] <Wheel house> The wheel house 6 is a portion where a wheel (front wheel in this embodiment) is accommodated in a space formed outside the wheel house 6 in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the wheel house 6 is connected to the rear end of the connecting portion 5. The inner end and the lower end in the vehicle width direction of the wheel house 6 are connected to the outer end and the upper end in the vehicle width direction of the side frame 3. The outer end and the upper end in the vehicle width direction of the wheel house 6 are connected to the inner end and the lower end in the vehicle width direction of the upper member 4.

[0016] <Damper housing> The damper housing 7 is provided above the wheel house 6 and is a portion where a damper for suspending a wheel (front wheel) is accommodated.

[0017] <Side frame (front side frame)> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the side frame 3 integrally includes a first portion 10, a second portion 20, a third portion 30, a fourth portion 40, and a fifth portion 50 in order from the front to the rear.

[0018] <Side frame: First portion> The first part 10 constitutes the front part of the side frame 3 and is a part that protrudes forward (outward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. When the side frame is applied to the rear part of the vehicle body, it protrudes backward) from the connecting part 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the first part 10 integrally includes a pair of opposing wall parts 11, 11, a connecting wall part 12 that connects the opposing wall parts 11, 11, and a flat plate part 13. Note that FIG. 4 depicts the first part 10 and the second part 20 of the side frame 3 applied to the right side of the vehicle.

[0019] <<Opposing Wall Parts>> The opposing wall parts 11, 11 are long plate-shaped parts extending in the front-rear direction and are spaced apart and opposed to each other. In the present embodiment, the opposing wall parts 11, 11 extend in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction and are opposed to each other with a space therebetween in the vehicle width direction. That is, one of the opposing wall parts 11, 11 is an inner wall part arranged on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the other of the opposing wall parts 11, 11 is an outer wall part arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] The interval between the pair of opposing wall parts 11, 11 widens toward the rear. In the present embodiment, the opposing wall part 11 as the inner wall part is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Also, the opposing wall part 11 as the outer wall part is inclined so as to go outward in the vehicle width direction toward the rear and is inclined at an inclination angle θ within a range greater than 0° and equal to or less than 5° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0021] <<Vulnerable Part>> On the opposing wall portions 11, 11, a plurality of weak portions 11a are respectively formed. The weak portion 11a is weaker compared to other portions of the opposing wall portion 11. More specifically, it is formed so as to be easily deformed (crushed) and collapse with respect to the load in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the weak portion 11a is a bead (recessed portion) that is recessed on the inner side or the outer side of the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11. The plurality of weak portions 11a are arranged in the front-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the opposing wall portion 11). In the present embodiment, the weak portion 11a formed on the opposing wall portion 11 as the inner wall portion is recessed outward in the vehicle width direction, and the weak portion 11a formed on the opposing wall portion 11 as the outer wall portion is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction. The weak portion 11a of the inner wall portion and the weak portion 11a of the outer wall portion are provided at the same position in the front-rear direction, in other words, arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] Note that the recessed direction of the bead (recessed portion) as the weak portion 11a can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, among the weak portions 11a formed on the opposing wall portion 11 as the inner wall portion, the foremost weak portion 11a is recessed outward in the vehicle width direction. According to such a configuration, the bending direction of the front end portion of the first portion 10 can be controlled inward in the vehicle width direction, and the crushing and buckling of the first portion 10 can be preferably realized.

[0023] ≪Connecting wall portion≫ The connecting wall portion 12 is formed so as to connect the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11. In the present embodiment, the connecting wall portion 12 extends in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction, and is an upper wall portion that connects the upper end portions of the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11.

[0024] On the connecting wall portion 12, a parallel rib 12a parallel to the opposing wall portions 11, 11, a plurality of straight ribs 12b and V-shaped ribs 12c as bridging ribs bridging the opposing wall portions 11, 11, and an intersection portion 12d are formed.

[0025] ≪Parallel rib≫ The parallel rib 12a extends downward from the middle portion in the vehicle width direction of the connecting wall portion 12. The parallel rib 12a extends in the front-rear direction and is formed to be parallel to the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11. The parallel rib 12a intersects a plurality of bridging ribs.

[0026] ≪Straight rib≫ The straight rib 12b extends downward from the connecting wall portion 12. The straight rib 12b extends linearly in the direction intersecting the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11 (in this embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11, that is, the vehicle width direction). Both ends of the straight rib 12b are respectively connected to the opposing wall portion 11, and the middle portion of the straight rib 12b intersects the parallel rib 12a.

[0027] ≪V-shaped rib≫ The V-shaped rib 12c extends downward from the connecting wall portion 12. The V-shaped rib 12c exhibits a V shape that inclines inward (in this embodiment, rearward) in the vehicle body front-rear direction from the opposing wall portions 11, 11 (the ends of the V-shaped rib 12c) toward the parallel rib 12a (the middle portion of the V-shaped rib 12c). That is, both ends of the V-shaped rib 12c are respectively connected to the opposing wall portion 11, and the middle portion (V-shaped apex) of the V-shaped rib 12c intersects the parallel rib 12a.

[0028] ≪Intersection portion≫ The intersection portion 12d is a portion where the parallel rib 12a and the bridging ribs (the straight rib 12b and / or the V-shaped rib 12c) intersect. The intersection portion 12d also functions as a portion that is pushed out by the push pin from the die-casting mold when formed by the aluminum die-casting method. The dimension in the thickness direction of the intersection portion 12d is larger than the dimension in the thickness direction of the parallel rib 12a and the bridging ribs (the straight rib 12b and / or the V-shaped rib 12c). In this embodiment, the intersection portion 12d exhibits a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the intersection portion 12d is larger than the dimension in the thickness direction of the parallel rib 12a and the bridging ribs (the straight rib 12b and / or the V-shaped rib 12c).

[0029] A set of erection ribs (straight rib 12b and / or V-shaped rib 12c) and the intersection part 12d are arranged between two vulnerable parts 11a arranged front and back. In other words, the vulnerable part 11a is arranged between two sets of erection ribs (straight rib 12b and / or V-shaped rib 12c) arranged front and back and the intersection part 12d. Both ends of the V-shaped rib 12c are connected to the rear end part of the vulnerable part 11a or a part behind the vulnerable part 11a on the opposing wall part 11.

[0030] The frontmost intersection part 12d is connected to the frontmost V-shaped rib 12c. The end part of the frontmost V-shaped rib 12c is connected to the front end part (the boundary part between the opposing wall part 11 and the flat plate part 13) of the opposing wall part 11.

[0031] The second intersection part 12d from the front is connected to the second V-shaped rib 12c from the front and the frontmost straight rib 12b.

[0032] The third intersection part 12d from the front is connected to the third V-shaped rib 12c from the front and the second straight rib 12b from the front.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, the standing height (the dimension from the connecting wall part 12 to the tip part of each rib) of the parallel ribs 12a and the erection ribs (straight rib 12b and V-shaped rib 12c) is smaller than the width direction dimension (in this embodiment, the vertical direction dimension) of the opposing wall part 11. Also, the standing height (the dimension from the connecting wall part 12 to the tip part of the intersection part 12d) of the intersection part 12d is larger than the standing height of the parallel ribs 12a and the erection ribs (straight rib 12b and V-shaped rib 12c), and smaller than the width direction dimension of the opposing wall part 11.

[0034] ≪Flat plate part≫ As shown in FIG. 4, the flat plate part 13 is a wall part (front wall part) erected at one longitudinal end part (in this embodiment, the front end part) of the pair of opposing wall parts 11, 11 and the connecting wall part 12. The flat plate part 13 is a part where the bumper (bumper beam) of the vehicle is directly attached or attached via other members.

[0035] <Side frame: Second part> The second part 20 is a part connected to the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the connecting part 5. The second part 20 integrally includes a pair of opposing wall parts 21, 21, a connecting wall part 22, and a flat plate part 23.

[0036] ≪Opposing wall part≫ The opposing wall parts 21, 21 are long plate-shaped parts extending in the front-rear direction and are opposed to each other with a space therebetween. In the present embodiment, the opposing wall parts 21, 21 extend in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction and are opposed to each other with a space therebetween in the vehicle width direction. The front end parts of the opposing wall parts 21, 21 are respectively connected to the rear end parts of the opposing wall parts 11, 11. One of the opposing wall parts 21, 21 is an inner wall part arranged on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the other of the opposing wall parts 21, 21 is an outer wall part arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] ≪Weak part≫ One or more weak parts 21a are formed on the opposing wall part 21. The weak part 21a is weaker compared to other parts of the opposing wall part 21. More specifically, it is formed to be easily deformed (crushed) so as to collapse with respect to a load in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the weak part 21a is a bead (recess) that is recessed on the inner side of the pair of opposing wall parts 21, 21. When there are a plurality of weak parts 21a, the plurality of weak parts 21a are arranged in the front-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the opposing wall part 21). In the present embodiment, the weak part 21a formed on the opposing wall part 21 as the inner wall part is recessed outward in the vehicle width direction, and the weak part 21a formed on the opposing wall part 21 as the outer wall part is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0038] ≪Connecting wall part≫ The connecting wall part 22 is formed to connect the pair of opposing wall parts 21, 21. The front end part of the connecting wall part 22 is connected to the rear end part of the connecting wall part 12. In the present embodiment, the connecting wall part 22 extends in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction and is an upper wall part that connects the upper end parts of the pair of opposing wall parts 21, 21.

[0039] Parallel ribs 22a parallel to the opposing wall parts 21, 21 are formed on the connecting wall part 22.

[0040] <<Parallel Ribs>> The parallel rib 22a extends downward from the middle portion in the vehicle width direction of the connecting wall portion 22. The parallel rib 22a extends in the front-rear direction and is formed to be parallel to the pair of opposing wall portions 21, 21. The front end portion of the parallel rib 22a is connected to the rear end portion of the parallel rib 12a. The rear end portion of the parallel rib 22a is connected to the flat plate portion 23.

[0041] <<Flat Plate Portion>> The flat plate portion 23 is a wall portion (rear wall portion) installed at one end portion (the rear end portion in this embodiment) in the longitudinal direction of the pair of opposing wall portions 21, 21 and the connecting wall portion 22.

[0042] <Side Frame: Third Portion> As shown in FIG. 3, the third portion 30 is a portion connected to the lower end portion of the front portion of the wheel house 6. The third portion 30 integrally includes a pair of opposing wall portions 31, 31, a connecting wall portion 32 connecting the opposing wall portions 31, 31, and a flat plate portion 33.

[0043] <<Opposing Wall Portions>> The opposing wall portions 31, 31 are long plate-shaped portions extending in the front-rear direction and are spaced apart from each other and oppose each other. In this embodiment, the opposing wall portions 31, 31 extend in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction and oppose each other with a vertical spacing therebetween. That is, one of the opposing wall portions 31, 31 is an upper wall portion disposed on the upper side, and the other of the opposing wall portions 31, 31 is a lower wall portion disposed on the lower side. The front end portion of the opposing wall portion 31 as the upper wall portion is connected to the rear end portion of the connecting wall portion 22.

[0044] <<Connecting Wall Portion>> The connecting wall portion 32 is formed to connect the pair of opposing wall portions 31, 31. In this embodiment, the connecting wall portion 32 extends in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction and is an inner wall portion connecting the inner end portions in the vehicle width direction of the pair of opposing wall portions 31, 31. The front end portion of the connecting wall portion 32 is connected to the rear end portion of the opposing wall portion 21 as the inner wall portion. The upper end portion of the connecting wall portion 32 is connected to the lower end portion of the wheel house 6.

[0045] The connecting wall portion 32 is formed with parallel ribs 32a parallel to the opposing wall portions 31, 31, a plurality of straight ribs 32b and V-shaped ribs 32c as bridging ribs bridging the opposing wall portions 31, 31, and an intersection portion 32d.

[0046] <<Parallel Ribs>> The parallel rib 32a extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the middle portion in the vertical direction of the connecting wall portion 32. The parallel rib 32a extends in the front-rear direction and is formed to be parallel to the pair of opposing wall portions 31, 31. The parallel rib 32a intersects with a plurality of bridging ribs. The front end portion of the parallel rib 32a is connected to the flat plate portion 23 (see FIG. 4). The rear end portion of the parallel rib 32a is connected to the flat plate portion 33.

[0047] <<Straight Ribs>> The straight rib 32b extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the connecting wall portion 32. The straight rib 32b extends linearly in the direction intersecting with the pair of opposing wall portions 31, 31 (in this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the pair of opposing wall portions 31, 31, that is, the front-rear direction). Both end portions of the straight rib 32b are respectively connected to the opposing wall portion 31, and the middle portion of the straight rib 32b intersects with the parallel rib 32a.

[0048] <<V-Shaped Ribs>> The V-shaped rib 32c extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the connecting wall portion 32. The V-shaped rib 32c exhibits a V-shaped form that inclines rearward as it goes from the opposing wall portions 31, 31 (the end portions of the V-shaped rib 12c) to the parallel rib 32a (the middle portion of the V-shaped rib 12c). That is, both end portions of the V-shaped rib 32c are respectively connected to the opposing wall portion 31, and the middle portion (V-shaped apex) of the V-shaped rib 32c intersects with the parallel rib 32a.

[0049] <<Intersection Portion>> The intersection part 32d is a part where the parallel ribs 32a and the bridging ribs (the straight ribs 32b and / or the V-shaped ribs 32c) intersect. The intersection part 32d also functions as a part that is pushed out by the push pins from the die-casting mold when formed by the aluminum die-casting method. The dimension in the thickness direction of the intersection part 32d is larger than the dimension in the thickness direction of the parallel ribs 32a and the bridging ribs (the straight ribs 32b and / or the V-shaped ribs 32c). In the present embodiment, the intersection part 32d has a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the intersection part 32d is larger than the dimension in the thickness direction of the parallel ribs 32a and the bridging ribs (the straight ribs 32b and / or the V-shaped ribs 32c).

[0050] ≪Flat plate part≫ The flat plate part 33 is a wall part (rear wall part) installed at the end in the vehicle body front-rear direction (in this embodiment, the rear end) of the pair of opposing wall parts 31, 31 and the connecting wall part 32.

[0051] <Side frame: Fourth part> The fourth part 40 is a part connected to the lower end part of the rear part of the wheel house 6. The fourth part 40 integrally includes a pair of opposing wall parts 41, 41 and a connecting wall part 42 that connects the opposing wall parts 41, 41.

[0052] ≪Opposing wall part≫ The opposing wall parts 41, 41 are long plate-shaped parts extending in the front-rear direction and are spaced apart from each other and oppose each other. In the present embodiment, the opposing wall parts 41, 41 extend in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction and are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction and oppose each other. That is, one of the opposing wall parts 41, 41 is an upper wall part arranged on the upper side, and the other of the opposing wall parts 41, 41 is a lower wall part arranged on the lower side. The front end part of the opposing wall part 41 as the upper wall part is connected to the rear end part of the opposing wall part 31 as the upper wall part. The front end part of the opposing wall part 41 as the lower wall part is connected to the rear end part of the opposing wall part 31 as the lower wall part.

[0053] ≪Connecting wall part≫ The connecting wall portion 42 is formed so as to connect a pair of opposing wall portions 41, 41. In the present embodiment, the connecting wall portion 42 extends in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and is an inner wall portion that connects the inner end portions in the vehicle width direction of the pair of opposing wall portions 41, 41. The front end portion of the connecting wall portion 42 is connected to the rear end portion of the opposing wall portion 31 as an inner wall portion. The upper end portion of the connecting wall portion 42 is connected to the lower end portion of the wheel house 6. The rear end portion of the connecting wall portion 42 is connected to the wheel house 6.

[0054] The connecting wall portion 42 is formed with a plurality of parallel ribs 42a parallel to the opposing wall portions 41, 41, a plurality of straight ribs 42b as bridging ribs laid across the opposing wall portions 41, 41, and an intersection portion 42d.

[0055] ≪Parallel ribs≫ The parallel ribs 42a extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the middle portion in the vertical direction of the connecting wall portion 32. The parallel ribs 42a extend in the front-rear direction and are formed so as to be parallel to the pair of opposing wall portions 41, 41. The front end portion of the parallel rib 42a is connected to the flat plate portion 33. The rear end portion of the parallel rib 42a is connected to the wheel house 6.

[0056] ≪Straight ribs≫ The straight ribs 42b extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the connecting wall portion 42. The straight ribs 42b linearly extend in a direction intersecting the pair of opposing wall portions 41, 41 (in the present embodiment, a direction perpendicular to the pair of opposing wall portions 41, 41, that is, the front-rear direction). Both end portions of the straight rib 42b are respectively connected to the opposing wall portion 41, and the middle portion of the straight rib 42b intersects the parallel rib 42a.

[0057] ≪Intersection portion≫ The intersection part 42d is a part where the parallel ribs 42a and the installed ribs (straight ribs 42b) intersect. The intersection part 42d also functions as a part that is pushed out by a push pin from a die-casting mold when formed by an aluminum die-casting method. The dimension in the thickness direction of the intersection part 42d is larger than the dimensions in the thickness direction of the parallel ribs 42a and the installed ribs (straight ribs 42b). In the present embodiment, the intersection part 42d has a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the intersection part 42d is larger than the dimensions in the thickness direction of the parallel ribs 42a and the installed ribs (straight ribs 32b).

[0058] <The fifth part> The fifth part 50 is a part connected to the lower end part of the rear part of the foil house 6. The fifth part 50 is formed so as to go downward and outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes backward, and can transmit a frontal impact load to a frame (such as a side sill, etc.) in the vehicle body structure member on the rear side of the front member 2.

[0059] <Transmission of collision load in side frame etc.> In the side frame 3, the first part 10 is designed to have a lower strength against a frontal impact load than the second part 20, the third part 30, the fourth part 40, and the fifth part 50. That is, when the vehicle has a frontal collision, the first part 10 is preferentially broken by the frontal impact load (collision load) input through the bumper, and absorbs the frontal impact energy (collision energy).

[0060] The first part 10 fractures at the second-to-last vulnerable part 11a. Here, since the rear of the second-to-last vulnerable part 11a is strengthened by a pair of straight ribs 12b, V-shaped ribs 12c, and an intersection part 12d, the region R between the flat part 13 in the first part 10 and the straight ribs 12b, V-shaped ribs 12c, and intersection part 12d behind the second-to-last vulnerable part 11a 1 buckles.

[0061] Subsequently, the first part 10 fractures at the second weakest part 11a from the front. Here, since the area behind the second weakest part 11a from the front is strengthened by a set of straight ribs 12b, V-shaped ribs 12c, and intersection parts 12d, the region R between the flat part 13 in the first part 10 and the straight ribs 12b, V-shaped ribs 12c, and intersection parts 12d behind the second weakest part 11a from the front 2 buckles.

[0062] Note that the distance between the opposing wall parts 11, 11 in the region corresponding to the foremost weakest part 11a is narrower than the distance between the opposing wall parts 11, 11 in the region corresponding to the second weakest part 11a from the front. That is, in the first part 10, the strength of the region R corresponding to the foremost weakest part 11a 1 is lower than the strength of the region R 2 corresponding to the second weakest part 11a from the front. Thereby, the first part 10 can surely cause fracture and buckling of the region R 1 corresponding to the foremost weakest part 11a to occur prior to the fracture and buckling of the region R 2 corresponding to the second weakest part 11a from the front.

[0063] Subsequently, the frontal impact load that has not been absorbed in the first part 10 is transmitted to the second part 20. A part of the frontal impact load transmitted to the second part 20 is transmitted to the frame (such as a side sill) of the vehicle body member on the rear side of the front member 2 via the third part 30, the fourth part 40, and the fifth part 50. Also, another part of the frontal impact load transmitted to the second part 20 is transmitted to the frame (such as a front pillar) of the vehicle body member on the rear side of the front member 2 via the connecting part 5 and the upper member 4. Here, the second part 20 absorbs a part of the frontal impact energy by fracturing and buckling at the weakest part 21a.

[0064] The vehicle frame structure (front member 2, side frame 3, first part 10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11 extending in the vehicle body front-rear direction, a connecting wall portion 12 extending in the vehicle body front-rear direction and connecting the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11, a plurality of erection ribs formed on the connecting wall portion 12 to connect the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11, and a weak portion 11a formed on the opposing wall portion 11 and / or the connecting wall portion 12. The weak portion 11a is formed to be located between two adjacent ones of the erection ribs in the vehicle body front-rear direction. Therefore, by providing the weak portion 11a between adjacent erection ribs in the frame cross-section, the vehicle frame structure can repeatedly crush at the weak portion while generating a reaction force with the erection ribs against the front-rear load, and can efficiently absorb the collision energy.

[0065] The vehicle frame structure includes parallel ribs 12a formed on the vehicle width direction intermediate portion of the connecting wall portion 12 to connect the plurality of erection ribs. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can improve the rigidity of the frame and increase the amount of absorbed collision energy by the fact that the parallel ribs 12a and the erection ribs are intersectingly connected. Further, the vehicle frame structure can shorten the crushing range (crushing distance) by stopping the crushing of the weak portion 11a at the intersection 12d, realize the sequential occurrence of crushing, and improve the absorption efficiency of the collision energy.

[0066] The vehicle frame structure includes V-shaped V ribs 12c formed as the erection ribs to connect the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11 via an intersection 12d with the parallel ribs 12a. The V rib 12c is formed to connect the inner end portion of the weak portion 11a in the vehicle body front-rear direction or a portion inward of the weak portion 11a in the vehicle body front-rear direction on the opposing wall portion 11 and the intersection 12d disposed inward of the weak portion 11a in the vehicle body front-rear direction. The apex of the V rib 12c is located at the intersection 12d. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can surely cause crushing at the weak part 11a, preferably control the crushing mode, and improve the absorption efficiency of collision energy due to the strength difference between the weak part 11a and the V-shaped rib 12c inward in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

[0067] The vehicle frame structure includes, as the erection rib, a linear straight rib 12b that intersects the parallel rib 12a, and the V-shaped rib 12c is disposed between the weak part 11a and the straight rib 12b. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can more surely cause crushing at the weak part 11a, preferably control the crushing mode, and further improve the absorption efficiency of collision energy due to the strength difference between the weak part 11a and the V-shaped rib 12c and the straight rib 12b inward in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

[0068] The vehicle frame structure includes, as the erection rib, a linear straight rib 12b that intersects the parallel rib 12a. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can surely cause crushing at the weak part 11a, preferably control the crushing mode, and improve the absorption efficiency of collision energy due to the strength difference between the weak part 11a and the straight rib 12b inward in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

[0069] In the vehicle frame structure, the intersection portion 12d of the erection rib and the parallel rib 12a has a columnar shape. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can improve the support performance against the collision load and preferably block the crushing of the weak part 11a outward in the vehicle body longitudinal direction by improving the rigidity of the intersection portion 12d. Also, the vehicle frame structure can ensure the rigidity against a collision from a direction other than the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

[0070] In the vehicle frame structure, the distance between the pair of opposing wall portions 11, 11 widens as it goes inward in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can protect the peripheral members arranged around the region by actively crushing in the outer region in the vehicle body longitudinal direction with a relatively small cross-section and suppressing crushing in the inner region in the vehicle body longitudinal direction with a relatively large cross-section (compared to the outer region in the vehicle body longitudinal direction with a relatively small cross-section).

[0071] The vehicle frame structure is the side frame 3 arranged outside in the vehicle body longitudinal direction compared to the wheel house 6. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can actively absorb the collision energy in the vehicle body longitudinal direction while suppressing the influence on the wheels.

[0072] The vehicle frame structure integrally includes the wheel house 6. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can actively absorb the collision energy in the vehicle body longitudinal direction while suppressing the influence on the wheels, and can improve the manufacturability of the vehicle body by integrating the side frame 3 and the wheel house 6.

[0073] The vehicle frame structure is formed by an aluminum die-casting method. Therefore, the vehicle frame structure can improve the absorption performance of collision energy, and can achieve recyclability, CO 2 emission reduction and high rigidity.

[0074] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the opposing wall portions 11, 11 may be the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion, and the connecting wall portion may be an inner wall portion that connects the inner ends in the vehicle width direction of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion. Further, the vulnerable portion is not limited to the bead, and may be a thin-walled portion formed to be thinner than other portions. Further, the vulnerable portion may be formed on the connecting wall portion. That is, the vulnerable portion may be formed on the connecting wall portion instead of the opposing wall portion, or may be formed across the pair of opposing wall portions (at least one of them) and the connecting wall portion. Further, the vehicle body structure member to which the vehicle frame structure of the present invention is applied is not limited to the above-described one. For example, it may be configured to integrally include a pair of front members 2, 2, a dash panel that connects the front members 2, 2, and a pair of front pillars in the vehicle width direction that extend in the vertical direction and are connected to the rear ends of the side frame 3 and the upper member 4. Further, the vehicle frame structure of the present invention can also be applied to the rear portion of the vehicle body.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0075] 1 Vehicle body structure 2 Front member (vehicle frame structure, vehicle body structure member to which the vehicle frame structure is applied) 3 Side frame (frame, front side frame, vehicle frame structure) 4 Upper member 5 Connecting portion 6 Wheel house 7 Damper housing 10 First part 11 Opposing wall portion 11a Vulnerable portion (bead) 12 Connecting wall portion 12a Parallel rib 12b Straight rib (erected rib) 12c V-shaped rib (erected rib) 12d Intersection portion

Claims

1. A pair of opposing wall portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, A connecting wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and connecting the pair of opposing wall portions, A plurality of erection ribs formed on the connecting wall portion so as to connect the pair of opposing wall portions, A weak portion formed on the opposing wall portion and / or the connecting wall portion, Comprising, The weak portion is formed so as to be located between two adjacent erection ribs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body A vehicle frame structure characterized by this.

2. Parallel ribs are provided which are formed so as to connect a plurality of the erection ribs at the middle portion in the vehicle width direction of the connecting wall portion The vehicle frame structure according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. As the erection rib, a V-shaped V-rib formed so as to connect the pair of opposing wall portions through an intersection with the parallel rib is provided, The V-rib is formed so as to connect an inner end portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body of the weak portion or a portion inward of the weak portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body in the opposing wall portion and the intersection disposed inward of the weak portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, The apex of the V-rib is located at the intersection The vehicle frame structure according to claim 2, characterized by this.

4. As the erection rib, a straight rib in a straight line intersecting the parallel rib is provided, The V-rib is disposed between the weak portion and the straight rib The vehicle frame structure according to claim 3, characterized by this.

5. As the erection rib, a straight rib in a straight line intersecting the parallel rib is provided The vehicle frame structure according to claim 2, characterized by this.

6. The intersection of the erection rib and the parallel rib has a columnar shape The vehicle frame structure according to claim 2, characterized by this.

7. The distance between the pair of opposing wall portions widens as it goes inward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body The vehicle frame structure according to claim 1, characterized by this.

8. A side frame disposed outward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body than the wheel house The vehicle frame structure according to claim 1, characterized by this.

9. Integrally including the wheel house The vehicle frame structure according to claim 8, characterized by this.

10. Formed by the aluminum die-casting method The vehicle frame structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by this.

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