Vehicle structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle structure capable of increasing a sliding amount of a vehicle seat while ensuring comfort in a vehicle interior.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure comprises: a floor panel 24 which is arranged above a battery and constitutes a floor surface of a vehicle interior; a cross member 26 which is arranged on the floor panel 24 and extends in a vehicle width direction; a lower rail 28 which is arranged on the cross member 26; and an upper rail 30 which is supported so as to be slidable in a vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail 28. The vehicle structure also has: a seat rail 22 which supports a vehicle seat; and an extension rail 30 which is arranged on an outer side of the seat rail 22 in the vehicle width direction, extends toward a front side of a vehicle beyond the seat rail 22 and is engaged with the lower rail 28 so that the lower rail can move in the vehicle longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which long slide rails are provided below a floor panel. Specifically, by including a first floor that supports the slide rails and a second floor provided above the first floor, the slide rails are embedded in the floor panel, flattening the floor surface of the passenger compartment. Further, the slide rails extend from the front end to the rear end of the passenger compartment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of an electric vehicle with a battery mounted below the floor panel, if a structure in which the slide rails are embedded is adopted, the space inside the passenger compartment may become narrow, potentially impairing comfort.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle structure that can increase the slide amount of a vehicle seat while ensuring the comfort inside the passenger compartment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle structure according to claim 1 includes a floor panel disposed above the battery and constituting the floor surface of the passenger compartment, a cross member provided on the floor panel and extending in the vehicle width direction, a lower rail provided on the cross member, and an upper rail slidably supported in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail, and a seat rail for supporting a vehicle seat. Further, an extension rail is disposed outside the seat rail in the vehicle width direction, extends forward of the vehicle more than the seat rail, and the lower rail is movably engaged in the vehicle longitudinal direction with the extension rail.

[0007] In the vehicle structure according to claim 1, a floor panel is disposed above the battery, and the floor surface of the passenger compartment is constituted by the floor panel. Further, a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided on the floor panel. Furthermore, a seat rail for supporting a vehicle seat is provided on the cross member, and the seat rail includes a lower rail and an upper rail slidably supported in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail. Thus, by sliding the upper rail with respect to the lower rail, the vehicle seat can be moved back and forth together with the upper rail.

[0008] In addition, an extension rail extending forward of the vehicle more than the seat rail is disposed outside the seat rail in the vehicle width direction, and the lower rail is movably engaged in the vehicle longitudinal direction with the extension rail. Thus, by moving the lower rail along the extension rail, the entire seat rail can be moved back and forth. Also, by providing the extension rail outside the seat rail in the vehicle width direction, the height of the seat rail does not increase, and it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the space in the passenger compartment.

[0009] The vehicle structure according to claim 2, in claim 1, includes a rocker extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction at an end in the vehicle width direction, and the extension rail is fixed to the rocker.

[0010] In the vehicle structure according to claim 2, since the extension rail is fixed to the rocker, the load input from the vehicle seat can be transmitted to the rocker. Further, during a side collision of the vehicle, the rocker and the extension rail can bear the collision load.

[0011] The vehicle structure according to claim 3 is, in claim 1, wherein the lower rail is fixed to the cross member via a locking mechanism, and the locking state by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat is not in use.

[0012] In the vehicle structure according to claim 3, the lower rail is fixed to the cross member via a locking mechanism, and the locking state by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat is not in use. Thereby, when the vehicle seat is in use, the locked state can be maintained and the inadvertent movement of the lower rail can be suppressed.

[0013] The vehicle structure according to claim 4 is, in claim 1, wherein the cross member and the extension rail are covered by a floor carpet.

[0014] In the vehicle structure according to claim 4, since the cross member and the extension rail are covered by a floor carpet, the design property in the vehicle interior can be improved as compared with a configuration in which the extension rail is exposed.

[0015] The vehicle structure according to claim 5 is, in claim 1, wherein the seat rail and the extension rail are provided on the passenger seat side, and the extension rail extends below the instrument panel.

[0016] In the vehicle structure according to claim 5, since the extension rail extends below the instrument panel, when the vehicle seat on the passenger seat side is not in use, the vehicle seat can be stored below the instrument panel.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] As described above, according to the vehicle structure of the present invention, it is possible to increase the sliding amount of the vehicle seat while ensuring the comfort inside the vehicle cabin.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The vehicle structure according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a main part of a vehicle cabin to which the vehicle structure according to the embodiment is applied. In the figure, the arrow FR, the arrow UP, and the arrow LH indicate the vehicle front direction, the vehicle upward direction, and the vehicle left direction in the vehicle 10, respectively. In the following description, when the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions are used without special mention, the front and rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, the up and down in the vehicle up-down direction, and the left and right in the vehicle left-right direction (width direction) are respectively indicated.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle seat 12 is provided at the front part of the vehicle cabin to which the vehicle structure of the present embodiment is applied. The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion 14 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction and can support the buttocks and thighs of the occupant.

[0022] A seat back 16 that can support the back of the occupant is rotatably attached to the rear end of the seat cushion 14, and the seat back 16 extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction. Further, a headrest 18 that can support the head of the occupant is provided at the upper end of the seat back 16.

[0023] The vehicle seat 12 configured as described above is, for example, the passenger seat, and a driver's vehicle seat (not shown) is provided adjacent to the vehicle seat 12 in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] An instrument panel 19, which is an interior material, is provided on the vehicle front side of the vehicle seat 12. Further, a space 20 is provided below the instrument panel 19. The space 20 is a space for a passenger seated on the vehicle seat 12 on the passenger side to put their feet.

[0025] The vehicle seat 12 is provided above a floor panel 24 that constitutes the floor surface of the vehicle compartment, and a battery BT is provided below the floor panel 24. The battery BT stores electric power for supplying a motor (not shown), and drives the motor by supplying electric power from the battery BT to the motor to make the vehicle run. That is, the vehicle in this embodiment is an electric vehicle. Here, the electric vehicle includes battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), and the like.

[0026] A cross member 26 is provided on the floor panel 24. The cross member 26 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects between the skeletons of the vehicle. Specifically, the cross member 26 connects a pair of left and right rocker panels 52 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, two cross members 26 are provided at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0027] A seat rail 22 is provided on the cross member 26, and the vehicle seat 12 is attached to the cross member 26 via the seat rail 22. The seat rail 22 includes a lower rail 28 and an upper rail 30.

[0028] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged state of the cut along the line 3-3 in Figure 1. As shown in this Figure 3, the lower rail 28 is disposed on the floor panel 24. Further, the lower rail 28 includes a bottom wall portion 28A in contact with the floor panel 24, side wall portions 28B extending upward from both end portions in the vehicle width direction of the bottom wall portion 28A, and an upper wall portion 28C extending inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end portions of the side wall portions 28B and further bent downward on the vehicle side.

[0029] An upper rail 30 is engaged with the lower rail 28. The upper rail 30 includes a substantially U-shaped rail body portion 30A having a downwardly open cross-section when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction, and an engaging portion 30B having a substantially L-shaped cross-section extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end portion of the rail body portion 30A and further bent upward. And a bearing (not shown) is clamped between the engaging portion 30B of the upper rail 30 and the lower rail 28, and the upper rail 30 is slidably supported with respect to the lower rail 28 in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0030] The seat frame 44 of the vehicle seat 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the rail body portion 30A of the upper rail 30. Therefore, when the upper rail 30 slides in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail 28, the vehicle seat 12 slides in the vehicle longitudinal direction together with the upper rail 30.

[0031] Further, a lock mechanism 40 is provided on the side wall portion 28B on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the lower rail 28. The lock mechanism 40 includes a claw portion (not shown) that can be locked to a striker 42 erected on the floor panel 24. When the claw portion of the lock mechanism 40 is locked to the striker 42, the lower rail 28 is fixed to the cross member 26. Also, by operating the lock mechanism 40 to release the locked state between the claw portion and the striker 42, the lower rail 28 becomes movable with respect to the cross member 26.

[0032] Here, in this embodiment, as an example, the locking mechanism 40 is configured to release the locked state when the vehicle seat 12 is not in use. For example, a control device (not shown) such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) determines whether the vehicle seat 12 is in a used state or a non - used state, and when it is determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in a non - used state, the locking mechanism 40 may release the locked state.

[0033] The used state of the vehicle seat 12 can be determined using sensors such as a seating sensor, a buckle sensor, and a camera. For example, when it is detected based on a signal from the seating sensor that an occupant is seated on the vehicle seat 12, it is determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in a used state. Also, when it is detected based on a signal from the buckle sensor that the seat belt is in a state of being attached to the buckle of the passenger seat, it may be determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in a used state. Further, when it is determined based on the image data obtained from a camera that captures the interior of the vehicle that an occupant is seated on the vehicle seat 12, it may be determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in a used state.

[0034] An extension rail 32 is disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the seat rail 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the extension rail 32 extends further forward in the vehicle than the seat rail 22, and the front end portion of the seat rail 22 is located in the space 20 below the instrument panel 19.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the extension rail 32 has a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed in the vehicle front - rear direction. Also, in the extension rail 32, a through - hole is formed in the wall surface facing the seat rail 22, and the support portion 50 of the connecting member 46 is inserted into this through - hole.

[0036] The connecting member 46 is provided between the lower rail 28 and the extension rail 32, and the connecting member 46 and the lower rail 28 are fastened by bolts 48. Although not shown, a nut that engages with the bolt 48 is provided inside the lower rail 28.

[0037] On the outer surface of the connecting member 46 in the vehicle width direction, a support portion 50 is provided. The support portion 50 extends outward in the vehicle width direction and is inserted into the extension rail 32. The tip of the support portion 50 branches vertically and is supported by the extension rail 32 via a bearing (not shown). Therefore, the connecting member 46 is slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the extension rail 32.

[0038] The wall surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the extension rail 32 is fastened (fixed) to the rocker 52 by bolts 58 and nuts 60.

[0039] The rocker 52 is a closed-section skeletal member extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is composed of a rocker inner panel 54 and a rocker outer panel 56. The rocker inner panel 54 is formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross-section with the outer side in the vehicle width direction open. The rocker outer panel 56 is formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross-section with the inner side in the vehicle width direction open, and is joined to the rocker inner panel 54.

[0040] Here, a floor carpet 70 is provided on the floor panel 24, and the floor carpet 70 covers the cross member 26 and the extension rail 32.

[0041] As described above, the extension rail 32 is fixed to the rocker 52, and the connecting member 46 is slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the extension rail 32. That is, the lower rail 28 is engaged with the extension rail 32 so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, with the locking state released by the lock mechanism 40, by sliding the lower rail 28 in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the extension rail 32, the vehicle seat 12 together with the seat rail 22 can be moved in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the vehicle seat 12 is slid forward in the vehicle from the state shown in FIG. 1. As shown in this FIG. 2, in the non-use state of the vehicle seat 12, the seat rail 22 is slid forward in the vehicle with respect to the extension rail 32 to fold the seat back 16, so that the vehicle seat 12 can be stored in the space 20 below the instrument panel 19.

[0043] (Operation) Next, the operation of the vehicle structure according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0044] In the vehicle structure according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a floor panel 24 is disposed above the battery BT, and the floor panel 24 constitutes the floor surface of the vehicle interior. Further, a cross member 26 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided on the floor panel 24. Further, a seat rail 22 for supporting the vehicle seat 12 is provided on the cross member 26, and the seat rail 22 includes a lower rail 28 and an upper rail 30 slidably supported in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail 28. Thereby, by sliding the upper rail 30 with respect to the lower rail 28, the vehicle seat 12 can be moved back and forth together with the upper rail 30.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, an extension rail 32 extending further forward in the vehicle than the seat rail 22 is disposed outside the seat rail 22 in the vehicle width direction, and the lower rail 28 is engaged with the extension rail 32 so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Thereby, by moving the lower rail 28 along the extension rail 32, the entire seat rail 22 can be moved back and forth. Also, by providing the extension rail 32 outside the seat rail 22 in the vehicle width direction, the height of the seat rail 22 does not increase, and it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the space in the vehicle interior.

[0046] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the extension rail 32 is fixed to the rocker 52, the load input from the vehicle seat 12 can be transmitted to the rocker 52. Also, during a side collision of the vehicle, the rocker 52 and the extension rail 32 can bear the collision load.

[0047] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the lower rail 28 is fixed to the cross member 26 via the locking mechanism 40, and the locked state by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat 12 is not in use. Thereby, in a state where the vehicle seat 12 is being used, the locked state can be maintained and the inadvertent movement of the lower rail 28 can be suppressed.

[0048] Also, in the present embodiment, since the cross member 26 and the extension rail 32 are covered by the floor carpet 70, the interior design of the vehicle cabin can be improved as compared with a configuration in which the extension rail 32 is exposed.

[0049] Furthermore, since the extension rail 32 extends to below the instrument panel 19, when the vehicle seat 12 on the passenger seat side is not in use, the vehicle seat 12 can be stored below the instrument panel 19. In this way, while ensuring the comfort of the vehicle cabin, the sliding amount of the vehicle seat 12 can be increased.

[0050] As described above, the vehicle structure according to the present invention has been explained. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the extension rail 32 is fixed to the rocker 52, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a structure in which the extension rail 32 is separated from the rocker 52 may be used. Even in this case, by fixing the extension rail 32 to the cross member 26 or the like, the fixed state of the extension rail 32 can be maintained well.

[0051] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the lower rail 28 is fixed to the cross member 26 using the lock mechanism 40 and the striker 42, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a lock pin that is movable in the vertical direction may be provided on the cross member 26, and the lower rail may be locked by the lock pin penetrating the lower wall portion of the lower rail in the state where the vehicle seat is in use. In this case, by lowering the lock pin when the vehicle seat is not in use, the fixed state between the lower rail and the cross member is released.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the lower rail 28 is slidable with respect to the extension rail 32 by the connecting member 46 provided on the lower rail 28, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shapes and structures of the connecting member 46 and the support portion 50 may be changed. Also, the shape of the extension rail 32 is not particularly limited, and other shapes and structures may be adopted as long as the lower rail is slidable with respect to the extension rail.

[0053] Regarding the above embodiments, the following additional remarks are further disclosed.

[0054] (Supplementary Note 1) A floor panel disposed above the battery and constituting the floor surface of the passenger compartment, A cross member provided on the floor panel and extending in the vehicle width direction, A seat rail that includes a lower rail provided on the cross member and an upper rail that is slidably supported in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail, and supports a vehicle seat, An extension rail that is disposed outside the seat rail in the vehicle width direction, extends forward of the vehicle beyond the seat rail, and is engaged with the lower rail so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction, A vehicle structure having the same. (Supplementary Note 2) Comprising a rocker that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction at the vehicle width direction end, The vehicle structure according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the extension rail is fixed to the rocker. (Supplementary Note 3) The lower rail is fixed to the cross member via a locking mechanism, The vehicle structure according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the locking state by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat is not in use. (Appendix 4) The vehicle structure according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the cross member and the extension rail are covered with a floor carpet. (Appendix 5) The seat rail and the extension rail are provided on the passenger seat side, The vehicle structure according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the extension rail extends below the instrument panel.

Explanation of Signs

[0055] 12 Vehicle seat 19 Instrument panel 22 Seat rail 24 Floor panel 26 Cross member 28 Lower rail 30 Upper rail 32 Extension rail 40 Locking mechanism 52 Rocker 70 Floor carpet BT Battery

Claims

1. A floor panel disposed above the battery and constituting the floor surface of the passenger compartment, A cross member provided on the floor panel and extending in the vehicle width direction, A lower rail provided on the cross member, and an upper rail slidably supported in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail, and a seat rail configured to support a vehicle seat, An extension rail disposed outside the seat rail in the vehicle width direction, extending forward of the vehicle more than the seat rail, and the lower rail is movably engaged in the vehicle longitudinal direction, A vehicle structure having the above.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, further comprising a rocker extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction at an end in the vehicle width direction, wherein the extension rail is fixed to the rocker.

3. The lower rail is fixed to the cross member via a locking mechanism, The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the locked state by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat is not in use.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the cross member and the extension rail are covered by a floor carpet.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the seat rail and the extension rail are provided on the passenger seat side, The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension rail extends below the instrument panel.

Images