Vehicle structure

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle structure capable of absorbing manufacturing errors occurring between members to be joined together. [Solution] The front end portions 32B of the side members 32 of the center module 16 are free ends and are elastically flexible around the approximate center portions 32A of the side members 32. As a result, the front end portions 32B of the side members 32 can be displaced in position along the vehicle width direction due to this elastic flexibility. Therefore, when a pair of connecting portions 26 of the front module 14 are connected to the front end portions 32B of the pair of side members 32 of the center module 16, any displacement in position along the vehicle width direction that occurs between the connecting portions 26 and the front end portions 32B of the side members 32 can be absorbed by the elastic flexibility of the side members 32, making it possible to absorb manufacturing errors that occur between the front module 14 and the side members 32 of the center module 16.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique relating to a vehicle underbody structure in which a battery is mounted under the floor of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-156029 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above prior art, front side members are provided on both sides of the floor in the vehicle width direction (left and right pair), extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle from a front bumper reinforcement provided at the front end of the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction, through a dash panel that separates the power room from the front end of the passenger compartment, to the floor of the passenger compartment.

[0005] A pair of left and right rockers extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction on both sides of the pair of left and right front side members in the vehicle width direction. Further, the front ends of the pair of left and right front side members are connected to the front ends of a pair of left and right rear side members that also extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a rear bumper reinforcement that extends in the vehicle width direction can be connected to the rear ends of the pair of left and right rear side members.

[0006] Here, for example, when connecting (joining) different components at the front and rear of a vehicle while aligning them in the vehicle width direction, no particular problems arise if the left and right components of a pair are formed separately. However, if the left and right components of a pair are formed together as an integrated unit, it becomes difficult to align them in the vehicle width direction, and high dimensional accuracy is required for each component, which results in a corresponding decrease in yield.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure that can absorb manufacturing errors that occur between members that are joined together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The vehicle structure of claim 1 comprises a first skeletal module integrally formed with a pair of side members that support a battery pack arranged under the vehicle and extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and a first cross member that extends in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members at approximately the center of the pair of side members in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a second skeletal module integrally formed with a second cross member that extends in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of extending portions that extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the second cross member and are connected to the fore-and-aft ends of the pair of side members.

[0009] The vehicle structure according to claim 1 includes a first skeletal module and a second skeletal module. The first skeletal module supports a battery pack disposed under the vehicle. The first skeletal module is integrally formed with a pair of side members and a first cross member. The pair of side members extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and the first cross member extends in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members at approximately the center of the pair of side members in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0010] On the other hand, the second framework module is formed integrally with a second cross member and a pair of extensions. The second cross member extends in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of extensions extend in the vehicle front-rear direction on both sides of the second cross member in the vehicle width direction. The pair of extensions are connected to the vehicle front-rear direction ends of the pair of side members.

[0011] In the present invention, the end portion of the side member of the first skeletal module in the vehicle longitudinal direction is a free end, and the side member is capable of elastic deflection around approximately the center portion of the side member in the vehicle longitudinal direction where the first cross member is provided.

[0012] This elastic deflection allows the ends of the side members to shift in position along the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the present invention, when a pair of extension portions of the second skeleton module are joined to the ends of a pair of side members of the first skeleton module, respectively, any positional deviation along the vehicle width direction that occurs between the extension portions and the ends of the side members can be absorbed by the elastic deflection of the side members. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the joining strength between the members due to the formation of such gaps.

[0013] The second frame module is also provided with a second cross member. Therefore, in the present invention, even if the ends of the side members of the first frame module are free ends, the second cross member connects the pair of extensions in the vehicle width direction, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the first frame module.

[0014] Here, "integrally formed" means not only the case where a pair of side members and the first cross member are integrated by integral molding, but also the case where the first cross member is integrated with the pair of side members by fastening or other bonding.

[0015] In addition, "integrally molded" includes not only cases where a metal such as an aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy is molded integrally by die-casting, but also cases where a resin such as CFRP is molded integrally by injection molding or the like.

[0016] The vehicle structure of claim 2 is the vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the second skeletal module is formed by casting and is at least one of a front module that forms the skeleton of the front part of the vehicle and a rear module that forms the skeleton of the rear part of the vehicle.

[0017] In the vehicle structure according to claim 2, the second skeleton module is formed by casting and is at least one of a front module constituting the skeleton of the front portion of the vehicle and a rear module constituting the skeleton of the rear portion of the vehicle. That is, in the present invention, the second skeleton module may be a front module or a rear module. Furthermore, both the front module and the rear module may be applied. And, in the present invention, at least one of the front module and the rear module is a so-called integrally molded member.

[0018] For example, compared to a comparative example in which a front module is integrated by joining multiple components together, the present invention can reduce the number of parts by integrally molding the front module, and also reduces the number of work steps compared to a case in which multiple components are joined together.

[0019] The vehicle structure of claim 3 is the vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the second skeletal module further includes a pair of left and right wheel houses in which wheels are arranged, and the pair of left and right wheel houses are connected via the second cross member.

[0020] In the vehicle structure according to claim 3, the second frame module further includes a pair of left and right wheel houses in which wheels are arranged, and the pair of left and right wheel houses are connected via the second cross member. In this way, in the present invention, by integrally molding the pair of left and right wheel houses and the second cross member, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the pair of left and right wheel houses and the second cross member are each formed separately.

[0021] The vehicle structure of claim 4 is the vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein the extension portion includes a first joint portion joined to an inner wall portion that forms the inner end of the side member in the vehicle width direction, and a second joint portion joined to an upper wall portion that forms the upper end of the side member in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0022] In the vehicle structure according to claim 4, the extension portion formed on the second framework module includes a first joint portion and a second joint portion joined to the side member. The first joint portion is joined to an inner wall portion that forms the inner end of the side member in the vehicle width direction, and the second joint portion is joined to an upper wall portion that forms the upper end of the side member in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0023] At the joint where the extension portion of the second framework module and the side member are joined, if a gap is formed between the extension portion and the side member, the joining force will decrease. In the present invention, the elastic deflection of the side member can absorb any misalignment along the vehicle width direction that occurs between the extension portion and the side member, making it possible to eliminate the gap between the extension portion and the side member and suppress the decrease in joining force due to the formation of the gap.

[0024] Here, "connection" includes fastening with fastening members such as bolts and rivets, as well as adhesion with an adhesive and fusion bonding by welding, etc. Furthermore, these may be applied alone, or multiple connecting methods such as bolts and adhesives may be applied.

[0025] The vehicle structure of claim 5 is the vehicle structure of claim 1, wherein a through hole is formed in the first cross member, and the battery pack is fastened via a first fastening member inserted into the through hole.

[0026] In the vehicle structure according to claim 5, a through hole is formed in the first cross member, and the battery pack is fastened via a first fastening member inserted into the through hole. That is, in the present invention, the battery pack is supported by a pair of side members and a first cross member extending between the pair of side members. The battery pack is supported by the pair of side members, and by the first cross member further supporting the battery pack, in the present invention, it is possible to prevent the battery pack from falling in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0027] A vehicle structure according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle structure according to the fourth aspect, wherein at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion is formed with a fastening hole through which a second fastening member can be inserted.

[0028] In the vehicle structure according to claim 6, a fastening hole is formed in at least one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion, and a second fastening member is inserted into the fastening hole for fastening. Therefore, in the present invention, the extension portion provided on the second skeleton module is joined to the side member provided on the first skeleton module via the second fastening member inserted into the fastening hole.

[0029] In this way, by directly connecting the side member of the first skeletal module and the extension portion of the second skeletal module via the second fastening member, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the two are connected via a bracket, for example, and the assembly labor hours can also be reduced.

[0030] Here, the "fastening hole" may be provided in the first coupling portion, or may be provided in the second coupling portion, or may be provided in both the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.

[0031] The vehicle structure according to claim 7 is the vehicle structure according to claim 6, wherein the side member has a closed cross-sectional shape when cut along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and an opening is provided in a wall portion facing the fastening hole.

[0032] In the vehicle structure according to claim 7, the side member has a closed cross section when cut along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and therefore an opening is provided in the wall portion facing the fastening hole, allowing a fastening member to be fastened to the fastening hole through the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] As described above, the vehicle structure according to the present invention can absorb manufacturing errors that occur between members that are joined together. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from diagonally rear left and above. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a vehicle to which a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an end view taken along line AA in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, a vehicle structure according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrows FR, UP, and RH shown as appropriate in each drawing indicate the front side, upper side, and right side of the vehicle in the left-right direction (width direction), respectively. Furthermore, when the terms "front-rear," "up-down," and "left-right" are used in the following description unless otherwise specified, they refer to front-rear in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, up-down in the up-down direction of the vehicle, and left-right in the left-right direction (width direction), respectively.

[0036] <Vehicle structure configuration> First, the configuration of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment will be described.

[0037] 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a vehicle 12 to which the vehicle structure 10 according to this embodiment is applied. In this embodiment, the vehicle 12 is divided into a front portion of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "front module") 14 serving as a second skeleton module, a central portion of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "center module") 16 serving as a first skeleton module, and a rear portion of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "rear module") 18 serving as a second skeleton module.

[0038] (front module) In this embodiment, for example, the front module 14 includes wheel houses 20 in which wheels (not shown) are arranged on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. Front pillars 22 that form the sides of the front of the vehicle are provided on the rear side of each wheel house 20, and cross members (second cross members) 24 extend in the vehicle width direction so as to connect the pair of left and right wheel houses 20 and the front pillars 22. Furthermore, connecting portions (extending portions) 26 that are connected to the center module 16 extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the rear side of the lower end portions 22A of each front pillar 22 (described later).

[0039] In this embodiment, the front module 14 is formed by die-casting an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or the like, so that the wheel house 20, the front pillar 22, and the cross member 24 are integrally molded (integrated). Note that the front module 14 may be integrally molded from a resin other than metal, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0040] (Center module) In this embodiment, for example, the center module 16 is configured to include a battery pack 28 and a battery frame 30. The battery pack 28 is made of a light metal such as an aluminum alloy and has a rectangular plate shape with its longitudinal direction in the vehicle front-to-rear direction in plan view, and an auxiliary section 28A is provided at the rear end of the battery pack 28 in the vehicle front-to-rear direction.

[0041] The battery pack 28 is supported by a battery frame 30. The battery frame 30 is, for example, substantially H-shaped in plan view with its longitudinal direction aligned with the vehicle front-to-rear direction. The battery frame 30 has a pair of left and right side members 32 extending in the vehicle front-to-rear direction on both outer sides of the battery pack 28 in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] For example, flanges 33 protrude toward each other from the inner sides of the pair of left and right side members 32 in the vehicle width direction. Meanwhile, a flange 29 protrudes horizontally from the outer periphery of the battery pack 28. The flanges 29 and 33 are joined to each other with bolts, adhesive, etc., in a state where they overlap at the top and bottom of the vehicle. In this way, the battery pack 28 is supported by the pair of left and right side members 32.

[0043] Plate-shaped central cross members (first cross members) 34, 36 are disposed at the front and rear of the vehicle and extend along the vehicle width direction in approximately central portions 32A of the pair of left and right side members 32 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Through holes 34A, 36A are formed on the left and right sides of the central cross members 34, 36 in the vehicle width direction, respectively. A bolt (first fastening member) 35 shown in FIG. 1 can be inserted through the through hole 34A, and a bolt (first fastening member) 37 can be inserted through the through hole 36A. The bolt 35 is fastened via a weld nut 28B provided on the battery pack 28 side shown in FIG. 2, for example, and the bolt 37 is fastened via a weld nut 28C provided on the battery pack 28 side.

[0044] In this embodiment, the battery frame 30 is formed by, for example, die-casting an aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or other material into a single unit (integrated) of a pair of left and right side members 32 and central cross members 34, 36. Alternatively, the pair of left and right side members 32 and central cross members 34, 36 may be formed by extrusion molding or other methods using an aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or other material, and then joined together to form an integrated unit. Furthermore, the battery frame 30 may be formed from a resin other than metal, such as CFRP.

[0045] (rear module) In this embodiment, for example, the rear module 18 includes wheel housings 38 in which wheels (not shown) are arranged on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. Cross members (second cross members) 40, 42 are arranged at the front and rear of the vehicle to connect the pair of left and right wheel housings 38, and each extend in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, on the front side of each wheel housing 38, a connecting portion (extending portion) 44 that is connected to the rear end portion 32C of the side member 32 of the center module 16 extends in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. Furthermore, a cross member (second cross member) 46 extends in the vehicle width direction at the tip of the connecting portion 44 and is connected to each other.

[0046] Like the front module 14, the rear module 18 is formed integrally with the wheel house 38 and the cross members 40, 42, 46 by die-casting using an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or the like. Also, like the front module 14, the rear module 18 may be formed integrally with a resin other than metal, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0047] (Vehicle structure) Here, the main parts of the vehicle structure in this embodiment will be described.

[0048] In this embodiment, the vehicle 12 has the joint 26 of the front module 14 connected to the front end 32B of the side member 32 of the center module 16, and the joint 44 of the rear module 18 connected to the rear end 32C of the side member 32 of the center module 16.

[0049] For example, in this embodiment, the side member 32 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape when cut along the vehicle width direction, which is a closed cross-sectional shape. As shown in Fig. 3 , the side member 32 forms a closed cross-sectional portion 55 including an inner wall portion 48 disposed on the inside in the vehicle width direction, an outer wall portion 50 disposed on the outside in the vehicle width direction, an upper wall portion 52 connecting the upper ends of the inner wall portion 48 and the outer wall portion 50, and a lower wall portion 54 connecting the lower ends of the inner wall portion 48 and the outer wall portion 50.

[0050] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 is configured to include an inner wall portion 56 that abuts against and is connected to the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32, an upper wall portion 58 that abuts against and is connected to the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32, and a vertical wall 60 that abuts against the front end face 32D of the side member 32.

[0051] Here, Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 further includes a connecting wall (first connecting portion) 62 against which the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32 abuts and which is connected via a bolt (second fastening member) 61, and a connecting wall (second connecting portion) 64 against which the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32 abuts and which is connected via a bolt (second fastening member) 63. That is, the connecting portion 26 is formed with fastening holes 26A, 26B into which the bolts 61, 63 can be screwed, respectively.

[0052] In this embodiment, a fastening hole 52A into which a bolt 63 can be fastened is formed in the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32. Furthermore, an opening 54A is formed in the lower wall portion (wall portion) 54 opposite the upper wall portion 52 at a position opposite the fastening hole 52A. This opening 54A is formed to a size that allows the bolt 63 to be inserted, and the bolt 63 can enter the closed cross-sectional portion 55 through this opening 54A. The bolt 63 is then fastened to the fastening hole 52A formed in the upper wall portion 52 and to the fastening hole 26B formed in the connecting portion 26. In other words, the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32 is fastened (connected) to the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 via this bolt 63. Note that a thread may be formed in advance in the fastening hole 26B using a tap. The same applies to the fastening hole 26A described below.

[0053] In the present embodiment, a fastening hole 48A into which a bolt 61 can be fastened is formed in the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32. An opening 50A is formed in the outer wall portion (wall portion) 50 facing the inner wall portion 48 at a position facing the fastening hole 48A. Like the opening 54A, the opening 50A is formed with a size that allows the bolt 61 to be inserted, and the bolt 61 can enter the closed cross-sectional portion 55 through the opening 50A. The bolt 61 is then fastened to the fastening hole 48A formed in the inner wall portion 48 and the fastening hole 26A formed in the connecting portion 26. In other words, the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32 is fastened (connected) to the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 via the bolt 61.

[0054] Although the description has been given here of the joint portion 26 side of the front module 14 relative to the side members 32, the joint portion 44 side of the rear module 18 is substantially the same as the joint portion 26 side of the front module 14.

[0055] <Actions and effects of vehicle structure> Next, the operation and effects of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment will be described.

[0056] 2, in this embodiment, the vehicle 12 includes a center module 16 and a front module 14. The center module 16 supports a battery pack 28 disposed under the vehicle 12. The center module 16 also includes a pair of side members 32 and central cross members 34, 36 integrally formed therewith.

[0057] In this embodiment, a pair of side members 32 extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and central cross members 34, 36 extend in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members 32 at approximately the center portion 32A of the pair of side members 32.

[0058] On the other hand, the front module 14 is integrally formed with a cross member 24 and a pair of connecting portions 26. The cross member 24 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of connecting portions 26 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction on both sides of the cross member 24 in the vehicle width direction. The pair of connecting portions 26 are connected to the front end portions 32B of a pair of side members 32, respectively.

[0059] In this embodiment, the front end 32B of the side member 32 of the center module 16 is a free end and is capable of elastically bending around a substantially central portion 32A of the side member 32. Therefore, the front end 32B of the side member 32 can be displaced in the vehicle width direction due to this elastic bending.

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the pair of connecting portions 26 of the front module 14 are respectively connected to the front end portions 32B of the pair of side members 32 of the center module 16, any positional deviation along the vehicle width direction that occurs between the connecting portions 26 and the front end portions 32B of the side members 32 can be absorbed by the elastic deflection of the side members 32.

[0061] That is, in this embodiment, it is possible to absorb manufacturing errors that occur between members that are joined together, in this case, between the front module 14 and the side member 32 of the center module 16. Also, although not shown, like the front module 14, it is possible to absorb manufacturing errors that occur between the rear module 18 and the side member 32 of the center module 16.

[0062] In this embodiment, the front module 14 is provided with a cross member 24 between a pair of connecting portions 26, so even if the front end portion 32B of the side member 32 of the center module 16 is a free end, the rigidity of the center module 16 is ensured by the presence of the cross member 24.

[0063] In this embodiment, at least one of the front module 14 that forms the framework of the front portion of the vehicle and the rear module 18 that forms the framework of the rear portion of the vehicle is formed by casting. That is, in this embodiment, at least one of the front module 14 and the rear module 18 is a so-called integrally molded member.

[0064] For example, as a comparative example (not shown), compared to a case in which the front module 14 is integrated by joining multiple members together, the number of parts can be reduced in this embodiment by integrally molding the front module 14. Furthermore, compared to a case in which multiple members are joined together, the number of work steps can be reduced in this embodiment.

[0065] More specifically, in this embodiment, the front module 14 further includes a pair of left and right wheel houses 20 in which wheels are arranged, and the pair of left and right wheel houses 20 are connected via a cross member 24. In this way, in this embodiment, by integrally molding the pair of left and right wheel houses 20 and the cross member 24, it is possible to reduce the number of parts compared to when the pair of left and right wheel houses 20 and the cross member 24 are each formed as separate bodies, although this is not shown in the drawings.

[0066] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 26 formed in the front module 14 includes connecting walls 62, 64 that are connected to the side member 32 of the center module 16. The connecting wall 62 is connected to the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32 via a bolt 61, and the connecting wall 64 is connected to the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32 via a bolt 63.

[0067] At the joint 26 of the front module 14 to which the side member 32 of the center module 16 is joined, if a gap is formed between the joint 26 and the side member 32, the joining force (fastening force) due to the axial force of the bolts 61, 63 will decrease. In this embodiment, any misalignment along the vehicle width direction that occurs between the joint 26 and the side member 32 can be absorbed by the elastic deflection of the side member 32. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the joining force between the front module 14 and the side member 32 due to the formation of the gap.

[0068] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, through holes 34A, 36A are formed on the left and right sides of the central cross members 34, 36 in the vehicle width direction, and bolts 35, 37 inserted into the through holes 34A, 36A are fastened to weld nuts 28B, 28C, respectively, provided on the battery pack 28. In other words, in this embodiment, the battery pack 28 is fixed (supported) to the central cross members 34, 36 via the bolts 35, 37 and the weld nuts 28B, 28C.

[0069] The battery pack 28 is supported by a pair of left and right side members 32 that constitute part of the battery frame 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the pair of left and right side members 32, the battery pack 28 is further supported by central cross members 34, 36 that extend along the vehicle width direction at approximately the center portions 32A of the pair of left and right side members 32 in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the battery pack 28 from falling in the event of a collision of the vehicle 12.

[0070] In the present embodiment, a fastening hole 52A is formed in the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32, and a bolt 63 is fastened to the upper wall portion 52 and the connecting portion 26 through an opening 54A formed in the lower wall portion 54. A fastening hole 48A is formed in the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32, and a bolt 61 is fastened to the fastening hole 48A through an opening 50A formed in the outer wall portion 50.

[0071] In this way, by directly connecting the side member 32 of the center module 16 and the connecting portion 26 of the front module 14 via bolts 61, 63, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the two are connected via a bracket, for example, and the number of assembly steps can also be reduced.

[0072] <Supplementary explanation of this embodiment> In the above embodiment, a fastening hole 52A is formed in the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32, and a bolt 63 is fastened to the fastening hole 52A and a fastening hole 26B formed in the connecting portion 26 through an opening 54A formed in the lower wall portion 54. Furthermore, a fastening hole 48A is formed in the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32, and a bolt 61 is fastened to the fastening hole 48A and a fastening hole 26A formed in the connecting portion 26 through an opening 50A formed in the outer wall portion 50.

[0073] In this manner, in the above embodiment, the side members 32 of the center module 16 and the connecting portions 26 of the front module 14 are connected via the bolts 61, 63. However, this is not limited to this, as long as the two can be connected. That is, an adhesive may be used in addition to the bolts 61, 63, or other fastening members such as rivets may be used instead of the bolts 61, 63. Furthermore, the two may be connected by adhesive bonding, welding, or other methods other than fastening.

[0074] In the present embodiment, fastening holes 52A are formed in the upper wall portion 52 of the side member 32, and bolts 63 are fastened to the fastening holes 52A through openings 54A formed in the lower wall portion 54. Furthermore, fastening holes 48A are formed in the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32, and bolts 61 are fastened to the fastening holes 48A through openings 50A formed in the outer wall portion 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one of the upper wall portion 52 and the inner wall portion 48 of the side member 32 may be fastened with a fastening member, and the other may be bonded with an adhesive.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wheel house 20, front pillar 22, and cross member 24 are integrally molded by die casting in the front module 14, and the wheel house 38 and cross members 40, 42, 46 are integrally molded by die casting in the rear module 18, but this is not limitative. For example, only one of the front module 14 and the rear module 18 may be integrally molded by die casting.

[0076] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and one embodiment may be appropriately combined with various modified examples, and the present invention may of course be embodied in various forms as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0077] <Additional Notes> The following configurations may be appropriately combined to form the vehicle structure according to the present invention.

[0078] (Configuration 1) The vehicle structure includes a first skeletal module integrally formed with a pair of side members that support a battery pack arranged under the vehicle and extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and a first cross member that extends in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members at approximately the center of the pair of side members in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle; and a second skeletal module integrally formed with a second cross member that extends in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of extension portions that extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle at both sides in the vehicle width direction of the second cross member and are respectively connected to the fore-and-aft ends of the pair of side members.

[0079] (Configuration 2) The second frame module is formed by casting and is at least one of a front module that constitutes the frame of the front portion of the vehicle and a rear module that constitutes the frame of the rear portion of the vehicle.

[0080] (Configuration 3) The vehicle further includes a pair of left and right wheel houses in which wheels are arranged, and the pair of left and right wheel houses are connected via the second cross member.

[0081] (Configuration 4) The extension portion includes a first joint portion that is joined to an inner wall portion that forms the inner end of the side member in the vehicle width direction, and a second joint portion that is joined to an upper wall portion that forms the upper end of the side member in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0082] (Configuration 5) A through hole is formed in the first cross member, and the battery pack is fastened to the first cross member via a first fastening member inserted into the through hole.

[0083] (Configuration 6) At least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion has a fastening hole formed therein through which a second fastening member can be inserted.

[0084] (Configuration 7) The side member has a closed cross section when cut along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and an opening is provided in a wall portion facing the fastening hole. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Vehicle Structure 12 vehicles 14 Front module (second skeletal module) 16 Center module (first framework module) 18 Rear module (second frame module) 20 Wheelhouse (second frame module) 22 Front pillar (second frame module) 24 Cross member (second cross member, second skeletal module) 26 Joint part (extension part) 28 Battery Pack 30 Battery frame (first frame module) 32 Side member 34 Center cross member (first cross member) 34A through hole 35 Bolt (first fastening member) 36 Center cross member (first cross member) 36A through hole 37 Bolt (first fastening member) 38 Wheelhouse (second frame module) 40 Cross member (second cross member, second skeletal module) 42 Cross member (second cross member, second skeletal module) 44 Joint part (extension part) 48 Inner wall 48A fastening hole 50 Exterior wall (wall) 50A opening 52 Upper wall 52A fastening hole 54 Lower wall (wall) 54A opening 61 Bolt (second fastening member) 62. Joint wall (first joint, extension) 63 ボルト(Second concluded component) 64. Joint wall (second joint, extension)

Claims

1. a first framework module integrally formed with a pair of side members that support a battery pack disposed under the vehicle and extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and a first cross member that extends in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side members at approximately the center of the pair of side members in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; a second framework module integrally formed with a second cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and a pair of extension portions extending in the vehicle front-rear direction on both sides of the second cross member in the vehicle width direction and connected to the vehicle front-rear direction ends of the pair of side members; A vehicle structure comprising:

2. 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the second frame module is formed by casting and is at least one of a front module that constitutes a frame at a front portion of the vehicle and a rear module that constitutes a frame at a rear portion of the vehicle.

3. The second backbone module is Further comprising a pair of left and right wheel houses in which wheels are arranged, 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the pair of left and right wheel housings are connected via the second cross member.

4. The extension portion is a first connecting portion connected to an inner wall portion that forms an inner end of the side member in the vehicle width direction; a second connecting portion connected to an upper wall portion that forms an upper end of the side member in the vehicle up-down direction; The vehicle structure according to claim 1 , comprising:

5. 2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein a through hole is formed in the first cross member, and the battery pack is fastened to the first cross member via a first fastening member inserted into the through hole.

6. The vehicle structure according to claim 4 , wherein at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion is formed with a fastening hole through which a second fastening member can be inserted.

7. 7. The vehicle structure according to claim 6, wherein the side member has a closed cross-section when cut along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and an opening is provided in a wall portion facing the fastening hole.

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