Vehicle lower part structure

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle lower part structure which can secure a magnitude of absorbable collision energy per unit length in a vehicle width direction for a collision load in the vehicle width direction.SOLUTION: A vehicle 10 includes: a battery module 35 disposed at the vehicle lower side relative to a passenger compartment 16; a rocker 22 which is disposed at the outer side in a vehicle width direction of the battery module 35 so as to be partially overlapped with the battery module 35 when viewed in the vehicle width direction; and an impact absorption part 48 which is provided within the rocker 22 and including closed cross section structure parts 56 each having a closed cross section shape when viewed in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to a vehicle underbody structure. In this vehicle underbody structure, the inside of the rocker is partitioned by a plurality of partition portions, so that an impact absorption portion is formed inside the rocker. And this impact absorption portion can absorb the collision load in the vehicle width direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above prior art, the impact absorption portion extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and it is difficult to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the impact absorption portion when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input. As a result, as the deformation of the impact absorption portion progresses, it is considered that the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction in the impact absorption portion decreases. That is, there is room for improvement in the above prior art in terms of ensuring the magnitude of the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction with respect to the collision load in the vehicle width direction.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle underbody structure capable of ensuring the magnitude of the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction with respect to the collision load in the vehicle width direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle underbody structure according to the first aspect includes a battery disposed below the vehicle compartment with respect to the vehicle, a frame disposed outside the battery in the vehicle width direction such that a part thereof overlaps the battery when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and a shock absorption portion provided within the frame and having a closed cross-section structure portion whose cross-sectional shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction is a closed cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0007] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the first aspect, the battery is disposed below the vehicle compartment with respect to the vehicle. And a frame is disposed outside the battery in the vehicle width direction, and this frame is in a state where a part thereof overlaps the battery when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input, the collision load is input to the frame prior to the battery.

[0008] Incidentally, from the viewpoint of protecting the battery, it is preferable that the frame is configured to be able to absorb a load in the vehicle width direction. For example, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the inside of the rocker is partitioned by a plurality of partition portions extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction to form a shock absorption portion inside the rocker.

[0009] However, in such a configuration, since the shock absorption portion extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, it becomes difficult to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the shock absorption portion with respect to a collision load in the vehicle width direction. As a result, as the deformation of the shock absorption portion progresses, it is considered that the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction in the shock absorption portion decreases. That is, in such a configuration, it becomes difficult to ensure the magnitude of the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction with respect to a collision load in the vehicle width direction.

[0010] Here, in this aspect, the shock absorption portion provided within the frame includes a closed cross-section structure portion whose cross-sectional shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction is a closed cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0011] Therefore, when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input to the frame, the closed cross-section structure portion can be compressed and deformed in the direction of the input of the collision load, that is, the extending direction of the closed cross-section structure portion, and absorb this collision load. And even if the deformation of the shock absorption portion progresses, since the portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction in the closed cross-section structure portion maintains its cross-sectional shape, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction in the shock absorption portion.

[0012] The vehicle underbody structure according to the second aspect is the vehicle underbody structure according to the first aspect, wherein the frame is a rocker that constitutes a part of the lower part of the vehicle body and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the shock absorption portion is provided in the rocker.

[0013] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the second aspect, a shock absorption portion is provided in a rocker that constitutes a part of the lower part of the vehicle body and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. For this reason, the shock absorption portion can be arranged without separately securing a space in the vehicle body, and it is possible to suppress the space for arranging the battery from being eroded by the shock absorption portion.

[0014] The vehicle underbody structure according to the third aspect is the vehicle underbody structure according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the shock absorption portion includes a metal reinforcing panel bent in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0015] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the third aspect, the shock absorption portion includes a metal reinforcing panel bent in the vehicle longitudinal direction. For this reason, for example, by joining the reinforcing panels to each other or joining the reinforcing panel and the frame, the closed cross-section structure portion can be configured. As a result, in this aspect, it is possible to secure the degree of freedom in the configuration of the shock absorption portion while suppressing the complexity of the configuration of the shock absorption portion.

[0016] The vehicle underbody structure according to the fourth aspect is the vehicle underbody structure according to the third aspect, wherein the shock absorbing portion includes an upper panel as the reinforcing panel that constitutes the upper portion of the shock absorbing portion on the vehicle side, and a lower panel as the reinforcing panel that constitutes the lower portion of the shock absorbing portion on the vehicle side. The upper panel is configured such that a plurality of upper components having a predetermined cross-sectional shape that protrudes upward on the vehicle side when viewed from the vehicle width direction and has an open lower side are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The lower panel is configured such that a plurality of lower components having a predetermined cross-sectional shape that protrudes downward on the vehicle side when viewed from the vehicle width direction and has an open upper side are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the lower components overlap the upper components when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction. By joining the upper panel and the lower panel, a plurality of closed cross-section structure portions including the upper component and the lower component that are continuous in the vehicle vertical direction are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0017] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the fourth aspect, the upper portion of the shock absorbing portion on the vehicle side is constituted by the upper panel, and the lower portion of the shock absorbing portion on the vehicle side is constituted by the lower panel.

[0018] Further, the upper panel is configured such that a plurality of upper components having a predetermined cross-sectional shape that protrudes upward on the vehicle side when viewed from the vehicle width direction and has an open lower side are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the lower panel is configured such that a plurality of lower components having a predetermined cross-sectional shape that protrudes downward on the vehicle side when viewed from the vehicle width direction and has an open upper side are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the lower components overlap the upper components when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0019] Then, by joining the upper panel and the lower panel, a closed cross-section structure portion is constituted including the upper component and the lower component that are continuous in the vehicle vertical direction, and a plurality of such closed cross-section structure portions are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, in this aspect, a plurality of closed cross-section structure portions can be constituted by the upper panel and the lower panel, that is, two panels, which contributes to reducing the number of parts.

[0020] The vehicle underbody structure according to the fifth aspect is the vehicle underbody structure according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, and when viewed from the vehicle width direction, at least one of a cross member that forms a part of the vehicle body lower part and extends in the vehicle width direction and a reinforcing member that forms a part of a battery case that forms an outer shell of the battery and extends in the vehicle width direction overlaps with the rocker, and the distribution density of the closed cross-section structure portion is high.

[0021] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the fifth aspect, when viewed from the vehicle width direction, at least one of a cross member that forms a part of the vehicle body lower part and extends in the vehicle width direction and a reinforcing member that forms a part of a battery case that forms an outer shell of the battery and extends in the vehicle width direction overlaps with the rocker, and the distribution density of the closed cross-section structure portion is high.

[0022] Therefore, in this aspect, at the above position in the rocker, it is possible to ensure the rigidity against the collision load in the vehicle width direction in the shock absorption portion. And at the above position in the rocker, the collision load in the vehicle width direction input to the rocker can be transmitted to at least one of the cross member of the vehicle body lower part and the reinforcing member of the battery case through the shock absorption portion. As a result, the above collision load input to the rocker can be dispersed to at least one of the vehicle body lower part and the battery case.

[0023] The vehicle underbody structure according to the sixth aspect is the vehicle underbody structure according to the third aspect, and the shock absorption portion includes the reinforcing panel bent in a zigzag shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0024] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the sixth aspect, the top of the reinforcing panel bent in a zigzag shape can be joined to the frame. Therefore, in this aspect, while reducing the influence on the frame due to the joining of the reinforcing panel and the frame, a plurality of closed cross-section structure portions having a triangular shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction can be formed by the reinforcing panel and the frame.

[0025] The vehicle underbody structure according to the seventh aspect is the vehicle underbody structure according to the third aspect, wherein the shock absorber includes the reinforcing panel bent in a rectangular wave shape when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to join to the frame a portion where the plate thickness direction in the reinforcing panel bent in a rectangular wave shape is in the vehicle vertical direction. For this reason, in this aspect, while securing the area of the portion where the reinforcing panel and the frame are joined, it is possible to configure a plurality of closed cross-section structure portions having a rectangular shape when viewed in the vehicle width direction with the reinforcing panel and the frame.

[0027] The vehicle underbody structure according to the eighth aspect is the vehicle underbody structure according to the third aspect, wherein the shock absorber includes the reinforcing panel bent in a wavy line shape when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the eighth aspect, since the top of the reinforcing panel bent in a wavy line shape can be joined to the frame, it is possible to configure a plurality of closed cross-section structure portions with the reinforcing panel and the frame while reducing the influence on the frame due to the joining of the reinforcing panel and the frame. Further, in this aspect, it is possible to suppress the generation of corners in the reinforcing panel when viewed in the vehicle width direction, and thus suppress the generation of stress concentration portions in the reinforcing panel.

[0029] The vehicle underbody structure according to the ninth aspect is the vehicle underbody structure according to any one of the second to eighth aspects, wherein the rocker includes a rocker outer panel that constitutes an outer portion of the rocker in the vehicle width direction and a rocker inner panel that constitutes an inner portion of the rocker in the vehicle width direction, and the reinforcing panel is joined to the rocker outer panel or the rocker inner panel.

[0030] According to the vehicle underbody structure according to the ninth aspect, the reinforcing panel is joined to a rocker outer panel that constitutes a portion of the rocker on the outer side in the vehicle width direction or a rocker inner panel that constitutes a portion of the rocker on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the reinforcing panel can be supported in a stable state with respect to the rocker. Further, in this aspect, after joining the reinforcing panel to the rocker outer panel or the rocker inner panel, the rocker outer panel and the rocker inner panel can be joined, so that it is possible to suppress a change in the manufacturing process of the rocker.

Effect of the Invention

[0031] As described above, the vehicle underbody structure according to the present invention has an excellent effect that it is possible to secure the magnitude of the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction with respect to the collision load in the vehicle width direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the vehicle lower structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Note that the arrow FR appropriately shown in each figure indicates the front side of the vehicle, the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and the arrow LH indicates the left side in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] First, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the schematic configuration of "Vehicle 10" to which the vehicle lower structure according to the present embodiment is applied will be described. In the present embodiment, since Vehicle 10 basically has a bilaterally symmetric configuration, hereinafter, the configuration of the left side portion of Vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction will be mainly described, and the description of the configuration of the right side portion in the vehicle width direction will be appropriately omitted.

[0035] Vehicle 10 includes a "vehicle body 12", a power unit such as a motor (not shown) mounted on Vehicle 10, and a battery pack 14 attached to the vehicle body 12. The power unit is configured to be driven by receiving power supply from the battery pack 14, and Vehicle 10 travels by the driving force generated by this power unit.

[0036] The vehicle body 12 includes a "passenger compartment 16", and the lower part of the vehicle is composed of a "floor part 18" as the lower part of the vehicle body. This floor part 18 includes a floor panel 20, a "rocker 22" as a frame, a "cross member 28", a side member 30, and a reinforcing member 32.

[0037] Specifically, the floor panel 20 is formed by pressing a steel plate and extends in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the vehicle as viewed from the up-and-down direction of the vehicle. And on the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle of the floor panel 20, a pair of left and right rockers 22 are arranged along the peripheral edge on the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle of the floor panel 20.

[0038] The rocker 22 is made of steel, extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and includes a "rocker outer panel 24" that constitutes the outer part in the width direction of the vehicle and a "rocker inner panel 26" that constitutes the inner part in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0039] Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the rocker outer panel 24 as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is configured in a hat shape with the inner side in the width direction of the vehicle open. On the other hand, the cross-sectional shape of the rocker inner panel 26 as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is configured in a hat shape with the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle open. And the flange part 24A of the rocker outer panel 24 and the flange part 26A of the rocker inner panel 26 are joined at a joint (not shown) by welding or the like, so that the rocker 22 has a closed cross-section structure with a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0040] Note that the end portion 20A on the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle of the floor panel 20 is joined to the side wall portion 26B that constitutes the inner part in the width direction of the vehicle of the rocker inner panel 26 at a joint (not shown) by welding or the like.

[0041] The cross member 28 is made of steel and extends in the vehicle width direction, and a plurality of them are arranged at intervals in the vehicle longitudinal direction above the floor panel 20 of the vehicle. This cross member 28 is spanned between the rockers 22, and as shown in FIG. 2, the cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction is a hat shape with the lower side of the vehicle open, and its flange portion 28A is joined to the floor panel 20 and the rocker inner panel 26 by a joint portion (not shown) such as welding.

[0042] Further, the cross member 28 is joined to the floor panel 20, and together with the floor panel 20, constitutes a closed cross-sectional structure portion.

[0043] The side member 30 is made of steel and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is arranged on each of both sides in the vehicle width direction of the floor panel 20 on the lower side of the vehicle of the floor panel 20. Note that the side member 30 is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the rocker 22.

[0044] The cross-sectional shape of this side member 30 as viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction is a hat shape with the upper side of the vehicle open, and its flange portion 30A is joined to the floor panel 20 by a joint portion (not shown) such as welding. And the side member 30 is joined to the floor panel 20, and together with the floor panel 20, constitutes a closed cross-sectional structure portion.

[0045] The reinforcing member 32 is made of steel and extends in the vehicle width direction, and as shown in FIG. 2, is arranged on the lower side of the floor panel 20 of the vehicle so as to overlap the cross member 28 when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0046] This reinforcing member 32 is spanned between the rocker 22 and the side member 30, and the cross-sectional shape as viewed from the vehicle width direction is a hat shape with the upper side of the vehicle open, and its flange portion 32A is joined to the floor panel 20, the rocker 22, and the side member 30 by a joint portion (not shown) such as welding.

[0047] Further, the reinforcing member 32 is joined to the floor panel 20 to form a closed cross-section structure portion together with the floor panel 20.

[0048] And in this embodiment, the battery pack 14 is attached to the side member 30 of the floor portion 18.

[0049] The battery pack 14 is located below the vehicle compartment 16 with respect to the vehicle, and includes a "battery case 34" mainly made of an aluminum alloy and a "battery module 35" as a battery disposed inside the battery case 34. That is, the battery case 34 functions as an outer shell of the battery module 35.

[0050] The battery case 34 includes a main body portion 34A in which the battery module 35 is accommodated and a base portion 34B that constitutes a portion below the vehicle of the battery case 34. And the battery case 34 is fixed to the vehicle body 12 by attaching the base portion 34B to the side member 30 with a mounting member 36 interposed between the base portion 34B and the side member 30 in a state where the main part of the main body portion 34A is accommodated between the side members 30 by a mounting member (not shown).

[0051] Further, the battery case 34 is reinforced by an "inner side frame 38" as a frame provided inside the battery case 34 and an "inner cross member 39" as a reinforcing member.

[0052] The inner side frame 38 is formed in a square tube shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and is disposed on each of both sides in the vehicle width direction inside the battery case 34.

[0053] On the other hand, the inner cross member 39 is formed in a square tube shape extending in the vehicle width direction and connects the upper portions of the inner side frames 38 in the vehicle width direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the inner cross member 39 is in a state where at least a part thereof overlaps with the rocker 22 and the reinforcing member 32 when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0054] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, part of the battery module 35 overlaps with the rocker 22 when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0055] Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the "impact absorption part 48" is constituted by including the "upper panel 40", the "lower panel 42", the "sub-panel upper 44", and the "sub-panel lower 46" as reinforcement panels arranged in the rocker 22, which is the first feature. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the "impact absorption part 54" is constituted by including the "upper panel 50" and the "lower panel 52" as reinforcement panels arranged in the inner side frame 38 of the battery case 34, which is the second feature.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper panel 40 is formed by pressing a single steel plate, and as a whole, it extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This upper panel 40 is configured such that a plurality of "upper side components 40A" having a V-shaped cross-sectional shape that is convex upward in the vehicle and has an open lower side in the vehicle width direction are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0057] On the other hand, the lower panel 42 is formed by pressing a single steel plate, and as a whole, it extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This lower panel 42 is configured such that a plurality of "lower side components 42A" having a V-shaped cross-sectional shape that is convex downward in the vehicle and has an open upper side in the vehicle width direction are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Also, the lower side component 42A is in a state of overlapping with the upper side component 40A when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0058] Then, a flat portion 40B provided at the boundary between the upper side components 40A in the upper panel 40 and a flat portion 42B provided at the boundary between the lower side components 42A in the lower panel 42 are joined by a joining portion (not shown) such as welding.

[0059] As a result, an "upper component part 40A" and a "lower component part 42A" that are continuous in the vehicle up-and-down direction are included, and a "closed cross-section structure part 56" whose cross-section viewed from the vehicle width direction is a closed cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction is arranged in a plurality of series in the vehicle front-rear direction. That is, the shock absorber 48 can be regarded as an aggregate of the closed cross-section structure parts 56.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, the top part 40A1 of the upper component part 40A and the top part 42A1 of the lower component part 42A are joined by a joining part (not shown) such as welding to the rocker inner panel 26, but the top part 40A1 and the top part 42A1 may be joined to the rocker outer panel 24.

[0061] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the sub-panel upper 44 and the sub-panel lower 46 are arranged at positions overlapping the cross member 28 and the inner cross member 39 in the rocker 22.

[0062] Specifically, the sub-panel upper 44 is arranged above the flat part 40B of the upper panel 40 on the vehicle upper side, and has a V-shaped cross-sectional shape that is convex upward on the vehicle when viewed from the vehicle width direction and the lower side of the vehicle is open. And the front end and the rear end of the sub-panel upper 44 in the vehicle front-rear direction are joined by a joining part (not shown) such as welding to the upper panel 40. As a result, a "closed cross-section structure part 58" whose cross-section viewed from the vehicle width direction is a closed cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction is formed.

[0063] On the other hand, the sub-panel lower 46 is arranged below the flat part 42B of the lower panel 42 on the vehicle lower side, and has a V-shaped cross-sectional shape that is convex downward on the vehicle when viewed from the vehicle width direction and the upper side of the vehicle is open. And the front end and the rear end of the sub-panel lower 46 in the vehicle front-rear direction are joined by a joining part (not shown) such as welding to the lower panel 42. As a result, a "closed cross-section structure part 60" whose cross-section viewed from the vehicle width direction is a closed cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction is formed. Note that the closed cross-section structure part 58 and the closed cross-section structure part 60 are adjacent to each other in the vehicle up-and-down direction.

[0064] Also, when viewed in the vehicle width direction, the cross-sectional area of the space partitioned by the closed cross-section structure portion 58 and the cross-sectional area of the space partitioned by the closed cross-section structure portion 60 are each smaller than the cross-sectional area of the space partitioned by the closed cross-section structure portion 56. In other words, at the position where the cross member 28 and the inner cross member 39 overlap in the rocker 22 when viewed in the vehicle width direction, the distribution density of the closed cross-section structure portions is high.

[0065] On the other hand, the upper panel 50 disposed within the inner side frame 38 has the same configuration as the upper panel 40 as shown in FIG. 3, and includes a plurality of "upper side component portions 50A" connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0066] On the other hand, the lower panel 52 disposed within the inner side frame 38 has the same configuration as the lower panel 42, and includes a plurality of "lower side component portions 52A" connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0067] And, a flat portion 50B provided at the boundary portion between the upper side component portions 50A in the upper panel 50 and a flat portion 52B provided at the boundary portion between the lower side component portions 52A in the lower panel 52 are joined by a joining portion (not shown) such as welding.

[0068] As a result, "closed cross-section structure portions 62" that include the upper side component portions 50A and the lower side component portions 52A connected in series in the vehicle vertical direction and have a closed cross-section when viewed in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vehicle width direction are arranged in a plurality in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction. That is, the shock absorption portion 54 can be regarded as an aggregate of the closed cross-section structure portions 62. Note that the shock absorption portion 54 is attached to the inner side frame 38 via a joining portion (not shown) such as welding.

[0069] (Operation and Effect of the Present Embodiment) Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described.

[0070] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the battery module 35 is disposed below the vehicle compartment 16 on the vehicle lower side. The rocker 22 and the inner side frame 38 are disposed outside the battery module 35 in the vehicle width direction, and a part of the rocker 22 and the inner side frame 38 overlaps the battery module 35 when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input, the collision load is input to the rocker 22 and the inner side frame 38 prior to the battery module 35.

[0071] By the way, from the viewpoint of protecting the battery module 35, it is preferable that the rocker 22 and the inner side frame 38 are configured to be able to absorb a load in the vehicle width direction. For example, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the inside of the rocker 22 and the inner side frame 38 is partitioned by a plurality of partition portions extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction to form an impact absorbing portion inside the rocker 22 and the inner side frame 38.

[0072] However, in such a configuration, since the impact absorbing portion extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, it is difficult to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the impact absorbing portion with respect to a collision load in the vehicle width direction. As a result, as the deformation of the impact absorbing portion progresses, it is considered that the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction in the impact absorbing portion decreases. That is, in such a configuration, it is difficult to ensure the magnitude of the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction with respect to a collision load in the vehicle width direction.

[0073] Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the impact absorbing portion 48 provided in the rocker 22 includes a closed cross-section structure portion 56 having a closed cross-sectional shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle width direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the impact absorbing portion 54 provided inside the inner side frame 38 includes a closed cross-section structure portion 62 having a closed cross-sectional shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0074] Therefore, when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input to the rocker 22, the closed cross-section structure portion 56 can be compressed and deformed in the direction of the input of the collision load, i.e., the extending direction of the closed cross-section structure portion 56, and absorb this collision load. And even if the deformation of the shock absorption portion 48 progresses, since the portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction in the closed cross-section structure portion 56 maintains its cross-sectional shape, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction in the shock absorption portion 48.

[0075] Similarly, also in the inner side frame 38, when a collision load in the vehicle width direction is input to the inner side frame 38, the closed cross-section structure portion 62 can be compressed and deformed in the direction of the input of the collision load, i.e., the extending direction of the closed cross-section structure portion 62, and absorb this collision load. And even if the deformation of the shock absorption portion 54 progresses, since the portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction in the closed cross-section structure portion 62 maintains its cross-sectional shape, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction in the shock absorption portion 54.

[0076] Also, in this embodiment, the shock absorption portion 48 is provided inside the rocker 22. For this reason, the shock absorption portion 48 can be arranged without separately securing a space in the vehicle body 12, and it is possible to suppress the space for arranging the battery module 35 from being encroached upon by the shock absorption portion 48.

[0077] Also, in this embodiment, the shock absorption portion 48 includes a metal upper panel 40 and a lower panel 42 that are bent in the vehicle longitudinal direction. For this reason, by joining the upper panel 40 and the lower panel 42, the closed cross-section structure portion 56 can be formed. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to secure the degree of freedom in the configuration of the shock absorption portion 48 while suppressing the configuration of the shock absorption portion 48 from becoming complicated.

[0078] Also, in this embodiment, the upper portion of the shock absorption portion 48 in the vehicle is formed by the upper panel 40, and the lower portion of the shock absorption portion 48 in the vehicle is formed by the lower panel 42.

[0079] Further, the upper panel 40 is configured such that a plurality of upper components 40A having a predetermined cross-sectional shape that protrudes upward of the vehicle as viewed from the vehicle width direction and has an open lower side of the vehicle are connected in series in the vehicle front-rear direction. On the other hand, the lower panel 42 is configured such that a plurality of lower components 42A having a predetermined cross-sectional shape that protrudes downward of the vehicle as viewed from the vehicle width direction and has an open upper side of the vehicle are connected in series in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the lower components 42A overlap with the upper components 40A as viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0080] Then, by joining the upper panel 40 and the lower panel 42, a closed cross-section structure portion 56 is configured to include the upper component 40A and the lower component 42A that are connected in series in the vehicle vertical direction, and a plurality of the closed cross-section structure portions 56 are connected in series in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of closed cross-section structure portions 56 can be configured by the upper panel 40 and the lower panel 42, that is, two panels, which contributes to a reduction in the number of parts.

[0081] Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from the vehicle width direction, at a position where the cross member 28 that forms a part of the floor portion 18 and extends in the vehicle width direction and a part of the battery case 34 that extends in the vehicle width direction and the inner cross member 39 that extends in the vehicle width direction overlap with the rocker 22, the distribution density of the closed cross-section structure portion is high.

[0082] Therefore, in the present embodiment, at the above position in the rocker 22, it is possible to ensure the rigidity against the collision load in the vehicle width direction in the shock absorption portion 48. And at the above position in the rocker 22, the collision load in the vehicle width direction input to the rocker 22 can be transmitted to the cross member 28 and the inner cross member 39 via the shock absorption portion 48. As a result, the above collision load input to the rocker 22 can be dispersed to the floor portion 18 and the battery case 34.

[0083] In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper panel 40 and the lower panel 42 are joined to the rocker outer panel 24 or the rocker inner panel 26 of the rocker 22. Therefore, the upper panel 40 and the lower panel 42 can be supported in a stable state with respect to the rocker. Further, in the present embodiment, after joining the upper panel 40 and the lower panel 42 to the rocker outer panel 24 or the rocker inner panel 26, the rocker outer panel 24 and the rocker inner panel 26 can be joined, so that it is possible to suppress a change in the manufacturing process of the rocker 22.

[0084] As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to ensure the magnitude of the collision energy that can be absorbed per unit length in the vehicle width direction with respect to the collision load in the vehicle width direction.

[0085] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the vehicle lower structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] In the vehicle lower structure according to the present embodiment, an "upper panel 70" and a "lower panel 72", which are reinforcing panels bent in a wavy shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, are disposed in the rocker 22, and an "impact absorbing portion 74" is configured including these.

[0087] Specifically, the top portion 70A on the lower side of the vehicle of the upper panel 70 and the top portion 72A on the upper side of the vehicle of the lower panel 72 are joined at a joint portion (not shown) by welding or the like. As a result, a "closed cross-section structure portion 76" having a closed cross-section when viewed from the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle width direction is arranged in a plurality of series in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0088] According to such a configuration, basically the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of corners in the upper panel 70 and the lower panel 72 when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and to suppress the generation of stress concentration portions in the upper panel 70 and the lower panel 72.

[0089] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the vehicle lower structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0090] In the vehicle lower structure according to the present embodiment, a "reinforcing panel 80" bent in a zigzag shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction is disposed in the rocker 22, and the top portion 80A of the reinforcing panel 80 is joined to the rocker 22 by a joining portion (not shown) such as welding. As a result, a "closed cross-section structure portion 82" in which a cross-section viewed from the vehicle width direction is a closed cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction is formed in a plurality of continuous rows in the vehicle front-rear direction by a part of the reinforcing panel 80 and a part of the rocker 22.

[0091] That is, in the present embodiment, the "shock absorption portion 84" is configured to include the reinforcing panel 80 and a part of the rocker 22.

[0092] According to such a configuration, except for the operations and effects by the sub-panel upper 44 and the sub-panel lower 46, basically the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0093] Further, in the present embodiment, the top portion 80A of the reinforcing panel 80 bent in a zigzag shape can be joined to the rocker 22. Therefore, in the present embodiment, while reducing the influence on the rocker 22 due to the joining of the reinforcing panel 80 and the rocker 22, a plurality of triangular closed cross-section structure portions 82 can be formed by the reinforcing panel 80 and the rocker 22 when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0094] <Fourth Embodiment> Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the vehicle lower structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. Note that the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] In the vehicle lower structure according to the present embodiment, a "reinforcement panel 90" bent in a rectangular wave shape when viewed in the vehicle width direction is disposed inside the rocker 22, and a joint plate portion 90A in which the plate thickness direction is the vehicle vertical direction in the reinforcement panel 90 is joined to the rocker 22 by a joint portion (not shown) such as welding. As a result, a "closed cross-section structure portion 92" in which a cross-section viewed in the vehicle width direction is a closed cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction is formed by a plurality of consecutive portions in the vehicle front-rear direction, with a part of the reinforcement panel 90 and a part of the rocker 22.

[0096] That is, in the present embodiment, the "shock absorption portion 94" is configured to include the reinforcement panel 90 and a part of the rocker 22.

[0097] According to such a configuration, except for the actions and effects of the sub-panel upper 44 and the sub-panel lower 46, basically the same actions and effects as those in the above-described first embodiment can be achieved.

[0098] Further, in the present embodiment, the joint plate portion 90A of the reinforcement panel 90 bent in a rectangular wave shape can be joined to the rocker 22. Therefore, in the present embodiment, while ensuring the area of the portion where the reinforcement panel 90 and the rocker 22 are joined, a plurality of rectangular closed cross-section structure portions 92 when viewed in the vehicle width direction can be formed by the reinforcement panel 90 and the rocker 22.

[0099] <Fifth Embodiment> Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the vehicle lower structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Note that the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] In the vehicle lower structure according to this embodiment, a "reinforcement panel 100" bent in a wavy shape as viewed in the vehicle width direction is disposed within the rocker 22, and the top portion 100A of the reinforcement panel 100 is joined to the rocker 22 at a joint portion (not shown) by welding or the like. Thereby, a "closed cross-section structure portion 102" in which a cross-section as viewed in the vehicle width direction formed by a part of the reinforcement panel 100 and a part of the rocker 22 is a closed cross-section and extends in the vehicle width direction is formed in a state of being continuously arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction in plural.

[0101] That is, in this embodiment, the "shock absorption portion 104" is configured to include the reinforcement panel 100 and a part of the rocker 22.

[0102] According to such a configuration, except for the actions and effects by the sub-panel upper 44 and the sub-panel lower 46, basically the same actions and effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0103] Further, in this embodiment, the top portion 100A of the reinforcement panel 100 bent in a wavy shape can be joined to the rocker 22. For this reason, in this embodiment, while reducing the influence on the rocker 22 due to the joining of the reinforcement panel 100 and the rocker 22, a plurality of closed cross-section structure portions 102 can be configured by the reinforcement panel 100 and the rocker 22. Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of corners in the reinforcement panel 100 as viewed in the vehicle width direction, and thus to suppress the generation of stress concentration portions in the reinforcement panel 100.

[0104] <Supplementary Explanation of the Above Embodiment> (1) In the above-described embodiment, the shock absorption portion is configured to include the reinforcement panel within the rocker 22 and the reinforcement panel within the inner side frame 38, but the configuration of the shock absorption portion is not limited thereto. For example, according to the specifications of the vehicle 10 or the like, the closed cross-section structure portion may be configured by an aluminum alloy extrusion material extending in the vehicle width direction, and the shock absorption portion may be configured by arranging one or more of such extrusion materials within the rocker 22 or within the inner side frame 38.

[0105] (2) Also, in the above-described embodiment, the shock-absorbing portions are provided in the rocker 22 and the inner side frame 38. However, depending on the specifications of the vehicle 10, the specifications of the battery pack 14, etc., a configuration may be adopted in which the shock-absorbing portion is provided in at least one of the rocker 22 and the inner side frame 38.

Explanation of Signs

[0106] 10 Vehicle 12 Vehicle body 16 Passenger compartment 18 Floor portion (lower part of vehicle body) 22 Rocker (frame) 24 Rocker outer panel 26 Rocker inner panel 28 Cross member 34 Battery case 35 Battery module (battery) 38 Inner side frame (frame) 39 Inner cross member (reinforcing member) 40 Upper panel (reinforcing panel) 40A Upper component 42 Lower panel (reinforcing panel) 42A Lower component 44 Sub-panel upper (reinforcing panel) 46 Sub-panel lower (reinforcing panel) 48 Shock-absorbing portion 50 Upper panel (reinforcing panel) 50A Upper component 52 Lower panel (reinforcing panel) 52A Lower component 54 Shock-absorbing portion 56 Closed cross-section structure portion 58 Closed cross-section structure portion 60 Closed cross-section structure portion 62 Closed cross-section structure portion 70 Upper panel (reinforcing panel) 72 Lower panel (reinforcing panel) 74 Shock-absorbing portion 76 Closed cross-section structure portion 80 Reinforcing panel 82 Closed cross-section structure part 84 Impact absorption part 90 Reinforcing panel 92 Closed cross-section structure part 94 Impact absorption part 100 Reinforcing panel 102 Closed cross-section structure part 104 Impact absorption part

Claims

1. A battery disposed below the vehicle with respect to the passenger compartment, A frame disposed such that a part thereof overlaps the battery when viewed from the vehicle width direction outside the vehicle width direction of the battery, An impact absorbing portion provided within the frame and having a closed cross-section structure portion that extends in the vehicle width direction with a closed cross-sectional shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, A vehicle lower structure having the above.

2. The frame is a rocker that constitutes a part of the lower part of the vehicle body and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the impact absorbing portion is provided within the rocker, The vehicle lower structure according to Claim 1.

3. The impact absorbing portion is configured to include a metal reinforcing panel bent in the vehicle longitudinal direction, The vehicle lower structure according to Claim 2.

4. The impact absorbing portion includes an upper panel as the reinforcing panel that constitutes the upper part of the impact absorbing portion in the vehicle vertical direction, and a lower panel as the reinforcing panel that constitutes the lower part of the impact absorbing portion in the vehicle vertical direction, The upper panel is configured such that a plurality of upper configuration portions having a predetermined cross-sectional shape that protrudes upward in the vehicle and has an open lower side in the vehicle width direction are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction, The lower panel has a predetermined cross-sectional shape that protrudes downward in the vehicle and has an open upper side in the vehicle width direction, and a plurality of lower configuration portions that overlap the upper configuration portion when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction are connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction, By joining the upper panel and the lower panel, the closed cross-section structure portion including the upper configuration portion and the lower configuration portion that are connected in the vehicle vertical direction is configured to be connected in series in the vehicle longitudinal direction, The vehicle lower structure according to Claim 3.

5. At least one of a cross member that constitutes a part of the lower part of the vehicle body and extends in the vehicle width direction and a reinforcing member that constitutes a part of the battery case that constitutes the outer shell of the battery and extends in the vehicle width direction overlaps the rocker when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and the distribution density of the closed cross-section structure portion is high at this position, The vehicle lower structure according to Claim 2.

6. The impact absorbing portion is configured to include the reinforcing panel bent in a zigzag shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, The vehicle lower structure according to Claim 3.

7. The impact absorbing portion is configured to include the reinforcing panel bent in a rectangular wave shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, The vehicle lower structure according to Claim 3.

8. The shock absorber portion is configured to include the reinforcing panel bent in a wavy shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction. The vehicle lower structure according to claim 3.

9. The rocker includes a rocker outer panel that constitutes an outer portion of the rocker in the vehicle width direction, and a rocker inner panel that constitutes an inner portion of the rocker in the vehicle width direction. The reinforcing panel is joined to the rocker outer panel or the rocker inner panel. The vehicle lower structure according to claim 3.

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