Vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle making it possible to ensure a mounting space for a drive battery and other components to be mounted, and upgrade efficiency in assembling a cross member.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes side members 5L and 5R which extend in a fore-and-aft direction and are separated from each other in a vehicle width direction with a predetermined space between them, a cross member 20 disposed in a direction intersecting the side members 5L and 5R, and connection members 30 that are disposed on both sides of the cross member 20 in the vehicle width direction and connect the side members 5L and 5R respectively with the cross member 20. The connection member 30 includes a first connection part 31 for use in connecting the cross member 20, and a second connection part 35 for use in connecting the side member 5L or 5R. The first connection part 31 is located on an upper side of the vehicle beyond the second connection part 35. The first connection part 31 and cross member 20 are closely in contact with each other. The second connection part 35 and side member 5L or 5R are closely in contact with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More specifically, it relates to a vehicle in which a cross member is arranged between side members.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles such as electric vehicles equipped with electronic devices such as a power control unit (PCU) are known (for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, a cross member is spanned between a pair of side members arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the vehicle described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above has a structure in which a linear cross member is spanned between side members on both sides in the vehicle width direction. However, when mounting components such as a drive battery (hereinafter, also simply referred to as mounted components) below the cross member between both side members, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure a mounting space because the linear portion of the cross member and the mounted components interfere with each other in the height direction. Therefore, in order to secure a mounting space for the mounted components, it is necessary to bend the linear portion of the cross member connected to the side member upward.

[0005] However, when the cross member is bent as described above, there is a problem of a gap occurring at the connection portion between the side member and the cross member in order to ensure the formability and assemblability of the cross member. Therefore, there has been a concern that the mounting space for the mounted components is reduced. Further, when the gap occurs, when the vehicle is subjected to a side collision (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a side impact), since the side member and the cross member move by the amount of the gap, there is a concern that the side member and the cross member come into contact with the mounted components and the mounted components are damaged.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of securing a mounting space for mounted components such as a drive battery and improving the assemblability of a cross member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) The vehicle of the present invention provided to solve the above-described problems is a vehicle that travels by transmitting rotational power from a drive unit to drive wheels, and includes a pair of side members extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and arranged at a predetermined interval in the vehicle width direction, at least one cross member arranged in a direction intersecting the side members, and connection members provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the cross member for connecting the side members and the cross members to each other. The connection member has a first connection portion for connecting to the cross member and a second connection portion for connecting to the side member, and the first connection portion is located above the second connection portion in the vehicle.

[0008] In the above-described vehicle, since the side members and the cross member are connected to each other by a connecting member, after the connecting member is attached to the side member, the cross member can be attached to the connecting member. That is, the above-described vehicle can be equipped with the cross member later. Therefore, the above-described vehicle can improve the assemblability. Here, the connecting member is preferably detachable from the side member and the cross member. Further, the above-described vehicle has a first connecting portion for connecting to the cross member and a second connecting portion for connecting to the side member, and the first connecting portion is located above the second connecting portion in the vehicle. Therefore, according to the above-described vehicle, a space is formed below the cross member between the pair of side members. Therefore, according to the above-described vehicle, a space for mounting a drive battery, electronic devices, etc. can be secured below the cross member.

[0009] (2) The vehicle of the present invention described above is characterized in that the first connecting portion is configured to be in close contact with the cross member, and the second connecting portion is configured to be in close contact with the side member.

[0010] With the above-described configuration, the above-described vehicle can connect the cross member and the side member without providing a gap therebetween. That is, the cross member and the side member are connected so as to intersect linearly. Therefore, when the vehicle receives a side collision (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a side impact), the cross member acts as a strut against the side member. As a result, the above-described vehicle can suppress the side member from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction during a side impact. Further, since a gap between the cross member and the side member is not required, an installation space for, for example, a drive battery, electronic devices, etc. can be secured between the side members arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0011] (3) The vehicle of the present invention described above is characterized in that the connecting member has a covering portion that covers at least the upper surface side of the cross member along the shape of the cross section when the cross member is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction.

[0012] With such a configuration, the vehicle described above can match the cross-sectional shape of the connecting member and the cross-sectional shape of the cross member. As a result, the vehicle described above can connect the cross member and the connecting member while maintaining the bending strength of the cross member. That is, the vehicle described above can disperse the load received during a side impact along the cross member via the connecting member, so that the bending strength of the cross member can be maintained. Further, in the vehicle described above, at least the upper surface side of the cross member is covered by the covering portion, so that, for example, the portion where the load is applied during a side impact is reinforced by the covering portion. Therefore, the vehicle described above can further suppress deformation of the cross member and the side member.

[0013] (4) The vehicle of the present invention described above is characterized in that the cross section when the cross member is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction is rectangular, and the covering portion is formed so as to cover at least the upper surface and both side surfaces of the cross member along the shape of the cross section.

[0014] With such a configuration, the vehicle described above improves the bending strength of the cross member in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, the vehicle described above can suppress deformation of the cross member during a collision from the vehicle longitudinal direction or a side impact. Along with this, the vehicle described above can suppress deformation of the side member inward in the vehicle width direction during a side impact, so that, for example, damage to a drive battery, electronic devices, etc. arranged between the side members can be suppressed.

[0015] (5) In the vehicle of the present invention described above, it is preferable that the covering portion is formed to project in the vertical direction and the inner surface side is formed in a shape along the upper surface side of the cross member.

[0016] With such a configuration, the vehicle described above can be provided with a covering portion along the upper surface side of the cross member. As a result, the vehicle described above can disperse the load applied to the covering portion during a side collision along the cross member, so that the deformation of the cross member during a side collision can be further suppressed.

[0017] (6) It is preferable that the vehicle of the present invention described above is characterized in that the second connecting portion has a first raised portion protruding to the side opposite to the side member.

[0018] Since the second connecting portion of the vehicle described above has the first raised portion, the bending strength of the second connecting portion can be increased. As a result, the vehicle described above can reliably support the side member. Therefore, the vehicle described above can suppress the side member from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction during a side collision.

[0019] (7) It is preferable that the vehicle of the present invention described above is characterized in that the second connecting portion is formed to extend downward from the first connecting portion along the side surface of the side member.

[0020] With such a configuration, the vehicle described above can bring the side surfaces at both ends of the cross member and the inner side surface in the vehicle width direction of the side member closer to each other. As a result, the vehicle described above can be braced by the cross member during a side collision, so that the side member can be suppressed from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction. Further, the vehicle described above can reduce the gap between the cross member and the side member, so that, for example, a mounting space for a drive battery, electronic devices, etc. arranged between a pair of side members can be secured.

[0021] (8) It is preferable that the vehicle of the present invention described above is characterized in that the cross member is arranged in a direction intersecting the side member such that the cross section of the cross member when viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction faces the side surface of the side member directly or indirectly via the connecting member.

[0022] By adopting such a configuration, the above-described vehicle can surely function the cross member as a bracing of the side member during a side collision. Thereby, the above-described vehicle can suppress the side member from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction during a side collision.

[0023] (9) In the vehicle of the present invention described above, the connecting member is formed by being divided into the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a pair of first connecting portion side flanges protruding on both sides along the width direction when the cross member is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction. The second connecting portion has a bottom surface covering portion formed along the bottom surface of the cross member and a second connecting portion side flange formed along the first connecting portion side flange and continuous with the bottom surface covering portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are integrated by joining the first connecting portion side flange and the second connecting portion side flange. It is preferable to be characterized by this.

[0024] By adopting such a configuration, the above-described vehicle can form the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion separately. Thereby, the assemblability of the cross member to the side member can be improved. Further, since the above-described vehicle has a bottom surface covering portion in which the second connecting portion covers the bottom surface of the cross member, the bending strength of the cross member can be increased by the bottom surface covering portion. Further, by joining the first connecting portion side flange and the second connecting portion side flange, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are integrated, so that the strength as a connecting member can also be maintained.

[0025] (10) It is preferable that the vehicle of the present invention described above is characterized in that the bottom surface covering portion has a second raised portion protruding on the side opposite to the bottom surface of the cross member.

[0026] Since the vehicle described above has the second raised portion, the bending strength of the bottom covering portion can be increased. As a result, the vehicle described above can increase the bending strength of the cross member, so that it is possible to suppress the side member from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction during a side impact. Therefore, the vehicle described above can suppress damage to components such as a drive battery and various electronic devices arranged between the side members, for example.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle capable of securing a mounting space for mounted components such as a drive battery and improving the assemblability of the cross member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the details of the vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. These drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to an exact scale. Also, in the drawings, similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the vehicle 1 is, for example, an electric vehicle will be described as an example.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 travels by transmitting the rotational power generated by electric power to the drive wheels 2, 2. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a motor 3 (also referred to as a drive unit 3) as a traveling drive source, and the rotational power generated by supplying electric power to the motor 3 is transmitted to the drive wheels 2, 2 to travel. Here, for the vehicle 1, for example, a cab-over type electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle can be used.

[0031] The vehicle 1 includes a pair of side members 5L and 5R at the lower part of the vehicle body 4. The side members 5L and 5R are symmetrically configured and are provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction with a space therebetween in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The side members 5L and 5R are arranged substantially parallel to each other on both sides in the longitudinal direction, but are bent at the intermediate portion and are configured to approach each other toward the front side of the vehicle. The side members 5L and 5R are formed of, for example, a metal such as iron or a fiber-reinforced resin such as CFRP as a material.

[0032] The region formed between the side members 5L and 5R can be roughly classified into three regions: a rear region 10, an intermediate region 11, and a front region 12. The rear region 10 is a region formed at the rear side of the vehicle 1 where the side members 5L and 5R are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined interval therebetween. The rear region 10 is a substantially rectangular region.

[0033] The drive battery 6 is disposed across the rear side region 10 to the intermediate region 11. The drive battery 6 is formed by arranging a large number of battery cells 6a in a single row in the vertical direction and arranging a large number of them in the horizontal direction (in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction in this embodiment). The drive battery 6 is disposed across the substantially rectangular rear side region 10 formed between the side members 5L and 5R on the rear side of the vehicle to the front end side of the intermediate region 11. Therefore, the drive battery 6 also has a height (thickness) sufficient to accommodate the battery cells 6a and has a substantially rectangular external shape. Accordingly, the drive battery 6 mounted on the vehicle 1 arranges the battery cells 6a with almost no dead space inside, and is thin and has a high capacity. Further, in the rear side region 10, a motor 3, a transaxle (not shown), etc. are mounted. Details of the motor 3 and the transaxle are omitted.

[0034] Further, the intermediate region 11 is a region formed between the side members 5L and 5R at the intermediate portion of the side members 5L and 5R. The intermediate region 11 is formed in a portion where the side members 5L and 5R are inclined so that the interval becomes narrower than that in the rear side region 10 toward the front side. Therefore, unlike the rear side region 10, the intermediate region 11 is a substantially trapezoidal region. An electronic device 40 described later is mounted in the intermediate region 11. Further, in the intermediate region 11, a front side cross member 20F located on the front side of the vehicle and a rear side cross member 20R located on the rear side of the vehicle with a predetermined interval from the front side cross member 20F are provided. Note that the front side cross member 20F may also be simply referred to as the cross member 20F, and the rear side cross member 20R may also be simply referred to as the cross member 20R. Further, when there is no need for particular distinction, the front side cross member 20F and the rear side cross member 20R may both be referred to as the cross member 20. The drive battery 6 is disposed below the cross members 20F and 20R.

[0035] The front side region 12 is a region formed in a portion where the side members 5R and 5L are arranged substantially in parallel on the front side of the vehicle 1 with respect to the middle region 11. The front side region 12 has a substantially rectangular shape similar to the rear side region 10, but since the interval between the side members 5L and 5R is narrower than that in the rear side region 10, it is a region smaller in the vehicle width direction than the rear side region 10.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the cross members 20F and 20R are each formed as a hollow square prism. In other words, the cross members 20F and 20R have a rectangular cross-section when viewed in cross-section from the vehicle width direction, and the interior is formed hollow. The cross members 20F and 20R are formed using, for example, a metal such as iron or a fiber reinforced resin such as CFRP as a material. The cross members 20F and 20R are formed so as to extend in the vehicle width direction and are bridged in a direction intersecting the side members 5L and 5R. Further, support frames 21, 21 (see FIG. 3) are provided between the cross member 20F and the cross member 20R.

[0037] Connection members 30 (also referred to as brackets 30) are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the cross members 20F and 20R. The brackets 30 are configured to connect the side members 5L and 5R and the cross members 20F and 20R to each other. In other words, the cross members 20F and 20R are each attached to the side members 5L and 5R via the brackets 30. Further, the brackets 30 are formed so as to be detachable from the cross members 20F and 20R and the side members 5L and 5R.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the bracket 30 has first connection portions 31F and 31R for connecting to the cross members 20F and 20R respectively, and second connection portions 35F and 35R bent with respect to the first connection portions 31F and 31R. The bracket 30 is formed of, for example, a metal such as iron or a fiber-reinforced resin such as CFRP. In the present embodiment, the first connection portions 31F and 31R are formed separately from the second connection portions 35F and 35R. For the sake of convenience of explanation, when there is no need to distinguish between the first connection portion 31F attached to the front cross member 20F and the first connection portion 31R attached to the rear cross member 20R, the first connection portions 31F and 31R will be described as the first connection portion 31 respectively. Also, when there is no need to distinguish between the second connection portions 35F and 35R, they will be described as the second connection portion 35 respectively.

[0039] The first connection portion 31 is provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the cross member 20. The first connection portion 31 has first connection portion side flanges 32 that project on both sides along the width direction (vehicle front-rear direction) when the cross members 20F and 20R are viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction. The first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 35 are integrated by joining the first connection portion side flange 32 and a second connection portion side flange 36 described later. Also, the first connection portion 31 is located above the vehicle 1 with respect to the second connection portion 35.

[0040] The first connection portion 31 (bracket 30) has a covering portion 33 that covers at least the upper surface side of the cross member 20 on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the cross member 20.

[0041] In this embodiment, the covering portion 33 is formed so as to cover at least the upper surface and both side surfaces of the cross member 20 along the shape of the cross section when the cross member 20 is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction. The covering portion 33 is formed along the upper surface side of the cross member 20. In other words, the covering portion 33 is formed to project in the vertical direction, and the inner surface side is formed in a shape along the upper surface side of the cross member 20. That is, the covering portion 33 is configured to be in close contact with the cross member 20. The covering portion 33 is also supposed to function as a reinforcing member.

[0042] The first connection portion 31 can be fixed to both ends of the cross member 20 by fastening the flange 32 on the first connection portion side to the cross member 20 with bolts or the like with the covering portion 33 covering both ends of the cross member 20. In this embodiment, the flange 32 on the first connection portion side is fastened to the cross member 20 via the flange 36 on the second connection portion side.

[0043] Also, in this embodiment, one of the support portions 55 for supporting the electronic device 40 or the like is erected on the covering portion 33 that covers one end side (left side) of the rear cross member 20R. The support portion 55 is attached to the covering portion 33 by welding or the like. The other support portion 55 is erected on the cross member 20R. Holding portions 50 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) are provided on both support portions 55, 55. Electronic control units (also referred to as ECUs, not shown) or the like can be mounted on the upper and lower surfaces of the holding portion 50.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8(b), the second connection portion 35 has a bottom covering portion 38 formed along the bottom surface of the cross member 20, and a flange 36 on the second connection portion side that is continuous with the bottom covering portion 38 and is formed along the flange 32 on the first connection portion side.

[0045] Further, the second connection part 35F connected to (attached to) the front cross member 20F is formed to extend downward from the bottom covering part 38. In other words, the second connection part 35F is formed by bending the bottom covering part 38 downward. Also, the lower end part of the second connection part 35F is bent in an L shape. The second connection part 35F can place the side members 5L, 5R on the horizontal plane of the lower end part. The second connection parts 35F, 35F on both sides can be fixed to the side members 5L, 5R by fastening bolts or the like from the lower side of the horizontal plane in a state where the side members 5L, 5R are placed on the horizontal planes on both sides respectively (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the side members 5L, 5R are supported by the brackets 30, 30. Also, the second connection part 35F is supposed to be in close contact with the side members 5L, 5R.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8(a), the second connection part 35R connected to (attached to) the rear cross member 20R is formed to extend downward along the side surfaces of the side members 5L, 5R. In other words, the second connection part 35R is formed by bending the bottom covering part 38 downward. Also, the second connection part 35R can be in close contact with the side surfaces of the side members 5L, 5R. The second connection parts 35R, 35R on both sides are fixed to the side members 5L, 5R by fastening bolts or the like from the side surface side in a state of being in close contact with the side surfaces of the side members 5L, 5R. Thereby, the side members 5L, 5R are supported by the brackets 30, 30.

[0047] Further, in the present embodiment, the second connection portion 35R has a first raised portion 37 that protrudes to the side opposite to the side members 5L and 5R. Thus, in the vehicle 1 described above, since the second connection portion 35R has the first raised portion 37, the bending strength of the second connection portion 35R can be increased. Thereby, the vehicle 1 described above can reliably support the side members 5L and 5R. Therefore, the vehicle 1 described above can suppress the side members 5L and 5R from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction when receiving a side collision (hereinafter also referred to as a side impact). Further, the vehicle 1 described above can suppress damage to components such as the drive battery 6 and the electronic device 40 disposed between the side members 5L and 5R, for example.

[0048] Also, in the present embodiment, the bottom surface covering portion 38 of the second connection portion 35R has a second raised portion 39 that protrudes to the side opposite to the bottom surface of the cross member 20R. Therefore, the vehicle 1 described above can increase the bending strength of the bottom surface covering portion 38. Thereby, the vehicle 1 described above can increase the bending strength of the cross member 20R, so that the side members 5L and 5R can be suppressed from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction during a side impact. Therefore, the vehicle 1 described above can suppress damage to components such as the drive battery 6 and the electronic device 40 disposed between the side members 5L and 5R, for example.

[0049] Here, the cross member 20 is arranged in a direction intersecting the side members 5L and 5R such that, when the cross member 20 is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction, the cross section of the second connection portion 35 indirectly faces the side surfaces of the side members 5L and 5R via the bracket 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 7). That is, the cross sections at both ends of the cross member 20 are arranged to face the inner surfaces of the side members 5L and 5R.

[0050] Therefore, the vehicle 1 described above can reliably function the cross member 20 as a brace for the side members 5L and 5R during a side impact. Thereby, the vehicle 1 described above can suppress the side members 5L and 5R from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction during a side impact.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the support frames 21, 21 are spanned in the direction intersecting the cross member 20F and the cross member 20R (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1), and integrally support the cross member 20F and the cross member 20R. An electronic device 40 is mounted on the support frames 21, 21 and the cross member 20R.

[0052] In this embodiment, as the electronic device 40, for example, an electric supply unit 40 (also referred to as Electricity Supply Unit: ESU40) is mounted. The ESU40 is assumed to be responsible for the charging function and the power conversion function in the vehicle 1. Instead of the ESU40 or together with the ESU40, various devices such as an electronic control unit (Electronic Control Unit: ECU) and a power control unit (Power Control Unit: PCU) can be adopted for the electronic device 40.

[0053] The above is the configuration of the vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Next, the operation and effect of the vehicle 1 according to the present invention will be described.

[0054] In the above-described vehicle 1, since the side members 5L, 5R and the cross member 20 are connected by the connecting member 30 (bracket 30), after the connecting member 30 is attached to the side members 5L, 5R, the cross member 20 can be attached to the connecting member 30. Specifically, the attachment of the cross member 20 to the vehicle 1 is performed, for example, by attaching the cross member 20 on which the electronic device 40 is mounted from the lower side of the side members 5L, 5R (the vehicle body 4) to the connecting member 30. That is, in the above-described vehicle 1, the cross member 20 can be mounted later. Therefore, the above-described vehicle 1 can improve the assemblability.

[0055] Here, the connecting member 30 may be detachable from the side members 5L and 5R and the cross member 20. Further, in the vehicle 1 described above, the connecting member 30 has a first connecting portion 31 for connecting to the cross member 20 and a second connecting portion 35 for connecting to the side members 5L and 5R, and the first connecting portion 31 is located above the second connecting portion 35 in the vehicle 1. Therefore, according to the vehicle 1 described above, a space is formed below the cross member 20 between the pair of side members 5L and 5R. Therefore, according to the vehicle 1 described above, a space for mounting the drive battery 6, the electronic device 40, etc. can be secured below the cross member 20.

[0056] Further, in the vehicle 1 described above, the first connecting portion 31 is configured to be in close contact with the cross member 20, and the second connecting portion 35 is configured to be in close contact with the side members 5L and 5R.

[0057] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle 1 described above can connect the cross member 20 and the side members 5L and 5R without providing a gap therebetween. That is, the cross member 20 and the side members 5L and 5R are connected so as to intersect linearly. Therefore, in the vehicle 1 described above, when the vehicle 1 is subjected to a side impact, the cross member 20 acts as a strut against the side members 5L and 5R. As a result, the vehicle 1 described above can suppress the side members 5L and 5R from deforming inward in the vehicle width direction during a side impact. Also, since a gap between the cross member 20 and the side members 5L and 5R is not required, an installation space for, for example, the drive battery 6 and the electronic device 40 can be secured between the side members 5L and 5R.

[0058] Further, in the vehicle 1 described above, the connecting member 30 is provided with a covering portion 33 that covers at least the upper surface side of the cross member 20 along the shape of the cross section when the cross member 20 is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction.

[0059] Therefore, the vehicle 1 described above can match the cross-sectional shape of the connecting member 30 and the cross-sectional shape of the cross member 20. As a result, the vehicle 1 described above can connect the cross member 20 and the connecting member 30 while maintaining the bending strength of the cross member 20. That is, the vehicle 1 described above can disperse the load received during a side impact along the cross member 20 via the connecting member 30, so that the bending strength of the cross member 20 can be maintained. In addition, in the vehicle 1 described above, at least the upper surface side of the cross member 20 is covered by the covering portion 33. For example, the portion where the load is applied during a side impact is reinforced by the covering portion 33. Therefore, the vehicle 1 described above can further suppress the deformation of the cross member 20, the side members 5L and 5R.

[0060] In addition, in the vehicle 1 described above, the cross section of the cross member 20 when viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction is rectangular, and the covering portion 33 is formed to cover at least the upper surface and both side surfaces of the cross member 20 along the shape of the cross section.

[0061] Therefore, the bending strength of the cross member 20 of the vehicle 1 described above in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction is improved. As a result, the vehicle 1 described above can suppress the deformation of the cross member 20 during a collision from the vehicle longitudinal direction or a side impact. Along with this, the vehicle 1 described above can suppress the deformation of the side members 5L and 5R inward in the vehicle width direction during a side impact. For example, damage to the drive battery 6, electronic devices 40, etc. arranged between the side members 5L and 5R can be suppressed.

[0062] In addition, in the vehicle 1 described above, the covering portion 33 is formed to protrude in the vertical direction, and the inner surface side is formed in a shape along the upper surface side of the cross member 20. Therefore, the vehicle 1 described above can provide the covering portion 33 along the upper surface side of the cross member 20. As a result, the vehicle 1 described above can disperse the load applied to the covering portion 33 during a side impact along the cross member 20, so that the deformation of the cross member 20 during a side impact can be further suppressed.

[0063] Further, in the vehicle 1 described above, the second connection portion 35 is formed to extend downward from the first connection portion 31 along the side surfaces of the side members 5L and 5R. Therefore, in the vehicle 1 described above, the side surfaces at both ends of the cross member 20 and the inner side surfaces in the vehicle width direction of the side members 5L and 5R can be brought close to each other. As a result, in the vehicle 1 described above, since the cross member 20 can brace during a side impact, deformation of the side members 5L and 5R inward in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed. Further, in the vehicle 1 described above, since the gap between the cross member 20 and the side members 5L and 5R can be reduced, for example, a mounting space for the drive battery 6, the electronic device 40, etc., arranged between the pair of side members 5L and 5R can be secured. Here, the second connection portion 35 is preferably formed in an L shape, for example, like the second connection portion 35F of the above-described embodiment. Thereby, the vehicle 1 described above can reliably support the side members 5L and 5R.

[0064] Further, in the vehicle 1 described above, the connection member 30 is formed by being divided into a first connection portion 31 and a second connection portion 35. The first connection portion 31 has a pair of first connection portion side flanges 32 that protrude on both sides along the width direction when the cross member 20 is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction. The second connection portion 35 has a bottom surface covering portion 38 formed along the bottom surface of the cross member 20 and a second connection portion side flange 36 that is continuous with the bottom surface covering portion 38 and is formed along the first connection portion side flange 32. The first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 35 are integrated by joining the first connection portion side flange 32 and the second connection portion side flange 36.

[0065] As described above, the vehicle 1 can be formed by dividing the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 35. Thereby, the assemblability of the cross member 20 to the side members 5L and 5R can be improved. Further, since the vehicle 1 described above has the bottom surface covering portion 38 in which the second connection portion 35 covers the bottom surface of the cross member 20, the bending strength of the cross member 20 can be increased by the bottom surface covering portion 38. Further, by joining the first connection portion side flange 32 and the second connection portion side flange 36, the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 35 are integrated, so that the strength as the connection member 30 can also be maintained.

[0066] The above is the configuration and operation and effect of the vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, the vehicle 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

[0067] In the present embodiment, an electric vehicle is exemplified as the vehicle 1. However, the vehicle 1 of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be used for various vehicles (hybrid vehicles, engine vehicles, etc.). Further, the shapes, sizes, and arrangements of the side members 5L and 5R and the cross members 20F and 20R in the vehicle 1 can be various according to the form of the vehicle 1. Further, in the present embodiment, it is composed of two cross members 20, that is, the front cross member 20F and the rear cross member 20R. However, the number of cross members 20 provided can be various, from a single one to a plurality of ones.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the connecting member 30 is formed by being divided into the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 35, the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 35 may be integrally formed. Also, in the present embodiment, the shapes of the connecting member 30 provided on the front cross member 20F and the connecting member 30 provided on the rear cross member 20R are different, but the shape of the connecting member 30 (including the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 35) can be formed into various shapes and sizes according to the shapes of the cross member 20 and the side members 5L and 5R. For example, the shapes of a plurality of connecting members 30 may be the same. Also, various materials such as metals and fiber-reinforced resins can be used as the materials for forming the side members 5L and 5R, the cross member 20, and the connecting member 30.

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the first connecting portion 31 is configured to be in close contact with the cross member 20, a gap may be provided between the first connecting portion 31 and the cross member 20 within a range where the bending strength of the cross member 20 can be maintained. Also, a gap may be provided between the second connecting portion 35 and the side members 5L and 5R within a range where the bending strength of the side members 5L and 5R can be maintained.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cross member 20 when viewed in cross-section from the vehicle width direction is rectangular, but the cross-sectional shape of the cross member 20 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and various shapes can be used. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cross member 20 may be triangular, circular, elliptical, a polygon with four or more sides, etc. In such a case, it is desirable that the covering portion 33 is formed along the shape of the upper surface side of the cross section of the cross member 20. Also, the connecting member 30 may be provided with the covering portion 33 as necessary, or may be configured not to have the covering portion 33.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cross member 20 has a rectangular cross section when viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction, and the covering portion 33 is formed so as to cover at least the upper surface and both side surfaces of the cross member 20 along the shape of the cross section. However, the covering range of the covering portion 33 is not limited to this. For example, the covering portion 33 can be formed in various shapes and sizes with various covering ranges, such as covering only the upper surface of the cross member 20 or covering one of the side surfaces of the cross member 20.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second connecting portion 35 has the first raised portion 37. However, the first raised portion 37 may be provided as necessary, and a configuration without the first raised portion 37 is also possible. Further, when the first raised portion 37 is provided, the first raised portion 37 can be formed in various shapes, sizes, and directions, and the number of provided first raised portions 37 can be various numbers from a single one to a plurality of ones.

[0073] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cross member 20 is arranged in a direction intersecting the side members 5L and 5R so that the cross section of the cross member 20 when viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction faces the side surfaces of the side members 5L and 5R indirectly via the connecting member 30. However, this is not limiting. For example, the cross section of the cross member 20 can be configured to directly face the side surfaces of the side members 5L and 5R. Further, it is also possible to make the cross section of the cross member 20 not face the side members 5L and 5R.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second connection portion 35 is configured to have the bottom surface covering portion 38. However, the bottom surface covering portion 38 may be provided as needed, and a configuration without the bottom surface covering portion 38 is also possible. Further, in the present embodiment, the support portion 55 is erected on the first connection portion 31R connected to the rear cross member 20R. However, the support portion 55 may be provided as needed, and a configuration without the support portion 55 is also possible. Further, the second raised portion 39 provided on the bottom surface covering portion 38 may be provided as needed, and a configuration without the second raised portion 39 is also possible. Further, when the second raised portion 39 is provided, the second raised portion 39 can be formed in various shapes, sizes, and directions, and the number of the second raised portions 39 provided can be various numbers from a single one to a plurality of ones.

[0075] The above are various embodiments and modifications of the vehicle according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to those exemplified in the above-described embodiments and modifications, and it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments within the scope not departing from the teachings and spirit thereof.

Industrial Applicability

[0076] The vehicle of the present invention can be used in various vehicles such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and engine vehicles. The vehicle of the present invention can be preferably used in cab-over type electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1: Vehicle 5L: Side member 5R: Side member 20: Cross member 20F: Cross member 20R: Cross member 30: Bracket (connecting member) 31: First connection portion 31F: First connection portion 31R: First connection portion 32: First connection portion side flange 33: Covering portion 35: Second connection part 35F: Second connection part 35R: Second connection part 36: Flange on the second connection part side 37: First raised part 38: Bottom covering part 39: Second raised part 40: Electronic device (electric supply unit, ESU)

Claims

1. A vehicle that travels by transmitting rotational power from a drive unit to drive wheels, A pair of side members that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vehicle width direction, At least one cross member arranged in a direction intersecting the side member, Connection members provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the cross member, for connecting the side member and the cross member to each other, having, The connection member, A first connection portion for connecting to the cross member, A second connection portion for connecting to the side member, having, The first connection portion is located on the upper side in the vehicle relative to the second connection portion, The connection member is formed by being divided into the first connection portion and the second connection portion, The first connection portion has a pair of first connection portion side flanges that project on both sides along the width direction when the cross member is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction, The second connection portion, A bottom covering portion formed along the bottom surface of the cross member, A second connection portion side flange that is continuous with the bottom covering portion and is formed along the first connection portion side flange, having, The vehicle is characterized in that the first connection portion and the second connection portion are integrated by joining the first connection portion side flange and the second connection portion side flange.

2. The first connection portion is configured to be in close contact with the cross member, The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the second connection portion is configured to be in close contact with the side member.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting member has a covering portion that covers at least the upper surface side of the cross member along the shape of the cross section when the cross member is viewed in cross section from the vehicle width direction.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second connecting portion is formed to extend downward from the first connecting portion along the side surface of the side member.

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