Vehicle understructure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle understructure that, in the event of a frontal collision, ensures good load transfer from the reinforcing member to the side sill, thereby adequately absorbing the collision load. [Solution] In the lower part of the vehicle 1, a reinforcing member 20 is provided in the inner space 13a of the side sill 13. The reinforcing member 20 is configured with a closed cross-sectional structure. The pillar inner 161 of the hinge pillar 16 is in contact with the outer wall surface of the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131. The vertical wall portion 18a of the toe board 18 is in contact with the portion of the pillar inner 161 that is in contact with the vertical wall portion 131d. The pillar inner 161 and the toe board 18 are fixed to the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131 by bolts BLT1 and pipe nuts 22. The inner portion 20c of the reinforcing member 20 has a hole 20d through which the pipe nut 22 is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the lower structure of a vehicle, and particularly to a structure in which a reinforcing member is disposed in the inner space of a side sill.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle, a structure for absorbing a collision load during a collision is adopted. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a reinforcing member having a closed cross-section is accommodated in the inner space of a side sill. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which a reinforcing member having a closed cross-section is accommodated in the inner space of a side sill, and a cross member is fastened to the reinforcing member.

[0003] In the structures disclosed in the above Patent Documents 1 and 2, since a reinforcing member is accommodated in the inner space of the side sill, the collision load during a side collision is absorbed by the reinforcing member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the structures disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a concern that the collision load during a frontal collision, such as a small overlap collision, may not be sufficiently transmitted from the reinforcing member to the side sill. Specifically, in the structures disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, the reinforcing member is a long member that extends in the front-rear direction together with the side sill and has high rigidity. Therefore, during a frontal collision, such as a small overlap collision, the reinforcing member on the side to which the collision load is applied is pushed backward and retracts. As a result, there may be cases where the collision load is not sufficiently transmitted from the reinforcing member to the side sill.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a vehicle understructure that can adequately absorb collision loads by ensuring good load transfer from the reinforcing member to the side sill during a frontal collision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle substructure according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a side sill, a reinforcing member, a hinge pillar, a toe board, and a fastening member. The side sill is located in the lower part of the vehicle, positioned outward in the vehicle width direction, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and has a closed cross-sectional structure with an inner space. The reinforcing member is positioned in the inner space of the side sill and is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The hinge pillar is configured to extend upward from the front end portion of the side sill. The toe board is configured to extend forward from the front end portion of the floor panel in the vehicle. The fastening member fastens the side sill, the hinge pillar, and the toe board together.

[0008] In the vehicle substructure according to this embodiment, the side sill has a wall portion that defines the inner space on the inside in the vehicle width direction. The fastening member is arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction and fastens the hinge pillar and the toe board to the wall portion of the side sill, and has an extended portion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the wall portion. Furthermore, the reinforcing member has a hole through which the extended portion of the fastening member is inserted.

[0009] In the vehicle's understructure according to the above configuration, reinforcing members are arranged in the inner space of the side sill, so that the energy of the collision load during a side impact is absorbed by the reinforcing members.

[0010] Furthermore, in the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, a portion of the fastening member (extended portion) that fastens the side sill to the hinge pillar and toe board is arranged to pass through a hole opened in the reinforcing member. Therefore, even if the reinforcing member attempts to move backward relative to the side sill during a frontal collision such as a small overlap collision, the extended portion and the surrounding wall of the hole come into contact, causing interference between the reinforcing member and the side sill. Thus, in the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, the collision load input during a frontal collision such as a small overlap collision is effectively transmitted from the reinforcing member to the side sill, and the energy of the collision load can be sufficiently absorbed.

[0011] Furthermore, the fastening members connect the side sill to the hinge pillar and toe board, and are positioned to interfere with the reinforcing member during a frontal collision. Therefore, even when a collision load is applied from the front, the side sill is prevented from moving backward together with the reinforcing member. Thus, in the vehicle understructure according to the above embodiment, deformation of the vehicle's floor panel can be suppressed even during a frontal collision.

[0012] In the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, when the hole and the extended portion are viewed from the side in the vehicle width direction, the opening size of the hole may be formed to be larger than that of the extended portion. In this case, the hole and the extended portion may be configured such that when the reinforcing member moves relative to the side sill toward the rear, a part of the outer surface of the extended portion abuts against the surrounding wall of the hole.

[0013] In the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, the holes in the reinforcing members are formed with an opening size larger than the extended portion of the fastening members. Therefore, the extended portion can be inserted through the holes without strictly controlling the precision of the formation of the holes in the reinforcing members or the positional precision of each member. Thus, the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment is easy to manufacture and can suppress increases in manufacturing costs.

[0014] In the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, the fastening member may include a bolt that passes through the toe board, the hinge pillar, and the wall portion from the inside in the vehicle width direction, and a pipe nut that is screwed with the bolt in the inner space. In this case, the extended portion may be composed of at least a part of the pipe nut.

[0015] In the above embodiment of the vehicle's substructure, the extended portion of the fastening member is composed of at least a part of a pipe nut, so the pipe nut has both a fastening function and a function of engaging the reinforcing member with the side sill during a frontal collision. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the extended portion is composed of a separate component from the bolt and pipe nut, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and weight.

[0016] In the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, a support member may be further provided, which is disposed in the inner space of the side sill and joins the reinforcing member and the side sill to support the reinforcing member in the inner space.

[0017] In the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, a support member is provided to connect the reinforcing member and the side sill, allowing the reinforcing member to be fixed in position within the interior space. Furthermore, in the event of a frontal collision, the collision load is transmitted to the side sill via the support member, which is even more advantageous in absorbing the energy of the collision load.

[0018] In the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, the support member may be provided so as to join the lower part of the reinforcing member to the lower wall portion of the side sill. In this case, the upper part of the reinforcing member may be joined to the upper wall portion of the side sill.

[0019] The vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment is even more advantageous in positioning and fixing the reinforcing member in the interior space because the upper part of the reinforcing member is joined to the upper wall of the side sill. Furthermore, in the event of a frontal collision, the collision load is transmitted to the side sill through the aforementioned joint, which is even more advantageous in absorbing the energy of the collision load.

[0020] In the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, the reinforcing member may be configured as a closed cross-sectional structure.

[0021] The vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment is less susceptible to deformation or damage when a collision load is applied, compared to the case where the reinforcing members are configured with a closed cross-section structure. Therefore, the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment is even more advantageous in absorbing the energy of the collision load applied during a collision.

[0022] In the vehicle substructure according to the above embodiment, the reinforcing member may have a shape in which a plurality of parts, each having an annular cross-sectional shape, are integrally formed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The underbody structure of the vehicle according to the above aspect is configured such that a plurality of parts each having an annular cross-sectional shape are integrally formed to form a reinforcing member. Therefore, compared with the case where it is constituted by only one part having an annular cross-sectional shape, it is difficult to be deformed or damaged by the input collision load.

[0024] In the underbody structure of the vehicle according to the above aspect, the reinforcing member may be formed using a metal material.

[0025] Since the underbody structure of the vehicle according to the above aspect is formed with a reinforcing member using a metal material, it is possible to ensure high rigidity against a collision load compared with the case where it is formed using a resin material. Therefore, it is further advantageous in transmitting the collision load well to the side sill.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] In the underbody structure of the vehicle according to each of the above aspects, during a frontal collision, the load is well transmitted from the reinforcing member to the side sill, and the collision load can be sufficiently absorbed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a part of the underbody structure in a vehicle. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing the structure of part A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of part A in FIG. 2. <000,0110> [Figure 5] It is a side view showing the positional relationship between the hole provided in the reinforcing member, the bolt, and the pipe nut. [[ID=3,7]] [Figure 6] It is a side view showing the positional relationship between the hole, the bolt, and the pipe nut when the reinforcing member retreats backward.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are illustrative examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments except for its essential configuration.

[0029] In the diagrams used in the following explanation, "FR" indicates the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, "RR" indicates the rear of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, "LH" indicates the left side in the vehicle width direction, "RH" indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction, "UP" indicates the top of the vehicle in the vertical direction, and "LO" indicates the bottom of the vehicle in the vertical direction.

[0030] 1. Structure of Vehicle 1 The structure of vehicle 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Note that only a part of the configuration of vehicle 1 is shown in Figure 1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 comprises a floor 11 defining the lower part of the passenger compartment 10 and a roof panel 12 defining the upper part of the passenger compartment 10. The vehicle 1 also comprises a pair of left and right side sills 13 positioned on both sides of the floor 11 in the vehicle width direction, each extending in the front-rear direction, and a pair of left and right roof side rails 14 positioned on both sides of the roof panel 12 in the vehicle width direction, each extending in the front-rear direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 includes a pair of left and right hinge pillars 16 that extend upward from the front ends of each of the left and right side sills 13, and a pair of left and right front pillars 15 that extend diagonally upward from the upper ends of each of the hinge pillars 16 and are connected to the front ends of each of the roof side rails 14. Although only the right hinge pillar 16 and front pillar 15 are shown in Figure 1, the left side also has a hinge pillar 16 and front pillar 15 in the same manner.

[0033] 2. Detailed structure of floor 11 in vehicle 1 The detailed structure of the floor 11 in vehicle 1 will be explained using Figure 2. Note that only the front part of the floor 11 is shown in Figure 2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 1 has multiple cross members 17 on the floor 11. The multiple cross members 17 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and each is joined to the left and right side sills 13.

[0035] Furthermore, a floor panel 19 is positioned below the cross member 17 in vehicle 1. Although not shown in Figure 2, a battery is positioned below the floor panel 19. The battery positioned below the floor panel 19 supplies power to the motor used for driving vehicle 1 and is fixed to the left and right side sills 13. The battery fixing structure will be described later.

[0036] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 is provided with a toe board 18 that extends forward from the front end portion of the floor panel 19. The toe board 18 has a shape that slopes downward from downward to upward as it goes from rear to front at the front. The toe board 18 is positioned including the area below where a seated occupant of the front seat places their feet.

[0037] 3. Peripheral structure of the front end portion of the side sill 13 The surrounding structure of the front end portion of the side sill 13 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a perspective view of portion A in Figure 2, seen from the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, a hinge pillar 16 is positioned to extend upward from the front end portion of the side sill 13.

[0039] The toe board 18 has vertical wall portions 18a at both ends in the vehicle width direction that follow the outer wall surface of the lower part of the hinge pillar 16. The toe board 18 is fastened (fixed) to the side sill 13 by fastening members including bolts BLT1, with the lower part of the hinge pillar 16 sandwiched in between. The fastening structure will be described later.

[0040] The cross member 17 is joined to brackets 171 at both ends in the vehicle width direction. The cross member 17 is fastened to the side sill 13 by bolts BLT2. Although Figure 3 only illustrates the fixing structure to the side sill 13 for one cross member 17, the fixing structure to the side sill 13 for the other cross members 17 is the same.

[0041] 4. Structure of the side sill 13 and its surrounding area The structure of the side sill 13 and its surrounding area will be explained using Figures 4 and 5.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the side sill 13 is constructed by joining together a side sill inner 131 and a side sill outer 132, both of which have a hat-shaped cross section. The side sill 13 has a cross section structure with an inner hollow portion (internal space) 13a due to the joining of the side sill inner 131 and the side sill outer 132.

[0043] Each of the side sill inner 131 and side sill outer 132 has upper wall portions 131a, 132a, lower wall portions 131b, 132b, upper flange portions 131c, 132c, vertical wall portions 131d, 132d, and lower flange portions 131e, 132e. The side sill inner 131 is formed by integrally forming the upper wall portion 131a, lower wall portion 131b, upper flange portion 131c, vertical wall portion 131d, and lower flange portion 131e. Similarly, the side sill outer 132 is formed by integrally forming the upper wall portion 132a, lower wall portion 132b, upper flange portion 132c, vertical wall portion 132d, and lower flange portion 132e.

[0044] The side sill inner 131 and the side sill outer 132 are joined together at their respective upper flange portions 131c and 132c, and their respective lower flange portions 131e and 132e.

[0045] The hinge pillar 16 has a pillar inner 161 positioned on the inside in the vehicle width direction and a pillar outer 162 positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction. The lower end portion of the pillar inner 161 abuts against the outer wall surface of the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131 and is fixed to the vertical wall portion 131d. The lower end portion of the pillar outer 162 abuts against the outer wall surface of the vertical wall portion 132d of the side sill outer 132 and is fixed to the vertical wall portion 132d.

[0046] The fixing structure between the pillar inner 161 and the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131 will be described later.

[0047] The inner space 13a of the side sill 13 houses the reinforcing member 20 and the support member 21. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 20 is a member integrally formed using a metal material. Specifically, the reinforcing member 20 is made of an aluminum alloy and formed by extrusion or pultrusion. The reinforcing member 20 comprises an outer portion 20a, an intermediate portion 20b, and an inner portion 20c, each having an annular cross-sectional shape (for example, a rectangular annular cross-sectional shape). The reinforcing member 20 has a closed cross-sectional shape. The reinforcing member 20 is configured to extend in the front-rear direction within the inner space 13a of the side sill 13.

[0048] The reinforcing member 20 is fixed to the upper wall portion 131a and the lower wall portion 131b of the side sill inner 131. Specifically, the intermediate portion 20b of the reinforcing member 20 is fixed to the upper wall portion 131a of the side sill inner 131 by fastening a bolt BLT4. A spacer 23 may be interposed between the intermediate portion 20b of the reinforcing member 20 and the upper wall portion 131a of the side sill inner 131. In addition, a blind nut that screws into the bolt BLT4 can be used to join the reinforcing member 20 to the upper wall portion 131a of the side sill inner 131.

[0049] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 20 has an intermediate portion 20b fixed to the lower wall portion 131b of the side sill inner 131 via a support member 21. The support member 21 has a vertical wall portion 21b that extends vertically along the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131, an upper horizontal wall portion 21a that extends outward in the vehicle width direction, continuous with the upper end of the vertical wall portion 21b, and a lower horizontal wall portion 21c that extends outward in the vehicle width direction, continuous with the lower end of the vertical wall portion 21b. The support member 21 abuts against the lower wall surface of the intermediate portion 20b of the reinforcing member 20 and is fixed to the intermediate portion 20b by fastening a bolt BLT3. A blind nut that screws into the bolt BLT3 can also be used to join the reinforcing member 20 and the support member 21.

[0050] The lower side wall portion 21c of the support member 21 abuts against the lower wall portion 131b of the side sill inner 131 and is fixed to the lower wall portion 131b by fastening a bolt BLT5 and a nut NT. The bolt BLT5 and nut NT used to fix the lower side wall portion 21c of the support member 21 to the lower wall portion 131b of the side sill inner 131 are also used to fix the battery 25 to the side sill 13. Specifically, the shaft portion of the bolt BLT5 is inserted through the frame 251 of the battery 25 from below to above, and is fastened together with the support member 21 in the inner space 13a of the side sill 13.

[0051] A spacer 24 may be inserted between the frame 251 of the battery 25 and the lower wall portion 131b of the side sill inner 131.

[0052] The pillar inner 161 is fixed to the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131 by its lower end portion abutting against the outer wall surface of the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131. The toe board 18 is fixed to the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131 together with the pillar inner 161 by its vertical wall portion 18a abutting against the outer wall surface of the lower end portion of the pillar inner 161. In this embodiment, the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131 is the "wall portion" of the side sill 13.

[0053] The pillar inner 161 of the hinge pillar 16 and the vertical wall portion 18a of the toe board 18 are fastened together with the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131 by a fastening member including a bolt BLT1 and a pipe nut 22. Specifically, the bolt BLT1 is positioned so that its shaft passes through the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131, the lower end portion of the pillar inner 161, and the vertical wall portion 18a of the toe board 18. The pipe nut 22 is then screwed onto the shaft of the bolt BLT1, which protrudes into the inner space 13a of the side sill 13. In this way, the pillar inner 161 of the hinge pillar 16 and the vertical wall portion 18a of the toe board 18 are fixed to the vertical wall portion 131d of the side sill inner 131.

[0054] As indicated by arrow B in Figure 4, a portion of the pipe nut 22 is inserted into the inner portion 20c of the reinforcing member 20 by passing through a hole 20d made in the inner portion 20c of the reinforcing member 20. In this embodiment, the pipe nut 22 is the "extended portion" of the fastening member, and the hole 20d in the inner portion 20c is the "hole" of the reinforcing member 20.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, when the hole 20d and the pipe nut 22 are viewed from the side in the vehicle width direction, the opening size of the hole 20d is formed to be larger than that of the pipe nut 22. Therefore, when no collision load is acting on the reinforcing member 20, the outer surface of the pipe nut 22 is spaced apart from the surrounding wall of the hole 20d. However, due to manufacturing tolerances or other reasons, a part of the outer surface of the pipe nut 22 may be in contact with the surrounding wall of the hole 20d.

[0056] 5. When a forward thrust load is applied to the reinforcing member 20, the hole 20d and pipe nut 22 The change in the relative position of the pipe nut 22 with respect to the hole 20d in the reinforcing member 20 when a collision load (forward impact load) is applied to the reinforcing member 20 during a frontal impact such as a small overlap collision will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, when a collision load is applied to the reinforcing member 20, the reinforcing member 20 retracts backward as indicated by arrow C1. Then, with the reinforcing member 20 retracted by a predetermined distance, a portion of the outer surface of the pipe nut 22 comes into contact with a portion of the surrounding wall of the hole 20d (the portion indicated by arrow C2). As a result, the load is transmitted to the side sill 13 through the point where the surrounding wall of the hole 20d and the outer surface of the pipe nut 22 come into contact.

[0058] 6. Effects In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 has a reinforcing member 20 installed in the inner space 13a of the side sill 13, so that the energy of the collision load during a side impact is absorbed by the reinforcing member 20.

[0059] Furthermore, in vehicle 1, a portion of the fastening members (bolt BLT1 and pipe nut 22) that fasten the side sill 13 to the hinge pillar 16 and toe board 18 (pipe nut 22) is positioned so as to pass through a hole 20d made in the reinforcing member 20. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision such as a small overlap collision, even if the reinforcing member 20 attempts to move backward relative to the side sill 13, the pipe nut 22 and the surrounding wall of the hole 20d come into contact, causing the reinforcing member 20 and the side sill 13 to interfere with each other. Thus, in vehicle 1, the collision load input during a frontal collision such as a small overlap collision is effectively transmitted from the reinforcing member 20 to the side sill 13, and the energy of the collision load can be sufficiently absorbed.

[0060] Furthermore, the bolt BLT1 and pipe nut 22 fasten the side sill 13 to the hinge pillar 16 and toe board 18, and are positioned to interfere with the reinforcing member 20 during a frontal collision. Therefore, even when a collision load is applied from the front, the side sill 13 is prevented from moving backward together with the reinforcing member 20. Thus, in vehicle 1, deformation of the floor panel 19 of vehicle 1 can be suppressed even during a frontal collision.

[0061] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the hole 20d of the reinforcing member 20 is formed with an opening size larger than that of the pipe nut 22. Therefore, the pipe nut 22 can be inserted through the hole 20d without strictly controlling the formation accuracy of the hole 20d of the reinforcing member 20 or the positional accuracy of each component (such as the reinforcing member 20 and the side sill 13). Thus, the vehicle 1 is easy to manufacture and manufacturing costs can be kept down.

[0062] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, a pipe nut 22 is used as the part that contacts the hole 20d when a collision load is applied. Compared to the case where a separate member that contacts the hole 20d during a frontal collision is used in addition to the pipe nut 22 for fastening, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and weight.

[0063] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, a support member 21 that connects the reinforcing member 20 and the side sill 13 is disposed in the inner space 13a, so the reinforcing member 20 can be fixed in position within the inner space 13a. In addition, during a frontal collision, the collision load is transmitted from the reinforcing member 20 to the side sill 13 via the support member 21, which is even more advantageous in absorbing the energy of the collision load.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 has an even greater advantage in positioning the reinforcing member 20 in the inner space 13a because the upper part of the reinforcing member 20 is joined to the upper wall portion 131a of the side sill inner 131 using bolts BLT4. In addition, in the event of a frontal collision, the collision load is transmitted from the reinforcing member 20 to the side sill 13 even through the joint made by bolts BLT4, which is an even greater advantage in absorbing the energy of the collision load.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the reinforcing member 20 is configured with a closed cross-section structure, it is less likely to deform or break when a collision load is applied compared to the case where it is configured with an open cross-section structure. Therefore, the vehicle 1 is even more advantageous in absorbing the energy of the collision load applied during a collision.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 is composed of a reinforcing member 20 formed by integrally forming multiple parts 20a to 20c, each having a rectangular annular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, compared to the case where the vehicle is composed of only one part having an annular cross-sectional shape, it is less susceptible to deformation or damage from incoming collision loads.

[0067] Furthermore, since the reinforcing member 20 of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment is formed using a metal material (for example, an aluminum alloy), it is possible to ensure higher rigidity against collision loads compared to when it is formed using a resin material. Therefore, it is even more advantageous in effectively transmitting collision loads to the side sill 13.

[0068] As described above, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, load transmission from the reinforcing member 20 to the side sill 13 is performed well during a frontal collision, and the collision load can be sufficiently absorbed.

[0069] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, a pipe nut 22 was used as an example of the "extended portion of the fastening member," but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shaft of a bolt may be inserted through the hole in the reinforcing member, and the shaft of the bolt may be used as the "extended portion."

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hole 20d of the reinforcing member 20 was made larger in opening size than the pipe nut 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the opening size of the hole in the reinforcing member and the size of the extended portion of the fastening member may be approximately the same.

[0071] Furthermore, although the above embodiment employs a configuration in which the support member 21 supporting the reinforcing member 20 is housed in the inner space 13a, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, it is not necessarily required to arrange the support member in the inner space.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the reinforcing member 20, which has a closed cross-sectional structure, is arranged in the inner space 13a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a reinforcing member, which has an open cross-sectional structure, may be disposed of in the inner space of the side sill.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a reinforcing member 20 was adopted in which three parts 20a to 20c, each having a closed cross-sectional shape, were integrally formed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the reinforcing member may be composed of only one part having a closed cross-sectional structure, or it may be composed of four or more parts.

[0074] Furthermore, although the above embodiment employs a reinforcing member 20 formed from a metal member, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a reinforcing member formed from a fiber-reinforced resin or a reinforcing member formed from a composite material consisting of a metal material and a resin material may be employed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1 vehicle 13 Side sill 16 Hinged Pillar 18 Toeboard 19 Floor Panel 20 Reinforcement members 20d hole 22. Pipe nut (fastening component) 131 Side Sill Inner 132 Side sill outer BLT1 Bolt (fastening component)

Claims

1. A side sill is provided at the lower part of the vehicle, positioned outward in the width direction of the vehicle, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and having a closed cross-sectional structure with an inward space. A reinforcing member is disposed in the inner space of the side sill and is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A hinge pillar configured to extend upward from the front end portion of the side sill, A toe board is configured to extend forward from the front end portion of the floor panel in the aforementioned vehicle, A fastening member for fastening the side sill, the hinge pillar, and the toe board, Equipped with, The side sill has a wall portion that defines the inner space on the inside in the vehicle width direction, The fastening member is arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction and fastens the hinge pillar and the toe board to the wall portion of the side sill, and has an extended portion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the wall portion. The reinforcing member has a hole through which the extended portion of the fastening member is inserted. The undercarriage of the vehicle.

2. When the aforementioned hole and the extended portion are viewed from the side in the vehicle width direction, the opening size of the hole is formed to be larger than that of the extended portion. The hole and the extended portion are configured such that when the reinforcing member moves relative to the side sill toward the rear, a portion of the outer surface of the extended portion comes into contact with the surrounding wall of the hole. The undercarriage structure of the vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The fastening member comprises a bolt that passes through the toe board, the hinge pillar, and the wall portion from the inside in the vehicle width direction, and a pipe nut that is screwed with the bolt in the inner space. The extended portion is composed of at least a part of the pipe nut. The undercarriage structure of the vehicle according to claim 1.

4. The system further comprises a support member disposed in the inner space of the side sill, which joins the reinforcing member and the side sill to support the reinforcing member in the inner space. The undercarriage structure of the vehicle according to claim 1.

5. The support member is provided so as to join the lower part of the reinforcing member and the lower wall portion of the side sill. The reinforcing member is such that its upper part is joined to the upper wall portion of the side sill. The undercarriage structure of the vehicle according to claim 4.

6. The reinforcing member is configured with a closed cross-sectional structure. The undercarriage structure of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The reinforcing member has a shape in which multiple portions, each having an annular cross-sectional shape, are integrally formed in a cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The undercarriage structure of a vehicle according to claim 6.

8. The reinforcing member is formed using a metal material. The undercarriage structure of a vehicle according to claim 6.

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