Patent ID: 12187342

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Explanation follows regarding a vehicle front section structure10according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings. Note that some of the reference numerals may be omitted from the drawings in order to facilitate viewing of the drawings. In the respective drawings, the arrow FR, the arrow LH, and the arrow UP respectively indicate a vehicle front side (direction of progress), a vehicle left side, and a vehicle upper side, as appropriate. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, simple reference to front and rear, left and right, and up and down directions refers to front and rear in a vehicle front-rear direction, left and right in a vehicle left-right direction (vehicle width direction), and up and down in a vehicle vertical direction.

Configuration of Vehicle Front Section Structure

First, explanation follows regarding a configuration of the vehicle front section structure10according to the present exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, a vehicle12applied with the vehicle front section structure10according to the present exemplary embodiment is a vehicle with a frame structure in which a body16including a cabin is fixed to the upper side of a ladder frame14. As an example, the vehicle12may be a vehicle used for ride sharing, such as a bus. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the body16of the vehicle12has a substantially rectangular block-shaped external profile. As an example, the vehicle12is an electric vehicle. First, explanation follows regarding an outline of a framework structure of the vehicle12.

The ladder frame14includes left and right (a pair of) side frames18and plural cross members20,22. The left and right side frames18extend along the front-rear direction at both vehicle width direction side sections of the vehicle12. The plural cross members20,22each extend along the vehicle width direction so as to be arrayed in the front-rear direction with a spacing therebetween. The left and right side frames18are connected in the vehicle width direction by the plural cross members20,22.

The left and right side frames18are respectively configured by left and right front side frames24, left and right center side frames26, and left and right rear side frames (not illustrated in the drawings). The left and right front side frames24extend along the front-rear direction at front portions of both vehicle width direction side sections of the vehicle12. The left and right center side frames26extend along the front-rear direction at front-rear direction central portions of both vehicle width direction side sections of the vehicle12. The left and right rear side frames extend along the front-rear direction at rear portions of both vehicle width direction side sections of the vehicle12.

The front side frames24, the center side frames26, and the rear side frames are each formed in an angular tube shape using a steel material or the like, and each have a rectangular closed cross-section as viewed along the front-rear direction. Note that plural non-illustrated cross members are also provided between the left and right center side frames26, and between the left and right rear side frames.

A front section24F of each of the left and right front side frames24extends in a straight line along the front-rear direction. Front-rear direction intermediate portions of the respective front sections24F are connected in the vehicle width direction by the cross member20. Although not illustrated in the drawings, a suspension tower is fixed to a vehicle width direction outer face of each of the front sections24F.

A front side portion of a rear section24R of each of the left and right front side frames24configures a kick panel25that slopes downward on progression toward the rear side. A rear side portion of the rear section24R extends in a straight line along the front-rear direction. Each of the kick panels25is formed so as to bend in substantially a crank shape in a vehicle side-on view, such that bend portions25F,25R are provided at the vehicle front and rear of each of the kick panels25. The bend portion25F provided on the front side is bent so as to bulge toward the upper-rear side, whereas the bend portion25R provided on the rear side is bent so as to bulge toward the lower-front side. Front portions of the respective kick panels25are connected in the vehicle width direction by the cross member22. Front end portions of the left and right center side frames26are joined to rear end portions of the respective kick panels25.

A motor32for causing the vehicle12to travel is disposed between the left and right front side frames24. The motor32is supported by the left and right front side frames24through the cross members20,22and a non-illustrated support member or the like. A control unit (drive unit)34that controls power supplied to the motor32is disposed above the motor32. The control unit34is supported by the left and right front side frames24through a pair of support frames35disposed at the vehicle front and rear so to span between the left and right front side frames24. The motor32and the control unit34configure a power unit30.

The body16is supported from the lower side by the ladder frame14with the above configuration. The body16includes floor paneling38configuring floor sections of a vehicle cabin interior36. The floor paneling38includes a front floor panel40configuring a floor section at a front section of the vehicle cabin interior36, a central floor panel42configuring floor section at a front-rear direction intermediate section of the vehicle cabin interior36, and a rear floor panel (not illustrated in the drawings) configuring a floor section at a rear section of the vehicle cabin interior36. The front floor panel40, the central floor panel42, and the rear floor panel are each configured of sheet steel or the like.

A front section of the front floor panel40configures a driving seat floor section40F extending along the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction. A rear section of the front floor panel40configures a sloped section40R that slopes downward on progression toward the vehicle rear side.

The driving seat floor section40F is disposed spaced apart from and at the upper side of the front sections24F of the left and right front side frames24, and the sloped section40R is disposed spaced apart from and at the upper side of the rear sections24R of the left and right front side frames24. Note that the above-mentioned control unit34is disposed below the driving seat floor section40F.

A front end portion of the central floor panel42is joined to a rear end portion of the sloped section40R. The central floor panel42extends along the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction. A non-illustrated battery that stores power for supply to the above-mentioned motor32is disposed below the central floor panel42. A step is provided between the driving seat floor section40F and a general floor section (another floor section)42A formed by the central floor panel42, such that the driving seat floor section40F is positioned further toward the upper side than the general floor section42A.

The front floor panel40is supported by the left and right front side frames24through a left and right pair of front side members48. The left and right front side members48extend along the front-rear direction at the upper side and vehicle width direction outside of the left and right front side frames24. The left and right front side members48are each manufactured by for example pressing sheet steel, and are joined to a lower face of the front floor panel40by welding, such that a closed cross-section extending along the vehicle front-rear direction is formed between each of the left and right front side members48and the front floor panel40.

A front section48F of each of the left and right front side members48extends in a straight line along the front-rear direction, and is joined to a lower face of the driving seat floor section40F of the front floor panel40. A rear section48R of each of the left and right front side members48is provided with a kick panel49that slopes downward on progression toward the rear side, and is joined to a lower face of the sloped section40R of the front floor panel40. Each of the kick panels49is formed so as to bend in substantially a crank shape in a vehicle side-on view, such that bend portions49F,49R are provided at the vehicle front and rear of each of the kick panels49. The bend portion49F provided on the front side is bent so as to bulge toward the upper-rear side, whereas the bend portion49R provided on the rear side is bent so as to bulge toward the lower-front side.

A front cross member50that extends along the vehicle width direction is disposed at front end portions of the left and right front side members48. The front cross member50is configured of sheet steel or the like, and has a hat-shaped cross-section open toward the front side as viewed along the vehicle width direction. A flange that for example overlays a rear face of the front cross member50is provided at the front end portion of each of the left and right front side members48, and the flange is fixed to the rear face of the front cross member50by bolt-fastening. The front end portions of the left and right front side members48are thereby connected in the vehicle width direction by the front cross member50.

Both vehicle width direction end portions of the front cross member50are supported by front end portions of the left and right front side frames24through front side pillar members52provided on the left and right. Each of the left and right front side pillar members52is for example formed by pressing sheet steel, and has a box shape open toward the front and upper sides. For example, a non-illustrated flange formed to an upper end portion of each of the front side pillar members52is fixed to the front cross member50by welding or bolt-fastening. A lower end portion of each of the front side pillar members52is fixed to the corresponding front side frame24through a non-illustrated bracket.

Front end portions of the respective kick panels49of the left and right front side members48are supported by the left and right front side frames24through rear side pillar members56provided on the left and right. Each of the left and right rear side pillar members56is for example formed by pressing sheet steel, and has a box shape open toward the vehicle width direction center side and the upper side. For example, a flange formed to an upper end portion of each of the rear side pillar members56is fixed to the front end portion of the corresponding kick panel49by welding or bolt-fastening. A lower end portion of each of the rear side pillar members56is fixed to the corresponding front side frame24through a non-illustrated bracket.

The left and right front side members48are supported from the lower side by the left and right front side frames24through the front cross member50, the front side pillar members52, the rear side pillar members56, and so on. The front floor panel40is supported from the lower side by the left and right front side members48. An instrument panel60is installed and fixed to an upper face of a front section of the front floor panel40.

The front end portions of the respective kick panels49of the left and right front side members48are connected in the vehicle width direction by a seat cross member (cross member)62. The seat cross member62is for example formed in an angular tube shape using a steel material, and extends along the vehicle width direction. Both vehicle width direction end portions of the seat cross member62are joined to the front end portions of the respective kick panels49by welding. A rear end portion of the driving seat floor section40F is joined to an upper face of the seat cross member62by welding, and the seat cross member62supports a front end portion of a seat frame64from the lower side.

The seat frame64is a frame that supports a driving seat66provided on the right side of the vehicle12from the lower side. The seat frame64includes a left and right pair of vertical sections64V extending along the vertical direction, and a horizontal section64H extending rearward from upper end portions of the left and right vertical sections64V. Brace portions64B span in the form of bracing between lower end portions of the vertical sections64V and a front-rear direction intermediate portion of the horizontal section64H.

Fixing portions70are provided at the lower end portions of the vertical sections64V. The lower end portions of the vertical sections64V are fixed to the rear end portion of the driving seat floor section40F and to the seat cross member62through the fixing portions70by bolt-fastening. A rear end portion of the horizontal section64H is fixed to vertical direction intermediate portions of a left and right pair of support pillars68that project upward from the front end portion of the central floor panel42. The left and right support pillars68are for example each formed in an angular tube shape using a steel material or the like, extend along the vertical direction, and are arrayed in the vehicle width direction with a spacing therebetween. An upright wall portion69spans across the vehicle width direction between the left and right support pillars68. Although not illustrated in the drawings, plural passenger seats are provided at the rear side of the upright wall portion69.

As described above, the kick panels25,49that slope downward on progression toward the rear side are respectively provided to the rear sections24R of the left and right front side frames24and to the rear sections48R of the left and right front side members48disposed above the left and right front side frames24. The kick panels25,49are positioned at the rear side of the left and right pair of vertical sections64V configuring the front end portion of the seat frame64.

Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, reinforcement braces72,74with substantially the same length as one another span in the form of bracing between the respective left and right front side members48and the seat cross member62(so as to form an angle of approximately 45° with the seat cross member62) at the vehicle width direction inside of the left and right front side members48. As mentioned above, the driving seat66is provided on the right side of the vehicle12, and a joint72A between the reinforcement brace72and the seat cross member62is disposed overlapping the driving seat66in a vehicle face-on view. A joint72B between the reinforcement brace72and the corresponding front side member48is disposed overlapping the power unit30in the vehicle front-rear direction in a vehicle side-on view. Thus, the reinforcement brace72and the power unit30are disposed overlapping one another in a vehicle side-on view. A joint74A between the reinforcement brace74and the seat cross member62is disposed further toward the left side than the vehicle width direction center. A joint74B between the reinforcement brace74and the corresponding front side member48is disposed overlapping the power unit30in the vehicle front-rear direction in a vehicle side-on view. Thus, the reinforcement brace74and the power unit30are disposed overlapping one another in a vehicle side-on view.

Operation and Effects of Vehicle Front Section Structure

Next, explanation follows regarding operation and effects of the vehicle front section structure10according to the present exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, in the vehicle front section structure10of the present exemplary embodiment, the power unit30is installed to a vehicle front section11, the left and right front side frames24extend along the vehicle front-rear direction on both vehicle width direction sides of the power unit30, and the power unit30is supported by these left and right front side frames24.

The left and right pair of front side members48extend along the vehicle front-rear direction at the vehicle upper sides of the left and right front side frames24, and the rear end portions (kick panels49) of the left and right pair of front side members48are respectively joined to the left and right pair of front side frames24. The seat cross member62is provided at the vehicle rear side and obliquely upward of the power unit30, and the seat cross member62spans in the vehicle width direction between the left and right pair front side members48. The driving seat66of the vehicle12is supported by the seat cross member62.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the kick panels25,49that slope downward on progression toward the rear side are respectively provided to the rear sections24R of the left and right front side frames24and to the rear sections48R of the left and right front side members48. Thus, stress concentrates at the respective bend portions25F,25R,49F,49R of the kick panels25,49in a head-on collision of the vehicle12, such that the kick panels25,49undergo deformation originating at these bend portions25F,25R,49F,49R. This deformation enables collision load to be absorbed.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the rear end portions (kick panels49) of the left and right pair of front side members48are respectively joined to the left and right pair of front side frames24, thereby enabling deformation at these kick panels25,49to be stabilized.

Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement braces72,74respectively span in the form of bracing between the left and right front side members48and the seat cross member62. In the present exemplary embodiment, the front side members48and the seat cross member62are reinforced in this manner. Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, in cases in which load toward the vehicle front side is input to the driving seat66due to inertia in a head-on collision of the vehicle12, deformation of the seat cross member62that supports the driving seat66can be suppressed.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the seat cross member62is provided at the vehicle rear side and obliquely upward of the power unit30, and so by suppressing deformation of the seat cross member62, interference between the seat cross member62and the power unit30that would occur as a result of deformation of the seat cross member62can be suppressed. Thus, the present exemplary embodiment enables damage to the power unit30to be suppressed.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the power unit30is configured including the motor32that enables the vehicle12to travel and the control unit34that controls driving of the motor32. The control unit34is disposed at the vehicle upper side of the motor32. In the present exemplary embodiment, since deformation of the seat cross member62disposed at the vehicle rear side of the power unit30is suppressed in a head-on collision of the vehicle12, at least load input to the control unit34due to deformation of the seat cross member62in a head-on collision of the vehicle12is reduced, thereby enabling damage to the control unit34to be suppressed.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the driving seat66is provided on the right side of the vehicle12. Namely, the driving seat66is disposed offset toward one vehicle width direction side with respect to the vehicle width direction center of the vehicle12. Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, in cases in which load toward the vehicle front side is input to the driving seat66due to inertia in a head-on collision of the vehicle12, deformation of the seat cross member62that supports the driving seat66can be better suppressed than in a non-illustrated comparative example in which the driving seat66is disposed at the vehicle width direction center of the vehicle12.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, in cases in which load toward the vehicle rear side is applied to the front side members48in a head-on collision of the vehicle12, some of the collision load input to the front side members48is transmitted to the seat cross member62through the reinforcement braces72,74, before being dispersed in the vehicle width direction along the seat cross member62. Namely, some of the collision load input along the vehicle front-rear direction can be converted to load transmitted along the vehicle width direction.

Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, the joint72A between the reinforcement brace72and the seat cross member62is disposed overlapping the driving seat66in a vehicle face-on view. Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, in cases in which load toward the vehicle rear side is applied to the corresponding front side member48in a head-on collision of the vehicle12, load toward the vehicle rear side acts on the driving seat66side through the joint72A. Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, some of the load toward the vehicle front side that acts on the driving seat66due to inertia in a head-on collision of the vehicle12can be cancelled out. This enables load toward the vehicle front side acting on the driving seat66to be reduced.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement braces72,74respectively span between the left and right front side members48and the seat cross member62. This reinforces between the left and right front side members48and the seat cross member62such that deformation of the seat cross member62that supports the driving seat66is suppressed. However, as long as deformation of the seat cross member62can be suppressed, there is no limitation to this configuration.

For example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the driving seat66is provided on the right side of the vehicle12. Thus, it is sufficient that the reinforcement brace72be provided at least on the right side of the vehicle12, and despite rigidity being less than in cases in which there is reinforcement between the left and right front side members48and the seat cross member62, both the reinforcement braces72,74do not necessarily have to be provided.

Moreover, although the reinforcement braces72,74are set with substantially the same length in the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement braces72,74do not necessarily have to be the same length, depending on the position of the driving seat66.

Modified Example of Present Exemplary Embodiment

Although the driving seat66is provided on the right side of the vehicle12in the above exemplary embodiment as illustrated inFIG.2, the driving seat66may be provided at a width direction central section of the vehicle12as illustrated inFIG.3. In such cases, left and right reinforcement braces76,78respectively span in the form of bracing between the left and right front side members48and the seat cross member62.

Note that since joints76A,78A of the left and right reinforcement braces76,78are set so as to be disposed overlapping the driving seat66in a vehicle face-on view, the reinforcement braces76,78are formed longer than the reinforcement braces72,74(seeFIG.2).

Thus, in the present modified example, the driving seat66is provided at the width direction central section of the vehicle12, and the joints76A,78A of the left and right reinforcement braces76,78are respectively set so as to be disposed overlapping the driving seat66in a vehicle face-on view.

Thus, a length direction central portion of the seat cross member62is better reinforced than in a non-illustrated comparative example in which the reinforcement braces76,78span to both vehicle width direction end sides of the seat cross member62, thereby enabling deformation of the seat cross member62to be further suppressed. Thus, even if load toward the vehicle front side is input to the driving seat66due to inertia in a head-on collision of the vehicle12, deformation of the seat cross member62can be further suppressed.

Note that in the present modified example, the joints76A,78A of the left and right reinforcement braces76,78are disposed overlapping the driving seat66in a vehicle face-on view. Thus, in the present modified example, load toward the vehicle rear side acts on the driving seat66through the joints76A,78A.

Thus, load toward the vehicle rear side acting on the driving seat is greater than in a non-illustrated comparative example in which only the joint76A between the one reinforcement brace76and the seat cross member62is disposed overlapping the driving seat66in a vehicle face-on view. This enables some of the load toward the vehicle front side acting on the driving seat66due to inertia in a head-on collision of the vehicle12to be even more effectively cancelled out, enabling the load toward the vehicle front side acting on the driving seat66due to inertia to be further reduced.

Various other modifications may be implemented within a range not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Moreover, obviously the scope of rights of the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary embodiment.