Vehicle structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle structure capable of increasing a sliding amount of a vehicle seat while ensuring comfort in a vehicle interior.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure comprises: a floor panel 24 which is arranged above a battery and constitutes a floor surface of a vehicle interior; a cross member 26 which is arranged on the floor panel 24 and extends in a vehicle width direction; a lower rail 28 which is arranged on the cross member 26; and an upper rail 30 which is supported so as to be slidable in a vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the lower rail 28. The vehicle structure also has: a seat rail 22 which supports a vehicle seat; and an extension rail 30 which is arranged on an outer side of the seat rail 22 in the vehicle width direction, extends toward a front side of a vehicle beyond the seat rail 22 and is engaged with the lower rail 28 so that the lower rail can move in the vehicle longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a long slide rail is provided below a floor panel. Specifically, by including a first floor that supports the slide rail and a second floor provided above the first floor, the slide rail is embedded in the floor panel, flattening the floor surface of the passenger compartment. Also, the slide rail extends from the front end to the rear end of the passenger compartment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of an electric vehicle with a battery mounted below the floor panel, if a structure in which the slide rail is embedded is adopted, the space inside the passenger compartment may become narrow, potentially impairing comfort.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle structure that can increase the slide amount of a vehicle seat while ensuring the comfort inside the passenger compartment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle structure according to claim 1 comprises a floor panel disposed above the battery and constituting the floor surface of the passenger compartment; a cross member provided on the floor panel and extending in the vehicle width direction; a seat rail comprising a lower rail provided on the cross member and an upper rail supported so as to be slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the lower rail, and supporting a vehicle seat; and an extension rail disposed on the outside of the seat rail in the vehicle width direction, extending further forward than the seat rail, and engaging with the lower rail so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0007] In the vehicle structure according to claim 1, a floor panel is provided above the battery, and the floor panel constitutes the floor surface of the passenger compartment. A cross member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided on the floor panel. Furthermore, a seat rail supporting a vehicle seat is provided on the cross member, and the seat rail is composed of a lower rail and an upper rail that is slidably supported relative to the lower rail in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, by sliding the upper rail relative to the lower rail, the vehicle seat can be moved forward and backward together with the upper rail.

[0008] Furthermore, an extension rail is provided on the outer side of the seat rail in the vehicle width direction, extending further forward than the seat rail. The lower rail is engaged with the extension rail so as to be movable in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. This allows the entire seat rail to be moved forward and backward by moving the lower rail along the extension rail. In addition, by providing the extension rail on the outer side of the seat rail in the vehicle width direction, the height of the seat rail does not need to be increased, thus preventing a reduction in the space inside the vehicle.

[0009] The vehicle structure according to claim 2 is the vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle width direction end is a rocker that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the extension rail is fixed to the rocker.

[0010] In the vehicle structure according to claim 2, since the extension rail is fixed to the rocker, the load input from the vehicle seat can be transmitted to the rocker. Furthermore, in the event of a side collision of the vehicle, the rocker and extension rail can bear the collision load.

[0011] The vehicle structure according to claim 3 is as described in claim 1, wherein the lower rail is fixed to the cross member via a locking mechanism, and the locking state by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat is not in use.

[0012] In the vehicle structure according to claim 3, the lower rail is fixed to the cross member via a locking mechanism, and the locking state by the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat is not in use. As a result, when the vehicle seat is in use, the locked state is maintained, preventing the lower rail from moving unintentionally.

[0013] The vehicle structure according to claim 4 is as described in claim 1, wherein the cross member and the extension rail are covered by a floor carpet.

[0014] In the vehicle structure according to claim 4, since the cross member and extension rail are covered by the floor carpet, the aesthetic design of the vehicle interior can be improved compared to a configuration in which the extension rail is exposed.

[0015] The vehicle structure according to claim 5 is as described in claim 1, wherein the seat rail and the extension rail are provided on the passenger side, and the extension rail extends to below the instrument panel.

[0016] In the vehicle structure according to claim 5, since the extension rail extends to below the instrument panel, the passenger-side vehicle seat can be stored below the instrument panel when not in use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, according to the vehicle structure of the present invention, it is possible to increase the sliding amount of the vehicle seat while ensuring the comfort in the vehicle interior.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a main part of a vehicle interior to which the vehicle structure according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state where the vehicle seat is slid from the state of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged state of the cut along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The vehicle structure according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a main part of a vehicle interior to which the vehicle structure according to the embodiment is applied. In the figure, the arrow FR, the arrow UP, and the arrow LH respectively indicate the vehicle front direction, the vehicle upward direction, and the vehicle left direction in the vehicle 10. In the following description, when the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions are used without special mention, the front and rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, the up and down in the vehicle up-down direction, and the left and right in the vehicle left-right direction (width direction) are respectively indicated.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle seat 12 is provided at the front part of a vehicle interior to which the vehicle structure of the present embodiment is applied. The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion 14 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction and can support the buttocks and thighs of the occupant.

[0022] At the rear end of the seat cushion 14, a seat back 16 that can support the back of the occupant is rotatably attached to the seat cushion 14, and the seat back 16 extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction. Further, a headrest 18 that can support the head of the occupant is provided at the upper end of the seat back 16.

[0023] The vehicle seat 12 configured as described above is, for example, the passenger seat, and a driver's vehicle seat (not shown) is provided adjacent to the vehicle seat 12 in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] An instrument panel 19, which is an interior material, is provided on the vehicle front side of the vehicle seat 12. Also, a space 20 is provided below the instrument panel 19. The space 20 is a space for a passenger seated on the vehicle seat 12 on the passenger side to put their feet.

[0025] The vehicle seat 12 is provided above a floor panel 24 that constitutes the floor surface of the vehicle interior, and a battery BT is provided below the floor panel 24. The battery BT stores electric power for supplying to a motor (not shown), and drives the motor by supplying electric power from the battery BT to the motor to make the vehicle run. That is, the vehicle of the present embodiment is an electric vehicle. Here, the electric vehicle includes battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), and the like.

[0026] A cross member 26 is provided on the floor panel 24. The cross member 26 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects between the skeletons of the vehicle. Specifically, the cross member 26 connects a pair of left and right rocker panels 52 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, two cross members 26 are provided at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0027] A seat rail 22 is provided on the cross member 26, and the vehicle seat 12 is attached to the cross member 26 via the seat rail 22. The seat rail 22 includes a lower rail 28 and an upper rail 30.

[0028] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along line 3-3 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the lower rail 28 is arranged on the floor panel 24. The lower rail 28 is composed of a bottom wall portion 28A that is in contact with the floor panel 24, side wall portions 28B that extend upward from both ends of the bottom wall portion 28A in the vehicle width direction, and an upper wall portion 28C that extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the side wall portion 28B and is further bent downward towards the vehicle.

[0029] The upper rail 30 is engaged with the lower rail 28. The upper rail 30 is composed of a rail body portion 30A with a roughly U-shaped cross-section that is open on the lower side when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and an engaging portion 30B with a roughly L-shaped cross-section that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the rail body portion 30A and is further bent upward. A bearing (not shown) is sandwiched between the engaging portion 30B of the upper rail 30 and the lower rail 28, and the upper rail 30 is supported so as to be slidable relative to the lower rail 28 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0030] The seat frame 44 of the vehicle seat 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the rail body 30A of the upper rail 30. Therefore, when the upper rail 30 slides in the front-rear direction of the vehicle relative to the lower rail 28, the vehicle seat 12 slides together with the upper rail 30 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0031] Furthermore, a locking mechanism 40 is provided on the outer side wall portion 28B of the lower rail 28 in the vehicle width direction. The locking mechanism 40 has a claw portion (not shown) that can engage with a striker 42 erected on the floor panel 24. When the claw portion of the locking mechanism 40 engages with the striker 42, the lower rail 28 becomes fixed to the cross member 26. By activating the locking mechanism 40 and releasing the engagement between the claw portion and the striker 42, the lower rail 28 becomes movable relative to the cross member 26.

[0032] In this embodiment, as an example, the locking mechanism 40 is configured to release the lock state when the vehicle seat 12 is not in use. For example, a control device (not shown), such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), may determine whether the vehicle seat 12 is in use or not, and release the lock state of the locking mechanism 40 if it determines that the vehicle seat 12 is not in use.

[0033] The usage status of the vehicle seat 12 can be determined using sensors such as a seat sensor, a buckle sensor, and a camera. For example, if it is detected that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 12 based on a signal from the seat sensor, it is determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in use. Alternatively, if it is detected that the seat belt is fastened to the passenger seat buckle based on a signal from the buckle sensor, it may be determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in use. Furthermore, if it is determined that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 12 based on image data acquired from a camera that photographs the interior of the vehicle, it may be determined that the vehicle seat 12 is in use.

[0034] An extension rail 32 is provided on the outer side of the seat rail 22 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 1, the extension rail 32 extends further forward than the seat rail 22, and the front end of the seat rail 22 is located in the space 20 below the instrument panel 19.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the extension rail 32 has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In addition, a through hole is formed in the wall surface of the extension rail 32 that faces the seat rail 22, and the support portion 50 of the connecting member 46 is inserted into this through hole.

[0036] The connecting member 46 is provided between the lower rail 28 and the extension rail 32, and the connecting member 46 and the lower rail 28 are fastened together by bolts 48. Although not shown in the figures, nuts that engage with the bolts 48 are provided inside the lower rail 28.

[0037] A support portion 50 is provided on the outer surface of the connecting member 46 in the vehicle width direction. The support portion 50 extends outward in the vehicle width direction and is inserted into the extension rail 32, and the tip of the support portion 50 branches upward and downward and is supported by the extension rail 32 via bearings (not shown). As a result, the connecting member 46 is slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the extension rail 32.

[0038] The outer wall surface of the extension rail 32 in the vehicle width direction is fastened (fixed) to the rocker 52 by bolts 58 and nuts 60.

[0039] The rocker 52 is a closed-section skeletal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is composed of a rocker inner panel 54 and a rocker outer panel 56. The rocker inner panel 54 is formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross-section with the outer side in the vehicle width direction open. The rocker outer panel 56 is also formed in a substantially hat-shaped cross-section with the inner side in the vehicle width direction open, and is joined to the rocker inner panel 54.

[0040] Here, a floor carpet 70 is provided on the floor panel 24, and the floor carpet 70 covers the cross member 26 and the extension rail 32.

[0041] As described above, the extension rail 32 is fixed to the rocker 52, and the connecting member 46 is slidable relative to the extension rail 32 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In other words, the lower rail 28 is engaged with the extension rail 32 so as to be movable in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the locking mechanism 40 is released, sliding the lower rail 28 relative to the extension rail 32 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction allows the vehicle seat 12 to be moved together with the seat rail 22 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0042] Figure 2 is a side view showing the state in which the vehicle seat 12 has been slid forward from the state shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, when the vehicle seat 12 is not in use, the seat rail 22 is slid forward relative to the extension rail 32 and the seat back 16 is folded, allowing the vehicle seat 12 to be stored in the space 20 below the instrument panel 19.

[0043] (action) Next, the operation of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0044] In the vehicle structure according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a floor panel 24 is disposed above the battery BT, and the floor panel 24 constitutes the floor surface of the passenger compartment. A cross member 26 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided on the floor panel 24. Furthermore, a seat rail 22 supporting the vehicle seat 12 is provided on the cross member 26, and the seat rail 22 is composed of a lower rail 28 and an upper rail 30 that is supported so as to be slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the lower rail 28. As a result, by sliding the upper rail 30 relative to the lower rail 28, the vehicle seat 12 can be moved forward and backward together with the upper rail 30.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, an extension rail 32 is provided on the outer side of the seat rail 22 in the vehicle width direction, extending further forward than the seat rail 22. A lower rail 28 is engaged with the extension rail 32 so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction. This allows the entire seat rail 22 to be moved forward and backward by moving the lower rail 28 along the extension rail 32. In addition, by providing the extension rail 32 on the outer side of the seat rail 22 in the vehicle width direction, the height of the seat rail 22 does not need to be increased, and the reduction in interior space within the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the extension rail 32 is fixed to the rocker 52, the load input from the vehicle seat 12 can be transmitted to the rocker 52. Also, in the event of a side collision of the vehicle, the rocker 52 and extension rail 32 can bear the collision load.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower rail 28 is fixed to the cross member 26 via a locking mechanism 40, and the locking mechanism is released when the vehicle seat 12 is not in use. As a result, when the vehicle seat 12 is in use, the locked state is maintained, preventing the lower rail 28 from moving unintentionally.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the cross member 26 and the extension rail 32 are covered by the floor carpet 70, the aesthetic design of the vehicle interior can be improved compared to a configuration in which the extension rail 32 is exposed.

[0049] Furthermore, since the extension rail 32 extends to the lower part of the instrument panel 19, when the passenger-side vehicle seat 12 is not in use, the vehicle seat 12 can be stored below the instrument panel 19. In this way, the sliding range of the vehicle seat 12 can be increased while ensuring comfort inside the vehicle.

[0050] The vehicle structure according to the present invention has been described above, but it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the extension rail 32 is fixed to the rocker 52, but it is not limited to this, and the extension rail 32 may be spaced apart from the rocker 52. Even in this case, the fixed state of the extension rail 32 can be maintained well by fixing the extension rail 32 to the cross member 26 or the like.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lower rail 28 is fixed to the cross member 26 using the locking mechanism 40 and the striker 42, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a locking pin that can move vertically may be provided on the cross member 26, and the lower rail may be locked by the locking pin passing through the lower wall of the lower rail when the vehicle seat is in use. In this case, the fixed state between the lower rail and the cross member is released by lowering the locking pin when the vehicle seat is not in use.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lower rail 28 is made slidable relative to the extension rail 32 by a connecting member 46 provided on the lower rail 28, but this is not limited to this. For example, the shape and structure of the connecting member 46 and the support part 50 may be changed. Also, the shape of the extension rail 32 is not particularly limited, and other shapes and structures may be adopted as long as the lower rail is slidable relative to the extension rail.

[0053] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0054] (Note 1) A floor panel positioned above the battery and forming the floor surface of the passenger compartment, A cross member provided on the floor panel and extending in the vehicle width direction, A seat rail is provided which a vehicle seat is supported, comprising a lower rail provided on the cross member and an upper rail that is slidably supported in the vehicle's longitudinal direction relative to the lower rail, An extension rail is provided which is disposed on the outside of the seat rail in the vehicle width direction and extends further forward than the seat rail, and the lower rail is engaged with the extension rail so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction, A vehicle structure having the following characteristics. (Note 2) The vehicle width end is equipped with a rocker that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, The vehicle structure as described in Appendix 1, wherein the extension rail is fixed to the rocker. (Note 3) The lower rail is fixed to the cross member via a locking mechanism. The vehicle structure described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the locking mechanism releases the locked state when the vehicle seat is not in use. (Note 4) The vehicle structure described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the cross member and the extension rail are covered by a floor carpet. (Note 5) The aforementioned seat rail and extension rail are provided on the passenger side. The aforementioned extension rail extends to below the instrument panel, as per any one of the vehicle structures described in Appendix 1 to Appendix 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 12 Vehicle seats 19. Instrument Panel 22 seat rails 24 Floor Panels 26 Crossmember 28 Lower Rail 30 Upper Rail 32 Extension Rails 40 Locking mechanism 52 Rocka 70 Floor Carpet BT Battery

Claims

1. A floor panel positioned above the battery and forming the floor surface of the passenger compartment, A cross member provided on the floor panel and extending in the vehicle width direction, A seat rail is provided which a vehicle seat is supported, comprising a lower rail provided on the cross member and an upper rail that is slidably supported in the vehicle's longitudinal direction relative to the lower rail, An extension rail is provided which is disposed on the outside of the seat rail in the vehicle width direction and extends further forward than the seat rail, and the lower rail is engaged with the extension rail so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction, A vehicle structure having the following characteristics.

2. The vehicle width end is equipped with a rocker that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension rail is fixed to the rocker.

3. The lower rail is fixed to the cross member via a locking mechanism. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism releases the locked state when the vehicle seat is not in use.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the cross member and the extension rail are covered by a floor carpet.

5. The aforementioned seat rail and extension rail are provided on the passenger side. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension rail extends to below the instrument panel.

Images