Vehicle subframe

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle subframe comprising: a first side member extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle; a second side member which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and which is spaced apart from the first side member in the width direction of the vehicle; a first cross member which extends in the width direction of the vehicle and which is connected to the first side member and the second side member; and a second cross member, which extends in the width direction of the vehicle, is spaced apart from the first cross member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is closer than the first cross member to the front of the vehicle, wherein the length of the first cross member in the height direction of the vehicle is longer than the length of the second cross member in the height direction of the vehicle.

Description

vehicle subframe

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a subframe for a vehicle.

[0002] Due to the electrification of automobiles, the spread of electric vehicles that use motors as a driving source, replacing internal combustion engines, is increasing.

[0003] To increase their driving range (the distance they can travel on a full charge), these electric vehicles must be equipped with high-capacity batteries. Typically, electric vehicles utilize the underbody of the vehicle as a space for mounting the battery. By mounting the battery over a large area on the underbody, the battery capacity is increased, thereby extending the driving range.

[0004] Since the battery is mounted on the bottom of the vehicle, research is actively being conducted on the deformation of the front body and slant of the electric vehicle in a head-on collision, offset collision, or small overlap collision. In addition, safety against impact from protruding obstacles, such as when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, must also be considered.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a subframe for a vehicle.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle subframe is provided, comprising: a first side member extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle; a second side member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and spaced apart from the first side member in the width direction of the vehicle; a first cross member extending in the width direction of the vehicle and connected to the first side member and the second side member; and a second cross member extending in the width direction of the vehicle, spaced apart from the first cross member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and closer to the front of the vehicle than the first cross member; wherein a length of the first cross member in the height direction of the vehicle is longer than a length of the second cross member in the height direction of the vehicle.

[0007] According to the present embodiment, the first cross member may be positioned deeper downwards in the vehicle than the second cross member.

[0008] According to the present embodiment, when viewed from the front of the vehicle, the first cross member can cover the front portion of the battery case arranged at the rear portion of the first cross member.

[0009] According to the present embodiment, the first cross member may be provided in a straight shape.

[0010] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the first cross member may be provided in a curved shape protruding toward the front of the vehicle.

[0011] According to the present embodiment, the first side member, the second side member, the first cross member, and the second cross member may include a cold-rolled material.

[0012] According to the present embodiment, the tensile strength of the material included in the first side member, the second side member, the first cross member, and the second cross member may be 440 MPa or more.

[0013] According to the present embodiment, the tensile strength of the material included in the first side member, the second side member, the first cross member, and the second cross member may be 1000 MPa or more and 2000 MPa or less.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, a vehicle subframe for protecting an electric vehicle battery can be implemented. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects.

[0015] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a side view and a plan view of the vehicle.

[0016] Figure 2a schematically illustrates a perspective view of the front body structure of the vehicle and the vehicle subframe.

[0017] Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the front body structure and vehicle subframe of the vehicle.

[0018] Figure 2c is a schematic plan view of the front body structure and vehicle subframe of the vehicle as viewed from the front.

[0019] FIG. 3a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle subframe according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 3b is a schematic side view of a vehicle subframe according to one embodiment of FIG. 3a.

[0021] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle subframe according to one embodiment.

[0022] The present invention is capable of various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various forms.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0024] In the examples below, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0025] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0027] In the following examples, when a part such as a film, region, component, etc. is said to be on or above another part, it includes not only a case where it is directly on top of the other part, but also a case where another film, region, component, etc. is interposed in between.

[0028] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0029] In some embodiments, where implementations are otherwise feasible, specific process sequences may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order from the described order.

[0030] In this specification, “A and / or B” refers to the case where it is A, or B, or both A and B. And, “at least one of A and B” refers to the case where it is A, or B, or both A and B.

[0031] In the following examples, when it is said that a film, region, component, etc. are connected, it includes cases where the films, regions, components, etc. are directly connected, and / or cases where other films, regions, components, etc. are interposed between the films, regions, components, etc. and are indirectly connected. For example, when it is said in this specification that a film, region, component, etc. are electrically connected, it refers to cases where the films, regions, components, etc. are directly electrically connected, and / or cases where other films, regions, components, etc. are interposed between them and are indirectly electrically connected.

[0032] The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes in the Cartesian coordinate system, but can be interpreted in a broader sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they can also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0033]

[0034] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a side view and a plan view of a vehicle. Specifically, Figure 1 (a) schematically illustrates a side view of the vehicle as viewed from the side, and Figure 1 (b) schematically illustrates a plan view of the vehicle as viewed from above. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a side view and a plan view of the vehicle to specifically express the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the width direction of the vehicle, and the height direction of the vehicle.

[0035] Referring to (a) of Fig. 1, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle may be the x direction. The height direction of the vehicle may be the z direction. The height direction of the vehicle (e.g., the z direction) may be a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (e.g., the x direction) in a side view.

[0036] Referring to (b) of FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle may be the x direction. The width direction of the vehicle may be the y direction. The width direction of the vehicle (e.g., the y direction) may be a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (e.g., the x direction). Although not shown, the height direction of the vehicle (e.g., the z direction) may be a direction intersecting the width direction of the vehicle (e.g., the y direction).

[0037]

[0038] Figure 2a is a schematic perspective view of the front body structure and vehicle subframe of a vehicle. Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the front body structure and vehicle subframe of a vehicle. Figure 2c is a schematic plan view of the front body structure and vehicle subframe of a vehicle.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the front body structure of the vehicle may include a first front side member (11), a second front side member (12), a rear crossmember (30), a rear crossmember side (31), a dash crossmember (40), a dash crossmember side (41), a dash panel (20), and a side sill inner front extension (60). The first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12) may be arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (e.g., the x direction). The first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12) may be arranged to be spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle (e.g., the y direction).

[0040] The rear cross member (30) is connected to the first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12) and can extend in the width direction of the vehicle (e.g., y direction).

[0041] The rear crossmember (30) may include rear crossmember sides (31) arranged on both sides. In other words, the rear crossmember (30) may include rear crossmember sides (31) arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle. The first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12) may be connected to the rear crossmember (30) and the rear crossmember side (31), and the first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12) may be connected to the side sill inner front extension (60) through the rear crossmember side (31).

[0042] The side sill inner front extension (60) may extend along the left and right sides of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (e.g., x direction). The side sill inner front extension (60) may be connected to the first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12) via the rear crossmember side (31). Although not shown, a side sill may be arranged on the outside of the side sill inner front extension (60). A battery case (70) may be arranged at the bottom of the side sill inner front extension (60).

[0043] A dash panel (20) may be arranged behind the first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12). In other words, the dash panel (20) may be arranged above the rear cross member (30) and the dash cross member (40). The length of the dash panel (20) may extend along the width direction of the vehicle (e.g., y direction), and the height of the dash panel (20) may extend along the height direction of the vehicle (e.g., z direction). The dash panel (20) may partition the front body structure and the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The front body structure of the vehicle may accommodate a powertrain including an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.

[0044] A dash cross member (40) may be placed at the bottom of the dash panel (20). The dash cross member (40) may extend in the width direction of the vehicle (e.g., y direction). The dash cross member (40) may be connected to the dash panel (20).

[0045] Dash crossmember sides (41) may be arranged on both sides of the dash crossmember (40). In other words, the dash crossmember sides (41) may be arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle. The dash crossmember sides (41) may be connected to the dash panel (20) and the dash crossmember (40). In addition, the dash crossmember sides (41) may be connected to the first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12).

[0046] In one embodiment, a vehicle subframe (50) may be positioned below the first front side member (11) and the second front side member (12). The specific structure of the vehicle subframe (50) will be described below.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle subframe according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a side view of the vehicle subframe according to one embodiment of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle subframe according to one embodiment.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, a vehicle subframe (50) may include a first side member (53) and a second side member (54) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (e.g., x direction). The first side member (53) and the second side member (54) may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the vehicle (e.g., y direction).

[0050] Additionally, the vehicle subframe (50) may include a first cross member (51) and a second cross member (52) extending in the width direction of the vehicle (e.g., y direction). The first cross member (51) and the second cross member (52) may be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the vehicle (e.g., x direction).

[0051] The first cross member (51) may be connected to the first side member (53) and the second side member (54). Similarly, the second cross member (52) may also be connected to the first side member (53) and the second side member (54). The second cross member (52) may be arranged closer to the front of the vehicle than the first cross member (51).

[0052] When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the front of the first cross member (51) and the second cross member (52) may be provided in a square shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0053] When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the side surfaces of the first cross member (51) and the second cross member (52) may be provided in a rectangular shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the side surfaces of the first cross member (51) and the second cross member (52) may be provided in a parallelogram or trapezoidal shape.

[0054] In one embodiment, the length of the first cross member (51) in the vehicle height direction (e.g., z direction) may be longer than the length of the second cross member (52) in the vehicle height direction (e.g., z direction). In other words, the first cross member (51) may be arranged deeper downwardly in the vehicle than the second cross member (52). When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the first cross member (51) may be arranged to cover the front of the battery case (70, see FIG. 1B). The end of the first cross member (51) arranged most deeply downwardly in the vehicle and the end of the battery case (70) arranged most deeply downwardly in the vehicle may be positioned at the same position in the vehicle height direction (e.g., z direction), or the end of the first cross member (51) may be arranged deeper downwardly in the vehicle (e.g., -z direction) than the end of the battery case (70).

[0055] The first cross member (51) is provided so as to be deeper than the second cross member (52) toward the bottom of the vehicle and to cover the front of the battery case (70, see FIG. 1b) when viewed from the front of the vehicle, so that when an object or curb passes under the vehicle, the first cross member (51) can come into contact with the object before the battery case (70), thereby allowing the vehicle to stop and preventing damage to the battery case (70) and the battery positioned at the rear of the first cross member (51).

[0056] In one embodiment, the first cross member (51) may be provided in a straight shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first cross member (51) may be provided in a curved shape. Specifically, at least a portion of the first cross member (51) may be provided in a curved shape that protrudes toward the front of the vehicle. Specifically, the radius of curvature of the first cross member (51) provided in a curved shape may be 1500 mm or more.

[0057] When at least a portion of the first cross member (51) is provided in a curved shape protruding toward the front of the vehicle, when an object passes under the vehicle, the object collides with the portion protruding toward the front of the first cross member (51), thereby causing the vehicle body to deviate left and right and stopping the vehicle. In addition, the portion protruding toward the front of the first cross member (51) can absorb energy when colliding with an object, thereby preventing damage to the battery case (70) and the battery at the rear of the first cross member (51).

[0058] The material applied to the vehicle subframe (50) may be a cold-rolled material, which may be plated or non-plated. The tensile strength of the vehicle subframe (50) may be 440 MPa or more. In addition, the vehicle subframe (50) may be heat-treated steel, and the tensile strength of the vehicle subframe (50) may be 1000 MPa to 2000 MPa.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first cross member (51) of the vehicle subframe (50) may be longer in the height direction (e.g., z direction) of the vehicle than the second cross member (52). The first cross member (51) of the vehicle subframe (50) may be provided to cover the battery case (70), so that when an object passes under the vehicle, the first cross member (51) of the subframe (50) collides with the object before the battery case (70), allowing the vehicle to stop, and absorbing energy upon collision first, preventing damage to the battery case (70) and the battery.

[0060] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first side member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; A second side member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and spaced apart from the first side member in the width direction of the vehicle; A first cross member extending in the width direction of the vehicle and connected to the first side member and the second side member; and A second cross member extending in the width direction of the vehicle, spaced apart from the first cross member in the length direction of the vehicle, and closer to the front of the vehicle than the first cross member; A vehicle subframe, wherein the length of the first cross member in the vehicle height direction is longer than the length of the second cross member in the vehicle height direction.

2. In paragraph 1, A vehicle subframe, wherein the first cross member is positioned deeper downward in the vehicle than the second cross member.

3. In paragraph 1, When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the first cross member is a vehicle subframe that covers the front of a battery case positioned at the rear of the first cross member.

4. In paragraph 1, A vehicle subframe, wherein the first cross member is provided in a straight shape.

5. In paragraph 1, A vehicle subframe, wherein at least a portion of the first cross member is provided in a curved shape protruding toward the front of the vehicle.

6. In paragraph 1, The above vehicle subframe is a vehicle subframe including a cold-rolled material.

7. In paragraph 1, A vehicle subframe having a tensile strength of 440 MPa or more.

8. In paragraph 7, A vehicle subframe having a tensile strength of 1000 MPa or more and 2000 MPa or less.

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