Vehicle body structure

Abstract

The objective is to obtain a vehicle body structure that suppresses the residual deformation of components positioned in front of the motor unit in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle during a frontal collision, and that reduces the constraints on the size of the battery that can be mounted. [Solution] The vehicle body structure S includes a motor unit 30 to which power is supplied and which outputs driving force for driving; a skeletal member 11 which is integrally molded by die casting and forms the frame of the vehicle, is disposed on the rear side of the vehicle of the motor unit 30 and includes a support portion 28 that supports a part of the motor unit 30; a protruding portion 36 provided on the motor unit 30 and projecting toward the skeletal member 11 side; and a recess provided on the support portion 28, which is open toward the motor unit 30 side and into which the protruding portion 36 is fitted.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a structure of a junction box that can suppress damage to a harness by providing a protruding portion that contacts a vehicle component before the harness when a motor unit retreats during a frontal collision of a vehicle.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described in Patent Document 1 above, when the motor unit retreats and falls during a frontal collision of a vehicle, parts arranged in front of the motor unit in the vehicle front-rear direction may be left crushed. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of safety during a frontal collision, a certain length of stroke is required between the battery and the motor unit, which results in restrictions on the mounting size of the battery.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to obtain a vehicle body structure that can suppress the remaining crushing of parts arranged in front of the motor unit in the vehicle front-rear direction and reduce the restrictions on the mounting size of the battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle body structure according to claim 1 comprises: a motor unit to which power is supplied and which outputs a driving force for driving; a skeletal member integrally molded by die casting and forming the frame of the vehicle, disposed on the rear side of the vehicle of the motor unit and including a support portion that supports a part of the motor unit; a projection provided on the motor unit and projecting toward the skeletal member; and a recess provided on the support portion, which is open toward the motor unit and into which the projection is fitted.

[0007] Here, "fitted together" includes a state where there is a gap between them, such as in a gap fit.

[0008] In the vehicle body structure according to claim 1, a skeletal member having the vehicle's frame, integrally molded by die-casting, is provided with a support portion that supports a part of the motor unit on the rear side of the vehicle. The support portion is provided with a recess that is open on the motor unit side, and a projection provided on the motor unit that protrudes toward the skeletal member side is fitted into this recess. As a result, the projection of the motor unit is fitted into the recess of the support portion on the rear side of the vehicle, which effectively prevents the motor unit from falling during a frontal collision. Furthermore, since a part of the motor unit is supported by the support portion, it is possible to prevent the motor unit from moving backward during a frontal collision. Because the motor unit is supported on the rear side of the vehicle in this way, it is possible to generate a reaction force in the motor unit, which suppresses the remaining crushing of parts disposed in front of the motor unit. In addition, because the motor unit does not move backward, it is possible to reduce the stroke between the battery and the motor unit, which reduces the constraints on the battery mounting size.

[0009] The vehicle body structure according to claim 2 is the configuration according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion protrudes upward on the vehicle side, and the recessed portion is open on the downward side of the vehicle side.

[0010] In the vehicle body structure according to claim 2, a recess that is open on the lower side of the vehicle fits into a protruding portion that protrudes upward on the vehicle side, so that the motor unit is supported from above by the recess and the motor unit can be prevented from falling out in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0011] The vehicle body structure according to claim 3 is the configuration according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recesses are provided on both sides of the skeletal member in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] In the vehicle body structure according to claim 3, recesses are provided on both sides of the skeletal member in the vehicle width direction, so that the motor unit can be supported in a balanced manner by the skeletal member.

[0013] The vehicle body structure according to claim 4, in the configuration described in any one of claims 1 to 3, is integrally molded and includes a pair of left and right front side member portions provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction, left and right wheel arch portions provided on the rear side in the vehicle width direction of the pair of left and right front side member portions, and a cross member portion installed between the left and right wheel arch portions, wherein the recess is provided at the portion where the front side member portion and the cross member portion intersect.

[0014] In the vehicle body structure according to claim 4, since the recess is provided at the point where the front side member portion and the cross member portion intersect, the motor unit can be mounted in the space between the left and right wheel arch portions, thereby improving space efficiency. Furthermore, since the recess can be provided at the corner of the space area enclosed by the pair of front side member portions and the cross member portion, the motor unit can be supported in an area that does not interfere with other member portions.

[0015] The vehicle body structure according to claim 5 is the configuration according to claim 4, wherein the intersecting portion is formed by an extension that extends inward from the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the front side member portion and extends forward from the front end surface in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the cross member portion.

[0016] In the vehicle body structure according to claim 5, the intersecting portion is formed by an extended portion that extends from the front side member portion and the cross member portion, respectively. As a result, the recess is formed in the extended portion, and a motor unit can be mounted in the space between the left and right pair of front side member portions, further improving space efficiency.

[0017] The vehicle body structure according to claim 6 is the configuration according to claim 5, wherein the extension portion is formed in a substantially triangular shape.

[0018] In the vehicle body structure according to claim 6, since the extended portion is formed in a substantially triangular shape, the area for forming the recess can be reduced in size, and space efficiency can be further improved.

[0019] The vehicle body structure according to claim 7 is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protruding portion is press-fitted into the recess.

[0020] In the vehicle body structure according to claim 7, since the protruding portion is press-fitted into the recess, the motor unit can be effectively prevented from falling out during a frontal collision of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, the vehicle body structure according to the present invention has the excellent effect of suppressing the remaining crushing of components positioned in front of the motor unit in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle during a frontal collision, and reducing the constraints on the size of the battery that can be mounted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a plan view schematically showing a vehicle front structure which is an example of a vehicle body structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view schematically showing an example seen obliquely from the left front side of a cross section taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a partially enlarged plan sectional view of a joint portion in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a side view schematically showing the positional relationship between a motor unit and a battery in the vehicle front structure of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a plan sectional view showing a modified example of a joint portion corresponding to FIG. 3. [Figure 6] It is a partially enlarged perspective view schematically showing a part of a motor unit included in a vehicle body structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 2 in a vehicle body structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a side view schematically showing the positional relationship between a motor unit and a battery in a vehicle body structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] [[ID=..]] <0..0104>It is a side view schematically showing the positional relationship between a conventional motor unit and a battery.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] <First Embodiment>[[ID=..]] ​The vehicle body structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Also, the arrow FR shown as appropriate in each figure indicates the front side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction. Hereafter, when simply using the directions of longitudinal, vertical, left and right, and inside and outside, unless otherwise specified, these refer to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the vertical direction of the vehicle, the left and right in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction), and the inside and outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the front structure S of a vehicle 10, which is an example of a vehicle body structure according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the cross-section of line AA in Figure 1 viewed from the diagonal left front side. Although Figure 2 shows the structure of the right front side of the vehicle 10, the structure is basically symmetrical, so the explanation of the structure of the left front side is omitted. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is, as an example, an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle that runs on a motor unit 30 which is supplied with electricity and outputs driving force for driving.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the front structure S of the vehicle 10 includes a front body frame 11, which is a skeletal member on the front side of the vehicle 10. The front body frame 11 includes a pair of left and right front side member portions 12 arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction at the front of the vehicle. The front side member portions 12 extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the rear end of the front side member portion 12 is connected to a cross member portion 16. The front end of the front side member portion 12 is connected to a front bumper reinforcement portion (not shown; hereinafter referred to as "bumper RF portion") 13 (see Figure 4) which is arranged along the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the front side member portion 12 has a crash box portion (not shown) as an energy absorbing member at the front end connected to the bumper RF portion 13.

[0026] On the outer side in the vehicle width direction of each pair of front side member sections 12, there are wheel arch sections 14 where the front wheels (not shown) are positioned, and the left and right wheel arch sections 14 are connected by a cross member section 16. In other words, the cross member section 16 is installed between the left and right wheel arch sections 14.

[0027] Furthermore, apron upper member sections 18 are positioned on the rearward outer side in the vehicle width direction and above the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction of the left and right front side member sections 12. The apron upper member sections 18 are skeletal members that constitute the upper lateral skeleton of the front body frame 11, and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, similar to the front side member sections 12. The front side member sections 12 and the apron upper member sections 18 have a substantially rectangular open cross-sectional shape with an opening on the outer side in the vehicle width direction; in other words, a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape with an open outer side in the vehicle width direction. Although not shown in the figures, the front side member sections 12 and the apron upper member sections 18 each have an impact absorption structure within the opening, as an example.

[0028] Furthermore, a pair of left and right fender apron sections 20 are positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front side member section 12 and on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the apron upper member section 18. The upper end of the fender apron section 20 is joined to the apron upper member section 18, and the lower end is joined to the front side member section 12, and the suspension tower section 22 and the wheel arch section 14 are integrally formed. The suspension tower section 22 is provided above the vehicle on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front side member section 12, and the lower side of the suspension tower section 22 is joined to the fender apron section 20. A through hole 22A is provided on the upper end surface of the suspension tower section 22, through which the upper end of a shock absorber (not shown) is inserted. The fender apron section 20 is formed to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction, and this bulge forms the wheel arch section 14 in which the front wheel (not shown) is steerably housed.

[0029] Furthermore, a dash panel section 24 is positioned on the rear side of the front side member section 12 and between the left and right pair of apron upper member sections 18. The dash panel section 24 is a component that separates the motor unit room 10A, which houses the motor unit 30, from the passenger compartment 10B, and extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle height direction with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle front-rear direction. The end of the dash panel section 24 in the vehicle width direction is connected to the fender apron section 20, and the upper end is connected to the cross member section 16.

[0030] Furthermore, the rear end portion 20A of the fender apron portion 20 on the rear side of the wheel arch portion 14 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and is connected to the rocker portion (not shown) which constitutes the frame of the side of the vehicle body.

[0031] The suspension tower section 22 is provided as a roughly cylindrical projection extending upward from the wheel arch section 14 of the fender apron section 20. Inside the suspension tower section 22 are housed shock absorbers and springs (not shown) that constitute a suspension supporting the front wheels housed in the wheel arch section 14.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front frame of the vehicle body 11 is provided with a substantially triangular extension portion 26 at the front corner of the vehicle, which is composed of a front side member portion 12 and a cross member portion 16. This extension portion extends inward from the inner surface of the front side member portion 12 in the vehicle width direction and extends forward from the front surface of the cross member portion 16 in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the extension portion 26 includes a wall portion 26A that protrudes upward on the vehicle side at the slanted edge on the front side of the vehicle. The wall portion 26A is joined to the front side member portion 12 at the front end of the vehicle and to the cross member portion 16 at the rear end of the vehicle. The extension portion 26 also includes an engaging portion 28 that protrudes in a substantially elliptical shape upward toward the vehicle at its central portion and engages with a protruding portion 36 of the motor unit 30, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 28 corresponds to a support portion. Here, "engagement" is a broad concept that includes fitting, contact, locking, and arrangement with a small gap between them.

[0034] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged plan cross-sectional view of the engaging portion 28. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the engaging portion 28 is formed in a shape that is large enough to accommodate the projection 36, which will be described later, and is formed by making the central part of the extension 26 protrude in a concave shape toward the upper side of the vehicle. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the engaging portion 28 has a recess 28A on the lower side of the vehicle, which is open downwards and into which the projection 36 is fitted. The inner surface of the recess 28A has a shape that is substantially the same as the tip of the projection 36. The projection 36 is press-fitted into the recess 28A to the extent that it can be supported from above.

[0035] The front body frame 11, which is a component of the front structure S of the vehicle 10 in this embodiment, is integrally molded by aluminum die casting and includes, for example, a pair of front side member portions 12, a wheel arch portion 14, a cross member portion 16, an apron upper member portion 18, a fender apron portion 20, a suspension tower portion 22, a dash panel portion 24, an extension portion 26, and an engaging portion 28 (including a recess 28A), as shown in Figure 1. The crash box portion 13 may or may not be integrally molded as part of the front body frame 11. Furthermore, the front structure S of the vehicle 10 is provided with a front suspension member portion (not shown) below the pair of front side member portions 12 that supports a front suspension (not shown).

[0036] In this embodiment, the motor unit 30 is installed in the motor unit room 10A, which is a space enclosed by a pair of front side member sections 12, a wheel arch section 14, a cross member section 16, an apron upper member section 18, a fender apron section 20, a suspension tower section 22, and a dash panel section 24. The motor unit 30 is installed on the lower side of the vehicle of the extension section 26.

[0037] Now, let's describe the motor unit 30. Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the motor unit 30 and the battery 40. In Figure 4, the front body frame 11 and bracket 34, which constitute the front structure S of the vehicle 10, are shown in plan view. As shown in Figure 4, the motor unit 30 is positioned at different locations in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle from the battery 40. In other words, the motor unit 30 is positioned so that it does not overlap with the battery 40 when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0038] Furthermore, in a side view of the vehicle, a bumper RF section 13, which is part of the front frame 11 of the vehicle body, is located on the front side of the motor unit 30, and a steering gearbox 42 is located above the bumper RF section 13, on the rear side of the vehicle. A stabilizer 44, which suppresses roll during cornering, is located above the steering gearbox 42. These components, including the bumper RF section 13, steering gearbox 42, and stabilizer 44, are located in front of the motor unit 30 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0039] The motor unit 30 includes a motor (not shown) that is powered by a battery 40 and driven by a motor housing 32 that houses the motor. The motor housing 32 does not necessarily have to be symmetrical.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the motor unit 30, arranged as described above, is equipped with brackets 34 at the rear of each side 32A on both ends in the vehicle width direction. The bracket 34 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and as an example, the main surface with the larger area is attached to the side 32A with its longitudinal direction being in the vehicle front-rear direction. As an example, the bracket 34 has mounting holes 34A at, for example, four corners, and the side 32A has, for example, four mounting holes (not shown) at positions corresponding to the mounting holes 34A. Note that, as an example, the side 32A of the motor housing 32 has a step in the vehicle width direction, so in Figure 2, the side 32A corresponding to the position of the mounting hole 34B on the rear side of the vehicle is not shown. The bracket 34 is attached to the side 32A by screwing screws (not shown) into the mounting holes 34A of the bracket 34 and the mounting holes of the side 32A. The bracket 34 is mounted so as to be located on the underside of the vehicle of the extension portion 26.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bracket 34 is provided with a projection 36 that protrudes upward from the rear of the upper surface 34B on the upper side of the vehicle. That is, the projection 36 protrudes toward the extension 26 and is fitted into the recess 28A. The projection 36 has a substantially elliptical cross-section and protrudes, and as shown in Figure 3, its tip has a curved surface. As an example, the projection 36 is formed approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction on the upper surface 34B. In this embodiment, the projection 36 corresponds to the engaging portion on the motor unit 30 side.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the motor unit 30 is, for example, fixed at its front end to a pair of front side member sections 12 via a motor mount 50. Also, as an example, the motor unit 30 is fixed at its rear end to a cross member section 16 via a motor mount 50.

[0043] In this embodiment, as an example, each pair of front side member sections 12 is provided with a front motor mounting section 12A on the lower side of the front of the vehicle, and the cross member section 16 is provided with a rear motor mounting section 16A on the lower side of both ends in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the motor mount 50 is provided with, as an example, front mount sections 52 corresponding to the front motor mounting sections 12A at both ends in the vehicle width direction on the front of the vehicle, and rear mount sections 54 corresponding to the rear motor mounting sections 16A at both ends in the vehicle width direction on the rear of the vehicle.

[0044] The front end of the motor unit 30 is fixed to the front motor mounting portion 12A of each of the pair of front side member portions 12 via the left and right front mounting portions 52 of the motor mount 50. The rear end of the motor unit 30 is fixed to the front motor mounting portions 12A on each of the vehicle sides of the cross member portion 16 via the left and right rear mounting portions 54 of the motor mount 50. The motor mount 50 can be fixed to the front side member portions 12 and the cross member portion 16 using bolts or the like. When viewed from the top or bottom of the vehicle, the motor unit 30 is positioned between the pair of front side member portions 12.

[0045] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between a conventional motor unit 130 and a battery 140. Figure 10 shows a conventional front structure 100S of a vehicle. As shown in Figure 10, before a frontal collision of the vehicle, the motor unit 130 is positioned at the location indicated by the dashed line, that is, at a different position from the battery 140 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, so as not to overlap with the battery 140.

[0047] In addition, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the front side of the motor unit 130 is positioned similarly to the positional relationship shown in Figure 4, with the bumper RF section 113 and components such as the steering gearbox 142 and stabilizer 144 located in front of the motor unit 130.

[0048] In a vehicle where the motor unit 130 and battery 140 are arranged in the positional relationship shown in Figure 10, if a frontal collision occurs, the motor unit 130 will move backward and fall, as shown by the solid line in Figure 10. When the motor unit 130 moves backward and falls, the aforementioned components arranged in front of the motor unit 130 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle will also move backward, and these components may be crushed and remain in place. Furthermore, in order to prevent the motor unit 130 from colliding with the battery 140 during a frontal collision, as shown in Figure 10, a certain length of stroke is required between the battery 140 and the motor unit 130 from a safety standpoint, which imposes constraints on the mounting size of the battery 140.

[0049] In the front structure S of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, as described above, the front vehicle frame 11, which is integrally molded by die casting and has the skeleton of the vehicle 10, has an engaging portion 28 on the rear side of the motor unit 30 as a support portion that supports a part of the motor unit 30. The motor unit 30 also has a protruding portion 36 that protrudes toward the extension portion 26, which is part of the frame member, as an engaging portion that engages with the engaging portion 28. Furthermore, the engaging portion 28 of the front vehicle frame 11 has a recess 28A into which the protruding portion 36 is fitted.

[0050] Therefore, at the rear of the motor unit 30, the protruding portion 36 is fitted into the recess 28A of the engaging portion 28, thereby supporting the motor unit 30 on the engaging portion 28. As a result, the protruding portion 36 of the motor unit 30 is fitted into the recess 28A of the supporting portion at the rear of the motor unit 30, which effectively prevents the motor unit 30 from falling during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, since the protruding portion 36, which is part of the motor unit 30, is supported by the recess 28A, it is possible to prevent the motor unit 30 from moving backward during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10. The protruding portion 36 fitted into the recess 28A of the engaging portion 28 is subjected to a load from the front of the vehicle during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10, and is pressed against the rear surface of the recess 28A. That is, the protruding portion 36 is pressed from both sides in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. As a result, the protruding portion 36 is gripped by the recess 28A from both sides, which prevents the motor unit 30 from falling.

[0051] Furthermore, because the rear of the motor unit 30 is supported by the engaging portion 28, the motor unit 30 can generate a reaction force, thereby suppressing the remaining crushing of components positioned in front of the motor unit 30. In addition, because the motor unit 30 does not retract, the stroke between the battery 40 and the motor unit 30 can be reduced, thereby reducing the constraints on the battery mounting size.

[0052] Furthermore, in the front structure S of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, the protruding portion 36 is press-fitted into the recess 28A, which effectively prevents the motor unit 30 from falling out during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10.

[0053] Furthermore, in the front structure S of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, a recess 28A, which is open on the lower side of the vehicle, is fitted into a protruding portion 36 that protrudes upward in the direction of the vehicle. This allows the motor unit 30 to be supported from above the vehicle, preventing the motor unit 30 from falling during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10.

[0054] Furthermore, in the front structure S of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, recesses 28A are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the front frame 11 of the vehicle body, so that the motor unit 30 can be supported in a balanced manner by the front frame 11 of the vehicle body.

[0055] Furthermore, in the front structure S of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, since the recess 28A is provided at the point where the front side member portion 12 and the cross member portion 16 intersect, the motor unit 30 can be mounted in the space between the left and right wheel arch portions 14, thereby improving space efficiency. In addition, since the recess 28A can be provided at the corner of the space area enclosed by the pair of front side member portions 12 and the cross member portion 16, the motor unit 30 can be supported in an area that does not interfere with other member portions.

[0056] Furthermore, in the front structure S of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, the intersecting portion is formed by extending portions 26 that extend from the front side member portion 12 and the cross member portion 16, respectively. As a result, the recess 28A is formed in the extending portion 26, and the motor unit 30 can be mounted in the space between the left and right pair of front side member portions 12, further improving space efficiency.

[0057] Furthermore, in the front structure S of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, since the extension portion 26 is formed in a substantially triangular shape, the area for forming the recess 28A can be reduced in size, and space efficiency can be further improved.

[0058] In the embodiments described above, "fitting" includes a state in which there is a gap between the parts, such as in a gap fit. That is, in the embodiments described above, the projection 36 is press-fitted into the recess 28A at all times before the vehicle 10 is hit in a frontal collision, but the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 5 is a plan cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the engaging portion 28 corresponding to Figure 3.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, in the modified example, the projection 36 is not press-fitted into the recess 28A, and the recess 28A and the projection 36 are fitted together with a gap between them, that is, they are fitted together with a gap.

[0060] Thus, even when the protrusion 36 is fitted into the recess 28A with a gap fit, the protrusion 36 fitted into the recess 28A is subjected to a load from the front of the vehicle 10 during a frontal collision and is pressed against the rear surface of the recess 28A, thereby preventing the motor unit 30 from moving backward during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10, the protrusion 36 is pressed against the front surface of the recess 28A, so the protrusion 36 is pressed from both sides in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. As a result, the protrusion 36 is gripped by the recess 28A from both sides, preventing the motor unit 30 from falling.

[0061] <Second Embodiment> Next, the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing a part of the motor unit 30A included in the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment, Figure 7 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 2 in the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment, and Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the motor unit 30A and the battery 40 in the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0062] In the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment, components identical to those described in the first embodiment are given the same numbers and their descriptions are omitted. Also, for the sake of explanation, the second bracket 60 shown in Figure 6 is attached to the left side surface 32A of the motor unit 30A, and the second bracket 60 shown in Figure 7 is attached to the right side surface 32A of the motor unit 30A.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, in the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 of the second embodiment, the motor unit 30A is equipped with a second bracket 60 in place of the bracket 34 of the first embodiment described above. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the motor unit 30A is equipped with a second bracket 60 at the rear of each side surface 32A on both ends in the vehicle width direction. The second bracket 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and as an example, the main surface with a larger area is attached to the side surface 32A. As an example, the second bracket 60 has mounting holes (not shown) at four corners, similar to the bracket 34 of the first embodiment described above, and for example, four mounting holes (not shown) are formed in the side surface 32A at positions corresponding to these mounting holes. The second bracket 60 is attached to the side surface 32A by screwing screws (not shown) into the mounting holes of the second bracket 60 and the side surface 32A.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the second bracket 60 has a supported portion 62 attached to its main surface opposite to the motor housing 32. The supported portion 62 may be integrally formed with the second bracket 60 or it may be a separate component. If it is a separate component, the supported portion 62 and the second bracket 60 may be fastened together with screws, or attached by adhesive, welding, or the like.

[0065] The supported portion 62 is formed in a substantially circular shape and includes a mounting portion 62A that is attached to the second bracket 60, and a second projection portion 62B that protrudes in a rectangular prism shape from the mounting portion 62A toward the rear of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second projection portion 62B protrudes toward the cross member portion 16, which is part of the front frame 11 of the vehicle body.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, the front frame 11 of the second embodiment includes a support-side projection 27 that protrudes forward from the front surface of the cross member portion 16 toward the front of the vehicle. The support-side projection 27 includes a central projection 27A that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the center in the vehicle width direction, and an extension end 27B that extends outward in the vehicle width direction after being lowered one step from the end of the central projection 27A near where the second bracket 60 is located in the vehicle width direction. The support-side projection 27, including the central projection 27A and the extension end 27B, protrudes in a plate-like shape.

[0067] As described above, the support-side projection 27 and the second projection 62B are spaced apart from each other under normal circumstances before the vehicle 10 is hit by a frontal collision. That is, under normal circumstances before the vehicle 10 is hit by a frontal collision, the upper surface 27C of the support-side projection 27 and the lower surface 62C of the second projection 62B are spaced apart. As an example, at least a portion of the upper surface 27C of the support-side projection 27 and the lower surface 62C of the second projection 62B are spaced apart and facing each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, in a view of the vehicle from the front, the upper surface 27C of the support-side projection 27 is located below the lower surface 62C of the second projection 62B, and they are spaced apart and facing each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Then, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle 10, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the support-side projection 27 supports the second projection 62B from below the vehicle by its upper surface 27C engaging with the lower surface 62C of the second projection 62B.

[0068] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0069] In the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is hit in a frontal collision, the second protrusion 62B is supported by the support-side protrusion 27. Therefore, the support-side protrusion 27 supports only the second protrusion 62B and not the entire motor unit 30A, which is a relatively large component. This increases the positional freedom in which the support-side protrusion 27 can be placed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is hit in a frontal collision, the support-side projection 27 supports the second projection 62B that protrudes toward the support-side projection 27 from below the vehicle, thus preventing the motor unit 30A from falling when the vehicle 10 is hit in a frontal collision.

[0071] Furthermore, in the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is hit in a frontal collision, the upper surface 27C of the extended end 27B of the support-side projection 27 that protrudes toward the front of the vehicle engages with the lower surface 62C of the second projection 62B that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the support-side projection 27 can support the second projection 62B from below the vehicle, thus preventing the motor unit 30A from falling during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10.

[0072] Furthermore, in the front structure S2 of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, the support-side projection 27 is provided on the cross member portion 16 which is installed between the left and right wheel arch portions 14. This allows the motor unit 30A to be mounted in the space between the left and right wheel arch portions 14, thereby improving space efficiency.

[0073] <Third Embodiment> Next, the front structure S3 of the vehicle 10 as a vehicle body structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing the motor unit 30B and battery 40 in the front structure S3 of the vehicle 10 according to the third embodiment. In the front structure S3 of the vehicle 10 according to the third embodiment, components that are the same as those described in the first embodiment above will be given the same numbers and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0074] In the front structure S3 of the vehicle 10 according to the third embodiment, the motor housing 33 of the motor unit 30B has a flat surface 39 on the rear side of the vehicle, i.e., on the cross member portion 16 side, which is spaced apart from and opposite to the cross member portion 16. In this embodiment, the front surface 16B of the cross member portion 16 on the front side of the vehicle corresponds to the support portion. The front surface 16B supports the motor unit 30B by contacting the flat surface 39 during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10.

[0075] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0076] In the front structure S3 of the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is hit in a frontal collision, the front surface 16B of the cross member portion 16 on the vehicle's front side contacts a flat surface 39 on the motor unit 30B that is opposite to the front surface 16B, thereby supporting the motor unit 30B. As a result, when the vehicle is hit in a frontal collision, the motor unit 30B is subjected to a load from the front of the vehicle, and the flat surface 39 is supported from the rear of the vehicle by the front surface 16B of the cross member portion 16. This causes the motor unit 30B to be pressed from both sides in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, thus preventing the motor unit 30B from falling off when the vehicle 10 is hit in a frontal collision.

[0077] [supplementary explanation] In the first embodiment described above, the protruding portion 36 protrudes from the bracket 34, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding portion 36 may be constructed separately from the bracket 34, and the protruding portion 36 may be attached to the bracket 34.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the protruding portion 36 protrudes upward toward the vehicle and the recessed portion 28A is open toward the vehicle's downward side, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protruding portion 36 may protrude outward toward the vehicle and the recessed portion 28A may be provided on the inside of the front side member portion 12 such that the inside of the vehicle is open.

[0079] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the engaging portion 28 as a support portion and the support portion-side protrusion 27 as a support portion support the protrusion 36 and the second protrusion 62B provided on the rear of the motor units 30 and 30A, respectively, during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the protrusion 36 and the second protrusion 62B are provided on the rear side of the motor units 30 and 30A, i.e., on the rear surface of the motor housing 32, they may support the protrusion 36 and the second protrusion 62B provided on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0080] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the supported portion 62 including the second protrusion 62B is attached to the second bracket 60, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second protrusion 62B may be attached to the second bracket 60, or the second bracket 60 and the second protrusion 62B may be configured as an integral part.

[0081] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the support-side projection 27 is provided over the entire vehicle width direction of the cross member portion 16, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the support-side projection 27 may be provided only in the range corresponding to the second projection 62B.

[0082] Furthermore, although a flat surface 39 is provided on the motor housing 32 in the third embodiment described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a member having a flat surface 39 may be attached to the rear surface of the motor housing 32.

[0083] Furthermore, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration can be modified as appropriate, as long as the problem can be solved.

[0084] [Note] With regard to the embodiments described above, the following additional information is disclosed.

[0085] (First aspect) A motor unit that receives power and outputs driving force for propulsion, A skeletal member that is integrally molded by die-casting and forms the vehicle's frame, and is disposed on the rear side or rear side of the motor unit, spaced apart from the motor unit and facing the motor unit, including a support portion, A vehicle body structure that includes this.

[0086] (Second aspect) The vehicle body structure according to the first embodiment, wherein the motor unit and the support portion are provided with engaging portions that engage with each other.

[0087] (Third aspect) The motor unit is provided with a protruding portion that extends toward the skeletal member side, The support portion is a vehicle body structure according to the first or second embodiment, which is spaced apart from and facing the protruding portion.

[0088] (Fourth aspect) The aforementioned protrusion protrudes toward the support portion, The vehicle body structure according to the third embodiment, wherein the support portion is provided on the underside of the protrusion portion of the vehicle and in a position that overlaps with the protrusion portion when viewed from above the vehicle.

[0089] (Fifth aspect) The support portion includes a support portion side projection that protrudes toward the front of the vehicle, The vehicle body structure according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the upper surface of the support portion-side projection in the vehicle vertical direction is spaced apart from and opposite to the lower surface of the projection in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0090] (Sixth aspect) The motor unit has a flat surface facing the support portion, The vehicle body structure according to the first embodiment, wherein the support portion supports the motor unit by contacting the flat surface during a frontal collision.

[0091] (Seventh aspect) The aforementioned skeletal member is integrally molded and includes left and right wheel arch portions provided at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and a cross member portion installed between the left and right wheel arch portions. The support portion is provided in the cross member portion, and the vehicle body structure is as described in any of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0092] In the vehicle body structure described in the first embodiment, a skeletal member having the vehicle's frame, integrally molded by die-casting, is equipped with a support portion provided on the rear side or rear of the vehicle, spaced apart from the motor unit and facing the motor unit. Therefore, because the motor unit is equipped with a support portion provided on the rear side or rear of the vehicle, spaced apart from the motor unit and facing the motor unit, in the event of a frontal collision, the support portion supports the motor unit, thereby preventing the motor unit from moving backward. Because the motor unit is supported on the rear side or rear of the vehicle in this way, the motor unit can generate a reaction force, which can suppress the remaining crushing of parts positioned in front of the motor unit. Furthermore, because the motor unit does not move backward, the stroke between the battery and the motor unit can be reduced, thereby reducing the constraints on the battery mounting size.

[0093] In the vehicle body structure described in the second embodiment, the motor unit and the support portion are provided with an engaging portion that engages with each other. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the motor unit and the support portion engage with each other through the engaging portion, thereby efficiently preventing the motor unit from falling off during a frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0094] Here, "mutually engaging parts" indicates that two parts combine to form a pair, that is, a paired state. In this disclosure, since the motor unit and the support part are spaced apart and facing each other, the engaging part on the motor unit side and the engaging part on the support part side are also spaced apart and facing each other.

[0095] In the vehicle body structure described in the third embodiment, the support portion supports only the protruding portion, rather than the entire motor unit which is a relatively large component, during a frontal collision of the vehicle. This increases the degree of positional freedom in placing the support portion.

[0096] In the vehicle body structure described in the fourth embodiment, when the vehicle is hit in a frontal collision, the support portion supports the protruding portion that protrudes toward the support portion from below the vehicle, thereby preventing the motor unit from falling off during a frontal collision.

[0097] In the vehicle body structure described in the fifth embodiment, the upper surface of the support-side projection that protrudes toward the front of the vehicle is spaced apart from and opposite to the lower surface of the projection that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the support-side projection can support the projection from below the vehicle, thus preventing the motor unit from falling during a frontal collision.

[0098] In the vehicle body structure described in the sixth embodiment, the support portion supports the motor unit by contacting a flat surface on the motor unit that is opposite to the support portion during a frontal collision of the vehicle. Therefore, during a frontal collision, the motor unit is subjected to a load from the front of the vehicle, and its flat surface is supported from the rear of the vehicle by the support portion. As a result, the motor unit is pressed from both sides in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, preventing it from falling during a frontal collision of the vehicle.

[0099] In the vehicle body structure described in the seventh embodiment, the support is provided on a cross member that is installed between the left and right wheel arches, so that the motor unit can be mounted in the space between the left and right wheel arches, thereby improving space efficiency. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] S, S2, S3 Front structure (body structure) of the vehicle 10 vehicles 11. Front body frame (skeletal member) 12 Front side member section (framework component) 14. Wheel arch section (structural member) 16 Cross member section (framework member) 16B Front (support part) 27 Support side protrusion 27C Top 28 Engagement part (support part) 28B recess 30, 30A, 30B Motor Units 36 Protrusion 39 Flat surface 62B Second projection (projection) 62C Bottom

Claims

1. A motor unit that receives power and outputs driving force for propulsion, A skeletal member is integrally molded by die-casting and forms the vehicle's frame, and is disposed on the rear side of the vehicle of the motor unit, and includes a support portion that supports a part of the motor unit, The motor unit is provided with a protruding portion that protrudes toward the skeletal member, The support portion is provided with a recess that is open on the motor unit side and into which the protruding portion is fitted, A vehicle body structure equipped with this feature.

2. The aforementioned protrusion extends upward toward the vehicle, The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein the recess is open on the lower side of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein the recesses are provided on both sides of the skeletal member in the vehicle width direction.

4. The aforementioned skeletal member is integrally molded and includes a pair of left and right front side member portions provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction, left and right wheel arch portions provided on the rear side in the vehicle width direction of the pair of left and right front side member portions, and a cross member portion installed between the left and right wheel arch portions. The vehicle body structure according to claim 3, wherein the recess is provided at the point where the front side member portion and the cross member portion intersect.

5. The vehicle body structure according to claim 4, wherein the intersecting portion is formed by an extension that extends inward from the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the front side member portion and extends forward from the front end surface in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the cross member portion.

6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 5, wherein the extension portion is formed in a substantially triangular shape.

7. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is press-fitted into the recess.

Images