Vehicle structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle structure capable of reducing the weight of a vehicle while enhancing the strength against a collision load.SOLUTION: A pair of left and right wheel houses 12R and 12L and a floor panel 11 connecting the wheel houses 12R and 12L are die-cast molded, and an inclined rib 30 is provided on a recessed surface part 23 of each wheel house 12 of the structure 10 so as to be arranged above a frame connecting part 11a and to be erected outward in a vehicle-width direction while extending from a lower part on a vehicle-front-rear outer side toward an upper part on a vehicle-front-rear inner side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure in which a wheel house is formed by casting. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In recent years, research and development on weight reduction that contributes to improved energy efficiency has been conducted to enable more people to secure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy. For example, in vehicles, higher strength is required to protect occupants in the event of a collision, and weight reduction is required to improve fuel efficiency and power consumption. Against this trend, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique in which a pair of left and right wheel houses on the rear side of a vehicle, a cross beam connecting these wheel houses, and a longitudinal beam extending in the front-rear direction are integrally formed by die casting. When a collision is applied from the rear of the vehicle, the collision load is transmitted to the longitudinal beam and the cross beam. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 117360634 Specification [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Incidentally, in the configuration proposed in Patent Document 1, since the load transmission path is configured in the same manner as conventional vehicle structures, there is still room for improvement from the perspective of weight reduction.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle structure that can achieve weight reduction of the vehicle while increasing strength against collision loads. Furthermore, the present invention contributes to improved energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the vehicle structure according to the present invention is The structure comprises a pair of wheelhouses spaced apart to the left and right, and a floor panel connecting the pair of wheelhouses, all integrally formed by die-casting, the floor panel having a frame connection portion to which the inner end of a frame extending along the vehicle's longitudinal direction is connected, each wheelhouse having a shell shape with a concave portion consisting of a concave curved surface that curves in a substantially spherical shape and faces outward in the vehicle width direction, and a convex portion formed on the back surface of the concave portion, projecting inward in the vehicle width direction and curving in a substantially spherical shape, the concave portion being positioned facing outward in the vehicle width direction, a part of the wheel being housed within the concave portion, the concave portion being positioned above the frame connection portion, and having an inclined rib erected outward in the vehicle width direction, extending from below the outer side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction towards above the inner side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The concave portion is positioned on the vehicle-side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle more than the vehicle-side end of the inclined rib in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and includes a third inclined rib that extends from below the vehicle-side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the upper part of the vehicle-side, and is erected outward in the vehicle-width direction, wherein the inclination angle of the third inclined rib is set to be greater than the inclination angle of the first inclined rib. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle structure that can reduce the weight of the vehicle while increasing its strength against collision loads. This can, in turn, contribute to energy efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the structures that make up the vehicle structure of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the structure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the structure constituting the vehicle structure of this embodiment, as seen from the left side of the vehicle. [Figure 5] This is a side view from the left, showing the vehicle power source and suspension assembled to the structural components that make up the vehicle structure of this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the structural elements constituting the vehicle structure of this embodiment, as seen from the lower left side of the vehicle. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the left wheel well of the structure constituting the vehicle structure of this embodiment, as seen from the upper right side of the vehicle. [Figure 8] This is a side view from the left side of the vehicle, showing the vehicle with the structures constituting the vehicle structure of this embodiment assembled. [Figure 9]This is a side view from inside the vehicle, showing the vehicle with the structures constituting the vehicle structure of this embodiment assembled. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A vehicle structure S of one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the explanations, identical elements will be given the same symbols, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] The vehicle structure S of this embodiment includes a structure 10 that constitutes the rear portion of the vehicle body V1 (see Figures 1, 2, 8, and 9). Therefore, from this point forward, "inside the vehicle" in the vehicle's longitudinal direction will refer to the front of the vehicle, and "outside the vehicle" in the vehicle's longitudinal direction will refer to the rear of the vehicle. Structure 10 is formed by die-casting of an aluminum alloy (see Figures 1 and 2). The structure 10 includes a floor panel 11 (floor panel), a right rear wheel house 12R (wheel house 12), and a left rear wheel house 12L (wheel house 12).

[0011] The right rear wheel well 12R is located on the right side of the rear of the vehicle, and houses the right rear wheel (wheel V6) in a rotatable manner (see Figure 5). Additionally, the left rear wheel well 12L is located on the left side of the rear of the vehicle, and houses the left rear wheel V6L (wheel V6) in a rotatable manner. The right rear wheel well 12R and the left rear wheel well 12L are positioned with a predetermined gap between them in the vehicle width direction, but are connected as a single unit by the floor panel 11. In other words, the structure 10 consists of a pair of wheelhouses 12R and 12L and a floor panel 11 connecting them, which are integrally formed by die-casting.

[0012] Furthermore, the right rear wheel well 12R and the left rear wheel well 12L are constructed symmetrically with respect to their center plane in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the following detailed description, only the left rear wheel house 12L will be described, and the description of the right rear wheel house 12R will be omitted.

[0013] A vehicle power source V2 such as a motor and a speed reducer is mounted on the floor panel 11 (see Fig. 5). A front end portion (an inner end portion in the vehicle front-rear direction) of a rear frame V3 (frame) is connected to the floor panel 11 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 4). The rear frame V3 is a member for transmitting a collision load to the front of the vehicle body when the vehicle is collided from the rear. A rear bumper (not shown) is installed at a rear end of the rear frame V3.

[0014] The left rear wheel house 12L (wheel house 12) comprises a vehicle body connecting portion 21 and a house main body 22. The vehicle body connecting portion 21 is configured for fixing the left and right wheel houses 12R, 12L to a vehicle body panel V4 constituting the vehicle body V1. The vehicle body connecting portion 21 is formed in a flange shape at a position, on the house main body 22, that is in contact with an inner panel V4a of the vehicle body V1. The vehicle body connecting portion 21 is joined to the inner panel V4a at a plurality of joining points 21a by using a method such as spot welding, and installed (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 9).

[0015] It should be noted that a quarter pillar stiffener V4b is installed on an outer side surface of the inner panel V4a. The quarter pillar stiffener V4b is installed as a structural member for increasing the strength of a rear edge portion of a rear seat entrance / exit. Further, a side sill V5 is installed as a structural member for increasing the strength of a lower edge portion of the rear seat entrance / exit.

[0016] The house main body 22 has a substantially quarter-spherical shell shape formed by a side portion 22a and a vehicle width direction portion 22b (see Fig. 1 to Fig. 7). The side portion 22a is formed into a substantially semicircular plate shape, and is arranged in a state of facing in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] The vehicle width portion 22b is formed by a strip-shaped member that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the arc-shaped edge portion of the side portion 22a and curves along the arc-shaped portion of the side portion 22a. Furthermore, the vehicle width section 22b is set such that, near the top in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the angle A22b that the tangent to the surface makes with the horizontal plane is 45° or less. Furthermore, the angle of the tangent to the surface may be set to 45° or less with respect to the vehicle width direction, not limited to the area near the top.

[0018] Furthermore, the concave curved surface formed by the outer surface in the vehicle width direction of the side portion 22a and the outer surface in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle width portion 22b, and which is curved in a substantially spherical shape, is referred to as the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the convex curved surface formed by the inner surface of the side portion 22a in the vehicle width direction and the inner surface of the vehicle width portion 22b in the vehicle width direction, and which is curved in a substantially spherical shape, is referred to as the convex portion 24. In other words, the recessed surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the house body 22 is referred to as the concave portion 23, and the surface that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction of the house body 22 is referred to as the convex portion 24.

[0019] In other words, the greenhouse body 22 is formed in a roughly quarter-spherical shell shape with a concave portion 23 and a convex portion 24. The house body 22 is positioned on the vehicle body V1 with a concave portion 23 facing outward in the vehicle width direction and a convex portion 24 facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and an opening that opens outward in the vehicle width direction and downward on the vehicle.

[0020] The concave portion 23 is provided with a damper fixing portion 25, an arm support portion 26, a spring holding portion 27, a first inclined rib 31, a second inclined rib 32, a third inclined rib 33, a first horizontal rib 41, a second horizontal rib 42, a third horizontal rib 43, a fourth horizontal rib 44, a fifth horizontal rib 45, a first damper fixing portion reinforcing rib 51, a second damper fixing portion reinforcing rib 52, and a branched rib 61 (see Figures 3 to 6). Furthermore, a pair of reinforcing ribs 71 are provided on the convex portion 24 (see Figure 7).

[0021] The damper fixing part 25 is a base that supports the upper end of the damper V7a that suspends the left rear wheel V6L (wheel V6) (see Figures 4 to 6). The damper fixing portion 25 is positioned at the uppermost part of the concave portion 23 where the side portion 22a and the vehicle width portion 22b connect. The damper fixing portion 25 is composed of a first damper fixing portion 25a and a second damper fixing portion 25b. The first damper fixing part 25a and the second damper fixing part 25b are positioned so as to sandwich the upper end of the damper V7a from the front and rear, with the first damper fixing part 25a positioned in front of the damper V7a and the second damper fixing part 25b positioned behind the damper V7a.

[0022] The arm support section 26 is a base that supports the arm base V7b. The arm base V7b pivotably supports the front end of the suspension arm V7c, which suspends the left rear wheel V6L (wheel V6). The arm support portion 26 is formed integrally with the first horizontal rib 41, which will be described later.

[0023] The spring retaining portion 27 is a base that holds the upper end of the coil spring V7d, which is sandwiched between the suspension arm V7c and the wheelhouse 12. Furthermore, the positions of the damper fixing portion 25, the arm support portion 26, and the spring holding portion 27 on the formed concave portion 23 are not limited to the positions in this embodiment, but can be appropriately changed according to the configuration and size of the suspension V7.

[0024] The first inclined rib 31 (inclined rib 30) is formed in a thin plate shape and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23 (see Figures 3 to 6). The first inclined rib 31 is positioned above the frame connection portion 11a and extends from below the rear of the vehicle (outside the vehicle in the longitudinal direction) to above the front of the vehicle (inside the vehicle in the longitudinal direction). Furthermore, the first inclined rib 31 is set such that the plate thickness dimension T2 is constant in each part in the direction in which it extends. Furthermore, the first inclined rib 31 is positioned so that its rear end (the outer end in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) overlaps with the frame connection portion 11a of the concave portion 23 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In other words, the rear end (outer end) of the first inclined rib 31 is positioned to overlap with the upper surface of the frame connection portion 11a when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0025] The second inclined rib 32 (inclined rib 30) is formed in a thin plate shape and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. The second inclined rib 32 is provided so as to extend from the lower outer side to the upper inner side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second inclined rib 32 is set such that the plate thickness dimension T2 is constant in each part in the direction in which it extends. Furthermore, the rear end of the second inclined rib 32 is positioned in front of the rear frame V3 (frame) on the axis of the rear frame V3 (inside the vehicle in the longitudinal direction).

[0026] The third inclined rib 33 is formed in a thin plate shape and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the third inclined rib 33 is provided so as to extend from the lower outer side of the vehicle to the upper inner side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the third inclined rib 33 is set such that the plate thickness dimension T2 is constant in each part in the direction in which it extends.

[0027] The third inclined rib 33 is positioned so that its rear end (the outer end in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) overlaps with the front edge of the arm support portion 26. This allows the collision load applied to the suspension arm V7c to be distributed more effectively. Furthermore, the third inclined rib 33 is provided such that its rear end is located forward of the rear end of the first inclined rib 31 and the rear end of the second inclined rib 32. Furthermore, the third inclined rib 33 is provided such that its angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal plane (third inclination angle A33) is greater than the angle of inclination of the first inclined rib 31 (first inclination angle A31) and the second inclined rib 32 (second inclination angle A32).

[0028] The first horizontal rib 41 (horizontal rib 40) is provided to extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction while following the horizontal plane (see Figures 3 to 6). Furthermore, the first horizontal rib 41, like the inclined rib 30, is formed in a thin plate shape and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the first horizontal rib 41 is set such that the plate thickness dimension T2 is constant in each part in the direction in which it extends. The first horizontal rib 41 is positioned so as to overlap with the lower surface of the frame connection portion 11a in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, the first horizontal rib 41 is positioned such that its rear end (the outer end in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) is located behind (outside the vehicle) the front end (the inner end) of the frame connection portion 11a. In other words, the first horizontal rib 41 is formed so as to overlap the lower surface portion of the frame connection portion 11a when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0030] The second horizontal rib 42 (horizontal rib 40) is provided to extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction while following the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the second horizontal rib 42, like the inclined rib 30, is formed in a thin plate shape and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the second horizontal rib 42 is set such that the plate thickness dimension T2 is constant in each part in the direction in which it extends.

[0031] The second horizontal rib 42 is positioned so as to overlap with the upper surface of the frame connection portion 11a in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second horizontal rib 42 is positioned such that its rear end (the outer end in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) is located behind (outside the vehicle) the front end (the inner end) of the frame connection portion 11a. In other words, the second horizontal rib 42 is formed to overlap the upper surface portion of the frame connection portion 11a when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0032] Furthermore, regarding the projection dimension T1 of the second horizontal rib 42 that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, the projection dimension T1 of the portion located in front of the front end of the frame connection portion 11a is set to be larger than the projection dimension T1 of the portion located behind the front end of the frame connection portion 11a (see Figure 6). Furthermore, the second horizontal rib 42 is positioned to intersect with the second inclined rib 32 and also with the first damper fixing portion reinforcing rib 51.

[0033] The third horizontal rib 43 (horizontal rib 40) is provided to extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction while following the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the third horizontal rib 43, like the inclined rib 30, is formed in a thin plate shape and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the third horizontal rib 43 is set such that the plate thickness dimension T2 is constant in each part in the direction of extension. Furthermore, the third horizontal rib 43 is positioned to overlap with the first damper fixing portion 25a (damper fixing portion) and the second damper fixing portion 25b (damper fixing portion) in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0034] Furthermore, the third horizontal rib 43 is interrupted between the first damper fixing portion 25a and the second damper fixing portion 25b. This is because the third horizontal rib 43 is interrupted to prevent interference with the damper V7a when the upper end of the damper V7a is supported by the first damper fixing part 25a and the second damper fixing part 25b. Therefore, if it does not interfere with the damper V7a, it is possible to arrange the third horizontal rib 43 between the first damper fixing portion 25a and the second damper fixing portion 25b.

[0035] The upper end of the damper V7a is fixed to the first damper fixing part 25a and the second damper fixing part 25b. Therefore, the load input from behind the second damper fixing part 25b is transmitted to the first damper fixing part 25a and the third horizontal rib 43 via the damper V7a.

[0036] The fourth horizontal rib 44 (horizontal rib 40) is provided to extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction while following the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the fourth horizontal rib 44, like the inclined rib 30, is formed in a thin plate shape and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the fourth horizontal rib 44 is set such that the plate thickness dimension T2 is constant in each part in the direction of extension. Furthermore, the fourth horizontal rib 44 is positioned midway between the third horizontal rib 43 and the second horizontal rib 42, and intersects with the intersection point where the first inclined rib 31 and the first damper fixing part reinforcing rib 51 (described later) intersect.

[0037] In this embodiment of the vehicle structure S, the horizontal rib 40 positioned between the third horizontal rib 43 and the second horizontal rib 42 is a single fourth horizontal rib 44, but the structure is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the diameter of the wheel V6 housed in the wheelhouse 12 is larger than that of this embodiment, the number of fourth horizontal ribs 44 can be increased. Furthermore, if the diameter of the wheel V6 housed in the wheelhouse 12 is smaller than that of this embodiment, the fourth horizontal rib 44 can be omitted.

[0038] The fifth horizontal rib 45 (horizontal rib 40) is provided to extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction while following the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the fifth horizontal rib 45, like the inclined rib 30, is formed in a thin plate shape and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the fifth horizontal rib 45 is set such that the plate thickness dimension T2 is constant in each part in the direction of extension. Furthermore, the rear end of the fifth horizontal rib 45 is positioned midway between the first horizontal rib 41 and the second horizontal rib 42 in the vehicle's vertical direction, and overlaps with the spring receiving surface of the spring holding portion 27.

[0039] In other words, the fifth horizontal rib 45 is positioned midway between the lower surface and the upper surface of the frame connection portion 11a in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and in front of the frame connection portion 11a. In other words, the fifth horizontal rib 45 is positioned such that its rear end (the outer end in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) is located in front of (inside of) the front end (the inner end in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) of the frame connection portion 11a.

[0040] The first damper fixing portion reinforcing rib 51 (damper fixing portion reinforcing rib) is provided so as to extend downward from the first damper fixing portion 25a while intersecting with the inclined rib 30. Furthermore, the first damper fixing portion reinforcing rib 51 is formed in a thin plate shape, similar to the inclined rib 30, and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23 (see Figures 3 to 6). In other words, the first damper fixing reinforcing rib 51, the first inclined rib 31, and the fourth horizontal rib 44 are arranged to intersect at a single point when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Furthermore, the first damper fixing reinforcing rib 51 intersects with the second horizontal rib 42, and its lower end is positioned to connect to the branch rib 61.

[0041] The second damper fixing portion reinforcing rib 52 (damper fixing portion reinforcing rib) is provided so as to extend downward from the second damper fixing portion 25b toward the frame connection portion 11a. Furthermore, the reinforcing rib 52 for the second damper fixing portion is formed in a thin plate shape, similar to the inclined rib 30, and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. In other words, the reinforcing rib 51 for the first damper fixing part and the reinforcing rib 52 for the second damper fixing part form roughly a V-shape when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Furthermore, the reinforcing rib 52 of the second damper fixing section is positioned to intersect with the fourth horizontal rib 44.

[0042] The branched rib 61 is formed in a thin plate shape, curving in an upwardly convex arc, and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction from the surface of the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the branched rib 61 connects the lower end portion of the first damper fixing reinforcing rib 51, the lower end portion of the second inclined rib 32, and the first horizontal rib 41. Furthermore, the front end of the branch rib 61, the rear end of the fifth horizontal rib 45, and the rear end of the second inclined rib 32 are arranged to connect at a single point when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Furthermore, the rear end of the branched rib 61 is positioned to connect with the first horizontal rib 41.

[0043] The reinforcing ribs 71 are erected parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction on the surface of the convex portion 24 of the vehicle width portion 22b that constitutes the wheelhouse 12, in front of the top of the wheelhouse 12 (see Figures 6 and 7). The reinforcing ribs 71 intersect the front ends of each inclined rib 30 and each horizontal rib 40, with the house body 22 in between.

[0044] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure S is configured to have two reinforcing ribs 71, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the width dimension of the wheel V6 housed in the wheelhouse 12 (the width dimension of the vehicle width portion 22b in the vehicle width direction) is larger than that of this embodiment, it is possible to increase the number of reinforcing ribs 71. Furthermore, if the width dimension of the wheel V6 housed in the wheelhouse 12 is smaller than that of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the reinforcing ribs 71.

[0045] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the vehicle structure S has the first inclined rib 31 (inclined rib 30) and the second inclined rib 32 (inclined rib 30) positioned above the frame connection portion 11a in the concave portion 23. Furthermore, the first inclined rib 31 and the second inclined rib 32 extend from the lower outer side to the upper inner side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while being erected outward in the width direction of the vehicle. This configuration allows the rearward collision load input from the rear frame V3 to be transmitted to the front upper side of the wheelhouse 12 via the inclined rib 30. This allows the impact load from the rear to be distributed and absorbed over a wide area of ​​the wheelhouse 12, thereby mitigating localized stress concentration while suppressing the weight increase of the reinforced structure 10.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a side view of the vehicle, the rear end (outer end) of the first inclined rib 31 is set to overlap with the frame connection portion 11a of the concave portion 23 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This configuration allows for more efficient distribution and transmission of rearward collision loads to the wheel well 12.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second inclined rib 32 is positioned such that its rear end (outer end) is located in front of the rear frame V3 (on the inner side of the concave portion 23 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) on the extension of the axis of the rear frame V3. This configuration allows the impact load from the rear to be distributed over a wide area of ​​the wheelhouse 12, even in front of the frame connection portion 11a.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third inclined rib 33 is positioned forward (towards the interior in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) of the rear end of the second inclined rib 32, and extends from below the exterior in the vehicle's longitudinal direction towards the interior upward, while being erected outward in the vehicle's width direction. In this way, by installing the third inclined rib 33 further forward than the first inclined rib 31 and the second inclined rib 32, the collision load from the rear can be distributed over a wider area.

[0049] Furthermore, the inclination angle of the third inclined rib 33 (third inclination angle A33) is set to be greater than the inclination angle of the first inclined rib 31 (first inclination angle A31) and the inclination angle of the second inclined rib 32 (second inclination angle A32). In this way, by making the third inclination angle A33 larger than the first inclination angle A31 and the second inclination angle A32, the rotation of the wheelhouse 12 is suppressed, and the collision load can be transmitted efficiently.

[0050] In other words, the collision load transmitted from the rear frame V3 causes the rear end of the wheelhouse 12 to lift upward, resulting in a load that rotates counterclockwise as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, the upward load input is greater in front of the wheel well 12 than in the rear of the wheel well. Therefore, by making the third inclination angle A33 larger than the first inclination angle A31 and the second inclination angle A32, the rotation of the wheelhouse 12 is suppressed, and the collision load is transmitted efficiently.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first damper fixing portion reinforcing rib 51 extends downward from the damper fixing portion 25 while intersecting with the first inclined rib 31. In this way, the intersection of the first damper fixing reinforcing rib 51 and the first inclined rib 31 makes it possible to distribute the vertical load input from the damper fixing part 25 to the first inclined rib 31 as well. This makes it possible to suppress localized stress concentration.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the branch rib 61 is erected outward in the vehicle width direction while connecting the lower end portion of the first damper fixing portion reinforcing rib 51 and the lower end portion of the second inclined rib 32. With this configuration, the branched rib 61 can transmit the vertical load input from the first damper fixing part 25a to the second inclined rib 32, thereby suppressing localized stress concentration.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reinforcing rib 52 of the second damper fixing portion extends downward from the second damper fixing portion 25b toward the frame connection portion 11a, and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction. By providing the reinforcing rib 52 for the second damper fixing portion in this way, the second damper fixing portion 25b is connected to the vicinity above the frame connection portion 11a. This allows the second damper fixing portion 25b to be firmly supported without the need to provide a separate reinforcing member. Furthermore, this configuration allows for a wider distribution of the rearward collision load input from the rear frame V3.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first damper fixing part reinforcing rib 51 and the second damper fixing part reinforcing rib 52 are arranged such that the distance between them gradually widens from top to bottom, forming a roughly V-shape. This configuration allows the damper V7a to more firmly receive and support the vertical load without the need for separate reinforcing members. Furthermore, the rear collision load transmitted from the rear frame V3 to the vehicle body V1 can be distributed over a wider area.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reinforcing rib 71 is positioned at a location where it intersects with the front ends of the first to third inclined ribs 33 in the convex portion 24. This configuration allows the vehicle to firmly withstand collision loads transmitted from the rear of the vehicle through each inclined rib, and also distributes the load over a wider area of ​​the wheel well.

[0056] In this embodiment, the vehicle structure S has been described in terms of a configuration that forms the rear body structure supporting the rear wheels, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, it can be applied as a structural element constituting the front body structure that supports the front wheels, and can achieve the same effects as in this embodiment. In such cases, the "inside of the vehicle" in the longitudinal direction refers to the rear of the vehicle, and the "outside of the vehicle" in the longitudinal direction refers to the front of the vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] S Vehicle Structure 10 Structure 11 Floor Panel 12R Right wheelhouse (wheelhouse) 12L Left wheel well (wheel well) 11a Frame connection section 23 Concave portion 24 Convex portion 25 Damper fixing part 30 Inclined Ribs 31. First Inclined Rib A31 First Inclination Angle (Inclination angle of the inclined rib) 32. Second Inclined Rib A32 Second Inclination Angle (Inclination angle of the inclined rib) 33 Third Inclined Rib A33 Third Inclination Angle (Inclination angle of the third inclined rib) 51 Reinforcement rib for the first damper fixing section 61 Branching Rib 52 Reinforcement ribs for the second damper fixing section 71 Reinforcement Ribs V3 Rear Frame (Frame) V6 wheels V7a damper

Claims

1. A structure comprising a pair of wheelhouses arranged spaced apart to the left and right, and a floor panel connecting the pair of wheelhouses, which are integrally formed by die-cast molding, The floor panel is, It includes a frame connection section to which the inner end of the frame extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is connected, Each of these wheelhouses is A concave portion consisting of a curved surface that curves in a roughly spherical shape while facing outward in the width direction of the vehicle, A convex portion is formed on the back surface of the concave portion, protruding inward in the vehicle width direction, and consisting of a convex curved surface that curves into a roughly spherical shape, It has a shell shape that has The concave portion is positioned facing outward in the vehicle width direction, and a part of the wheel is housed within the concave portion. The concave portion is, It is positioned above the frame connection portion, It has inclined ribs that extend from the lower part of the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the upper part of the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and are erected on the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle. The aforementioned concave portion is, A third inclined rib is provided, which is positioned on the vehicle's longitudinal side, beyond the vehicle's longitudinal side end of the aforementioned inclined rib, and extends from below the vehicle's longitudinal side upward towards the vehicle's interior, while being erected outward in the vehicle's width direction. The third inclined rib is The angle of inclination is set to be greater than the angle of inclination of the inclined rib. A vehicle structure characterized by the following features.

2. A structure comprising a pair of wheelhouses arranged spaced apart to the left and right, and a floor panel connecting the pair of wheelhouses, which are integrally formed by die-cast molding, The floor panel is, It includes a frame connection section to which the inner end of the frame extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is connected, Each of these wheelhouses is A concave portion consisting of a concave curved surface that curves in a roughly spherical shape while facing outward in the width direction of the vehicle, A convex portion is formed on the back surface of the concave portion, protruding inward in the vehicle width direction, and consisting of a convex curved surface that curves into a roughly spherical shape, It has a shell shape that has The concave portion is positioned facing outward in the vehicle width direction, and a part of the wheel is housed within the concave portion. The concave portion is, It is positioned above the frame connection portion, It has inclined ribs that extend from the lower part of the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the upper part of the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and are erected on the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle. The aforementioned concave portion is, At the top of the vehicle in the vertical direction, there is a damper fixing part that supports the damper, A first damper fixing portion reinforcing rib extends downward from the damper fixing portion, intersecting the aforementioned inclined rib, and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction, Equipped with A vehicle structure characterized by the following features.

3. In the vehicle structure described in Claim 2, The aforementioned concave portion is, The vehicle comprises a branch rib that is erected outward in the vehicle width direction, connecting the lower end portion of the reinforcing rib of the first damper fixing portion and the lower end portion of the inclined rib. A vehicle structure characterized by the following features.

4. In the vehicle structure described in Claim 2, The aforementioned concave portion is, The damper fixing portion is provided with a second damper fixing portion reinforcing rib that extends downward from the damper fixing portion toward the frame connection portion and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction, The first damper fixing portion reinforcing rib and the second damper fixing portion reinforcing rib are, The spacing between them is set to gradually widen as you move from top to bottom. A vehicle structure characterized by the following features.

5. A structure comprising a pair of wheelhouses arranged spaced apart to the left and right, and a floor panel connecting the pair of wheelhouses, which are integrally formed by die-cast molding, The floor panel is, It includes a frame connection section to which the inner end of the frame extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is connected, Each of these wheelhouses is A concave portion consisting of a concave curved surface that curves in a roughly spherical shape while facing outward in the width direction of the vehicle, A convex portion is formed on the back surface of the concave portion, protruding inward in the vehicle width direction, and consisting of a convex curved surface that curves into a roughly spherical shape, It has a shell shape that has The concave portion is positioned facing outward in the vehicle width direction, and a part of the wheel is housed within the concave portion. The concave portion is, It is positioned above the frame connection portion, It has inclined ribs that extend from the lower part of the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the upper part of the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and are erected on the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle. The aforementioned convex portion is, It is equipped with reinforcing ribs that are erected along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, The reinforcing rib is, It is positioned at a location where it intersects with the end of the inclined rib on the vehicle's inner side in the longitudinal direction. A vehicle structure characterized by the following features.

6. In the vehicle structure according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 5, The aforementioned inclined rib is, The outer end of the vehicle is provided with a first inclined rib positioned so as to overlap with the frame connection portion in the vehicle's longitudinal direction in the concave portion. A vehicle structure characterized by the following features.

7. In the vehicle structure according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 5, The aforementioned inclined rib is, The outer end of the vehicle is provided with a second inclined rib set on the vehicle-side side in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion on the extension of the axis of the frame. A vehicle structure characterized by the following features.

8. In the vehicle structure according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 5, The aforementioned concave portion is, At the top of the vehicle in the vertical direction, there is a damper fixing part, A second damper fixing portion reinforcing rib extends downward from the damper fixing portion toward the frame connection portion and is erected outward in the vehicle width direction, Equipped with A vehicle structure characterized by the following features.

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