Front body structure

Abstract

To absorb an impact load with a side frame even if a vehicle causes an offset collision at a portion on the outer side as seen in a vehicle width direction relative to a front part of the side frame.SOLUTION: A vehicle body front structure A includes: a front battery frame 32 provided at a front part of a battery case 10; a pair of left and right side frames 11, 12 which extends from the front battery frame 32 to the vehicle front so as to incline to the outer side in a vehicle width direction toward the front; a pair of left and right impact absorption members 16, 17 provided in front of the side frames 11, 12; a front member 18 which is installed spanning the left and right impact absorption members 16, 17; and protruding members 15A, 15B disposed between the side frames 11, 12 and the impact absorption members 16, 17 and protruding to the outer side in the vehicle width direction farther than front parts of the side frames 11, 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to, for example, a front body structure of an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the front part of the vehicle body of an automobile disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pair of left and right front side frames extending in the vehicle front-rear direction are provided, and a front sub-frame is provided below these front side frames and behind the engine room. Left pipe frames and right pipe frames are provided at the left front end and the right front end of the front sub-frame, respectively, so as to extend forward in the vehicle. The left pipe frame and the right pipe frame are inclined with respect to the center line extending in the vehicle front-rear direction so as to be located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction as they go forward.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, it is said that since the left pipe frame and the right pipe frame are inclined so as to be located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction as they go forward, the impact load can be absorbed well in the case of an offset collision in which an impact load is input from the diagonally front side of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in Patent Document 1, the left pipe frame and the right pipe frame are inclined so as to be located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction as they go forward. However, when assuming an offset collision in which an impact load is input to the outer side in the vehicle width direction rather than the front parts of the left and right pipe frames, there is a concern that the impact load cannot be absorbed by the pipe frames.

[0006] The present disclosure is made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to enable a side frame to absorb an impact load even when an offset collision occurs outside the vehicle width direction from the front portion of the side frame.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle body front structure of an electric vehicle is assumed in which a battery case accommodating a battery for supplying power to a traveling motor is disposed below a floor panel while being provided with the traveling motor. The vehicle body front structure includes a front battery frame provided at the front portion of the battery case, a pair of left and right side frames extending so as to be located outside the vehicle width direction toward the front of the vehicle from the front battery frame, a pair of left and right impact absorbing members provided in front of the left and right side frames respectively, a front member installed on the left and right impact absorbing members, and a protruding member disposed between the side frame and the impact absorbing member and protruding outside the vehicle width direction from the front portion of the side frame.

[0008] According to this configuration, for example, when an offset collision is assumed in which an impact load is input to the left side of the front portion of the left side frame, the impact load acts on the left end portion of the front member, and the left impact absorbing member is compressed and deformed. At this time, since the right side portion (non-collision side) of the front member is fixed to the right side frame via the right impact absorbing member, the front member exhibits a rotational behavior in which the left side portion moves rearward with the right side portion as a fulcrum. Since a protruding member protruding outside the vehicle width direction is located behind the left end portion of the front member, after the left impact absorbing member is compressed and deformed, the left end portion of the front member hits the left protruding member. As a result, the impact load is transmitted to the left side frame via the left protruding member and is input in a direction along the axial direction of the left side frame, so that the left side frame is axially compressed and the impact load is absorbed. The same applies to an offset collision in which an impact load is input to the right side of the front portion of the right side frame.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a frame bracket may be provided that connects the rear portions of the left and right side frames to the front battery frame. The frame bracket may be disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the left side frame and have a left support portion that supports the side frame from the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and may be disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the right side frame and have a right support portion that supports the side frame from the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0010] According to this configuration, when an impact load is input, the left and right side frames can be supported from the outer side in the vehicle width direction by the left support portion and the right support portion, so that the left and right side frames are less likely to fall outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0011] The front battery frame according to a third aspect of the present disclosure may extend in the vehicle width direction. The outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the front battery frame may extend outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the rear portion of the left side frame and also extend outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the rear portion of the right side frame.

[0012] According to this configuration, the impact load input to the left or right side frame can be received and absorbed by the front battery frame.

[0013] The protruding member according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure may have a base portion fixed to the front portion of the side frame and the shock absorption member to connect the shock absorption member to the side frame, and a protruding portion protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the base portion.

[0014] According to this configuration, the collision load during the offset collision is input to the protruding portion of the protruding member. Since this protruding portion is a portion protruding from the base portion fixed to the side frame, the impact load input to the protruding portion is reliably transmitted to and absorbed by the side frame via the base portion.

[0015] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the outer end portion of the front member in the vehicle width direction may extend outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the front portion of the left side frame and also extend outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the front portion of the right side frame.

[0016] According to this configuration, the collision load during the offset collision is likely to be input to the outer end portion of the front member in the vehicle width direction, and thus is also likely to be input to the protruding member.

[0017] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the outer end portion of the front member in the vehicle width direction and at least a part of the protruding member can be arranged so as to overlap.

[0018] That is, the outer end portion of the front member into which the collision load during the offset collision is input moves rearward, but since at least a part of the protruding member is located behind it, it becomes possible to reliably receive the collision load with the protruding member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] As described above, since the protruding member that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction is arranged between the side frame and the shock absorbing member, even when an offset collision occurs outside the vehicle width direction from the front portion of the side frame, the side frame can absorb the impact load.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle (electric car) 1 equipped with a vehicle body front structure A according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, this electric vehicle 1 includes a lower structure 2 and an upper structure 3. In FIG. 1, the front bumper, rear bumper, front and rear wheels, etc. are omitted, and they are shown by phantom lines, and each part is schematically shown. In FIG. 2, in addition to the parts omitted in FIG. 1, the door, bonnet hood, front fender, windshield, front and rear lighting devices, interior materials, etc. are omitted, and each part is schematically shown.

[0023] In the description of this embodiment, the front side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "front", the rear side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "rear", the right side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "right", and the left side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "left". The left - right direction of the vehicle is the vehicle width direction.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 1 is a passenger car. The electric vehicle 1 may be of any type such as a sedan type, a hatchback type, a one-box type, etc., and its shape is not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 2, a passenger compartment R1 serving as a living space for passengers is formed in the electric vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a front seat S1 is provided at the front side in the passenger compartment R1, and a rear seat S2 is provided behind the front seat S1 in the passenger compartment R1. A luggage compartment R2 is provided behind the rear seat S2 as needed. The passenger compartment R1 and the luggage compartment R2 are provided in the upper structure 3. Note that only the front seat S1 may be provided in the passenger compartment R1, or a third-row seat (not shown) may be provided behind the rear seat S2.

[0025] On the other hand, the space in front of the passenger compartment R1, which is the front part of the electric vehicle 1, can be, for example, a power compartment R3. That is, the front body structure A is provided in the electric vehicle 1 including a front traveling motor M1 and a rear traveling motor M2, a battery B that supplies power to the traveling motors M1 and M2, and a battery case 10 in which the battery B is housed. The battery case 10 is disposed below a floor panel 70 described later.

[0026] The front traveling motor M1 generates a driving force for driving the left and right front wheels FT. The front traveling power train PT1 is configured by only the front traveling motor M1, or by the front traveling motor M1 and a speed reducer, a transmission, or the like. The rear traveling motor M2 generates a driving force for driving the left and right rear wheels RT. The rear traveling power train PT2 is configured by only the rear traveling motor M2, or by the rear traveling motor M2 and a speed reducer, a transmission, or the like.

[0027] In this embodiment, the rear traveling motor M2 is configured to generate a higher maximum output (maximum torque) than the front traveling motor M1, and the rear traveling motor M2 is larger in size than the front traveling motor M1. Accordingly, the rear power train PT2 becomes larger than the front power train PT1. Note that the rear traveling motor M2 may generate a lower maximum output than the front traveling motor M1, or the rear traveling motor M2 and the front traveling motor M1 may generate the same maximum output. Also, only the front power train PT1 may be provided, or only the rear power train PT2 may be provided.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the lower structure 2 includes a battery case 10, a pair of left and right front side frames 11 and 12 extending forward in front of the battery case 10, and a pair of left and right rear frames 13 and 14 extending rearward behind the battery case 10. Reference numeral 11 indicates the left front side frame, and reference numeral 12 indicates the right front side frame. Also, reference numeral 13 indicates the left rear frame, and reference numeral 14 indicates the right rear frame.

[0029] In the case of a general electric vehicle, the battery case is often made detachable under the floor as a separate body from the vehicle body. However, in this embodiment, not only the battery case 10 but also the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 and the left and right rear frames 13 and 14 are integrated with the battery case 10, and the front side frames 11 and 12 and the rear frames 13 and 14 are also detachable from the upper structure 3 together with the battery case 10.

[0030] Specifically, the electric vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be vertically divisible into a lower structure 2 having a battery case 10 and an upper structure 3 forming a passenger compartment R1 and a cargo compartment R2. The term "vertically divisible" means that the lower structure 2 can be integrated with the upper structure 3 without using welding, adhesion, etc., but by using fastening members such as bolts, nuts, and screws. As a result, when maintenance or repair is to be performed after the electric vehicle 1 is delivered to the user, the lower structure 2 can be separated from the upper structure 3 as necessary, thereby improving maintainability. Note that the fastening members used in the following description also include bolts, nuts, screws, etc.

[0031] Here, as an automobile body structure, a ladder frame type body structure is known. In the case of a ladder frame type body structure, it is vertically divisible into a ladder frame and a cabin. However, since the ladder frame extends continuously in the front-rear direction, it mainly receives a collision load during a frontal collision and a rear collision. During a side collision, the ladder frame only receives the collision load assistantly, and the cabin mainly receives the collision load. Thus, in a ladder frame type body structure, it is normal that the members receiving the collision load are separated between the frontal and rear collisions and the side collision.

[0032] On the other hand, in the case of the electric vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the lower structure 2 having front side frames 11, 12 and rear frames 13, 14 and the upper structure 3 are separable. However, in both the cases of a frontal collision and a rear collision and a side collision, the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 receive the collision load, so that the collision load can be dispersed and absorbed by both structures 2 and 3. This is greatly different in its technical concept from the conventional ladder frame type body structure. Hereinafter, the structures of the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 will be described in detail.

[0033] (Upper Structure) First, the upper structure 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper structure 3 includes a floor panel 70, a dash panel 71, a pair of left and right front main frames 72, 73, and a pair of left and right side sills 74, 75. Reference numeral 72 indicates the left front main frame, and reference numeral 73 indicates the right front main frame. Reference numeral 74 indicates the left side sill, and reference numeral 75 indicates the right side sill.

[0034] The floor panel 70 constitutes the floor surface of the passenger compartment R1 and is made of a steel plate or the like that extends in the front-rear direction and also in the left-right direction. The space above the floor panel 70 becomes the passenger compartment R1. A roof 80 is provided above the passenger compartment R1. Further, front openings 3a and rear openings 3b are respectively formed on both left and right sides of the upper structure 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the front openings 3a and the rear openings 3b can be opened and closed by the front door 81 and the rear door 82 respectively. Although not shown, a front door and a rear door are also disposed on the right side of the upper structure 3 so as to be openable and closable.

[0035] The dash panel 71 is a member for partitioning the passenger compartment R1 and the power compartment R3 in the front-rear direction. This dash panel 71 is made of, for example, a steel plate or the like and extends in the left-right direction and also in the up-down direction. On both left and right sides of the front part of the upper structure 3, left and right front wheel house parts 85, 86 for accommodating the left and right front wheels FT are respectively provided. The left end of the dash panel 71 is connected to the left front wheel house part 85, and the right end of the dash panel 71 is connected to the right front wheel house part 86.

[0036] The left and right front main frames 72, 73 are disposed at the front part of the vehicle body and are high-strength members that extend in the front-rear direction. That is, the left and right front main frames 72, 73 are positioned in front of the floor panel 70 and also above the floor panel 70, and specifically, they are disposed so as to extend forward from both left and right sides at the lower part of the dash panel 71.

[0037] The left and right front main frames 72 and 73 have a symmetrical structure and can be formed, for example, by joining a plurality of press-formed materials or by using extruded materials. The cross-section of each of the front main frames 72 and 73 in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is set to be larger than the cross-section of the front side frames 11 and 12 of the lower structure 2 in the same direction. As a result, each of the front main frames 72 and 73 becomes a thicker and higher-strength member compared to the front side frames 11 and 12.

[0038] The front end portions of the left and right front main frames 72 each have crash cans 72a and 73a that compress and deform during a frontal collision to absorb collision energy. The crash cans 72a and 73a are cylindrical members extending in the front-rear direction. The crash cans 72a and 73a compress and deform at a stage before the front main frames 72 and 73 deform due to an impact load from the front, and absorb the impact load. A front bumper reinforcement 87 extending in the left-right direction is fixed to the front end portions of the left and right crash cans 72a and 73a.

[0039] The left and right side sills 74 and 75 are respectively disposed so as to extend in the front-rear direction at both left and right ends of the floor panel 70. The left end portion of the floor panel 70 is connected to the middle portion in the vertical direction of the left side sill 74, and the right end portion of the floor panel 70 is connected to the middle portion in the vertical direction of the right side sill 75. The upper portions of the side sills 74 and 75 protrude upward from the connection portion of the floor panel 70, and the lower portions of the side sills 74 and 75 protrude downward from the connection portion of the floor panel 70. Since the battery case 10 is disposed below the floor panel 70, in a side view of the vehicle, the lower portions of the side sills 74 and 75 and the battery case 10 are arranged so as to overlap. The battery case 10 is fixed to the side sills 74 and 75.

[0040] (Lower structure) Next, the lower structure 2 will be described. In addition to the battery case 10, the front side frames 11, 12, and the rear frames 13, 14, the lower structure 2 also includes the front and rear power trains PT1, PT2, the front wheels FT, the rear wheels RT, the front suspension device 20, and the rear suspension device 21. The types of the front suspension device 20 and the rear suspension device 21 are not particularly limited.

[0041] The battery case 10 is a large case formed below the floor panel 70 of the upper structure 3, extending from the vicinity of the left end to the vicinity of the right end of the floor panel 70 and from the vicinity of the front end to the vicinity of the rear end of the floor panel 70. By providing the battery case 10 in a wide range of the lower region of the floor panel 70 in this way, it becomes possible to mount a large-capacity battery B on the electric vehicle 1. The battery B may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, an all-solid-state battery, or other secondary batteries. Also, the battery B may be a so-called battery cell or a battery pack containing a plurality of battery cells. In the present embodiment, the battery B is constituted by a battery pack, and a plurality of battery packs are mounted in a state of being arranged in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0042] The battery case 10 includes a left battery frame 30, a right battery frame 31, a front battery frame 32, a rear battery frame 33, a bottom plate 34, and a lid body 35 (shown in FIG. 3). FIG. 2 shows a state where the lid body 35 is removed.

[0043] The left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 are constituted by, for example, extruded materials made of an aluminum alloy, but may also be constituted by aluminum alloy plates or press-formed materials of steel plates. The bottom plate 34 can also be constituted by an extruded material. In the following description, the "extruded material" refers to an extruded material made of an aluminum alloy, and the "press-formed material" refers to an aluminum alloy plate or a press-formed material of a steel plate. Also, each member may be constituted by, for example, a casting.

[0044] The cross-sectional shapes in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each of the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 are all rectangular. Also, the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 are all arranged at the same height and extend substantially horizontally.

[0045] The left battery frame 30 is provided on the left side of the battery case 10 and extends in the front-rear direction. The right battery frame 31 is provided on the right side of the battery case 10 and extends in the front-rear direction. Also, the front battery frame 32 is provided at the front of the battery case 10 and extends in the left-right direction. The rear battery frame 33 is provided at the rear of the battery case 10 and extends in the left-right direction.

[0046] The left end of the front battery frame 32 is connected to the front end of the left battery frame 30, and the right end of the front battery frame 32 is connected to the front end of the right battery frame 31. The left end of the rear battery frame 33 is connected to the rear end of the left battery frame 30, and the right end of the rear battery frame 33 is connected to the rear end of the right battery frame 31. Therefore, the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 form a frame shape that surrounds all the batteries B in plan view.

[0047] The bottom plate 34 extends substantially horizontally and is fixed to the lower surfaces of the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33. Also, the lid 35 is fixed to the lower surfaces of the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33. Therefore, the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, the rear battery frame 33, the bottom plate 34, and the lid 35 define a battery accommodation space S (shown in FIG. 2) for accommodating the battery B.

[0048] The size of the battery accommodation space S can be changed according to the capacity of the mounted battery B. The size of the battery accommodation space S can be easily changed by changing the lengths of the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 and the shape of the bottom plate 34. For example, when the wheelbase is short and the tread is narrow in a small car, the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 are shortened, and the shapes of the bottom plate 34 and the lid 35 are made smaller accordingly, so that the battery accommodation space S becomes smaller according to the small car. On the other hand, in the case of a large car, the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 are lengthened, and the shapes of the bottom plate 34 and the lid 35 are made larger accordingly, so that the battery accommodation space S becomes larger according to the large car. When the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 are made of extruded materials, the length can be easily changed. Also, the bottom plate 34 can be made of an extruded material, whereby the shape can be easily changed.

[0049] The upper part of the battery accommodation space S may be closed by the lid body 35 or may be closed by the floor panel 70 of the upper structure body 3. In addition to the battery B, a cooling device for cooling the battery B, a heating device for heating the battery B, etc. (temperature control device) can also be provided in the battery accommodation space S. Further, the power of the battery B is supplied to the traveling motors M1 and M2 via a control device (not shown). Furthermore, the battery B can be charged via a charging socket, a non-contact charger, etc. (not shown).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, inside the battery case 10, first to third in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are provided as strength members extending in the left-right direction. The heights of the first to third in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are all the same and are substantially the same as the height of the left battery frame 30 or the like. The in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C may be formed of an extruded material or may be formed of a press-molded material. In this embodiment, three in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are provided, but the number of in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C can be increased or decreased according to the front-rear dimension of the battery case 10.

[0051] The first to third in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction, with the first in-case member 25A positioned most forward and the third in-case member 25C positioned most rearward. The lower parts of the in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 34. Also, the left end parts of the in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are fixed to the inner surface (right side surface) of the left battery frame 30, and the right end parts of the in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are fixed to the inner surface (left side surface) of the right battery frame 31. That is, the in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are members that connect the left battery frame 30 and the right battery frame 31.

[0052] Inside the battery case 10, as strength members extending in the front-rear direction, a front central member 26 and first to third rear central members (rear reinforcing members) 27 to 29 are provided. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are arranged at substantially the same height and are provided at the center in the left-right direction of the battery case 10. The lower end portions of the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 34.

[0053] The front central member 26 is disposed between the front battery frame 32 and the first in-case member 25A. The front end portion of the front central member 26 is fixed to the center in the left-right direction of the front battery frame 32, and the rear end portion of the front central member 26 is fixed to the center in the left-right direction of the first in-case member 25A. Accordingly, the front battery frame 32 is a member that extends so as to connect the front end portions of the left battery frame 30 and the right battery frame 31 and the front end portion of the front central member 26.

[0054] The first rear central member 27 is disposed between the first in-case member 25A and the second in-case member 25B. The front end portion of the first rear central member 27 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the first in-case member 25A, and the rear end portion of the first rear central member 27 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the second in-case member 25B. Further, the second rear central member 28 is disposed between the second in-case member 25B and the third in-case member 25C. The front end portion of the second rear central member 28 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the second in-case member 25B, and the rear end portion of the second rear central member 28 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the third in-case member 25C. Further, the third rear central member 29 is disposed between the third in-case member 25C and the rear battery frame 33. The front end portion of the third rear central member 29 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the third in-case member 25C, and the rear end portion of the third rear central member 29 is fixed to the central portion in the left-right direction of the rear battery frame 33. Therefore, the first to third in-case members 25A, 25B, 25C, the front central member 26, and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are arranged in a lattice pattern and connected to each other inside the battery case 10, so that the reinforcing effect of the battery case 10 is further enhanced.

[0055] When assuming a virtual straight line extending in the front-rear direction in a plan view, the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are set such that their respective positions in the left-right direction are arranged on the virtual straight line. That is, the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are provided so as to be positioned on the virtual extension line rearward of the front central member 26. Incidentally, the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 may be constituted by a single member continuous in the front-rear direction.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and the like, the front body structure A includes a pair of left and right front side frames 11 and 12, a frame bracket 40, a pair of left and right protruding members 15A and 15B, a pair of left and right shock absorbing members 16 and 17, and a cross member 19. In this embodiment, in addition to the above members, a front member 18, reinforcing members 19A and 19B, etc. are also provided. The members constituting the front body structure A are not limited to the above-described members, and may include other members, devices, apparatuses, etc. Further, among the above-described members, members that do not become essential components of the present invention may be omitted.

[0057] The front side frames 11 and 12 extend linearly substantially horizontally below the left and right front main frames 72 and 73 of the upper structure 3. The front side frames 11 and 12 can be formed of, for example, an extruded material or a press-formed material. In this embodiment, since the front side frames 11 and 12 are formed of an extruded material, the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is substantially equal from the front end portion to the rear end portion.

[0058] The left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are attached to the front battery frame 32 that constitutes the front portion of the battery case 10 via the frame bracket 40. That is, the rear portions of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are connected to the front battery frame 32 by the frame bracket 40. The outer end portions in the vehicle width direction of the front battery frame 32 extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the rear portion of the left front side frame 11 and also extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the rear portion of the right front side frame 12.

[0059] The frame bracket 40 is an integrally formed metal product and extends in the left-right direction along the front surface of the front battery frame 32. The rear portions of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are fixed to the frame bracket 40. The metal constituting the frame bracket 40 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include aluminum, etc. In this case, the frame bracket 40 can be made of aluminum die-cast.

[0060] The left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are attached to the front battery frame 32 via frame brackets 40, but the rear portions of the front side frames 11 and 12 are abutted against the front surface of the front battery frame 32. Therefore, the front side frames 11 and 12 extend forward from the front battery frame 32. Incidentally, the rear portions of the front side frames 11 and 12 may be somewhat separated forward from the front surface of the front battery frame 32. Even in this case, overall, it can be said that the front side frames 11 and 12 extend forward from the front battery frame 32.

[0061] The rear portion of the left front side frame 11 is arranged so as to correspond to a portion closer to the left than the center in the left - right direction of the front battery frame 32. Also, the rear portion of the right front side frame 12 is arranged so as to correspond to a portion closer to the right than the center in the left - right direction of the front battery frame 32. Thereby, the interval between the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 becomes a predetermined interval. The interval between the rear portions of the front side frames 11 and 12 is set to be narrower than the interval between the left battery frame 30 and the right battery frame 31 of the battery case 10.

[0062] The heights of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are substantially the same. Also, the left and right front side frames 11 and 12, the front center member 26 of the battery case 10, the left battery frame 30, and the right battery frame 31 are arranged at substantially the same height.

[0063] The left and right front side frames 11 and 12 extend so as to be positioned more outward in the vehicle width direction as they go forward. That is, the left front side frame 11 is inclined with respect to a virtual straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in plan view so as to be positioned more to the left as it goes forward. Further, the right front side frame 12 is inclined with respect to a virtual straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in plan view so as to be positioned more to the right as it goes forward. As a result, the distance between the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 (the separation distance in the vehicle width direction) becomes wider as it goes forward, and a space C is formed between the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 in which all or part of various parts, devices, apparatuses, etc. can be arranged. And the space C has a shape that expands in the vehicle width direction as it goes forward.

[0064] The inclination angle of the left front side frame 11 with respect to the virtual straight line is equal to the inclination angle of the right front side frame 11 with respect to the virtual straight line. The front part of the left front side frame 11 is arranged more inward in the vehicle width direction than the left battery frame 30 of the battery case 10. Further, the front part of the right front side frame 12 is arranged more inward in the vehicle width direction than the right battery frame 31 of the battery case 10.

[0065] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the front parts of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 and the front parts of the left and right front main frames 72 of the upper structure 3 are set to have substantially the same position in the front-rear direction.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the frame bracket 40 includes a vertical plate portion 40a that extends in the vehicle width direction and the vertical direction along the front surface of the front battery frame 32, and a lower plate portion 40b that extends rearward along the lower surface of the front battery frame 32 from the lower edge portion of the vertical plate portion 40a and also extends in the vehicle width direction. The vertical plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b are fixed to the front battery frame 32 by a fastening member or the like. In this way, by fixing the vertical plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b of the frame bracket 40 to the front surface and the lower surface of the front battery frame 32, respectively, the mounting rigidity of the frame bracket 40 with respect to the front battery frame 32 can be increased.

[0067] In the vertical plate portion 40a of the frame bracket 40, a left insertion hole 40c into which the rear portion of the left front side frame 11 is inserted and a right insertion hole 40d into which the rear portion of the right front side frame 12 is inserted are formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The rear portion of the left front side frame 11 is fixed to the frame bracket 40 by, for example, an adhesive or a fastening member or the like in a state of being inserted into the left insertion hole 40c.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, the frame bracket 40 includes a left upper plate portion 40e extending in the front-rear direction so as to cover the upper surface of the left front side frame 11 and a right upper plate portion 40f extending in the front-rear direction so as to cover the upper surface of the right front side frame 12. The left upper plate portion 40e and the upper surface of the left front side frame 11 are adhered by, for example, an adhesive or the like, and the right upper plate portion 40f and the upper surface of the right front side frame 12 are adhered in the same manner. Thereby, the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 can be firmly fixed to the frame bracket 40.

[0069] The frame bracket 40 has a left support portion 41 and a right support portion 42, and the left support portion 41 and the right support portion 42 are integrally formed with the vertical plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b. The left support portion 41 is disposed on the outer side (left side) in the vehicle width direction of the left front side frame 11 and is a portion that supports the front side frame 11 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the left support portion 41 protrudes forward from the left side portion of the left insertion hole 40c in the vertical plate portion 40a and extends along the left side surface of the left front side frame 11. The front portion of the left support portion 41 reaches the vicinity of the center in the front-rear direction of the left front side frame 11. Therefore, it is possible to support a wide range of the left support portion 41 with the left support portion 41. It is also possible to adhere the left front side frame 11 to the left support portion 41.

[0070] Further, the right support portion 42 is disposed on the outer side (right side) in the vehicle width direction of the right front side frame 12, and is a portion that supports the front side frame 12 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the right support portion 42 protrudes forward from the right side portion of the right insertion hole 40d in the vertical plate portion 40a and extends along the right side surface of the right front side frame 12. The front portion of the right support portion 42 reaches the vicinity of the center in the front-rear direction of the right front side frame 12. Therefore, a wide range of the right support portion 42 can be supported by the right support portion 42. It is also possible to adhere the right front side frame 12 to the right support portion 42.

[0071] On the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the frame bracket 40, the left and right suspension arms 20A constituting the front suspension device 20 are supported so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. That is, on the left side portion of the frame bracket 40 rather than the left support portion 41, a left arm mounting portion 43 is provided so as to protrude to the left. The base end portion of the left suspension arm 20A is rotatably attached to the left arm mounting portion 43 around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. Further, on the right side portion of the frame bracket 40 rather than the right support portion 42, a right arm mounting portion 44 is provided so as to protrude to the right. The base end portion of the right suspension arm 20A is rotatably attached to the right arm mounting portion 44 around an axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0072] The cross member 19 is a member installed between the left front side frame 11 and the right front side frame 12 and extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. The cross member 19 can also be composed of an extruded material, a press material, or the like.

[0073] As also shown in FIG. 7, the left end portion of the cross member 19 is fixed to the right side surface of the left front side frame 11 by adhesion, welding, fastening members, or the like. The right end portion of the cross member 19 is similarly fixed to the left side surface of the right front side frame 12. As a result, the intermediate portions in the front-rear direction of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are connected to each other.

[0074] Further, the cross member 19 is substantially parallel to the front battery frame 32. As a result, in a plan view, a rectangular shape (a trapezoidal shape in this example) is formed by the cross member 19, the left and right front side frames 11, 12, and the front battery frame 32, and a closed cross section is configured when looking at a horizontal cross section.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, the left reinforcing member 19A extends rearward from a portion closer to the left than the center in the vehicle width direction of the cross member 19 toward the front battery frame 32. The rear portion of the left reinforcing member 19A is fixed to the right side surface of the left front side frame 11. Further, the right reinforcing member 19B extends rearward from a portion closer to the right than the center in the vehicle width direction of the cross member 19 toward the front battery frame 32. The rear portion of the right reinforcing member 19B is fixed to the left side surface of the right front side frame 12.

[0076] The left shock absorbing member 16 is provided in front of the left front side frame 11 and is composed of a cylindrical member extending forward. Further, the right shock absorbing member 17 is provided in front of the right front side frame 12 and is composed of a cylindrical member extending forward. The shock absorbing members 16, 17 are compressed and deformed at a stage before the front side frames 11, 12 are deformed by an impact load from the front, like the crash cans 72a, 73a of the upper structure 3, and absorb the impact load. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear portions of the left and right shock absorbing members 16, 17 and the rear portions of the crash cans 72a, 73a of the upper structure 3 are set to have substantially the same position in the front-rear direction.

[0077] The left protruding member 15A is disposed between the left front side frame 11 and the left shock absorbing member 16, and protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction (left side) from the front portion of the front side frame 11. The left protruding member 15A has a base portion 15a fixed to the front portion of the left front side frame 11 and the left shock absorbing member 16 to connect the shock absorbing member 16 to the front side frame 11, and a protruding portion 15b protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the base portion 15a, and is composed of a cylindrical member extending in the vehicle width direction. The front portion of the protruding portion 15b is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the front portion of the left shock absorbing member 16. Further, the left protruding member 15A is composed of, for example, an extruded material, a press material, or the like.

[0078] The right protruding member 15B is configured symmetrically with the left protruding member 15A, is disposed between the right front side frame 12 and the right shock absorbing member 17, and protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction (right side) from the front portion of the front side frame 12. The right protruding member 15B has a base portion 15c fixed to the front portion of the right front side frame 12 and the right shock absorbing member 17 to connect the shock absorbing member 17 to the front side frame 12, and a protruding portion 15d protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the base portion 15c.

[0079] The extending direction of the left shock absorbing member 16 is along the longitudinal direction of the left front side frame 11, and the axis of the shock absorbing member 16 is located on the extension line in front of the front side frame 11. Further, the extending direction of the right shock absorbing member 17 is along the longitudinal direction of the right front side frame 12, and the axis of the shock absorbing member 17 is located on the extension line in front of the front side frame 12.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the like, the front member 18 is a member installed on the left and right shock absorbing members 16 and 17. A portion of the front member 18 on the left side of the center in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the front portion of the left shock absorbing member 16, and a portion of the front member 18 on the right side of the center in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the front portion of the right shock absorbing member 17. As a result, the left and right shock absorbing members 16 and 17 are connected by the front member 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the front member 18 and the front bumper reinforcement 87 of the upper structure 3 are set to have substantially the same position in the front-rear direction, and the front member 18 is positioned directly below the front bumper reinforcement 87.

[0081] The outer end portions of the front member 18 in the vehicle width direction extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the front portions of the left front side frame 11 and also extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the front portions of the right front side frame 12. That is, the left end portion of the front member 18 extends to the left side of the front portion of the left front side frame 11, and the right end portion of the front member 18 extends to the right side of the front portion of the right front side frame 12.

[0082] Also, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the outer end portions of the front member 18 in the vehicle width direction and at least the protruding portions 15b and 15d of the protruding members 15A and 15B are arranged so as to overlap. That is, the outer end portions of the front member 18 in the vehicle width direction and the protruding portions 15b and 15d are positioned at substantially the same height.

[0083] (Operational effects of the embodiment) Next, the collision of the electric vehicle 1 configured as described above will be explained. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an offset collision is assumed in which an impact load (impact load in the direction indicated by arrow D) is input to the left side of the front portion of the left front side frame 11. First, regarding the upper structure 3 shown in FIG. 2 and the like, part of the impact load in the direction of arrow D is input to and absorbed by the left crash can 72a and the left front main frame 72 via the front bumper reinforcement 87. Next, regarding the lower structure 2, the impact load in the direction of arrow D shown in FIG. 8 is input to the left side of the impact absorbing member 16 in the front member 18, and the impact absorbing member 16 is compressed and deformed. When the impact absorbing member 16 is compressed and deformed, the impact load in the direction of arrow D acts on the left end portion of the left protruding member 15A. At this time, since the right side portion (non-collision side) of the front member 18 is fixed to the right front side frame 12 via the right impact absorbing member 17, the front member 18 exhibits a rotational behavior such that the left side portion moves rearward with the right side portion as a fulcrum, as indicated by the phantom line and arrow E. Since the left protruding member 15A is located behind the left end portion of the front member 18, after the impact load is transmitted from the front member 18 to the left protruding member 15A, it is transmitted to the left front side frame 11. Since this impact load is input in a direction along the axial direction of the left front side frame 11, the left front side frame 11 is axially compressed and the impact load is absorbed. The same applies to an offset collision in which an impact load is input to the right side of the front portion of the right front side frame 12.

[0084] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0085] As described above, the front body structure according to the present disclosure can be provided, for example, in an electric vehicle.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 1 Electric vehicle 10 Battery case 11, 12 Front side frames 15A, 15B Protrusion members 15a Base 15b Protrusion 16, 17 Shock absorption members 18 Front member 19 Cross member 32 Front battery frame 40 Frame bracket 70 Floor panel A Front body structure B Battery M1 Driving motor

Claims

1. In a front body structure of an electric vehicle equipped with a driving motor and having a battery case that houses a battery for supplying power to the driving motor disposed below a floor panel, a front battery frame provided at a front portion of the battery case, a pair of left and right side frames extending from the front battery frame outward in the vehicle width direction as going forward in the vehicle front direction, a pair of left and right shock absorbing members respectively provided in front of the left and right side frames, a front member spanned between the left and right shock absorbing members, and a protruding member disposed between the side frame and the shock absorbing member and protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from a front portion of the side frame, both side portions in the vehicle width direction of the front member are inclined so as to be positioned rearward in the vehicle as approaching outer ends in the vehicle width direction, a front body structure in which an interval in the vehicle front-rear direction between both side portions in the vehicle width direction of the front member and the protruding member becomes narrower as approaching outer ends in the vehicle width direction.

2. In the front body structure according to Claim 1, a frame bracket for connecting rear portions of the left and right side frames to the front battery frame is provided, the frame bracket has a left support portion disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the left side frame and supporting the side frame from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and a right support portion disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the right side frame and supporting the side frame from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

3. In the front body structure according to Claim 1 or 2, the front battery frame extends in the vehicle width direction, outer ends in the vehicle width direction of the front battery frame extend outward in the vehicle width direction from a rear portion of the left side frame and also extend outward in the vehicle width direction from a rear portion of the right side frame.

4. In the front body structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, the protruding member has a base portion fixed to a front portion of the side frame and the shock absorbing member to connect the shock absorbing member to the side frame, and a protruding portion protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the base portion.

5. In the front body structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, The outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the front member extends outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the front portion of the left side frame and also extends outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the front portion of the right side frame, which is a vehicle body front structure.

6. In the vehicle body front structure according to Claim 5, A vehicle body front structure in which, when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction, the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the front member and at least a part of the protruding member are arranged so as to overlap.

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