Electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle which inhibits rearward movement of a driving motor into a vehicle cabin at the time of a collision while sufficiently securing a crash stroke at the time of the collision in an anteroposterior direction by arranging the driving motor as close to the vehicle rear side as possible.SOLUTION: A vehicle body front structure A includes: a partition wall portion 71 which demarcates a vehicle cabin R1 inside space; a motor arrangement portion 71a which is formed by expanding a part of the partition wall portion 71 to the inner side of a vehicle cabin and in which at least a part of a driving motor M1 may be arranged; a cross member 93 which is fixed to a floor panel 70 located on the vehicle rear side relative to the motor arrangement portion 71a and extends in a vehicle width direction; and a reinforcement member 94 which couples the motor arrangement portion 71a with the cross member 93.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle in which a battery is mounted below a floor panel. A center member extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided at the front part of the floor panel of the vehicle of this Patent Document 1. A plurality of convex portions protruding upward and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and concave portions recessing downward between the convex portions are formed in this center member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a conventional vehicle equipped with an engine, since an engine and auxiliary machine parts constituting an intake and exhaust system are provided in an engine room, when an impact load acts from the front during a collision, the parts in the engine room and a front side frame or the like are deformed to absorb the impact load.

[0005] However, in the case of an electric vehicle such as Patent Document 1, since the number of auxiliary machine parts is significantly reduced compared to an engine, there has been a concern that the impact load cannot be sufficiently absorbed.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to suppress the retreat of a driving motor into the vehicle interior during a collision while sufficiently securing a crush stroke in the front-rear direction by disposing the driving motor as close as possible to the rear side of the vehicle in the electric vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to assume a front body structure of an electric vehicle in which a driving motor is mounted on the front part of the vehicle. The front body structure is provided so as to extend in the vehicle width direction at the front part of the vehicle, and includes a partition wall portion that defines the interior space of the vehicle, and a motor arrangement portion formed by bulging a part of the partition wall portion toward the interior side of the vehicle compartment, and at least a part of the driving motor mounted outside the interior space of the vehicle compartment can be arranged therein. The front body structure further includes a cross member that is fixed to a floor panel on the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the motor arrangement portion and extends in the vehicle width direction, and a reinforcing member that connects the motor arrangement portion and the cross member.

[0008] According to this configuration, since the motor arrangement portion formed in the partition wall portion bulges toward the interior side of the vehicle compartment, it is possible to bring the driving motor closer to the rear side of the vehicle. Thereby, a sufficient crush stroke in the front-rear direction is ensured during a collision.

[0009] Also, during a collision when an impact load acts from the front, an obstacle may enter the space in front of the partition wall portion, and the obstacle applies a load in the retreat direction to the driving motor. The driving motor on which the load in the retreat direction acts pushes the motor arrangement portion backward. However, since this motor arrangement portion is connected to a highly rigid cross member by a reinforcing member, the backward deformation of the motor arrangement portion is suppressed. Thereby, the retreat of the driving motor into the vehicle compartment is suppressed.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a battery that supplies power to the driving motor may be arranged behind the front part of the reinforcing member below the floor panel. According to this configuration, it becomes difficult for the impact load during a collision to act on the battery.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, in a front view, at least a part of the traveling motor may be positioned so as to overlap with a front portion of the reinforcing member. According to this configuration, when the traveling motor moves backward, the load thereof can be reliably received by the front portion of the reinforcing member and transmitted to the cross member.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a battery case capable of accommodating a battery that supplies power to the traveling motor may be disposed below the floor panel. A front battery frame extending in the vehicle width direction may be provided at a front portion of the battery case. In a front view, at least a part of the traveling motor may be positioned so as to overlap with at least a part of the front battery frame.

[0013] According to this configuration, when the traveling motor moves backward, the load thereof can be received by the front battery frame and dispersed to the battery case.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a lower portion of the partition portion may be formed so as to be positioned more rearward in the vehicle as it goes downward. The traveling motor can be mounted on the motor mounting portion formed in the lower portion of the partition portion.

[0015] According to this configuration, when the traveling motor is mounted below the lower portion of the partition portion to achieve a lower center of gravity, the space above the traveling motor can be utilized as a vehicle interior space, and the vehicle interior space can be expanded.

[0016] At least a part of a seat disposed in the vehicle interior space can be attached to the cross member according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] According to this configuration, the seat can be attached using the cross member that suppresses the backward movement of the traveling motor. In other words, the backward movement of the traveling motor can be suppressed using the cross member to which the seat can be attached.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] As described above, at least a part of the traveling motor is disposed in the motor disposition portion formed by bulging a part of the partition portion toward the vehicle interior side, and the motor disposition portion is connected to the cross member of the floor panel by a reinforcing member. Thereby, the traveling motor can be disposed as close as possible to the rear side of the vehicle to sufficiently secure the crash stroke in the front-rear direction during a collision, and the retreat of the traveling motor into the vehicle interior during a collision can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted 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.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle (electric car) 1 equipped with a front vehicle body 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.

[0022] It should be noted that 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 and right directions of the vehicle are the vehicle width direction.

[0023] 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 (interior space) for passengers is formed in the electric vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a front seat (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 required. 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.

[0024] On the other hand, the space (front side 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, as shown in FIG. 3, the front body structure A is provided in the electric vehicle 1 including a front-side traveling motor M1 mounted on the front part of the vehicle and a rear-side traveling motor M2 mounted on the rear part of the vehicle, a battery B for supplying 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. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the front-side power train PT1 and its vicinity, and FIG. 5 is a bottom view when the front-side power train PT1 is omitted.

[0025] The front-side traveling motor M1 generates a driving force for driving the left and right front wheels FT, and the front-side power train PT1 is constituted by only this front-side traveling motor M1, or by the front-side traveling motor M1 and a speed reducer, a transmission, etc. Further, the rear-side traveling motor M2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 generates a driving force for driving the left and right rear wheels RT (shown in FIG. 1), and the rear-side power train PT2 is constituted by only this rear-side traveling motor M2, or by the rear-side traveling motor M2 and a speed reducer, a transmission, etc.

[0026] 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. Further, for example, in the case of a large vehicle, a larger front traveling motor M1 or rear traveling motor M2 than that of a small vehicle is mounted.

[0027] 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 that extend forward in front of the battery case 10, and a pair of left and right rear frames 13 and 14 that extend 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. In FIG. 2, the lid 35 (described later) of the battery case 10 is removed.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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. Being vertically divisible means integrating the lower structure 2 with respect to the upper structure 3 by using fastening members such as bolts, nuts, and screws without using welding, adhesion, or the like. Thereby, when performing maintenance or repair after the electric vehicle 1 is delivered to the user, the lower structure 2 can be separated from the upper structure 3 as necessary, resulting in good maintainability. Note that the fastening members used in the following description also include bolts, nuts, screws, and the like.

[0030] 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 supplementarily, and the cabin mainly receives the collision load. Thus, in a ladder frame type body structure, it is normal for the members receiving the collision load to be separated between the frontal and rear collisions and the side collision.

[0031] On the other hand, in the case of the electric vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the lower structure 2 having the front side frames 11, 12 and the rear frames 13, 14 and the upper structure 3 are separable. However, in both cases of a frontal collision, a rear collision, and a side collision, by receiving the collision load with the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3, the collision load can be dispersed and absorbed by both structures 2 and 3, which is a significant difference in the 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.

[0032] (Lower Structure) First, the lower structure 2 will be described. In addition to the battery case 10, the front side frames 11 and 12, and the rear frames 13 and 14, the lower structure 2 also includes the front and rear power trains PT1 and PT2, the front wheels FT, the rear wheels RT, the front suspension device 20, the rear suspension device 21, and the like. The types of the front suspension device 20 and the rear suspension device 21 are not particularly limited.

[0033] The battery unit BY is composed of the battery case 10 and the battery B housed inside the battery case 10. In addition, for example, a battery cooling device or the like may be included in the battery unit BY.

[0034] 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 arranging 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, a 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 this embodiment, the battery B is composed of battery packs, and a plurality of battery packs are mounted in a state of being arranged in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0035] 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 35 (shown in FIG. 4) that covers the battery B from above. Note that FIG. 3 shows a state where the lid 35 is removed.

[0036] The left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 are made of, for example, an extruded material made of an aluminum alloy, but may also be made of an aluminum alloy plate or a press-formed material of a steel plate. The bottom plate 34 can also be made of 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 a press-formed material of an aluminum alloy plate or a steel plate. Further, each member may be made of, for example, a casting.

[0037] The cross-sectional shapes of the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33 in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of each 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.

[0038] The left battery frame 30 and the right battery frame 31 are outer battery frames that extend in the front-rear direction outside the vehicle width direction of the battery B. The left battery frame 30 is provided on the left side of the battery case 10 and extends in the front-rear direction along the left side sill 74. The left battery frame 30 is fixed to the left side sill 74 by a fastening member or the like. The right battery frame 31 is provided on the right side of the battery case 10 and extends in the front-rear direction along the right side sill 75. The right battery frame 31 is fixed to the right side sill 75 by a fastening member or the like.

[0039] Also, the front battery frame 32 is provided at the front of the battery case 10 and extends in the left-right direction. In a front view, at least a part of the front traveling motor M1 that constitutes the front power train PT1 is positioned so as to overlap at least a part of the front battery frame 32, that is, the intermediate part in the vehicle width direction of the front battery frame 32. Further, the rear battery frame 33 is provided at the rear of the battery case 10 and extends in the left-right direction.

[0040] 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 are members that constitute a frame-shaped frame formed so as to surround all the batteries B in plan view.

[0041] 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. The lid 35 is fixed to the upper surfaces of the left battery frame 30, the right battery frame 31, the front battery frame 32, and the rear battery frame 33. That is, the lid 35 is attached to the battery frames 30 to 33. When attaching the lid 35 to the battery frames 30 to 33, for example, fastening members may be used, or adhesion, welding, etc. may be used. 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.

[0042] 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 reduced 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 enlarged 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.

[0043] The upper part of the battery accommodation space S may be closed by the lid 35 or may be closed by the floor panel 70 of the upper structure 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 driving 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).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, inside the battery case 10 that constitutes the battery unit BY, first to third in-case members (unit 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 a press-formed 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 dimensions of the battery case 10 in the front-rear direction. The first to third in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are second members.

[0045] 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 at the frontmost and the third in-case member 25C positioned at the rearmost. The lower portions of the in-case members 25A, 25B, and 25C are fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 34. Also, the left end portions 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 portions 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.

[0046] Inside the battery case 10, as strength members extending in the front-rear direction, a front central member (member inside the unit) 26 and first to third rear central members (members inside the unit) 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. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are the first members. The front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 and the first to third in-case members 25A, 25B, 25C intersect with each other.

[0047] 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 portion 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 portion in the left-right direction of the first in-case member 25A. Therefore, 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] When a virtual straight line extending in the front-rear direction is assumed in plan view, the front central member 26 and the first to third rear central members 27 to 29 are set such that their respective left-right positions 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 of the front central member 26 rearward. 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.

[0050] 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 first cross member 15, a pair of left and right shock absorbing members 16 and 17, and a second cross member 19. In the present 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 members described above, and may include other members, devices, apparatuses, etc. Further, among the members described above, members that do not become essential components of the present invention may be omitted.

[0051] The left and right 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.

[0052] 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. This 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, and in this case, the frame bracket 40 can be made of aluminum die-cast.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The rear portion of the left front side frame 11 is arranged so as to correspond to a position 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 position 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The left and right front side frames 11 and 12 extend so as to be located more outward in the vehicle width direction toward the front. 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 located more to the left toward the front. 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 located more to the right toward the front. 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 toward the front, and a space C is formed between the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 in which all or part of various components, devices, apparatuses, etc. can be arranged. And the space C has a shape that expands in the vehicle width direction toward the front.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Further, 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.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the frame bracket 40 includes a vertical plate portion 40a extending 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 extending rearward along the lower surface of the front battery frame 32 from the lower edge portion of the vertical plate portion 40a and also extending 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 material 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.

[0060] 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 in a state of being inserted into the left insertion hole 40c.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, 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, 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, 12 can be firmly fixed to the frame bracket 40.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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, the left arm attachment 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 attachment 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, the right arm attachment 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 attachment portion 44 around an axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0065] The first cross member 15 is a member that is installed between a portion of the left front side frame 11 that is separated from the front side battery frame 32 forward and a portion of the right front side frame 12 that is separated from the front side battery frame 32 forward, and extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. The first cross member 15 can also be composed of an extruded material, a press material, or the like. In this embodiment, the left side portion of the first cross member 15 is fixed to the front portion of the left front side frame 11, and the right side portion of the first cross member 15 is fixed to the front portion of the right front side frame 12. Therefore, the front portions of the left and right front side frames 11 and 12 are connected by the first cross member 15.

[0066] Further, the first cross member 15 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 first cross member 15, 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 the horizontal cross section.

[0067] The left side of the first cross member 15 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the front part of the left front side frame 11. Also, the right side of the first cross member 15 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the front part of the right front side frame 12.

[0068] The second cross member 19 is disposed between the first cross member 15 and the front battery frame 32, and is a member that is installed between the left front side frame 11 and the right front side frame 12, and extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. The second cross member 19 can also be formed of an extruded material, a pressed material, or the like. The dimension of the second cross member 19 in the vehicle width direction is shorter than the dimension of the first cross member 15 in the vehicle width direction.

[0069] As also shown in FIG. 5, the left end portion of the second 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 second 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, 12 are connected to each other.

[0070] Further, the second 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 second 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 the horizontal cross section. Also, in a plan view, a rectangular shape is also formed by the second cross member 19, the left and right front side frames 11, 12, and the first cross member 15.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, the left reinforcing member 19A extends rearward from a portion of the second cross member 19 closer to the left side than the center in the vehicle width direction toward the front side 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 of the second cross member 19 closer to the right side than the center in the vehicle width direction toward the front side 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.

[0072] The left shock absorbing member 16 is provided in front of the left front side frame 11 and is composed of a tubular 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 tubular member extending forward. The shock absorbing members 16 and 17, similar to the crash cans 72a and 73a of the upper structure 3, are compressed and deformed at a stage before the front side frames 11 and 12 are deformed by an impact load from the front, and absorb the impact load. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear portions of the left and right shock absorbing members 16 and 17 and the rear portions of the crash cans 72a and 73a of the upper structure 3 are set to have substantially the same position in the front-rear direction.

[0073] The rear portion of the left shock absorbing member 16 is fixed to the front portion of the left front side frame 11. 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 positioned on the extension line in front of the front side frame 11. Further, the rear portion of the right shock absorbing member 17 is fixed to the front portion of the right front side frame 12. 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 positioned on the extension line in front of the front side frame 12.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 etc., 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. Thus, 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 such that their positions in the front-rear direction are substantially the same, and the front member 18 is positioned directly below the front bumper reinforcement 87.

[0075] (Upper structure) Next, the upper structure 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper structure 3 includes a floor panel 70, a dash panel (partition portion) 71, a pair of left and right front main frames 72 and 73, and a pair of left and right side sills 74 and 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.

[0076] 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 is the passenger compartment R1. A roof 80 is provided above the passenger compartment R1. In addition, 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.

[0077] The left and right side sills 74 and 75 are respectively arranged at both left and right ends of the floor panel 70 so as to extend in the front-rear direction. The left end of the floor panel 70 is connected to the middle part in the vertical direction of the left side sill 74, and the right end of the floor panel 70 is connected to the middle part in the vertical direction of the right side sill 75. The upper parts of the side sills 74 and 75 protrude upward from the connection part of the floor panel 70, and the lower parts of the side sills 74 and 75 protrude downward from the connection part of the floor panel 70. Since the battery case 10 is arranged below the floor panel 70, the battery case 10 is arranged between the left and right side sills 74 and 75, and in a side view of the vehicle, the lower parts of the side sills 74 and 75 overlap with the battery case 10. The battery case 10 is fixed to the side sills 74 and 75.

[0078] The left and right front main frames 72 and 73 are arranged at the front part of the vehicle body and are high-strength members extending in the front-rear direction. That is, the left and right front main frames 72 and 73 are positioned in front of and above the floor panel 70, and specifically, they are arranged to extend forward from both left and right sides at the lower part of the dash panel 71.

[0079] 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 front main frame 72 and 73 in a direction perpendicular 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 body 2 in the same direction. Thereby, each front main frame 72 and 73 becomes a thicker and higher-strength member compared to the front side frames 11 and 12.

[0080] The front ends 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 tubular 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 ends of the left and right crash cans 72a and 73a.

[0081] As also shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the dash panel 71 is a member for partitioning the passenger compartment R1 and the power compartment R3, and the passenger compartment R1 can be defined by this dash panel 71. 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 at the front of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 9, a pair of left and right suspension tower portions 90 and 91 are provided on both left and right sides of the front portion of the upper structure 3. Reference numeral 90 indicates the left suspension tower portion, and reference numeral 91 indicates the right suspension tower portion.

[0082] The left and right suspension tower portions 90 and 91 are each formed so as to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the left suspension tower portion 90 is formed so as to bulge from the left side thereof toward the right across the power compartment R3 to the passenger compartment R1, and its bulging range is also set in the up-down direction, and a part of the left front suspension device 20 provided on the lower structure 2 described later can be accommodated. The upper part (for example, the upper part of the shock absorber) of the left front suspension device 20 is supported by the upper part of the left suspension tower portion 90. Also, the right suspension tower portion 91 is formed so as to bulge from the right side thereof toward the left across the power compartment R3 to the passenger compartment R1, and its bulging range is also set in the up-down direction, and a part of the right front suspension device 20 provided on the lower structure 2 described later can be accommodated. The upper part of the right front suspension device 20 is supported by the upper part of the right suspension tower portion 91.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 9, on both the left and right sides of the front portion of the upper structure 3, left and right front wheel houses 85 and 86 for accommodating the left and right front wheels FT are formed so as to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction. Reference numeral 85 indicates the left front wheel house 85, and reference numeral 86 indicates the right front wheel house 86. The left front wheel house 85 is continuous with the rear side of the left suspension tower portion 90, and bulges rightward from the left side portion of the passenger compartment R1 to accommodate the left front wheel FT. Further, the right front wheel house 86 is continuous with the rear side of the right suspension tower portion 91, and bulges leftward from the right side portion of the passenger compartment R1 to accommodate the right front wheel FT.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a cowl portion 88 is provided above the dash panel 71. The cowl portion 88 extends in the left - right direction from the upper portion of the left suspension tower portion 90 to the upper portion of the right suspension tower portion 91. Further, the lower portion of the cowl portion 88 extends forward and reaches the intermediate portion in the front - rear direction of the left and right suspension tower portions 90 and 91.

[0085] The dash panel 71 includes an upper panel portion (first partition portion) 71A that constitutes the upper portion of the dash panel 71 and a lower panel portion (second partition portion) 71B that constitutes the lower portion of the dash panel 71. The upper panel portion 71A and the lower panel portion 71B may be constituted by separate members, or may be constituted by different portions of one member. When the upper panel portion 71A and the lower panel portion 71B are constituted by separate members, they may be joined and integrated after being formed into desired shapes respectively, or may be formed into a desired shape after joining the two members.

[0086] The upper end portion of the upper panel portion 71A is connected to the lower portion of the cowl portion 88. The upper panel portion 71A extends in the left - right direction and also extends in the up - down direction. Specifically, it extends from the intermediate portion in the front - rear direction of the left suspension tower portion 90 to the intermediate portion in the front - rear direction of the right suspension tower portion 91.

[0087] The upper end of the lower panel portion 71B is connected to the lower end of the upper panel portion 71A. Therefore, the upper end of the lower panel portion 71B extends in the left - right direction from the middle portion in the front - rear direction of the left suspension tower portion 90 to the middle portion in the front - rear direction of the right suspension tower portion 91. On the other hand, the lower portion (hereinafter referred to as the lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B) below the upper end of the lower panel portion 71B is formed so as to be located more rearward as it goes downward. The lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B may be inclined or curved.

[0088] The lower end (rear end) of the lower panel portion 71B is connected to the front end of the floor panel 70. Both the left and right sides of the lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B are connected to the left and right front wheel houses 85, 86 respectively, and extend rearward until they reach the left and right side sills 74, 75 and are respectively connected to the left and right side sills 74, 75.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the front - side traveling motor M1 is mounted below the lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B. In other words, the lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B is arranged so as to cover the front - side traveling motor M1 from above. As a configuration for enabling the front - side traveling motor M1 to be arranged below the lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B, the upper structure 3 includes a motor arrangement portion 71a. The motor arrangement portion 71a is a portion where at least a part of the front - side traveling motor M1 can be arranged, and is a bulging portion formed by bulging the lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B inward of the passenger compartment R1. FIG. 14 shows the state of the motor arrangement portion 71a viewed from below.

[0090] Specifically, the front traveling motor M1 is arranged to span between the left and right suspension tower portions 90 and 91 and between the left and right front wheel houses 85 and 86. Therefore, it is positioned directly below the lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B. The middle portion in the vehicle width direction of the lower portion of the lower panel portion 71B bulges upward so that at least the upper portion and the rear portion of the front traveling motor M1 are accommodated, and this bulging portion constitutes the motor arrangement portion 71a. Since the dimension in the left-right direction of the motor arrangement portion 71a is set shorter than the dimension between the left and right front wheel houses 85 and 86, both the left and right sides of the motor arrangement portion 71a are constituted by inclined surfaces that slope downward toward the rear. That is, by providing the motor arrangement portion 71a, it becomes possible to bring the front traveling motor M1, that is, the front power train PT1, closer to the rear side of the vehicle, so that a sufficient crush stroke in the front-rear direction is ensured during a frontal collision or the like.

[0091] In the motor arrangement portion 71a, a speed reducer, a transmission, which constitute the front power train PT1, a casing for accommodating them, and the like may be arranged. Also, a control device and a wire harness (both not shown) for controlling the front traveling motor M1 may be arranged in the motor arrangement portion 71a. When the surface facing downward of the motor arrangement portion 71a is defined as the inner surface of the motor arrangement portion 71a, as shown in FIG. 7, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the motor arrangement portion 71a and the front traveling motor M1 so that the front traveling motor M1 does not contact the inner surface of the motor arrangement portion 71a during normal traveling.

[0092] The upper structure 3 includes a front cross member 93 disposed in the passenger compartment R1. The front cross member 93 is fixed to the upper surface of the floor panel 70 on the rear side of the motor placement portion 71a and extends in the vehicle width direction. The front cross member 93 is formed, for example, to open downward, and the open portion is closed by being joined to the upper surface of the floor panel 70 to form a closed cross section. The left end portion of the front cross member 93 is fixed to the right side surface of the left side sill 74, and the right end portion of the front cross member 93 is fixed to the left side surface of the right side sill 75. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper end portion of the front cross member 93 is disposed at the same height as the upper end portion of the side sill 75.

[0093] On the left side of the center portion of the front cross member 93 in the vehicle width direction, the front portion of the left front seat S1 is attached, and on the right side of the center portion of the front cross member 93 in the vehicle width direction, the front portion of the right front seat S1 is attached. A slide rail (not shown) or the like is provided under each front seat S1, and the front portion of this slide rail is fixed to the front cross member 93 via a bracket or the like. Incidentally, the rear portion of the slide rail is fixed to the floor panel 70 on the rear side of the front cross member 93.

[0094] The upper structure 3 includes a reinforcing member 94 that connects the motor placement portion 71a and the front cross member 93. The rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 abuts against the front surface of the front cross member 93 from the front, and when a load acting rearward is applied to the reinforcing member 94, the front cross member 93 can surely receive the load.

[0095] The reinforcing member 94 is disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction and supports the motor placement portion 71a from the rear to suppress the deformation of the motor placement portion 71a rearward. For example, when the front traveling motor M1 moves backward due to an impact load from the front and hits the motor placement portion 71a, the motor placement portion 71a may receive the impact load and tend to deform rearward. In such a case, by suppressing the deformation of the motor placement portion 71a with the reinforcing member 94, the entry of the front traveling motor M1 into the passenger compartment R1 side is suppressed. Also, during normal traveling other than at the time of a collision, the vehicle body rigidity can be improved by connecting the motor placement portion 71a to the high-strength front cross member 93, and the reinforcing member 94 contributes to, for example, the improvement of handling stability and the like.

[0096] The reinforcing member 94 is provided such that its longitudinal direction is in the front-rear direction. The dimension of the reinforcing member 94 in the front-rear direction is set to be longer than the dimension in the left-right direction. Also, the dimension of the reinforcing member 94 in the up-down direction is set to be shorter than the dimension in the left-right direction, and it has an overall flat shape. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 94 is formed of a press-formed product, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be formed of, for example, an extruded material. As shown in FIG. 7 and the like, ribs 94b extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the reinforcing member 94.

[0097] As also shown in FIG. 10, the front portion of the reinforcing member 94 is fixed to the upper portion of the motor placement portion 71a. The reinforcing member 94 extends rearward from the upper portion of the motor placement portion 71a and is inclined so as to be positioned lower as it goes rearward. Therefore, a space is formed between the reinforcing member 94 and the floor panel 70. Note that the reinforcing member 94 may be fixed to the lower portion of the motor placement portion 71a. In this case, the reinforcing member 94 extends rearward along the upper surface of the floor panel 70 and can be fixed to the floor panel 70.

[0098] The upper structure 3 is provided with a floor reinforcement 96 that extends in the front-rear direction along the floor panel 70 below the reinforcing member 94. The floor reinforcement 96 is fixed to the upper surface of the floor panel 70. The rear portion of the floor reinforcement 96 is connected to the vehicle-width direction intermediate portion of the front cross member 93.

[0099] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, a connecting member 95 that vertically connects the front portion of the reinforcing member 94 and the front portion of the floor reinforcement 96 is provided behind the motor arrangement portion 71a. The front portion of the reinforcing member 94 and the front portion of the floor reinforcement 96 are fixed to the connecting member 95 by fastening members. This connecting member 95 is formed by, for example, shaping a plate material and is a member that constitutes a part of the motor arrangement portion 71a. That is, the motor arrangement portion 71a has a main body portion formed of a bulging portion and the connecting member 95. Although not shown, the front portion of the reinforcing member 94 may be directly fixed to the rear portion of the main body portion of the motor arrangement portion 71a without passing through the connecting member 95.

[0100] In this embodiment, since the connecting member 95 is a member that constitutes a part of the motor arrangement portion 71a, the front portion of the floor reinforcement 96 is connected to the lower portion of the motor arrangement portion 71a. As a result, the front portion of the floor reinforcement 96 and the front portion of the reinforcing member 94 are respectively connected to portions that are vertically separated in the motor arrangement portion 71a, so that the rigidity of the motor arrangement portion 71a can be increased over a wide range.

[0101] Further, the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 is connected to the rear portion of the floor reinforcement 96. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a first closed cross-section is formed by the motor arrangement portion 71a, the reinforcing member 94 that extends downward and rearward from the upper portion of the motor arrangement portion 71a, and the floor reinforcement 96 that extends in the front-rear direction. This first closed cross-section is triangular in side view, and the vertical dimension becomes shorter toward the rear.

[0102] Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the connecting member 95 is formed to extend rearward from the upper rear portion of the main body portion of the motor arrangement portion 71a and then extend downward. The upper portion of the connecting member 95 is connected to the upper rear portion of the main body portion of the motor arrangement portion 71a, and the lower portion of the connecting member 95 is connected to the lower rear portion of the main body portion of the motor arrangement portion 71a. Thereby, a second closed cross-section is formed in a side view by the connecting member 95 and the main body portion of the motor arrangement portion 71a. This second closed cross-section has a shape close to a rectangle and is located in front of the first closed cross-section. The second closed cross-section is not essential and may be configured as needed.

[0103] In addition, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that the connecting member 95 is a member constituting a part of the motor arrangement portion 71a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the motor arrangement portion 71a can also be constituted only by the bulging portion. In this case, the front portion of the reinforcing member 94 is directly fixed to the rear portion of the motor arrangement portion 71a, and the first closed cross-section is formed by the motor arrangement portion 71a, the reinforcing member 94, and the floor reinforcement 96. Further, by fixing the connecting member 95 to the rear portion of the bulging portion constituting the motor arrangement portion 71a, a second closed cross-section is formed by the connecting member 95 and the motor arrangement portion 71a.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 12, the rear part of the reinforcing member 94 is attached to the floor panel 70 and the lid 35 of the battery unit BY. Specifically, a flange 94a extending in the vehicle width direction is formed at the rear part of the reinforcing member 94, and the bolt B1 is configured to penetrate through this flange 94a. A nut N1 that screws with the bolt B1 is fixed to the upper surface of the flange 94a. The bolt B1 is configured to penetrate through the portion directly below the flange 94a in the lid 35 and the portion directly below the flange 94a in the floor panel 70. By passing the bolt B1 from below the lid 35 through the lid 35, the floor panel 70, and the flange 94a and screwing it with the nut N1, the rear part of the reinforcing member 94 can be fixed to the floor panel 70 and the lid 35. In this way, since the rear part of the reinforcing member 94, the floor panel 70, and the lid 35 are fastened by the common fastening members B1 and N1, they can be firmly integrated. Incidentally, the bolt B1 may be passed through from above the flange 94a and screwed with the nut N1 fixed to the lower surface of the lid 35. Instead of the bolt B1, a screw or the like may be used. Also, a plurality of locations spaced apart in the vehicle width direction of the reinforcing member 94 can be attached to the lid 35 and the floor panel 70.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 10, the rear part of the reinforcing member 94 is also attached to the center portion in the vehicle width direction of the first case inner member 25A. Specifically, the bolt B2 is configured to penetrate through a portion of the rear part of the reinforcing member 94 that is spaced apart from the flange 94a (shown in FIG. 12) in the vehicle width direction. Also, the bolt B2 is configured to penetrate through the floor reinforcement 96, the floor panel 70, and the lid 35. A nut N2 is fixed to the rear part of the reinforcing member 94 so as to coincide with the penetrating portion of the bolt B2.

[0106] In the first case inner member 25A, a bolt insertion hole 25a for bolt B2 is formed. By inserting bolt B2 inserted into the insertion hole 25a from below through the upper wall portion of the first case inner member 25A, the lid 35, the floor panel 70, the floor reinforcement 96, and the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 in sequence and screwing it into nut N2, the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 can also be fastened to the first case inner member 25A. In this way, since the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94, the floor reinforcement 96, the floor panel 70, the lid 35, and the first case inner member 25A are fastened by the common fastening members B2 and N2, they can be firmly integrated. Incidentally, bolt B2 may be passed through from above the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 and screwed into nut N2 fixed to the first case inner member 25. Instead of bolt B2, a screw or the like may be used. Also, the plurality of portions of the reinforcing member 94 separated in the vehicle width direction can be attached to the first case inner member 25A.

[0107] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the center portion in the vehicle width direction of the first case inner member 25A is the intersection with the front center member 26 and also the intersection with the first rear center member 27. The intersection of the first case inner member 25A with the front center member 26 (or the first rear center member 27) is reinforced by the front center member 26 (or the first rear center member 27) and is a portion with particularly high strength. The rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 can be attached to this high-strength portion.

[0108] Also, the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 may be attached to the front cross member 93. For example, the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 may be fixed to the upper portion of the front cross member 93 by a fastening member, or the rear portion of the reinforcing member 94 may be fixed to the front cross member 93 via a bracket (not shown).

[0109] Based on FIG. 8, the positional relationship between the reinforcing member 94 and the battery B will be described. Among the plurality of batteries B included in the battery unit BY, when comparing the position of the front portion of the most forwardly arranged battery B with the front portion of the reinforcing member 94, the battery B is arranged such that the front portion of the most forwardly arranged battery B is located rearward of the front portion of the reinforcing member 94. Thereby, it becomes difficult for an impact load from the front during a collision to act on the battery B.

[0110] Also, in a front view, at least a part of the front traveling motor M1 is positioned so as to overlap with the front portion of the reinforcing member 94. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the vertical position of the front traveling motor M1 is set to be substantially the same as the vertical position of the front portion of the reinforcing member 94. Thereby, when the front traveling motor M1 retreats, its load can be surely received by the front portion of the reinforcing member 94.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, etc., the upper structure 3 includes a partition reinforcing member 98. The partition reinforcing member 98 is provided in front of the motor arrangement portion 71a on the inner surface of the upper panel portion 71A in the passenger compartment R1 and extends in the vehicle width direction. The front portion of the partition reinforcing member 98 is joined to the lower panel portion 71B. The left end portion of the partition reinforcing member 98 is connected to the left suspension tower portion 90, and the right end portion of the partition reinforcing member 98 is connected to the right suspension tower portion 91.

[0112] (Operation and Effect of the Embodiment) As described above, by bulging the lower portion of the dash panel 71 inward of the passenger compartment R1, the motor arrangement portion 71a is formed, and the front traveling motor M1 is arranged in this motor arrangement portion 71a. Therefore, it becomes possible to bring the front traveling motor M1 closer to the rear side. Thereby, a sufficient crush stroke during a collision is ensured in the front-rear direction.

[0113] Next, the collision of the electric vehicle 1 configured as described above will be explained. When a collision occurs and an impact load acts from the front, an obstacle may enter the power chamber R3 formed in front of the dashboard 71, and the obstacle applies a load in the backward direction to the front traveling motor M1. The front traveling motor M1, on which the load in the backward direction acts, will push the motor placement portion 71a backward. However, since this motor placement portion 71a is connected to the highly rigid front cross member 93 by the reinforcing member 94, the backward deformation of the motor placement portion 71a is suppressed. As a result, the backward movement of the front traveling motor M1 into the passenger compartment R1 is suppressed.

[0114] Also, since the front portion of the battery B is arranged behind the front portion of the reinforcing member 94, it becomes difficult for the impact load during a collision to act on the battery B.

[0115] Also, in a front view, at least a part of the front traveling motor M1 is positioned so as to overlap with the front portion of the reinforcing member 94. Therefore, when the front traveling motor M1 moves backward, the load can be reliably received by the front portion of the reinforcing member 94 and transmitted to the front cross member 93.

[0116] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in every respect and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0117] 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

[0118] 1 Electric vehicle 10 Battery case 32 Front battery frame 70 Floor panel 71 Dashboard (partition portion) 71a Motor placement portion 93 Front cross member 94 Reinforcing member A Front body structure B Battery M1 Driving motor S1 Front seat

Claims

1. An electric vehicle comprising a lower structure and an upper structure, with a driving motor mounted at the front of the vehicle, wherein the upper structure includes a partition portion provided to extend in the vehicle width direction at the front of the vehicle and defining the vehicle interior space, and a motor arrangement portion formed by bulging the middle portion in the vehicle width direction of the partition portion toward the vehicle interior side so as to be convex toward the rear of the vehicle in both plan view and side view, and at least a part of the driving motor mounted outside the vehicle interior space can be arranged therein, and a cross member fixed to the floor panel on the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the motor arrangement portion and extending in the vehicle width direction, and a reinforcing member connecting the motor arrangement portion and the cross member.

2. In the electric vehicle according to Claim 1, a battery for supplying power to the driving motor is arranged behind the front portion of the reinforcing member below the floor panel.

3. In the electric vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, in a front view, at least a part of the driving motor is positioned so as to overlap with the front portion of the reinforcing member.

4. In the electric vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, a battery case capable of accommodating a battery for supplying power to the driving motor is disposed below the floor panel, a front battery frame extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at the front portion of the battery case, and in a front view, at least a part of the driving motor is positioned so as to overlap with at least a part of the front battery frame.

5. In the electric vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, the lower portion of the partition portion is formed so as to be located more rearward of the vehicle as it goes downward, and the driving motor is mounted on the motor arrangement portion formed in the lower portion of the partition portion.

6. In the electric vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, at least a part of a seat disposed in the vehicle interior space is attached to the cross member.

7. In the electric vehicle according to Claim 1, both left and right sides of the vehicle of the motor arrangement portion are constituted by inclined surfaces that slope downward toward the rear of the vehicle.

Images