Vehicle rear structure

Abstract

The present invention includes: a pair of left and right members 5a (5b) of a vehicle; a first cross member 20 extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting rear sections of the pair of side members 5a (5b); a bumper reinforcement 15 extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the rear ends of the pair of side members 5a (5b); a rear wheel drive unit 2 disposed in front of and below the first cross member 20; and a spare tire 3 supported by the first cross member 20 at a position behind the rear wheel drive unit 2. A stopper 30 for suppressing forward movement of the spare tire 3 is provided between the rear wheel drive unit 2 and the spare tire 3. The stopper 30 is positioned so as to face the front surface of the spare tire 3 at a position above a center line CLt of the spare tire 3 in the vertical direction. The bumper reinforcement 15 is positioned so as to face the rear surface of the spare tire 3 at a position below the center line CLt of the spare tire 3 in the vertical direction.

Description

Vehicle rear structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a rear structure of a vehicle equipped with a spare tire in the lower rear portion.

[0002] Vehicles such as pickup trucks are known that have a spare tire mounted under the rear floor of the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle in which a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction between left and right side members is provided with a traction device such as a chain, and the spare tire is supported so as to be suspended from the lower part of the cross member.

[0003] Furthermore, the vehicle described in Patent Document 1 proposes a structure in which the spare tire is fixed with the rear raised.This means that if the spare tire is pushed forward from the rear during a rear-end collision, the spare tire will move downward relative to the vehicle's onboard equipment, such as the differential, which is located in front of the spare tire, making it possible to protect the onboard equipment.

[0004] JP 2018-79889 A

[0005] However, in a vehicle in which the rear wheels are driven by an electric drive unit including an electric motor, a relatively large drive unit is disposed near the rear wheel axle. On the other hand, in some vehicles, such as pickup trucks, the spare tire is positioned higher in the vertical direction than the rear wheels to ensure a large departure angle. In this manner, when the vehicle-mounted equipment disposed in front of the spare tire at the rear of the vehicle is positioned lower than the spare tire, it may be difficult to move the spare tire below a structure in the event of a rear-end collision, as in Patent Document 1.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has an object to provide a rear structure for a vehicle that suppresses damage to on-board equipment caused by movement of a spare tire during a rear-end collision.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the rear structure of a vehicle of the present invention comprises a pair of side members arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction to connect the rear portions of the pair of side members, vehicle-mounted equipment arranged in front of and below the cross member, and a spare tire supported by the cross member behind the vehicle-mounted equipment, wherein a bumper reinforcement extending in the vehicle width direction is provided behind the spare tire, and a stopper for suppressing the forward movement of the spare tire is provided between the vehicle-mounted equipment and the spare tire, the stopper being positioned above the center of the spare tire in the vertical direction so as to face the front of the spare tire, and the bumper reinforcement being positioned below the center of the spare tire in the vertical direction so as to face the rear of the spare tire.

[0008] As a result, when the bumper force is pushed forward during a rear-end collision, it abuts against a portion of the rear surface of the spare tire below the vertical center, causing the front of the spare tire to rotate and move forward so that it moves upward.The front of the spare tire then abuts against the stopper, restricting the spare tire's forward movement.This makes it possible to prevent the spare tire from colliding with vehicle-mounted equipment located in front of the stopper.In addition, by rotating the spare tire so that its front portion moves upward, it is possible to prevent the spare tire from colliding with vehicle-mounted equipment as it moves forward, and to more reliably abut the front of the spare tire against the stopper.

[0009] Preferably, a deformation inducing portion that induces deformation in the vertical direction is provided on the front surface of the cross member. In this way, when the spare tire is pushed forward in a rear collision of the vehicle, the deformation inducing portion of the cross member deforms, making it difficult for the cross member to restrict the rotation of the spare tire.

[0010] Preferably, the deformation inducing portion is located above the vehicle width direction end of the spare tire or the vehicle width direction end of the rim of the spare tire. This makes it difficult for the rotation of the spare tire to be restricted in the event of a rear-end collision, since the deformation inducing portion is provided at the vehicle width direction end of the spare tire or at a portion above the vehicle width direction end of the spare tire, which is a portion of the cross member that is likely to come into contact with the front portion of the spare tire when the front portion of the spare tire rotates upward.

[0011] Preferably, the cross member has a front lower surface provided with an inclined portion inclined upward and forward of the vehicle. This allows the front portion of the spare tire to easily rotate upward by the inclined portion of the cross member when the spare tire is pushed forward in a rear collision. Preferably, the spare tire is attached to the cross member inclined upward and forward of the vehicle.

[0012] In the event of a rear collision of the vehicle, when the bumper force pushes the rear surface of the spare tire forward, the front portion of the spare tire can be encouraged to rotate upward. Preferably, the rear wheels of the vehicle are suspended by a De Dion suspension device having a De Dion tube extending in the vehicle width direction, and the De Dion tube is disposed behind the vehicle-mounted equipment and in front of the spare tire.

[0013] In the event of a rear collision, if the spare tire is pushed forward by the bumper force, the De Dion tube can prevent the spare tire from colliding with the vehicle's on-board equipment. Preferably, the vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the on-board equipment is a rear-wheel drive unit including a traction motor.

[0014] This makes it possible to prevent the spare tire from colliding with the rear wheel drive unit when it is pushed forward during a rear collision of the electric vehicle.

[0015] According to the vehicle rear structure of the present invention, even if the spare tire is pushed forward by the bumper force during a rear collision of the vehicle, it is possible to avoid collision with vehicle-mounted equipment located in front of the spare tire, thereby protecting the vehicle-mounted equipment. In particular, when the spare tire is pushed forward, the front part of the spare tire rotates so as to move upward, so that the spare tire can more reliably abut against the stopper located above the center of the spare tire in the vertical direction, thereby restricting the movement of the spare tire and improving the ability to avoid collision of the spare tire with vehicle-mounted equipment.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a top view showing a rear structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view showing a rear structure of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a side view showing a support portion structure of a spare tire according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of a deformation inducing portion according to the second embodiment; Fig. 5 is a side view showing a rear structure of a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a moving state of a spare tire during a rear collision of a vehicle according to the third embodiment.

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a top view showing a rear structure of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows various frames of the vehicle, a rear wheel drive unit 2 (vehicle-mounted equipment), and a spare tire 3. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the rear structure of a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 1 employing the rear structure of the present invention is, for example, a pickup truck, and the rear wheels are suspended by a De Dion suspension system 4.

[0018] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a pair of left and right side members 5a, 5b extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The De Dion suspension system 4 is configured such that left and right support portions 7a, 7b, which rotatably support a rear wheel drive shaft 6, are connected by a De Dion tube 8. The left and right support portions 7a, 7b are suspended from the left and right side members 5a, 5b by leaf springs 9a, 9b, respectively. Furthermore, both ends of the De Dion tube 8 in the vehicle width direction are connected to the left and right side members 5a, 5b by dampers 10a, 10b, respectively.

[0019] The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle in which the rear wheels are driven by an electric motor. A rear-wheel drive motor (travel motor), a transmission, and a differential are collectively configured as a rear-wheel drive unit 2. As part of the rear-wheel drive unit 2, a high-voltage component 2a such as a transformer is provided above the rear-wheel drive motor. A drive shaft 6 that drives the rear wheels extends in the vehicle width direction from the rear of the rear-wheel drive unit 2. A de Dion tube 8 is located behind the drive shaft 6 and the rear-wheel drive unit 2. A spare tire 3 is located behind the de Dion tube 8.

[0020] A bumper reinforcement member 15 is fixed to the rear end portions of the pair of side members 5a, 5b. The bumper reinforcement member 15 extends in the vehicle width direction and supports a rear bumper (not shown) of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the bumper reinforcement member 15 has a pair of left and right brackets 151a, 151b extending rearward and downward from the rear end portions of the pair of side members 5a, 5b, and a main body portion 152 extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the pair of brackets 151a, 151b.

[0021] The vehicle 1 also includes multiple cross members that extend in the vehicle width direction and connect the left and right side members 5a, 5b. The cross members at the rear of the vehicle include, in order from the rear to the front of the vehicle, a first cross member 20 (the cross member in the claims), a second cross member 21, and a third cross member 22.

[0022] The first cross member 20 is provided with a spare tire carrier 25 for supporting the spare tire 3 at approximately the center in the vehicle width direction. The spare tire 3 is disposed so that one side of the spare tire 3 is in contact with the underside of the first cross member 20, and the axis of the spare tire 3 extends in the vertical direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 2 , the center line CLt of the spare tire 3 in the width direction extends in the approximately fore-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0023] The second cross member 21 supports the rear of the rear wheel drive unit 2 via an arm 28. The second cross member 21 is provided with a stopper 30 that extends downward from the second cross member 21. The stopper 30 is located forward of the spare tire 3 and rear of the rear wheel drive unit 2. The stopper 30 has a width in the vehicle width direction of, for example, several tens of centimeters, and is positioned so as to overlap (face) the spare tire 3 when viewed from the front-to-rear direction.

[0024] The third cross member 22 supports the front of the rear wheel drive unit 2 via a mount 29. The positional relationship between the rear wheel drive unit 2, spare tire 3, bumper reinforcement 15, and stopper 30 will be described in detail using Figure 2. The bumper reinforcement 15 is located behind the spare tire 3 and is arranged to face the center line CLt passing through the center position of the vertical width of the rear end face 3a of the spare tire 3 and the lower end. Note that the bumper reinforcement 15 may extend downward from the lower end of the rear end face 3a of the spare tire 3.

[0025] As described above, the stopper 30 extends downward from the second cross member 21 to a position below the upper end of the front end surface 3b of the spare tire 3 and above the center line CLt. Furthermore, the front surface 15a of the bumper reinforcement 15 is approximately parallel to the rear end surface 3a of the spare tire 3. It is desirable that the upper part of the front surface 15a of the bumper reinforcement 15 is not inclined upward toward the rear, for example, that the front upper part of the bumper reinforcement 15 is not significantly chamfered.

[0026] The rear surface 30a of the stopper 30 is substantially parallel to the front end surface 3b of the spare tire 3. It is desirable that the rear surface 30a of the stopper 30 is not inclined downward toward the front of the vehicle. The rear wheel drive unit 2 is located below the center line CLt of the spare tire 3.

[0027] In a vehicle 1 having the above-described rear structure, when the bumper reinforcement 15 is pushed and moves forward of the vehicle in a rear-end collision, the bumper reinforcement 15 comes into contact with the rear end surface 3a of the spare tire 3, pushing the spare tire 3 forward. At this time, the bumper reinforcement 15 pushes the lower part of the rear end surface 3a of the spare tire 3, causing the front of the spare tire 3 to move forward while rotating so as to move upward. Then, the upper part of the front end surface 3b of the spare tire 3 abuts against the stopper 30. This promotes the rotation of the spare tire 3 and suppresses its forward movement. Therefore, even if the spare tire 3 moves forward during a rear-end collision, a collision with the rear wheel drive unit 2 can be avoided.

[0028] In particular, in the event of a rear-end collision, the front portion of the spare tire 3 moves forward while rotating so as to move upward, so that the rear wheel drive unit 2 positioned below the center line CLt of the spare tire 3 can be moved upward to avoid collision, improving the ability of the spare tire 3 to avoid collision with the rear wheel drive unit 2. Furthermore, even if the stopper 30 is configured to protrude only slightly downward, it is possible to make the spare tire 3 more likely to come into contact with the stopper 30 when it moves forward in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0029] Furthermore, since a hollow De Dion tube 8 is disposed between the rear wheel drive unit 2 and the spare tire 3, even if the spare tire 3 moves toward the rear wheel drive unit 2, it will collide with the De Dion tube 8 before colliding with the rear wheel drive unit 2, thereby protecting the rear wheel drive unit 2. Figure 3 is a side view showing the support structure for the spare tire 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the position of the deformation inducing portion 35 according to the second embodiment, showing the first cross member 20 and the spare tire 3 from above.

[0030] The spare tire support structure of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the support portion for the spare tire 3. As shown in Fig. 3, in the second embodiment, a deformation inducing portion 35 that induces deformation in the up-down direction is provided on the front surface of the first cross member 20 that supports the spare tire 3. The deformation inducing portion 35 may be formed, for example, by providing an opening in a portion of the front surface of the first cross member 20, or a bead that extends in the vehicle width direction and protrudes in the front-rear direction, or by reducing the thickness of a portion of the front surface of the first cross member 20.

[0031] 4, the deformation inducing portions 35 may be provided at the location where the front surface of the first cross member 20 intersects with the outer peripheral edge of the spare tire 3, and at the location where the front surface of the first cross member 20 intersects with the outer peripheral edge of the rim 3c of the spare tire 3. When providing the deformation inducing portions 35, it is desirable to provide them at least in two locations, namely, at the locations where the front surface of the first cross member 20 intersects with the outer peripheral edge of the rim 3c, because the rim 3c is harder than the outer peripheral portion (rubber) of the spare tire 3.

[0032] Furthermore, it is desirable not to provide a deformation inducing portion 35 in front of the portion of the first cross member 20 where the spare tire carrier 25 is provided, i.e., the portion that supports the spare tire 3. Under normal circumstances, i.e., when no collision occurs, the spare tire 3 is supported in contact with a relatively strong support portion on the underside 20a of the first cross member, and under normal circumstances the spare tire 3 is supported relatively firmly by the first cross member 20.

[0033] In the second embodiment, when the bumper reinforcement 15 pushes the rear end surface 3a of the spare tire 3 forward in a vehicle rear collision, the deformation inducing portion 35 provided on the first cross member 20 deforms, making it easier for the front portion of the spare tire 3 to rotate upward. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress a collision with the rear wheel drive unit 2 located below the front side of the spare tire 3 in a vehicle rear collision.

[0034] Additionally, an inclined portion 40 that slopes upward toward the front may be provided in the front portion of the underside 20a of the first cross member, either in combination with the deformation inducing portion 35 or without providing the deformation inducing portion 35. The inclined portion 40 may be provided over the entire width of the first cross member, or may be provided in the same position as the deformation inducing portion 35 of the second embodiment. The inclined portion 40 makes it easier for the front portion of the spare tire 3 to rotate and move upward in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the support structure for the spare tire 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the spare tire 3 during a rear-end collision of the vehicle 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5 , in the third embodiment, the lower surface 20 a of the support portion for the spare tire 3 of the first cross member 20 is configured to be inclined upward toward the front of the vehicle. As a result, the spare tire 3 is normally supported so as to be inclined upward toward the front of the vehicle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, when the bumper reinforcement 15 pushes the rear end surface 3 a of the spare tire 3 forward during a rear-end collision, the front portion of the spare tire 3 is more likely to rotate and move upward. This makes it possible to prevent the spare tire 3 from colliding with the rear wheel drive unit 2 during a rear-end collision.

[0036] As described above, in the vehicle 1 employing the rear structure of this embodiment, the spare tire 3 is supported so as to be suspended from the first cross member 20 at the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the rear wheel drive unit 2, which has an electric motor and the like for driving the rear wheels of the vehicle 1, is disposed in front of the spare tire 3. In this embodiment, the stopper 30 is provided between the rear wheel drive unit 2 and the spare tire 3. Therefore, if the bumper reinforcement 15 moves forward together with the rear bumper in the event of a rear-end collision of the vehicle and pushes the spare tire 3 forward, the stopper 30 restrains the forward movement of the spare tire 3, and the front of the spare tire 3 rotates upward, thereby preventing the spare tire 3 from colliding with the rear wheel drive unit 2.

[0037] In particular, since the stopper 30 is positioned above the vertical center (center line CLt) of the spare tire 3 and the bumper force 15 is positioned below the center line CLt of the spare tire 3, in the event of a rear-end collision, the bumper force 15 abuts against the part of the spare tire 3 below the center line CLt, and the stopper 30 abuts against the part of the spare tire 3 above the center line CLt, causing the front of the spare tire 3 to rotate and move upward.

[0038] This prevents the spare tire 3 from colliding with the rear wheel drive unit 2. In addition, the rear wheels of the vehicle 1 of this embodiment are suspended by a De Dion suspension device 4 having a De Dion tube 8 extending in the vehicle width direction, and the De Dion tube 8 is disposed behind the rear wheel drive unit 2 and in front of the spare tire 3.

[0039] As a result, if the spare tire 3 is pushed forward by the bumper reinforcement 15 during a vehicle rear collision, even if the spare tire 3 approaches the rear wheel drive unit 2, the spare tire 3 will come into contact with the de Dion tube 8 and be restricted from moving forward, thereby further avoiding a collision with the rear wheel drive unit 2. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the deformation inducing portion 35 that induces deformation in the vertical direction is provided on the front surface of the first cross member 20, so that when the spare tire 3 is pushed forward during a vehicle rear collision, the deformation inducing portion 35 of the first cross member 20 deforms, making it easier for the spare tire 3 to rotate without being hindered by the first cross member 20.

[0040] Additionally, deformation inducing portions 35 are provided on the first cross member 20 at the vehicle width direction end of the spare tire 3 and at portions above the rim 3c, i.e., above hard portions of the spare tire 3. This allows the spare tire 3 to rotate easily without being restricted in the event of a rear-end collision. By ensuring high strength in portions of the first cross member 20 other than the deformation inducing portions 35, it becomes possible to firmly support the spare tire 3 during normal vehicle driving other than during a collision.

[0041] Alternatively, by forming the front portion of the underside 20a of the first cross member 20 as the inclined portion 40, as described above, the spare tire 3 can rotate more easily in the event of a rear-end collision. In addition, in the third embodiment, the spare tire 3 is attached to the first cross member 20 at a pre-inclined angle toward the front and upward of the vehicle, which makes it easier for the spare tire 3 to rotate in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the shapes of various components, such as the stopper 30, may be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment illustrates the vehicle 1 employing the De Dion suspension system 4 for the rear wheels, the present invention can also be applied to vehicles employing other types of suspension systems.

[0043] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle 2 rear wheel drive unit (vehicle mounted equipment) 3 spare tire 4 De Dion suspension device 5a, 5b side member 8 De Dion tube 15 bumper reinforcement 20 first cross member (cross member) 30 stopper 35 deformation induction portion 40 inclined portion

Claims

1. A pair of side members arranged at an interval in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle and extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; a cross member extending in a vehicle width direction so as to connect rear portions of the pair of side members; A vehicle-mounted device disposed in front of and below the cross member; a spare tire supported on a lower surface of the cross member behind the vehicle-mounted equipment and under the floor; Equipped with A bumper reinforcement member extending in the vehicle width direction is provided behind the spare tire, a stopper for restricting forward movement of the spare tire is provided between the vehicle-mounted equipment and the spare tire; The stopper is positioned above the center of the spare tire in the vertical direction so as to face the front surface of the spare tire, and the bumper reinforcement is positioned below the center of the spare tire in the vertical direction so as to face the rear surface of the spare tire. A rear structure of a vehicle.

2. A deformation inducing portion that induces deformation of the cross member in the vertical direction is provided on the front surface of the cross member.

2. The rear structure of a vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The deformation inducing portion is located above an end portion of the spare tire in a vehicle width direction or an end portion of a rim of the spare tire in a vehicle width direction.

3. The rear structure of a vehicle according to claim 2.

4. A sloped portion is provided at the front of the lower surface of the cross member, the sloped portion being inclined toward the front and upward of the vehicle.

4. The rear structure of a vehicle according to claim 1.

5. The spare tire is attached to the cross member at an upward incline toward the front of the vehicle.

4. The rear structure of a vehicle according to claim 1.

6. the rear wheels of the vehicle are suspended by a De Dion suspension device having a De Dion tube extending in a vehicle width direction; The de Dion tube is disposed behind the vehicle-mounted equipment and in front of the spare tire.

4. The rear structure of a vehicle according to claim 1.

7. the vehicle is an electric vehicle, The vehicle-mounted equipment is a rear wheel drive unit including a driving motor.

4. The rear structure of a vehicle according to claim 1.