Vehicle structure

Abstract

This vehicle structure comprises: a pair of side frames (20) that extend in the vehicle front-back direction; and a cross member (26) that extends in the vehicle width direction and has both ends thereof joined to the pair of side frames (20). The side frames (20) each have a split part (53A) that is split in the vehicle front-back direction. The cross member (26) has, at each of both ends thereof joined to the side frames (20), a widened part (57) which is widened in the vehicle front-back direction and the vehicle up-down direction. The widened part (57) is disposed so as to cover the split part (53A) and is configured such that a widened dimension (Wr) at one side relative to the split part (53A) in the vehicle front-back direction is greater than a widened dimension (Wf) at the other side.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle frame structure comprising a first side member extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a second side member provided behind the first side member and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, wherein the first side member and the second side member are joined. A shock absorbing member that absorbs collision energy is provided at a joint between the first side member and the second side member. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 256042 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the vehicle frame structure described in the above Patent Document 1, it is necessary to assemble a shock absorbing member in order to reinforce the joint between the first side member and the second side member. For this reason, an increase in the number of parts and assembly man-hours increases manufacturing cost and also causes an increase in weight.

[0005] Further, when a heavy member is disposed on either the first side member or the second side member, it is desired to reinforce the joint in consideration of load balance. However, the shock absorbing member assembled to the joint in the above frame structure absorbs collision energy by deforming upon collision with an external object, and it is difficult to reinforce the joint between the first side member and the second side member in consideration of load balance.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle structure that is well-reinforced with consideration for load, while suppressing cost and weight increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention consists of the following configuration. A vehicle structure comprising a pair of side frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a cross member extending in the width direction of the vehicle, with both ends joined to the pair of side frames, The side frame has a divided portion that is divided in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The cross member has widened portions at both ends that are joined to the side frame, which are widened in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and in the vehicle's vertical direction. The widened portion is positioned to cover the divided portion, and the widened dimension is larger on one side in the vehicle's front-rear direction than on the other side, with respect to the divided portion. Vehicle structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle structure that is well-reinforced with a good balance, taking load into consideration, while suppressing cost and weight increases. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a frame vehicle to which a vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] This is a view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the central part in the width direction of the vehicle. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the area surrounding the third cross member, seen from above. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the area surrounding the third cross member, seen from below. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a cross member with both ends joined to the side frame. [Figure 7]It is a perspective view of a joint between a side frame and a cross member. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of a widened portion of a cross member joined to a side frame. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing a state where a first member of a cross member to be joined to a side frame is separated. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view viewed from below of a widened portion of a cross member joined to a side frame. [Figure 11] It is a plan view viewed from above of a widened portion of a cross member joined to a side frame. [Figure 12] It is a plan view viewed from below of a widened portion of a cross member joined to a side frame. [Figure 13] It is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] It is a sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 11. Description of Embodiments

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, reference sign FR indicates the front of the vehicle, reference sign UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and reference sign HL indicates the vehicle width direction.

[0011] First, the overall configuration of the vehicle structure according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a frame vehicle 10 to which the vehicle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a central portion in the vehicle width direction in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a peripheral portion of a third cross member 26 as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a peripheral portion of the third cross member 26 as viewed from below.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a case where the vehicle structure according to the present embodiment is a frame vehicle 10 in which a chassis frame 12 supports a cab body (not shown) including a passenger compartment where occupants board as a vehicle body component will be described. The frame vehicle 10 includes a pickup truck-type vehicle in which the chassis frame 12 supports, as vehicle body components, the cab body and a cargo box disposed at a rear portion of the cab body.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the frame vehicle 10 is a pickup truck, where an engine and a transmission (not shown) and front wheels 14 are disposed at a front portion of the vehicle, and a differential gear 18 and rear wheels 16 serving as driving wheels are disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle. The chassis frame 12 is configured to include a pair of side frames 20 and a plurality of cross members 22, 24, 26, 28, 30.

[0014] The pair of side frames 20 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction at an interval in the vehicle width direction. The pair of side frames 20 each include: a front side portion 20A extending rearward from a front end; a front inclined portion 20B inclined rearward and downward from a rear end of the front side portion 20A; a central portion 20C extending rearward from a rear end of the front inclined portion 20B; a rear inclined portion 20D extending rearward and upward from a rear end of the central portion 20C; and a rear side portion 20E extending rearward from a rear end of the rear inclined portion 20D. The pair of side frames 20 support the cab body and the cargo box from below via a plurality of mounts 32.

[0015] The plurality of cross members extend in the vehicle width direction at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the vehicle front-rear direction and connect the pair of side frames 20. The plurality of cross members are configured to include five cross members, namely first, second, third, fourth, and fifth cross members 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, which are arranged side by side from the front to the rear in this order.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first cross member 22 is joined to the front portion 20A of the pair of side frames 20, the second and third cross members 24 and 26 are joined to the central portion 20C of the pair of side frames 20, the fourth cross member 28 is joined to the rear inclined portion 20D of the pair of side frames 20, and the fifth cross member 30 is joined to the rear portion 20E of the pair of side frames 20.

[0017] Furthermore, a bumper beam 34 extending in the vehicle width direction is connected to the front ends of a pair of side frames 20, and a bumper fascia (not shown) is attached to the bumper beam 34. A propeller shaft 36, a fuel tank 38, and an exhaust pipe 40 (see Figure 4) are attached to the chassis frame 12. The propeller shaft 36 connects the transmission and the differential gear 18, and transmits the engine's driving force to the rear wheels 16 via the differential gear 18.

[0018] In this embodiment, the transmission is located above the second cross member 24, and the differential gear 18 is located behind the fourth cross member 28. The propeller shaft 36 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, passing above the third cross member 26 and below the fourth cross member 28. That is, the third cross member 26 passes below the propeller shaft 36 and extends in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0019] In this embodiment, the propeller shaft 36 is supported above the center of the third cross member 26 in the vehicle width direction by a pair of brackets 44 that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction on the center of the upper surface of the third cross member 26 in the extending direction.

[0020] The fuel tank 38 is a vehicle-mounted component, made of synthetic resin or sheet metal, and has an elongated shape. The fuel tank 38 is positioned between a pair of side frames 20, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and more specifically, between the propeller shaft 36 and the side frames 20. In other words, the fuel tank 38 is adjacent to the propeller shaft 36 on one side in the vehicle's width direction and extends along the propeller shaft 36 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0021] In this embodiment, the fuel tank 38 is located on the rear side of the third cross member 26. More specifically, the fuel tank 38 extends from the rear of the third cross member 26 to the rear of the fourth cross member 28. The front end of the fuel tank 38 is attached to a cantilevered support bracket 46 extending inward in the vehicle width direction from one side frame 20, sandwiched from above and below by a tank band (not shown). The rear end of the fuel tank 38 is attached to the fourth cross member 28.

[0022] The exhaust pipe 40 is a pipe through which exhaust gas from the engine passes. The exhaust pipe 40 is a vehicle-mounted component and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a pair of side frames 20, passing above the third cross member 26. More specifically, the exhaust pipe 40 is located between the propeller shaft 36 and the side frame 20 on the vehicle width side of the propeller shaft 36 opposite the fuel tank 38, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the propeller shaft 36 adjacent to the propeller shaft 36.

[0023] Next, the structure of the joints between the side frame 20 and the cross members 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 in the frame vehicle 10 will be described in detail. In the following explanation, the third cross member (hereinafter simply referred to as the cross member) 26 will be used as an example of a cross member joined to the side frame 20.

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cross member 26, with both ends joined to the side frame 20. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the joint between the side frame 20 and the cross member 26.

[0025] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cross member 26 is provided between a pair of side frames 20 arranged in parallel to each other, and both ends are joined to the side frames 20.

[0026] The side frame 20 has an outer frame 51 that constitutes the outer portion in the vehicle width direction and an inner frame 53 that constitutes the inner portion in the vehicle width direction. The side frame 20 is constructed by assembling the outer frame 51 and the inner frame 53 together and has a closed cross-sectional structure with a rectangular cross-section having an inner surface 21a, an outer surface 21b, an upper surface 21c and a lower surface 21d. The side frame 20 is narrower on the vehicle rear side than the connection point with the cross member 26.

[0027] The outer frame 51 and the inner frame 53 are divided in the vehicle's longitudinal direction at the dividing sections 51A and 53A, respectively. These dividing sections 51A and 53A are positioned offset from each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The outer frame 51 and the inner frame 53, divided in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, are joined at the dividing sections 51A and 53A by having one end in the vehicle's longitudinal direction overlap the other end.

[0028] The cross member 26 has a central portion 55 that constitutes the central part in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of widened portions 57, 57 that constitute both ends in the vehicle width direction. The pair of widened portions 57, 57 are joined to the side frame 20 (inner frame 53) so as to cover the divided portion 53A of the inner frame 53 in the side frame 20.

[0029] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 joined to the side frame 20. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first member 61 of the cross member 26 joined to the side frame 20 separated. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 joined to the side frame 20, viewed from below. Figure 11 is a plan view of the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 joined to the side frame 20, viewed from above. Figure 12 is a plan view of the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 joined to the side frame 20, viewed from below. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of Figure 11. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of Figure 11.

[0030] As shown in Figures 8 to 14, the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 has a shape that is widened in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and in the vehicle's vertical direction. This widened portion 57 is positioned to cover the divided portion 53A, and its edge is welded and joined to the side frame 20.

[0031] The cross member 26 is divided into upper and lower sections, with the upper section (one side) being the first member 61 and the lower section (the other side) being the second member 63. The first member 61 has a pair of first widening sections 71, 71 at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and the first widening sections 71 are widened in the vehicle's vertical and longitudinal directions. The second member 63 has a pair of second widening sections 73, 73 at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and the second widening sections 73 are widened in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In Figures 8 to 14, the first widening section 71 and the second widening section 73 at one end in the vehicle width direction are shown.

[0032] The first member 61 has a first central section 75 between a pair of first widening sections 71, 71. In other words, the first member 61 is composed of a first central section 75 and a pair of first widening sections 71, 71 joined to both ends of this first central section 75. The second member 63 has a second central section 77 between a pair of second widening sections 73, 73. In other words, the second member 63 is composed of a second central section 77 and a pair of second widening sections 73, 73 joined to both ends of this second central section 77.

[0033] The cross member 26 is constructed by assembling a first member 61 and a second member 63, which are positioned above and below the vehicle, together. The cross member 26 constructed in this manner has a closed cross-sectional structure with a rectangular cross-section, having a front side surface 27a, a rear side surface 27b, an upper surface 27c, and a lower surface 27d.

[0034] In this cross member 26, the dividing portion 61A between the first central portion 75 and the first widening portion 71 in the first member 61, and the dividing portion 63A between the second central portion 77 and the second widening portion 73 in the second member 63, are positioned at different locations in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the dividing portion 61A between the first central portion 75 and the first widening portion 71 in the first member 61 is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the dividing portion 63A between the second central portion 77 and the second widening portion 73 in the second member 63. The first member 61, which is divided in the vehicle width direction, is joined at the dividing portion 61A by welding the inner end of the first widening portion 71 in the vehicle width direction to the outer end of the first central portion 75 in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the second member 63, which is divided in the vehicle width direction, is joined at the divided portion 63A by welding the inner end of the second widening portion 73 in the vehicle width direction to the outer end of the second central portion 77 in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the first widening portion 71 constituting the first member 61 has a notch 79 on the edge side of the second widening portion 73 constituting the second member 63. More specifically, the notch 79 is formed at the lower end of the joining surface portion 81, which will be described later, on the peripheral edge of the first widening portion 71. As a result, when the first member 61 and the second member 63 are joined to form the cross member 26, a gap consisting of the notch 79 is formed between the edge (joint surface portion 81) of the first widening portion 71 and the edge (joint surface portion 85) of the second widening portion 73 in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0036] The first widened portion 71 has joining surfaces 81 on its front, upper, and rear peripheral edges, excluding the side (lower) of the second member 63, which abut against and join to the side frame 20. These joining surfaces 81 are joining surfaces that abut against and weld to the inner surface 21a of the side frame 20. The first widened portion 71 also has relief recesses 83 formed therein to avoid interference with the divided portion 53A, which protrudes outward, when joining the joining surfaces 81 to the inner surface 21a of the side frame 20.

[0037] The second widened section 73 has a pair of joining surfaces 85, 85 on its front and rear edges that abut against and are joined to the side frame 2. These joining surfaces 85 are joining surfaces that abut against and are welded to the inner surface 21a of the side frame 20. The second widened section 73 also has a joining piece 87 that protrudes toward the lower surface 21d of the side frame 20. This joining piece 87 is a joining surface that abuts against and is welded to the lower surface 21d of the side frame 20. Furthermore, the second widened section 73 has a relief recess 89 formed therein to avoid interference with the divided section 53A, which protrudes toward the outer circumference, when joining the joining piece 87 to the lower surface 21d of the side frame 20.

[0038] In the frame vehicle 10 with the above configuration, as described above, both ends of the cross member 26 have widened portions 57 that are widened in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and in the vehicle's vertical direction, and these widened portions 57 are positioned and joined to cover the divided portion 53A of the side frame 20. This ensures the rigidity of the side frame 20 and distributes the load on the divided portion 53A in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and vertical direction.

[0039] Furthermore, in the frame vehicle 10 with the above configuration, the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26, which is joined to cover the divided portion 53A of the side frame 20, has a wider width Wr on the rear side (one side) than on the front side (the other side) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with the divided portion 53A in between (see Figure 13).

[0040] Therefore, at the joint between the side frame 20 and the cross member 26, the rigidity on the rear side (one side) in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, with the divided portion 53A in between, can be made higher compared to the front side (the other side). This makes it possible to reinforce the structure in a balanced manner, taking the load into consideration, while minimizing the increase in weight required for reinforcement, when heavy members are placed on the rear side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction with the divided portion 53A in between, or when load input points from the rear wheels 16, etc., are located there. This allows for balanced reinforcement that takes load into consideration, while keeping costs and weight increases down compared to reinforcing with separate reinforcing members, by minimizing the increase in the number of parts and assembly steps.

[0041] Furthermore, the torsional rigidity of the rear and front sides of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, with the divided section 53A in between, can be made uniform, improving ride comfort, and also suppressing damage on the side with lower rigidity.

[0042] In particular, if the input point of load from the rear wheels 16, etc., which occurs on the rear side of the split section 53A in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, is closer to the split section 53A in the vehicle's longitudinal direction than the input point of load from the front wheels 14, etc., which occurs on the front side of the split section 53A in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, then it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the rear side of the split section 53A. In such cases, a structure like that of this embodiment is suitable.

[0043] Furthermore, in the frame vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, the widened portion 57 widens in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with the rear side being more gently sloped with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than the front side, with the divided portion 53A in between (see Figures 8 and 13). Therefore, the load distribution effect of the widened portion 57 on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be further enhanced than on the front side.

[0044] Furthermore, the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 has a larger widening dimension in the vehicle's longitudinal direction towards the lower side (one side) in the vehicle's vertical direction (see Figure 13). Therefore, the load applied to the joint between the side frame 20 and the cross member 26 can be effectively distributed in the vehicle's longitudinal direction by the widened portion 57.

[0045] Furthermore, the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 has a larger widening dimension in the vehicle's longitudinal direction towards the outer edges in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 11). Therefore, the load applied to the joint between the side frame 20 and the cross member 26 can be effectively distributed in the vehicle's longitudinal direction by the widened portion 57.

[0046] Furthermore, the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 has a larger widening dimension in the vehicle vertical direction towards the outer edges in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 14). Therefore, the load applied to the joint between the side frame 20 and the cross member 26 can be effectively distributed in the vehicle vertical direction by the widened portion 57.

[0047] Furthermore, the lower surface 27d of the cross member 26 extends linearly in the vehicle width direction (see Figures 10 and 14). The cross member 26, with its lower surface 27d extending linearly in the vehicle width direction, effectively reinforces the divided portion 53A of the side frame 20.

[0048] Furthermore, the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 is joined to the inner surface 21a of the side frame 20, and the joining piece 87 of the second widened portion 73 is joined to the lower surface 21d of the side frame 20 (see Figures 10, 12, and 14). This further enhances the reinforcing effect at the divided portion 53A of the side frame 20.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the frame vehicle 10 of this embodiment, the cross member 26 is divided into a first member 61 having a first widening portion 71 and a second member 63 having a second widening portion 73. As a result, the cross member 26 equipped with the widening portion 57 can be easily manufactured by assembling these first member 61 and second member 63 together.

[0050] Furthermore, since the first member 61 is divided into a first central portion 75 and a pair of first widening portions 71, 71, the first member 61 can be easily manufactured by assembling the first central portion 75 and the pair of first widening portions 71, 71. Similarly, since the second member 63 is divided into a second central portion 77 and a pair of second widening portions 73, 73, the second member 63 can be easily manufactured by assembling the second central portion 77 and the pair of second widening portions 73, 73.

[0051] Furthermore, since the cross member 26 is divided into a central section 55 consisting of a first central section 75 and a second central section 77, and a widened section 57 consisting of a first widened section 71 and a second widened section 73, the difference in rigidity between the side frame 20 and the cross member 26 can be absorbed by the widened section 57, thereby suppressing the generation of stress due to the difference in rigidity.

[0052] Furthermore, since the dividing portion 61A between the first central portion 75 and the first widening portion 71, and the dividing portion 63A between the second central portion 77 and the second widening portion 73 are positioned at different locations in the vehicle width direction, the stress on these dividing portions 61A and 63A can be distributed to different locations in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] Furthermore, since a notch 79 is formed in the first widening portion 71 of the first member 61 on the side frame 21 side in the vehicle width direction and on the side of the second widening portion 73 of the second member 63, stress concentration at the edge of the first widening portion 71 on the side of the second widening portion 73, in particular at the end on the side frame 21 side in the vehicle width direction, can be avoided, and damage to the edge of the first widening portion 71 can be suppressed.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the frame vehicle 10 of this embodiment, the side frame 20 is composed of an outer frame 51 that constitutes the outer portion in the vehicle width direction and an inner frame 53 that constitutes the inner portion in the vehicle width direction, and the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 is joined to the divided portion 53A of the inner frame 53. This makes it possible to increase the yield during the manufacturing of the side frame 20 while ensuring sufficient rigidity at the divided portion 53A of the inner frame 53 by the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26.

[0055] In this embodiment, the side frame 20 of the frame vehicle 10 is thinner on the rear side (one side) than on the front side (the other side) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, relative to the divided portion 53A. In a frame vehicle 10 having such a side frame 20, the rigidity is lower on the rear side where the side frame 20 is thinner, and the torsional rigidity is also uneven.

[0056] In this embodiment, as described above, the widened portion 57 of the cross member 26 joined to the divided portion 53A has a wider dimension on the rear side (one side) in the vehicle longitudinal direction, with respect to the divided portion 53A, than on the front side (the other side). This increases the rigidity of the rear side of the side frame 20, which is narrower than the front side. As a result, the torsional rigidity can be made uniform in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the divided portion 53A, improving ride comfort, and also suppressing damage to the rear side, which has lower rigidity.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the example given was that the widening dimension Wr on the rear side of the widening portion 57 is larger than the widening dimension Wf on the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, with the divided portion 53A in between. However, the widening portion 57 may also have a wider front side Wf ​​than a wider rear side Wr in the vehicle longitudinal direction, with the divided portion 53A in between. In this case, the rigidity of the front side of the side frame 20 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, with the divided portion 53A in between, can be increased compared to the rear side.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cross member 26, consisting of a first member 61 and a second member 63, was joined to the side frame 20 with the first member 61 on the lower side. However, the cross member 26 may also be joined to the side frame 20 upside down. In this case, the joining piece 87 of the second widening portion 73, which constitutes the widening portion 57 of the cross member 26, is joined to the upper surface 21c of the side frame 20.

[0059] 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.

[0060] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification: (1) A vehicle structure comprising a pair of side frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a cross member extending in the width direction of the vehicle, with both ends joined to the pair of side frames, The side frame has a divided portion that is divided in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The cross member has widened portions at both ends that are joined to the side frame, which are widened in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and in the vehicle's vertical direction. The widened portion is arranged to cover the divided portion, and the widened dimension is larger on one side in the vehicle's front-rear direction than on the other side, with respect to the divided portion. In this vehicle structure, the widened portion of the cross member is joined to the divided portion of the side frame, and the divided portion is covered by this widened portion of the cross member. This ensures the rigidity of the side frame and distributes the load on the divided portion in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. Furthermore, at the joint between the side frame and the cross member, the rigidity on one side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, with the division in between, can be made higher than on the other side. This allows for balanced reinforcement that takes the load into consideration, while minimizing the increase in weight required for reinforcement, when heavier components are placed on one side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction beyond the division, or when load input points from wheels, etc., are located there. This allows for balanced reinforcement that takes load into consideration, while keeping costs and weight increases down compared to reinforcing with separate reinforcing members, by minimizing the increase in the number of parts and assembly steps. Furthermore, the torsional rigidity can be made uniform between one side and the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, straddling the split section, thereby improving ride comfort, and also suppressing damage on the side with lower rigidity.

[0061] (2) The vehicle structure according to (1), wherein the widened portion has a wider dimension in the front-rear direction of the vehicle that is larger on one side than on the other in the vertical direction of the vehicle. This vehicle structure allows the load on the joint between the side frame and the cross member to be effectively distributed in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle by the widened section.

[0062] (3) The vehicle structure according to (2), wherein the widened portion has a wider dimension in the front-rear direction of the vehicle that increases towards the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. According to this vehicle structure, the widened section, where the width in the vehicle's longitudinal direction increases towards the lower part of the vehicle's vertical direction, allows for good distribution of the load on the joint between the side frame and the cross member in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0063] (4) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the widened portion has a larger widening dimension in the vehicle longitudinal direction towards the outer side in the vehicle width direction. This vehicle structure allows the load on the joint between the side frame and the cross member to be effectively distributed in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle by the widened section.

[0064] (5) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the widened portion has a larger widening dimension in the vertical direction of the vehicle towards the outer side in the vehicle width direction. This vehicle structure allows the load applied to the joint between the side frame and the cross member to be effectively distributed vertically by the widened section.

[0065] (6) The widened portion is widened such that one side in the vehicle's front-rear direction, with respect to the divided portion, is more gently sloped than the other side. The vehicle structure described in any one of (1) to (5). This vehicle structure allows for an even greater load distribution effect on one side of the vehicle's longitudinal direction due to the widened section, compared to the other side.

[0066] (7) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the cross member has an upper or lower surface that extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. This vehicle structure allows for effective reinforcement of the divided sections of the side frame by cross members that extend linearly in the vehicle width direction on either the upper or lower surface.

[0067] (8) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the widened portion is joined to the inner surface and the upper or lower surface of the side frame. According to this vehicle structure, since the widened section is also joined to the upper or lower surface of the side frame, the reinforcing effect at the divided section of the side frame can be further enhanced.

[0068] (9) The cross member is divided into upper and lower halves, and one side of the divided cross member is designated as the first member and the other side as the second member. The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the widened portion comprises a first widened portion provided at both ends of the first member in the vehicle width direction and widening in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second widened portion provided at both ends of the second member in the vehicle width direction and widening in the vehicle longitudinal direction. According to this vehicle structure, the cross member is divided into a first member having a first widening section and a second member having a second widening section. By assembling these first and second members together, a cross member with a widening section can be easily manufactured.

[0069] (10) The first member is divided into a first central portion that constitutes the central portion in the vehicle width direction and a pair of first widening portions that constitute both ends in the vehicle width direction, The second member is divided into a second central portion that constitutes the central portion in the vehicle width direction and a pair of second widening portions that constitute both ends in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle structure according to (9), wherein the dividing portion between the first central portion and the first widening portion and the dividing portion between the second central portion and the second widening portion are arranged at different positions in the vehicle width direction. According to this vehicle structure, the first member is divided into a first central section and a first widened section, so the first member can be easily manufactured by assembling these first central section and first widened section. Similarly, the second member is divided into a second central section and a second widened section, so the second member can be easily manufactured by assembling these second central section and second widened section. Furthermore, since the cross member is divided into a central section consisting of a first central section and a second central section, and a widened section consisting of a first widened section and a second widened section, the difference in rigidity between the side frame and the cross member can be absorbed by the widened section, thereby suppressing the generation of stress due to the difference in rigidity. Furthermore, the stresses acting on the dividing portion between the first central section and the first widened section, and the dividing portion between the second central section and the second widened section, can be distributed to different locations in the vehicle width direction.

[0070] (11) The vehicle structure according to (9) or (10), wherein the first widening portion has a notch at the end on the side frame side in the vehicle width direction and at the edge on the second widening portion side. This vehicle structure prevents stress concentration on the edge of the first widened section on the second widened section side, thereby suppressing damage to the edge of the first widened section.

[0071] (12) The side frame comprises an outer frame that constitutes the outer portion in the vehicle width direction and an inner frame that constitutes the inner portion in the vehicle width direction, The divided portion is provided in the inner frame, and is a vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (11). This vehicle structure allows for increased yield during the manufacturing of the side frames, while the widened sections of the cross members ensure sufficient rigidity at the division points of the inner frame.

[0072] (13) The vehicle structure according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the side frame is made thinner on one side than on the other side than on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. According to this vehicle structure, the widened portion of the cross member joined to the divided section of the side frame is wider on one side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than on the other side, which increases the rigidity of the narrower side of the side frame. As a result, the torsional rigidity can be made uniform in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle across the divided section, improving ride comfort and suppressing damage to the side with lower rigidity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10. Frame vehicle (vehicle structure) 12 Chassis Frame 14 Front Wheel 16 Rear wheels 18 Differential Gear 20 Side Frames 20A Front side 20B Front slope 20C central part 20D rear slope 20E Rear section 21a Inside surface 21b External surface 21c top surface 21d Bottom surface 22. First Crossmember 24. Second Crossmember 26. Third Crossmember (Crossmember) 27a Anterior side 27b Posterior side 27c top surface 27d Bottom surface 28. Fourth Crossmember 32 Mount 34 Bumper Beam 36 Propeller shaft 38 Fuel tank 40 Exhaust pipe 44 brackets 46 Support bracket 51 Outer frame 51A Split section 53 Inner Frame 53A Split section 55 Central part 57 Widening section 61 First Member 61A Split part 63 Second Member 63A Split part 71 First widening section 73. Second widening section 75 1st central part 77 Second central part 79 Notch 81 Joint surface part 83 recess 85 Joint surface part 87 Joint piece 89 Recess Wf, Wr widening dimensions

Claims

1. A pair of side frames extending in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, A cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and joined at both ends to a pair of the aforementioned side frames, A vehicle structure that includes, The side frame has a divided portion that is divided in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The cross member has widened portions at both ends that are joined to the side frame, which are widened in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and in the vehicle's vertical direction. The widened portion is positioned to cover the divided portion, and the widened dimension is larger on one side in the vehicle's front-rear direction than on the other side, with respect to the divided portion. Vehicle structure.

2. The widened portion is such that the widening dimension in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is larger on one side than on the other in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

3. The widened portion is such that the widening dimension in the front-rear direction of the vehicle increases towards the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The vehicle structure according to claim 2.

4. The widened portion has a larger widening dimension in the vehicle's longitudinal direction towards the outer edges in the vehicle's width direction. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

5. The widened portion has a larger widening dimension in the vehicle's vertical direction towards the outer edges in the vehicle's width direction. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

6. The widened portion is widened such that one side in the vehicle's front-rear direction, with respect to the dividing portion, slopes more gently than the other side. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

7. The cross member has an upper or lower surface that extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

8. The widened portion is joined to the inner surface and the upper or lower surface of the side frame. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

9. The cross member is divided into upper and lower halves, with one side of the divided cross member designated as the first member and the other side as the second member. The widened portion comprises a first widened portion provided at both ends of the first member in the vehicle width direction and widening in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second widened portion provided at both ends of the second member in the vehicle width direction and widening in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

10. The first member is divided into a first central portion that constitutes the central portion in the vehicle width direction and a pair of first widening portions that constitute both ends in the vehicle width direction. The second member is divided into a second central portion that constitutes the central portion in the vehicle width direction and a pair of second widening portions that constitute both ends in the vehicle width direction. The dividing portion between the first central portion and the first widened portion, and the dividing portion between the second central portion and the second widened portion are arranged at different positions in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle structure according to claim 9.

11. The first widening portion has a notch at the end on the side frame side in the vehicle width direction and at the edge on the second widening portion side. The vehicle structure according to claim 9 or claim 10.

12. The side frame comprises an outer frame that constitutes the outer portion in the vehicle width direction and an inner frame that constitutes the inner portion in the vehicle width direction. The aforementioned divided portion is provided in the inner frame, The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

13. In the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the side frame is such that one side is thinner than the other side of the divided portion. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

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