Vehicle structure
By integrating skeletal members and crash boxes with overlapping wall portions, the vehicle structure enhances load transmission and energy absorption, addressing inefficiencies in existing designs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle structures face inefficiencies in load transmission when impact loads are applied along the vehicle longitudinal direction, necessitating improved load transmission efficiency and energy absorption.
The vehicle structure incorporates skeletal members and crash boxes with strategically positioned wall portions that overlap and integrate within the cross-sections of these components, enhancing load transmission paths and energy absorption.
This configuration improves load transmission efficiency and energy absorption, allowing for more effective distribution and management of impact loads along the vehicle's longitudinal direction.
Smart Images

Figure 2026078974000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a shock absorption structure of a vehicle including a pair of crush boxes interposed between both ends of a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction and a pair of side members extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[0003] In this prior art, the crush box has a hollow structure that opens in the vehicle vertical direction, and the upper or lower opening end is closed with a load adjustment plate. Then, in the bumper reinforcement, the crush box, and the side member, bolt fastening is performed with each other to suppress welding peeling, and the crush box absorbs the impact energy at the time of a vehicle collision.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] By the way, in a vehicle, when an impact load is input along the vehicle longitudinal direction, the impact load is transmitted between the side member and the crush box. However, from the viewpoint of the efficiency (so-called load transmission efficiency) when the impact load is transmitted, further improvement is required.
[0006] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure capable of improving the load transmission efficiency when an impact load is input along the vehicle longitudinal direction.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The vehicle structure according to the first embodiment comprises a skeletal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and a crash box positioned outside the skeletal member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and provided integrally with or integrally with the skeletal member, wherein the skeletal member has a first wall portion provided inside the cross section of the skeletal member, at least at the end of the skeletal member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle located on the crash box side, and extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the vehicle width direction with the vehicle vertical direction as the plate thickness direction, and the crash box has a second wall portion provided inside the cross section of the crash box at a height that overlaps with the first wall portion when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction, and extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the vehicle width direction with the vehicle vertical direction as the plate thickness direction.
[0008] The vehicle structure according to the first embodiment comprises a frame member and a crash box. The frame member extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the side in the vehicle width direction. The crash box is located outside the frame member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is provided integrally with or integrally with the frame member.
[0009] Here, the skeletal member is provided with a first wall portion, and the crash box is provided with a second wall portion. The first wall portion is provided within the cross-section of the skeletal member, at least at the end portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is on the crash box side of the skeletal member, and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction, with the plate thickness direction being the plate thickness direction in the vehicle vertical direction.
[0010] Furthermore, the second wall section is located inside the cross-section of the crash box at a height that overlaps with the first wall section provided on the skeletal member when viewed in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction, and extends in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction when viewed from the vehicle's width direction, with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle's vertical direction.
[0011] As described above, in this embodiment, the skeletal member is provided with a first wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the vehicle's vertical direction as the plate thickness direction, and the crash box is provided with a second wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the vehicle's vertical direction as the plate thickness direction. The first wall portion and the second wall portion are provided at a height that overlaps when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
[0012] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an impact load is applied to the vehicle along the longitudinal direction, the impact load is efficiently transmitted from the crash box to the skeletal members along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the energy absorption effect of the crash box (hereinafter simply referred to as the "EA effect").
[0013] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first wall portion and a second wall portion, which efficiently transmit impact loads between the skeletal member and the crash box, are provided inside the cross-section of the skeletal member and the cross-section of the crash box, respectively. In this way, in this embodiment, by securing load transmission paths for transmitting impact loads inside the cross-sections of the skeletal member and the crash box, it becomes possible to improve the degree of design freedom for the external shape of the skeletal member and the crash box.
[0014] Furthermore, "integrally or integrally provided" here means not only when the crash box is molded integrally with the frame member, but also when the crash box is molded as a separate component from the frame member and connected and integrated by welding, fastening, etc. Also, regarding "overlapping in the vehicle's front-rear view," it is not necessary for them to completely overlap in the vehicle's front-rear view; it is sufficient if at least a part of them overlaps.
[0015] The vehicle structure according to the second embodiment is configured such that, in the vehicle structure according to the first embodiment, the crash box includes an upper wall portion that constitutes the upper end in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a lower wall portion that faces the upper end and constitutes the lower end in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a plurality of the first wall portions are provided, and at least one of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion of the crash box is provided at a height that overlaps with at least a part of the first wall portion when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0016] In the vehicle structure according to the second embodiment, the crash box is composed of an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion that face each other. Here, a plurality of first wall portions are provided, and at least one of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion of the crash box is provided at a height that overlaps with at least a part of the first wall portion when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In this embodiment, by providing a plurality of first wall portions provided inside the cross-section of the skeletal member, the load transmission path between the crash box and the skeletal member can be increased, making it possible to distribute the load.
[0017] A vehicle structure according to the third embodiment further comprises a bump reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction outside the vehicle longitudinal direction of the crash box, in addition to the vehicle structure according to the first or second embodiment, and further comprises a third wall portion provided within the cross section of the bump reinforcement at a height that overlaps with the second wall portion when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, with the vehicle vertical direction being the plate thickness direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction.
[0018] In the third embodiment of the vehicle structure, a bump relief reinforcement is further provided, extending in the vehicle width direction outside the crash box in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a third wall portion is provided in the bump relief reinforcement. The third wall portion is provided within the cross-section of the bump relief reinforcement at a height that overlaps with the second wall portion provided within the cross-section of the crash box when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Specifically, the third wall portion extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction, with the plate thickness direction in the vehicle vertical direction.
[0019] Thus, in this embodiment, a third wall is provided in the bump reinforcement at a height that overlaps with the second wall of the crash box when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This makes it possible to efficiently transmit the impact load from the bump reinforcement to the crash box in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when an impact load is applied to the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. In other words, this embodiment makes it possible to improve the load transmission efficiency from the bump reinforcement to the crash box and improve the EA effect of the crash box.
[0020] The fourth embodiment of the vehicle structure is a vehicle structure according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the first wall portion is integrally molded with the skeletal member, the second wall portion is integrally molded with the crash box, and the third wall portion is integrally molded with the bump reinforcement.
[0021] In the vehicle structure according to the fourth embodiment, the first wall, second wall, and third wall are integrally molded with respect to the frame member, crash box, and bump reinforcement, respectively. This makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the first wall, second wall, and third wall compared to, for example, the case where the first wall, second wall, and third wall are formed as separate components with respect to the frame member, crash box, and bump reinforcement, respectively. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to further improve the load transmission efficiency to the bump reinforcement, crash box, and frame member.
[0022] The fifth embodiment of the vehicle structure is a vehicle structure according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the skeletal member is located at the rear of the vehicle and is a rear side member that is curved to protrude upward when viewed in the vehicle width direction.
[0023] In the vehicle structure according to the fifth aspect, the skeletal member is a rear side member disposed at the rear of the vehicle. This rear side member is curved so as to be convex upward in the vehicle width direction when viewed in the vehicle width direction. Thus, in this aspect, even with respect to the rear side member curved in the vehicle vertical direction, the first wall portion provided on the rear side member and the second wall portion provided on the crush box enable efficient load transmission from the crush box to the rear side member substantially along the horizontal direction.
[0024] The vehicle structure according to the sixth aspect is the vehicle structure according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the skeletal member is formed in an open cross-sectional shape, and the crush box is formed in a closed cross-sectional shape.
[0025] In the vehicle structure according to the sixth aspect, the skeletal member is formed in an open cross-sectional shape. For this reason, there is a concern that the load transmission efficiency between the skeletal member and the crush box may decrease as compared with a skeletal member having a closed cross-sectional shape. However, in the first aspect, since the load transmission efficiency can be improved between the first wall portion provided inside the cross-section of the skeletal member and the second wall portion provided on the crush box formed in a closed cross-sectional shape, in this aspect, even though the skeletal member has an open cross-sectional shape, it is possible to improve the load transmission efficiency between the skeletal member and the crush box as a result.
[0026] The vehicle structure according to the seventh aspect is the vehicle structure according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first wall portion extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction so as to connect the rear portion of the skeletal member in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the lower edge portion of the central portion of the skeletal member in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[0027] In the vehicle structure according to the seventh aspect, in the skeletal member formed to be curved so as to be convex upward in the vehicle width direction when viewed in the vehicle width direction, the first wall portion extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction so as to connect the rear portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the lower edge portion of the central portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Thereby, in this aspect, it is possible to effectively transmit the impact load transmitted from the crush box via the first wall portion of the skeletal member along the shape of the skeletal member.
[0028] The vehicle structure according to the eighth aspect is the vehicle structure according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the crush box has a square tube shape and further includes a pair of first side wall portions that connect the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion and are arranged opposite to each other, and a connection portion to which the crush box is connected is provided on the skeletal member. The connection portion includes a coupling wall that is coupled to the upper wall portion of the crush box, and a pair of second side wall portions that hang down from the coupling wall toward the lower side of the vehicle and are arranged opposite to each other, and are respectively coupled to the pair of first side wall portions of the crush box.
[0029] In the vehicle structure according to the eighth aspect, the crush box has a square tube shape and further includes a pair of first side wall portions that connect the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion and are arranged opposite to each other. On the other hand, a connection portion to which the crush box is connected is provided on the skeletal member. The connection portion includes a coupling wall and a pair of second side wall portions. The coupling wall is coupled to the upper wall portion of the crush box, and the pair of second side wall portions hang down from the coupling wall toward the lower side of the vehicle and are arranged opposite to each other, and are respectively coupled to the pair of first side wall portions provided on the crush box.
[0030] As described above, in this aspect, a connection portion that is coupled so as to cover the upper wall portion and the pair of first side wall portions of the crush box is provided on the skeletal member. Thereby, in this aspect, when an impact load is input along the vehicle longitudinal direction in the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the crush box in the upper side of the vehicle and the vehicle width direction with respect to the skeletal member through the connection portion. As a result, in this aspect, it is possible to more reliably transmit the impact load from the crush box to the skeletal member.
Effect of the Invention
[0031] As described above, the vehicle structure according to the present invention has an excellent effect that it can improve the load transmission efficiency when an impact load is input along the vehicle longitudinal direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0032] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the rear side of a vehicle body structure equipped with a rear side member to which the vehicle structure according to this embodiment is applied, as seen from the left rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a vertical end view of a section cut along line AA shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken from the outside in the vehicle width direction, showing the rear end of the rear side member, crash box, and bumper reinforcement to which the vehicle structure according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 4] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken from the outside in the vehicle width direction, showing a modified example 1 of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment, which includes a crash box and a bump reinforcement. [Figure 5] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken from the outside in the vehicle width direction, showing a modified example 2 of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment, illustrating the crash box and bump reinforcement. [Figure 6] This is a vertical end view corresponding to Figure 3, showing a modified example 3 of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0033] A vehicle structure according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each figure, the arrow FR indicates the front side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Hereafter, when simply referring to the longitudinal, left-right, and up-down directions, unless otherwise specified, they refer to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the left-right direction (vehicle width direction), and the up-down direction of the vehicle.
[0034] [Vehicle structure configuration] First, the configuration of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment will be described.
[0035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the rear (rear of the vehicle) 12 side of a vehicle 10 to which the vehicle structure according to this embodiment is applied, as seen from the left rear side of the vehicle. Figure 2 shows a vertical end view as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction, when the vehicle is cut along line AA shown in Figure 1.
[0036] The rear side member (frame member) 14 shown in the center of Figure 2 is positioned on the rear side of a pair of left and right rockers 20 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, on the side (vehicle side) 18 in the vehicle width direction of the passenger compartment 16. The rear side member 14 also extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a crash box 22 is positioned on the rear side of the rear side member 14. The crash box 22 also extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a bump reinforcement 24 is positioned on the rear side of the crash box 22. The bump reinforcement 24 extends in the vehicle width direction.
[0037] Here, we will explain each component. <Rocka>
[0038] The rocker 20 shown in Figure 2 has a closed cross-sectional shape, for example, in which the cross-sectional shape when cut along the vertical and width directions of the vehicle is a rectangular tube, and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle as described above. The rocker 20 is composed of an upper wall portion 26, a lower wall portion 28, and a pair of side wall portions 30 provided on the left and right sides in the width direction of the vehicle, respectively.
[0039] Between the upper wall portion 26 and the lower wall portion 28, an upper lateral wall portion 34 and a lower lateral wall portion 36 are provided, respectively, to divide the hollow portion 32 formed by the upper wall portion 26, the lower wall portion 28 and the pair of side wall portions 30 into upper and lower sections. The upper lateral wall portion 34 and the lower lateral wall portion 36 extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle (viewed in the vehicle width direction), with the plate thickness direction being the vertical direction of the vehicle. The rear end portion 20A of the rocker 20 is connected to a connecting portion 40 provided on the rear side member 14 side, which will be described later, via bolts 43, welding, etc.
[0040] <Rear side member> The rear side member 14 shown in Figure 2 is, for example, made of die-cast aluminum in this embodiment, extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is formed in a curved shape that is convex toward the upper side of the vehicle when viewed from the side. In addition, in this embodiment, the rear side member 14 has an open cross-section shape when cut along the vertical and width directions of the vehicle, with the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle being open.
[0041] In other words, the rear side member 14 is molded using a mold (not shown) that opens along the vehicle width direction of the rear side member 14. For this reason, the rear side member 14 is provided with a plurality of bosses 15 that abut against ejection pins used to release the molded rear side member 14 from the mold. However, these bosses 15 may be provided not only for release from the mold but also for fastening to other parts.
[0042] Here, the rear side member 14 is composed of a vertical wall portion 42 that extends in the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An upper wall portion 44 and a lower wall portion 46 extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the upper and lower ends of the vertical wall portion 42, respectively. In other words, the upper wall portion 44 and the lower wall portion 46 extend in the longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction.
[0043] For the sake of clarity, the rear side member 14 will be described below by dividing it into the front 48, central 50, and rear 52 sections in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.
[0044] The front portion 48 of the rear side member 14 includes, for example, the front wall portion 68 of the rear side member 14 shown in Figure 2, and extends to the hanging wall 54, which will be described later, hanging down from the lower end of the rear side member 14 toward the vehicle. The boundary P between the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14 and the surface passing through the rear surface 54A of the hanging wall 54 and the surface along the vehicle's vertical direction and vehicle width direction is defined.
[0045] Furthermore, the rear portion 52 of the rear side member 14 is provided with an inclined portion 56, which will be described later, that slopes downward towards the rear of the vehicle as it approaches the rear of the vehicle. The boundary Q between the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14 and the surface passing through the starting point R at the front and lower end of this inclined portion 56, and the surface along the vehicle's vertical and vehicle width directions, is defined. A rear suspension member (not shown) can be connected to the front portion 48 and rear portion 52 of the rear side member 14.
[0046] (Front part of the rear side member) At the front portion 48 of the rear side member 14, a mounting seat 58 to which the front portion of the rear suspension member is attached and a mounting seat 60 to which a battery cover (not shown) is attached are provided on the lower wall portion 46 side. The mounting seat 58 is composed of a hanging wall 54, and the mounting seats 58 and 60 are provided with fastening portions 58A and 60A, respectively, into which fastening members (not shown) are inserted and fastened.
[0047] Furthermore, the mounting seats 58 and 60 are formed along a substantially horizontal direction, and there is a difference in height between the mounting seat 58 and the mounting seat 60. For this reason, a hanging wall 62 is provided between the mounting seat 58 and the mounting seat 60 to connect them. In other words, in the front part 48 of the rear side member 14, the lower wall part 46 is composed of the mounting seat 60, the hanging wall 62, the mounting seat 58, and the hanging wall 54.
[0048] On the other hand, the upper wall portion 44 is composed of a bulge portion 64 formed between the front wall portion 68 of the rear side member 14 and above the fastening portion 58A, which bulges gently upward towards the rear of the vehicle, and an inclined wall 66 formed further rearward than above the fastening portion 58A, which slopes upward towards the rear of the vehicle. The front wall portion 68 of the rear side member 14 is connected to the vertical wall portion 42, the bulge portion 64 which constitutes part of the upper wall portion 44, and the mounting seat 60 which constitutes part of the lower wall portion 46.
[0049] Furthermore, the front portion 48 of the rear side member 14 is provided with an inclined rib 70 that extends from the upper end of the hanging wall 54 through the intersection S of the mounting seat 58 and the hanging wall 62, and the front end of the inclined rib 70 is connected to the front wall portion 68. A rocker 20 is provided on the forward extension of the inclined rib 70, and the intersection S' of the inclined rib 70 and the front wall portion 68 and the upper side wall portion 34 of the rocker 20 are at approximately the same height when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0050] Furthermore, between the upper wall portion 44 and the lower wall portion 46 of the front portion 48 of the rear side member 14, multiple vertical ribs 72 are erected from the vertical wall portion 42, connecting the upper wall portion 44 and the inclined rib 70 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, the vertical ribs 72 have the plate thickness direction in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
[0051] Furthermore, the vertical rib 72A provided on the mounting seat 60 side extends beyond the inclined rib 70 to the mounting seat 60, and is formed to connect the upper wall portion 44 and the lower wall portion 46. In addition, the aforementioned boss 15 is provided on the vertical rib 72A. However, the boss 15 does not necessarily have to be provided on the vertical rib 72A, and may be provided on other ribs.
[0052] Furthermore, in the area where the fastening portion 58A is provided, a vertical rib 74 connecting the upper wall portion 44 and the fastening portion 58A is erected from the vertical wall portion 42. The vertical rib 74 has the plate thickness direction in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and inclins towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves downwards towards the vehicle.
[0053] Furthermore, the rear end of the inclined rib 70 is connected to the upper end (intersection T) of the hanging wall 54, and a vertical rib 76 is erected from the vertical wall 42, connecting the intersection T of the inclined rib 70 and the hanging wall 54 to the upper wall 44. The vertical rib 76 has its thickness in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side, and inclins towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves downwards.
[0054] In this way, by providing the longitudinal ribs 72, 74, and 76, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the rear side member 14 compared to a case where these longitudinal ribs 72, 74, and 76 are not provided.
[0055] (Center of the rear side member) The front portion 50A of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14 is connected to the front portion 48 of the rear side member 14 and is formed to be convex toward the upper side of the vehicle as it extends toward the rear of the vehicle. The rear portion 50B of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14 is formed to be substantially horizontal along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is connected to the rear portion 52 of the rear side member 14. The front portion 50A and the rear portion 50B of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14 are continuously connected via a gentle curved surface.
[0056] On the front 50A side of the central 50 of the rear side member 14, an inclined wall 78 is formed in the upper wall 44, which connects to an inclined wall 66 provided on the front 48 side of the rear side member 14. The inclined wall 78 is inclined upwards towards the vehicle as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle.
[0057] Furthermore, on the front 50A side of the central 50 of the rear side member 14, a curved portion 80 is provided in the lower wall portion 46, which connects to the upper end (intersection T) of the hanging wall 54 provided on the front 48 side of the rear side member 14 and is formed by a gentle curve toward the upper side of the vehicle as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.
[0058] Furthermore, on the front 50A side of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14, a plurality of vertical ribs 82 are erected from the vertical wall portion 42, connecting the inclined wall 78 of the upper wall portion 44 and the curved portion 80 of the lower wall portion 46 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. These plurality of vertical ribs 82 have the plate thickness direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
[0059] The longitudinal ribs 82 are designated as longitudinal ribs 82A, 82B, and 82C in order from the front end side of the central part 50 of the rear side member 14. The longitudinal ribs 82A, 82B, and 82C are inclined toward the rear of the vehicle as they move toward the lower part of the vehicle, and are approximately parallel to the longitudinal rib 76 provided on the front part 48 of the rear side member 14.
[0060] Furthermore, a horizontal rib 84 is erected from the vertical wall portion 42 between the vertical rib 82A and the vertical rib 82B. The horizontal rib 84 has its thickness in the vertical direction of the vehicle and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side. The horizontal rib 84 also extends towards the rear of the vehicle from the intersection U of the upper wall portion 44 and is connected to the vertical rib 82B and the lower wall portion 46.
[0061] On the other hand, the rear 50B side of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14 is formed in a substantially horizontal shape along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, as described above. For this reason, on the rear 50B side of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14, a horizontal wall 83 is formed in the upper wall portion 44, extending substantially horizontally along the longitudinal direction and vehicle width direction, and a horizontal wall (lower edge of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14) 85 is formed in the lower wall portion 46, extending substantially horizontally along the longitudinal direction and vehicle width direction.
[0062] In other words, in the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14, the upper wall portion 44 is composed of an inclined wall 78 and a horizontal wall 83, and the lower wall portion 46 is composed of a curved portion 80 and a horizontal wall 85. In the horizontal wall 85, a stepped portion 86 is formed on the rear portion 52 side of the rear side member 14, rising upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle.
[0063] Furthermore, on the rear 50B side of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14, a plurality of vertical ribs 88 are erected from the vertical wall portion 42, connecting the horizontal wall 83 of the upper wall portion 44 and the horizontal wall 85 of the lower wall portion 46. These plurality of vertical ribs 88 have the plate thickness direction in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and extend in the vehicle's vertical direction when viewed from the side.
[0064] In other words, unlike the vertical ribs 82 provided on the front 50A side of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14, these vertical ribs 88 are provided in a manner that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal wall (upper edge portion 83 of the rear side member 14) and horizontal wall (lower edge portion of the rear side member 14) 85, which are formed in a substantially horizontal shape. In this embodiment, the aforementioned boss 15 is provided on the vertical ribs 88. Note that the boss 15 does not necessarily have to be provided on the vertical ribs 88, and may be provided on other ribs.
[0065] (Rear side member) As described above, the rear portion 52 of the rear side member 14 is provided with an inclined portion 56 that slopes downward toward the vehicle as it approaches the rear of the vehicle, and a connecting portion 90 to which the crash box 22 is connected is provided on the rear side of the inclined portion 56.
[0066] In the inclined section 56, an inclined wall 92 is formed on the upper wall 44 of the rear side member 14, connecting to a horizontal wall 83 provided on the central section 50 side of the rear side member 14. The inclined wall 92 is inclined downwards towards the vehicle as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle.
[0067] Furthermore, in the inclined section 56, an inclined wall 94 is formed in the lower wall section 46 of the rear side member 14, connecting to a horizontal wall 85 provided on the central section 50 side of the rear side member 14. The inclined wall 94 is inclined downwards towards the vehicle as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle.
[0068] Furthermore, on the connection portion 90 side of the inclined portion 56, a horizontal wall 96 is formed in the upper wall portion 44 of the rear side member 14, which connects to the inclined wall 92, and a horizontal wall 98 is formed in the lower wall portion 46 of the rear side member 14, which connects to the inclined wall 94.
[0069] In other words, at the rear 52 of the rear side member 14, the upper wall portion 44 is composed of an inclined wall 92 and a horizontal wall 96, and the lower wall portion 46 is composed of an inclined wall 94 and a horizontal wall 98. The horizontal wall 98 is provided with a mounting seat to which the rear part of the rear suspension member is attached (not shown in the figure). The horizontal walls 96 and 98 extend substantially horizontally along the longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction, respectively.
[0070] On the other hand, the connecting portion 90 is provided with a contact wall 100 to which the front end of the crash box 22 can abut. The contact wall 100 has its thickness in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side. A connecting wall 102 extends from the upper end of the contact wall 100 toward the rear of the vehicle.
[0071] The connecting wall 102 is formed above the horizontal wall 96 by the thickness of the upper wall portion 118 of the crash box 22, which will be described later. In addition, a pair of side wall portions (second side wall portions) 104 hang down toward the lower side of the vehicle from the left and right sides of the connecting wall 102 in the vehicle width direction, covering the left and right sides of the crash box 22 in the vehicle width direction.
[0072] In the inclined section 56, a horizontal rib (first wall section) 106 is erected from the vertical wall section 42 between the lower wall section 46 and the upper wall section 44 of the rear side member 14. The horizontal rib 106 has its thickness in the vertical direction of the vehicle and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and is formed in a substantially horizontal shape.
[0073] This horizontal rib 106 is connected to a horizontal wall 96 that forms part of the upper wall portion 44 of the rear side member 14. The horizontal rib 106 and the horizontal wall 96 are positioned at a height that overlaps when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and are formed continuously along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the horizontal rib 106 is positioned at a height that overlaps with the horizontal rib 84 and horizontal wall 85 provided in the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In other words, the horizontal rib 84, horizontal wall 85, horizontal rib 106, and horizontal wall 96 are formed continuously along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0074] Furthermore, in the inclined section 56, a horizontal rib (first wall section) 108 is erected from the vertical wall section 42 between the inclined wall 94 and the abutment wall 100, below the horizontal rib 106. The horizontal rib 108 has its plate thickness direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle, extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and is formed in a substantially horizontal shape.
[0075] Furthermore, in the inclined section 56, a vertical rib 110 is erected from the vertical wall section 42 between the upper wall section 44 and the lower wall section 46. The vertical rib 110 has its plate thickness direction in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side. In addition, vertical ribs 112 and 114 are erected from the vertical wall section 42 between the horizontal rib 106 and the horizontal rib 108. The vertical ribs 112 and 114 have their plate thickness direction in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side. The vertical rib 114 is formed passing through the intersection point V of the inclined wall 92 and the horizontal wall 96.
[0076] Furthermore, a vertical rib 116 is erected from the vertical wall portion 42 between the horizontal rib 108 and the horizontal wall 98. The vertical rib 116 has its thickness in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side. The vertical rib 116 is formed by passing through the intersection W of the inclined wall 94 and the horizontal wall 98.
[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a boss 15 is provided on the horizontal rib 108, but the boss 15 does not necessarily have to be provided on the horizontal rib 108, and may be provided on other ribs.
[0078] <Crash Box> The crash box 22 shown in Figure 2, for example, has a closed cross-sectional shape with a rectangular tube-like cross-section when cut along the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle, similar to the rocker 20, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle as described above.
[0079] The crash box 22 is composed of an upper wall portion 118, a lower wall portion 120, and a pair of side wall portions (first side wall portions) 122 provided on the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction. Between the upper wall portion 118 and the lower wall portion 120, a side wall portion (second wall portion) 126 is provided so as to divide the hollow portion 124 formed by the upper wall portion 118, the lower wall portion 120, and the pair of side wall portions 122 vertically. The side wall portion 126 has its thickness in the vertical direction of the vehicle and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
[0080] With its front end in contact with a contact wall 100 provided on the connection portion 90 of the rear side member 14, the crash box 22 is connected, for example, by bolts, welding, etc., to the connecting wall 102 and the pair of side wall portions 104 that constitute the connection portion 90, with the upper wall portion 118 and the pair of side wall portions 122 being connected.
[0081] Here, the upper wall portion 118 of the crash box 22 is provided at a height that overlaps with the horizontal wall 96 of the rear side member 14 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the side wall portion 126 of the crash box 22 is provided at a height that overlaps with the horizontal rib 108 of the rear side member 14 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lower wall portion 120 of the crash box 22 is provided at a height that overlaps with the horizontal wall 98 of the rear side member 14 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Note that in this embodiment, "overlapping when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle" does not mean that the two must completely overlap when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; it is sufficient if at least a part of them overlaps.
[0082] <Banpari Inforce> The bump reinforcement 24 shown in Figure 2 has a closed cross-sectional shape, for example, in which the cross-sectional shape when cut along the vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle forms a rectangular tube, and extends in the vehicle width direction as described above. The bump reinforcement 24 is composed of an upper wall portion 128, a lower wall portion 130 facing each other, and a front wall portion 132 and a rear wall portion 134 provided at the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively.
[0083] Between the upper wall portion 128 and the lower wall portion 130, side wall portions 138 and 140 are provided vertically to divide the hollow portion 136 formed by the upper wall portion 128, the lower wall portion 130, the front wall portion 132, and the rear wall portion 134 into upper and lower sections. The side wall portions 138 and 140 have their thickness in the direction of the vertical direction of the vehicle and extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
[0084] The front wall portion 132 of the bump reinforcement 24 is connected to the crash box 22 by, for example, welding, bolting, etc. A mounting bracket or the like may be interposed between the front wall portion 132 of the bump reinforcement 24 and the crash box 22.
[0085] [Function and Effects of Vehicle Structure] Next, the operation and effects of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment will be described.
[0086] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle structure includes a rear side member 14 and a crash box 22. The rear side member 14 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the side portion 18 of the vehicle. The crash box 22 is located further rearward than the rear side member 14 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is integrally provided with the rear side member 14 via a connecting portion 90 provided at the rear end portion 14A of the rear side member 14.
[0087] Here, the rear side member 14 is provided with horizontal ribs 106 and 108 as first wall portions. The horizontal ribs 106 and 108 are provided within the cross-section of the rear side member 14, at least on the rear portion 52 located on the crash box 22 side of the rear side member 14, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, with the plate thickness direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle.
[0088] On the other hand, the crash box 22 is provided with a side wall portion 126 as a second wall portion. The side wall portion 126 is provided inside the cross section of the crash box 22 at a height that overlaps with the horizontal rib 108 provided on the rear side member 14 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, with the plate thickness direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle.
[0089] Thus, in this embodiment, the horizontal rib 108 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the rear side member 14 and the lateral wall portion 126 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction in the crash box 22 are provided at a height that overlaps when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[0090] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an impact load is applied to the vehicle 10 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the impact load is transmitted between the crash box 22 and the rear side member 14 via the side wall portion 126 provided on the crash box 22 and the horizontal rib 108 provided on the rear side member 14.
[0091] Therefore, the impact load input from the bump reinforcement 24 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is transmitted to the crash box 22, and then effectively transmitted from the crash box 22 to the rear side member 14. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the EA effect of the crash box 22.
[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side wall portion 126 and horizontal rib 108, which efficiently transmit impact loads between the crash box 22 and the rear side member 14, are provided inside the cross-section of the crash box 22 and the cross-section of the rear side member 14, respectively.
[0093] Thus, in this embodiment, a load transmission path for transmitting impact loads is secured inside the cross-sections of the crash box 22 and the rear side member 14. This makes it possible to improve the design freedom of the external shape of the crash box 22 and the rear side member 14 in this embodiment.
[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper wall portion 118 of the crash box 22 is provided at a height that overlaps with the horizontal rib 106 of the rear side member 14 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the side wall portion 126 of the crash box 22 is provided at a height that overlaps with the horizontal rib 108 of the rear side member 14 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lower wall portion 120 of the crash box 22 is provided at a height that overlaps with the horizontal wall 98 of the rear side member 14 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0095] With this configuration, in this embodiment, the load transmission path between the crash box 22 and the rear side member 14 can be increased, making it possible to distribute the load.
[0096] In this embodiment, the horizontal ribs 106 and 108 are integrally molded with the rear side member 14, and the side wall portion 126 is integrally molded with the crash box 22. In addition, the side wall portions 138 and 140 are integrally molded with the bump reinforcement 24.
[0097] This makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the horizontal ribs 108, side walls 126, side walls 138, and 140 compared to, for example, a case where the horizontal ribs 108, side walls 126, side walls 138, and 140 are formed as separate components relative to the rear side member 14, crash box 22, and bumper reinforcement 24, respectively (although this is not shown in the diagram).
[0098] As a result, in this embodiment, the load transmission efficiency to the bump reinforcement 24, crash box 22, and rear side member 14 can be further improved. In addition, since the side wall portions 138, 140, side wall portion 126, and horizontal rib 108 are integrally molded with respect to the rear side member 14, crash box 22, and bump reinforcement 24, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the comparative example, and the number of work hours, such as joining between members, can also be reduced.
[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear side member 14 is curved so as to be convex upward when viewed from the side of the vehicle. In this way, even with a rear side member that is curved in the vertical direction of the vehicle, in this embodiment, the horizontal rib 108 provided on the rear side member and the side wall portion 126 provided on the crash box enable efficient load transfer from the crash box 22 to the rear side member 14.
[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear side member 14 is formed in an open cross-section. Therefore, there is a concern that the load transmission efficiency between the rear side member 14 and the crash box 22 will be reduced compared to a skeletal member with a closed cross-section. However, in this embodiment, the load transmission efficiency can be improved between the horizontal rib 108 provided inside the cross-section of the rear side member 14 and the side wall portion 126 provided in the crash box 22 which is formed in a closed cross-section. As a result, even though the rear side member 14 has an open cross-section, it is possible to improve the load transmission efficiency between it and the crash box 22.
[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the horizontal rib 106 provided on the rear portion 52 of the rear side member 14 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so as to connect the rear portion 52 of the rear side member 14, which is formed to be curved so as to be convex upward toward the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, with the horizontal wall 85 which constitutes the lower end of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14.
[0102] As a result, in this embodiment, the impact load transmitted from the crash box 22 through the horizontal rib 106 of the rear side member 14 can be effectively transmitted along the shape of the rear side member 14.
[0103] Incidentally, the front portion 48 of the rear side member 14 is provided with an inclined rib 70 that extends from the upper end of the hanging wall 54, passes through the intersection S of the mounting seat 58 and the hanging wall 62, and connects to the curved portion 80 of the central portion 50 of the rear side member 14 via the intersection T. The intersection S' of the inclined rib 70 and the front wall portion 68 and the upper side wall portion 34 of the rocker 20 are located at roughly the same height when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0104] Therefore, the impact load transmitted through the horizontal wall 85 of the rear side member 14 can be transmitted to the upper side wall 34 of the rocker 20 via the curved portion 80 and the inclined rib 70.
[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the crash box 22 is rectangular in shape and further includes a pair of side wall portions 122 that connect the upper wall portion 118 and the lower wall portion 120 and are arranged opposite each other. On the other hand, the rear side member 14 is provided with a connecting portion 90 to which the crash box 22 is connected. The connecting portion 90 is composed of a connecting wall 102 and a pair of side wall portions 104, the connecting wall 102 is connected to the upper wall portion 118 of the crash box 22, and the pair of side wall portions 104 are connected to the pair of side wall portions 122 of the crash box 22, respectively.
[0106] As described above, a connecting portion 90 is provided on the rear side member 14 that connects to the upper wall portion 118 and the pair of side wall portions 122 of the crash box 22, covering them. This makes it possible, in this embodiment, to suppress displacement of the crash box 22 relative to the rear side member 14 in the vehicle-upward and vehicle-width directions when an impact load is applied to the vehicle 10 along the vehicle-rear direction via the connecting portion 90. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to transmit the impact load more reliably from the crash box 22 to the rear side member 14.
[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the lower wall portion is not provided in the connection portion 90, when connecting the crash box 22 to the connection portion 90, they can be connected along the vertical direction of the vehicle, making it possible to reduce the assembly space compared to when they are connected along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
[0108] (Modified version of this embodiment) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, as shown in Figure 3, horizontal wall portions 138 and 140 are provided vertically between the upper wall portion 128 and the lower wall portion 130 in the bump reinforcement 24. However, the configuration of the bump reinforcement 24 is not limited to this.
[0109] For example, as a modified example 1, as shown in Figure 4, a side wall portion (third wall portion) 144 may be provided inside the cross section of the bump reinforce 142 at a height that overlaps with the side wall portion 126 provided in the crash box 22 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, with the plate thickness direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle and extending in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
[0110] As a result, in Modification 1, the impact load is transmitted more efficiently along the vehicle's longitudinal direction from the side wall portion 144 of the bump reinforcement 142 to the side wall portion 126 of the crash box 22. In other words, the load transmission efficiency from the bump reinforcement 142 to the crash box 22 is improved, and the EA effect of the crash box 22 is further enhanced.
[0111] As a second modification, as shown in Figure 5, the side wall portion (third wall portion) 148 of the bump reinforcement 146 may be provided at a height that overlaps with the side wall portion 126 of the crash box 22 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the upper wall portion 150 of the bump reinforcement 146 may be provided at a height that overlaps with the upper wall portion 118 of the crash box 22 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0112] As a result, in Modified Example 2, the impact load is efficiently transmitted from the upper wall portion 150 and the side wall portion 148 of the bump reinforce 146 to the upper wall portion 118 and the side wall portion 126 of the crash box 22, respectively, along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, in Modified Example 2, it is possible to further improve the load transmission efficiency from the bump reinforce 146 to the crash box 22. In addition, it is possible to increase the load transmission path between the bump reinforce 146 and the crash box 22, thereby improving load distribution.
[0113] Although not shown in the illustration, in Figure 5, the side wall portion 148 of the bump reinforcement 146 may be positioned at a height that overlaps with the side wall portion 126 of the crash box 22 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the lower wall portion 152 of the bump reinforcement 146 may be positioned at a height that overlaps with the lower wall portion 120 of the crash box 22 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0114] Furthermore, the upper wall portion 150, side wall portion 148, and lower wall portion 152 of the bump reinforcement 146 may be provided at a height that overlaps with the upper wall portion 118, side wall portion 126, and lower wall portion 120 of the crash box 22, respectively, when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0115] (Supplementary information for this embodiment) In this embodiment, the rear side member 14 shown in Figure 2 is formed from aluminum die-casting, but it is not limited to aluminum; it may also be a die-cast product made from an alloy such as zinc, magnesium, or copper, or it may be formed from a casting made of iron or the like. Furthermore, the rear side member 14 may be molded from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP).
[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear side member 14 is curved so as to protrude upwards when viewed from the side of the vehicle, but it is not limited to this and may be formed in a straight line.
[0117] Furthermore, although this embodiment uses the rear side member 14 as an example of the vehicle structure, the vehicle structure in the present invention is not limited to the rear side member 14. For example, it may be applied to a front side member provided at the front of the vehicle, although this is not shown in the figures.
[0118] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example in which the rear side member 14, crash box 22, and bump reinforce 24 are formed as separate components, it is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the rear side member 14 and crash box 22 may be molded as a single unit, or the crash box 22 and bump reinforce 24 may be molded as a single unit. Alternatively, the rear side member 14, crash box 22, and bump reinforce 24 may be molded as a single unit.
[0119] However, in this embodiment, the crash box 22 and bump reinforce 24 have a closed cross-sectional shape. However, when the crash box 22 and bump reinforce 24 are molded integrally with the rear side member 14, these crash boxes 22 and bump reinforce 24 have an open cross-sectional shape to match the shape of the rear side member 14.
[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rear side member 14 was used as an example of a skeletal member, and an example in which the rocker 20 and crash box 22 are connected to the rear side member 14 was described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a connecting member may be separately provided between the rear side member 14 and the rocker 20 to connect them. Also, the rear side member 14 may have a configuration in which a so-called rear side member rear is included at the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the rear side member rear is a skeletal part that is integrally formed with the rear side member 14 and extends linearly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the rear end of the rear side member 14 which is curved convexly toward the upper side of the vehicle. As an example, the cross-sectional shape when cut along the vertical direction and vehicle width direction of the vehicle is an open cross-section with an opening on the outside in the vehicle width direction. In addition, as shown in Figure 6, a rear side member rear 154 formed as a separate member may be interposed between the rear side member 14 and the crash box 22. Furthermore, if the rear side member 14 and the rear side member rear 154 are formed as separate components, the rear side member rear 154 may have a closed cross-sectional shape when cut along the vehicle's vertical and vehicle width directions.
[0121] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which a horizontal wall portion 126 formed in the vehicle's vertical direction and plate thickness direction was provided inside the cross-section of the crash box 22. However, as a reference example, although not shown in the figures, a vertical wall formed in the vehicle's width direction with the plate thickness direction may also be provided. Similarly to the crash box 22, the bump reinforcement 24 may also be provided with a vertical wall formed in the vehicle's front-rear direction with the plate thickness direction.
[0122] Although an example of an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above. One embodiment and various modifications may be used in appropriate combinations, and it goes without saying that the invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0123] 10 vehicles 14. Rear side member (framework component) 22 Crash Box 24 Bumper Inforce 50. Central section (the central part of the structural member in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) 52 Rear (rear of the structural member in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) 85. Horizontal wall (lower edge of the central part of the structural member in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) 90 Connection part 102 Combined wall 104 Side wall section (second side wall section) 106 Horizontal rib (first wall section) 108 Horizontal rib (first wall section) 118 Upper wall section 120 Lower wall part 122 Side wall section (first side wall section) 126 Side wall section (second wall section) 142 Bampari Inforce 144 Side wall section (third wall section) 146 Bampari Inforce 148 Side wall section (third wall section)
Claims
1. A skeletal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, A crash box is positioned outside the aforementioned structural member in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and is integrally or integrally provided with the structural member. Equipped with, Within the cross-section of the frame member, a first wall portion is provided at least at the end of the frame member in the vehicle longitudinal direction that is located on the crash box side, with the vehicle vertical direction being the plate thickness direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction as viewed from the vehicle width direction, Within the cross-section of the crash box, a second wall is provided at a height that overlaps with the first wall when viewed in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction, with the vehicle's vertical direction being the plate thickness direction and extending in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction when viewed from the vehicle's width direction, A vehicle structure that has the following characteristics.
2. The crash box is composed of an upper wall portion that forms the upper end in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a lower wall portion that faces the upper wall portion and forms the lower end in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the first wall portions are provided, and at least one of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion of the crash box is provided at a height that overlaps with at least a part of the first wall portions when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
3. The system further comprises a bump relief reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction, located outside the aforementioned crash box in the vehicle longitudinal direction, The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a third wall portion provided within the cross-section of the bumper reinforcement at a height that overlaps with the second wall portion when viewed in the vehicle's front-rear direction, and having the vehicle's vertical direction as the plate thickness direction and extending in the vehicle's front-rear direction when viewed from the vehicle's width direction.
4. The vehicle structure according to claim 3, wherein the first wall portion is integrally molded with the skeletal member, the second wall portion is integrally molded with the crash box, and the third wall portion is integrally molded with the bump reinforcement.
5. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the skeletal member is positioned at the rear of the vehicle and is a rear side member that is curved to protrude upwards when viewed in the vehicle width direction.
6. The vehicle structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the skeletal member is formed in an open cross-section and the crash box is formed in a closed cross-section.
7. The vehicle structure according to claim 5, wherein the first wall portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so as to connect the rear portion of the skeletal member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the lower edge portion of the central portion of the skeletal member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
8. The crash box is shaped like a rectangular tube and further includes a pair of first side walls that connect the upper wall and the lower wall and are arranged opposite each other, and the skeletal member is provided with a connecting portion to which the crash box is connected. The aforementioned connection part is A connecting wall connected to the upper wall portion of the crash box, A pair of second side wall portions are arranged opposite to each other and are suspended downward from the aforementioned connecting wall toward the vehicle, and are respectively connected to the pair of first side wall portions of the crash box, The vehicle structure according to claim 2, comprising the above.