Vehicle structure

Abstract

This vehicle structure comprises: an air cleaner (100); a battery (200) that is disposed forward of the air cleaner (100) in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a base (26) that supports the air cleaner (100) and the battery (200) from below; a first fixing member (30) that is disposed directly below the air cleaner (100) and attaches the base (26) to one side frame (14) among a pair of side frames (14) extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; and a second fixing member (32) that is disposed directly below the battery (200) and attaches the base (26) to the one side frame (14).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle structure in which a first component is arranged forward of a master cylinder whose longitudinal axis is provided along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a second component is arranged on the vehicle front side of the first component, and a third component is arranged on the vehicle front side of the second component. In this vehicle structure, the first to third components are supported by a bracket from the vehicle lower side. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-38333 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the vehicle structure described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a bracket that supports a plurality of components is supported on a motor frame. However, simply attaching the bracket to the motor frame cannot receive the load of each component supported by the bracket in a well-balanced manner, resulting in an unstable support state. Further, when an impact or external force directed toward the rear of the vehicle is applied, the components on the bracket may move backward and come into contact with the master cylinder on the rear side.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure that can support a plurality of in-vehicle devices in a well-balanced manner and can suppress movement of the in-vehicle devices when an impact or external force is applied. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The present invention consists of the following configuration. a first in-vehicle device; A second in-vehicle device is positioned in front of the first in-vehicle device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A base that supports the first in-vehicle device and the second in-vehicle device from below, A first fixing member is positioned directly below the first in-vehicle device and attaches the base to one of a pair of side frames that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A second fixing member is positioned directly below the second in-vehicle device and attaches the base to one of the side frames, Equipped with, Vehicle structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle structure that can support multiple in-vehicle devices in a balanced manner and can suppress the movement of in-vehicle devices when impacts or external forces are applied. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the front of a vehicle to which the vehicle structure according to the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationships of the in-vehicle components. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the base. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the air cleaner mounted on a base, seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the air cleaner mounted on a base, seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the air cleaner. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the air cleaner from below. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side view of the air cleaner. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the battery mounted on the base, seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 11] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the battery mounted on the pedestal as seen from the vehicle rear side. [Figure 12] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the tray as seen from below. [Figure 13] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the electronic control unit mounted on the pedestal. [Figure 14] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the electronic control unit mounted on the pedestal as seen from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 15] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the electronic control unit attached to the mounting bracket. [Figure 16] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the electronic control unit to the mounting bracket. [Figure 17] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 2. [Figure 18] Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the mounting bracket to the strut housing portion. [Figure 19] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the pedestal attached to the side frame. [Figure 20] Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the pedestal to the side frame. [Figure 21] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the first fixing member and the second fixing member that support the pedestal. [Figure 22] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the first fixing member and the second fixing member that support the pedestal. [Figure 23] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the first fixing member as seen from one side in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 24] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the first fixing member as seen from the other side in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 25] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the second fixing member as seen from one side in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 26] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the second fixing member as seen from the other side in the vehicle width direction. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the reference numeral FR indicates the front of the vehicle, the reference numeral UP indicates the top of the vehicle, and the reference numeral HL indicates the width direction of the vehicle. (Overall structure) First, the overall configuration of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the front of a vehicle 10 to which the vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the positional relationship of on-board components. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle structure according to this embodiment is applied to the internal structure of the engine compartment 12 located at the front of the vehicle 10. Inside the engine compartment 12, an air cleaner (first onboard equipment) 100, a battery (second onboard equipment) 200, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 300 are arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction.

[0011] The battery 200 is positioned in front of the air cleaner 100 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The electronic control unit 300 is positioned in the rear of the battery 200 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and further offset from the battery 200 in the vehicle's width direction. As a result, the electronic control unit 300 is positioned laterally to the air cleaner 100 in the vehicle's width direction.

[0012] The air cleaner 100, battery 200, and electronic control unit (ECU) 300 are positioned on top of a single base 26. In other words, the air cleaner 100, battery 200, and electronic control unit (ECU) 300 are mounted on a single base 26 and supported from below by this base 26.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the base 26. As shown in Figure 4, the base 26 has an air cleaner mounting section 26A, a battery mounting section 26B, and an ECU mounting section 26C. The air cleaner 100 is mounted in the air cleaner mounting section 26A of the base 26, the battery 200 is mounted in the battery mounting section 26B, and the electronic control unit 300 is mounted in the ECU mounting section 26C.

[0014] The base 26 is attached to the side frame 14 that constitutes the chassis frame (body) of the vehicle 10 (see Figure 3). The chassis frame comprises a pair of side frames 14 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at intervals in the vehicle width direction, and these side frames 14 are connected to each other by a plurality of cross members (not shown) that extend in the vehicle width direction at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0015] The base 26 is attached to one side frame 14 (the left side in the vehicle width direction) of a pair of side frames 14 within the engine compartment 12 at the front of the vehicle. The base 26 is attached to one side frame 14 by a first fixing member 30 and a second fixing member 32. The first fixing member 30 is positioned directly below the air cleaner 100 mounted on the air cleaner mounting section 26A of the base 26, and the second fixing member 32 is positioned directly below the battery 200 mounted on the battery mounting section 26B of the base 26.

[0016] A master cylinder 16 is provided on the passenger compartment side wall 12a of the engine compartment 12. This master cylinder 16 is positioned on the rear side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction relative to the air cleaner 100. In other words, the air cleaner 100 and battery 200, mounted on a base 26, are positioned sequentially on the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction relative to the master cylinder 16. This master cylinder 16 is positioned at the rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, below the air cleaner 100.

[0017] Next, the structure of each part of the vehicle structure according to this embodiment will be described. (Air cleaner mounting structure) Figure 5 is a perspective view of the air cleaner 100 mounted on the base 26, seen from the front of the vehicle. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the air cleaner 100 mounted on the base 26, seen from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the air cleaner 100. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the air cleaner 100 seen from below. Figure 9 is a side view of the air cleaner 100.

[0018] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the air cleaner 100 is attached to the air cleaner mounting section 26A of the base 26.

[0019] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the air cleaner 100 has a resin case 110. This case 110 is box-shaped and consists of a lower case 112 and an upper case 114. The case 110 is equipped with a filter 116 in its internal space, thereby dividing the internal space of the case 110 into upper and lower sections by the filter 116 (see Figure 3).

[0020] The lower case 112 is provided with locking pieces 120 having locking holes 120a at two locations on its rear surface. The upper case 114 is provided with locking projections 122 at two locations on its rear surface. The upper case 114 is attached to the lower case 112 by inserting the locking projections 122 into the locking holes 120a of the locking pieces 120 of the lower case 112 and then placing the upper case 114 over it, thereby sealing the top of the lower case 112. The lower case 112 and the upper case 114 also have locking parts 124 at two locations on their front surfaces. One end of a clip 126 is connected to this locking part 124 on the lower case 112 side. This clip 126 is made of an elastic metal plate, and its other end, which is free, can be locked to the upper case 114 side. In other words, by rotating this clip 126 and locking its free end to the upper case 114, the upper case 114 is maintained in the assembled state on the lower case 112.

[0021] The air cleaner 100 is equipped with an intake duct 130. The intake duct 130 is connected to the front side of the lower case 112. The intake duct 130 is connected to the lower case 112 at a position closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction, that is, at a position closer to the engine side opposite to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The intake duct 130 extends forward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The intake duct 130 has a connection portion 132 at its end, and this connection portion 132 is fastened and fixed to the vehicle body by a bolt 134.

[0022] The air cleaner 100 also includes a connecting duct (duct) 136. The connecting duct 136 is connected to the inner corner in the vehicle width direction on the rear surface of the upper case 114. This connecting duct 136 extends in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the engine (not shown).

[0023] In the air cleaner 100, air is drawn in through the intake port 130a at the end of the intake duct 130. The air drawn into the intake duct 130 then passes through a filter 116 located in the internal space of the case 110, and is then sent to the engine via the connecting duct 136. Even if water is drawn into the intake duct 130 along with the air, this water accumulates at the bottom of the lower case 112 of the air cleaner 100 and is not sent to the engine.

[0024] The air cleaner 100 has a mounting portion 140 on its lower side, and this mounting portion 140 is attached to the air cleaner mounting portion 26A on the base 26.

[0025] The mounting portion 140 has engaging portions 142 and 144, a contact portion 146, and a fastening portion 148. The engaging portions 142 and 144 are located on the inside of the air cleaner 100 in the vehicle width direction, which is the engine side, while the contact portion 146 and the fastening portion 148 are located on the outside of the air cleaner 100 in the vehicle width direction, which is the opposite side from the engine side.

[0026] The engaging portions 142 and 144 are equipped with bushings 150 made of, for example, rubber or plastic. A cushioning plate 152 made of, for example, a rubber sheet is attached to the contact portion 146. A bolt 154 is provided at the fastening portion 148.

[0027] Pins 162 and 164 are erected in the air cleaner mounting portion 26A of the base 26 at positions corresponding to the engaging portions 142 and 144, a contact surface 166 made of a smooth surface is provided at a position corresponding to the contact portion 146, and a bolt hole 168 is provided at a position corresponding to the fastening portion 148 (see Figure 4).

[0028] The air cleaner 100 is placed on the air cleaner mounting section 26A of the base 26 from above. When the air cleaner 100 is placed on the air cleaner mounting section 26A, the pins 162 and 164 are inserted into the bushings 150 of the engaging sections 142 and 144 and engage, and the buffer plate 152 of the contact section 146 comes into contact with the contact surface 166. In this state, the bolt 154 of the fastening section 148 is screwed into the bolt hole 168 of the base 26 and fastened, thereby attaching the air cleaner 100 to the air cleaner mounting section 26A of the base 26.

[0029] Thus, on the engine side, in the vehicle width direction, the air cleaner 100 is engaged with the base 26 by pins 162, 164 and bushings 150. Furthermore, on the outside of the vehicle width direction, opposite to the engine side, the air cleaner 100 is firmly fixed to the base 26 by fastening portions 146 to the contact surface 166 of the base 26 on the rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and by fastening portions 148 to the base 26 by bolts 154 on the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, the air cleaner 100 is mounted to the base 26 at its mounting portion 140 so that the engine side in the vehicle width direction can be displaced in response to external forces from the engine. Therefore, external forces such as engine roll transmitted to the air cleaner 100 through the connecting duct 136 can be absorbed at the mounting portion 140 of the air cleaner 100 on the base 26.

[0030] The air cleaner 100 has a case 110 that is inclined upwards toward the rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the filter 116 is positioned inside the case 110 with the rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction being inclined downwards (see Figure 3). Therefore, the direction of the airflow drawn in from the front of the vehicle through the intake duct 130 is gradually changed before passing through the filter 116. Consequently, the pressure loss of air in the air cleaner 100 is suppressed.

[0031] Furthermore, since the case 110 of the air cleaner 100 is inclined upward toward the rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, a large space S1 can be secured between the air cleaner 100 and the master cylinder 16 located at the rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction below the air cleaner 100. Therefore, contact between the air cleaner 100 and the master cylinder 16 located at the rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction can be more effectively suppressed. In addition, because the case 110 of the air cleaner 100 is inclined upward toward the rear in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, a large space S2 can be secured above the air cleaner 100 and the battery 200. This allows the wire harness W, such as fusible links and cables connected to the battery 200, to be neatly housed and routed in the space S2 between the air cleaner 100 and the battery 200. Furthermore, since the fastening portion 148 of the air cleaner 100 is positioned to overlap with the space S2 between the air cleaner 100 and the battery 200 when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, a tool can be passed through space S2 and the fastening portion 148 of the air cleaner 100 can be easily fastened to the base 26 with a bolt 154.

[0032] Furthermore, because the case 110 of the air cleaner 100 is inclined upwards toward the rear in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction, when external forces associated with engine roll are transmitted to the air cleaner 100 through the connecting duct 136, these external forces can be uniformly applied to the upper part of the case 110. This suppresses the opening at the joint between the lower case 112 and the upper case 114.

[0033] (Battery mounting structure) Figure 10 is a perspective view of the battery 200 mounted on the base 26, seen from the front of the vehicle. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the battery 200 mounted on the base 26, seen from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the tray 220, seen from below.

[0034] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the battery 200 is attached to the battery mounting section 26B of the base 26.

[0035] The battery 200 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has negative and positive terminals 212 on its upper surface 210. When the battery 200 is mounted on the battery mounting section 26B of the base 26, its front 214 and rear 216 are oriented forward and rearward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and both sides 218 are oriented in the vehicle's width direction. The battery 200 is mounted on the tray 220 and then attached to the battery mounting section 26B of the base 26.

[0036] As shown in Figure 12, the tray 220 has a rectangular bottom portion 222 and a peripheral wall portion 224 that is erected upward from the outer edge of the bottom portion 222. The battery 200 is fitted into the tray 220 from above, with its bottom portion being fitted into the tray 220. The tray 220 has two positioning protrusions 226 on its bottom surface, and these positioning protrusions 226 are fitted into positioning holes 228 formed in the battery mounting portion 26B of the base 26 (see Figure 4). As a result, the battery 200 mounted on the tray 220 is mounted in a position on the battery mounting portion 26B of the base 26.

[0037] The battery 200 is also fixed to the base 26 by a stay 230 and a rod 232. The stay 230 is provided with pressing plate portions 230a having holes (not shown) at both ends. The rod 232 is made of a rod body with a male thread formed on one end, and a hook 234 formed by bending the rod body is provided at the other end of the rod 232. A locking hole 236 is formed in the battery mounting portion 26B of the base 26, and the hook 234 of the rod 232 can be locked into the locking hole 236.

[0038] The battery 200 is placed on a tray 220 positioned and positioned on the battery mounting section 26B of the base 26. With the battery 200 placed on the battery mounting section 26B, the hook 234 of the rod 232 is locked into the locking hole 236 of the base 26. Then, one end of the rod 232 is passed through the hole in the pressing plate section 230a of the stay 230, and the nut 238 is screwed onto the other end of the rod 232 to fasten it. In this way, the battery 200 is attached to the battery mounting section 26B of the base 26, pressed against the base 26 by the stay 230 and the rod 232.

[0039] (Mounting structure of the electronic control unit) Figure 13 is a perspective view of the electronic control unit 300 mounted on the base 26. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the electronic control unit 300 mounted on the base 26, viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the electronic control unit 300 attached to the mounting bracket 310. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the electronic control unit 300 to the mounting bracket 310. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in Figure 2. Figure 18 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the mounting bracket 310 to the strut housing 346.

[0040] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the electronic control unit 300 is mounted on the ECU mounting section 26C of the base 26. The electronic control unit 300 is fixed to a mounting bracket 310, and is attached to the ECU mounting section 26C of the base 26 by this mounting bracket 310.

[0041] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the mounting bracket 310 has a bottom portion 312 and a side portion 314, to which the electronic control unit 300 is fixed. The side portion 314 is bent upward from one side edge of the bottom portion 312 and erected, thereby forming the mounting bracket 310 in a substantially L-shape. The bottom portion 312 of the mounting bracket 310 is fixed to the base 26. By fixing the bottom portion 312 to the base 26, the side portion 314 is positioned along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0042] The mounting bracket 310 has a mounting surface 320 on the side 314 opposite to the direction of extension of the bottom 312, and the electronic control unit 300 is fixed to this mounting surface 320. In addition, a protective bracket 330 for protecting the electronic control unit 300 is attached to the mounting surface 320 of the side 314.

[0043] Multiple stud bolts 324 are erected on the mounting surface 320 of the mounting bracket 310. In addition, multiple screw holes 326 are provided on the upper edge portion of the side portion 314 of the mounting bracket 310.

[0044] The electronic control unit 300 comprises a unit body 302 and a connector portion 304. The connector portion 304 is located on the front side of the unit body 302 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. A wire harness connector (not shown) is connected to the connector portion 304. The unit body 302 is provided with mounting flanges 306 having a plurality of mounting holes 306a on its upper and lower edges.

[0045] The electronic control unit 300 is positioned against the mounting surface 320 of the side portion 314 by inserting a stud bolt 324 through the mounting hole 306a. In this state, the electronic control unit 300 is fixed to the side portion 314 of the mounting bracket 310 by screwing a nut 328 onto the stud bolt 324 and tightening it.

[0046] The protective bracket 330 is attached to the side portion 314 of the mounting bracket 310 so as to cover the electronic control unit 300 which is fixed to the side portion 314. The protective bracket 330 has a flat plate portion 332 and a side plate portion 334 that extends from the flat plate portion 332 toward the side portion 314. The side plate portion 334 is provided on the front side and the upper side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A flange portion 336 is formed on the edge of the side plate portion 334, and a plurality of holes 336a are formed on the upper side of the flange portion 336.

[0047] The protective bracket 330 is positioned on the side 314 of the mounting bracket 310 so as to cover the electronic control unit 300 which is fixed to the side 314 of the mounting bracket 310. In this state, the protective bracket 330 is attached to the side 314 of the mounting bracket 310 by inserting the mounting screw 338 into the hole 336a and screwing it into the screw hole 326 and tightening it.

[0048] By attaching this protective bracket 330 to the side portion 314 of the mounting bracket 310, the electronic control unit 300 fixed to the side portion 314 of the mounting bracket 310 is covered by the protective bracket 330 on the outside in the vehicle width direction, the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the upper side of the vehicle.

[0049] Furthermore, the protective bracket 330 may also be provided with side plate portions 334 on the rear side and the lower side of the vehicle in the front-rear direction. In this way, the entire perimeter of the electronic control unit 300 fixed to the side portion 314 of the mounting bracket 310 can be covered and protected. In addition, multiple ventilation holes 332a are formed in the flat plate portion 332 of the protective bracket 330, ensuring good heat dissipation for the electronic control unit 300.

[0050] As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the bottom portion 312 of the mounting bracket 310 has two mounting holes 312a arranged along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. These mounting holes 312a are elongated holes that extend in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Two stud bolts (bolts) 316 are erected in the ECU mounting portion 26C of the base 26, arranged in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and are insertable through the mounting holes 312a of the bottom portion 312 (see Figure 4).

[0051] The mounting bracket 310 is fixed to the ECU mounting section 26C of the base 26 by inserting the stud bolt 316 of the base 26 through the mounting hole 312a of the bottom 312 of the bracket 310, and then screwing a nut 318 onto the stud bolt 316 and tightening it.

[0052] In this way, by fixing the mounting bracket 310, to which the electronic control unit 300 is fixed on the side portion 314, to the base 26, the electronic control unit 300 and the side portion 314 of the mounting bracket 310 are positioned along the vehicle's longitudinal direction on the outside of the air cleaner 100 in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] In this mounting configuration, as described above, the electronic control unit 300 and the mounting bracket 310 are positioned on the rearward side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction relative to the battery 200, and on the outside in the vehicle's width direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the mounting bracket 310 and the electronic control unit 300 attached to the mounting bracket 310 are positioned to the left of the vehicle 10, outside in the vehicle's width direction relative to the line SL that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction along one side 218 in the vehicle's width direction of the battery 200 mounted on the base 26. Note that the electronic control unit 300 may be positioned with a portion of it offset in the vehicle's width direction relative to the battery 200. By adopting this arrangement, even if the battery 200 is displaced to the rearward side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction during a vehicle collision or the like, contact with the electronic control unit 300 can be suppressed.

[0054] Furthermore, in this mounting configuration, the electronic control unit 300 mounted on the base 26 is positioned on the outer side (one end) in the vehicle width direction, adjacent to the air cleaner 100 in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the air cleaner 100 is positioned between the power unit such as the engine or motor, which is located in the center of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10, and the electronic control unit 300.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, in the mounting state in which the air cleaner 100 is placed adjacent to the electronic control unit 300 in the vehicle width direction and attached to the base 26, the bottom portion 312 of the mounting bracket 310 is positioned between the base 26 and the air cleaner 100.

[0056] As shown in Figure 18, the mounting bracket 310 has an extended portion 340 on its side portion 314. This extended portion 340 is provided on the rear edge of the side portion 314 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and is integrally formed with the side portion 314. This extended portion 340 has a fastening hole 342 (see Figure 15). Furthermore, a bent portion 340a is formed in the middle of the extending direction of this extended portion 340. As a result, the extending direction of the extended portion 340 is changed at the bent portion 340a.

[0057] The extended portion 340 is fixed to a fastening portion 348 provided in the strut housing portion 346, which covers the front wheel strut on the body of the vehicle 10. The extended portion 340 is fixed to the strut housing portion 346 by fastening a bolt 344, which is passed through a fastening hole 342, to the fastening portion 348.

[0058] (Base fixing structure) Figure 19 is a perspective view of the base 26 attached to the side frame 14. Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the base 26 to the side frame 14. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the first fixing member 30 and the second fixing member 32 that support the base 26. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the first fixing member 30 and the second fixing member 32 that support the base 26. Figure 23 is a perspective view of the first fixing member 30 from one side in the vehicle width direction. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the first fixing member 30 from the other side in the vehicle width direction. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the second fixing member 32 from one side in the vehicle width direction. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the second fixing member 32 from the other side in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] As shown in Figures 19 to 22, the base 26 is positioned above the side frame 14 on the outer side (one end) in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the side frame 14 by a first fixing member 30 and a second fixing member 32. These first fixing member 30 and second fixing member 32 are fixed to the side frame 14. As mentioned above, the first fixing member 30 is positioned directly below the air cleaner 100 mounted on the air cleaner mounting section 26A of the base 26, and the second fixing member 32 is positioned directly below the battery 200 mounted on the battery mounting section 26B of the base 26. Furthermore, regarding the first fixing member 30 and second fixing member 32 that fix the base 26 to the side frame 14, the first fixing member 30 has higher rigidity than the second fixing member 32.

[0060] The base 26 has a pair of through holes 500 on the rear side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and a pair of through holes 502 on the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (see Figure 20). Bolts 504 are inserted through the through holes 500 and fastened to the first fixing member 30. This fixes the rear side of the base 26 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction to the first fixing member 30. Bolts 506 are inserted through the through holes 502 and fastened to the second fixing member 32. This fixes the front side of the base 26 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction to the second fixing member 32.

[0061] As shown in Figures 21 to 24, the first fixing member 30 has a first bracket 600. The first bracket 600 has a fixing plate portion 602 that extends in the vehicle width direction. The fixing plate portion 602 is provided with bolt holes 604 into which bolts 504 are screwed. The fixing plate portion 602 has both edges projecting downwards and is formed in a U-shape in cross-section. In addition, a connecting piece portion 606 extending downwards is formed on one edge of the fixing plate portion 602. The first bracket 600 has a connecting portion 608 at one end. This connecting portion 608 is fastened and fixed to the inner portion of the fender panel 612 of the vehicle 10 by bolts 610. As a result, the base 26 is connected to the fender panel 612 of the vehicle 10 by the first bracket 600 of the first fixing member 30. This first bracket 600 is positioned below the electronic control unit 300, which is mounted on the base 26 adjacent to the air cleaner 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the first fixing member 30 has a mounting member 620 that supports the first bracket 600 from below. This mounting member 620 is, for example, a mount that supports a power unit such as an engine or motor on the side frame 14.

[0063] The mounting member 620 has a mounting body 622. The mounting body 622 is formed in a cylindrical shape and houses an elastic body 624 inside. A pin 628 extending from a fixing seat 626, which is fixed to an engine or motor, is inserted into the center of the elastic body 624.

[0064] The cylindrical mount body 622 is a highly rigid component, and the lower surface of the first bracket 600 and the connecting piece 606 are welded to the circumferential surface of this mount body 622 to firmly fix it in place.

[0065] Furthermore, the mounting member 620 has a fixing bracket 630. The fixing bracket 630 has a bottom portion 632 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a pair of side portions 634 that are erected from both edges of the bottom portion 632 in the vehicle width direction and welded to the circumferential surface of the mounting body 622 for fixation. On both sides of the mounting body 622, the bottom portions 632 of the fixing bracket 630 are fastened to the upper surface 14a of the side frame 14 by bolts 636. This fixes the mounting member 620 to the upper surface 14a of the side frame 14.

[0066] As shown in Figures 21, 22, 25, and 26, the second fixing member 32 is composed of a second bracket 700. This second bracket 700 has an upper surface portion 702 that extends in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface portion 702 is provided with bolt holes 704 into which bolts 506 are screwed.

[0067] The second bracket 700 has a pair of side portions 706 that extend downward from both edges of the upper surface portion 702 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and these side portions 706 are fixed to the side frame 14. In this way, the second bracket 700 has a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the vehicle width direction, due to having a pair of side portions 706 that extend downward from both edges of the upper surface portion 702 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. This allows the second bracket 700 to have appropriate rigidity. In addition, each side portion 706 of the second bracket 700 has a folded-over piece 710 at its inner end in the vehicle width direction, which extends in a direction toward each other and overlaps. Furthermore, each side portion 706 of the second bracket 700 has a folded-over piece 712 at its outer end in the vehicle width direction, which extends in a direction toward each other and overlaps. These folded-over pieces 712 are joined to each other by spot welding. In this way, by forming folded-over pieces 710 and 712 on the side portion 706, the support strength of the base 26 by the second bracket 700 is increased.

[0068] The second bracket 700 has an upper fixing portion 720 and a side fixing portion 722 at the lower part of each side portion 706. The upper fixing portion 720 is positioned on the upper surface 14a of the side frame 14 and is fastened and fixed to the upper surface 14a of the side frame 14 by bolts 724. The side fixing portion 722 is positioned on the side surface 14b of the side frame 14 and is fastened and fixed to the side surface 14b of the side frame 14 by bolts 726. By fixing the second bracket 700 to the upper surface 14a and side surface 14b of the side frame 14 in this way, the fixing strength to the side frame 14 can be increased.

[0069] As described above, according to the vehicle structure of this embodiment, the base 26 that supports the air cleaner 100 and battery 200 from below is attached to the side frame 14 by a first fixing member 30 directly below the air cleaner 100 and by a second fixing member 32 directly below the battery 200 (see Figure 3). This allows the loads of the air cleaner 100 and battery 200 to be evenly distributed between the first fixing member 30 and the second fixing member 32, while the base 26 that supports the air cleaner 100 and battery 200 can be stably attached to the side frame 14.

[0070] Furthermore, since the base 26 is supported by a first fixing member 30 and a second fixing member 32 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the retraction of the base 26 during a frontal collision of the vehicle can be suppressed, and contact with the master cylinder 16 located on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be prevented.

[0071] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the rear first fixing member 30 has higher rigidity than the front second fixing member 32. This allows the second fixing member 32 in front of the first fixing member 30 to deform efficiently during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10, thereby absorbing the impact from the front of the vehicle 10. Moreover, the high rigidity of the first fixing member 30 suppresses deformation of the first fixing member 30 and its rear side, thereby effectively suppressing damage to the master cylinder 16 and other components located behind the first fixing member 30.

[0072] Furthermore, the first bracket 600, which constitutes the first fixing member 30, extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the base 26 and the fender panel 612. In other words, the first fixing member 30 is connected to the side frame 14 and the fender panel 612 (see Figures 21 and 22). Therefore, the rigidity of the first fixing member 30 can be increased.

[0073] Furthermore, the first fixing member 30 has a mounting member 620 that is attached to the side frame 14 and supports the first bracket 600 from below (see Figures 20 to 22). In this way, the first fixing member 30 supports the first bracket 600 from below with a highly rigid mounting member 620 that supports power units such as engines and motors on the side frame 14. This makes it possible to further increase the rigidity of the first fixing member 30.

[0074] Furthermore, in the mounting member 620, the bottom portion 632 of the fixing bracket 630, which extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, is fixed to the upper surface 14a of the side frame 14. In addition, a pair of side portions 634, which are erected from both edges in the vehicle width direction of the bottom portion 632 of the fixing bracket 630, are fixed to the mounting body 622, which is positioned on the upper surface 14a of the side frame 14 (see Figures 23 and 24). This allows the mounting member 620, consisting of the mounting body 622 and the fixing bracket 630, to be firmly fixed to the side frame 14, and the first fixing member 30 can be given high rigidity.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second bracket 700 constituting the second fixing member 32 has a pair of side portions 706 extending downward from both edges of the upper surface portion 702 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, so that it has a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the vehicle's width direction (see Figures 25 and 26). This allows the second bracket 700 constituting the second fixing member 32 to have appropriate rigidity. Therefore, it is possible to adequately support the base 26 while allowing it to deform smoothly when an impact is applied, thus providing good shock absorption.

[0076] Furthermore, the second bracket 700 is fixed to the upper surface 14a and side surface 14b of the side frame 14 (see Figures 20 and 21). This increases the fixing strength of the second bracket 700 to the side frame 14.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above vehicle structure, the air cleaner 100, which is relatively prone to vibration due to its soft and lightweight nature, is mounted above the first fixing member 30, which has higher rigidity than the second fixing member 32, while the battery 200, which is relatively less prone to vibration due to its hard and heavy nature, is mounted above the second fixing member 32, which has lower rigidity than the first fixing member 30 (see Figure 3). This allows for a balanced and efficient suppression of vibrations from the on-board equipment on the base 26.

[0078] Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is also intended and within the scope of protection to be provided for the combination of each configuration of the embodiments, as well as for modifications and applications by those skilled in the art based on the description in the specification and well-known technology.

[0079] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification: (1) The first in-vehicle device and A second in-vehicle device is positioned in front of the first in-vehicle device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A base that supports the first in-vehicle device and the second in-vehicle device from below, A first fixing member is positioned directly below the first in-vehicle device and attaches the base to one of a pair of side frames that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A second fixing member is positioned directly below the second in-vehicle device and attaches the base to one of the side frames, A vehicle structure that includes the following features. According to this vehicle structure, the bases that support the first and second on-board devices from below are attached to one side frame by a first fixing member directly below the first on-board device and to the other side frame by a second fixing member directly below the second on-board device. This allows the loads of the first and second on-board devices to be evenly distributed between the first and second fixing members, while the bases supporting the first and second on-board devices can be stably attached to the side frames. Furthermore, since the bases are supported by first and second fixing members aligned in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the retraction of the bases during a frontal collision can be suppressed, and contact with on-board devices located on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be prevented.

[0080] (2) The vehicle structure according to (1), wherein the first fixing member has higher rigidity than the second fixing member. According to this vehicle structure, the first fixing member at the rear has higher rigidity than the second fixing member at the front. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the second fixing member in front of the first fixing member can be efficiently deformed to absorb the impact from the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, because the highly rigid first fixing member suppresses deformation of the first fixing member and its rear side, damage to in-vehicle equipment located behind the first fixing member can be suppressed.

[0081] (3) The vehicle structure according to (1) or (2), wherein the first fixing member has a first bracket that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the base and the vehicle's fender panel. According to this vehicle structure, the first bracket constituting the first fixing member extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the base and the fender panel, so that the first fixing member is connected to the side frame and the fender panel, thereby increasing the rigidity of the first fixing member.

[0082] (4) The vehicle structure according to (3), wherein the first fixing member has a mounting member attached to one side frame and supporting the first bracket from below. According to this vehicle structure, for example, the first bracket is supported from below by a highly rigid mounting member that supports power units such as the engine and motor on the side frame. This allows for increased rigidity of the first fixing member.

[0083] (5) The mounting member comprises a mounting body positioned on the upper surface of one side frame and a fixing bracket that secures the mounting body to the upper surface of one side frame, The vehicle structure according to (4), wherein the fixing bracket has a bottom portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is fixed to the upper surface of one of the side frames, and a pair of side portions that are erected from both edges in the vehicle width direction of the bottom portion and fixed to the mount body. According to this vehicle structure, the bottom portion of the fixing bracket, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is fixed to the upper surface of the side frame. Furthermore, a pair of side portions, which are erected from both edges in the vehicle width direction of the bottom portion of the fixing bracket, are fixed to a mount body positioned on the upper surface of the side frame. This allows the mounting member, consisting of the mount body and the fixing bracket, to be firmly fixed to the side frame, and the first fixing member can be given high rigidity.

[0084] (6) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the second fixing member comprises a second bracket having an upper surface portion extending in the vehicle width direction and fixed to the base, and a pair of side portions extending downward from both edges of the upper surface portion in the vehicle front-rear direction and fixed to one of the side frames. According to this vehicle structure, the second fixing member consists of a second bracket having an upper surface portion that extends in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the base, and a pair of side portions that extend downward from both edges of the upper surface portion in the vehicle's front-rear direction and are fixed to the side frame. In other words, since the second fixing member has a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the vehicle width direction, it is possible to give the second fixing member appropriate rigidity to adequately support the base, while also allowing it to deform smoothly when an impact is applied, thereby providing good shock absorption.

[0085] (7) The vehicle structure according to (6), wherein the second bracket is fixed to the upper surface and side surface of one of the side frames. According to this vehicle structure, the fixing strength to the side frame can be increased by fixing the second bracket to the upper surface and side of the side frame.

[0086] (8) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first onboard device is an air cleaner and the second onboard device is a battery. According to this vehicle structure, the air cleaner, which is relatively prone to vibration due to its soft and lightweight nature, is mounted above the first fixing member, which has higher rigidity than the second fixing member. The battery, which is relatively less prone to vibration due to its hard and heavy nature, is mounted above the second fixing member, which has lower rigidity than the first fixing member. This allows for a balanced and efficient suppression of vibrations from the on-board equipment on the base.

[0087] (9) The air cleaner has a duct connected to the engine on one side in the vehicle width direction, The vehicle structure according to (8), wherein the mounting portion of the air cleaner on the base is such that one side in the vehicle width direction can be displaced in response to an external force from the engine. According to this vehicle structure, external forces such as engine roll transmitted to the air cleaner through the duct can be absorbed at the mounting point of the air cleaner on the base.

[0088] (10) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the master cylinder is located on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the first in-vehicle device. This vehicle structure allows for the protection of the master cylinder on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the first onboard device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10 vehicles 14 Side Frames 14a Top surface of the side frame 14b Side of the side frame 16 Master Cylinder 26 Pedestal 30 First fixing member 32 Second fixing member 100 Air cleaner (first vehicle-mounted equipment) 136 Connecting duct (duct) 200 Battery (Second On-board Equipment) 600 First bracket 612 Fender Panel 620 Mounting component 622 Mount Body 630 Fixing Bracket 632 Bottom part 634 Side part 700 Second bracket 702 Top part 706 Side part

Claims

1. First in-vehicle device and A second in-vehicle device is positioned in front of the first in-vehicle device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A base that supports the first in-vehicle device and the second in-vehicle device from below, A first fixing member is positioned directly below the first in-vehicle device and attaches the base to one of a pair of side frames that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A second fixing member is positioned directly below the second in-vehicle device and attaches the base to one of the side frames, Equipped with, The first fixing member has higher rigidity than the second fixing member. The first in-vehicle device is an air cleaner, and the second in-vehicle device is a battery. Vehicle structure.

2. The first fixing member has a first bracket that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the base and the vehicle's fender panel. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

3. The first fixing member has a mounting member that is attached to one of the side frames and supports the first bracket from below. The vehicle structure according to claim 2.

4. The mounting member comprises a mounting body positioned on the upper surface of one side frame and a fixing bracket that secures the mounting body to the upper surface of the one side frame. The fixing bracket has a bottom portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is fixed to the upper surface of one of the side frames, and a pair of side portions that are erected from both edges of the bottom portion in the vehicle width direction and fixed to the mounting body. The vehicle structure according to claim 3.

5. The second fixing member comprises a second bracket having an upper surface portion extending in the vehicle width direction and fixed to the base, and a pair of side portions extending downward from both edges of the upper surface portion in the vehicle front-rear direction and fixed to one of the side frames. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

6. The second bracket is fixed to the upper surface and side surface of the one side frame. The vehicle structure according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned air cleaner has a duct connected to the engine on one side in the vehicle width direction. The mounting portion of the air cleaner on the base is such that one side in the vehicle width direction can be displaced in response to external forces from the engine. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

8. The master cylinder is located on the rear side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction relative to the first in-vehicle device. The vehicle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images